As the title leads one to believe (quite obviously) I had my first NZ hitchhiking experience yesterday. It was a travel day (New Plymouth to Thames) and I had two bus rides -- totalling just over 6 hours. Lovely. Anyways, nearing the end of the second bus trip everyone got off the bus, so I thought: 'Hmmm. Maybe this is the last stop.' So I asked the bus driver -- "Is this Thames?" (The last stop and my final destination). "Yes" she says. So I get off, get my pack, and walk into the info center.
After inquiring how to get to my hostel, I learn I got off at the wrong stop. I'm in Parera (or something, I can't quite remember), not Thames. And that was the last bus (well another one comes at the same time as the mine, but I was lead to believe that it had already left). So I'm stuck in Pawera, and what's worse -- I'll have to pay $14 to take the bus 32ks the next day. All because the bus driver doesn't know which stop is which. After 30 seconds of fuming/tearing up, it became apparent to me that this is my opportunity to hitch. So I check the map and head over to the road leading out of Parera and up to Thames. Once there, I throw my thumb out and start walking backwards.
Cars pass. More cars than I wish to be were passing. Cars with attractive people and empty seats pass. Minivans with small children and empty seats pass. Yes! One is pulling over! Oh, no, they just are going to their house. More cars pass. Yes! A car is stopping -- and not just that, a car with a grandmother driving is stopping! There's no way she would beat me and leave me by the side of the road. After recounting my story to her and throwing my pack in the trunk, we're off to Thames.**
Along the way (which took maybe 20 minutes) we chat about traveling -- she just returned from a month in China -- and the burdens of growing old/her ill mother (why she was on the road in the first place -- she was coming up from Palmerston North to check on her). It was quite enjoyable. Anyways, after my mishap with the bus driver set in, she became quite mad -- "We have to file a complaint! If you don't want to, I will." Well ok then. No arguing with an angry grandma. Once in Thames, we're off to the bus depot to file a complaint -- which consisted of telling the people that worked there, and then confronting the bus driver. Apparently she thought I had asked -- is this Parera? (Parera and Thames do not sound alike. Come on.) But she did apologize. And I got a ride to the front door of my hostel (instead of walking the 20 minutes from the bus station). So all's well that ends well.
** The events of this paragraph occurred over the span of 3 minutes.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Photos Photos Everywhere
So here are the photos I promised --
The view from the beginning of my hike up Mt Taranaki. Also the first time I thought of turning around.
The path.
One of the views from the top. That's the pacific in the background. Cool clouds, eh?
my residence for the past 3 weeks.
Ginger the pig.
Vincent the cat -- possibly the best snuggle cat in the world, due to his willingness and fat layers.
My host family and I.
View of Mt Taranaki from the house (in late afternoon).
The view from the beginning of my hike up Mt Taranaki. Also the first time I thought of turning around.
The path.
One of the views from the top. That's the pacific in the background. Cool clouds, eh?
my residence for the past 3 weeks.
Ginger the pig.
Vincent the cat -- possibly the best snuggle cat in the world, due to his willingness and fat layers.
My host family and I.
View of Mt Taranaki from the house (in late afternoon).
Monday, May 28, 2007
Farewell to Bushlie's Corner
Tonight marks my last night in Kaimata, with the lovely and wonderful Burwell Heard family. Fate sent me here -- I'm incredibly lucky to have stumbled across such a warm, loving and open family, who allowed me to share my life (troubles and all) with them. I've spent a great three weeks here -- I met my first fairy, scaled my first mountain alone, tasted my first feijoa (how I will miss them!), as well as plenty of other things that I don't want the wide world of the internets to know about. I feel that I developed a good base of knowledge with which to start my first garden -- sustainability here I come!
But time marches on -- I'm headed up to the Coromandel Peninsula for the rest of my time in NZ, so I can say farewell to my fantasyland. Then 5 nights in Sydney, then to Korea to visit Ben -- quite looking forward to seeing someone that I can say "Hey remember when we did this a coupla years ago?...." to.
Hope all is well back in the states. Someone send me an email if Bush gets impeached. Or if a heart attack fells Cheney.
But time marches on -- I'm headed up to the Coromandel Peninsula for the rest of my time in NZ, so I can say farewell to my fantasyland. Then 5 nights in Sydney, then to Korea to visit Ben -- quite looking forward to seeing someone that I can say "Hey remember when we did this a coupla years ago?...." to.
Hope all is well back in the states. Someone send me an email if Bush gets impeached. Or if a heart attack fells Cheney.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Release the Trees!
That title makes me think of Mr Burns -- 'Release the hounds!', but my experience with releasing trees is quite far from the villainous Monty Burns.
One of my tasks on the farm was to (you guessed it!) release the trees in the wetland. Along one edge of the farm's property runs a very small stream, and they are actively trying to reclaim the wetlands. Reclaim them from the cows, that is. The cows muck up the land all around the stream from walking their heavy bodies on it (called pugging), and basically the stream gets lost in the process. So fences go up around the streams (or where the stream should be, and the lucky streams at that) and native trees are planted within the fence's borders. But, until the trees are a tree-like size, the grass (that is no longer being eaten by the cows) grow up all around the trees, sometimes so much so that the trees aren't visible. Gosh dang, environmentalism is hard work! So a few times a year (while the trees are still wee babes) someone goes down and releases the trees from the grasses. (A simple task made more challenging by their number --800!) As intuitive as the job sounds, I couldn't remember what my host called it, so until the name stuck in my head I called it freeing the trees. Which made (and makes) me giggle.
Life on Bushlie's Corner is treating me well. (other than the splinters, of which I've had 4 that required needle attention, and a handful of smaller ones) Today I saw two of the ducks wagging their tails -- ha -- ducks wag their tails. I have just under a week left here before a night in New Plymouth, then up to Thames for some relaxation (hmmm.... I wonder who colonized NZ? It's a shame the names of the towns are so unfamiliar....) before heading back to Auckland for my flight to Sydney. So I have just under 2 weeks left here -- hard for me to believe that I'm so far into the trip already. Time marches on (especially when one's traveling).
I promise to upload heaps of photos once I get to a place that recognizes my camera (some of the computers here have been quite mean -- ostracizing it, not letting it play any reindeer games and such).
Cheers!
One of my tasks on the farm was to (you guessed it!) release the trees in the wetland. Along one edge of the farm's property runs a very small stream, and they are actively trying to reclaim the wetlands. Reclaim them from the cows, that is. The cows muck up the land all around the stream from walking their heavy bodies on it (called pugging), and basically the stream gets lost in the process. So fences go up around the streams (or where the stream should be, and the lucky streams at that) and native trees are planted within the fence's borders. But, until the trees are a tree-like size, the grass (that is no longer being eaten by the cows) grow up all around the trees, sometimes so much so that the trees aren't visible. Gosh dang, environmentalism is hard work! So a few times a year (while the trees are still wee babes) someone goes down and releases the trees from the grasses. (A simple task made more challenging by their number --800!) As intuitive as the job sounds, I couldn't remember what my host called it, so until the name stuck in my head I called it freeing the trees. Which made (and makes) me giggle.
Life on Bushlie's Corner is treating me well. (other than the splinters, of which I've had 4 that required needle attention, and a handful of smaller ones) Today I saw two of the ducks wagging their tails -- ha -- ducks wag their tails. I have just under a week left here before a night in New Plymouth, then up to Thames for some relaxation (hmmm.... I wonder who colonized NZ? It's a shame the names of the towns are so unfamiliar....) before heading back to Auckland for my flight to Sydney. So I have just under 2 weeks left here -- hard for me to believe that I'm so far into the trip already. Time marches on (especially when one's traveling).
I promise to upload heaps of photos once I get to a place that recognizes my camera (some of the computers here have been quite mean -- ostracizing it, not letting it play any reindeer games and such).
Cheers!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Mmm, Mmm Good
Last night I finally (finally) made something worthwhile enough to write the recipe down. It is as follows:
Kaimata Beans:
Put 1 1/2 cup dry black beans in boiling water until there is about 3" of water above the beans in a pot and cook them until soft (but not mushy). This will take awhile (like at least an hour, but probably more).
While beans are cooking grate 4 large carrots (more can be used if desired) and chop 2 welsh onions (can sub in 4 spring onions, 2 leeks, or 1 large onion -- but not all of those). And read a book, play your guitar or write in your journal, since grating carrots and chopping onions doesnt take that long.
Heat equal parts oil and tamari in a large frying pan. Once beans are soft, add them to the pan. There should be just enough liquid left in the beans to reach the top of the beans in the pan. Add 1 dried bay leaf, salt, pinch of black pepper, 2 heaping tsps sugar, and chili powder (to taste, but do put some in even if you're serving to kids. I added a pinch and the two yr old guzzled the beans down). Bring bean mix to a rapid boil. Add carrots and onions. Add 2-3 springs each of thyme and marjoram (don't forget to strip those leaves of the stem!). Simmer rapidly until most of the liquid is gone (stir as you see fit throughout).
Prior to serving, remove bay leaf and add a generous handful of chopped flatleaf parsley. Also, taste before serving and add salt if necessary. Serve with rice.
I imagine this recipe to be one of those that you can amend as you see fit. BBQ sauce would be nice, or ginger... lots of stuff. Just make sure that if you're adding something like BBQ sauce, which has salt, to add less salt. Or none. Just taste it and make sure it tastes good.
I love cooking. And food.
Kaimata Beans:
Put 1 1/2 cup dry black beans in boiling water until there is about 3" of water above the beans in a pot and cook them until soft (but not mushy). This will take awhile (like at least an hour, but probably more).
While beans are cooking grate 4 large carrots (more can be used if desired) and chop 2 welsh onions (can sub in 4 spring onions, 2 leeks, or 1 large onion -- but not all of those). And read a book, play your guitar or write in your journal, since grating carrots and chopping onions doesnt take that long.
Heat equal parts oil and tamari in a large frying pan. Once beans are soft, add them to the pan. There should be just enough liquid left in the beans to reach the top of the beans in the pan. Add 1 dried bay leaf, salt, pinch of black pepper, 2 heaping tsps sugar, and chili powder (to taste, but do put some in even if you're serving to kids. I added a pinch and the two yr old guzzled the beans down). Bring bean mix to a rapid boil. Add carrots and onions. Add 2-3 springs each of thyme and marjoram (don't forget to strip those leaves of the stem!). Simmer rapidly until most of the liquid is gone (stir as you see fit throughout).
Prior to serving, remove bay leaf and add a generous handful of chopped flatleaf parsley. Also, taste before serving and add salt if necessary. Serve with rice.
I imagine this recipe to be one of those that you can amend as you see fit. BBQ sauce would be nice, or ginger... lots of stuff. Just make sure that if you're adding something like BBQ sauce, which has salt, to add less salt. Or none. Just taste it and make sure it tastes good.
I love cooking. And food.
Friday, May 18, 2007
The Time is Now
Looking out from my current spot I see a gorgeous, almost finished sunset. Life is quite peaceful here.
There has been lots of introspection (I think that's the right word) lately -- that and dirty hands. No matter what I seem to do, I can see dirt somewhere on my hands. Anyways, back to my topic sentence...
Since I'm a worrier (thanks so much parents, I enjoy that trait you've passed on even more than my height) and a thinker, my mind rarely rests. And mindless garden tasks (as much as I've been enjoying them, P & K --) aren't good to keep the mind active. I find myself thinking about the past and the future, as opposed to the present. The current. My lovely eventful never to be had again time in New Zealand. So recently I've been making a conscious effort to stay in the present -- hell I'm in charge of my mind, not the other way around.
I've done a coupla things in the past coupla days to keep myself present-ified:
- yoga while facing the mountain. definitely better than yoga in a warm sweaty classroom.
- looking at the mountain (in general) - usually the clouds are doing something cool around it (if they're not obstructing it's view)
- swimming in a local river. Keep in mind its almost winter here, and it's not like NZ is Thailand or anything. that water was so cold that my breath caught in my throat for the first minute or two, but then it became crisply refreshing (quite crisp, in fact). but swimming in a river, turning over to skull on my back and seeing the late afternoon filter through the canopy of the trees along the riverbank --- that's what this trip is about. having those experiences.
There has been lots of introspection (I think that's the right word) lately -- that and dirty hands. No matter what I seem to do, I can see dirt somewhere on my hands. Anyways, back to my topic sentence...
Since I'm a worrier (thanks so much parents, I enjoy that trait you've passed on even more than my height) and a thinker, my mind rarely rests. And mindless garden tasks (as much as I've been enjoying them, P & K --) aren't good to keep the mind active. I find myself thinking about the past and the future, as opposed to the present. The current. My lovely eventful never to be had again time in New Zealand. So recently I've been making a conscious effort to stay in the present -- hell I'm in charge of my mind, not the other way around.
I've done a coupla things in the past coupla days to keep myself present-ified:
- yoga while facing the mountain. definitely better than yoga in a warm sweaty classroom.
- looking at the mountain (in general) - usually the clouds are doing something cool around it (if they're not obstructing it's view)
- swimming in a local river. Keep in mind its almost winter here, and it's not like NZ is Thailand or anything. that water was so cold that my breath caught in my throat for the first minute or two, but then it became crisply refreshing (quite crisp, in fact). but swimming in a river, turning over to skull on my back and seeing the late afternoon filter through the canopy of the trees along the riverbank --- that's what this trip is about. having those experiences.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Darn that Pig
An interesting encounter with Ginger the Pig this morning:
I was in the lower vegetable garden, weeding the corn beds (so we can sow broad beans, aka fava beans). I'm listening to Cher (don't mock me, it's really good music to weed to) and minding my own business. Ginger was out of his pen (I think the thing has been shorting out) minding his own business on the other side of the fence (the veggie garden is fenced in so the chooks and ducks don't get in there and eat everything), eating, and generally just hanging out (as much as a pig can hang out). I got the feeling that he liked being near me.
Next thing I know, the darn pig is in the garden with me! He has learned how to finagle himself around the chicken wire door of the garden. And of course he doesn't understand to not walk on the beds, so he's traipsing across all the veggies and I'm chasing around after him trying to get him out of the garden. Finally I succeeded (but not after he ate a green tomato and stuck his little hooves in too many of the beds) and he was back outside, chilling with the ducks and chooks.
Silly pig.
I was in the lower vegetable garden, weeding the corn beds (so we can sow broad beans, aka fava beans). I'm listening to Cher (don't mock me, it's really good music to weed to) and minding my own business. Ginger was out of his pen (I think the thing has been shorting out) minding his own business on the other side of the fence (the veggie garden is fenced in so the chooks and ducks don't get in there and eat everything), eating, and generally just hanging out (as much as a pig can hang out). I got the feeling that he liked being near me.
Next thing I know, the darn pig is in the garden with me! He has learned how to finagle himself around the chicken wire door of the garden. And of course he doesn't understand to not walk on the beds, so he's traipsing across all the veggies and I'm chasing around after him trying to get him out of the garden. Finally I succeeded (but not after he ate a green tomato and stuck his little hooves in too many of the beds) and he was back outside, chilling with the ducks and chooks.
Silly pig.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
A Tuesday in Taranaki
Life at Bushlie's Corner (the name of the farm) so far has left me quite content. Sunday was an absolutely magnificent day -- Farmer's market in the morning, the afternoon spent on a scenic bush reserve, dinner cooked outside over an open fire, and finishing out the day with a thought-provoking discussion on everything from politics to womanhood to permaculture. (Well maybe those three are more related than I initially thought). I have just 3 weeks left in NZ -- it's a bit hard to believe that I'm this far in the trip already. (although it is nice to think about all the fun things left ahead of me).
I feel like I'm getting quite used to life on the farm -- feeding the pigs in the morning (usually Ginger is loose -- silly pig, escaping his electric fence), then to watever task I have for the day. Today I mulched the feijoa trees in the orchard. At one point when clipping branches I tucked close to the fence to get better access, but quickly moved back to where I had been after being stared down by the bull next door.
I made dinner tonight for the family -- while making the two dinners I've made so far I've been hyper conscious of the spices I put in (considering I have a tendency to heavily over spice) since I'm cooking for little kids. Oh and I have an infected splinter on my right pointer (for which I was given a natural remedy that's worked quite well at bringing the bugger up to the surface). And I've pretty much finished the LOTR trilogy (about 3 weeks, not bad, especially since I've been trying to go slowly).
Hope all is well back in the states -- and to all the mothers -- Happy (belated) Mother's Day!
***had a bit of trouble figuring out a clever title for the post, i apologize***
I feel like I'm getting quite used to life on the farm -- feeding the pigs in the morning (usually Ginger is loose -- silly pig, escaping his electric fence), then to watever task I have for the day. Today I mulched the feijoa trees in the orchard. At one point when clipping branches I tucked close to the fence to get better access, but quickly moved back to where I had been after being stared down by the bull next door.
I made dinner tonight for the family -- while making the two dinners I've made so far I've been hyper conscious of the spices I put in (considering I have a tendency to heavily over spice) since I'm cooking for little kids. Oh and I have an infected splinter on my right pointer (for which I was given a natural remedy that's worked quite well at bringing the bugger up to the surface). And I've pretty much finished the LOTR trilogy (about 3 weeks, not bad, especially since I've been trying to go slowly).
Hope all is well back in the states -- and to all the mothers -- Happy (belated) Mother's Day!
***had a bit of trouble figuring out a clever title for the post, i apologize***
Friday, May 11, 2007
I'm a Little Tramper
So I've been in Taranaki (a region, not a town -- just in case anyone's interested) for just shy of a week now, and I'm thoroughly enjoying my farmstay. Definitely the most physical labor I've done in awhile (ok lets be honest -- possibly ever) -- today included moving 2x4s, cleaning out the pig shed and pulling out corn stalks (harder than it sounds... Mom, you know what I'm talking about). I'll put up photos when I figure out how to view my photos on my host family's computer... so far no luck.
Anyways, on Wednesday the weather was gorgeous so I went for a hike up Mt Taranaki. It was the first time I ever went for a real hike by myself, and it certainly was a challenge. Although it wouldn't have been any easier with anyone else, but even so -- took me just over 8 hours, but 45 minutes were break time (ok maybe a little more). The scenery was beautiful to interesting -- native bush at the beginning, then alpine zone, then rocks rocks and more rocks. Quite difficult to manage going up but quite fun to come down. The first bit of rock was very slippery and hard to find footing in (which made for rock-sledding on the way back) then the oh so lovely volcanic rock I became familiar with during the Tongariro Crossing. I almost lost faith (since the Kiwis kept passing me by), but I persevered. The top of the mountain (oh I failed to mention this is actually a volcano -- so the top had a wee crater, filled with ice, snow, and no discernible path) was the most challenging, considering the slippery-ness and lack of path, oh and having to climb, not hike, but it was certainly worth it. At the top of the mountain the views were spectacular -- the Tasman Sea on three sides and Mt Tongariro to the east. And I lucked out with the views (so said the Kiwi -- in shorts, mind you -- that I spoke with at the top) -- rarely is the weather so clear.
So, I discovered to keep myself going in the hard times (but not so difficult all I could think about was my foot and hand placement) it works to make up a song. The lyrics to my lovely song are as follows (tune to 'I'm a Little Teapot'):
I'm a little tramper, short and lean,
Always carry water in my canteen.
Up the mountains I go, slow not fast.
Other trampers hurry past.
As the going got easier on the way down I made up two other verses, but I will hold them dear in my heart for awhile longer before sharing them. Don't worry, I already copywrited that first verse.
Anyways, on Wednesday the weather was gorgeous so I went for a hike up Mt Taranaki. It was the first time I ever went for a real hike by myself, and it certainly was a challenge. Although it wouldn't have been any easier with anyone else, but even so -- took me just over 8 hours, but 45 minutes were break time (ok maybe a little more). The scenery was beautiful to interesting -- native bush at the beginning, then alpine zone, then rocks rocks and more rocks. Quite difficult to manage going up but quite fun to come down. The first bit of rock was very slippery and hard to find footing in (which made for rock-sledding on the way back) then the oh so lovely volcanic rock I became familiar with during the Tongariro Crossing. I almost lost faith (since the Kiwis kept passing me by), but I persevered. The top of the mountain (oh I failed to mention this is actually a volcano -- so the top had a wee crater, filled with ice, snow, and no discernible path) was the most challenging, considering the slippery-ness and lack of path, oh and having to climb, not hike, but it was certainly worth it. At the top of the mountain the views were spectacular -- the Tasman Sea on three sides and Mt Tongariro to the east. And I lucked out with the views (so said the Kiwi -- in shorts, mind you -- that I spoke with at the top) -- rarely is the weather so clear.
So, I discovered to keep myself going in the hard times (but not so difficult all I could think about was my foot and hand placement) it works to make up a song. The lyrics to my lovely song are as follows (tune to 'I'm a Little Teapot'):
I'm a little tramper, short and lean,
Always carry water in my canteen.
Up the mountains I go, slow not fast.
Other trampers hurry past.
As the going got easier on the way down I made up two other verses, but I will hold them dear in my heart for awhile longer before sharing them. Don't worry, I already copywrited that first verse.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Where I've Wanted To Be
That's where I am now -- where I've wanted to be. I'm on a farm (small one, but definitely a farm). There are pigs and chickens (called chooks here), a bunny-eating cat, fruit and fejoia trees (aka one of the tastiest fruits ever -- looks kinda like a small green avocado and tastes like a citrusy kiwi), lots of greens, multiples types of beets, a tree made windblock, gray-water system... sigh.
I'm staying with a young family who's doing their best to live the sustainable lifestyle (which is near impossible in any western country, but its heartening to see some try valiantly). There are two young kids (2 & 4) so I've been putting my nannying skills to use -- although they're both boys, which I'm less familiar with -- something tells me they won't be into dance parties as much as my former small child companion.
Diversions diversions. I arrived here (Taranaki) just yesterday and spent the afternoon at the Environment Centre -- where both parents work (part time - yes!) as coordinators/educators of sustainability in the local schools. Needless to say, I'm happy. And content. I worked outside today and have dirt under my fingernails. I'm definitely here for the next two weeks (4 weeks left in the land of the Kiwis) and I may stay on the rest of my time, depending on how things go. There's a bike here I can use -- and a massive mountain just south of the house (that I'm itching to hike -- havent really hiked since dad left). Oh and Sundays are spent at the local farmers market, that was recently initiated by my female host.
Hope all is well back in the states -- send me emails! I know everyone has their important and busy lives, but I'd always appreciate a note from my loved ones back stateside.
Cheers!
I'm staying with a young family who's doing their best to live the sustainable lifestyle (which is near impossible in any western country, but its heartening to see some try valiantly). There are two young kids (2 & 4) so I've been putting my nannying skills to use -- although they're both boys, which I'm less familiar with -- something tells me they won't be into dance parties as much as my former small child companion.
Diversions diversions. I arrived here (Taranaki) just yesterday and spent the afternoon at the Environment Centre -- where both parents work (part time - yes!) as coordinators/educators of sustainability in the local schools. Needless to say, I'm happy. And content. I worked outside today and have dirt under my fingernails. I'm definitely here for the next two weeks (4 weeks left in the land of the Kiwis) and I may stay on the rest of my time, depending on how things go. There's a bike here I can use -- and a massive mountain just south of the house (that I'm itching to hike -- havent really hiked since dad left). Oh and Sundays are spent at the local farmers market, that was recently initiated by my female host.
Hope all is well back in the states -- send me emails! I know everyone has their important and busy lives, but I'd always appreciate a note from my loved ones back stateside.
Cheers!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Wellington.
Looking down into the center of Wellington from the street on which my hostel sits.
So it's been an interesting day -- as I was walking down the promenade some teenage hooligan boys called out "hey, four eyes!" real mature. and creative.
But back to the nitty gritty. I set my mental alarm clock this morning for 7:30 and it actually worked. I was a bit surprised, but I guess I shouldn't be... considering that I'm psychic and all. I wouldn't normally wake up that early on a Saturday, but there's free breakfast in the hostel and I wanted to make sure I a) got some; and b) got the best of it (why was I concerned for this? Because of just missing nutella time and time again in Europe two summers ago). Anyway the breakfast wasnt that great (rice crispies and toast) but I discovered I could make a mocha, which brightened up my day (in more ways then one).
Mushrooms in the Botanic Gardens
Then it was off to the Botanic Gardens for a stroll and some photos, then down to the Te Papa Museum for some New Zealand culture. Much of the museum was typical history/culture stuff, although there was a re-creation of the native bush for one of the exhibits. And they seem to have a lot of interactive exhibits -- a lot more Please Touch than it seems there is in the states. Actually it was quite different than any museum Ive been to in the states now that I think about it... it was everything under one roof -- whale skeletons, history, old and modern art, an espresso bar and big comfy chairs, seasonally rotating exhibitions. No omni theater though.
OK (my thoughts are winding around quite a bit tonight -- I can't get this USB drive to acknowledge my photos, the bitch -- so sorry if no photos, if there are photos, then I'm a technological goddess). What I want to write about is an exhibit called Blood Earth Fire (which I first thought was Earth Wind Fire... haha and it made me think of Kashaka). The exhibit was all about the transformation of NZ's land since human arrival (about 800 yrs ago). Quite thought provoking indeed.... something like 25% of the native bush remains. 50% of NZ land is grassland (damn the sheep!) and all the moas are extinct.... (stupid birds that didn't have any predators except each other -- cannibals!).
There seems to be so much cultural awareness on the effect humans have on the land -- which seems to be so different than anywhere else I know of. Obviously we can realize (and sometimes acknowledge) that we cut down trees, or build roads, or hey there's trash in the river and it's brown, it wasn't always like that -- but it doesn't seem we (Americans) go much farther than that.
I'm sure there's no reason to, of course. These Kiwis are crazy!
But.
Awareness is only one step. and a beginning step. and a small step. It seems we need a change of consciousness. The woman I stayed with last week has only one hygiene related paper product in her house -- toilet paper (no napkins, no paper towels, no q-tips. ok she had pads and tampons, but the tampons were o.b. -- and the person that asks us ladies to live without pads and tampons.... is a person who hopes to never meet me and endure the wrath of katie). only toilet paper! lots and lots of dish towels, for all napkin and paper towel needs. It made me think though -- more than once my mind thought I needed a napkin. But of course I made do (no throwing myself into the ocean in a hysterical fit over the lack of napkin for me, thank you). Kinda highlights the difference between needs and wants.
The past few paragraphs were for your thinking pleasure (or pain, depending on how much you love your consumption...).
After the museum I wandered around, ate two PB&J sandwiches, went to the i-Site (Kiwi speak for information center), tried on some clothes (I think I'm a size 8 here. Low rise pants are still popular here -- damn them! I hate the low rise!), then hoofed it to the top of Mt Victoria. Quite nice really. (Nope USB port still isn't working... I'll put up photos later. Stupid machines.) It was windy all day today (Wellington's known for that actually) -- at the top of the mountain the clouds were moving like they had to get to the hospital to give birth, but the sun found ways to peak through -- I saw a few instances of sunrays shining down onto the harbor -- quite nice.
View from the top of Mt Victoria
Oh and I read a bunch of the two towers. And ate another PB&J, and had an apple. I'm still hungry... time for a beer! (hopefully the damned rugby match is off the telly, otherwise I'm defintely going to have to pay for my own beer....)
Cheers!
Thursday, May 3, 2007
First Family "Farm" stay
midway through a beach walk
my breakfast view (hard to see it, but the Pacific is in the background)
Just got back into Napier after my first "farm"stay in Haumoana -- I put farm in quotes because this wasn't a farm, it was a house in the suburbs (which are similar to the idealized version of suburbs in the states, ie teeny streets, everyone knows each other and each other's business, corner stores and local libraries. oh and local fish and chips shops, so i guess they're not entirely the same).
The woman I was staying with was going through a bit of family trauma (and 'a bit' is an understatement), so the Capricorn that I am, I helped her get her life back in order (or so I like to think). Yeah so.... it wasn't the experience I was expected (although I should've expected that, ha!) I did find ways to keep myself occupied and relatively enjoy myself (it was hard to not let the trauma affect me, sensitive soul -- sniffle, sniffle -- that I am). I spent most of my free time walking on the beach or reading books like I've never read books before. I finished Perfect Health (Deepak Chopra) and the Immortals -- I managed to finish the Immortals in 2 and a half days, which I feel is quite the feat. (Those of you that don't know what this book is, its over 500 pages of gossip re: JFK, RFK and the lovely and tragic Marilyn Monroe. I finished the book feeling incredibly pensive last night, and thinking that J Edgar Hoover is a douche, and that RFK was kinda naieve. I'm sure the entire book is factual.)
I'm off to Wellington this afternoon and quite siked about it -- everyone I've talked to about Wellington raves about it (or at least has postive things to report). I'll be there three nights and I'm thinking of it as a bit of a vacation (I know, I know, I'm sure lots of you are thinking this whole trip is a vacation -- but I did work the past week, in some senses). After Wellington I'm off to my next farmstay, on the complete opposite side of the island (a whole 300 kms away! it's like, a lot or something...).
Hope all is well in the states, although from the NZ news, it seems it isn't (gotta love those LAPD!).
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