no layouts today, just a thought. For anyone not from NZ you might not get this, and even some who are! I went on a noho Marae in the 3rd week of my new job. Noho means stay or something like that and the Marae is the centre of the Maori community. It is customary to stay at the marae for all sorts of things including Tangi (funerals - which is at least a 3 day affair) and everyone sleeps on mattresses spread all over the floor. A big part of the marae is the kai (food) hall and the ablution block (not sure if this is a well known word because I have only ever heard it used at a marae, but it is not a maori word.

ANYWAY I have come to see the the best way for a group of people to break down the barriers, bond and get to know one another is to stay overnight some where. Is it because you can't hide your horrific snoring, or that it is unavoidable to have people see your morning hair and smell your morning breath? Either way there is a closeness and a comfort that is build when you stay the night all together that I don't think can be reached any other way.

The work one was interesting - with a distinct work feel during the day and some huge laughs in the evenings - of several hundred people - I think over 500. I have also stayed at a few while I studied - with class mates, and then many with Single Adults from church. They are all different yet this staying over bonding thing is common.

What is that all about? Has anyone else noticed this? go on - all two of you should put feedback so we can pretend that this is an interactive blog! go on!