DAY 3 (ROTORUA)

July 27, 2018 

We started today early, getting up before dawn to board the buses and head to our wildlife encounter. Unfortunately, one of the busses was running late, so we all packed onto one bus and headed south! After just over an hour, we stopped off in a nice village for a quick bathroom and coffee break. With a short walk around, we found a hobbit-like house with enormous round doors. As we began to drive out of the parking lot, the other parking bus pulled around the corner with some incredibly unlucky timing. The next hour was information filled as we crossed the countryside, covered in grasslands and cows.

Eventually we arrived at Rainbow Springs, a wildlife and nature filled center. Not only did we meet several fish, and lizards, we even met the kiwi bird, a native flightless bird. These funny chicken like birds ran back and forth sniffing for insects. For lunch, we ventured into the town center of Rotorua, with a mall and food court. With filled stomachs, we climbed back onto the coach busses, and got a great tour of the town, before retiring to our new hotel rooms. Equipped with a heated pool and fantastic bar, the hotel can compensate for the prevalent sulfur smell. We are going out into town for dinner tonight to complete the experience.

Aki, Kazu and Julian

DAY 2 (AUCKLAND)

July 26, 2018 

We started off the day by sleeping in and eating at the hotel buffet. Afterwards, we got onto 3 separate busses and toured parts of the Auckland area and visited some pretty cool places. First we went to a rain forest and nature center. We learned about the local wildlife and plant life. Afterwards, we visited a waterfall that took all of our breaths away. Finally we visited a beach and some of us climbed up a part of lion rock, a weird and fascinating geological structure that looked like a lion. Now we are heading off to a restaurant in the sky needle, the tallest structure in Southern hemisphere.

Nick and David

DAY 1 (TRAVEL)

July 25, 2018 — Leave a comment

Hi everyone from home.

We are currently at the hotel in Auckland after three tiring flights. After more than 24 hours of travel we all exhausted, but so happy to be here. We are blessed to say we arrived safe and sound and our luggage and bells have safely landed with us.

After getting out of the airport we met up with our friendly tour guides and headed to the city. Despite seeing only a glimpse of the “Land of Contrast” we were all taken aback by the landscape. And after long practices we all can’t wait to share our music with others in this gorgeous place.

Lexie and Mio

Arrived in Auckland New Zealand

Eiko writes;

3:40 am New Zealand time - wide awake, so good time to post. 46 people, 46 suitcase, 18 bell cases - all made it after 3 flights, security checks, and customs. Thanks to my group ahead of time for tagging me in their posts!     

Arrived in Auckland

Beautiful downtown Auckland

First Dinner in New Zealand

To Australia!

The ringers from Emanuel and Katonah are off and on their way to Australia and New Zealand for their 3 weeks tour this afternoon.         They will have ringing tour and attend the 18th World Symposium of English Handbells.         Here is the send off picture taken in between the erratic shower falls since last night.

At the Kendal

Some members of ERI,II,III and an alumni participated in the Annual Handbell concert of the Handbell group of Kendal on Hudson on May 30th, 2018.       The Kendal group was formed when our late Handbell Director Emeritus, Mrs. RoseMarie Wildman moved into this Senior Living Community in Tarrytown and kick started the group.          Eiko now conduct the group and on this day invited members of Emanuel Ringers to perform together with the Kendal group.
Although the audience was limited to the residents of the facility and limited in size, ER ringers were well appreciated by the audience and the ringers of Kendal group alike, judging from the comments heard at the conclusion of the program.

2018 Annual Emanuel Ringers Concert