We are catching a ferry to the South Island today, and will be 'down south' until after the New Year, meeting up with Julie and Jay for Christmas and walking the Milford track over New Years Eve.
So before we left we wanted to wish everyone Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Summer is here...
...therefore it must be Christmas time!
Well, all the decorations are up around town and everyone is in the festive spirit, and its 25C degrees outside! Christmas in New Zealand was always going to be an interesting experience for us.
Take yesterday - In the morning we went to the Thorndon summer fare, loads of stalls with food and wine, ice-creams and cold drinks. Then in the evening we went to the Botanical gardens and listened to Christmas carols, albeit in the open-air, fringed by palm-trees and warmed by early evening sunshine...
Christmas in the summer will be a very interesting experience.
Well, all the decorations are up around town and everyone is in the festive spirit, and its 25C degrees outside! Christmas in New Zealand was always going to be an interesting experience for us.
Take yesterday - In the morning we went to the Thorndon summer fare, loads of stalls with food and wine, ice-creams and cold drinks. Then in the evening we went to the Botanical gardens and listened to Christmas carols, albeit in the open-air, fringed by palm-trees and warmed by early evening sunshine...
Christmas in the summer will be a very interesting experience.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The last couple of months recap
Well as I'm sure you know by now, we're not the best at keeping our blog up-to-date...there's just so many things to do here we never seem to find the time! So I thought it was a good time to recap whats been going on recently.
About two months ago, we left Wellington for a tour around the North Island. If you've been following our adventure this year you'll know we've mostly been concentrating on the South Island since we finished work, so we thought it was about time we became better acquainted with the island on which we've been living most of the year.
At this point, I have to admit, I was one of the many people who had a bias towards the South Island with all its mountains, glaciers, fjords, etc... But I was pleasantly surprised with the new things we saw in the North. We travelled around anti-clockwise, visiting huge colonies of Australian Gannets, great beaches, thousand year old trees, plenty of wineries - its a hard life!, beautiful rural landscapes, diving Poor Knights islands, and walking around an amazing active Volcanic island. We even met up with Gretchen's friends from the US - Julie and Jay, in Auckland.
After heading back to Wellington, we've been warming up for our multiple hikes in the December in the South Island, by tramping around and about Wellington. We start the Milford Track hike on the 30th of December, so not only will we be some of the first people to see in the new year as we're in NZ, but we'll be celebrating by hiking through some of the most beautiful scenery in NZ's Fjordland National Park.
We've even sorted out a chalet for Christmas in Nelson Lakes National Park, and will be celebrating with Julie and Jay! Christmas in the middle of summer will be an experience, although with temperatures of around 25C I'm sure we'll cope!
About two months ago, we left Wellington for a tour around the North Island. If you've been following our adventure this year you'll know we've mostly been concentrating on the South Island since we finished work, so we thought it was about time we became better acquainted with the island on which we've been living most of the year.
At this point, I have to admit, I was one of the many people who had a bias towards the South Island with all its mountains, glaciers, fjords, etc... But I was pleasantly surprised with the new things we saw in the North. We travelled around anti-clockwise, visiting huge colonies of Australian Gannets, great beaches, thousand year old trees, plenty of wineries - its a hard life!, beautiful rural landscapes, diving Poor Knights islands, and walking around an amazing active Volcanic island. We even met up with Gretchen's friends from the US - Julie and Jay, in Auckland.
After heading back to Wellington, we've been warming up for our multiple hikes in the December in the South Island, by tramping around and about Wellington. We start the Milford Track hike on the 30th of December, so not only will we be some of the first people to see in the new year as we're in NZ, but we'll be celebrating by hiking through some of the most beautiful scenery in NZ's Fjordland National Park.
We've even sorted out a chalet for Christmas in Nelson Lakes National Park, and will be celebrating with Julie and Jay! Christmas in the middle of summer will be an experience, although with temperatures of around 25C I'm sure we'll cope!
Tongariro Crossing
This is a walk I've wanted to do since I first came to NZ in 2002. Its billed as 'The best one day walk in the world' and I can't argue with that. Its a 17km tramp between two of the North Island's three active volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park. With about 800m ascent and over 1000m descent its 7 hours of tough walking, but the views more than make up for it. The panoramic views of the higest point is (at 1,886 meters) the summit of Mount Tongariro's Red Crater, which incidentally last erupted in 1926, are simply stunning. There are still patches of snow on the ground all around - nearby Mount Ruapehu is a winter ski resort - which add to the unearthly quality of the landscape. Include a few emerald lakes full of minerals and noxious sulphur vents everywhere, plus towering view of Mount Ngauruhoe with its and you've got a simply amazing walk.
This is a video Gretchen took looking back at Mount Ngauruhoe, the 2nd peak on the left is the summit of the Red Crater, and where we'd been an hour before.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Happy Birthday to Me!
For my birthday, back in September, my siblings bought us dinner at my favorite restaurant in Wellington, Maria Pia's Trattoria. Maria Pia even came out to wish me a happy birthday, I couldn't have asked for more!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Once more unto the breach.....Part One
Not content with our two week sojourn to the South Island with Gretchen's parents, we've been at it again. We've just come back from a month, no less, winding our way through some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see.
I'd been to New Zealand's South Island a handful of times already, but every time it takes my breath away. From the verdant west coast, home of glaciers and fjords, to the spine of the snowy Southern Alps, to the abundant wildlife that inhabits all corners of the island. Its an ambitious man who thinks he can see it all in a few short weeks. Well ambitious we were, and joined for the trip by Gretchen's sister Molly, we rolled off the ferry from Wellington after traversing Marlborough South (an adventure in itself) and headed west.
In Havelock, we stopped for lunch and Gretchen and Molly took the opportunity to sample Green Lip Mussels, which they throughly enjoyed. After a night in Nelson, we headed for the West Coast, threading our way through the Buller Gorge, On the way stopping off at NZ's longest swingbridge. After making it to the coast we headed for Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 after his ship was blown offshore at the cape. Its home to a NZ fur seal colony, and gives a wonderful impression of the wildness of this coast. We ended the day at a wonderful hostel hidden in the sub-tropical rainforest around Punakaki, and just bfore sunset we walked the Truman track to a great little beach, fringed with quirky limestone rock formations, which shone in the light at the end of the day.
All-in-all a wonderful start to our holiday...
I'd been to New Zealand's South Island a handful of times already, but every time it takes my breath away. From the verdant west coast, home of glaciers and fjords, to the spine of the snowy Southern Alps, to the abundant wildlife that inhabits all corners of the island. Its an ambitious man who thinks he can see it all in a few short weeks. Well ambitious we were, and joined for the trip by Gretchen's sister Molly, we rolled off the ferry from Wellington after traversing Marlborough South (an adventure in itself) and headed west.
In Havelock, we stopped for lunch and Gretchen and Molly took the opportunity to sample Green Lip Mussels, which they throughly enjoyed. After a night in Nelson, we headed for the West Coast, threading our way through the Buller Gorge, On the way stopping off at NZ's longest swingbridge. After making it to the coast we headed for Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 after his ship was blown offshore at the cape. Its home to a NZ fur seal colony, and gives a wonderful impression of the wildness of this coast. We ended the day at a wonderful hostel hidden in the sub-tropical rainforest around Punakaki, and just bfore sunset we walked the Truman track to a great little beach, fringed with quirky limestone rock formations, which shone in the light at the end of the day.
All-in-all a wonderful start to our holiday...
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Crazy Gretchen!
Here's one more video for good measure, its Gretchen and Molly skydiving over Lake Taupo in the North Island (Gretchen's jump starts at around 4mins 20secs). Watch all her killer moves!!
South Island holiday
Well, we're back from our second South Island tour and rest assured we'll fill you in with all the details in the near future, but before that I thought you'd all like to see a video Gretchen took of one of the penguins we saw while there (if you're wondering how we got this close - its because we were in a hide at a wildlife refuge)
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Fiji
Sorry for the delay in relaying our adventures. We've been so busy having them that we haven't had time to tell you about what we've doing. In late August, Molly and I spent a wonderful week in Fiji enjoying the sand and the sun. We went diving a handful of times seeing sea turtles, giant clams, nudibranchs, corals, and numerous fish.
We also had a chance to snorkel with manta rays and participate in a local church service, which was an adventure in itself. It was a great holiday and if you're ever headed to the Yasawa Islands, and are looking for some down time on a beach, you can't beat the Octopus Resort.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Total Lunar Eclipse
On August the 28th at 8:50:57 pm local time New Zealand saw the start of the first Total eclipse of the Moon since 2000. Totality started at 9:52:00 pm and I took this photo shortly after that .
Now I know what you're thinking - isn't a Total eclipse when the moon disappears, totally? well my answer to you would be...
"The Moon will still be visible due to refraction of light through the Earth's atmosphere onto the Moon. Because the atmosphere absorbs more of the blue light, the Moon is likely to appear reddish, just as the sky to the west appears orange near sunset."
and yes I did have to turn to the Internet to discover that, here in fact. As we're discussing astronometric phenomena. I thought I'd mention that when we were in the south island last month, we briefly saw the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis at Lake Tekapo. We only saw them for a few moments but it was a wonderful sight, and something I've hoped to see for along time...
Saturday, August 18, 2007
North Island with the Moesers
I arrived back in Auckland from my two week holiday in Michigan on July 17th with my parents in tow. Since they only had four weeks in country we hit the ground running and headed straight for Rotorua for a geothermal experience. You can smell the sulphur bubbling from the hot vents scattered throughout this region even before you enter town. The best place to see the thermal activity is at Wai-o-tapu, although I preferred the FREE bubbling mud pit just outside the park.
The next stop on our journey was Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, where we had a great sailing adventure on the Barbary, a sailboat bizarrely once owned by Errol Flynn. Our captain took us to see some Maori rock carvings only accessible from the water. Chuck, a.k.a. Dad, had great fun sailing and didn't hit anything :)
We continued on to Art Deco Napier, a town that was destroyed by earthquake in the 1920s and rebuilt in the style of the period. Even now all new buildings have to be built in the art deco style. We took a lovely walking tour of the architecture, which would have been even better if it weren't for the pouring rain. Luckily, there was a vineyard nearby with copious amounts of alcohol tasting and homemade cheese.
To end our North Island adventure we went to Wellington to relax while Matt finished his last week of work. Next stop, the South Island......
The next stop on our journey was Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, where we had a great sailing adventure on the Barbary, a sailboat bizarrely once owned by Errol Flynn. Our captain took us to see some Maori rock carvings only accessible from the water. Chuck, a.k.a. Dad, had great fun sailing and didn't hit anything :)
We continued on to Art Deco Napier, a town that was destroyed by earthquake in the 1920s and rebuilt in the style of the period. Even now all new buildings have to be built in the art deco style. We took a lovely walking tour of the architecture, which would have been even better if it weren't for the pouring rain. Luckily, there was a vineyard nearby with copious amounts of alcohol tasting and homemade cheese.
To end our North Island adventure we went to Wellington to relax while Matt finished his last week of work. Next stop, the South Island......
Sunday, August 12, 2007
My Brother's Wedding
Matt and Lin were finally married on July 7th and don't they look cute! The wedding was held at the University of Michigan Union and everyone enjoyed it. I had a wonderful time and it was nice being back and seeing my family. It was also nice to be transported from the height of winter in Wellington (without heat) to balmy Michigan.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Almost done!
It’s Sunday night, and normally I'd be preparing for another week of work with a touch of melancholy. But it just so happens that I only have two more weeks left on my contract, which will fly by no doubt.
I managed to acquire the flu last week, not very nice at the best of times, but harder to get rid of, when your flat doesn’t have any heating and it’s the depths of winter outside…
So no gloom for me this Sunday evening, I’m too busy planning our route around the
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Matt's Exciting News
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
SNOW!
It is officially winter as we have seen our first snow today on the mountain tops! Luckily it hasn't snowed here........yet.........
Monday, June 4, 2007
The Queens birthday
Does anyone know why NZ celebrates the Queen's birthday when the UK doesn't? Oh well, it gives us a three day weekend!
We took the opportunity to motor across to Kapiti Island - a wildlife sanctuary which is one of the few that allows visitors (only 50 per day). We hiked the 2 hours up to the summit - 520m, and were rewarded with fantastic views of the lower North Island and across the Cook Straits to the South Island. We also bumped into loads of native birds - alot of which are endangered.
All in all, a great break from Wellington!
We took the opportunity to motor across to Kapiti Island - a wildlife sanctuary which is one of the few that allows visitors (only 50 per day). We hiked the 2 hours up to the summit - 520m, and were rewarded with fantastic views of the lower North Island and across the Cook Straits to the South Island. We also bumped into loads of native birds - alot of which are endangered.
All in all, a great break from Wellington!
One of Gretchen's new friends
We saw this chap out on Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve basking on the rocks.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Taking stock
I finished my initial 3 month contract at work on Friday (its been extended for another month), which got me thinking about all the things we've done and all the places we've been since we arrived in New Zealand 4 months ago, and how things have changed in that time.
It seem like only yesterday that we were landing in Wellington, and enjoying the end of the summer weather. We were tourists then, exploring a new city, a city which now feels like home. Its not been hard adjusting to kiwi life, everything is alot more laid-back than at home. The first week I was at work, there was a presentation for all the staff on the Friday afternoon from the CEO, and lined up in the corner of the room was a table stacked up with beer and wine! Everyone listened to the presentation with a bottle or glass in hand - can you imagine that back home?? Its called Friday drinks and happens everywhere.
There's still a little of the tourist in us, and on most weekends we'll try and get out of Wellington and explore the surrounding area. We're spoilt with choice, whether its a hike up a hill to get stunning vistas of the valleys and lakes around, or a stroll along the coastline looking out across the water to see the mountains of the South Island in the distance. There's even vineyards not too far away.
We've definitely made the right choice in picking Wellington, I can't think of many cities I've been to that have the feel this place does.
We look forward to showing everyone who's coming to visit, around our great city!
It seem like only yesterday that we were landing in Wellington, and enjoying the end of the summer weather. We were tourists then, exploring a new city, a city which now feels like home. Its not been hard adjusting to kiwi life, everything is alot more laid-back than at home. The first week I was at work, there was a presentation for all the staff on the Friday afternoon from the CEO, and lined up in the corner of the room was a table stacked up with beer and wine! Everyone listened to the presentation with a bottle or glass in hand - can you imagine that back home?? Its called Friday drinks and happens everywhere.
There's still a little of the tourist in us, and on most weekends we'll try and get out of Wellington and explore the surrounding area. We're spoilt with choice, whether its a hike up a hill to get stunning vistas of the valleys and lakes around, or a stroll along the coastline looking out across the water to see the mountains of the South Island in the distance. There's even vineyards not too far away.
We've definitely made the right choice in picking Wellington, I can't think of many cities I've been to that have the feel this place does.
We look forward to showing everyone who's coming to visit, around our great city!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Freedom and adventure beckon!!
I have just given my notice at work! Come July 2nd I will no longer need to wear skirts/slacks and can revert back to my jean clad self :-)
At that point I'll be travelling home to Michigan to watch my baby brother get married and then head back to Wellington where Matt and I will realize our travelling plans to see more of the country (which I'm sure will be more exciting for anyone reading our blog!!). In addition, my parents will be travelling back with me to visit for 3 weeks! We're planning on taking them all around New Zealand and showing them why we love living here so much.
So...mark your calenders for mid-July as we'll soon have more adventures to share!
At that point I'll be travelling home to Michigan to watch my baby brother get married and then head back to Wellington where Matt and I will realize our travelling plans to see more of the country (which I'm sure will be more exciting for anyone reading our blog!!). In addition, my parents will be travelling back with me to visit for 3 weeks! We're planning on taking them all around New Zealand and showing them why we love living here so much.
So...mark your calenders for mid-July as we'll soon have more adventures to share!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Capital Culture
I can't quite believe it, but Matt and I have been in New Zealand for over 3 months now. Time ticks on and as we've moved into fall, the nights have been drawing in. So much so that its getting dark soon after we leave work, giving us no time during the week to further explore the 'great outdoors'
But finding things to do in the capital is never a problem, the other week we went to see the Symphony Orchestra, and next week we're going to see the Royal New Zealand Ballet's Swan Lake. The Symphony was really good, the program was all pieces from Tchaikovsky, including the Nutcracker Suite - I've actually see the Ballet in Detroit, but it was nice to hear it live again. It was a new experience for Matt, and as he's never been to the ballet, we thought it was be interesting to see Swan Lake.
Of course culturally music isn't all Wellington's got to offer, we've been enjoying the great food here, and least I forget (as Matt keeps reminding me) all the pubs too!
But finding things to do in the capital is never a problem, the other week we went to see the Symphony Orchestra, and next week we're going to see the Royal New Zealand Ballet's Swan Lake. The Symphony was really good, the program was all pieces from Tchaikovsky, including the Nutcracker Suite - I've actually see the Ballet in Detroit, but it was nice to hear it live again. It was a new experience for Matt, and as he's never been to the ballet, we thought it was be interesting to see Swan Lake.
Of course culturally music isn't all Wellington's got to offer, we've been enjoying the great food here, and least I forget (as Matt keeps reminding me) all the pubs too!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Sanctuary Weekend
We have just had a great weekend touring some of Wellington's wildlife sanctuaries. On Saturday (the 14th of April), we went to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, of which we are now members, and did an 8km hike to and from the wind turbine in Brooklyn. The views were fantastic and the hike was so peaceful. Then on Sunday we took a ferry to Somes Island in the middle of Wellington Harbour. The island itself used to be an animal quarantine for the entire country, but now it a wildlife sanctuary. They have recently begun to introduce species to the island that are failing elsewhere in New Zealand. Sadly, we didn't get to see any penguins, but we did see parakeets, shags, giant wetas, and skinks.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Festivals
Hi all,
I know we haven't written too much entries in this blog so far, but we have an excuse! Festivals! It seems that every weekend since we arrived in Wellington there's been at least one festival. Whether its a street fair in Petone, or a Indian food fête, a parade through downtown, or an Italian festival at the harbour. Wellitonians are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in town at the weekend. There's been dragon boat racing, and offshore powerboats, and even triathlons around the bays. Gretchen and I haven't even had a chance to get bored.
Wellington is a busy place in the summer, but we'll try to put up some more posts, and photos!, now that we're entering the autumn.
I know we haven't written too much entries in this blog so far, but we have an excuse! Festivals! It seems that every weekend since we arrived in Wellington there's been at least one festival. Whether its a street fair in Petone, or a Indian food fête, a parade through downtown, or an Italian festival at the harbour. Wellitonians are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in town at the weekend. There's been dragon boat racing, and offshore powerboats, and even triathlons around the bays. Gretchen and I haven't even had a chance to get bored.
Wellington is a busy place in the summer, but we'll try to put up some more posts, and photos!, now that we're entering the autumn.
Easter weekend
Hi All,
Well, we've had our first holiday weekend of our, er, year long holiday...
We thought we'd test out our new car by heading up to Taranaki (halfway up the west coast of the North Island) on Friday morning and after a 4 hour drive got there around lunchtime, and headed straight for Mt. Taranaki - a 2,518 metre dormant volcano which dominates the landscape.
We spent a couple of days in the national park, which offers a number of great hikes around the volcano. You can drive halfway up to the peak and hike further up, affording amazing views of the plains below, extending out to the sea. The trails were great and as the area is a rain forest, everything is lush green and covered in moss, and the trails were crisscrossed with streams and waterfalls.
The Taranaki region itself is full of rolling hills and farmland, and the small villages dotted around seem to compete with each other, boasting of being the capital of this or that each with their own kitch giant statue of cows or loaves of bread etc.
Larger is the regional capital of New Plymouth, the major city in the region. Although small by city standards, it has a nice regional cultural identity and serves as the biggest port on the west coast. We headed there one afternoon and walked along the waterfront, to look at the wind wand, a 45 metre narrow piece of carbon fibre modern art which sways in the wind.
All-in-all a great getaway and a nice break from city life!
Well, we've had our first holiday weekend of our, er, year long holiday...
We thought we'd test out our new car by heading up to Taranaki (halfway up the west coast of the North Island) on Friday morning and after a 4 hour drive got there around lunchtime, and headed straight for Mt. Taranaki - a 2,518 metre dormant volcano which dominates the landscape.
We spent a couple of days in the national park, which offers a number of great hikes around the volcano. You can drive halfway up to the peak and hike further up, affording amazing views of the plains below, extending out to the sea. The trails were great and as the area is a rain forest, everything is lush green and covered in moss, and the trails were crisscrossed with streams and waterfalls.
The Taranaki region itself is full of rolling hills and farmland, and the small villages dotted around seem to compete with each other, boasting of being the capital of this or that each with their own kitch giant statue of cows or loaves of bread etc.
Larger is the regional capital of New Plymouth, the major city in the region. Although small by city standards, it has a nice regional cultural identity and serves as the biggest port on the west coast. We headed there one afternoon and walked along the waterfront, to look at the wind wand, a 45 metre narrow piece of carbon fibre modern art which sways in the wind.
All-in-all a great getaway and a nice break from city life!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Jobs, cars, and visitors
Hello everyone-
I realize that we haven't written in awhile, mostly due to our current jobs and car hunting which have been keeping us pretty busy. So, I thought I'd elaborate on what kind of work we've been doing and what we've been up to.
We are both 6 weeks into our current contracts which run for three months. We were very lucky to find three month contracts that started on the same day. Now when we finish we can both go travelling together! Matt is IT contracting with Fujitsu and I'm a receptionist with Infinity Solutions, another IT firm in Wellington. Although it's a far cry from wandering around in the intertidal zone, I've gotten used to answering phones and setting up tea for clients. However, I am still having trouble getting used to wearing business clothes day in and day out :)
When not at work we have been spending most of our free time searching for an "acceptable" car. This search has been far more difficult than anticipated, however we did buy one on Monday night! We are now the proud (?) owners of a 1996 Nissan Sunny sedan. All I can say is it has a clean bill of health and will get us around for the year.
Now we're preparing for the arrival of Matt's parents, who fly in tomorrow afternoon! That's what we have been up to lately, now let us know what you have been doing.
cheers,
gretchen
I realize that we haven't written in awhile, mostly due to our current jobs and car hunting which have been keeping us pretty busy. So, I thought I'd elaborate on what kind of work we've been doing and what we've been up to.
We are both 6 weeks into our current contracts which run for three months. We were very lucky to find three month contracts that started on the same day. Now when we finish we can both go travelling together! Matt is IT contracting with Fujitsu and I'm a receptionist with Infinity Solutions, another IT firm in Wellington. Although it's a far cry from wandering around in the intertidal zone, I've gotten used to answering phones and setting up tea for clients. However, I am still having trouble getting used to wearing business clothes day in and day out :)
When not at work we have been spending most of our free time searching for an "acceptable" car. This search has been far more difficult than anticipated, however we did buy one on Monday night! We are now the proud (?) owners of a 1996 Nissan Sunny sedan. All I can say is it has a clean bill of health and will get us around for the year.
Now we're preparing for the arrival of Matt's parents, who fly in tomorrow afternoon! That's what we have been up to lately, now let us know what you have been doing.
cheers,
gretchen
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Wellington
Here is a photo of the view I had from the top of Johnston Hill the other evening. The top is a 25 min walk from our house, and as you can see the views of Wellington are fantastic, the CBD is in the middle, when me and Gretchen both work.
If you want to see a larger version of this photo, click on it and choose the 'all sizes'
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Karori
We've been in our flat for 3 weeks now and we're begining to get get to know Karori well. Its a 15-20 min bus ride to downtown Wellington from our place, which means that we can get into the city quickly, but live far enough away to be able to get away from things if we want to.
Our flat is within walking distance of two nature reserves, the Otari-Wilton's bush and the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, and is surrounded by hills, as is much of Wellington. The view of the city from nearby Johnston Hill is fantastic.
After months or travelling and living out of suitcases, its finally feeling like we've settled somewhere, and Karori is a great base from which to explore the rest of NZ.
Our flat is within walking distance of two nature reserves, the Otari-Wilton's bush and the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, and is surrounded by hills, as is much of Wellington. The view of the city from nearby Johnston Hill is fantastic.
After months or travelling and living out of suitcases, its finally feeling like we've settled somewhere, and Karori is a great base from which to explore the rest of NZ.
Making coconut cream
Here's the recipe:
1. Find an appropriately aged coconut
Fresh off the tree is preferred. If you can't find one off the ground - you can get them from backgarden palm trees.
Beware - always look skywards when standing under a coconut tree, esp. if you are trying to knock one down!
2. Remove the husk
Traditionally in Samoa this is achieved by putting a metal or wooden pole into the ground and smashing the coconut onto this until the pole is just under the husk. Then peel under the nut is revealed, continue until either you stab yourself in the leg, or the entire husk is removed!
3. Open the nut
Grab the nearest machete, every Samoan household has one! Hit the nut across the centre with the dull side of the knife. Continue until it splits in two.
4. Cleaning out the shell
Using a toothed piece of metal attached to a wooden bench, scrape the “meat” from the coconut. Watch out for your fingers! This will create a pile of shredded coconut.
5. Making the cream
Using a net of finely separated leaves, grab a handful of the shredded coconut and squeeze out the cream. Continue to do this until all of the cream has been removed from the shredded coconut. Finally, filter the cream through the net of leaves to remove any debris and Voila! You have coconut cream!
1. Find an appropriately aged coconut
Fresh off the tree is preferred. If you can't find one off the ground - you can get them from backgarden palm trees.
Beware - always look skywards when standing under a coconut tree, esp. if you are trying to knock one down!
2. Remove the huskTraditionally in Samoa this is achieved by putting a metal or wooden pole into the ground and smashing the coconut onto this until the pole is just under the husk. Then peel under the nut is revealed, continue until either you stab yourself in the leg, or the entire husk is removed!
3. Open the nut
Grab the nearest machete, every Samoan household has one! Hit the nut across the centre with the dull side of the knife. Continue until it splits in two.
4. Cleaning out the shellUsing a toothed piece of metal attached to a wooden bench, scrape the “meat” from the coconut. Watch out for your fingers! This will create a pile of shredded coconut.
5. Making the cream
Using a net of finely separated leaves, grab a handful of the shredded coconut and squeeze out the cream. Continue to do this until all of the cream has been removed from the shredded coconut. Finally, filter the cream through the net of leaves to remove any debris and Voila! You have coconut cream!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
My birthday
Well another year older, although probably no more wiser...still I had a great birthday. Gretchen took me out to see a Super 14 (rugby union) match, which was great, Wellington won by one point and right at the end of the match too. I'll get around to posting a few photos soon.
Then on the actual day we went out to this great little Italian family run restaurant - Maria Pia's. The food was great, I also had my favourite desert Tiramisu and as Gretchen let slip it was my birthday we got a free homemade digestive. All in all a great weekend.
Then on the actual day we went out to this great little Italian family run restaurant - Maria Pia's. The food was great, I also had my favourite desert Tiramisu and as Gretchen let slip it was my birthday we got a free homemade digestive. All in all a great weekend.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Introduction to Samoa
As most of you know, Matt and I stopped off in Samoa for two weeks to visit my friend Ralph. The moment you step off of the plane, even at 6:30 AM, the first things that hit you are the heat and the humidity. Our bags even had a layer of condensation on them from coming out of the cold airplane!
We made it through security and headed out into the Samoan morning, immediately I saw Ralph running towards us with the biggest grin on his face. He bought me a flower for my hair and Matt a shell necklace. We then headed off to Apia in a ride, only minutes before organized - the Samoan way! Ralph lives in a suburb of the capital, called Tulaele. His home is huge, with three living spaces, and a garden with coconut palms and chickens!
No rest for the wicked and we headed off to downtown Apia to check out the markets. Apia is just how what'd you'd expect of a south pacific capital - fantastic colors and smiling people, but also poverty and pollution. At the vegetable market Ralph introduced us to the local cuisine. Taro leaves filled with coconut cream and fish, and breadfruit, we were also introduced to a staple of Samoan life, fresh coconut milk.
All these new experiences were great but we quickly became exhausted, so after lunch we crashed out at Ralph's, while he went back to the airport to pick up Dave.
That night we feasted on coconut Thai curry, with homemade coconut cream - more on that next post!
Gretchen
We made it through security and headed out into the Samoan morning, immediately I saw Ralph running towards us with the biggest grin on his face. He bought me a flower for my hair and Matt a shell necklace. We then headed off to Apia in a ride, only minutes before organized - the Samoan way! Ralph lives in a suburb of the capital, called Tulaele. His home is huge, with three living spaces, and a garden with coconut palms and chickens!
No rest for the wicked and we headed off to downtown Apia to check out the markets. Apia is just how what'd you'd expect of a south pacific capital - fantastic colors and smiling people, but also poverty and pollution. At the vegetable market Ralph introduced us to the local cuisine. Taro leaves filled with coconut cream and fish, and breadfruit, we were also introduced to a staple of Samoan life, fresh coconut milk.
All these new experiences were great but we quickly became exhausted, so after lunch we crashed out at Ralph's, while he went back to the airport to pick up Dave.
That night we feasted on coconut Thai curry, with homemade coconut cream - more on that next post!
Gretchen
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Hello from NZ
Hi everyone,
Sorry we haven't posted any updates recently, its been a very busy 3 weeks since we arrived in New Zealand! We've now both got jobs and somewhere to live and as of an hour ago we now have internet access!! No more internet cafes!!
As you may have noticed there's a new link on the right-hand side to some of our Samoa photos, which I'll be updating over the next week or so. Then I'll get to grips with the New Zealand ones!
I promise all the stories from Samoa in the next post!
Matt
Sorry we haven't posted any updates recently, its been a very busy 3 weeks since we arrived in New Zealand! We've now both got jobs and somewhere to live and as of an hour ago we now have internet access!! No more internet cafes!!
As you may have noticed there's a new link on the right-hand side to some of our Samoa photos, which I'll be updating over the next week or so. Then I'll get to grips with the New Zealand ones!
I promise all the stories from Samoa in the next post!
Matt
Friday, January 5, 2007
Our New Travel Blog
Hi everyone!
This is the first post of our shiny new travel blog so everyone can find out what's going on with our year long adventure in New Zealand.
Of course my trip began back in November when I flew into Seattle to stay with Gretchen and 'help' her through the stress of finishing work, moving house, and Christmas - all in the space of about 6 weeks. Things have been going well, and despite the terrible weather Washington has had since I've been here and my visit to the E.R. the other day (I only needed 5 stitches, but that's another story), I've thoroughly enjoyed the last two months.
Now Christmas is over our focus is entirely set on our imminent departure for Samoa, and packing. Which you'll hear more of over the next 3 weeks I'm sure!
So, why not email and let us know how all of you are doing, and when you are visiting - so we can book you in, and book quick as we've had plenty of interest :)
Matt and Gretchen
P.S.- To check out our photos throughout the journey click on the link in the top right corner.
This is the first post of our shiny new travel blog so everyone can find out what's going on with our year long adventure in New Zealand.
Of course my trip began back in November when I flew into Seattle to stay with Gretchen and 'help' her through the stress of finishing work, moving house, and Christmas - all in the space of about 6 weeks. Things have been going well, and despite the terrible weather Washington has had since I've been here and my visit to the E.R. the other day (I only needed 5 stitches, but that's another story), I've thoroughly enjoyed the last two months.
Now Christmas is over our focus is entirely set on our imminent departure for Samoa, and packing. Which you'll hear more of over the next 3 weeks I'm sure!
So, why not email and let us know how all of you are doing, and when you are visiting - so we can book you in, and book quick as we've had plenty of interest :)
Matt and Gretchen
P.S.- To check out our photos throughout the journey click on the link in the top right corner.
Happy New Year!
This is Matt and me on New Year's Eve! We went to see Doc Severinsen and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. The concert was great and the after party was a blast (thanks E for letting us use the condo!). We hope you all had a great New Years too where ever you are in the world.
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