Et in Arcadia Nos

Russell, Bay of Islands, North Island, NZ
Waterside Dinner for Two at The Gables

Duncan's First Attempt at a Maori Haka

Special thanks in this post goes to Elizabeth Wood, Duncan’s sister, who insisted we visit this Paradise with a capital P. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Arcadia Lodge in Russell on the North Island of New Zealand. Ironically this small village was known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific” at the turn of the 19th century, when it was a shore station for whalers, and drunkenness and prostitution were the norm. It couldn’t be more different today. There are signs posted at intervals warning of Liquor Bans in public places. Perhaps the town authorities were feeling self-conscious.
For excitement tourists line up for the various aquatic tours, one of which we enjoyed yesterday. We’ve enjoyed dinner for two, quayside at the Gables Restaurant, every night of our stay here. Last night they ran out of fish, if you can imagine. Fortunately this was after we’d placed our order.
Today we visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about New Zealand’s beginnings. Our DK guidebook’s version of events differs slightly from what we learned. “But misunderstanding arose because there were two different versions (Maori and English) which carried different meanings. Controversy over the Treaty continues to this day.” This is a familiar saga to those of us from North America. You will see a photo of Duncan doing his best to rectify this situation by performing the Haka, a tribal war dance and song, with some Maoris employed at the Treaty Grounds. Eyes and tongue protrude in a gesture of defiance. For those of you who know Duncan, this is slightly out of character.