The milk doesn't come from the milka cow

It is actually quite sad that some kids in the western world don't know where the milk comes from. There was once a television study done and kids where asked what they think where the milk comes from, one answer was: "From the milka cow." To be honest, I felt a bit like a small kid today. Growing up in a big city I don't know much about farming. Even so my grandma grew up on a farm and I do remember being in a cow shed a long time ago I learned a lot today. Chris and Chris, James's parents where we stayed overnight, gave us a tour through their dairy farm. I learned heaps and the next time I go to the store and look at dairy products I am pretty sure I will remember things I saw today. Thanks a lot!

The only time the cows are in a shed, during milking, for about 20 min. or so. Must be happy cows I guess. The other time they are on the field.

Why the heck do you take a picture of me? I am an ordinary milk cow.

After milking is done the shed gets cleaned with a hose.

More cows get milked, I guess it is not their favourite part of the day. But everyday has to earn his living.

After the older animals were milked we drove to the calve shed to feed them, Judith, Kerstin and Chris on the ATV, I had to walk :-).

The calves are being fed. Pretty cute, we thought about taking one with us.

I also helped out a little bit, well, I guess I was more in the way than offering help.

The cows are getting painted to mark them.

After being in Australia I am afraid of everything which moves, also cows.

We went on to feed the older calves.

Yummy, fresh milk.

The three farm visitors. We can't say it often enough: Thank you Chris and Chris for the amazing hospitality, the nice dinner you made the night before and the interesting background of farming you gave us. We were quite impressed by the work you do! Also the amount of work you do! I think we won't forget this visit, it was definitely one of my highlights of New Zealand. Make sure on your next visit to Europe you stop at our place (sorry, don't know exactly yet where that is).

We continued our trip through one of Rotorua's tourist attractions to see the springs and the Maori culture. Mum and dad, you remember this, we were here about 8 years ago!

hot springs

lots of steam

There was a Maori show performed.

The Haka, a kind of pre war dance to intimidate your opponent.

We left Rotorua and drove towards Mt. Manganui, just north of Rotorua, to see Cathy, James's girlfriend. Blair, her flatmate, bbqing. Thanks guys.

We hiked up to Mt. Manganui and enjoyed the view over the city.

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