Since 40% of the people of Rotorua are Maori, we've been looking forward to deepening our understanding of their culture by experiencing a hangi (meal). We waited to share this experience with our kids, so we arranged to spend an evening at the Mitai Village. The Mitai tribal family prepared a traditional meal for us featuring lamb, chicken, and kumura that had been cooking underground for several hours before we arrived. Warriors demonstrated the paddling of a waka (ancient warrior canoe), and their tribal chief led an entertaining cultural performance.
I still can't believe that the chief collected the torches after the evening glow worm walk! (And, I can't believe we saw him running in Rotorua a few days later...those tattoos are pretty distinctive).
ReplyDeleteSue and Tom--I tried to send you a comment just now but I am havign trouble--did you receive anything?
ReplyDeleteThis was a great cultural experience! I really enjoyed the dancing and chants. I also thought the cool spring with the bubbling bottom was neat, especially when the eel appeared!
ReplyDeleteWas that Tom in the next to last picture?
ReplyDelete