In prior blog posts, we might have noted the very laid-back schooling here. The kids have occasional homework assignments and most of those are a two-week, do a little each day project. They have nothing like the killer nighttime work assigned in College Station.
Emily was an office aide back home, but the aide work fit with her free times between classes.
On Friday, Benjamin was pulled from classes to be the office aide. He was the aide for the whole day, so he missed his classes. No worries, on Monday his teachers will tell him what he missed.
Laid-back.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Spring, Waiheke Style
Spring is here. The next two weeks are spring break at the university. The kids get their spring break a few weeks later.
Lucy grabbed some spring view for the blog.
Click here for more.
Lucy grabbed some spring view for the blog.
Click here for more.
This Chilli Ain't Like My Momma's Chili
Lucy was looking for chili peppers and found this chilli at the vegi market.
Was the salsa warm? No, it was chilly.
Benjamin Wins
To CBD by Rail
Mt Wellington domain is near the Glen Innis rail station. I take the train to Tamaki campus when I work at the composite centre. We decided to park the car in the free lot and take the train to pick up Emily's new backpack.
The trip to Britomart was fine. We hadn't checked the schedule, but our wait was brief. We had one hour in CBD before we needed to catch the train to our car so that we could pick up the appliances and rush to the ferry.
We got on the train early--this was not a good thing. Then departure time came and went. The train stayed put. Finally, they cancelled the trip. Another train failed on the line and we could not leave.
This was the good news.
When we boarded the train, the electronic sign said we were boarding the 16:08 to Glen Innes. When we got off the train, the sign said it was the 16:10, which does not go to GI. Had the train left as scheduled, we would be swept away in wrong direction at great cost for a return.
Yikes! For now forward, I'll get on the train at the last moment and make sure the sign doesn't change.*
So, we missed the 16:08, but we did catch the 16:40. Now we had a rush through the strange street plan to find our landlady.
After several course corrections and the most intense round-abouts we've faced yet, we got there. Of course we had tea and cake--they were delicious and much appreciated after our tramping.
Gaylene gave us fabulous directions to the ferry and we made it just before departure.
We got in line and waited. I saw all the cars--except the one immediately in front of us--put ahead and go onto the ferry. The car before us looked like a car headed to Waiheke; the car was stuffed to last cubic centimeter with goods. The ferry cost is high enough ($122 return for us) that folks fill their cars with groceries, appliances, etc. and drive it home.
We drove around the parked car, had a bit of trouble with our ticket, but then we were on board.
If we hadn't stayed in the cabin so long that other drivers were sounding their horns--because our car had them locked in--the ferry ride would have been a perfect end to the day.**
After Auckland area, driving Waiheke seemed to comfortable. No map necessary, we drove home for supper.
*When I went to Tamaki yesterday, I chose a seat that let me watch the electronic sign while I was waiting. It didn't change. That time.
**On our trip to Auckland, we were in the car 10 minutes before arrival. We heard them announce over the PA system that "drivers should go to their cars now. Passengers should queue in front of the cars. Thank you." So we thought they would do that on the return. They didn't. We wanted to stay in cabin as long as possible. We stayed longer than possible. Sorry! Won't happen again. We'll be in the car early.
The trip to Britomart was fine. We hadn't checked the schedule, but our wait was brief. We had one hour in CBD before we needed to catch the train to our car so that we could pick up the appliances and rush to the ferry.
We got on the train early--this was not a good thing. Then departure time came and went. The train stayed put. Finally, they cancelled the trip. Another train failed on the line and we could not leave.
This was the good news.
When we boarded the train, the electronic sign said we were boarding the 16:08 to Glen Innes. When we got off the train, the sign said it was the 16:10, which does not go to GI. Had the train left as scheduled, we would be swept away in wrong direction at great cost for a return.
Yikes! For now forward, I'll get on the train at the last moment and make sure the sign doesn't change.*
So, we missed the 16:08, but we did catch the 16:40. Now we had a rush through the strange street plan to find our landlady.
After several course corrections and the most intense round-abouts we've faced yet, we got there. Of course we had tea and cake--they were delicious and much appreciated after our tramping.
Gaylene gave us fabulous directions to the ferry and we made it just before departure.
We got in line and waited. I saw all the cars--except the one immediately in front of us--put ahead and go onto the ferry. The car before us looked like a car headed to Waiheke; the car was stuffed to last cubic centimeter with goods. The ferry cost is high enough ($122 return for us) that folks fill their cars with groceries, appliances, etc. and drive it home.
We drove around the parked car, had a bit of trouble with our ticket, but then we were on board.
If we hadn't stayed in the cabin so long that other drivers were sounding their horns--because our car had them locked in--the ferry ride would have been a perfect end to the day.**
After Auckland area, driving Waiheke seemed to comfortable. No map necessary, we drove home for supper.
*When I went to Tamaki yesterday, I chose a seat that let me watch the electronic sign while I was waiting. It didn't change. That time.
**On our trip to Auckland, we were in the car 10 minutes before arrival. We heard them announce over the PA system that "drivers should go to their cars now. Passengers should queue in front of the cars. Thank you." So we thought they would do that on the return. They didn't. We wanted to stay in cabin as long as possible. We stayed longer than possible. Sorry! Won't happen again. We'll be in the car early.
Mt. Wellington Domain
More crazy driving--the roads were crazy, not the driver and navigator--and we found the exit to Mt. Wellington domain.
Rather than risk getting lost while trying to find the entrance on the other side, we parked, walked in past a cattle herd, and took a path up. Definitely up.
Click here for all photos.
Rather than risk getting lost while trying to find the entrance on the other side, we parked, walked in past a cattle herd, and took a path up. Definitely up.
Click here for all photos.
Cornwall Park
The easy part: the ferry ride.
The hard part: driving in Auckland!
Our last car trip in the city was our run to Rotorua. We were in city a short time and then onto motorways. Easy.
Saturday, we were criss-crossing Auckland city and suburbs. Real traffic, real round-abouts, real problems.
Streets can change names and numbering at any time. Don't let a long straight road fool you! It can change names time and again. What the signs define as 'straight through' a round-about might not match your idea of straight through.
It's a place laid out by whoever put National Boulevard in Los Angeles! Streets disappear and reappear somewhere else.
Oh for a GPS!
Click here to jump to flickr's Cornwall Park photo collection.
I put comments to each photo.
The hard part: driving in Auckland!
Our last car trip in the city was our run to Rotorua. We were in city a short time and then onto motorways. Easy.
Saturday, we were criss-crossing Auckland city and suburbs. Real traffic, real round-abouts, real problems.
Streets can change names and numbering at any time. Don't let a long straight road fool you! It can change names time and again. What the signs define as 'straight through' a round-about might not match your idea of straight through.
It's a place laid out by whoever put National Boulevard in Los Angeles! Streets disappear and reappear somewhere else.
Oh for a GPS!
Click here to jump to flickr's Cornwall Park photo collection.
I put comments to each photo.
A Saturday in Auckland--by Car
We took the auto ferry last Saturday. Our landlady, who will rent us #12 for the last four months were here, told us she bought some new appliances for the house; however, she did not know when she'd get a chance to get them to the island.
I kept seeing the Mt. Wellington domain from from the Tamaki campus, and I wanted to climb it and walk about the crater. Lucy agreed and we added Cornwall Park too.
We're getting pressed for time, so I'll post the first photo for the ferry trip.
Click here and you can see the other photos at flickr.com. Oh, there's a short movie, Lucy and Benjamin on the ferry's sun deck.
Cheers.
I kept seeing the Mt. Wellington domain from from the Tamaki campus, and I wanted to climb it and walk about the crater. Lucy agreed and we added Cornwall Park too.
We're getting pressed for time, so I'll post the first photo for the ferry trip.
Click here and you can see the other photos at flickr.com. Oh, there's a short movie, Lucy and Benjamin on the ferry's sun deck.
Cheers.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Blessed are the Peacemakers
When you read the New Zealand Herald headline:
Open War at the Peace Foundation
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10592204
You think, "It's going to be one of those days."
Open War at the Peace Foundation
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10592204
You think, "It's going to be one of those days."
Sitting on the Deck--Now with Beer
Warmer weather--a hint of the coming spring and summer.
Benjamin is out for his after-school tramp.
Lucy and I had our walkabout earlier and Emily just got home from her walk.
We're on the deck in shirtsleeves. The sun was out all day and the bay water is brilliant blue.
Lucy opened windows to freshen the house and it is quite refreshing.
It's almost 5:30 p.m. and we still have enough sun to read the paper.
Cheers.
Benjamin is out for his after-school tramp.
Lucy and I had our walkabout earlier and Emily just got home from her walk.
We're on the deck in shirtsleeves. The sun was out all day and the bay water is brilliant blue.
Lucy opened windows to freshen the house and it is quite refreshing.
It's almost 5:30 p.m. and we still have enough sun to read the paper.
Cheers.
While Riding the Bus Home
I left the ferry and hustled my way to the route 4 bus at Matiatia.
The woman ahead of me was struggling to get on the bus with a HUGE flower arrangement.
The driver--the one with the swift wit--asked "Who sent you those?"
"My husband" the woman gushed; the driver and I could tell this was a great surprise.
"My word" the driver said.
"Whatever has he done that's so bad he felt he had to buy those?"
She took her seat in a new frame of mind.
Cheek.
The woman ahead of me was struggling to get on the bus with a HUGE flower arrangement.
The driver--the one with the swift wit--asked "Who sent you those?"
"My husband" the woman gushed; the driver and I could tell this was a great surprise.
"My word" the driver said.
"Whatever has he done that's so bad he felt he had to buy those?"
She took her seat in a new frame of mind.
Cheek.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Lucky Leap
Emily brought this story home on Monday.
The school bus* was cruising along and a high school boy noticed something wrong and went forward to chat with the driver. Maybe he missed his stop, maybe he was on the wrong bus.
Apparently his chat with the driver did not have the desired effect. He walked to the back doors, pulled the emergency cord, opened the back doors and, while holding the railings, leaned out of the bus.
The bus was at full speed--50 kph.
He picked a soft spot.
And jumped.
The kids on the bus saw him get up and start walking.
No word on whether he was fully OK, or if he's at home or hospital recovering.
Don't try this at home folks. Don't try it anywhere.
*The Fullers bus system puts SCHOOL BUS signs on their normal buses when they run a school route.
Funny, when I posted this blogger showed me an ad for Fuller's bus service on Waiheke. Never had an ad appear before and now there's one that goes with the post.
The school bus* was cruising along and a high school boy noticed something wrong and went forward to chat with the driver. Maybe he missed his stop, maybe he was on the wrong bus.
Apparently his chat with the driver did not have the desired effect. He walked to the back doors, pulled the emergency cord, opened the back doors and, while holding the railings, leaned out of the bus.
The bus was at full speed--50 kph.
He picked a soft spot.
And jumped.
The kids on the bus saw him get up and start walking.
No word on whether he was fully OK, or if he's at home or hospital recovering.
Don't try this at home folks. Don't try it anywhere.
*The Fullers bus system puts SCHOOL BUS signs on their normal buses when they run a school route.
Funny, when I posted this blogger showed me an ad for Fuller's bus service on Waiheke. Never had an ad appear before and now there's one that goes with the post.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A Rainy Sunday ...
...as it turns out. Love the rain! Love it man!
The day started with sun, and I made a solo after-lunch trek. I walked to the beach for a flat white at Charlie Farley's. I read more of Outliers--what a great book--as I drank the coffee and watched the waves come to shore. Then, one hour tramping about.
I walked west along the beach and found the Seaview Road stairwell. This is better than walking up to Seaview on the road--no shoulder for pedestrians.
They put a bench 80% of the way up. Good motivation. After a breather, I found a second, shorter stair to the top.
The view and then, across the street...
Another reserve for walking.
Over the fence and along the fenceline to find...
a grove. And then, it starting raining hard. I wasn't the only one out in the rain.
As this woman passed me on horseback she said "well, not as tropical as we were expecting after all!" and she rode down to the beach with her dogs not noticing the rain at all.
I took the stairs down, and she rode along the beach, dogs running madly back and forth while dragging sticks about.
Then home to have a warm drink and to watch Dr. No with Benjamin.
The day started with sun, and I made a solo after-lunch trek. I walked to the beach for a flat white at Charlie Farley's. I read more of Outliers--what a great book--as I drank the coffee and watched the waves come to shore. Then, one hour tramping about.
I walked west along the beach and found the Seaview Road stairwell. This is better than walking up to Seaview on the road--no shoulder for pedestrians.
They put a bench 80% of the way up. Good motivation. After a breather, I found a second, shorter stair to the top.
The view and then, across the street...
Another reserve for walking.
Over the fence and along the fenceline to find...
a grove. And then, it starting raining hard. I wasn't the only one out in the rain.
As this woman passed me on horseback she said "well, not as tropical as we were expecting after all!" and she rode down to the beach with her dogs not noticing the rain at all.
I took the stairs down, and she rode along the beach, dogs running madly back and forth while dragging sticks about.
Then home to have a warm drink and to watch Dr. No with Benjamin.
Another Saturday Out & About on a Boat
Oot and aboot on a boot.
We headed to Auckland to see the museum and pick up a few missing items for our backpacking trips.
We caught the Link bus to the museum.
We approached from the back side and walked around to the front. The museum is on a hilltop with a great view of the harbor and city. It was a cloudy, rainy day, but we were glad to get the rain.
Passing under the stained-glass ceiling, we made the recommended donation and toured ...
Maori buildings and artifacts.
What big eyes he has.
After the first floor, we covered most of the second floor--natural history. Here, a moa watches over us.
We left the third floor--the war years--for another time.
We had a Parnell street lunch/supper at an Italian restaurant and then took the Link bus back to Queen Street.
We had less than an hour to get most of our backpacking resupply done at one of the outdoor shops. New sleeping bags and two backpacks joined the equipment we brought from home.
We backpacked through the CBD and took the 6 p.m. ferry home.
We headed to Auckland to see the museum and pick up a few missing items for our backpacking trips.
We caught the Link bus to the museum.
We approached from the back side and walked around to the front. The museum is on a hilltop with a great view of the harbor and city. It was a cloudy, rainy day, but we were glad to get the rain.
Passing under the stained-glass ceiling, we made the recommended donation and toured ...
Maori buildings and artifacts.
What big eyes he has.
After the first floor, we covered most of the second floor--natural history. Here, a moa watches over us.
We left the third floor--the war years--for another time.
We had a Parnell street lunch/supper at an Italian restaurant and then took the Link bus back to Queen Street.
We had less than an hour to get most of our backpacking resupply done at one of the outdoor shops. New sleeping bags and two backpacks joined the equipment we brought from home.
We backpacked through the CBD and took the 6 p.m. ferry home.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Rain!
For the first time in weeks our water level increased.
Total rain--so far--is under 20 mm. It started raining Thursday morning and kept raining through Friday. It's Saturday morning and still a bit of rain is falling. Yeah!
I doubt we'll see the float hit the full line again--unless we buy a truckload of water.
We read the real-estate section in the local paper. Lucy noticed that a selling point for some Waiheke homes is "extra-large roof" or "roof extended." Some newer homes have stylish car ports--tied into the rain collection system.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Great Weather! and that is too bad
We've had really great weather for the last three weeks.
That is terrible!
The tank is running low.
All week they've promised rain up to 50 mm; but, the rain day keeps moving later.
Does Jacob's Well deliver?
That is terrible!
The tank is running low.
All week they've promised rain up to 50 mm; but, the rain day keeps moving later.
Does Jacob's Well deliver?
Monday, August 10, 2009
W.O.F. , W.O.F.!
Our car got its W.O.F. Now we can relax until we have to sell it. The W.O.F. reminds me of the O.W.L. in Harry Potter.
A bit about autos in NZ. A car sold for the first time in NZ gets registered and the plates mounted to the car stay for the car's life.
Every year, owners pay a license for running the car about--there are use taxes on petrol too. The license goes in a clear envelope stuck on the passenger side of the windsheld. The expire date is clear.
Then, there is W.O.F. -- the warrant of fitness.
New cars get a W.O.F. each year. Cars six or more years old must re-W.O.F. each six months.
If an officer does not believe your car is still in fit condition, they can require a new W.O.F. at any time.
The W.O.F. inspection list is extensive--no wonder our old car is in such great condition. In the US, we can let the overhead light go out and ignore it for years. Not here.
Now our W.O.F. and license are valid until after we leave and we have new tyres on the front.
We're ready to roll!
A bit about autos in NZ. A car sold for the first time in NZ gets registered and the plates mounted to the car stay for the car's life.
Every year, owners pay a license for running the car about--there are use taxes on petrol too. The license goes in a clear envelope stuck on the passenger side of the windsheld. The expire date is clear.
Then, there is W.O.F. -- the warrant of fitness.
New cars get a W.O.F. each year. Cars six or more years old must re-W.O.F. each six months.
If an officer does not believe your car is still in fit condition, they can require a new W.O.F. at any time.
The W.O.F. inspection list is extensive--no wonder our old car is in such great condition. In the US, we can let the overhead light go out and ignore it for years. Not here.
Now our W.O.F. and license are valid until after we leave and we have new tyres on the front.
We're ready to roll!
Another Waiheke Tramping Day
We took a 3 hour walk through a trail that was new to us--we have several more to cover.
Missing from this photo essay is the fern forest section that was too late and dark to shoot.
We started
at this Chook-ateria, where we parked the car, and then spent the next 3 hours on foot.
(Farther along is a sign: Control your dogs in this area. The larger the rooster the larger the mess!)
Although the trail follows some roads,
they had good views.
(Pardon my cheesy panoramas.)
At the wetland preserve--the entrance was farther down the trail, we'll go back for a visit.
At 1/2 the loop done, the best bays are still ahead of us.
With this shot, I wanted to capture the view the folks who live in the blue house have every day. It looks like living quarters are in the back, facing the bay, and the front is an olive oil and alpaca clothing sales office. What a bay to see every morning at breakfast, eh?
The trail's 2nd half takes us through several bays, leading up to a large bay.
No, we're not at the large bay yet.
Getting closer.
Found one jellyfish as big as my head. When we flipped over a rock, a handful of tiny crabs would scramble for new cover.
The big bay.
After this, we had an overland tramp back to the car.
One thing that still surprises us is the grade for the trails. Few have switchbacks--why don't they wash away?--and when you climb or descend, you are changing altitude fast. Thank goodness we're near sea level. When the trail has switchbacks, the hillside is steep indeed.
Back to work--what will next weekend bring?
Missing from this photo essay is the fern forest section that was too late and dark to shoot.
We started
at this Chook-ateria, where we parked the car, and then spent the next 3 hours on foot.
(Farther along is a sign: Control your dogs in this area. The larger the rooster the larger the mess!)
Although the trail follows some roads,
they had good views.
(Pardon my cheesy panoramas.)
At the wetland preserve--the entrance was farther down the trail, we'll go back for a visit.
At 1/2 the loop done, the best bays are still ahead of us.
With this shot, I wanted to capture the view the folks who live in the blue house have every day. It looks like living quarters are in the back, facing the bay, and the front is an olive oil and alpaca clothing sales office. What a bay to see every morning at breakfast, eh?
The trail's 2nd half takes us through several bays, leading up to a large bay.
No, we're not at the large bay yet.
Getting closer.
Found one jellyfish as big as my head. When we flipped over a rock, a handful of tiny crabs would scramble for new cover.
The big bay.
After this, we had an overland tramp back to the car.
One thing that still surprises us is the grade for the trails. Few have switchbacks--why don't they wash away?--and when you climb or descend, you are changing altitude fast. Thank goodness we're near sea level. When the trail has switchbacks, the hillside is steep indeed.
Back to work--what will next weekend bring?
Sunday, August 9, 2009
What is was, was Rugby
We wanted to see the local rugby match and the Waiheke Rams were facing the Mt. Wellington Warriors at 2:30 p.m.
Benjamin, Lucy, and I drove to the field. We got there early, there is no admission and the parking fills up. Lucy and I got a Lion Red beer--they sponsor the team--and Benjamin got a hot Milo. Yes, a hot Milo.
(Benajamin was not impressed. Milo reminds me of Ovaltine, and after so many hot chocolates, Benjamin might be a bit spoiled.)
Worried for the boys, I am.
Almost too far away to see.
Splendid save, splendid.
Great action this one! The Rams stop the warriors right at the line.
Benjamin, Lucy, and I drove to the field. We got there early, there is no admission and the parking fills up. Lucy and I got a Lion Red beer--they sponsor the team--and Benjamin got a hot Milo. Yes, a hot Milo.
(Benajamin was not impressed. Milo reminds me of Ovaltine, and after so many hot chocolates, Benjamin might be a bit spoiled.)
Worried for the boys, I am.
Almost too far away to see.
Splendid save, splendid.
Great action this one! The Rams stop the warriors right at the line.
The Market
We went to the Saturday morning open market.
We saw remarkable marketing:
We bought fresh crepes:
We chatted with the vendors:
Then cruised home for a hearty lunch before the afternoon rugby match.
We saw remarkable marketing:
We bought fresh crepes:
We chatted with the vendors:
Then cruised home for a hearty lunch before the afternoon rugby match.
The View
From the window in Dr. B's office I have this view:
(Click for the full size image at flickr)
I remember that Lucy's office at HRL Labs had the ocean view; some folks working there got the desert/mountain view. They called it--I'm cleaning it up here--the 'lousy' view.
I have no problem borrowing Dr. B's view. Back in Texas, my office view is OK. I like Pi R Squared.
(Click for the full size image at flickr)
I remember that Lucy's office at HRL Labs had the ocean view; some folks working there got the desert/mountain view. They called it--I'm cleaning it up here--the 'lousy' view.
I have no problem borrowing Dr. B's view. Back in Texas, my office view is OK. I like Pi R Squared.
Cannot Escape Your Past
I was strolling in the CBD and found a shop decorated with "Fabulous 50s" adverts and celebrity photos from the US. Shades of Blueberry Hill, in St. Louis.
Then I saw this ad from my former employer's early days.
Wherever you go, there you are!
Then I saw this ad from my former employer's early days.
Wherever you go, there you are!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Be Careful Who You Chat with
I was walking across campus on my way to the Auckland Central Business District when a woman stopped me and asked for directions to the clock tower.
We were right under the clock at that moment, so I directed her inside.
"Would you know the way to room 012?" she asked.
"No, sorry, I've only been here for two weeks."
"Oh," she said, "sorry, you look like you've been here FOREVER."
Cheek.
We were right under the clock at that moment, so I directed her inside.
"Would you know the way to room 012?" she asked.
"No, sorry, I've only been here for two weeks."
"Oh," she said, "sorry, you look like you've been here FOREVER."
Cheek.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
This Weekend--Food Show and Jungle Hike
No photos to blog. Yesterday we took the ferry and bus to the Showgrounds to take in the Food Show. They needed another pavilion. Too many people were there. They didn't have places providing a real meal, so we left to find a late lunch.
We did taste a few NZ wines and tried several hot sauces. They haven't a clue about hot sauce here. Most were sweet, sweeter than hot anyway. We can get Old El Paso taco sauce--in tiny tiny bottles--that isn't very hot. So we're going to chow down on Tex Mex as soon as our plane lands next January.
Oh rats! Here I am, another American complaining about hot sauce. "They don't do it right here." Well, we like it here; we're just hot sauce addicts and we'll have to wait for our next fix. Comparing, not complaining.
The bus took us back to the business district and we ate at the same sushi place we've eaten at twice before. Everyone can find something they like, and we had the same table all three times. Of course, we were there for a late lunch every time.
Sunday, we took it easy. I had to review some lecture notes and the kids wanted a down-day.
Lucy and I took a 1.5 hour trek through a nature preserve walking distance from the house. It was too dark for photos. We really wanted a machete to keep the path clear. The path was winter-muddy and steep. Neither of us fell, but the boots were quite mucky.
We covered 1/2 the loop--we'll do the other 1/2 another day--and walked home through the streets around the preserve. That took us past LiquorLand and I got a six-pack to carry home.
I removed my boots to obey the 'remove muddy footwear' sign and I shopped in stocking feet. Now we know why we see folks shopping bare footed; their muddy shoes must be at the door.
A few days back I noticed that a university cafe serves alcohol from 7 a.m. until it closes at 9 p.m. Some bars are open until dawn. Last Friday the newspaper carried the story that the government is thinking of undoing the current laws and adding more restrictions on alcohol sales hours. They tried a liberal path since 1989 and hoped to create more european attitudes about consumption. Not working apparently.
I was surprised to see ferry travelers getting wine and beer for the trip to work in the morning. In addition, they sell whiskey and cola premixed in cans and bottles.
We're been surprised by a few of the ads posted. Very different attitude toward innuendo I'll say.
Ah, vive la difference!
We did taste a few NZ wines and tried several hot sauces. They haven't a clue about hot sauce here. Most were sweet, sweeter than hot anyway. We can get Old El Paso taco sauce--in tiny tiny bottles--that isn't very hot. So we're going to chow down on Tex Mex as soon as our plane lands next January.
Oh rats! Here I am, another American complaining about hot sauce. "They don't do it right here." Well, we like it here; we're just hot sauce addicts and we'll have to wait for our next fix. Comparing, not complaining.
The bus took us back to the business district and we ate at the same sushi place we've eaten at twice before. Everyone can find something they like, and we had the same table all three times. Of course, we were there for a late lunch every time.
Sunday, we took it easy. I had to review some lecture notes and the kids wanted a down-day.
Lucy and I took a 1.5 hour trek through a nature preserve walking distance from the house. It was too dark for photos. We really wanted a machete to keep the path clear. The path was winter-muddy and steep. Neither of us fell, but the boots were quite mucky.
We covered 1/2 the loop--we'll do the other 1/2 another day--and walked home through the streets around the preserve. That took us past LiquorLand and I got a six-pack to carry home.
I removed my boots to obey the 'remove muddy footwear' sign and I shopped in stocking feet. Now we know why we see folks shopping bare footed; their muddy shoes must be at the door.
A few days back I noticed that a university cafe serves alcohol from 7 a.m. until it closes at 9 p.m. Some bars are open until dawn. Last Friday the newspaper carried the story that the government is thinking of undoing the current laws and adding more restrictions on alcohol sales hours. They tried a liberal path since 1989 and hoped to create more european attitudes about consumption. Not working apparently.
I was surprised to see ferry travelers getting wine and beer for the trip to work in the morning. In addition, they sell whiskey and cola premixed in cans and bottles.
We're been surprised by a few of the ads posted. Very different attitude toward innuendo I'll say.
Ah, vive la difference!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Last Sunday--Tramping About Waiheke
After a rainy, working week, we were ready to hike.
First we stopped in Oneroa
so Emily could mail postcards to her friends.
Bank, post office, and DMV in one tidy building.
We drove our sleek black beauty to Matiatia and parked in the free lot, which is 10 minutes walk from the dock.
We added this trail to another for a 3.5 hour trek.
As we climbed we could look down on the bay and see the ferry at the dock. The path is steep. You climb quickly to the top.
This panorama shows the whole bay.
Perhaps hikers can walk to this island at low tide. Perhaps not.
I thought the stripes were blankets until we got close to the cattle.
This cow found nice grass just beyond the fence.
Most cafes were closed when we finished. Many close at 5 p.m. everyday. Charlie Farley's was open so everyone had a hot drink before we went home.
First we stopped in Oneroa
so Emily could mail postcards to her friends.
Bank, post office, and DMV in one tidy building.
We drove our sleek black beauty to Matiatia and parked in the free lot, which is 10 minutes walk from the dock.
We added this trail to another for a 3.5 hour trek.
As we climbed we could look down on the bay and see the ferry at the dock. The path is steep. You climb quickly to the top.
This panorama shows the whole bay.
Perhaps hikers can walk to this island at low tide. Perhaps not.
I thought the stripes were blankets until we got close to the cattle.
This cow found nice grass just beyond the fence.
Most cafes were closed when we finished. Many close at 5 p.m. everyday. Charlie Farley's was open so everyone had a hot drink before we went home.
Last Saturday--The Vineyard
We wanted to take the Stonyridge Winery tour, but, after a busy week at school and work, we missed the morning tour.
No worries, the cafe is open until late afternoon.
The view from the cafe is very nice. There were horses grazing to one side and the grapevines to the other.
Bad children beware! They have duct tape and they are willing to use it.
We asked for seating in the sun. Warmer that way.
Lucy and Terry enjoyed the meal.
Benjamin enjoyed the lamb, while ignoring the veges under the lambshank.
Lucy had the grazing platter and shared it with us.
Emily's dessert deserved its own photoessay.
The chocolates assortment.
Well fed, we slept early and were ready for a good tramp about on Sunday.
No worries, the cafe is open until late afternoon.
The view from the cafe is very nice. There were horses grazing to one side and the grapevines to the other.
Bad children beware! They have duct tape and they are willing to use it.
We asked for seating in the sun. Warmer that way.
Lucy and Terry enjoyed the meal.
Benjamin enjoyed the lamb, while ignoring the veges under the lambshank.
Lucy had the grazing platter and shared it with us.
Emily's dessert deserved its own photoessay.
The chocolates assortment.
Well fed, we slept early and were ready for a good tramp about on Sunday.
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