YES!
The first time I traveled to New Zealand with MrSpong, on a mission to check out the country and the rellies-to-be.

We were traveling down to his Marae to meet an Aunty and Uncle, and when we arrived there was a full tangi just getting going. I was completely lost as I had no idea what people were saying (they all spoke in Maori) and what the protocol was (I know women and men are not allowed to sit together on the Marae at official ceremonies). I was getting on fine until MrSpong announced that the tangi would be going on for 3 days so we'd be bunking down in the Wharenui with the rellies...and the body in an open casket.

O_o

2 nights sleeping with a dead body, that's less than a lot of serial killers.

To be fair, the whole thing was pretty amazing, and the Maori attitude towards death is very healthy and sensible. I've been to a couple of Tangi's now, and even kissed Aunty Mabel goodbye at hers.

Never mind the length, I spent 2 nights with a stiffy!
( DeSpong currently knitting your suggestions - see profile, Fri 29 Feb 2008, 8:02, Reply)