Marae

This weekend Loyola planned a trip to Leigh to visit a Marae (Maori meeting house) to learn more about the native culture. I was able to learn about their greeting of new people onto their land. Typically, a man will say a speech to describe why the group is visiting and the women sing a song. I was welcomed in by a gesture called a hongi. To hongi, first you shake hands, then press your nose and forehead together and breath in. It is symbolic of connecting each other's souls. While on the reserve, I learned how to weave flax, a plant that is extremely strong and versatile. I picked out my own leaf and cut it down, then was taught how to prep the plant for weaving. This is suppose to be a flower.

That afternoon I went snorkeling on Goat Island which is one of the best places to snorkel because it is a Marine Reserve. The water was pretty choppy so I got a tiny bit seasick from floating over all the waves. It was also a little hard to see because the waves churned up the sand. The funniest part was trying to get out of the water. I had my flippers on still and a wave knocked me over. I was pushed into another Loyola girl and soon enough the entire group is being beached and swept back out to sea repeatedly. I was laughing so hard that I couldn't stand up!

On the way back we stopped at a fish auction. Yes, a fish auction. It was similar to a small town carnival except rather than rides, the entertainment was bidding for dead fish in bags... The locals were having a great time though and it was fun to go check it out. The next day there was a short farewell ceremony and then I headed to Omaha Beach.

After the beach, I was able to visit a winery and experience my first wine tasting. Now normally I don't drink wine, but I think that it is an acquired taste so why not acquire it in New Zealand. NZ is renowned for their white wines. I tasted 5 different wines: 2 whites, 2 reds, and a rose. The vineyard was absolutely beautiful and it was really interesting to hear about the "accents" or "hints" in each wine. I can't say that I'm a sommelier but it definitely expanded my horizons. I guess I could use another excuse to eat cheese!