We arrived in Hahei and went swimming almost immediately. The water was a bit cold but once you're in it becomes perfect, especially on such a hot day. The four of us later went kayaking a bit later. Sebastian and I were paired up and he wanted the back to control where we go. That proved to be a bad decision as he ridiculed my paddling skills, but he would stop paddling when he was trying to steer. Can someone please explain to me how rhythm exists when ONE person is paddling? Needless to say, we did not agree. Finally we stopped at Cathedral Cove for coffee and we swapped places. This is my turn to gloat as I'm proud of my female qualities that include multi-tasking. With me steering the kayak AND keeping up with his "rhythm" we were going so fast we stayed well ahead of the guide most of the way.
I would like to say that the several dolphins we saw were the most amazing part of kayaking but instead, it was the lesson I learned. Here it is: It's important for me to lead (paddling and setting the rhythm) and women are needed to help guide at times and follow their lead). I have no idea if this makes but it really opened my eyes to the whole leading thing a bit more.
After that "interesting" event, we went to Hot Springs Beach. Pretty much you just dig a whole and roast your bum in the hot water. Crazy.
The next day we headed to Raglan where I learned to surf! It's a black sand beach that apparently has one of the best left hand breaks (?) in the world. I stayed another day and went surfing again. The first wave I caught the second day, both Kat and I rode it all the way in together. I love surfing so much! I didn't want to leave, but as I was on a time restraint I had to leave.
After Raglan, we left for Waitomo. I went abseiling in the glow worm caves there. On a side note, I can tell I've been here too long. I sent a text message to my parents afterwards and they wrote back saying, "Abseiling?". I thought that's what we called it in the States and was highly confused. I asked this American on the bus what we call it and she said, "Repelling" like I was stupid. Repelling! How weird. Anyway, it was such a cool experience. The last little bit I was climbing through and it was so tight I had no idea how the males were going to fit. Ha. I loved it.
I went to Maketu that night for a cultural night. This Maori family had built a Marae (basically for money as it wasn't a real one) but they put on a show for us which was pretty cool. As there were only 7 females there (sad), they made us dance with pois. I really wish some males had been there so I could have watched them learn the Haka.
The next morning, we stopped in Mt Maunganui which was BEAUTIFUL. I wanted to stay and surf but unfortunately there wasn't enough time. I was just happy I got to go there as it wasn't on Stray's itinerary.
It was on our way to Rotorua that I learned the East Cape bus wouldn't be operating until that Saturday which meant me and this girl from Switzerland, Yvonne, were stuck in Rotorua until then. It was Monday.
New Years in Rotorua is one I will never forget. There were five of us: Yvonne, Heidi (American), two German girls and myself. Before you read this, I should warn you that whilst I stand firm in the decision I made this night, it wasn't an easy one. That explanation will come later.
To start off, there was this really annoying Canadian there who just wouldn't stop saying how dumb Americans are and how much he hates them. If we bother him so much, why is he wasting his breathe? It just got old, but of course everyone was finding him incredibly funny whilst I found him drunk and sad.
Early in the day while we were at the grocery store, I told them I would not be going to a bar. First of all, I didn't trust these girls and secondly, I didn't trust drunk men...especially on New Years. They seemed fine with that and we went back to the hostel and made dinner. Later we found ourselves at the park where there was live music. Now I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of reggae but any music live is enjoyable. By this time, the girls had had quite a bit of Malibu to drink and they were dancing and laughing when all of a sudden Heidi says, "This music sucks! Let's go to the bar." As I am stubborn, I refused to back down. This girl had been claiming to be this great Christian not too long ago and wouldn't let it go. She said I'm preventing the group from doing what they want to do. I got a bit bold and said, "Of all people, I expected you to understand." Needless to say, she didn't. Yvonne and I managed to be left behind while they went to the bar. I so incredibly grateful for Yvonne too. We don't have the same beliefs but she respected mine and I felt we go along really well in Rotorua. We even spent the next few days together just reading and talking since our bus schedule got changed and we were stuck there until Saturday.
Anyway, when we met up with the three of them after midnight, Heidi tried to tell me that no one talked to them at the bar and that they had this own corner to themselves. Not even three seconds later, the German girls were discussing these guys who came up to them and grabbed them. I rest my case.
Aside from that drama, the few days I spent in Rotorua weren't awful. Yvonne and I went to this Marae. I find it so beautiful and the carvings just amaze me. I really love the Maori culture. We also made our way to Wai-o-Tapu and it as well was beautiful.
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