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Well it was a nice early start.... But tbh I was glad to get up...I had been awake since 2am on and off..... So 6am was welcomed! Started the long tour through new Zealand on the magic bus.... First stop was in the village where the drink LP was made.... Had the classic tourist pictured standing by this huge bottle! But more remarkably they had toilets which spoke to you and played music to you whilst you did your business.... But there is a 10 minute time limit on the use of them before the doors automatically....so not time for s*** shower shave... Then we stopped at a little village called Watamata... Where lord of the rings was filmed.... Beautiful scenery and space for a spot of lunch in the sunshine amongst the mountains.... Much like the trig point.... But smaller and closer together....then we were in Rotorua.... My god! The hostel was amazing... Such comfy beds.... And no bunks, I slept right through for the first time since I left home! Amazing!!! But before I could experience the wonders of sleep we went on a Maori culture experience.... Wow! So amazing! We were greeted with the Maori war introduction type thing complete with bulging eyes, face paint and tongues out....... Then we went inside the village and had 5 sections explaining different parts of the culture.... 2 were games set up that taught agility, hand/eye coordination and listening skills, Kat and I participated... Obviously.. then we were shown how the women in the village make the baskets and look after the plants, then it was onto the craftsman of the village how they carve the wood to tell a story and how they tatoo.... And what each symbolises.... My favourite are the thighs, men have them tattooed as their wives are giving birth as a sign of their respect to the pain that they are going through whilst giving birth.... Guys any takers....?! This was finished off with being taught the Hakka! We then had a 30minute culture show with them displaying their singing and dancing... Then a full blown Hakka..... We then had a fantastic meal cooked from the geothermal heat in ground.... Wow! I've never tasted such amazing food! Then it was the return journey where the driver sang songs from each nation who were on the bus... When the England "swing low sweet chariot" played we were compelled to sing the welsh version of where the chariots could be shoved ;)..... We had Delilah! Then it was home for the best sleep ever!!!! Til tomorrow...!
Lots of love xxxx
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Joe Bennett As I was reading this I was hoping that the Hakka was going to be involved... Even if it wasn't I know what your like you'd have started doing it even if they didn't which probably wouldn't go down to well! Lol btw that idea you have of men getting tattoos just for the women's sake Pffft grow up will you:p lol that idea will never catch on:p well not for me if cry of pain.. Hope you got pics of the Hakka? If not I think you and Kat should take some for us all!! Have fun:) can't believe I'm missing this part of the trip:( hope your enjoying though xxxx
Mam and Dad Dad says the Hakka will be a great new party piece for you Sophie ;)
sjbenn I have videoed it and am seriously considering learning it.... Joe you in...?! ;) xxx