Tuesday, May 7, 2019 – Rotorua
Kia Ora! Megan and Emma here!
“Life is an empty slate, waiting to be written down in conscious state. Don’t go by your fate, it may bring you in front of Hell’s Gate.”
Our morning began within the depths of the sulfur pools steaming up from Hell’s Gate in the geothermic town of Rotura. These are therapeutic hot pools were the sulfur enhances and smooths the skin as well as increases one’s blood circulation. Some within our group ventured into the depths of the mud baths were they immersed themselves further into the Earth stripping their bodies of excess oils and uplifting their wellbeing. The health properties of these geothermic pools were used by the Maori to provide a range of therapies for health issues such as arthritis using traditional methods.
After leaving the depths of Hell’s Gate our group ventured in different directions for an afternoon to explore and further delve into New Zealand in different ways.
Some of our group chose to spend a relaxing afternoon at our accommodations at the Backyard Inn, and catching up on that evergrowing pile of laundry. Others ventured into the city of Rotura and experienced the shops and the essence of the city and culture of here. One individual even procured a ukulele on their journey into the town!
A part of our group nearing half of the students headed out on a bus to Hobbiton to visit the Shire (for those of you like my mother who don’t know it’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit stuff), and spend an evening wandering the pristine landscape seen in the films. 
Afterwards we returned to Rotura on a bus that made us really appreciate our own bus driver for this trip Paul, for manuveauring with such care and ease. Kudos Paul!
Afterwards we returned to Rotura on a bus that made us really appreciate our own bus driver for this trip Paul, for manuveauring with such care and ease. Kudos Paul!
After an afternoon where we were left to our own devices we all met back up as a group and headed downtown to a strip of restaurants called ‘Eat Street’ where our choice of dinner was up to us. We chose from Thai food, traditional American food, and many other options available in this unique area.
We leave you this song from Lord of the Rings to give sight on our journey here as it holds different meaning to each of us;
“Home is behind the world ahead.
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadow to the edge of night
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow
Cloud and shade
All shall fade
All shall fade”
~Pippin Took (Lord of the Rings)
Stay tuned for updates as the adventures and growth never truly end.