Chris C

We’ve now been over here for almost two weeks now and I am starting to get into the swing of things around here; for instance looking right when crossing the street first, or calling things a “roundabout” rather then a “rotary.” All I need now is a decent accent and I could be a full-fledged Kiwi. OK, maybe not, but you get the idea. This week’s highlight for me was Rotorua. The geology in that area was incredible. Hot water springs exist all over the city, as well as a smell of rotten eggs. Learning about that area was amazing but the best part for me was the stay at the Marae. Being able to interact and partake in the ceremonies of the Maori was amazing. And the slumber party in the whananui after was probably the most fun night I’ve had since we landed. Telling stories, telling jokes, playing card games, it was like we all 15 years old again. Ah the nostalgia of being young.
We also went to hot water beach this past week which was great. The weather was sort of dreary on the way out but once we arrived at the beach the skies opened up and the sun was out. The weather was as close to perfect as you could get. After unsuccessfully trying to dig a hot water bath for about a half an hour several of us decided to go for a swim. There were some great meter high spilling breakers coming in and a lot of us went body surfing. I was actually in the middle of really experiencing wave orbital motion when it struck noon and we had to leave. Whose idea was it to stay at a beautiful beach, in pristine weather, with fantastic water temperature, and ideal waves for only an hour?
This upcoming weekend is the free weekend so everyone is in a mad rush to make sure that their plans are set and work is done. I personally have a lot to finish, so until next week.