Needless to say, it's been a memorable day!!
We left Auckland in the rain & clouds, and arrived in sunny Rotorua. After a yummy lunch, we boarded our amphibious duck boat with the owner, Trevor, and headed to Blue Lake.
Well, just before getting to Blue Lake, we noticed smoke coming from the engine. The driver pulled over and we all evacuated the Duck - an vessel from WWII. Smoke filled the air and soon the whole contraption was engulfed in flames.
We were quite a ways from the Duck, but were sad to watch it burn to a crisp... It has made for some 'fowl' jokes and comments all day and evening. We're all safe, so no worries there. But I think that's a first for me. Last year we hit cows on the night train to Spain...this summer's trip results in a burnt duck.... oh the memories..and stories to tell!
The only good thing was that the New Zealand fire dept had to come out...sadly they were all 60+...darn...sorry Mom!
We then headed to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village and got some good doses of sulfur...yumm... Saw the natural geysers coming from the ground and learned how the Maori people still live..
After checking into our hotel, we headed to a Maori cultural center for a feast and to learn about their culture. Eddie was named Chief of our bus and he did us proud! He had to do the Haka and lead us all around the village and to dinner.
Even Mike got involved in the practicing of the Haka. The girls tried their hands at some dancing and poi throwing...all good stuff.
Overall, a very culture...and eventful day. Our Tour director, Adam, scheduled us to do our duck tour, in a different duck, tomorrow morning before we head over to the Jade factory, luge park, adventure park & Agrodome...more good stuff tomorrow...and it's Cristina's bday!!
~steph :)
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