I waited a lifetime for the experience of being in a Maori village. There is always a segment on the Maori culture when I watch the Travel Channel back home when they do a program on New Zealand. I have watch the Maori warriors stick out their tongues so many times, but tonight I saw it up close and personal. As the kids say, “Awesome!”The village of Tamaki should be called a living history museum. We get to walk around a mock village and learn firsthand what they eat, how they cook and make their clothing. Let me tell you it is much more fascinating than watching this on TV. Fantasy is providing me with so much culture I will be a walking encyclopedia on New Zealand.
Now, let me share the best bits of the evening. Yep, during the dinner show four of our guy were pulled out of the audience to learn the Haka. Maoris use this war dance to scare their enemies. The New Zealand rugby team now has a Maori member and can now do the Haka before every game. But here is the tourist version which made me laugh so hard my sides will be sore for days.
It is hard to sleep tonight, because of the excitement of the evening, seeing the elusive Kiwi bird and wondering what Fantasy has in store for us tomorrow.
