Rotorua
Trip Start
Jun 13, 2007
1
9
19
Trip End
Jun 28, 2007
Rotorua,
New Zealand
Monday, June 18, 2007
We are here in Rotorua after a bit of traveling. Before arriving we went to the Waitomo caves and saw the glow worms! Yes you read correctly...glow worms. We hiked down into a cave an then hopped on a row boat and went through more caves. There were literally thousands of these green, glowing worms above us. Some of us were concerned that they might fall down o our heads....but thankfully there were no mishaps.
The boys also got a chance to buy some souvenirs and postcards/stamps.
Once we entered Rotorua, we stopped at Lake Rotorua and let off a bit of steam playing frisbee, and watching the sun set.
After that we went to a local high school where our wonderful hosts picked us up.
This area has a lot of Maori people and we are supposed to see some Maori concerts.
Tomorrow we will be heading out to the geysers. Rotorua is sitting on a volcano so there is hot water that spits steam out all over the city. The city smells of sulfur because of this:-) But it's not too bad.
The temperature, we're told, may get to -1 degrees Celsius, which is about 32 F. It's cold! But many of us purchased wool gloves and hats today!
Please keep sending comments to your boys, they love to hear from you....even the adults enjoy messages.
Everyone is so happy to be here, and we're all healthy as well.
Take care!
Comments
Hello, Everyone
We're here in Rotorua, too, and boy is it cold. We can't wait to see you all tomorrow at St. Luke's; it's within walking distance of our hotel, and we've already walked down there and back.
--Karen Konoske
Hi Dobbs!
Did you eat a glow worm? We are so glad to hear you are having a great time. Tina is well, as are all the other critters. We love you!!!
Dad and Mom
Hey Samara!
How come you're not in any of the pictures??? You must take me along on your next trip as your personal photographer. I'll follow you around with a fan, hairbrush and powder and treat you like a star. :) Glad to hear you're having so much fun!
-Vickie
Julian Menjivar
Hi Mijo~
What did you think of the glow worms, I think that must have been really cool (creepy) to see. Please remember to write in your journal so you can share everything you saw. Sounds like you guys are having fun. Buy clothes to hello and send you a big hug. Say hi to Fehi for us.
XXooOX Love you Mama.
Grami, Lauren, and Katherine
Hi Bray,
We went to Surfs Up yesterday and there were glow worms in the movie so we want to know if they dropped poo on you like they did in the movie. After the movie we went to Cold Stone for ice cream - it was really good! I (Lauren) signed up for the Reading Club at the Library like we did last year and I have already read for over four(4) hours. We will sign you up so you can start reading before you go to Grami's. We love you and are glad you are having such a wonderful time!
Hi Nicholas
It sounds fantastis in the Waitomo Caves. I am sure you enjoyed the boat ride and the glow worms! Did you also send postcard to mommy and grandmom? Without you being here during the weekend, we did not feel like going out for meals!!! Uncle Ken said hi and wandered if you still have huge appetite!!! LOVE MOM!!!!!!
To Dear Riju
How are you? Are you enjoying the trip and learning as well? I have been following the messages sent by the staff. It sounds like a lot of fun. Don't forget to take lots of pictures and make sure you are in some of the pictures too. I can't wait for you to get back and tell us all about your trip. I miss you very much.
Stay warm, don't forget to put on lotion every day, and don't get sick.
Love you,
Mom
Dear Riju
How are you? Are you enjoying the trip so far and learning as well? I have been following the messages posted by the staff. It sounds like a lot of fun. I miss you very much. I can't wait for you to get back and tell us all about your trip. Take lots of pictures and make sure you are in some of the pictures too. Stay warm, don't forget to put on lotion and don't get sick.
Love you,
Mom
Dear Riju
How are you? Are you enjoying the trip so far and learning as well? I have been following the messages posted by the staff. It sounds like a lot of fun. I miss you very much. I can't wait for you to get back and tell us all about your trip. Take lots of pictures and make sure you are in some of the pictures too. Stay warm, don't forget to put on lotion and don't get sick.
Love you,
Mom
Dominic/Dante
Hi, I'm happy to hear you're having lots of fun...if you two get a chance send me a e-mail...Auntie Baby thinks her Baby (Matthew) looks like Dominic when he was a baby...I think he kinda looks like Dante...Keep on having lots of fun and please take pictures for me...Sunscreen!!!Heart & Soul, Mom
Joseph Stember
Hey Joe,
Glad you're having a good time. Mom, Alyssa and Happy say 'hi'. I just got back from SD. Jon, Auntie Peggy, Uncle Jeff and Uncle Paul say 'hi' and have a great trip. Remember to wear a T shirt when snorkeling in Hawaii or your back will get burned. Sunscreen the backs of your legs, arms and neck too.
Julian Menjivar
Hope you had a nice day shopping and buying great postcards. Buy some to keep in the photo album. Try your best to stay warm. It sounds like it is so cold. Say hi to Terri for us and let her know that we are glad she arrived safely. Zach and Monica say hello. We are all doing fine, but missing you and hoping you are having a fun. We bet the people just love heaing your beautiful voices. Lots of Love.
Your Family.
HELLO BRAY
Rotorua sounds like a great spot - I hope the new fleeces kept all of you warm. The house is getting into shape - slowly but surely - it will be close to complete by the time you get home. Have fun in Agrodome and enjoy the go-karts.
Love Dad.
Hi Bray-Bray! We all miss you so much and are thankful to have this blog to stay in touch. Still wearing my gold yarn on my wrist(as are Lauren & Katherine and Grami too!) until you come home. Can't wait to hear about Maori Hangi and the show in addition to the go-karts and gondola ride. Don't forget to write in your journal to help share all the great details.
Miss you tons and love you....MORE!
Mom
Samara
Thank you so much for the travel updates. It's exciting following your trip and also very comforting. Say hi to Steve, Terri and the rest of the gang. Thanks taking care of the boys we appreciate all you do!!!!
The Truoccolo's
Hi Alex Bonner and Gang
Dear Alex, By the 'looks' of things it sounds as if though you are visiting lots of great places and doing fun things (the luge)besides singing of course.
As always, i know you are looking after your younger counterparts. And, I know you're 18 now but you still have to mind (don't give Steve or Terry any grief). Vanessa keeps saying she misses you, and Celena just wants you to be good (her words). All is quiet on the home front. Enjoy yourself in Hawaii!Love ya, Mom & Dad