Sweet as.....

Makamataka (Maori Lunar calender) Used according to seasons, phases of the moon indicate the best days to fish, plant and harvest. Taken at the Te Papa.


Hey Dudes!

Angie and I are loving this phrase, Sweet as, which is said all the time here. We have been practicing and we are sounding like stuck up English nobs (sorry Mum) so we have given up, we will leave it to the Kiwi's. I bet you can say it Sarah without sounding like an English snob.

Travels continue to be a fantastic adventure. Had an active and cultural week with lots of walks, exhibitions and museums. The weather a bit rainy and very windy, no complaining though as you guys must be bloody freezing. Hows the bedroom Sarah, are you up to 4 duvets yet??!! I don't know about you but it does not feel like the festive season here at all. It could be because we are away from home and you lovely people and also the weather. I think we will cope though, maybe the day on a beach with some vino and a veggie burger!! Hope it's not too much with all Christmas mania at home. It has been nice not being caught up in the consumer trap, that's right folks, your Christmas pressies could take some time to get to you!?

So a fun filled week here. Much walking achieved which has been lovely (I really am taking it easy Pixie and Sarah). One walk from Plimmerton to Pukerua Bay (drift wood Bay) was ace, but after over 3 hours of walking I was ready for some vino. Bird watching continued and we saw some Shags (brilliant name) and Oyster Catchers. I know I'm learning the names now!! The walk ran all along the coast, and it was all covered in drift wood. I had made up in my head that Pukerua Bay was a magic bay where all the drift wood went but no, the whole coast line is covered!! Another walk to along the coast and along the hill tops at Titahi Bay (over the sea and opposite Plimmerton) was coolio and the views stunning. I was a fashion icon that day with shorts, socks and big boots. Angie didn't walk with me the whole way!!


















One of the many lush views from Titahi Bay



Angie on the coastal walk to Puerau Bay


The highlight of the week-Kapiti Island. Since 1897 the Island has been protected as a nature reserve and it is absolutely stunning. Typical but the camera ran out of battery, so limited pictures. It's completely predator free and loads of the bird species there are extinct on the main Island. Such an amazing experience. We chose to walk up the Trig track up to the summit, Tuteremoana, 520m above sea-level, mainly walking through lush forest area, also a reserve for Fauna and flauna. Does not sound a lot but when you are walking for 2 1/2 hours up a steep gradient, you feel it. My bum is still feeling it now. Worth it though. We took our time and made friends with lots of the birds! Meet the crazy Waka, Cheeky little dude, will go for any food you have and think that you don't notice when they sneak behind you and shove their heads under your arm to reach for your crisps-my kinda bird!! Still not as crazy as the Kakas who take it to another level. They look like a parrot and will happily sit on your head or shoulders, bite your ears until to give up your food!! On the way down from the summit we met one who eye balled us, being the chicken I am I bent down into a ball, Angie too and just in time as it dived and just missed her head!!
The Waka

Plenty more birds to tell you about but I will leave it there. A truly magical place we hope to go back to.

The cultural week included another trip back to The Te Papa, The New Dowse and Pataka, museum of Arts and Culture. The Dowse in Lowe Hutt was fantastic, my favorite exhibition there, Our Stories, looking at intimate photography of people with lived experience of disability. The Dowse is a another creative space of art exhibitions which is free to the public and over 8 exhibitions, including one on Maori social leaders, artists and scientists. The Pataka was also brilliant, most of the exhibitions again were photography, one by artists in Iran, a selection of work by leading contemporary artists.

On the left-for you to interpret.......

Another exhibition by Anoek Steketee, showing a series of staged photographic images of Iranian people in public spaces. The photo below is my favorite, beautiful. What do you think?



Angie and I are still trusting in the organic process and not making many plans, however we are thinking of fruit picking as we will not be able to get social work jobs for 2 months. Also thinking of Wwoofing (organic farming) for a while before setting of to the South Island. I will be keeping you posted of course.

If I don't get to the computer before, Merry Christmas, I hope you have a great one. Drink much, laugh more and be very very merry. Thinking of you all and sending much love.

Miss Edser, in case I don't get on till after your Birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweetie. I'll be thinking of you and sending lots of birthday hugs. Have a fantastic day.

Maizy Maizy, what is your e-mail address?? I miss you. I miss you all xx