Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo
Originally uploaded by moominbadger
This is what I was talking about in the previous blog. Absolutely amazing artwork in a beautiful lake. One day I will see these in person!
The first thing to jump out at me as I was watching this DVD was the narrator.
You cannot mistake his voice… or his face… or his sarcastic comments. This DVD was produced in 1989 or so. I was shocked to hear that familiar voice. I guess he’s been doing this for quite a while. Anyways, back to the DVD!
While speaking about Auckland, the comment was made that “you can actually shop on Saturday” (referring to only in Auckland). This was quite a shock yet in a good way. I hope this hasn’t changed since. A society that actually understands there is more to life than working would be quite refreshing.
There were images of the Waikato River that were absolutely breathtaking. I’m not sure what causes the water to be such an absolutely beautiful blue color but it is amazing. It begins on Mount Ruapehu and ends up Lake Taupo. I hope one day I’ll be able to follow its journey from a boat (at least until it drops thirty or so feet in its waterfalls).
The destination of the Waikato River was a site to see also. The Lake had these amazing Maori masks carved into huge stone walls. Absolutely beautiful work. Their style is easily recognizable. It is also the largest lake in New Zealand.
The visuals in the DVD were great. The peek into the Maori life was very interesting. They’re a Polynesian people with a big emphasis on family and tradition. It kinda makes me sad they don’t tattoo their face anymore though. I guess the influence of “the West” makes it more and more unacceptable when it comes to modern society.
The fusion of British and Maori people sounds very interesting. At least we know the British bring good pubs and the Maori bring great food!
I have a few things in the works to bring some more Maori content to the blog. I cannot promise anything but hopefully soon I’ll have some more Maori to view and read about.
Overall, this DVD was a great way to push me closer and closer to emigration. The land and the people look absolutely amazing in New Zealand. It is a far cry from the depressing “Heaven’s Waiting Room” locale of central Florida. I’ll be looking for more New Zealand literature and multimedia here soon.
E noho rā!
Myself and the wife took advantage of sharing a day off and went to the Dali Museum as well as the Florida Aquarium.
The Dali museum was what I figured it would be: a short trip into the mind of an artist who was unimaginably more creative and interesting than I am. It was very nice to see his big pieces of work on display. Note to Google maps, die!
The Florida Aquarium was great. This was our second time going. I did grow frustrated with the lens from my camera. As a result of either myself being ignorant or a bad photographer, there are many shots that could have been better. After all is said, done, and driven away from, we both had a great time.
P.S. Google maps, I hope you never have to drive in downtown St. Petersburg!
I’ve done a bit of prettying up the site. On the sidebar I have added a Flickr feed that pulls from the group ‘NZ’ (New Zealand… doy!) as well as a Digg widget. Very interesting foray into Javascript and CSS. Maybe Java and C++ should wait on me mastering Ajax? Next item is to add a small music player and find someone to supply some music! One of these days…
I’m contemplating my next obsession. I have programmed in C++ and many derivatives before. Nothing intense. All very basic and specific to my needs. As of right now, I want to dive deep into one or the other. My sensibility tells me to follow Java for the promise of a future career in high demand. The rebel in me is saying C++ and an emphasis on the FOSS template.
Either way, I am trying to get some e-books together to begin my little adventure into intermediate programming. Wish me luck.
