Music, Music Everywhere

1/13/01: Waiheke Island, New Zealand

We’ve been delighted to find that live music often fills the air here. Whether it’s a young girl’s recorder warbling “Greensleaves” at the Saturday morning market, or the Plastic Paddies leading the crowd through “Cockles & Mussels” at Molly Malone’s, you can stumble upon harmonious scenes most anywhere.

This is a welcome change from Italy, our trip’s other primary placement. There, we’re told, live musicians must pre-register, pay a tax, and answer to a copyright official who patrols performances. It’s doubly sad because Italy is one place where people commonly carry guitars—and can sing along to opera on the radio. Here, making a joyful noise is still legal. Alleluia!