New Zealand: first impressions
So we came to Christchurch, to the most “English” city outside England. The name of the town justify itself, there`s nothing to see here. But there is something to do outside the city: to go watching marvelous views in Akaroa, to look at cetaceans and to visit a village of Maori and see Maori.
Landscapes are really pleasant to eye, but I knew exactly there would be more in future. We didn`t see cetaceans cause of the coldest weather at that time for the last 20 years. So I can say, it was Maori who I really liked.
Historical information. Maori are the descendants of the Polynesian, who came to the New Zealand in the 10 century. They are the only among Polynesian, who was able to give a decisive repulse to Europeans and to achieve an institutional equality in rights with white people. Nowadays the quantity of Maori is 150 thousands or 4% of the whole population of the country (3,9 million). To compare: there are 50 million of sheep and 10 million of cows living there.
Maori are very well-wishing people with the unique culture. The initiation into adults takes place at 21 for boys and 13 for girls by tattooing their face. Their world`s vision is integrated, in contrast to Australian aboriginals and there is a notion of love in their culture.
Tomorrow we`ll go to Greymouth by TranNZalps railway, after what we`ll stay at Franz Joseph, a town with 5000 population. So next time I`ll go on the air the day after tomorrow. And I`ll add photos at the same time.
