The sun was shining and I could see why my friend was captivated by the surroundings. A magical spot. He is a keen fisherman and diver and I know Mahia delivers on this score.
He also said he loves the place because of the memories it holds from his childhood days when he had his parents and grandparents around.
They taught him and his cousins how to fish and dive - how to read the water and weather conditions.
And never to get cheeky and blase about the signs.
He loved it when everyone, including grandparents, parents, uncles, aunties and cousins would all holiday together.
One big happy family. These times were special. They bonded as a family and still remain strong and supportive of each other today.
He told me he didn't need a "bucket list". Mahia would do him any day.
These bucket lists are getting popular these days.
I hadn't even heard of them until quite recently. The movie made them topical, probably.
Now I'm often asked, "What's on your bucket list?" Nothing so far, and I suspect I'll never make one.
If I've got it right, a bucket list is something like a wish list. You list the things you want to see or do before you "kick the bucket".
Nice way of putting it.
Something or somewhere that maybe you never thought you would get around to doing or visit but remain hopeful that you might be able to.
Places to go and things to do. Something to look forward to and plan for in the future.
Nothing wrong with that, I guess, but I'd much rather just get on with life and be grateful for what I'm experiencing right now.
I don't wish to sip wine at a small cafe somewhere in Nice or watch the sun set from an isolated beach on the island of Corfu. I've done these things and as pleasant and romantic as they were at the time now I want to live in the moment.
And I don't have to look too far in New Zealand to find some beautiful places to stop and rest awhile.
People tell me their bucket list is full of exotic places they want to visit. I can understand that if you never had the chance to travel when younger, or the money wasn't there to make it happen. But is it just about overseas travel and exotic locations? Or should it be more about whom we're spending time with - a list that includes people to reconnect with, make a fuss of.
And those who made a difference in our lives.
An ordinary bucket list, if one is ever ordinary, seems to be full of things that have been missing or left out of life. What's wrong with living life out loud now, with no regrets? Appreciating what we have.
We never know when our time is up so I've made it a habit of getting on with life. I ask myself "Does it spark joy?"
The people I'm with, the places I go, the possessions I have, the music I listen to, the art I have hanging on the wall, the ideas I come up with.
Sparking with joy means you live your bucket list everyday.
There's no need to wait.
-Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.
