Cruising into this port this morning we see a beach short distance away. If we were home in the US we'd been close enough to swim to shore. But there is no beach here, just land at the water's edge.
Tauranga means "safe harbor for many canoes" with our 'canoe' being the biggest around, even taller than any buildings in the city.
As our excursion we tour a small village of Paparoa Marae or Maori (My-or-ee). We are welcomed by the chief but the women enter first then the men behind. Custom is for women to advance first making sure no evil spirits abound and the group comes in peace. The ugliest faces are shown to scare off any impostors and believe me they are ugly.
After the ceremony, a tour of the inside and refreshments. Then everyone "kissed" by touching noses and foreheads together. This is for the exchange of knowledge.
Notice all the intricate carvings on their 'house'. And here also is the Chief's wife and the ladies alongside another angle of their house.
We toured a kiwi grove across the street from this village and learned 80% of world's consumption of kiwi's is grown in this area.
The afternoon brought a dance with poi and wood sticks and lots of singing and other dances. It was very entertaining and seems everyone is a cousin even to our tour guide!
Very enjoyable day as we say Kia ora (key-ore-a) which translates to Hi/Goodbye.
No comments:
Post a Comment