Rotorua is blessed with wonders large.... and small.
We enjoyed our lovely complimentary accomodation in Willow Wood Retreat, a comfortable BnB with easy-to-paddle kayaks and Lake Rotorua within metres! The team is on the verandah with artwork and a certificate to say thank you to our hosts.
We are running through the morning traffic and get lots of toots and waves. The children from Lynmore Primary take video of us as we head towards the school.
Chloe sings a song in Mandarin about being a better person.
Children and staff are representing over 40 nationalities to demonstrate how people from different backgrounds can co-exist as brothers and sisters in a world family.
Running for Peace! There is an article and short video from the Rotorua Daily Post at
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/good-news/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503279&objectid=12211748
...and Rotorua's famous redwood forest.
We visit Kuirau Park with its bubbling mud pools and natural geysers.
The gentleman holding the torch is inspired to donate a bag of walnuts to the team.
The Peace Runners are having a picnic at the Ikeda Hall Peace Garden. On rocks in the garden there are quotes about Peace made by previous mayors of Rotorua, and other leaders both national and international.
This plaque is by a Peace Tree which Rotorua council planted during the 2017 Peace Run.
The reporter from the Daily Post who covered our visit is directing us to the next school, Rotorua Intermediate.
Rotorua Intermediate School children leading the way to their school.
We can imagine our hopes and dreams for a better world when we are calm and peaceful.
This woman has just completed the Taupō Ironman! She gave us a bag of apples. We are probably looking a little tired and in need of replenishment!
Daniel is happy to finish a section of hilly running.
Shawn and his son Jimmy spot us as we run into Taupō. Shawn is a volunteer with Greening Taupō and is dontating two Peace Trees to schools in the town.
The runners are pleased to see the statue of Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run in the Tongariro Domain.
These children seem to feel the message of peace spontaneously.
Lorraine on the left is the organiser of the program in Taupō and Pravira has cooked us a sumptious meal which Bulgarian team member Deeptaksha exclaims is the best meal he has ever had! We stay the night in the tranquil grounds of the Tauhara Centre. Thank-you to the staff for a wonderful stay.
