Radio, TV, internet and all other possible media outlets were always on, in every work place, public transport, cafe, EVERYWHERE!!!!! In fact, people barely attended work, some of the schools in the city were only operating until 13:30, children were wearing black mufti...(not for mourning purposes:-). For a "twisted" person like myself this whole happening had only one association and that is in preparation for a war, as I have experienced more then once, in my mother land of Israel. Only there was one IMMENSE difference, the whole country of NZ was holding its breath in anticipation of a cricket game, in World Cup Championship semi-finals game of NZ vs. South Africa (SA). It was amazing to see how the sport frenzy of cricket was finding its way into every aspect of life, how all Kiwis were possessed by it, absolutely nothing else mattered.
Working in a medical center, I was absolutely shocked to witness patients cancelling their appointments, which they have been waiting for for weeks, doctors taking days off and paying the best of their money to sit as close as possible to the field on the stadium, wearing team T-shirts and cheering loudly for their favorite team, until the loss of voice. Days at work were sooo quiet, for a second, one might think that Cricket is a cure for all diseases in the world...And, indeed, in a way, maybe it is...Isn't it wonderful when the entire nation is united in something so positive and energizing as a Sport game? Isn't it absolutely great to see how THIS becomes the talk of the day, rather then implications of political elections on security and lives of people of one other little nation, that is so close to my heart, that I am of them.? It is heartbreaking, in a way, to see how some kids are finishing school early, so the teachers can make it on time to the game and in another part of the world, schools are struggling to operate "as usual", despite the ongoing rocket threat.
So here I am , conflicted with my own feelings and thoughts, trying to join the festivities around the sport that is completely foreign to me. But, I guess, any excuse works for a good party mood...
Apparently, NZ made it into history this year, and got into finals and will be playing against Australia. That, in itself, is like a "Star War", just one more episode in an ongoing competition between the two "Down under" love/hate partners for life!
My hope is that Israel will also make a history one day and people will be tuned on to news for one single purpose of knowing games scores, rather then casualties counts...
Auckland city on last Monday, middle of the day. Seems like work was only optional for many...
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