A woman who has traveled and lived across the world fell in love with Wellington when she stepped off the plane.
“I fell in love with Wellington in the first four hours of landing. It is the warm, delicious aroma of coffee and pastries in the cold wind that attracted me,” said Ronel a now very happy Wellingtonian.
For the first time in Ronel's life she wanted to settle down and find a place to call home - she choose Wellington.
She arrived in Wellington with no friends, no job, no family and just a visitor visa, she stayed and now has no regrets.
What she loves about Wellington is the people.
“Anyone in the streets could be your friend. You feel like you can really belong here.”
A science graduate, Ronel got into the IT business by accident, and a career as computer business systems analyst has taken her around the world.
After living in England, Ronel returned to South Africa and before moving to Kenya, Nigeria and Dubai.
The different ways of living, the strangely intriguing cultures, the diverse backdrops and environments is what she loves.
“I take pleasure in diversity. I love experiencing different lifestyles and multiple ways of seeing and experiencing the world.”
Immersed in different cultures, Ronel has learnt to appreciate other beliefs and perspectives even though she may not agree with them.
“It changes your attitude about people,” she says.
Of all the places she has been, Kenya has left a deep impression on her.
“It is such a beautiful place. There is something warm and sincere about the place. People are real and care for you in ways you can’t comprehend. There is an eagerness to learn. The hunger to understand, to do better, to improve is so great, it is overwhelming, it’s inspiring.”
Compared with Dubai where she lived for 4 years, where she had a totally different experience.
“Dubai doesn’t feel real. Everything is too modern, too artificial. Everything is over the top and you lose track of reality. It is like a dream world. You never have to carry your groceries or change a light bulb in Dubai. Shopping is the only pastime. I came to Dubai with just a pair of sandals and hiking boots and left Dubai with 100 pairs of shoes.”
The strong, cold winds of Wellington won’t be blowing Ronel out of town, instead it’s what keeps her here, it makes her feel alive.