engers to be picked up. Our bus driver managed to be entertaining and hilarious as he explained about Maori culture and what to expect upon our arrival to the village. He appointed a chief, one of our fellow passengers, whose job was to lead us forward when the Maori warriors welcomed us to their village. Two warriors came out brandishing spears and wearing the traditional moko (tattoos) on their faces. After several minutes of menacing poses they dropped a branch in front of the chiefs indicating we were welcome to enter. We got to see replicas of the traditional Maori houses, marae (meeting house) and watch the traditional dances before sitting down to the hangi. This refers to the way they cook their food, which is in the ground over hot river stones. Vegetables are thrown in with fish and meat and steamed together. 
Our bus driver was able to memorize everyone’s name and nationality by the end of the night. The bus ride back to our hotels consisted of him making every nationality group sing a song from their country. We had already decided to sing “We’re Bringing Sexy Back! ” but he chose the song for us. He timed it so we were singing, “She’ll be Comin’ Round the Mountain When She Comes” as he was circling the round-a-bout 5 times! Whenever he imitated the American accent it was always in a Texas drawl. As each person exited the bus, we performed the tradional hongi, which is 'sharing of life breath' by a pressing of the noses while saying "Kia Ora," meaning, "Hello," "Good luck," or "Good health."
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