One of my greatest pasttimes is to travel to unknown destinations around the globe. Not only do I find excitement in going to these exotic locales, but I really find it interesting how, why and what their names mean. Case in point would be one of my wannabe trips to New Zealand. So, we're off to...
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu (85 letters), a hill, has been listed in the Guinness World Records as the longest place name in the world.
It is shortened as "Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu" (57 letters) in the New Zealand Geographic Placenames Database.
It is shortened as "Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu" (57 letters) in the New Zealand Geographic Placenames Database.
The name is translated into English as "The hill of the flute playing by Tamatea — who was blown hither from afar, had a circumcised penis, grazed his knees climbing mountains, fell on the earth, and encircled the land — to his beloved."
How would you like to have to use that address on your tax return? Worse yet, can you imagine teaching your child to say it, spell it and then send them off to school for twelve years of pure torture. I still want to go to New Zealand; if for no other reason then to find this welcoming spot.
...and where have you been as exciting...kG
No comments:
Post a Comment