The Haka

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I've just been learning the Haka from the local Maoris during a Maori Hangi. I wasn't too bad. Apparently, there are 3 talents you need to do the Haka well - and the third one is: 'Look Ugly'. I managed that very well, even before my tongue hung out and my eyes adopted the traditional wide-eyed stare. Luckily, I had the camera round my waist so Mary couldn't take a picture.

Today has mainly been spent looking at steam rising out of water or mud, with bubbles constantly forming below. The landscape here is beautiful with sub-tropical forests surrounding the lakes, but it could be transformed to-morrow into a sea of mud and lava if the fates decreed it.

To-morrow we have to decide whether to inspect the remains of a village excavated recently from the aftermath of tthe 1886 eruption, to visit a project trying to save the Kiwis (ie birds) from extinction, or to sail on a superheated lake formed by the 1886 misfortune. Alas, they all cost money. (If not I would do them all!)

ps. I really bought time on this computer so that I could upload my photos, only to find that it's not possible to attach my gizmo to the USB port. Never mind, better luck next time!

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Photos

Matariki
Typical Local Entertainment

Maori Food
How the Maoris like to prepare food

Kiwis
Or pretend ones anyway

Comments

[Sarah]

gizmo
Is there not a usb lead to attach it to?

[leo and Jim]

Icy England calls
v.cold here - you are better out of it! All sounds very exciting and you seem to have been gone ages. Super-heated lake sounds interesting. Good for capsising in ! Take care both of you and enjoy every minute. I'm madly jealous. Leo and Jim xxx