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Since our last journal entry we've been exploring the north island in more depth and messing about along the way!! We absolutely loved Taupo, the hamlet by the lake home to our skydiving and left for Rotorua with fond memories of prestine blue skies and the mirrored lake.
Our journey north to Rotorua was once again with camp Matthew who would never stop talking, I swear we are destined to have this man on every bus trip but hey, we're warming to him. Just one thing, please do not let him "pop up" on our beach in Fiji and start marvelling at the grains of sand or colour of the sea!!! Oh so where was I? - Oh Rotorua, what a remarkable place it's the volcanic/geothermal epicentre of the country and you definately smell it before you see it....steam rises from mud pools, guysers and lakes around the town. It was this warmth that attracted the Maoris to settle here and today it still remains highly populated by the polynesian folk, who mainly drive around town in big SUV's thinking they're the next Nelly! So funny....if I had a dollar for the amount of toots we've got in NZ I'd be sat on my yacht in Auckland harbour right now but hey, its a compliment I guess!! We visited the Mitai tribe up in the forest which was by far the best thing we did in town. The dance, song, and performance of the tribe was a real tribute to their ancestors and although they don't live like that today the moko (facial tattoos) were real and the professionalism and fitness needed for their fighting and dance was admirable!! Unlike another performance we paid to see which was not far off me on a hyper day prancing around!! We enjoyed a traditional hangi (earth cooked dinner) of tender lamb, kumara (sweet potatoes) and all the trimming imaginable! After the feast we took a stroll through the forest at night amongst the glow worms and ancestors which protect this sacred land through their spirits.
Feeling all "christmassy" we went along to the local carol concert and sang along with our picnic, trying to avoid getting sunburnt. A trip to the cinema to see "the Holiday" was well worth it and made me miss our traditional Christmas back home. Being away has made me realise just how idyllic my parents house is in Poulshot, so consider yourself blessed parents!!! We left peaceful Rotorua for the big smoke of Auckland city. It was great to be back in a city and to hit the shops, markets and boutiques!! Our main mission was to hunt out a perfect present for Sams birthday on the 19th, I bought her a very expensive vanity case (too much to print) and a silver tiger eye bracelet - as I write she's off swimming with dolphins but Ill let her tell you all about her birthday later!!! Auckland served its purpose and we're now up in the Bay of Islands in Paihia!! Its stunning here, our hostel is luxery (not by normal standards I hope you understand but in comparison to some places) and were enjoying pampering ourselves in these, our last few days in NZ. Bumped into a very strange American last night who pranced around in his rather loud shirt screeching "oh my gosh, you girls should be actresses" "You're too beautiful are you sure you're English?"....Well errr yes we are and yes, we guessed your American!!!!
Wishing everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. I shall be thinking of you all on Christmas day, missing you lots......
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