A Trip to Middle Earth part 1

Boys had Friday off so I decided to load up the gang for a trip to Rotorua.  Known for its abundance of geothermal activity, Maori cultural experiences, and adrenaline laden activities, figured there would be something for all of us there.  Good time to leave the iPads and computers at home, and spend some good family time together, despite the adolescent groans!  We were up early to get in some surfing before heading out.  Under a cloudless sky, we tried our best to stand up on those boards, some of us more successful than others.  Mornings like these I look around and can hardly contain the gratitude that floods over me.  We step into the warming waters of the Bay, all of us excited about the idea that we may stand up on that board yet, Noah helping Maggie while Jack and I paddle out to the bigger break, and it isn't even 7:30 AM!  I hold these moments tightly, knowing in an instant the moment can change, but for now we are happy, so grateful for what we have been given!

It is an easy hour drive to the land of steam and sulpher fumes.  As we approached the edge of Lake Rotorua, we came upon a most unexpected scene: the 2013 World Rafting Championships.  One of the things I love love love about travel is the spontaneity it can bring if we are open to it.  Hungry and eager to see a kiwi bird, and yet we had to stop to take in this exciting event! WIth 23 countries represented, we pulled up along the banks of the Okere River just in time to see the Head to Head heat.  USA vs Czech Republic, Brazil vs Great Britain, men's and women's, masters and U-19, all happening right there.  A sport we learned was not allowed in the last Olympics, we had to acknowledge we were among some of the world's best.  

This was one of 4 events, the only one to be held here as slalom would be on a different river the following day.  We ran up the trail to catch the boats navigating some good Class 3 rapids which eventually culminated in a good drop over some falls before the finish.  Strong teamwork and strategy it seemed were the key,  not to mention some gnarly biceps.  The kids loved seeing the various countries represented and cheering on the US men and women.

After a tasty lunch at the Okere Store to take care of that growing hunger, we landed at the Rainbow Springs Wildlife Park where the trout abound and the kiwi is cultivated.  They do their bit to help foster the protection of this endangered bird.  We toured through the quality exhibits, including multiple ponds with HUGE Rainbow and other trout, learned about and saw examples of many native NZ birds and saw the only native NZ reptile whose name I can't recall.   A pretty prehistoric looking thing no less.   Got to see our first kiwi  bird in its special enclosure-very exciting for me and Mags.  It was even better when we went back to the park after 9pm to see the kiwi bird night exhibit.  They are a funny bird, long beak, big body, Jack thinks they look a big walking tick.

And like any good tourists, we had to experience a Maori (pronounced something like "moldy") cultural evening, and no place better to do this than Rotorua.  We were picked up by bus at our cosy hotel, entertained by the driver en route to the "village" and then brought into a bit of the Maori world as they taught us many of their cultural activities and traditions.  We got to play games, learn some songs, and even do the haka.  The evening culminated in a lovely dinner that had been cooked in the hangi, underground steam pit utilizing the areas geothermal abundance.  A bit like going to a luau, but NewZealand style.  The traditions are very similar and related in some South Pacific/Australiasian way.  At weekend's end we all agreed this evening of culture was one of the highlights.

We ended our day back at the Wildlife Park so we could see the Kiwi birds in the night exhibit.   Pretty neat!  As my head hit the pillow Friday night I felt we had reached yet another mark in our journey.  It takes getting out of what is familiar, the routine, what we are used to open ourselves up to the new.  The newness brings with it a freshness, excitement,  and joy that I find hard at times to feel in the daily routines of home.   stopping to see the rafting today, watching the boys do the haka, quietly listening for the rustle of the bush and the Kiwi behind it with Maggie brought that excitement out in me.  Makes one feel alive and on the edge.  Feels the same at work here as each day there are new faces and issues to deal with, new colleagues and the personalities that go with them, new systems to learn.  I am grateful for this freshness and the joyous moments it brings.