Today was simple and sweet. quiet morning for me. Unfortunately Noorz had had an off and on night with little Boh. He might be sick and he also is growing for sure. he is 4.5 months and trying all kinds of new things. He grabs things and can purposefully put them in his mouth. He is trying to DO things that he cannot quite do, like sit up, or dance or talk...but he is really working at Learning how! I held Boh more today and sang to him and played with him. Really enjoyed that. Around lunch time we got in the car to go downtown for errands and, since the weather was so clear and nice again, to walk around. We stopped for lunch at Deville's. They had a lovely, big gated courtyard garden out front and it was warm enough to sit out there for our lunch. We ordered the Monk fish which was served layered with sautéed parsley, the ever-present roastie-style potatoes and a wonderful sauce with the essence of crawfish brewed into it. Fabulous!
Following lunch I took the dog, Chi, for a walk to the Japanese garden near here. Chi is much bigger than my Augie, and knew exactly which bushes and so forth he would explore, so we had a few strenuous (for me!) differences of opinion about the route, but we got along alright, even so.
Restful afternoon, then I cooked while Noreen packed for our trip to her parents' place on the Gold Coast of Australia. I made a thick lamb soup using up her celery, potatoes and some kumara (native sweet potato type tuber) with rosemary and parsley from her garden. I also poached some pears with fruit juice, a stick of cinnamon and a pinch of cloves. We ate that warm with vanilla ice cream. Heavenly!
It was a truly wonderful day. I especially give kudos to Noreen for packing her bag extra light. Parenthood has changed her in many ways. she was surprised to discover that by adding a baby she de-cluttered her packing so much that she is taking less overall while taking everything she needs. babies change our priorities, don't they? she has started to talk of how nice it would be to have a GiGi "like you" come stay to help out...that Boh has fallen for me and so on. She has even resorted to tempting me with thoughts of the good-looking local men! I have fallen for Noreen and Boh and for New Zealand,too, but must continue my trek westward and northward until I return home where I have my grandbabies and my people to love and things to accomplish. I will miss them and their cozy home, however.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
June 28 Last full Day in NZ...about yesterday...
AH! A lazy morning! I do not need as much sleep now, must be over jet lag. but it is nice to have no urgency today. I will just help Noreen get ready for our trip tomorrow to the Gold Coast of Australia to visit her parents, Jeeta (my "sister" and Boon).
yesterday started early when I got up at 6 a.m. to a prediction of clear weather. I called around to see if any cruise tours were available out to Abel Tasman Nat. Park. They were still closed, but at 7:25 I found out that Noreen and the baby were sick and that I needed to get to the bus depot by 7:45 if I wanted to get the bus out of town to the location of a possible cruise (no promise there would be room on the boat for me). So I grabbed a protein bar, apple and my water bottle and threw them in my small backpack with my camera and started power walking. when I realized I was running out of time I started running...maybe a half mile! I got to the depot 5 minutes late, but guess what! the bus was late leaving, so they ran out and told the driver to wait for me. she was mad, but I got on! I was meant to have that journey! It was a beautiful 1.5 hour drive north in a Comfy motor coach. I arrived just in time to make a very quick decisio. On what tour to catch and pop in to the store to buy a sandwich and snacks and pop onto the amphibious boat on the beach. with no delay, we headed out of harbor.
what a glorious cruise!! what a beautiful morning!
the pilot toured us along the coastline showing points of interest, such as Split Apple Rock,the seal rock islands where the baby seals had recently been born, interesting birds and fabulous rock formations all along. We dropped some people off along the way, delivered packages to people on beaches where they are land-locked and continued to north. The sea was clear and smooth, and although the winter day was chilly enough for frost, the sun was warm when you were sheltered and dressed warmly. We turned around at some point. I was set off on shore with two other people at Bark Bay. we were to tramp back about two hours to Torrent Bay/Anchorage where we would be collected iin three hours. I would have been fine to hike alone, but this lovely couple invited me to hike with them, so I did. I could not have had pleasanter companions! Komal and Tarun. Originally fromIndia, they are Gen. Practitioner M.D.'s who worked a six month contract on the north island and are now exploring the rest of NZ.
we had a marvelous trAmp through the forests and jungles! some parts were very damp and full of ferns, from the tiniest you ever saw to huge tree ferns! Other parts of the track were much drier and totally different flora, lots of interesting lichens. In fact, I would dub all of NZ the land of the lichen. it was a workout, but with wonderful views peeking out through trees! When we made it to Torrent Bay, we had two choices: walk another hour on a high track Around the outside of the tidal area to stay dry OR wAlk right across the sandy tidal area with bare feet, fording a couple of icy streams as we go, but take about half the time. We opted for the latter, and I enjoyedmit since we stayed out in the sunshine. I am not sure I could say Komal enjoyed it, for her feet are more tender than mine, but she is a great sport and smiled throughout. I know she preferred to walk in the sunlight anyway.
at Anchorage beach I found a quiet place to enjoy lunch and listen to the birds quietly by myself. I think we had about 45 minutes there before the boat took us. there were about a dozen people in the area...very international.
It was a chilly boat ride back, but so beautiful in the slanting Golden sun of the afternoon! Back at Kauteriteri there was just enough time to warm up in the cAfe with a pot of tea, gazing out at the sea, before to bus arrived. the two hour trip home was incredible because the huge bus windows allowed an amazing view of an ever-changing and colorful sunset over the mountains! AH!!!
Back home, I helped Noreen get the roSties cooked and we had a lovely evening that involved a good amount of laughter. (planning packing...turns out she and I have much in common, including the tendency to pack everything including the kitchen sink to travel for even the shortest trips!). today we prepare...
yesterday started early when I got up at 6 a.m. to a prediction of clear weather. I called around to see if any cruise tours were available out to Abel Tasman Nat. Park. They were still closed, but at 7:25 I found out that Noreen and the baby were sick and that I needed to get to the bus depot by 7:45 if I wanted to get the bus out of town to the location of a possible cruise (no promise there would be room on the boat for me). So I grabbed a protein bar, apple and my water bottle and threw them in my small backpack with my camera and started power walking. when I realized I was running out of time I started running...maybe a half mile! I got to the depot 5 minutes late, but guess what! the bus was late leaving, so they ran out and told the driver to wait for me. she was mad, but I got on! I was meant to have that journey! It was a beautiful 1.5 hour drive north in a Comfy motor coach. I arrived just in time to make a very quick decisio. On what tour to catch and pop in to the store to buy a sandwich and snacks and pop onto the amphibious boat on the beach. with no delay, we headed out of harbor.
what a glorious cruise!! what a beautiful morning!
the pilot toured us along the coastline showing points of interest, such as Split Apple Rock,the seal rock islands where the baby seals had recently been born, interesting birds and fabulous rock formations all along. We dropped some people off along the way, delivered packages to people on beaches where they are land-locked and continued to north. The sea was clear and smooth, and although the winter day was chilly enough for frost, the sun was warm when you were sheltered and dressed warmly. We turned around at some point. I was set off on shore with two other people at Bark Bay. we were to tramp back about two hours to Torrent Bay/Anchorage where we would be collected iin three hours. I would have been fine to hike alone, but this lovely couple invited me to hike with them, so I did. I could not have had pleasanter companions! Komal and Tarun. Originally fromIndia, they are Gen. Practitioner M.D.'s who worked a six month contract on the north island and are now exploring the rest of NZ.
we had a marvelous trAmp through the forests and jungles! some parts were very damp and full of ferns, from the tiniest you ever saw to huge tree ferns! Other parts of the track were much drier and totally different flora, lots of interesting lichens. In fact, I would dub all of NZ the land of the lichen. it was a workout, but with wonderful views peeking out through trees! When we made it to Torrent Bay, we had two choices: walk another hour on a high track Around the outside of the tidal area to stay dry OR wAlk right across the sandy tidal area with bare feet, fording a couple of icy streams as we go, but take about half the time. We opted for the latter, and I enjoyedmit since we stayed out in the sunshine. I am not sure I could say Komal enjoyed it, for her feet are more tender than mine, but she is a great sport and smiled throughout. I know she preferred to walk in the sunlight anyway.
at Anchorage beach I found a quiet place to enjoy lunch and listen to the birds quietly by myself. I think we had about 45 minutes there before the boat took us. there were about a dozen people in the area...very international.
It was a chilly boat ride back, but so beautiful in the slanting Golden sun of the afternoon! Back at Kauteriteri there was just enough time to warm up in the cAfe with a pot of tea, gazing out at the sea, before to bus arrived. the two hour trip home was incredible because the huge bus windows allowed an amazing view of an ever-changing and colorful sunset over the mountains! AH!!!
Back home, I helped Noreen get the roSties cooked and we had a lovely evening that involved a good amount of laughter. (planning packing...turns out she and I have much in common, including the tendency to pack everything including the kitchen sink to travel for even the shortest trips!). today we prepare...
Some additions...
A couple of more notes on language:
Noreen had agreed to purchase some macaroons from a gal at the Saturday market. When she heard the price was ten dollars "She almost fell off her perch!" She bought them anyway. also this is the season for "roasties" which are root vegetables that you roast up to eat. [added on June 27- When I got home this evening from my Abel Tasmen tramp, I found Noreen had started getting roasts ready for our dinner, but Boh had intervened and she was giving him his bedtime bath. I finished them up & popped them in the oven. They smell lovely now!]
Vicki asked about the concert I attended the other night in Auckland. It was wonderful! I started the evening with a massage and then got the bus to downtown. I had a wonderful little supper at the cafe outside the concert Hall...I now know I had a side of roasties with my quiche. The concert was a key event in the Matariki Festival, which is the Maori New Year. It is the time when what we call "Pleiades" constellation emerges on the horizon & it is harvest time. I chatted with Maori twin sisters in the lobby while waiting. They let me know how meaningful this event was to their community. they were also really fun to talk to, just like sisters to me, too! The line up for the concert was amazing! I was too tired to stay after intermission, but got to hear the sets I was so interested in: Adeaze! (sweet, harmonic Christian songs by a pair of Somoan brothers playing acoustic guitar). Ardijah! (5 performers doing "Poly-fonk!). Maisey Rika!(gorgeous diva with melodic voice) Tama Waipara! (wide-ranging male voice ). All have either NZ, Polynesian or Maori roots. Much Maori language was spoken, which is a beautiful language, but I missed many of the jokes since they were not in English. Periodically throughout the performance a group of Maori dancers in traditional dress came out & sang, danced, played interesting instruments I had never seen before & did their war whoops with bulging of the eyes & tongues out...thrilling!
Reflection on time one week in: The day I left, my sister Wanda took me to the airport and we had lunch at a restaurant across the street. she prayed with me & asked God for each meeting I have to be a divine appointment. She left me off at the door to the airport where my sister Vicki was waiting for me. "My work is done here," Wanda said & we laughed! Vicki & I hung out together for a bit then she prayed with me for traveling mercies before I went through security. I really believe the prayers are being answered moment by moment. Everything is just right! I could not ask for a better experience so far. Val at the Mercy SPirituality Centre was like an older sister, helping me make connections & checking in with me daily (I would pop into her office & give her an update morning/evening). Here in Nelson, Noreen feels like a long-lost little sister or niece. It feels like home. Baby Boh is sweet & Noreen & I play with him & chat up a storm comfortably.
Today I had a wonderful "tramp on a track" as Noreen says. She recommended the hike. It is astounding that she can walk just up the street from her home, hop onto a trail (track) and hike a steep climb up the mountainside, along it & get to the centre of NZ with a 360 degree view from the top of a cone-shaped mini-mountain. I saw most of Nelson from there, out to the sea & Abel Tasman National Park with its range of beautiful mountains. It is a glorious view! From there I continued on & dropped down in to the center of the town of Nelson. They have wonderful parks iin town too! There is a lovely walkway along the river, ornamental gardens (European & Chinese), etc. I had lunch in the open air cafe then walked back. Quite a walk. A play with Boh when I got home & then a solid power nap. We made a delicious dinner. Noreen made the Beef Casserole (yummy stew similar to Beef Bourg...) and I made a puree of parsnips & garlic with braised greens from her garden. After a shower, my washed clothes were hoisted up on the drying rack that hangs above the kitchen & dining area. It lifts up by way of a pulley system ...really clever & apparently Kiwi all the way! Good night now!
Noreen had agreed to purchase some macaroons from a gal at the Saturday market. When she heard the price was ten dollars "She almost fell off her perch!" She bought them anyway. also this is the season for "roasties" which are root vegetables that you roast up to eat. [added on June 27- When I got home this evening from my Abel Tasmen tramp, I found Noreen had started getting roasts ready for our dinner, but Boh had intervened and she was giving him his bedtime bath. I finished them up & popped them in the oven. They smell lovely now!]
Vicki asked about the concert I attended the other night in Auckland. It was wonderful! I started the evening with a massage and then got the bus to downtown. I had a wonderful little supper at the cafe outside the concert Hall...I now know I had a side of roasties with my quiche. The concert was a key event in the Matariki Festival, which is the Maori New Year. It is the time when what we call "Pleiades" constellation emerges on the horizon & it is harvest time. I chatted with Maori twin sisters in the lobby while waiting. They let me know how meaningful this event was to their community. they were also really fun to talk to, just like sisters to me, too! The line up for the concert was amazing! I was too tired to stay after intermission, but got to hear the sets I was so interested in: Adeaze! (sweet, harmonic Christian songs by a pair of Somoan brothers playing acoustic guitar). Ardijah! (5 performers doing "Poly-fonk!). Maisey Rika!(gorgeous diva with melodic voice) Tama Waipara! (wide-ranging male voice ). All have either NZ, Polynesian or Maori roots. Much Maori language was spoken, which is a beautiful language, but I missed many of the jokes since they were not in English. Periodically throughout the performance a group of Maori dancers in traditional dress came out & sang, danced, played interesting instruments I had never seen before & did their war whoops with bulging of the eyes & tongues out...thrilling!
Reflection on time one week in: The day I left, my sister Wanda took me to the airport and we had lunch at a restaurant across the street. she prayed with me & asked God for each meeting I have to be a divine appointment. She left me off at the door to the airport where my sister Vicki was waiting for me. "My work is done here," Wanda said & we laughed! Vicki & I hung out together for a bit then she prayed with me for traveling mercies before I went through security. I really believe the prayers are being answered moment by moment. Everything is just right! I could not ask for a better experience so far. Val at the Mercy SPirituality Centre was like an older sister, helping me make connections & checking in with me daily (I would pop into her office & give her an update morning/evening). Here in Nelson, Noreen feels like a long-lost little sister or niece. It feels like home. Baby Boh is sweet & Noreen & I play with him & chat up a storm comfortably.
Today I had a wonderful "tramp on a track" as Noreen says. She recommended the hike. It is astounding that she can walk just up the street from her home, hop onto a trail (track) and hike a steep climb up the mountainside, along it & get to the centre of NZ with a 360 degree view from the top of a cone-shaped mini-mountain. I saw most of Nelson from there, out to the sea & Abel Tasman National Park with its range of beautiful mountains. It is a glorious view! From there I continued on & dropped down in to the center of the town of Nelson. They have wonderful parks iin town too! There is a lovely walkway along the river, ornamental gardens (European & Chinese), etc. I had lunch in the open air cafe then walked back. Quite a walk. A play with Boh when I got home & then a solid power nap. We made a delicious dinner. Noreen made the Beef Casserole (yummy stew similar to Beef Bourg...) and I made a puree of parsnips & garlic with braised greens from her garden. After a shower, my washed clothes were hoisted up on the drying rack that hangs above the kitchen & dining area. It lifts up by way of a pulley system ...really clever & apparently Kiwi all the way! Good night now!
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