Wow!

Thursday, 29 July, 2004 by Donna V. Whitmore

This was a cold day, but it soon filled with its own warmth and brightness at another Maori Marae, where, after the formalities described on other Marae visits, we were treated to the most fantastic meal! This time it was a feast with the foods cooked in a pit - there were chicken, beef, pork a hog's head, wonderful dressing, potatoes, yams, all sorts of salads, rolls and many desserts. We watched the Maori men place the food in the pit, went inside the Marae for speeches, entertainment and educational demonstrations, and then returned to the outdoor pit to watch as the food was uncovered and prepared for the table.

We visited with all the Maoris, danced with them, took tons of pictures and watched in awe the most wonderful demonstration of their traditional dances and crafts!

Word for the day: WOW!!