But time caught up with me!
Instead of something thoughtful, you get the ‘hello I’m back from New Zealand’ and no I haven’t written any more Gentleman Magician.
Rather than a trip of my own, I was driving my sister around to her relatives and then to some places she wanted to go. Bonus for me was that my friend Wendy came for the sightseeing part.
It was nice for me too to see Kylie’s family. She lost her husband just over a year ago to lung cancer and it’s been hard on her. So seeing everyone again was nice as it wasn’t with a palliative care and funeral attached to it.
We visited Kaeo, which I’ve never been to before and that farm we stayed in was very picturesque and comfortable. I met a friend in Mangonui, nearby and that was a treat for company and location. Sightseeing consisted of Hamilton-for the must see Hamilton Gardens. I pushed Kylie around in a wheel chair so I got a work out. My sister has COPD so doing all that walking wasn’t going to be fun. Hobbiton was booked out for most of February so we couldn’t get there. We think there might have been filming…who knows. Next we popped down the road to Rotorua. I did a bit of walking looking for free bubbling mud pits but to not avail.
The big thing we did there was a Maori Culture evening at Te Paa Tuu Here (it’s written differently but my keyboard is not cooperating.) This was really good. What is fascinating is that this it the third time I’ve been there. Previously it was called Tamaki Maori Village. And that was the Pophiri (welcome), village tour looking at Maori crafts, passtimes etc, Kapa Haka (Maori singing and dancing traditional songs) and then the feed, a big hangi, with dessert etc. I went the first time 23 years ago, after a recommendation from a Maori in law. Then I took Matthew about 12 years ago. My son went about two years ago and he told me it was different now. The food is high end, Maori food inspired canapes, entrees and mains. And that is what we found. It’s quite pricey but we all thought it was worth it when you factor in all the people and the amazing food. When we got to the village part, we got some tea made from native Kawakawa I think, and a canape or two. Then we did mini workshops, poi, sticks, history, haka. And more canapes. The last one was a kumuar crisp, with venison and blueberry chutney on it. So good.
The entertainment was really good too, some great singing. Then we went for the feed. There were green lip mussels, and as I don’t eat fish I got a substitute for the white bait. The mains had hangi vegetables and stuffing, some lamb, we had waygu beef rib, and roast duck and hangi lamb. Then dessert. On the bus home I was quite full. I ate way too much!
Anyhow, it is great to see this venue still operating and being taken over by young people. Well done guys.
We booked a boat trip on Lake Taupo but unfortunately when we got there, it was too windy and it was cancelled so we headed back to Rotorua. We stayed in and drank wine and ate cheese. Wendy and I had a great feed in EAT STREET too.
Now I’m at my desk, intending to so some writing. Earlier I cleaned out the pantry due to a weevil infestation. And I practiced some bookbinding. One of them ended up in the bin! However, there is sewing to do and other craft things.
Not only didn’t I write during my trip I didn’t walk as much so I’ve trying to walk everyday since I’ve been back. However, more social events might interrupt these good intentions.
I am also trying to read more and I’m keeping a log. I’m currently reading Pictures of You by Emma Grey.
Donna Maree Hanson, Author, Phd in Creative Writing 