| First day in New Zealand. We departed the plane in Auckland, retrieved our luggage in order to go through Customs and re-board a domestic flight to New Plymouth. We placed our luggage on the X-ray machine and the technician was carefully scanning something in my small suitcase. He questioned the outline of what looked to be a HAWG. Of course, it was the Razorback hog hat that was to be presented to Sir Elton John. We cleared without incident after a brief explanation. On to New Plymouth. Before arriving in New Plymouth, the stewardess approached with a message to remain on board until everyone else had deplaned. Waiting on the tarmack were the Mayor Tennett, Lindsey, and the equivolent of the Maori tribe Mayor and his wife. We were welcomed with a traditional Maori welcome with love presentation. We were then instructed in the proper greeting and after greeting each of the tribe that welcomed us, we joined hands for another song. Being escorted to a 1936 Bentley, Reeve chauffeured us to our hotel. After a quick shower to freshen up, Kathryn and Vicki escorted us to lunch at Gusto's on the bay, where Kris Kristoff was being dined and working on a movie about Chapman a NZ war hero. At 2:30 we were taken to the helioport to meet Richard for a tour of Taranaka from the air, unfortunately the mountain was hidden from view by the fog. (Lore has it that he hides in the fog when he is crying, secondary to being banished to this island). But we had a wonderful flight, the residence where Tom Cruise stayed during the filming of The Last Samari, the terrian where it was filmed, the largest river in this area, the tornado damage from approximately 2 years ago. Richard dropped us at the campground Oakura Beach to meet Greg for a lesson. Greg fitted us with Wet Suits, Alan owner of the Campground instructed us in the use of HOT showers to use following the lesson. Greg spent time explaining how to get on the board, the waves, and how to get out to the perfect wave. I went first, Greg pulled me to stand the first time for about 5 sec before I screamed and went into the sea. Back on again, this time we managed to stand and ride the wave in to shallow water. Madi's turn. Out they went, the waves were very close together. Several ups and downs before standing to ride in. Madi was trying to surf with her eyes closed. I tried again, and was about to get up 2 more times. Time for that HOT shower, back for snacks from Snickerdoodle and Madi crashed (no sleep in about 3 days). It has been great! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 2 Picked up at the hotel at 7:50 by Bec, to the radio station for an on air interview and a taped interview to be aired out of Auckland on talk radio later. For coffee in local café. Back to station to met Clare Rose, who took us to the museum for Puke Ariki visit, manicure next, then on a local mall for looking at shops and for morning tea. Back to the hotel at noon. Meet at the hotel by Tom Parsons of Taranaki Tours and Richelle and Annette the winners of national contest from Ash ? In the lower part of the North Island. Ton toured us through local parks, to lunch at Roadside Café, then on to Mount Taranaki (or Mt. Egmont) with full details of the history of Maori and legend of the Mountain. At the visitors center, we donned Rain jackets for a walk through the rain forest. It was GREAT! We saw lots of things, on of the first being a Wood Pigeon. A sign of good Luck. Many plants and vegetation were identified for us. Returned to the hotel a little after 4 p.m. Second glitch. We were unable to exchange money at the hotel, walked to local ATM and it would not accept debit card. Returned to hotel and tried unsuccessfully to get through to 800 numbers for assist. No Luck. Will see what happens. We have a small amount of NZ cash, but must get ready for the concert. Later. We just returned from the concert. It has rained all day and was still raining when we left the hotel and arrived at the Bowl of Brooklyn. We were escorted to the ticket booth and met by Justine who then escorted us to our seats. We were walked past all security checkpoints, so nothing was searched for cameras. After a bit, Justine retrieved us and too us backstage to wait with the Mayor and his wife, the costumer designer, other winners of backstage meet and greet. Coffee, drinks, food were available. After a brief stay, we were ushered to a small room to wait on Elton John. He was ushered in, greeted Madi first, then my turn to present the Hog Hat that he placed jokingly above his head, The mayor and his wife were next, then another couple, then Richele presented him with a picture of Mt. Tanaraki. Elton took a picture with 6 of us,, then one with Richele and her Mum, Annette. Quickly back to retrieve coats, then a race to our seats as he had began playing. During the first few songs, a big rainbow appeared in the sky, and a Duck with 7 or so ducklings swam in the bowl between Elton and the fans. The next 2 hours were non-stop. A brief pause, then 2 more songs with Don't let the sun go down on me, being the finale. The rain did quit, the wind picked up. But overall, it was wonderful.
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