Wai-o-Tapo & Lake Aniwhenura: A Day Full of E

Enthusiasm! We visit Wai-o-tapu, a geothermal area with volcanic activity, colorful sulfur lakes, and bubbling hot mud pools. Initially, this was not part of the itinerary, but I wanted to go so badly and by chance found out that another traveler felt the same way. Thus, our proposal for an itinerary change was accepted, which delighted me - just like the geyser on site.
Unique Experience - We travel to Lake Aniwhenura, where we learn more about Maori culture. A nice young woman with a loud voice welcomes us. Ina (that's her name) greets us with a traditional Maori welcome. She belongs to the Ngati Manawa Iwi tribe, and we are in the Kaingaroa forest, as she tells us (I admit, I looked that up because even if I could have remembered it, I wouldn’t have known how to spell it). After a short walk in the woods, we reach a sacred archaeological site where we see the oldest recorded Maori rock paintings. Ina shares a lot, and we have many questions. Once we arrive at our accommodation, the diverse program continues: we play a traditional Maori stick game, watch as our dinner is buried in the ground, learn a Haka, and weave a fish from flax. Finally, our dinner, which is traditional Hangi, is taken out from the ground. Meat and vegetables had been buried with hot stones for two hours, cooking them almost like steaming. It is indeed a bit smoky but delicious. Then we have a closing round to reflect on the day.
Exhaustion - From the moment I wake up, I am already tired again. So tired that my body either reacts with tears or dozes off. I drag myself more through Wai-o-tapu than I walk. I fall asleep on the bus and miss the amusing situation where our bus driver almost misses the correct meeting point.
Loneliness - perhaps also due to the fatigue. Even though everyone is there for me and wants to take care of me, I can’t accept anything and just want to lean against a familiar person where I don’t have to explain anything. My highlight of cuddling is the black cat (Pango), who throws herself in front of my feet. She purrs and doesn’t ask questions.
Experiences & Impressions - so many, so wonderful, so varied. I feel incredibly lucky to be on this adventure with this amazing group.

Ethanol - Encouraging beer helps!