Our Final Days in the North Island

My work of Art " Mother and Child Fern"
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Dear Friends,

From the NZ papers and the news we are aware of all the difficulties facing you and our country.  Almost daily in conversation with New Zealanders we talk about the economy and the coming election. They approach us everywhere and want to talk  about  what the USA does and its effect on the world economy.  While our blog may seem light and frivolous, we take to heart every message you all have emailed to us and want to thank you for keeping us informed.    Ellen and Cathy

How could we flunk remedial weaving?

Ellen's beautiful carving.
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********************************* We returned from  warm and sunny Rarotonga in the Cook Islands to COLD and RAINY Auckland.  Trying to go to where it was warmer, we returned to Kaitaia and the Herb Shack with Anah and Cornelius and Claire and Allen of the Mainstreet Backpackers.

Our clothes screamed to us that we were porkers and needed to lose weight.  Thanks Cook Islands!!!!!!!!!!!  So we decided to go on a low glycemic eating plan similar to the one Ellen had been on at Chapel Forge before coming to New Zealand.  Ellen has lost about 25 pounds and I only know my clothes fit better.  No more bread, potatoes, pasta, or ICE CREAM!

We started out okay....
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Cathy again  started another bone carving class with Claire that turned out to be a work of art. Claire told Cathy that if she sold the carving it would be worth several hundreds of dollars. The carving is a "mother" fern holding her "infant" fern in her arms.  There are beautiful engravings along the arms of the mother and child, so that the leaves of the fern are highlighted.  This will be one of Cathy's prized possessions from our trip.

One Weekend Claire invited us to go to a weaving class being taught on a Marae by master Maori weavers.  Claire was in the advanced class and we joined a class of beginners along with 12 other women.  Over the weekend we would complete two projects [3 if we had spent the night].  Polly our Master teacher had us collect our flax and prepare it to make our 1st project, a 4 corner basket.  After several failed attempts to "round a corner" Polly gently smiled, took the baskets and did the procedure for us.  We had failed basket weaving 101.  The next morning we were eager to "give it a go" again.  Cathy announced to Polly that we wanted to make a 2 corner [clutch bag] basket.  Polly gave us a look that said that is beyond your skill level, but gently smiled and started us on our way.  After several hours we was ready for the final steps of "tying off the ends."  Polly's mantra was "have you got it yet?" and we would shake our head and say NO for the ump-teen time.  Finally with a sweet smile she took the baskets from us and did the tying off procedure!  At the end of the day when Polly was asked our skill level she very diplomatically said" theirs is a labor of love".  We had flunked REMEDIAL class also.  We now have a profound respect for the level of skill it takes to make the intricate woven baskets that the Maori are famous for all over New Zealand.

Almost there.....
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One night Anah asked if we wanted to accompany the family to the high school for a talent show where Cornelius's 3 children were performing.  The high light of the evening was watching  the students perform a Haka, a traditional war dance of the Maori.  Today it is performed before every sporting event as a challenge to the opposing teams even on the professional level.  It involves shouting, facial grimaces and aggressive body movements.  It is an experience not to miss.

Still having fun....
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Ellen and I were volunteers at the annual fund raiser for the NZ Arthritis Foundation.  The poor citizens of Kaitaia did not know what hit them when Cathy begged, cajoled, browbeat-ed, guilt-ed and charmed everyone who passed our table for nickles ,dimes, quarters or whatever.  Ellen simply gave everyone a flower and they felt guilty at taking this gift and would dig into the bottom of their bags for any loose change.  It paid off because we collected more in one hour than was collected all day.  I felt really sorry for the guy who was on his way to pay his rent and ended up giving Cathy 50.00. The passers-by were too embarrassed to say no to this crazy American.

Advanced students...
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Despite our busy social schedule we did manage to do some wwoofing tasks.  We continued to help Anah and Cornelius prepare for the Nov.1st opening of "THE HERB SHACK"  all the while watching ET putting up a copper scallop roof over the front door.

With great sadness but also excitement we said good-bye to our "family" and headed south to Wellington where we were going to meet friends to attend one of the big cultural events of the year, THE WOW  ARTS FESTIVAL.[The World of Wearable Arts fashion show.]  Entries come from all over the world and we saw two entries from the states. We also wanted to see the extraordinary museum TE PAPA that has an incredible Maori exhibit.  Even though we couldn't get tickets before hand we stood in a line the night of a performance and got excellent seats.

Putting it all together...
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Driving down from Kaitaia we went through many towns and beautiful country sides.  In one small town we saw a pink leaved tree that I had never seen before. We found out that it is not an original NZ tree but comes from China called a Flamingo Chinese toon.  Another town of note was Raglan.  If you go there be sure to stay  at the luxury retreat of Rosalie and John Trolove.  This place was beautiful with a completely furnished suite surrounded by orchids and other flowers coupled with breathtaking views of the Tasman sea for just 100.00 dollars a night.  Most people associate Raglan with surfing.  That was nice also.

Hey Babie, want a little......
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While waiting on the paperwork for our visa extensions, we decided to wwoof at the Saarsha Healing Center in Waikanae [pronounced:why-can-eye] about an hour north of Wellington.  Ellen finally got off her skinny butt and did some honest work of weeding and mulching.   Hugh and Carolyn were wonderful hosts and I think we spent more time just sitting and talking with Carolyn then working.  One weekend we took a course in Dorn Therapy with Dannie, got our certificates and can now do it on each other when our backs are sore.

Got any loose change?
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After a wonderful pancake breakfast we said good-bye to Carolyn and Hugh.  We are on our way to catch the Bluebridge Ferry to cross over to the South Island and start our final months in New Zealand.