Te Puia
Trip Start
Jun 13, 2007
1
10
19
Trip End
Jun 28, 2007
Rotorua,
New Zealand
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Today was an exciting day. We all have fantastic, warm homes here!!
After bundling up (it's 30 degrees here), we went to Te Puia, the New Zealand Maori Cultural Centre.
While there , we explored the caring and weaving schools, interactive galleries, Whakarewarewa geothermal valley & Pohutu Geyser, the Kiwi House with a female Kiwi ( they don't have wings), the Pikirangi Maori village and the gift shops.
We all ooohed and ahhhed at the geyser and mud pools. Basically Rotorua is sitting on a volcano, so mud pools just appear, sometimes in peoples sinks!
The mud has healing qualities....apparently it has the same effects as botox, but you can still show emotion.
The best part of the tour was sitting on the "hot seats". This was two layers of smooth rocks siting above thermal activity. We sat on these rocks, and some of us jumped up because they were so hot! We stayed there for about 20 mins warming up. Some of the boys wanted to take a nap on the rocks! There was even steam coming out.
After the geysers, we went shopping ( yeah).
Lunch took place outside of Lake Rotorua, and we had Lamb burgers:-) They were quite tasty.
After lunch the boys had a chance to play ultimate Frisbee for an hour.
Tonight we are having a concert at St. Luke's, an Anglican church.
Thank you for all of your comments. We ALL appreciate it.
Have a good night! We have to get ready for the concert
Comments
Samara
Thank you for keeping us up-to-date. It's as though we were with you. We appreciate it.
Hi Samara,
That (botox) mud sounds remarkable! Thanks for the detailed reports of your trip; it makes me want to visit New Zealand. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for the boys; and kudos to Steve Meyer and Terri for providing this opportunity! Love, Mom (Vida)
TO YAYA FROM PAPPOU
IT'S 11 A.M.,19 JUN 20O7 HERE, AND I FINALLY FIGURED OUT HOW TO PARTICIPATE! DO WE HAVE GLOWWORMS IN CALIFORNIA? I'M PREPARING FOR TIKEY'S REHEARSAL TOMORROW NIGHT; JUST WATERED THE GARDEN AND ROSES AGAIN; WILL WATER THE INDOOR FLORA TONIGHT; AND MISS YOU SO MUCH I HAVE TO GO FISHING JUST TO KEEP SANE!!! IT'S OVERCAST AND COOL HERE, BUT NOT ANYWHERE NEAR THIRTY DEGREES (F). KEEP WARM-- LUV, HUB
Samara
Thanks for all the updates!!!Now here's what we need to do...bottle up the mud...Thanks again!!!
To: Dominic and Dante
I hope your having a good time at New Zealand singing. I miss you a lot. I can't wait to you get back. I heart you! From, Julinna
Bray
Hope today was a good day for you - it is way too quiet around the house without you and the girls - eveyone is doing well and we all miss you - Uncle John and Aunt Kay send their best.
Love Dad & Mom
Dom
Hey There,
It was so good to hear from you, thanks for the email- I didn't realize you knew my email address at the restaurant. We're so glad to hear you're having a good time. Sounds like you're having a lot fun and we wish we could be there with you. If you get a chance please check our email there's a few for you. Andre misses you lots and your aunts and uncles have called to wish you well. Not to sound like your mom, but it's very cold from what we've heard, be sure to bundle up. Enjoy the rest of your trip, and yes, please keep up on your Algebra. Alice radio station threw a summer concert at the golden gate park for father's day so Andre & I took your dad. Your cousin Jacueline auditioned for a kid's band and was recruited, they were the opening act for Mat Kearny, Everclear and Smashmouth. It was a beautiful day. We miss you!!!
Lots of love,
Mom, Dad & Andre
Dom
Hey There,
It was so good to hear from you, thanks for the email- I didn't realize you knew my email address at the restaurant. We're so glad to hear you're having a good time. Sounds like you're having a lot fun and we wish we could be there with you. If you get a chance please check our email there's a few for you. Andre misses you lots and your aunts and uncles have called to wish you well. Not to sound like your mom, but it's very cold from what we've heard, be sure to bundle up. Enjoy the rest of your trip, and yes, please keep up on your Algebra. Alice radio station threw a summer concert at the golden gate park for father's day so Andre & I took your dad. Your cousin Jacueline auditioned for a kid's band and was recruited, they were the opening act for Mat Kearny, Everclear and Smashmouth. It was a beautiful day. We miss you!!!
Lots of love,
Mom, Dad & Andre
Samara
You rock! Thanks for setting this blog up. You don't seem as far away. Sounds like you're having more fun than the boys,eh?
PJ
Dobbs
Thanks for writing. We are getting ready to leave tomorrow. Auntie Ronnie and Uncle Peter are having dinner with us tonight to make sure our plans with you are secure when you get back. Auntie Shea is taking care of Tina and will get her to Uncle Peter's when you get back from the Truoccolo's on Sat. Patrick is taking care of the dogs and bird. We miss you more than you could imagine and we hope you are having such a good time you are not thinking a whole lot about home. Stay warm and be the perfect guest.
MOM and Dad
Teri
Headed back to the office this morning. It was the boxes in the closet, not the ones to the left on the floor.
OOpps. Vacuumed and straighted up a bit. So glad I spoke to Denise before going to the dump. Not to panic, I just trashed the phone books. Hope you are enjoying your time with the boys and please have someone take a picture of you and Steve in mask and snorkel in Hunama Bay, HI. Just think what that could bring in at the next auction!
PJ
Anthony
Hey big Guy!
I can't believe it's been a week already! How many disposable cameras have you used up yet? Keep taking pictures and get more cash from the bank - David - if you need more because we can't wait to see the beautiful country and people. Grandma and Mimi sent you messages. They have been watching the blog too. I hope you get them. Today is Mom and Dad's 15th Anniversary! wow! We are hoping to go up to Tahoe to celebrate tonight for a few days. We love you and hope you are having the best time. Take care - Mom and Dad
TO BRAY
Hi Bray, we love you! Your trip sounds so exciting - now we would like to travel to New Zealand and have you be our travel guide. Our days are busy and the sun is shinning. We are doing a lot of reading. I (Katherine) am reading audio books for the Library reading program. Thinking of you! Love, Katherine, Lauren and Grami.
Julian Menjivar
Hi Julian ~
Hope your doing well and having fun. We read and keep up with what you guys are doing everyday, sounds like so much fun. Have a great concert today. We miss you and love you very much.
Your Family
Hernandez Brothers
I talked to your mom today and she says to say hello to you Mario and Aldo. She hopes you are having fun and that she misses you very much. Marifer, your sister also says hello. I told her of all the great things you are seeing. If you would like to send her a message, just let Semara know and I will make sure your mom receives it.
Sophia Menjivar
Dear Riju
As I read the reports about your tour more and more I am asured that I did the right thing sending you. It sounds like NZ is the most wonderful place to visit. I am now convinced that We must visit the place in the near future, but will make sure to visit during the NZ summer as you know I don't like cold, and will have you as our tour guide. I am glad you guyes are having a lot of fun. I have seen a few pictures sent by the staff through the web and hope will get more pictures soon. I love you and miss you very much.
Mom