Helloi...
As I type this, and as the photos are uploading to my site, there's a little bit of action going on "upstairs" courtesy of Thor's special branch of "Industrial Light and Magic"... I'll regard that as a good enough omen, provided the computer doesn't fry... ;)
Anyway. NAAMA (National Association of Ancient and Medieval Arts) at Lake Karapiro for 2001, was the most fun I've had in a long time. Kudos (or appropriate Norse word) to the Waikato Norse for organising the event - it was my first time and "by the five hundred and forty doors of Valhalla", I enjoyed every bit of it - even the rain!!
The best bit of the whole event was, by far and away, the people I met - I didn't know the names of scarcely anyone when I arrived, but by the time I left, I couldn't remember the names of almost everybody. ..! (Well okay I remember some - but y'all know what I mean!)
For those who might wonder who I am, mostly I carried a big ol' bit of wood around with me there - a gnarly length of swamp Kauri (- a "tuku-tuku" as Peewee said). Oh yes - name's Kirstin. But anyway I'll have a picture of myself and my "Hovel-like" tent here as soon as I get to it :) And here it is..
For any overseas folks who stumble across this and are going "What are these people on??!", it's a gathering of New Zealand re-enactment groups that happens around N.Z.'s Labour weekend. Because we haven't got the historical locations or even the sheer numbers of many of the larger groups overseas, you will find re-enactors of many variants of Dark Age groups (Norse, Celt, Roman etc) and some Medieval too, all thrown in together at this event - the two main "courses" of which, are the Fort Battle, and the Virgins v's the Veterans. (Vet's being the long standing attendees of this event.) I think it's mostly about representing the era of your choice as well as possible in both appearance and choice of weaponry, (and of fighting style and formation where relevant!) .. and then pitching on in there with your friends by your side (or defending your back!)
Ahhhh, but then there's also the mead, the mayhem, feasting (all hail the chef!), speeches (and noisy bastards!), more mead, lessons in history, singing, surstromming (pong!), plotting, spit-roasts, and again meeting and talking to people you've never met before. And mead (or ale or home brewed liqueur, if that's your cup...)
Wasn't involved in the battling (Not that experienced with my metal shaped items yet) - but enjoyed partaking of the rope-and-knife gaming (the "helena"?) But hey, I got to take the photos, which I hope you all enjoy. :)
Sláinte! ~ Kirstin