There is almost nothing that has such a great sense of fun as a falling leaf.(Autumn is here)
Hi to all from myself and Amanda! We have finally got to civilisation and an Internet Cafe...where would we be without? do not answer that one.
Well Amanda and self started of in Christchurch and did some pretty wonderful busking together, with self on the stick and Amanda on her Psaltery.....(a triangular 24 stringed hand held box, which you use a bow...originated in Israel..by King David), Yeh we did pretty well there and sent out some wonderful healing, met some more wonderful people and shared some great energy's, and made some money to boot.......thanks to all for giving and sharing.
We decided to hire a camper van and looked for the best deals in town as the season here is at a close for the mega tooorista rush. We found a company called "wicked campers", which were offering us a 4 week package for around 14 ponds a day...a bargain eh....however there is a bit of downside to this as you have to drive around in this van emblazoned with some graffiti......and let me say here some of the vans are very very VERY unsavoury and NOT to where we are at......SEND OUT FOR A NICE ONE............we arrived and signed up for the 4 week plan and were ushered to our van...................................oh the divine intervention strikes again........we got BOB DYLAN...........TRUE.......He is caricatured on side and a wee verse of Candle in the wind on back.....how things work eh........BALANCE!
We headed of to where we liked...a wee paper map, windy wee roads, huge mountains and some of the most powerful scenery and energy's to match.
The first stop was, Rakier gorge, A MASSIVE wide plain with lovely mountains in the distance.....we decided to hack forth and find some serious mountain climbs and a good spot to set up for few days. We totally by chance..(not) came across Shacklin Falls and Mount Somer walks, set up camp in wee secluded car stop area and cooked some wonderful eats. Bed by 8 and rose at 6....kwoffe, toast and some left over supper, then headed off on the 10 hour walk...come assault of mount Somer. The walk twisted and winded through gorgeous poplar and Larch trees, the birds were singing to us through the first stage. Once we came out from the trees we were faced with THE MOUNT! There was a path so far which had sporadic posts to mark the track then, the Sherpa in us kicked in..........climb, scramble and stomp up that Mountain man.
We met a few serious climbers on route, fully laden with all the stuff you need to basically climb any mountain, however we had wee sack and few Bananas and bottle of water........we scrambled on slowly. Finally on arrival at the top we were not deterred at all by ..1 being pretty sore. 2 out of puff . and 3 well sweaty, as the View was TOTALLY AWESOME......REALLY REALLY OUT THERE...Thank you again.!
We sat there for a while and gave thanks and our love to what we ALL have and share......!
The next day we drove to Lake Tekapo. Amanda managed to get a cold shower. We climbed Mount John where there were observatories at the top, and fantastic views of the sky. It is the main place for star-gazing in New Zealand. That night we had the most amazing views of stars- milky way, galaxies, black hole and the Southern Cross... Orion was upside down- a bit strange. We lit a fire on the beach, Sean was playing his didge, and some women came along to join the party, very excited. Unfortunately a ranger man came along and told us that there was a total fire ban on that part of the beach and we couldn't camp overnight there either. However, all turned out well. He directed us to a perfect secluded spot next to the lake on the other side. Next morning met Carl from Leicester who's been travelling a while. Sat and shared knowledge and gave and received teachings. After several cups of tea/coffee, said our farewells and safe travels. Wonderful.
We then moved on to the Mount COOK, area. The Largest Mountain at over 10 000 feet in Australasia etc.....NO we were not gonna attempt this one......smiles. We arrived after a pretty long drive, to the end of the road and the foothills of Mount cook. Impressive, huge, and constantly covered in Ice. as the area there is basically all Glacier. We inquired as to free camping areas etc but nothing in that region so we decided to head of do a long walk and find somewhere that we can set up over the next night etc, have a Fire and just do what we do...what we all do!
There was a walk we were told about not far from mount cook which was not to long which took in a few wonderful Blue lakes and a Glacier. We headed of Doon a dirt track, Amanda, Self, and BOB........came to the end of the road for Bob and jumped out. Off a trekking we go. The walk was short and not to Taxing on our sare leggies, however the again, the scenery was MIND BLOWING.......The lakes were not so blue as we had imagined, (let me say that you NEVER have seen Blue lakes like the ones here) however the Glacier ..WAS STUNNING! Slowly melting at a rate of 0.5% a year...you think that not a lot eh......the ice is 600metres thick and it is 50km long SO THAT A LOT OF WATER.......the place was looked like a quarry, with all the spoil (Moraine) Created by the receding Glacier.....very Eerie and Very Grey, Majestic Mountains and the wind Talked all day ....... There were Stones there that were the size of Trucks and the power they had.........buzzzzzzzzzzzz!
The 3 of us Head of to find a pitch for the night and drove about 2 hours before we came across a great secluded spot, in trees and by a river........made our Dinner and self jumped in to the river for a long over due bathe......temp around 2 degs.....brrrrr........made Fire, sat connected again with you all, and we played our music for all. Awoke at 6 am, Breakfast and of we headed to WANNAKA....WHERE we are now...and today we gonna head of for another glorious Climb...AND SEND OUR LOVE TO YOU ALLLLLLLLLL! WE LOVE YOU...........ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS.......!
Sean Amanda and BOB. XXX
Namaste xxx . May Today be your day for this day is YOUR day.....every day!
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Friday, 18 April 2008
BUSKING AND HEALING.
Hi to all, in two days time Amanda arrives in Christchurch, its going to be wonderful to see her, catch up with all the news and stories from home etc. Gonna be a little strange i think for the first few minutes, however all will be great and we shall carry on the travels and blog. Amanda is bringing her PSALTERY a 20 odd stringed instrument which i think originated in Israel...or Egypt..? It has a lovely Melodic sound quite like a Harp in a way, soft and Gentle, which goes rather well with the Didge too. Also i am made to believe that she is taking with her a CD we recorded before self left Scotland, with David Black Eagle Bear (pazz), thanks Dave for your wonderful work Bro. The CD consists of Meditational and Journeying ultimo UBER relaxing MOOZAK...Geetar Didge Drumming Psaltery all Mixed and done in a that will take you to THERE AND BEYOND......SO YOU WILL BUY ONE! thank you.....smiles. We hope to sell the CD when we on travels etc to fund our trip etc. Hopefully sell in shops back home tooooo! I aint heard it all however what i had heard prior to leaving ..WAS TRULY MAGNIFFICENT .... SO SO different and SO SO for YOU in Todays SO SO Environment...MAKE your Environment....... A Forest in Autumn, A stream in Spring, The Hills in Winter with the yellow sun setting, the sky at night when there is no light pollution.......the calling.
.
Thank you again Dave, Love you Bro , hope all is good with the band and you be gettin ready for prague soon eh...have a beer on me bro and send it out BIG STYLE, love to the rest eh, Girls, brendan the skirl and Gavin xxxxxx
So yeh, all is good in the hood. As every day goes by, sending out to you all my love and thoughts. Love You Love me and let us BE...!
KEEP UP THE GREAT STUFF.....!
JUST........BE!
.
Thank you again Dave, Love you Bro , hope all is good with the band and you be gettin ready for prague soon eh...have a beer on me bro and send it out BIG STYLE, love to the rest eh, Girls, brendan the skirl and Gavin xxxxxx
So yeh, all is good in the hood. As every day goes by, sending out to you all my love and thoughts. Love You Love me and let us BE...!
KEEP UP THE GREAT STUFF.....!
JUST........BE!
BE! Sit by river, Ducks go by.
BE! Sleep in bed, night, you fly.
BE! Day breaks, Rise, you awake.
BE! Start the day, future, Make.
BE! Step into life, open your eyes.
BE! Look up, see, Vanilla skies.
BE! Walk with beauty, Heart, true.
BE! Always, Wonderwall, Always You.
PIGGLY WIGGLY.
Oh Piggly Wiggly
Tail so Squiggly
Oh Piggly Wiggly
nose so long
Oh Piggly Wiggly
You so Pong
Oh Piggly Wiggly
Grunt and Snork
Oh Piggly Wiggly
give me some Poek
Oh Piggly Wiggly
Bacon so Yum
Oh Piggly Wiggly
You are in my Tum.
OINK..
...for Sonny and Marley..xxx
BREATHE
Close your eyes and find YOUR space.
Spirit voice, take you to another space
Open thine eyes for you can see
This world with two, the real with three
Listen to each and every sound
The trees that grow, heart beat of ground
Touch the present, gentle and real
Every second the future, vibration you feel
Shimmering around you oh glorious, devine
This is your time, for you shall shine
When the gray envelopes you, you know not right
Find the balance, man woman , black and white
Take that breath, and shall focus in between
The drum beat calls, the vibration, pure and clean
Set of on ones course of self and will
FIND THAT SPACE ...YOUR SPACE....CALM AND STILL.
BREATHE.
cd for sale. love you all ...... Amanda, David and self. xxxx.
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
HOW IS EVERY ONE? HUGS and MARE HUGS. XXX
ALL.
My parents, thank you for making me who i am,
My teachers, thank you showing me how to read
lifes plan.
My loved ones, thank you for making me happy and be,
My guides' thank you for guiding me.
My Children, thank you for making me whole,
Your happiness forever is my Goal.
My Sister, thank you for keeping me upright,
and to me bruv in law, keeping me up all night.
THANK YOU ALL, for whom i would not be
without, "I LOVE YOU ALL" from the Highest
hill top I ! SHOUT!
namaste....xxx Sean White Eagle.
MY CHILDREN.
"Feeling" the sound of their laughter,
their cry, there, next door to me, there
beside me, the Laughter, their smile,
their tears, their cry.
Lying beside me, drift of with those sounds,
in my heart, all those sounds, that paint pictures.
Hanging on my wall, small noise, small canvass,
big noise huge mural, the size is not important,
it is the detail, audible, visual, just the detail, every
brush stroke, every pencil line, every charcoal smudge.
Never any of these either been painted over, rubbed out,
re smudged, each one, the stroke, the line and the smudge
a master piece, priceless art, my art, by the makers of life
"my life", my children, the world is your Gallery. You are
MASTERPIECES.
for Jack and Boo Boo. XX
STINKY FEET.
Ooh my feet are honkin
they really do smell
Have walked hundreds
of miles, with the pong
you can tell.
I need some socks, to cover
the reek, affraid to tak aff me
beets, to hae a wee peek.
My beets are left ootside so they
get an airin, coz cannae tak them
in, the pong in no way am sharin.
The room wid be empty in a sec,
a wid loose me self esteem, and whits
mare, ma self respek.
But still, the pong, och theres worse
to be had, my undies and me vests
are twice as bad.
My parents, thank you for making me who i am,
My teachers, thank you showing me how to read
lifes plan.
My loved ones, thank you for making me happy and be,
My guides' thank you for guiding me.
My Children, thank you for making me whole,
Your happiness forever is my Goal.
My Sister, thank you for keeping me upright,
and to me bruv in law, keeping me up all night.
THANK YOU ALL, for whom i would not be
without, "I LOVE YOU ALL" from the Highest
hill top I ! SHOUT!
namaste....xxx Sean White Eagle.
MY CHILDREN.
"Feeling" the sound of their laughter,
their cry, there, next door to me, there
beside me, the Laughter, their smile,
their tears, their cry.
Lying beside me, drift of with those sounds,
in my heart, all those sounds, that paint pictures.
Hanging on my wall, small noise, small canvass,
big noise huge mural, the size is not important,
it is the detail, audible, visual, just the detail, every
brush stroke, every pencil line, every charcoal smudge.
Never any of these either been painted over, rubbed out,
re smudged, each one, the stroke, the line and the smudge
a master piece, priceless art, my art, by the makers of life
"my life", my children, the world is your Gallery. You are
MASTERPIECES.
for Jack and Boo Boo. XX
STINKY FEET.
Ooh my feet are honkin
they really do smell
Have walked hundreds
of miles, with the pong
you can tell.
I need some socks, to cover
the reek, affraid to tak aff me
beets, to hae a wee peek.
My beets are left ootside so they
get an airin, coz cannae tak them
in, the pong in no way am sharin.
The room wid be empty in a sec,
a wid loose me self esteem, and whits
mare, ma self respek.
But still, the pong, och theres worse
to be had, my undies and me vests
are twice as bad.
Monday, 14 April 2008
Mountain
On mountain top, feel, with breeze,
refresh my soul, my being, engulf me
please.
Magnificent heights, wonderous views,
Mother nature in glory ensues.
Catch my breath, in glory and in peace
all discord, harmoniuos love release.
Our land our lives are all as one,
togther we share, look ,listen, let us
live, have fun.
Acceptance in our hearts, our thinker awakens,
glorious beings, spirit has taken.
Reminice and let it flow, for like the breath,
the air, the breeze, we float and we go.
Taken each day on that mountain high,
for you are my all and all, soft breeze,
a gentle glorious sigh.
To breathe in and feel between the breath, a world
that is unique, living in between, that utopia
we seek.
That world is in every one, perfect, sublime, climb
your mountain, breathe, it is now your time.
SPIRAL
Maze of life, pathway and quest,loosely we walk
giving,marching forth or stop to rest.
Endless treck, with voices that give, relentless
amazement, that we all have to give.
We march on, we imagine our fate, for we are
walking the spiral, the road IS straight.
There maybe a point where you think it may bend
for at this point, THOUGHT, with pure intent send.
IT will come back what has been your past, so make it
work, make amends, your Straight spiral, your future
shall last.
With new beginnings, and new happenings which shall
come to you, you are on that spiral with a life thats NEW.
TREE.
Stretch out my arms, fingers, point as they reach out.
Contort, Body, twists and turns, looking for the light,
listening to the elders around me, listening, listening.
Stretch out my arms and wave, let my fingers feel
the energy that engulfs my body, my skin my pith.
Stretch out, my feet, solidity, grounded, my toes go
beyond the realms of the light, into the darkness,
soul-less underfoot, but strength, giving me my life
force. I am rested i am ALive......hear my vibration
feel my energy.......i am rested i am ALIVE.
refresh my soul, my being, engulf me
please.
Magnificent heights, wonderous views,
Mother nature in glory ensues.
Catch my breath, in glory and in peace
all discord, harmoniuos love release.
Our land our lives are all as one,
togther we share, look ,listen, let us
live, have fun.
Acceptance in our hearts, our thinker awakens,
glorious beings, spirit has taken.
Reminice and let it flow, for like the breath,
the air, the breeze, we float and we go.
Taken each day on that mountain high,
for you are my all and all, soft breeze,
a gentle glorious sigh.
To breathe in and feel between the breath, a world
that is unique, living in between, that utopia
we seek.
That world is in every one, perfect, sublime, climb
your mountain, breathe, it is now your time.
SPIRAL
Maze of life, pathway and quest,loosely we walk
giving,marching forth or stop to rest.
Endless treck, with voices that give, relentless
amazement, that we all have to give.
We march on, we imagine our fate, for we are
walking the spiral, the road IS straight.
There maybe a point where you think it may bend
for at this point, THOUGHT, with pure intent send.
IT will come back what has been your past, so make it
work, make amends, your Straight spiral, your future
shall last.
With new beginnings, and new happenings which shall
come to you, you are on that spiral with a life thats NEW.
TREE.
Stretch out my arms, fingers, point as they reach out.
Contort, Body, twists and turns, looking for the light,
listening to the elders around me, listening, listening.
Stretch out my arms and wave, let my fingers feel
the energy that engulfs my body, my skin my pith.
Stretch out, my feet, solidity, grounded, my toes go
beyond the realms of the light, into the darkness,
soul-less underfoot, but strength, giving me my life
force. I am rested i am ALive......hear my vibration
feel my energy.......i am rested i am ALIVE.
Saturday, 12 April 2008
On the road up north.
Hi everyone, how are you all keeping? Well i have finally managed to get on to a pc and hopefully will manage to write all what i have been up to without loosing it all, albeit twice, as thats what happened several days ago, much to my despair, however i have walked about 50 miles since then thro some of the most amazing country side i have ever experienced, so hopefully my brief description of what where and when etc will do it all justice....and thank you all for taking time out to read it and connect...namaste xxx
From Wekllington to Taupo.
The way way up North is what i would call a journey of many teachings, and some what some of the most low, laid back and relaxing vibrations i have ever encountered on my travels so far. It started with a bus Jpurney from the busle of wellington in the North island up to Lake Taupo and teh Village of the same name Taupo (pronounced "toe paw" The Journey in itself was around 4 hours and went thro country side which i can only describe as, "Inverurie to the Lakes", and hardly a house to be had. We went thro rolling hills, which are wonderfull and green sporadically dotted with sheep and hererford cows all grazing and taking it easy, the road meandered thro Tropical rainforest areas wit majestic giant ferns which i can only describe as "prehistoric" to areas of Gorse which i was imfomed, brought in by a Scotsman to be used as walls etc for his land and keep in his sheep , however now has basicallt taken over much of the country side and make it look like "Just doon the road" and like YELLOWS ON THE BROOM . On Arrival at Taupo, i was absolutely, taken aback at the size of the Lake which was once a the top of a Volcanno many 100s of thousands of years ago, In scale think of Loch Lomond and times it by 2 or maybe 3 in a good day. The town itself was quite small and with a population of maybe 5k or so, it had a lovely wee natural harbour and some very nice wee traditional shops etc selling Maori art and Goodies. The following evening my friend lynne...A wonderfull photographer from Birmingham whom has made a great travel commpanion for a few days, and i decided to go to a Traditional Maori cultural show which included a HANGI...(food cooked in the ground etc) and displays of the real Macoy...Maori style.
It was fantastic, we were greeted by this huge 6ft 6" and same in breadth young guy whom he called himself MR T as he did pronounce his name but for us..pretty much unpronounceable, albeit it woulkd take a few weeks learning the dialect etc. He had with him what i would call a "Talking stick", which to some of you you understand but for those whom do not a "staff". He picked one of the travelers by means of the staff to be the tribal leader of our group....it was an elderly gentleman from Indiana U S A. We were all taught the ways and customs and the dos and do nots of the Maori way etc all prior to enetering the Village.
We all stood at the front Gate and were greeted by the Chief and his entourage....they went thro their ritual on greeting us, this was done by the way of one of the entourage throwing down a leaf...or can be a feather etc at our chiefs feet and gowing thro various moves accompanied by movements and voice. Our chieff HAS TO pick it up and look the chieff directly in the eye.....if this is not done...all hell would break loose, and yes with me and the rest scarpering of into the sunset.....laffing. We were then taken thro the village, areas which included hot Natural pools with a silicate deposit that turns the water the bluest of blue and gives your skin the complection of a babys bahooky....used by the locals on a daily basis and shows too. Then we were given displays of tattooing and how it was done......by means of a bone chisel hit into the skin then the gum and soot of a tree rubbed into the cut dressed after with poltice...think of a normal tattoo and times the pain x 50......however they NEVER at any time thought of the pain, as it was part of their Life and in the making of your self and culture. Women had it done on their chins and lips...which i found pretty attractive, the men, on their thighs and bum as to give them stealth, speed and agility. The Chiefs, on Their faces to show the where and what clan they belonged to etc , all passed down in the anals of time.
After the tour etc, which also include displays of games they played , weaving and Carving etc we were guided to the Hangi. WOW... Pork Chook and Lamb with all the Vegetables and Traditional stuffing, and what a flavour it had, Tender as anything and a a unique smoky flavour. It is Maori custom to have second and or third helpings, yes i went all out as i fasted all day....for desert there was a traditional Custard with some sort of steamed poooooding....again tradition says have a few helpings.....i am loving the Maori ways......smiles.
Taupo to Touranga.
The next day Lynne and i jumped on a bus to Touranga and the Bay of Plenty.
The journey went thro a lot of Flat land, much farming in the area which included livestock and Fruit farming, included the famous KIWI fruit and FEEJOS a kind of kiwi fruit but has the texture if a Melon and taistes like Bazooka joe Bubble gum...delicous.
on arrival at Taupo i was not really that impressed as again gone thro some of the most wonderful country side, only to be met with a Hive of activity and a LOT of industrial happenings..i.e major concrete works and some of teh biggest paper and fibre board maunufacturing companys probably in the southern hemisphere. However the town itself was lovely and clean and reminded me on a bit like a Majorcan sea front resort. However not totally to be disapointed as there was a mount about 7kms away by the name of MountMaunganui AND a Loch that had a Nature reserve and walk thro the reserve. The climb to the top of the Mount was pretty much like our own Bennachie some really steep climbs and meandiring walkways aeound the hill.....on arrival at teh top......the view was spectacular.....probably one of the best i have seen to date. There was guys in their paragliding chutes gently and silently meandering thrio the air, picking up what they can thro the ethereal, this lended a feeling of total bliss, silence still prevailed and sat down in Awe again of what WE ALL have on this Wonderfull Earth. Truly Beautiful.
The next day Lynne headed of early in morning to her brothers and i was once again alone. So i decided to do the walk along the Loch and its SPLENDOUR. The walk itself was about 10kms, which took in natural marsh land, birdlife, equatic life and Natural bush etc. It was a lovely day, and teh walk initself was one of an easy take your time one and feel and connect with you all. And thats exactly what self did....a wanderin i went thro the marsh and bush singin smiling and feeling apart of you in total harmony with this land.....a bit like the ZIPIDY DO DA.It was wonderful. That night i sat and a few teas and decided that it was time to move on.
Touranga to Paihia.
I phoned teh bus company at 7 30am as to find out what time the bus left to get me up to Paihia and the Bay of Islands......to be told in 20mins....book me on it i said , so a hastily quick pack up, run up the road and catch that bus...i did with 1 min to spare.
The journey took an exhausting 7 hrs in total. Traveling thro much the same as before until about 20kms from the Bay of islands. A Climb up over the mountains, pretty treacherous roads and sheer drops then fast decline, and into the Bay of islands.......stunning views as we came in to Paihia. A wee wee one street town with the sea just infront. Just along the road was where the treaty was signed in 1840, which entailed an agreement and settlement between the British crown and the Maoris. I arrived pretty late so got checked into a Backpackers, had tea and of to sleep as the moro was going to go for a mega walk. Got up at 6 30, quick coffee and of i went....along the shore line to the Treaty house and Museum....So So well done, there was a museum which gave all the details of the treaty, around 300 Maori chiefs signed the treaty albeit wit their own monogram or an X etc, there was photos which were taken on the centenial 1940, which gaave you the scale and full feeling of what it must have been like.....Shows of power and Heritage from the Maoris, Canoes the would man up to over 100 men, carved out of one tree. Featherd Robes for all women and Men, each one holding and decorated with 1000s of feathers, Carvings and Totems that are as big and as ornate that i have ever seen, and so so powerful. Whilst the British were......well.....all manners and refinery. It must have been a spectacle for sure. There was a walk thro the whole area, on was thro a an ancient forest and natural habitat of the Kiwi bird, however i never sen one, But the Giant ferns and trees were outsatnding, again Nature at her best.
after that i decided to go for the Mega walk to some Falls i heard about, of i strolled. 10KMS LATER and thro the thickest of tropical rainforest, the falls appeared, not overly huge but nevertheless still all worth the walk. After sittin and taking the falls in, i decided to head back to Paihia albeit by means of some other route, i walked and walked over hills thro valleys, finally arriving 3 hrs later back here to write this.........at peace here and and AND. LOVE YOU ALL...flown extremely high today......sending you all my thanks and grattitude.
Until the next one you all take care and keep that focus...xxx LIFE IS so so wonderful. xxxx
From Wekllington to Taupo.
The way way up North is what i would call a journey of many teachings, and some what some of the most low, laid back and relaxing vibrations i have ever encountered on my travels so far. It started with a bus Jpurney from the busle of wellington in the North island up to Lake Taupo and teh Village of the same name Taupo (pronounced "toe paw" The Journey in itself was around 4 hours and went thro country side which i can only describe as, "Inverurie to the Lakes", and hardly a house to be had. We went thro rolling hills, which are wonderfull and green sporadically dotted with sheep and hererford cows all grazing and taking it easy, the road meandered thro Tropical rainforest areas wit majestic giant ferns which i can only describe as "prehistoric" to areas of Gorse which i was imfomed, brought in by a Scotsman to be used as walls etc for his land and keep in his sheep , however now has basicallt taken over much of the country side and make it look like "Just doon the road" and like YELLOWS ON THE BROOM . On Arrival at Taupo, i was absolutely, taken aback at the size of the Lake which was once a the top of a Volcanno many 100s of thousands of years ago, In scale think of Loch Lomond and times it by 2 or maybe 3 in a good day. The town itself was quite small and with a population of maybe 5k or so, it had a lovely wee natural harbour and some very nice wee traditional shops etc selling Maori art and Goodies. The following evening my friend lynne...A wonderfull photographer from Birmingham whom has made a great travel commpanion for a few days, and i decided to go to a Traditional Maori cultural show which included a HANGI...(food cooked in the ground etc) and displays of the real Macoy...Maori style.
It was fantastic, we were greeted by this huge 6ft 6" and same in breadth young guy whom he called himself MR T as he did pronounce his name but for us..pretty much unpronounceable, albeit it woulkd take a few weeks learning the dialect etc. He had with him what i would call a "Talking stick", which to some of you you understand but for those whom do not a "staff". He picked one of the travelers by means of the staff to be the tribal leader of our group....it was an elderly gentleman from Indiana U S A. We were all taught the ways and customs and the dos and do nots of the Maori way etc all prior to enetering the Village.
We all stood at the front Gate and were greeted by the Chief and his entourage....they went thro their ritual on greeting us, this was done by the way of one of the entourage throwing down a leaf...or can be a feather etc at our chiefs feet and gowing thro various moves accompanied by movements and voice. Our chieff HAS TO pick it up and look the chieff directly in the eye.....if this is not done...all hell would break loose, and yes with me and the rest scarpering of into the sunset.....laffing. We were then taken thro the village, areas which included hot Natural pools with a silicate deposit that turns the water the bluest of blue and gives your skin the complection of a babys bahooky....used by the locals on a daily basis and shows too. Then we were given displays of tattooing and how it was done......by means of a bone chisel hit into the skin then the gum and soot of a tree rubbed into the cut dressed after with poltice...think of a normal tattoo and times the pain x 50......however they NEVER at any time thought of the pain, as it was part of their Life and in the making of your self and culture. Women had it done on their chins and lips...which i found pretty attractive, the men, on their thighs and bum as to give them stealth, speed and agility. The Chiefs, on Their faces to show the where and what clan they belonged to etc , all passed down in the anals of time.
After the tour etc, which also include displays of games they played , weaving and Carving etc we were guided to the Hangi. WOW... Pork Chook and Lamb with all the Vegetables and Traditional stuffing, and what a flavour it had, Tender as anything and a a unique smoky flavour. It is Maori custom to have second and or third helpings, yes i went all out as i fasted all day....for desert there was a traditional Custard with some sort of steamed poooooding....again tradition says have a few helpings.....i am loving the Maori ways......smiles.
Taupo to Touranga.
The next day Lynne and i jumped on a bus to Touranga and the Bay of Plenty.
The journey went thro a lot of Flat land, much farming in the area which included livestock and Fruit farming, included the famous KIWI fruit and FEEJOS a kind of kiwi fruit but has the texture if a Melon and taistes like Bazooka joe Bubble gum...delicous.
on arrival at Taupo i was not really that impressed as again gone thro some of the most wonderful country side, only to be met with a Hive of activity and a LOT of industrial happenings..i.e major concrete works and some of teh biggest paper and fibre board maunufacturing companys probably in the southern hemisphere. However the town itself was lovely and clean and reminded me on a bit like a Majorcan sea front resort. However not totally to be disapointed as there was a mount about 7kms away by the name of MountMaunganui AND a Loch that had a Nature reserve and walk thro the reserve. The climb to the top of the Mount was pretty much like our own Bennachie some really steep climbs and meandiring walkways aeound the hill.....on arrival at teh top......the view was spectacular.....probably one of the best i have seen to date. There was guys in their paragliding chutes gently and silently meandering thrio the air, picking up what they can thro the ethereal, this lended a feeling of total bliss, silence still prevailed and sat down in Awe again of what WE ALL have on this Wonderfull Earth. Truly Beautiful.
The next day Lynne headed of early in morning to her brothers and i was once again alone. So i decided to do the walk along the Loch and its SPLENDOUR. The walk itself was about 10kms, which took in natural marsh land, birdlife, equatic life and Natural bush etc. It was a lovely day, and teh walk initself was one of an easy take your time one and feel and connect with you all. And thats exactly what self did....a wanderin i went thro the marsh and bush singin smiling and feeling apart of you in total harmony with this land.....a bit like the ZIPIDY DO DA.It was wonderful. That night i sat and a few teas and decided that it was time to move on.
Touranga to Paihia.
I phoned teh bus company at 7 30am as to find out what time the bus left to get me up to Paihia and the Bay of Islands......to be told in 20mins....book me on it i said , so a hastily quick pack up, run up the road and catch that bus...i did with 1 min to spare.
The journey took an exhausting 7 hrs in total. Traveling thro much the same as before until about 20kms from the Bay of islands. A Climb up over the mountains, pretty treacherous roads and sheer drops then fast decline, and into the Bay of islands.......stunning views as we came in to Paihia. A wee wee one street town with the sea just infront. Just along the road was where the treaty was signed in 1840, which entailed an agreement and settlement between the British crown and the Maoris. I arrived pretty late so got checked into a Backpackers, had tea and of to sleep as the moro was going to go for a mega walk. Got up at 6 30, quick coffee and of i went....along the shore line to the Treaty house and Museum....So So well done, there was a museum which gave all the details of the treaty, around 300 Maori chiefs signed the treaty albeit wit their own monogram or an X etc, there was photos which were taken on the centenial 1940, which gaave you the scale and full feeling of what it must have been like.....Shows of power and Heritage from the Maoris, Canoes the would man up to over 100 men, carved out of one tree. Featherd Robes for all women and Men, each one holding and decorated with 1000s of feathers, Carvings and Totems that are as big and as ornate that i have ever seen, and so so powerful. Whilst the British were......well.....all manners and refinery. It must have been a spectacle for sure. There was a walk thro the whole area, on was thro a an ancient forest and natural habitat of the Kiwi bird, however i never sen one, But the Giant ferns and trees were outsatnding, again Nature at her best.
after that i decided to go for the Mega walk to some Falls i heard about, of i strolled. 10KMS LATER and thro the thickest of tropical rainforest, the falls appeared, not overly huge but nevertheless still all worth the walk. After sittin and taking the falls in, i decided to head back to Paihia albeit by means of some other route, i walked and walked over hills thro valleys, finally arriving 3 hrs later back here to write this.........at peace here and and AND. LOVE YOU ALL...flown extremely high today......sending you all my thanks and grattitude.
Until the next one you all take care and keep that focus...xxx LIFE IS so so wonderful. xxxx
Friday, 4 April 2008
NEW ZEALAND.,,NEW CULTURE.
Hi every one...i hope you are all well, keeping it real, and having good times? I have heard spring is in the air back home? wonderfull! the flowers popping up, beauty and warmth abounds eh.
Well firstly let me tell you, that i missed my flight from Perth to Sydney and the connection on to Christchurch N Z....DUH i know...my itinery said the 30th of March at 0015 ... so ... bilder bob me thought that was as read .. and i get to airport and check in ... "sorry sir not on this flight that was yesterday " the woman said ... WHAT??? HELP!!!! Luckily i there were seats available on the same flight time and also the connecting one however a day late and to the princly sum of 50 bucks to change them ... QANTAS THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!
Finnaly arrived at Christchurch after a great flight and to a climate not unlike ours, a bit if respite from the heat...mmmh no warm clothes in my pack apart from me leather troosers and a cmouflage cagoul .... goad its cold here and its about 23 degs topping to a 27 in the heat of the day, starnge how you become aclimatised and forget, but its lovely and my heart drifts back home to you all once more , connecting with you all.
Christchurch is lovely, a mix of neo deco buildings with some lovely architecture which is more in the British style rather than what self would say MULTI Cultural , its like walking around Glasgow or Manchester i guess but with a twist.
I booked into the Y H A, which was lovely and clean and the staff so so friendly and pleasant.
I met up the first evening with some great people, and 1 in particular TOM an AUSTRIAN SURFER???? SURF IN AUSTRIA?? Tom is like is the Archtypal surf dude, speaks in this Austrian accented surf tongue which is a hoot...every one is dude and far out, fantastic guy.
The next day i decided to do some busking in the square. The sun popped out at arround 12 and off i headed.
Got set up and started to play. I had no idea what or how etc the energies and how the people would take to it as there is the New Zealand ... Australia thing that goes on here much like the Scots and English didvide espec when sport is involved ? ? Therefore i was a bit reserved to start with. It was about after half hour or so playing a woman came up to me and said that she really enjoyed it and asked where self was from etc and the why self plays the didge etc etc so we both had a real lovely talk and hug and she popped 10 bucks in my hat .. thank you again. That day went really well i made about 70 bucks so went out for a lovelyt dinner, to this place called "cheap but yummy" A japanese run sort of fast food sit down restaraunt where all the menu and thats from Squid to Pork et is 10 bucks, with as much salad, miso soup and rice as you want, just help yourself to it....i had pork cutlets in a curry sauce which was "CHEAP AND YUMMMMMY" oh and about 4 bowls of miso and rice .
The next day i busked again, and met another older woman called Jacqueline. She was in her mid seventies and we talked and talked. Jacqueline came from a very very wealthy background a familly here called the Beaumonts, which were and still are very revered in the art world here and have their art collections in a gallery in far south of the south island...however she had a very sad story to tell, about how her daughter was trying to get her commited and basically sell off whats left of the famiily heritage etc...BAD DAUGHTER! However the wonderfull woman as far as i am aware has got ALL her facultys and is pretty fit for what will happen ... oh and she is friendly with the judge which helps.... smiles. A bit eccentric but what a beautifull energy she had ..... " play me off she said " hopefully we will meet up again when get back to Christchurch as she back home to India to stay in few weeks.
i PLAYED THE BEST I VER PLAYED that day so so POWERFULL STUFF and some more money to boot .. wooooo hoooooo!
I checked out of the Y H A and moved up to the North island where my cousin is. We have not met for over 10 years or so ? Karen has 2 boys Rory and Harry, Rory 15 and Harry 10, well... Rory is spitting image of self and Harry is the double of my son Jack ... strange but true ... they are great ... my heart goes home to my children once again.
Went out into town here in WQellington to visit Te Papa ... translatd our place ... a museum on such a scale and with a desighn that is so so out there, what a place, best Museum i have ever seen and had the pleasure on visiting... just wonderfull ... the interior, Architecturaly a master piece, and the exhibits etc, so well laid out and informative, about New Zealand and her culture etc ... what a cuture ...! wow.
I then proceeded to go to the city art gallery ... not going to bore you .. however went into there and witnessed the MOST POWERFULL, VISUAL PIECE OF ART .. EVER EVER SAW !!!! Entitled "LAST RIOT" 3 huge flat screens similiar to an i max.. one in middle and one either side.
Made by 3 Russian people whom go by the name of AES+F, about 14 mins long and with the POWER and ENERGY to make your heart call out and your solar plexes to fill with BUTTERFLYS.....THATS ALL I CAN SAY.....LOOK UP ON PC AND SEE IF IT IS NEAR YOU AT ANY TIME ... i am still totally in AWE .... truly truly out there!
Tonight my cousin Karen is taking me to a Rugby match..i thnk the all blacks against Durban, at the "cake tin" rugby ground here in Weliington then off to a "scottish"themed party...hope i get in ?? laughing.
I may not manage to get on to update as much i am heading of on monday on me travels....small pack and hopefully a new jumper from the op shop. Its raining today.
Sending out all my love to you all with all my heart .... sending out my healing energy and vibration when sleep rest and play ... ALWAYS. Namaste xxxx
Keep the focus and keep it all good in your hood!
oh ... my cousin has just came in with some ABEDEEN ROWIES AND IRN BRU ..... AHHHH HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS ! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Well firstly let me tell you, that i missed my flight from Perth to Sydney and the connection on to Christchurch N Z....DUH i know...my itinery said the 30th of March at 0015 ... so ... bilder bob me thought that was as read .. and i get to airport and check in ... "sorry sir not on this flight that was yesterday " the woman said ... WHAT??? HELP!!!! Luckily i there were seats available on the same flight time and also the connecting one however a day late and to the princly sum of 50 bucks to change them ... QANTAS THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!
Finnaly arrived at Christchurch after a great flight and to a climate not unlike ours, a bit if respite from the heat...mmmh no warm clothes in my pack apart from me leather troosers and a cmouflage cagoul .... goad its cold here and its about 23 degs topping to a 27 in the heat of the day, starnge how you become aclimatised and forget, but its lovely and my heart drifts back home to you all once more , connecting with you all.
Christchurch is lovely, a mix of neo deco buildings with some lovely architecture which is more in the British style rather than what self would say MULTI Cultural , its like walking around Glasgow or Manchester i guess but with a twist.
I booked into the Y H A, which was lovely and clean and the staff so so friendly and pleasant.
I met up the first evening with some great people, and 1 in particular TOM an AUSTRIAN SURFER???? SURF IN AUSTRIA?? Tom is like is the Archtypal surf dude, speaks in this Austrian accented surf tongue which is a hoot...every one is dude and far out, fantastic guy.
The next day i decided to do some busking in the square. The sun popped out at arround 12 and off i headed.
Got set up and started to play. I had no idea what or how etc the energies and how the people would take to it as there is the New Zealand ... Australia thing that goes on here much like the Scots and English didvide espec when sport is involved ? ? Therefore i was a bit reserved to start with. It was about after half hour or so playing a woman came up to me and said that she really enjoyed it and asked where self was from etc and the why self plays the didge etc etc so we both had a real lovely talk and hug and she popped 10 bucks in my hat .. thank you again. That day went really well i made about 70 bucks so went out for a lovelyt dinner, to this place called "cheap but yummy" A japanese run sort of fast food sit down restaraunt where all the menu and thats from Squid to Pork et is 10 bucks, with as much salad, miso soup and rice as you want, just help yourself to it....i had pork cutlets in a curry sauce which was "CHEAP AND YUMMMMMY" oh and about 4 bowls of miso and rice .
The next day i busked again, and met another older woman called Jacqueline. She was in her mid seventies and we talked and talked. Jacqueline came from a very very wealthy background a familly here called the Beaumonts, which were and still are very revered in the art world here and have their art collections in a gallery in far south of the south island...however she had a very sad story to tell, about how her daughter was trying to get her commited and basically sell off whats left of the famiily heritage etc...BAD DAUGHTER! However the wonderfull woman as far as i am aware has got ALL her facultys and is pretty fit for what will happen ... oh and she is friendly with the judge which helps.... smiles. A bit eccentric but what a beautifull energy she had ..... " play me off she said " hopefully we will meet up again when get back to Christchurch as she back home to India to stay in few weeks.
i PLAYED THE BEST I VER PLAYED that day so so POWERFULL STUFF and some more money to boot .. wooooo hoooooo!
I checked out of the Y H A and moved up to the North island where my cousin is. We have not met for over 10 years or so ? Karen has 2 boys Rory and Harry, Rory 15 and Harry 10, well... Rory is spitting image of self and Harry is the double of my son Jack ... strange but true ... they are great ... my heart goes home to my children once again.
Went out into town here in WQellington to visit Te Papa ... translatd our place ... a museum on such a scale and with a desighn that is so so out there, what a place, best Museum i have ever seen and had the pleasure on visiting... just wonderfull ... the interior, Architecturaly a master piece, and the exhibits etc, so well laid out and informative, about New Zealand and her culture etc ... what a cuture ...! wow.
I then proceeded to go to the city art gallery ... not going to bore you .. however went into there and witnessed the MOST POWERFULL, VISUAL PIECE OF ART .. EVER EVER SAW !!!! Entitled "LAST RIOT" 3 huge flat screens similiar to an i max.. one in middle and one either side.
Made by 3 Russian people whom go by the name of AES+F, about 14 mins long and with the POWER and ENERGY to make your heart call out and your solar plexes to fill with BUTTERFLYS.....THATS ALL I CAN SAY.....LOOK UP ON PC AND SEE IF IT IS NEAR YOU AT ANY TIME ... i am still totally in AWE .... truly truly out there!
Tonight my cousin Karen is taking me to a Rugby match..i thnk the all blacks against Durban, at the "cake tin" rugby ground here in Weliington then off to a "scottish"themed party...hope i get in ?? laughing.
I may not manage to get on to update as much i am heading of on monday on me travels....small pack and hopefully a new jumper from the op shop. Its raining today.
Sending out all my love to you all with all my heart .... sending out my healing energy and vibration when sleep rest and play ... ALWAYS. Namaste xxxx
Keep the focus and keep it all good in your hood!
oh ... my cousin has just came in with some ABEDEEN ROWIES AND IRN BRU ..... AHHHH HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS ! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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