Today we visited New Zealand's premier Maori cultural centre and home of the Pohutu geyser:
It was a feast of cultural story telling, entertainment and Maori cuisine. All the buildings were beautifully carved with original designs depicting the stories of the tribe's ancestors.
We got to visit the Maori carving school and see one of the students at work.
Dave was inspired!
We then watched as they opened the underground 'Hangi' oven where our food had been cooking for hours... It smelt and tasted amazing!
We were given a traditional welcome by the Chief and treated to a show of dance, singing and the intimidating war dance: the Haka...
Dave joined several of the men to be taught the Haka. This was his best attempt to intimidate despite only being hobbit sized:
We went back out to see the geyser erupt one more time after dinner, impressive both day and night!
We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and learnt lots about this expressive culture.
Doing the Haka like that, Dave, you'll be recruited into the All Black side if you're not careful - only up against Jonah Lomu!! Glad you enjoyed the Hangi - some of our Maori friends cooked one specially for us before we left Dargaville when we were there 30 years ago. We were very privileged.
ReplyDeleteLots of love
Dad
xxx
Hi Dave and Mels, Great to catch up more of your blog. It looks like you continue to have a wonderful time. I was really impressed with the carvings you were doing Dave! You really should take it up when you come home. I was less impressed with the somewhat wild beard. Mel can't you control him? We are thinking about you both all the time and can't wait to catch up again on face time soon. Off to the lodge now. Love you lots; Mum xxx
ReplyDeleteHaha. Love that mum thought that was you Dave. Glad you're having fun. Lookingforward to next update x
ReplyDeleteI know! First mum calls me Graham...eh...Phil...I mean Simon...um...Dave, than she thinks I'm actually a overweight Maori with a small Afro!
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