The Maori Haka

A dance where the whole body 'speaks', even the tongue, the eyes and the voice.  Some hakas are welcoming and joyful, some are ferocious, powerful and aggressive:

Anyone With An Opinion?????

"Many Hands Make Light Work"

Hey, photo friends, I need your help!  First, a little back ground.  There is a photography festival in Auckland, and yesterday was photographer participation day.  The theme was, "My day in Auckland" and photographers can submit 3 photos, all of which had to be taken on that day.  They are supposed to represent and show the photographer's interpretation of what he saw or what he did on that day that gives a feel and flavor of daily life in the Auckland area.  

Jeff and I decided to venture into the city, which we hadn't done yet.  We walked along the streets, ate lunch at a Mexican restaurant overlooking the harbor, (very few Mexican restaurants here in NZ), and had a fun day 'people watching'.  Any of you who visit my blog know that street photography is not my strong point, but I thought I'd give it a try. So this is where your help comes in.  I've narrowed down my photos to a reasonable number and now would like you to tell me your favorites, and give me suggestions for some witty titles.  (The ones I have are lame.)  If you're willing to help me out, click HERE, and tena rawa atu koe ('thank you very much' in Maori)!  

Mills Bay, New Zealand

Tawharanui Beach

Pukeko

A common native bird in New Zealand

A Few More Photos from Matakana

Kiwis, (what New Zealanders call themselves),  take their recycling seriously!

I don't think I've ever seen duck eggs for sale before.

Have your tools sharpened while you watch.

A quaint village store.

Colorful steps.

Major Eye Candy

WHATIPU RESERVE BEACH

Monday was a holiday, so we took off with our friends to visit some of the beaches on the Tasmanian Sea side (west) side of New Zealand.  I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing the never ending beauty of the coast and ocean views just minutes away.  Around every bend is a breathtaking vista, one after another after another forever, and each unique in its own way.  This day we saw beautiful black sand beaches, craggy cliffs, and volcanoes covered with lush green foliage set as the backdrop.  At the end of the day I was truly on visual overload.  When I downloaded my photos to the computer I couldn't decide which beautiful scene to post to remember this day, so for the next few days you'll see some of my favorites. 

Sunset at Takapuna Beach

One day after work we hurried home to get my camera, then walked along the beach until after sunset.  This beautiful beach is a 5 minute walk from work and a 10-15 minute walk from our flat.  Did I mention how lucky we are to be in such a beautiful place???

(For a couple of my first sunrise photos at Takapuna, click HERE)

Hamilton, New Zealand Temple

Aglow in golden evening light, this beautiful temple sits atop a hill like a sentinel, watching over miles of vibrant green country landscapes.

OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE!

I feel like I'm in a dream where I suddenly fly away from my life, surroundings, daily routine, familiar faces, and then wake up in a foreign land.......  Oh wait, that actually happened!!!!  

The past 2 months have been incredible, in what I've seen, what I am learning and what I am doing.  I'm just now beginning to tread fast enough to keep my head above water. I'm hoping that soon I'll be posting here again, and visiting your blogs, too.  Just so you know, I'll post some of my favorite photos here, but to read about our adventures and see more, follow me HERE.  We've already been to some beautiful places, and that is easy because there are photo ops around every bend.  Here's one:

It was a dark and moody day, but the sun peeked through briefly.  Hard to believe everything is so beautifully green at the beginning of winter.