+ Wellington / Rotorua 1989 +

Japanese

March to April 1989. It was autumn because this country is located in the Southern Hemisphere. I am the youngest member of my family, but I was the first to go overseas. Everything was so attractive that the wonderful two weeks passed quickly. I stayed in the home of my Kiwi friend. She had stayed in my original home when she was in Japan. They loved me as a daughter. I started considering about my life in this utopia because the gentle atmospher of this land was quite comfortable for me. Additionally, my heart was affected by "The Second Family" very strongly.

Wellington The capital, which is located in the center of New Zealand. They call it "Windy Wellington" as a lovely wind always blows. I consider this my second home. Bee Hive The amiable Parliament. Of course its fond name is "Bee Hive". All New Zealanders love this building. Wellington Harbor Young girl, I and the Wellington Harbor. Sometimes dolphins come to meet us. Fresh seafood and vegitables grown in the suburbs are sold in the nearby market. Window View My favorite view from my second home. Only the inhabitants of the house of which the address number is "One from the sea" (in Maori language, "Moana"), can see this lovely view. This house was 100 years old in 1989. It is a very comfortable and convenient home. Easter Eggs Easter Eggs. Home-made decorations to celebrate the Easter. They make a small hole on the top of a egg, suck out the contents and paint it colorfully. They then hang the decorated eggs on branches of a tree to celebrate the holiday. However, children prefer the egg-shaped chocolates with pretty wrapping which are sold in confectionery shops. Sheep March A herd of sheep is crossing the national highway under the care of a shepherd on a motorcycle. A sheep dog took a rest with panting on the back seat from his work of gathering the sheep. Our bus waited with its engine stopeed while the herd finished crossing. Glider in the Sunset A man on Para-Glider in front of a beautiful sunset. I envied him so much because I love high places.

Rotorua The native land of "Maoris" who are aborigines of New Zealand. I went here on the way to Auckland International Airport from Wellington where I stayed. Pofts Geyser The famous geyser named "Pofts Geyser". When I looked at it, I felt I saw the strength and the kindness of the Maoris. By the way, I detected a very strong odor of sulfur. Cliff Carving The cliff carving of the Maoris. The figure's sticking out his tongue means "threat". I think the "Haka" which is the national rugby team "ALL BLACKS", that the strongest in the world, performs before the start of a game shows something... Team members sing with patting their knees and finelly the stick out their tongues. These performances signify the mutual prosperity of the two cultures, I guess.