update 4th July 09

Kia ora tatou

Another wonderful day was had by all today. We left Modrova for Hostovce (Milos home village) at 9:30 a.m., for the 800 year anniversary celebrations. We had a DVD player on the bus, and know that it took x4 Te Matatini group performances (2 hours) to get to Hostovce. We arrived in time for lunch, and had ample time to prepare for the welcome to the President of Slovensko, as well as three other Ministers. We presented the kotiate by Jimmy Tahuparae to the President, and as this was being done, the group performed "Ka haere nga weri". We observed the official welcome and unveiling of the plaque commemorating the day and celebrations.

Later in the afternoon, we performed to a full and very appreciative audience. It was the bomb on stage - everyone (including the performers) loved it. We presented the Mayor with a taonga pounamu, and in turn, we received a small plaque regarding the 800 year anniversary. Following the performance, we mixed and mingled with the locals (some more than others ha ha ha), and danced the afternoon away to the local band.

On the way back to Modrova, we saw that a small audience had gathered at the Zoo Farm to watch us ... it was just after 8:00 p.m. They had waited for us, so we pulled out another performance, and although a little more relaxed, it was still enjoyable. We met a couple and their son who had visited the Whanganui River, and had ventured to the Bridge to Nowhere. They even brought in some photos to show us, which was a nice reminder of home. They enjoyed the show, and others that were there asked for a recording of our waiata ... another project for the team to contemplate and do. We have also been approached to do private performances, which we are considering.

We returned to the Hotel around 9ish for dinner, and had karakia at 10:00 p.m. Everyone is buggered, but we have had a "super" day.

Tomorrow will see us go to Mass at Modrova, and our routine 4:00 p.m. (maybe changed to 5:00 p.m. ha ha ha) show.

Weather for today in Hostovce was hot. And as the boys said today on stage, "We are gonna get you Rawiri for cutting our lunch". Sorry boys.

God bless you all, and us too. Nga mihi aroha.

Pikimai, Rawiri and the crew