Wednesday, February 2, 2011

My World Tuesday: Climbing

We went to the Otautaua stone fields and climbed a giant rock. It was hard and I thought of my hero, Sir. Edmund Hillary who scaled Mt Everest in 1953.

The Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve is one of Manukau's premier parks. It is an internationally significant heritage landscape and an important natural, archaeological and historic area.





Photo of moving house courtesy NZ Herald
As a primary school kid, I learned it was Edmund Hiillary who conquered Mt Everest in 1953. It was
Sir Ed's ascent of Mt Everest that everyone was proud of, from the Queen to the ordinary folk.

He touched the lives of many and his charitable efforts had built 42 hospitals and schools in Nepal.

Yesterday, his house was placed in a school named after him.

The building, which Sir Ed built and in which he planned many of his expeditions, was welcomed to its new home at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in Otara with a morning powhiri.

"It's not looking its best," admitted Sir Ed's son, Peter Hillary.

"But by the time they've put the bottom structure on and reclad it and refitted it out, it's got a whole new life ahead of it and I think that's an absolutely marvellous thing."

Sir Ed and his first wife, the late Lady Louise, built the house in Remuera in 1956.

After Sir Ed's death, his neighbour, former NZ cricket rep Terry Jarvis, bought the property in 2009 and eventually gave the house to the school.

It will be used as a leadership centre for students from throughout New Zealand, and for the wider community.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/sir-ed-s-former-house-arrives-new-home-4011588/video?vid=4011839

Watch the students perform the Traditional Maori welcoming dance, the Haka.

http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

6 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

Hilary did many wonderful things for people as he challenged himself to great heights. Like you!

Karin said...

Wonderful story!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Very interesting information! Oh, that rock climbing looks dangerous!

Dave said...

A very informative blog Ann. Well done! - Dave

Anonymous said...

It sounds like Sir Edmund left quite a good legacy behind.

Take care and have a great weekend

~Ron
*******

Windsmoke. said...

Sir Edmund Hillary fantastic role model and gentleman :-).