Tea on the beach

Thanks to jet lag, I’m an early bird, so I was up at 7. Today was sea kayaking, which turned out to be pretty incredible. The location was Cathedral Cove, a marine reserve with cathedral-like cliffs. We had double kayaks, so I paired with Daniela from Switzerland, who has kayaked many times before. We set off to inspect the cliffs up close, and enjoy the clear (but freezing) water. When we made it to Stingray Beach, we could see some stingrays darting around beneath us. Then we beached ourselves, and our guides Natan and his lovely Japanese wife Keiko prepared cappuccinos for us, with full silver service. Then it was back into the boats to cross to one of the many islands. It got very windy and choppy, and the Dutch women couldn’t handle it, so Nathan had to tow them back, and we had to head back early.

Tonight was our Maori (pronounced May-ree) “cultural night,” and I have mixed feelings about it. I wasn’t interested in a Disneyland type experience with women in grass skirts and such, so I was glad that we were doing a homestay. But meeting some of these people, hearing their thoughts, and seeing how they live was pretty depressing. One guy showed us their traditional meeting house, which was a bit run down. Four old Maori were getting lessons in their language. These people were educated in English-speaking schools, and converted to Christianity, so now they are ignorant of their own culture, but don’t fit into white society. Some older Maori seem interested in learning how, but still don’t know much about their past.

We went back to their lodge where thy served a mediocre meal, and we infused ourselves with alcohol. Then they sang a couple Maori songs, which changed to Beatles karaoke. Then it was another early night without heat again. Since the Stray crew is a bit older, we drink every night, but not until we are totally pissed (drunk), and we go to bed at about 11.