hi everyone, we have spent the last two nights in Rotorua which has been really nice, it has lots of natural hot water with geysers, bubbling mud pools and hots springs. most of the places to stay have naturally heated hot tubs but the town smells of rotten eggs most of the time, although you do get used to this. last night we went to the Maori Village which was really interesting, we got taught some of the maori greetings on the way over and also were informed of what would happen, one person from each of the coaches was chosen to be our cheif, this had to be a man! and they had to stand and be accepted into the maori tribe as visitors rather then a threat we were told we were not allowed to laugh smile or immitate the warriors as they were doing this welcome dance. when it came to it everyone was to scared to breathe. they were really intimidating and scary, rolling their eyes and sticking out there tongues. after they gave a welcoming girft to one of the cheifs (a stick) we were able to enter the village where we were told how they used to eat and make clothes and fight. they then performed some traditional songs and dances before we sat down to eat a meal that had been slow cooked under the ground for hours. it was quite nice although it tasted a bit soily! ru is white water rafting today then we are heading to Taupo when she gets back, we will put the rest of the photos on soon

lots of love

xxxxxx