Our second day in NZ took us from Auckland to Waitomo and finally Rotorua as we headed south on the North Island.
Besides the geothermal activity, Maori culture is also a major attraction in Rotorua and a great opportunity to learn about the indigenous culture of NZ.
We went to the Tamaki Family Marae to experience The Realm of Tāne and then a Hangi feast and concert.
(Tamaki Family village, greeting, cultural feast and concert)
The Realm of Tāne is the greeting or 'warning' if visitors are threatening!
a very interesting ceremony...
we, the audience, were told to be still and not make a sound!
photos were okay but we could not move...
we weren't even slightly tempted to disobey!
although, they are friendlier than they look!
They do have a sense of humor when the ceremony ends!
I see a slight smile!
They took us back into their village to demonstrate their traditional way of life.
a wood-carving demonstration...
This will be something very impressive some day.
He posed for my camera!
Thank you!
... barefoot Pacific Islanders
...a call that the feast is ready...
A LOT of roasted chicken
and potatoes, both white and sweet, were on the table.
The food is roasted with both fire and water for steam...delicious!!!
While the food was being put on the serving tables we attended a music/dance event which we recorded on video.
This was about 2 days before our Thanksgiving Holiday at home, which we missed.
The meal consisted of pork, chicken, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy and various salads and vegetables with
amazing NZ desserts, wine,coffee, and tea.
A BEAUTIFUL EVENING to REMEMBER!
November 21, 2012
November 21, 2012
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