Cultural events and a 90’s birthday

Stepping out of the bus, is there next to the bus stop a celebration. A big celebration! Seems to be the 90s birthday of a smart, kind lady (seeing her reaction to the offerings of the crouwd). Nothing like Dinner for one. At this venue, I guess, were about 400 to 500 guests at the tables. Family, extended family, friends… I don’t know. Some groups with matching colours of cloths. And what a celebration! Back home, when family or friends perform at a bigger party, it’s often a bit ashamed, holding back, not wanted to being judged. Here, nothing like this! Powerfull speaches, gratefulness for the shared wisdom by the lady, for kind support for somewhat trubbled children when it was needed the most. Acknowleding her for her kindness, wisdom, warmth, capability to share. All backed up with little personal stories and anectodes. And the waiata (celebration songs)! Powerfull! Brilliant performances, full of pride, spirit and joy. Gratefull that I was aloud to be an observer for a while. 

After that, I went to a cultural performance, for tourists, with explainations of art styles, context and how to behave as a visitor or guest. Absolutly interesting. Not quite the passion like the real life celebration. 

Glad, I saw both, one for the knowledge, one for the heart.