Day 5 - exploring Auckland.
Today we met a Maori man named Prince. It was very interesting to hear about the Maori history from one who lived it as it was being made during recent years. In the world of Maori tradition, to meet with him required a chief to represent our group. Somehow, total mystery to me, the group nominated me to represent them. Maybe it was a matter of getting the short straw, not quite sure. Did not think they were serious. When realized it was a sincere selection, it was too late to back out. It was truly an honor to do a Maori greeting to this chief, complete with nose to nose contact. Literally. Was rather an interesting experience...
After Prince regaled us with Maori history, we were treated to tasty cookies, cheese, crackers, yellow kiwi (YUM) and a cup of hot beverage by his wife and one of their granddaughters. Was fascinating to hear their history.
If that was not enough history for one day, the weather was not exactly nice for outdoor activities, so we spent the next 3 hours perusing exhibits in the Tamaki Paenga Hira aka Auckland War Memorial Museum. The complex is huge!
Enjoy of some of today's adventure through these pics...
Right down the main avenue, a peace parade singing a John Lennon song. Felt like it was the sixties...
Tomorrow was depart for Rotorua. Stay tuned
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