Day Three: Culture and Rangitoto

We began our day early heading out to hike the red wood forest; which by the way is huge and wonderful. We missed our first buss and got separated from the larger group, if that wasn’t bad enough it was poring rain outside. Although I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about it, the small group was fun and we all willingly belted out Disney songs in the forest trying to make the miserable morning something to remember. I would have NEVER of done that at home so it was great breaking out of my quiet shell. By the end we were all soaked through, cold, and laughing hysterically.

            Later that day we met with the Rangitoto kids. I was nervous and excited for the encounter, realizing just what we were about to do to late. I knew we had to make a good impression, seeing as this might be the only time these kids ever meet an American. I admittedly doubted our 36 students capability to do that. But this experienced turned out a lot better than I thought it would. I got to meet my pen pale whom turned out to be incredibly sweet and smart, we laughed and talked and walked around for what seemed like merely seconds. I got to meet this other girl to, she was super sweet and I’m glad I got to talk with her as well.  So many things surprised me about the experience, most of it involved just how similar to us they were, I mean I kind of expected it, but I was surprised how just how excited they were meeting us, like we them. I loved answering all the questions and finally learn the answers to some of mine. It was admirable how much respect they had for the Maori culture and just how fascinated they were by it. This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time and meeting these kids especially Joe was like meeting a longtime friend again after years of separation. Nearing the end we all attempted the Haka, something not only the American students were embarrassed doing.  Joe and I traded candy and I gave him a bit of American cash, seeing as he was so fascinated with it. The most peculiar thing that happened was when I gave him the money the girl behind him flipped and asked to see it, then she began to smell it, deciding that’s what America smelled like, when its actually what a soggy dollar bill, after its been in the pouring rain smells like, but whatever. When we went back to the hotel we couldn’t stop talking about the experience. It’s truly a memory I will forever cherish