#7

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September 1st, 2024

Wānaka, New Zealand

Ana

 

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I met Ana on a rainy day and stepped into her stunning home, where the first thing that caught my eye was a beautiful painting in pastel colors. Her two daughters - Effie and Florence-  soon joined us, with the youngest enthusiastically brushing and braiding my hair as I began asking Ana about her life.

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Ana, a beautiful Mexican woman with sparkling eyes and a warm smile, comes from Mexico City originally. It was there, 16 years ago, that she met her husband Tom during her birthday party. They clicked right away, bonding over their mutual love for music, reading, concerts, and good food.

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Ana and Tom, originally from the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand's North Island, embarked on a journey that took them from a small town in Mexico to the Bay of Plenty, then to Melbourne, Berlin, Stockholm, Papamoa and Dunedin before finally settling in Wānaka. Despite her urban roots, Ana has fallen head over heels for Wānaka’s serene beauty and fresh air. 

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Professionally, Ana is an occupational therapist and works as a mental health youth clinician at an NGO called ADL in the Central Lakes office, finding fulfillment in helping teenagers with mild to moderate challenges such as sleep problems and anxiety. When she’s not busy with work, she’s running, hiking or walking her two dogs. Ana also enjoys snowboarding in Wānaka, making it to the slopes at least twice a week. A favorite activity for Ana and Tom is visiting Paradiso, the local cinema in town, to enjoy films together.

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Ana and Tom have integrated smoothly into Wānaka’s diverse, international community, forming friendships with many who share international backgrounds. Ana also stays connected with the small Mexican community in town, often preparing traditional dishes together. Ana is committed to passing on her culture to her daughters, frequently filling their home and car with the lively rhythms of Mexican music. 

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Ana’s English, initially learned in Mexico, significantly improved during her studies at the University of Dunedin, where extensive reading and writing sharpened her skills.

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For her photo, Ana requested a portrait standing in front of her beloved painting by Sierra Roberts, a talented local artist. The painting, which Ana fell in love with at first sight, holds a special place in her heart. Her daughter, when younger, believed it depicted her grandmother, and Ana herself feels a deep personal connection to the mysterious figure in the artwork. 

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As I took the photo, I couldn’t help but feel that Grandma is indeed watching over her lovely granddaughters.

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