Nicks Big Adventure

Rotorua has been a very good time. It's a bit of a tourist trap in the fact that they have about 10 hostels and about 20 things to do around town. Those things cost lots of money. I could have Skydived, white water rafting, Sledging (white water rafting with a boogie board), Spas galore due to the hot springs all over the place, and any number of volcanic parks. The one thing I did do and wanted to do was to visit a Maori village and eat a hangi. This is a meal cooked in the ground with hot rocks and covered by wet burlap. We arrived by bus about 700 p.m.. Our bus driver was very entertaining, he sang song and explained what we can expect from our visit. The first being a challenge of peace, where the local warriors would challenge the chief of our tribe (bus) with intimidating dances and a show of aggression. The bus needed a chief, the bravest manly man on the bus. I was the chief. Whether it was to placate me or not it was a great honor of mine to be involved in not just that ceremony but all other activities that we did. I had a great time being pushed around and the butt of many jokes. The meal was amazing, or I was very hungry. Carrots, Potatoes, yams, Stuffing, chickens, Lamb, fish and mussels. A huge buffet that I went to many times. The bus ride back was just as fun with songs from all of the countries on the bus. Nonetheless, the first being the star spangled banner led by me as we left the village. Thats really the only pay thing I did here. I went on numerous hikes and saw lots of free art and cultural display around town. I also found out about a hot river and waterfall that I went to twice. It is heated from the ground and really neat spot. I stayed an hour each time so that I could relax in the warm water without overheating. I will drive about 3 hours back to Auckland to pick up my new home on wheels and start heading north to see the awesome stuff out there. I sat in the common area on my computer long enough that people started to think I owned the place and I made friends quickly. One such couple (germans) were about my age and very nice. The fellow, Sylvan is an engineer and wanted me to proofread his resume as he is writing his PhD thesis and is looking for a job in an english speaking place. It has gone well here and if I had the money and time I would come back and do more of those crazy things. All I want to do is get out of the cities and be on my own. This I am looking forward to but cautiously. Please enjoy football this weekend for me and I will be in touch. U can email at nharrel@harrels.com. Have a great day and be happy.   Love and Pura Vid,    Nicholas