This view is complemented by a filling breakfast....the below is only the FIRST course, followed by muesli, eggs, ham, sausage or pancakes or......
After breakfast, we embarked on a 2 mile (one way) walk to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. So happy to find the "Paihia Wee Toilets" along the way....very clean, as always in NZ.
This native Maori young man greets us warmly....he is "working on" "being in the show"....but for now, he is the official greeter....he is asking for volunteers to be the "chief" of our accumulated attendees for said show....no one is raising HIS hand....apparently, the chief cannot be a chieftess, so I nudge Tom to take the big step.
Our group of 20 tourists has a CHIEF!!!
Does this look like the Welcome Committee in the hood? Well, it is -- Maori style.
This is part of the Maori Haka.
They approach the visiting chief swinging their sticks, sticking out their tongue, yelling at the top of their lungs, and trying every way to make you flinch -- not this chief. Good thing for the warrior that young lady was holding him back. Finally, they throw down a tree twig with leaves. If the visiting chief picks it up, it means that they come in peace. If not, war ensues.
Well, I picked up the stick. After more intimidation, we get invited into the house (after we all remove our shoes). Then there is more intimidation. Finally, the Maori head warrior makes a welcoming speech -- which in Maori sounds intimidating. In English, it's pretty sweet. Then the visiting chief makes a reply. I bought that the young lady was going to give me something to read in reply. But noooo. I had to ad lib the speech -- not this chief's strong suite. Kathy only remembers that I ended it with: "We come in peace!".
Finally, after all the positioning, we rub noses and the visiting chief gets to sit down.
They then perform the ritual dances and songs.
They all have meaning and they described them in great detail. But we are old and don't remember.
They have a variety of traditional weapons and play a pretty mean guitar.
Finally, our "true" photo op....and who are the women on the left?????
The Maori chiefs were tattooed fully on their face and from the toes up most of the body. The tattoos are awards for skills, honors, victories, etc. The tattoos are carved in to the skin with albatross beaks. They would start the tattoos on boys as young as 5 if they showed promise of worthiness. Women only get tattooed on their chin and lips.
The song of the Tui is especially soothing after the stresses of chiefdom.
This is the Maori War Canoe. This one is the biggest in NZ and belongs to all the tribes. It is 36 meters long and will hold 160 worthy paddlers. To be worthy the front paddlers must be fast to pace the paddling, the mid crew must be loud (they call out the cadence), and the rear paddlers must be strong -- they steer the canoe. The bowsprit represents the spirits that will help them in the coming battle.
The smaller canoe if for the paddlers-in-training to practice their skills to become worthy of the giant canoe.
The Maori flag came as a part of the treaty. It was especially important in the day because it allowed them to trade on the seas without being pirates.
On the tour, I get volunteered again to help the guide with his demos. This was not part of the contract.
Training for the upcoming chief (in the yellow shirt).
Told you the toilets are wonderful in NZ!!!!! This is the ladies' PUBLIC toilet on the Treaty Grounds.
This sign is found along the way and also emblazoned on various sidewalks, urging everyone to walk the 10,000 steps to health.
ONE tree, ONE root system!
Still more Kiwi humor and marketing.
The ferry ride to Russell is only 15 minutes.....formerly known as the "Hell Hole of the Pacific", Russell was home to the whalers, sailors and any other seafaring mates during the 1800's....until the arrival of the missionaries and some means of law enforcement.
Modern day Russell from the water...
Live entertainment on the weekends....we lucked up....all his songs were "American" folk....again, right at home
Double entertainment....a wedding with a "flapper" theme. After talking to other tourists, we learned that the wedding occurred about 3 p.m.....it is 7 p.m. when we arrive....and their sit down dinner STARTED when we left at 8 p.m.
Risotto.....and salmon with edamame...
This one is for you, Ginny Peck!
