Pompallier Mission House, Russell and other adventures of the B.O.I.

One of our activities that we did in the Bay of Islands was to take the ferry from Paihia to Russell. What an adventure. Upon arrival, we had no idea where we wanted to go and sort of stumbled upon random things. First off, we ducked in to some side shops to look at local artwork and handmade crafts and such by local NZ artists. After that we went to the museum of Russell- although we did not make it past the gift shop... souvenirs for friends and family, it was!

Afterwards, we stumbled upon the Pompallier Mission House. This was basically the headquarters for the French Catholic mission. Over 30,000 books (mostly hymnal and other religious books) were produced. We got to wander the gardens and we jumped in on a little tour where our guide was describing how they produced these books and such. She showed us the process from printing (on an old printing press!) through the glueing, binding and finished product! It was fascinating and something that I really thought my friend Paige would enjoy because she has such a love and appreciation for history-and she gets super excited about old, antique books- she would have just died over this!! (Wish you were here, Paigey!)

Kappa is everywhere :)

Old Printing Press

How the books were bound!

Old hymnal books in Maori!

Letters for the printing press.

Self-explanatory.

Beautiful flowers on the mission grounds.

After the tour (which seemed only appropriate-seeing as how the next day was Easter Sunday..) we walked down the street trying to find the first liquor-licensed hotel/restaurant.. (how ironic, I know).. but supposedly it was a MUST-SEE/EAT... we found it but due to some circumstances, we were unable to eat there.. bummer- but what we did see, it was beautiful and historic!

We also caught some young kids performing the Haka! Which was just an absolute hoot! They were adorable! And it was super impressive as well...

After we returned to Paihia- Megan, Morgan and I stopped to try some local fudge (yum&phat!) and then Hillary, Brenda and I got ready for a nice dinner out! Earlier in the week, we passed the restaurant Only Seafood that was a little pricier but had promoted a $45 3-course 'Early Bird Special'.... man was I glad that we stopped to inquire. In my guidebook, it says how the Bay of Islands region has some of the BEST seafood- and my guidebook did not steer me wrong. We went and had calamari, an amazing soup with Tuna in it, some of THE BEST fish I have ever eaten, a dessert to die for and wine!

Nom.

Safe to say that we were happy campers... this was one of MY FAVORITE parts of the trip. Granted, I LOVE seeing all of the sights and being active.. but this was definitely the top 'relaxing' moment.. we took our time, were not rushing to the next activity nor were we worrying about anything else,  just being in the present moment and enjoying each other's company. I have not gotten to see Hillary as much as I would like and Brenda had just met her on this trip to the Bay of Islands and seeing as how we all are juniors, we can really relate to each other... (also, Hillary is a sister... she is a Kappa @ Drake University in Iowa... it only makes sense...)

It was nice to just sit and chat and reflect on what a fun week we had! We all went for a drink and walked back discussing our perfect ending to this perfect week! Week 1 was a huge success.. and although Hillary was going to part from our group, Brenda and I were so excited for our next week with the girls! Not to mention- we would be reunited with Lauren!