MadisonK Australia2011: Day Two 6/9/11

Today we woke up to a beautiful sunrise! We all went outside to take pictures, because it was just so darn pretty. Then we took the "duck tour" taking and old duck boat across town and around the lakes! It was so fun and nice, but a little chilly. Next, we went to a geothermal village to learn about the Maori culture and the way people live. It was so inspiring and beautiful and taught me a lot about the Maori past. I would seriously love to take a bath in the geothermal springs! They were so nice and warm, and are really good for you too! We also went to see a sheep shearing show which was...very interesting. We also went zorbing, which was so unbelievably fun! To end our day, we had a tradition Hangi dinner and dessert! It was so good and fresh! There was also a show where the Maori people preformed the Haka, twirled poi, and sang and danced to their native Maori songs. It was very beautiful and interesting.

Today we experienced a lot of cultural influences of New Zealand and the Maori people. During the morning time we went to the geothermal village, Whaka. A lot of culture is preserved in that town. The children of important Maori ancestors live in that village today, and they keep their culture alive by practicing their native dance, song, language, food, style, and culture in general. They consider family and kindness to be very important. The fact that they brought us through their village and let us experience their home really shows that they are trying very hard to not only keep their culture alive, but they wish to spread their life and ideas to all who wish to learn from them. The dinner last night was also very inspiring. There were some native Maoris who showed us their culture's song and dance, and they even prepared their native food for us. The dinner was so yummy, and the songs were so much fun and inspired me to learn of their culture. We got to see their homes, churches, baths, food, dances, an the Haka up close and personal. Some people also got to go up and try the native dance; girls with poi, and boys dong the Haka. Overall, I think today's experiences were very culture enriched and eye opening.