* Maori Culture and 7 Meter Falls

Ok, I only have a few minutes to write this, so I will try to summarize. After leaving the spas and the campground, Terry, Rachel and I saw the craters of the moon, which are natural thermal pools and got to see a flooded river after a dam opening. Then we drove North to Rotorua for the night and reserved a place for a trip to a Maori village for a show and dinner. It was very enjoyable. They had a traditional opening ceremony where we had elected chiefs and the Maori tribe came out to meet us, enquiring whether we came in war or peace. Thankfully our chief had the right response and they welcomed us into the village. We got to see their ancient ways of basket weaving, cooking, and combat training. Then they performed some native Maori songs and dances for us. The really neat part was they encouraged us to take photos and videos of the performance, so that their culture will be passed on. Most performances require patrons to turn off cameras. The dinner was enjoyable. I think most of the dishes were actually more native New Zealand than native Maori. On the drive back our bus driver decided it was time for everyone else to entertain, so each country represented was supposed to sing a song from their country. And he enjoyed going round and round the roundabouts singing "She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes".

This morning we each went our separate ways. Rachel went off to explore Rotorua, Terry went 4-wheeling, and I got picked up to conquer the Kaituna River, just a 2 km stretch of river that includes a 7 meter water fall. My record holds true: we didn't lose anyone in my raft. The other two rafts each lost two people on the falls (they got back in the boat afterwards). It was very enjoyable and exhilerating.

This afternoon's activity, for me at least, is zorbing. What is that you ask? Well, you'll have to wait until the next post to find out. The big question for me right now is: dry, wet, or both?

Serena