Yesterday, Saturday, after some exploring of shops nearby, I went back to the Te Papa Museum. They have so many amazing hands on exhibits. I tried my hand at simulated sheep shearing...you were supposed to finish the sheep (plastic covered, with numbered stroke marks indicating where the shears were supposed to go) in 2 minutes. It took me over 4, and you had to turn the sheep around, try not to shear too deeply. I have a much greater respect for the shearers I'd seen on TV that make it look so easy.
There was another fascinating exhibit on DNA, genetic research with it's moral and political issues, genetically altered foods, and the question of whether a country like NZ, which has chosen consciously to be "green", should consider genetically altered foods or genetic research.
The Maori have a strong belief in the oneness of the universe (think Zen) and are opposed for religious and cultural reasons. Both sides were presented, and there were 4 online questionairs to fill out responding to many questions that genetic engineering pose. The highlight of this exhibit for me was the chance to culture visible DNA in a laboratory they had set up there.
I can't tell you the scientific explanations of what happened, but the procedure went something like this. We were divided into small groups, and donned sterile gloves. Each of us received a graduated test tubs, which we first filled with 5 cc of strawberry puree. We then added a dollop (there was a lot of discussion about what that meant) of kiwi puree and stirred gently for 5 minutes. After that we added about 4cc of some sort of alcohol without stirring or disturbing the mixture already in the tube. After about 4 minutes, small transluscent strands of strawberry DNA rose into the alcohol...those were the strawberry DNA. The laymen's explanation was that kiwi breaks down protein...which is why it's used as meat tenderizer. It was a very interesting experiment!
In the museum is a copy of the treat of Waitangi, which the English and the Maori signed as a peace treaty in 1840. Also were the English and the Maori translation of what it said. Then there was a second, Maori translated version of that the Maori signed, which was significantly different from the original one, which was done by an Englishman. There is a lot of controversy here about how valid a treaty can be if one of the parties doesn't know what they're really signing.
In the evening, November 5, NZ, Auastralia and Great Britain celebrate the failed attempt of English catholics, who were being persecuted under James 1, to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The most famous person responsible was Guy Fawks, and this evening is marked by huge firework displays. In Wellington, they are exploded at the harbor, and since the YHA hostel is right next to the harbor, I joined the hoards walking down for a great view of a wonderful display of fireworks. Even the supermarket was selling fireworks, and there were many people in the crowd and nearby who were shooting off their own. It was casual, fun, and I suspect, very New Zealand.
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