Looking out at Mt. Tongariro National Park

 After a long and fulfilling day of touring, we returned to Taupo where our hotel rooms were situated right on the shores of Lake Taupo, with an incredible uninterrupted view of the lake and Mt. Tongariro National Park in the distance.   The symposium opened that night with a hearty New Zealand style welcome.

Katrina Davidson, co-convenor

I finally got to meet the organizers, including Katrina Davidson with whom I had been corresponding for nearly two years.  It was so nice to be able to match a face to the name.

Opening Night at Symposium

New Zealanders, a.k.a. Kiwis, really know how to put on a party.  They welcomed all with glasses of wine and snack boxes of food.  This was the first of many such events, as Happy Hour was a regular occurrence, beginning right after class ended each day.

Susan Cleveland and Gail

I got to hang out with fellow U.S. teacher, Susan Cleveland.

Maori Haka

We were welcomed, Maori style, to the symposium via a Haka performed by young singers.

Haka Lead Singer

The group’s lead singer had a beautiful voice.  I wish it could have gone on forever.  In the morning, we would all be in our classrooms, ready to teach!