We did a LOT of really fun things while there, and I find myself at a loss for how to mention them all without just making a list. So, a list it will be.
I can't help but compare the situation of the Maori in New Zealand with the situation of the Native Americans in the states. The Maori have a lot of poverty and there is a great deal of racism directed at them, but there is also a respect for Maori culture that is really visible. Most places and native plants in New Zealand have kept their Maori names. Maori sculptures are prevalent in parks. Kids learn both to perform Maori traditions and to speak the language. These just aren't things that happen in the US, beyond some rudimentary education about a few different Native American tribes.
3. Art! As I said in my previous entry, Summer creates all sorts of things for sale. She has a vinyl cutter which she uses to print up decals, which we picked out of the vinyl sheets after they were cut. She also uses a plasma cutter to cut through metal drums to create braziers, which we got to use and which was a LOT of fun. She also has a sand-blaster for etching mugs and wine glasses! I think that could be a really profitable business, if you could afford the initial financial outlay of the sandblaster (and also a vinyl cutter, to cut out the images you want to blast.) Summer taught us to use the sandblaster and we each got to make ourselves a mug with Roaring Oaks and our names on it. :) :) It was really a treat to get to try all of these different things- I think Kara is already planning out how to get a plasma cutter for making braziers back home!
4a. Speaking of that steep bank, we had to walk up and down it, which was very difficult, and pull up a hose from a new water pump they put in by the river, to take water up to their tanks. We had run out of water earlier in the week because the spring wasn't refilling them fast enough. We had to bring it up twice, because after the first time, it fell back down again...
On top of Brook, they got both baby Lizzy and baby Sid while we were there. Babies everywhere. I got to regularly feed Sid his milk bottle, which was a pretty amazing experience. That lamb can EAT!
8. In our last few days with Summer and Jase, we got to try even more new activities! We rode their horse Silver bareback (!!!!!) and I even got to try to chop wood. Fortunately, Kara got my one and only successful attempt on camera. I almost took my foot off about 15 times, haha.
10. The Mistletoe Market! We stayed with Summer and Jase a bit longer than we originally expected to because their were preparing to sell their wares at Blenheim's Mistletoe Market and they were able to really use our help getting ready. We woke up very early and helped them set up their booth, and then spent the rest of the day wandering the fair with Brook! We got some great presents and really enjoyed talking to all the artists and craftsmen. Blenheim doesn't get much credit as a town, and it's certainly not a tourist destination, but it is really adorable!
Gearing up for Christmas in New Zealand is really strange. It's about to be the height of summer, but all of the decorations are still winter themed!