Page 11 - Martin Downs Bulletin - January '22

Martin Downs, Page 11

travel

Rotorua: Heart Of The Māori located on the islands,
and serves a three-
Nation year apprenticeship,
after which they
By Don Kiselewski, MCC, return to their tribes
D.S., Palm Beach Gardens to educate others in
Travel Leaders their community. An
When the Polynesian active community
Māori (Mar-ee) landed in of Māori still lives
New Zealand some 800 years just outside the gates
ago, they were attracted of Whakarewarewa,
to the unique area on the following the same
northeastern part of the lifestyle they have practiced for centuries.
North Island. In exploring Mountainous terrain around Rotorua does not lend itself to the food will still be cooked using the thermal steam …
the area, they came upon agriculture, with the exceptions of the Chinese gooseberry, better and the song and native dancing unforgettable.
numerous lakes, the second known down under as kiwifruit. However, the terrain is perfect New Zealanders have a keen awareness of what is
of which was named Rotorua, or simply, “the second lake.” for grazing. Holstein and Jersey cows are the most popular for important in life. It’s an expression of respect for all living
Little did they know that this area would become one of the milk production, and New Zealand claims to be third in the creatures. They encourage you to do three things: Relax,
most popular tourist spots in New Zealand. Nine out of ten world in exporting dairy products. There is very little doubt that Enjoy and Toitu Te Whenua (leave the land undisturbed).
visitors to the country visit the area, and the local city has New Zealand has the best ice cream in the world … it’s easy to This attitude has been amply expressed in their position
grown as a result. get hooked and almost all residents are addicted. regarding French nuclear testing in the area.
The North island of New Zealand is located on the Some 14 varieties of sheep are grown in the country, Today’s sights and attractions of New Zealand are
“Ring of Fire” that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. This string with Merinos being the most popular. In the last several reminiscent of those of our own national parks some 40
of volcanoes that tear through the Earth’s crust, forming decades, the economics of raising sheep have caused years ago, when they were in a more natural state, and
the circle, is perhaps most appreciated in the area around many of the sheep herds to be replaced with red deer. before they were overrun by the population. Now is the
Rotorua. Lake Rotorua has filled the crater of a volcano, and New Zealanders have found that deer consume less food time to visit these beautiful islands, before too many people
all roads go up to the edge of the crater that surrounds the in grazing and are more profitable at the market, both get in the way of your photographs. Rotorua and all of
community. The water in the center of the lake is heated by for meat and for antlers. Currently, New Zealand is the New Zealand is waiting to show you its magnificent, warm
the thermal activity. The network of past geological activities largest exporter of venison to Europe. hospitality.
can be enjoyed through the Waimangu Volcanic Valley with Special farm shows – such as the Agrodome and Long Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences,
a climb, by foot or four-wheeler, to Mount Tarawera, the Ridge Farm – educate visitors on the animals of the having traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans,
culmination. The sides of these volcanoes are covered with area, and how they are raised, sheared and marketed. In seas and rivers of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel
rich flora, generated by the high mineral content of the ash. addition, Rainbow Springs, in cooperation with the national Leaders, his family owned and operated agency, is located
The Māori were attracted to this area because of the government, is breeding trout to fill and enhance the streams. at Mirasol Town Square, 11360 North Jog Road, Building
natural thermal condition that occurs in the area. Thermal Fly-fishing for trout in the rushing streams of the area is A, Suite 102-6, Palm Beach Gardens. The agency has been
geysers, hot mineral baths and bubbling mud pools are found another popular activity, which draws countless visitors. serving the travel needs of the South Florida area for over
just outside Rotorua in Whakarewarewa (Fak-a-ware-a- New Zealanders have always lived on the “edge” in their a quarter of a century. Contact him at (561) 694-9696 or
ware-a). The Māori utilized this underground energy source sporting endeavors. The “All Blacks” rugby team is one Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
not only to heat their homes, but also to steam and cook their of the toughest in the sport; bungee (or “bungy”) jumping Photos by Don Kiselewski
food. Today, the food for the Māori Hangi (banquet) is still and zorbing originated here; and the America’s Cup, one
cooked by this natural steam. Fish, meats and vegetables are of the world’s most exhilarating boating experiences, can
placed in oven boxes, set on the ground over these steam be found near Rotorua. The Kaituna River acts as the arena
outlets, where they quick cook to perfection. Even fresh for “jet boating,” a unique sport of New Zealand. Specially
boiled corn on the cob is enjoyed, cooked directly in mesh designed boats that hold more than a dozen people are
bags and dipped into the thermal pools. Thermal energy propelled across the surface of the water at such speed
from below the ground is converted to electricity and heat that they draw only 2 inches of draft. These boats travel
for many of the homes in the area. the zigzagging narrow river, doing flat 360-degree turns as
The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, they skim the surface of the water. Like bungee jumping or
located at Whakarawarewa Thermal Reserve, has captured zorbing, it is no place for those with a weak heart.
the heritage of the people and continues to propagate their Accommodations in Rotorua are excellent, with lodging
culture. The center contains authentic buildings of the Māori, capable of fitting any price range and need. No visit to
including the Meeting House, Weaving School and Carving Rotorua would be complete without the experience of
School. Meeting houses have traditionally been the center of the traditional feast, the Hangi. In addition to those that
the tribe and they are used for all tribal affairs, including the can be enjoyed at the tribal Great Houses of the area,
Hangi. Craft schools teach the native arts of weaving to the cultural parks present a nightly Hangi as part of their
young women and carving to the young men. Each young entertainment activities, which reflect the lifestyle of the
craftsman is selected from one of the 14 major Māori tribes Māori. Regardless of where you participate in the Hangi,

Book review

Small Steps … Big Changes: they relate to your own

The Personal Stories Of A Life issues or those of family
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Coach that you wish could be
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Her professional training as for yourself ... these topics just scratch the surface of 62
a certified life coach and motivational speaker – in addition sections that are covered in the pages of this book.
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The problems discussed here range so widely that they are
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