Rotorua - Maoris and geysers

We had a fantastic night last night. Picked up by bus, and saw a couple of interesting buildings with commentary, on the way. Then we went to Tamiki Maori village (tourist attraction) (being well entertained along the way by the guide/driver) where we were greeted with a welcome/challenge ceremony by Maori's in full costume - really fascinating! We entered the village, which was built in amongst tall trees in the forest, and various tattooed Maori men and women explained the how and significance of carving, tattooing, use of the flax plant, and food storage and cooking, at various little huts throughout the village. then we went into a meeing place for a concert of both traditional and contemporary dances, formalized war games, hand movements, and song and dance with sticks and balls on string. Great singing, interesting dance, etc, and explanations of culture. Then the hangi - a feast cooked in an earth oven, with white hot stones and wet cloth, sealed into the hole by earth. Lamb, chicken, mussels, potatoes and 2 kinds of sweet potatoes, salads, sauces, followed by steamed pudding (also cooked in the hangi), pavlova and fruit salad. We were full and very well fed. The entertainment continued as we prepared to leave, with drivers and waiters doing a haka, "directed at the aussies for tomorrow night" (football). On the way back we had to entertain the driver by singing songs from our countries. The aussies sang waltzing matilda, and we had songs from Brazil, Japan, France and should have been Chile but they didnt understand English. Fantastic entertainment, brilliant and informative, and very good food!

When we got back to the van park about 9 pm, we went in the mineral hot pools. There were 3 - hot, very hot, and way too hot to get into! Nice and relaxing, but I got so hot I couldnt get into my warm pyjamas for ages!

This morning I had breakfast while patting the cat for a long time, then we went to an Anglican church on the lakefront. A beautiful mix of European and Maori! All around Rotorua is a smell of sulphur (not strong), and you see steam coming up from a vent or hot pool at random places - the footpath, peoples yards, etc.

Then to Te Puia, a thermal regions, where we saw a boiling mud pool and a geyser that was nearly constant, several metres tall. Steam coming from the ground and pools everywhere! Rocks and creeks and pools . . . I need to post photos and I cant!

All in all, Rotorua was fascinating, and the most unusual place i've ever been. And cost a fortune, but worth it!

Tonight we are in Taupo, where there is a big lake and a snowcovered mountain in the distance . . . .more amazing scenery!