Rotorua and Maori Restoration Project

Howdy yall!
     We have had a very busy week since you last heard from us.  We started off in Rotorua relaxing before we took off for the Maori restoration project.  During that time we went zorbing.  For those of you that don’t know what zorbing is, it’s where individuals leap into a giant hampster ball spritzed with water and are pushed down a hill.  Silly boys, Ross and Penrod forced little Hannah “Blueberry” MacMillan into the giant bubble with their half naked bodies.  Hannah experienced a once in a lifetime opportunity…the triple banger!  Zorbing was our Halloween celebration.  We went in costume but received no candy. 

Next stop was Otoko Pa where we lived on the Marae with members of the tribe.  The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.  The visit started by a greeting from the Maori people called a Hongi, in which you touch noses with each member and say “Kia Ora.”  We were able to go on a tour of the land that belongs to Otoko Pa which was a beautiful landscape.  Other activites included painting, weeding, hunting, preparing meals, and cleaning around the Marea.  We also took a day long drive arriving at different Mareas in the surrounding area.  We spent a very relaxing and rejuvenating week learning about their history and culture.  The people were very welcoming and kind.  We came as strangers and left as family. 

Love from Walkabout!

Compliments of Penrod and Hannah