The Auckland Branch of the United Sri Lanka Association (USLA) has organised an annual bus trip for Senior Citizens of the community for almost 20 years. This year, 2023, they decided to make it a two-day trip with an overnight stay in Karakariki Christian Camp (KCC) near Hamilton. From the comments received at the end, we could see that it was a fun-filled two days enjoyed by all.
On Saturday, 28th October the group met near Mt Albert War Memorial Hall in Auckland where a luxury coach picked up the members and their belongings, which were mainly some food products, bedding, and personal items. The bus trip was very enjoyable singing old songs and being entertained throughout the hour and a half we were on board. Halfway on the journey the bus stopped at a rest area where we were treated to snacks brought by some members. Our next stop was the campsite.
Once we selected our rooms and stored our belongings, there was a lovely lunch supplied by our own members. The rice was cooked in the well equipped camp kitchen and was enjoyed by all.
There is a waterfall within a 40 minute walk with a suspension bridge, and most of the members enjoyed the outing before returning to takepart in the games.
The games were well planned and executed in an orderly manner with gifts awarded to first and second places of each event. We had a lot of laughs and great fun !!
Many photos and videos were taken to remember this memorable event in 2023. They will be available on the USLA website – www.uslaauckland.net.nz.
After dinner that evening, there was a variety of entertainment which lasted for well over three hours… The following morning everyone was wide awake to watch the finals of the World Cup Rugby Match between SpringBoks and All Blacks… Though disappointed about the end result we had our breakfast of Kiribath… followed by a clean up of the place and got ready to leave when the bus arrived.
Due to some delay on the road, the bus came later than expected, which led us to have our lunch in the courtyard of the camp instead of going to Hamilton Gardens for the lunch break.
The bus driver (Mexican) also got to enjoy a typical Sri Lankan meal with us. We started our return trip and stopped over at the Hamilton Garden for a lovely stroll…
More songs of yester-years to keep awake and arrive safely back in Auckland with lovely memories of the weekend.
Several messages of gratitude and appreciation were shared via the whatsapp group specially made for the USLA Senior Citizens Trip 2023 and suggestions for future trips perhaps two nights out instead of one.
So many people to thank for initiating, planning and working as a great team and creating happy memories for all to cherish as we continue our journey on earth through these twilight years. Many Thanks to USLA.
By Dr. Anne Perera – Auckland
