Wednesday 3rd June

Wednesday morning Shauna came into the office with us to sort out her party details for this coming Saturday back in Bournemouth, England. We had hoped to leave the office at 10 but had phone calls and more visitors. Elder and Sister Cardall from the USA are finishing their mission today. We just love that couple.

By the time we got home and packed the van we didn’t leave Hamilton until nearly midday. Our first stop in Rotorua was to check out what was at the Agrodome and decided it was too expensive for just an hour. But we had to pass the Zorb. One of Mark’s lifetime ambitions it to go on the Zorbe and what better place to experience it than in New Zealand. Plus it was such a laugh for us to watch. I’ll try to load it on the blog for you all to experience and laugh.

IT'S A BOY!!!!

Our next stop was at the Tamaki office to catch the coach to the Maori village and experience the magic of the Maori culture. The fun started as soon as we entered the coach. The driver Dennis (the Menace) was very entertaining. We all had to imagine we were in a Waka (canoe) and put our right hand up and lower it in unison while chanting, whatever it was that he told us to repeat. It was some Maori words so I have no hope of remembering what it was. But it was fun. So we paddled our way to the village in our Waka, disguised as a coach. We were welcomed into the village by the Maori warriors chanting the Haka. We toured the village in the dark and rain!!!! But that didn’t spoil our experience of the different demonstrations some of which they asked volunteers to participate in. Well kinda of volunteers because they first asked for all able men to come to the front. We had to debate whether Elder Saunders was able or not and of course his opinion counted for nothing. Lol. J Another video I’m hoping to post. J

 

Shauna was shown how to swing the Poi. Basically it’s a piece of string with a ball on the end! Please don’t be offended any Maori readers it’s a work of art watching the Women swing the Poi.

Our last demonstration was watching as our dinner came out of the ground. A traditional Hangi meal.
Next was the performance which was excellent. I thought Lilly would be a little scared of the faces that the Maori’s made but she loved it and was dancing to the music. She even repeated the welcome, Kia ora.
Once the performance finished our dinner was ready. So delicious and was a buffet so Elder Saunders could help himself to the foods he liked. On offer was Chicken, Lamb, Potatoes, Kumera, Carrots, Salad and with different dressings including mint jelly, all very yummy. For pudding we had the traditional New Zealand steam pudding or Pavlova with custard or cream again all very yummy.
We were taken back to our car by coach and we were singing all the way. Just before we reach the car Dennis the menace drove around and around a roundabout many times. For those of you who really know me can relate to how at home that made me feel! Our next Journey was down to Whakatane to sleep the night in our ‘Holiday Home’. Not really our holiday home but just one that we have been waiting to house a missionary couple. Anyway to cut another long story short the place was a mess because someone had used the place for a party and knocked holes in the walls. We were not impressed at 10.30 in the evening, very tired with nowhere to sleep. Thankfully we are friends with the Branch President and he invited us to stay at his home. That was such a special experience and another story for another blog.