Huzzah today I had a haircut, it was brilliant, just like being a real live person who doesn't live in a van and wear a birdsnest on her head full of split ends, it was brilliant I had a shampoo condition and a full on head massage. Will and Sam went for a wander and arrived back at the salon to reveal a new barnet for Will, a grade something or other he had done at the salon up the road. Whilst in the barbers, Will and Sam befriended a couple of blokes from Bristol who they arranged to meet for a drink this evening (small world).
It was a fantastic day though, just doing normal stuff. We had brunch in an amazing Parisien Cafe where we ate lovely food, I drank great coffee and we looked through a book about Oceans. We walked 6K along the coastal path and then Will and Sam went for a surf. After which we met their new friends from the barbers in the local bar (Will is still there - god knows what time he will get back).
One musing on NZ I have is the lack of history here, it's such a new country that when you drive through the city's there are no old buildings, all the graveyards are new (compared to England) and it makes me appreciate the history of England and the sense of a past that it brings. The dirt and grime of England are like an anchor, weighting you to the past and giving you a sense of grounding which is not present here - it makes me wonder how the people of NZ anchor themselves.. that might sound strange but I remember speaking with a New zealander who said that without a past it makes it difficult for them to envisage the future, at the time I wasn't sure what that meant but now I understand a bit more... with no past life seems a bit floaty and I wonder what kind of a future NZ will create for itself, or indeed if it needs to, perhaps the future creates itself but the people are to busy looking for a past to notice... anyway have had a few wines so not sure if that makes to much sense... anyway must go now as Sam needs to call his Dad and I need to make the beds up. Pic of Bernard O Higgins Street, Santiago attached for Dad (better late than never) x
Wow! You should drink wine more often to don (did you know that don was the opposite to doff)the philosophical mantle. It suits you. However, as much as I like your musings upon NZ history, I think you are looking at it through a narrow lens -from the Britsh point of view. Maori history and culture is alive and well and living in NZ. I am sure if you go to Aukland you will find there several Museums devoted to Maori history and culture. I believe you will be able to see cultural performances there too. Good for Sam, good for all of you. Odd how we deliberately seek it out in the Americas but ignore it when amongst our own!! But don't miss out. You may not have the opportunity again and I am sure it must be well worth the visit.
ReplyDeleteWoner what hour Will got back. Bet he has a hangover.
Love to you all
Dad
Oooh and just to follow up on your Dad's comment, it is worth going to a hangi or other Maori 'tourist' cultural thingy. Rotorua is a great place to see this sort of thing, feels a lot more natural than in Auckland where Maori culture is a lot more diluted in a big cosmopolitan city. And if you're in Rotorua you can go to the hot pools for a good soak :)
ReplyDeleteEmily xxx
When we were in NZ I read "Once Were Warriors." It was excellent, albeit a tad depressing. I think in many ways, the indigenous cultures in NZ continue to suffer in similar was as the first naions people in the US.
ReplyDeleteWe also went to a Hangi in Rotorua and really enjoyed ourselves. It was put on by a large extended family and everyone (performers and audience) had a great time.
It looks like you guys are having a great time! We are just about hitting our halfway point and feel like we could continue travelling forever...