Driving in the van Jer and I were giggling like little school girls unable to hold in the excitement for what lay ahead. Today was the Maori(the indigenous people of New Zealand) Cultural Dinner (feast+entertainment)! It started out a little suspect; There was an old man doing a little karaoke and sax in the corner and we were sitting next to drunk Canadians. Our host gathered all of our attentions with a Keeeeeeeee-You! Into the microphone. He began by welcoming us into his village and onto his peoples land. Then he began welcoming us in all of our own languages. He knows how to say “Welcome, save room for the chocolate cake” in 60 languages, impressive. Our “tribe” that night had 12 nations represented and was only missing a leader (whom we had to appoint). Leave it to old Jer to rocket his hand in the air to volunteer for the post. After introductions were done we walked into the forest/village area behind the res truant. Off in the distance we saw actors dressed as Maori warriors paddling a war canoe down the river. Their chants became more intense as they started doing a version of their Haka (intimidation war dance, youtube for better picture). We followed them to their village which was up on a stage and had a room connecting with chairs so we could view. At first they pretended no to notice us but then one approached Jeremy (our brave chief) and offered him a peace offering. While he was doing this the warrior was showcasing his strength and skill with the spear, which meant jer was standing a few feet from a spear flying around his dome. Jer bent down and accepted the branch. Their chief welcomed us in his native tongue and then Jer gave a speech thanking them for accepting us and letting us view their culture. The performers showed us how they used their weapons. One was a club that literally meant “new face” because if it hit you, well… The other end was sharpened and was meant to scalp you when it made contact. They showed us their full Haka which was intense. They bulge their eyes and stick out their tongues to show how strong/crazy they are. The lyrics are “You see me/ I am the Man/ That is going to rip out your stomach/ And eat it.” Holey Moley. They also performed some cultural songs with instrements that kinda looked like numb-chucks (spelling) with balls on the end instead of wood. It was a percussion instrument and the players would let the ball hit them to make a sound. Four women played by swinging 2 balls apiece in unison. (That’s what she said?)
After the show it was time for grub. I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t more traditional, we pretty much had thanksgiving meal; turkey, lamb, stuffing, salads, gravy, bread rolls, chocolate log cake, etc… It was cooked in the traditional style though (hangi- which means it was cooked in the ground with rocks from the fire) and it was all you can eat. About 7 pounds of meat, 2 glasses of wine, 3 servings of cake, and a pair of stomach aches later we were done. After dinner we walked the forest and saw glowworms and eels that lived in their forest.
All and All a super awesome night of food, Jer being chief, having huge men say their going to eat my stomach, and drunk Canadians.
Take Care (Jer),
Much Love (Nick),
Over and Out (Jax),
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