Wordless Wednesday: Sunny Welly

From Mt Victoria, Wellington, NZ in January 2010 (take me back!)

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Wordless Wednesday: If Animal Muppet were human…

Liam Finn @ ND at 501 Studios
October 12, 2011
Austin, Texas

(some videos for you!)

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Wordless Wednesday: Procrastination

The Bucket Fountain, Wellington, NZ | January 2010

(I should be doing other things rather than editing old photos…)

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Daring Cooks’ Challenge: Edible Containers – Savory

(Is it a food blogger faux pas to have the same very obvious plate two posts in a row?)

Renata of Testado, Provado & Aprovado! was our Daring Cooks’ April 2011 hostess.  Renata challenged us to think “outside the plate” and create our own edible containers!  Prizes are being awarded to the most creative edible container and filling, so vote on your favorite from April 17th to May 16th at http://thedaringkitchen.com!  (Note: this entry isn’t eligible, but go vote for others!)

I am totally late posting this!  It feels super lame to make excuses, but I have a few…  I was  having trouble coming up with ideas for this challenge even though I have some for the sweet challenge.  Then earlier this week, I thought of something after being inspired by the first few pages in the DC forum.  Being the procrastinator that I am, I was planning to do the challenge on the 13th, then post on the 14th.  (typical…)  The problem with this was that I thought the 14th was on Saturday for no apparent reason, and didn’t realize this until Thursday….the 14th.  Gah! 

Wordless Wednesday: The world’s steepest street!

Baldwin Street, Dunedin, New Zealand (January 15, 2010)
For the rest of my Blog4NZ posts, see the end of this post.

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The Grape Escape: Winery Tours in Hawke’s Bay, NZ

I have a disclaimer to make: I was not a blogger while in New Zealand, so I didn’t take notes or snap as many photos as I might have otherwise (though 1300+ pics/vids isn’t too shabby, eh?).

As promised in my last post, I was going to talk about wine next, but then realized I couldn’t remember the names of the wineries I went to!  Luckily, I could figure out two from my photos, and am pretty sure the other two are correct: Ngatarawa, Alpha Domus, Sileni Estates, and Moana Park

One of the things that struck me while on the road in New Zealand was the sheer number of vineyards I saw!  I knew that it was an important contributor to the wine world, but my knowledge in that department is pretty minimal to say the least.  In fact, this was my first wine tour, and before taking it, I wasn’t even sure which type of wine was my favorite! 

Monteith’s Brewery: Greymouth, NZ

I’ve been meaning to write about the eats and drinks I experienced while in New Zealand for quite some time now (sheesh, it’s been 13 months since I returned!), and now have a reason to get it done:

That’s right, I’m blogging for New Zealand.  I know I tend to mention it a lot, but this time it’s for a good cause and not just my obsession.    The concept of Blog4NZ was thought up by a group of NZ travel bloggers who want the world to know that their country is still open to travelers despite the recent quake in Christchurch.  They’re rallying other bloggers to write about their experiences in New Zealand to encourage people to visit.  I’m hoping to write a few food-related posts here and a few everything else-related posts here.

So about halfway through my trip, I reached the South Island.  After spending one more day in Nelson than planned due to overbooked accommodation, I started heading south on a very gloomy day.  Our bus stopped so we could roam around Punakaiki to see the infamous Pancake Rocks before continuing onto Greymouth. 

Wordless Wednesday: Thinking of Chch…

(January 2010)

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Two Things…

Thing One

A year ago from today, this is what I saw:

I’ve been having a really hard time wrapping my head around the fact that it’s been a whole year since that trip.  It feels like it was just a little while ago!  Maybe it’s this way with all big journeys, or maybe it’s just the first?

Either way, I’ve shamefully only uploaded several of the 1300+ photos that I took during my 5 weeks in New Zealand.  Until now, that is.  And guess what?  I’m sharing them with you!  My plan was to post them all at once, but I’m going to do this gradually because it’s daunting and evidently a year wasn’t long enough. 

Did you know that I have another blog?  (Answer: nope.)  I’m going to post NZ photo updates over there, but will let you know whenever those happen.  Like now: First set is up!

New Zealand Yams

I am such a sucker for anything claiming to be from New Zealand.  Is it possible to have a crush on a country?  Evidently…  It’s not just because I’ve been there.  Oh, no.  Why would a girl with an unstamped passport just pack her bags on a whim and head to New Zealand of all places?  Don’t most Americans tend to make Europe their first big trip?  I mean, I’ve never even been to Canada, let alone Mexico, which is probably about a 3 hour drive away.  New Zealand customs were suspicious!  And then, you’d think that since I’ve been there, I’d be satisfied, yet every day my thoughts are consumed with the place.

I haven’t gone completely off my rocker, though.  The nearby snooty grocery store sells 24-packs of New Zealand water.  Seriously, folks.  I bought a bottle of water once in Auckland, and it was at an outdoor music festival where containers weren’t permitted through the entrance.  So, no, I haven’t been tempted by the imported water…yet.