Dumpling Class!

Oh heavens, my friend Teresa would have been so proud of me.  A month or so ago I tried dumplings from House of Dumplings at farmer's markets here in Wellington. They were out of this world, so many interesting combinations and tastes.  When I saw a meet-up group hosting a cooking class with the chef, I jumped at it.  It was easier than I thought it would be so I hope this means I'll be making dumplings again in the near future.

We made a pork dumpling and the skins were either plain, turmeric, or toasted sesame seed. We also made a dessert dumpling with frangipani water in a cardamom and ginger soup.

I forgot my camera and just had my cell, so the pictures came out just ok

Te Papa Farmers Market

Te Papa, Te Papa, Te Papa! Now imagine it as though you're hearing me sing that - its one of my new favorite songs I sing that I made up. Its simply but catchy. 

Lucas and I finally went to the Te Papa Farmers market (which is located right in front of the museum on the water front).  Its a pretty standard farmers market but visiting today was made extra special - the weather was amazing.  Like totally awesome.  We found some cheap avocados - 3 for $5 and kiwi fruit 99cents per kg.  That's like kilo of cocaine but its kiwi and its only 99cents.  Not only were there some produce deals, there were a ton of cute dogs, food booths, and fun birds flying about.

yummmm



Duck Sandwich!

Te Papa

Friends from America - A Retrospective Displayed in Top 10 Form

Ok - I had such an awesome time this past week with our friends Chris and Katie that I might not be able to only choose 10 pictures.  I'm going to give it my best shot. 

What made the their visit really great was I got to see New Zealand as a tourist again.  Even the stuff I see every day felt a little more special and exciting.  Big bonus - there are so many possibilities when going out to eat since you get to try a little bit of everyone's dish.  Even though I may not like to eat a large variety of food or even want to taste everyone's dish, I enjoy watching others do it. Living vicariously through them is enough.

Presenting a Top 10-ish in Order of Appearance on My Camera

 

#1 Major Jackpot - Treats from America

 

 

#2 Watching Theses Three Champs Run a 5K in Crazy Wellington Weather

 

#2a More Proof

#3 On a Whim, Visiting the Huka Prawn Park - It Was Closed but Still Provided Many a Joke

#4 Natural Hot Spring in Taupo!

#5 Walking in the Rain in Search of Geothermic Activity in Rotorua - No Idea Why Only Certain Parts of My Pants Got Wet

#5a It was worth it

#5b I Almost Fell in Here but Didn't! Thanks Magical Keen Shoes for Always Staying Dry!

 

#6 Hamilton Botanic Gardens

#7 Being a Tourist in Wellington Again!

#7a Taking Pictures Only Tourists Take

#8 Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

#9 Surprised Everyone by Turing the Photo into a Selfie of Me and the Kiwi Bird

#10 Baby Meerkat - Cutest Little Guy Ever

 

#10a What Would Vacation be Without a Few Games of Dominion

 

We Tried Sea Kayaking!

Last weekend Lucas and I took the plunge and tried sea kayaking.  We wanted to join the kayaking club in town (they organize some amazing trips) but in order to do this you have to take a 2 day skills course. The 2 day course was actually amazing.  I learned so much and now feel totally prepared to sea kayak.

The morning of day one was a little bit of a talk and some pool time to practice emergency drills and flipping over. In the afternoon we went out to Porirua Bay (north of Wellington) and practiced paddling technique.  Day 2 we reviewed gear (which was so helpful), little more lesson time, and went back to Porirua to go out further into the bay. 

We don't have a waterproof camera so I didn't get too many photos but more to come on our next kayaking trip.

Some Google images of the area we kayaked

 

 

Wellington Zoo

The Wellington Zoo's tag line is "the best little zoo in the world" and I think I have to agree.  The zoo is located into a little suburb called Newtown tucked in between houses.

Big plus/learning lesson: even though I couldn't get a photo, I finally got to see my first live kiwi bird.  It was beyond bizarre, cute, and amazing to see.  The kiwi moves in this odd prehistoric manner that really makes you feel like your looking in to the past.  You view the kiwi in a dark, indoor enclosure and you definitely have to be patient if you want to catch a glimpse. There is a zoo guide that stands around with a red flashlight trying to help point out the bird as it moves through the foliage.  As soon as I saw the kiwi I had this crazy epiphany - I never want to be like a kiwi bird.  The kiwi bird evolved in a safe environment with no predators so it basically has no defenses and really just can't handle being bothered.  For example, the bird can't fly or climb, has poor vision, and is extremely shy.  I'm not saying I need to toughen up or fight the world but I think what New Zealand is teaching me is that its ok to let your environment challenge you.  I don't need to create a safe environment to be ok - its these challenges like the weather, the culture shock, starting a new business, making new friends at 31, no Target, no Boba, and lame acupuncture supplies that's going to help me evolve.  So from now on when ever I get pissed off at the backwards living, that nothing is familiar or easy - I remind myself that its ok, I'm no kiwi bird.

 

Now the photos

From the zoo website