PAUL NEMY, MT COOK NATIONAL PARK, NEW ZEALAND, 1978, WHERE'S "HOOKER" AT?

March, 2013

Kate and I were soon to leave the South Island. Our plan was to take a quick flight from Christchurch to Auckland. There we will stage ourselvelves for a couple of nights before are run home (not actually running. Would have if it was only ten kilometers).

Even at my looking back, as evident from the fifty or so blog posts, we've had a hell of a time. Closing in on three weeks, we've have packed in a lot. Sadly though we leave, and possibly an excuse to return, without hitting our last targeted visit, Mt Cook National Park. Home to New Zealand's Southern Alps and some serious mountains and everything that goes along with them.

2013

 Here just plain old running out of time, Kate and I skirt by Mt Cook region in the distance.

1978

 Spent a couple of days hiking up Hooker Valley.

Hermitage Lodge.

 Here looking rather civilized, I believed I spent a night in the lodge. 

 Spent a couple of nights in this, Hooker Hut.

Here I'm lookin' like I could run a 10K footrace. Maybe one day. 
Grand Prix du Canada fashion ware. I remember spending a lazy afternoon in the sun watching and listening to huge chunks of glacier and snowmass falling of the the mountainsides. 

Met this fellow at the Hooker Hut. We travelled together(he bummed a ride from me) for a short week afterwards. He was an American on a semi professional tennis circuit. If I remember correctly, what he lacked in success and stardom on the court he made up for in being a nice and fun guy.
 In a good way, I recall his USA bravado swagger.
Where's a car with a sun roof when you really need it.

NOT UP NEXT: WHAT'S UP WITH FLAVOURED POPCORN? RESURFACINING YOUR DRIVEWAY. NEW SEALANT.

NEW ZEALAND, CHRISTCHURCH, ASTRO LOUNGE

YES IT IS

 STUDYING THE SOUTHERN SKY.

NEW ZEALAND, CHRISTCHURCH, EARTHQUAKE, THE WALLS DID COME TUMBLING DOWN

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March 2013

Christchurch, New Zealand

On February 22, 2011, Christchurch had a game changer. What was called the most British city outside of Great Britain was dealt a seismic blow and suffered, as evident below. I couldn't write enough to capture Kate and mine mood as we did a somber walk around the fenced off perimeter of downtown. It very unfortunately seemed, from what we had seen of the area, unluckily, ground zero. For a city very dependent on tourism, devastating in more ways than one.

Still after two years, the whole of downtown is virtually fenced off.  Feeling very vacant.

We couldn't have taken enough photos to show the devastation. Endless multiple story buildings that appeared somewhat unscathed remain standing but sadly boarded up. A sad and more so, erie sight.

Will anyone come back to work on a 15th floor? Feel comfortable falling asleep in a high rise? Getting a room on your holidays in the Sheraton knowing whats above or below you? Park your vehicle in a multi tiered mass of concrete car park.

Most anything seems to have been done to preserve any facade still standing. Who knows what they will do with the rest.

On top of the casualties, upwards of seven thousand people were treated for various degrees of personal injury.

The fact that two years have past and the place looks void of any significant re-building has one wonder of this city's future. Could the HUGE additional cost of building to modern earthquake standards be a factor? 
Note the stack of shipping containers used as a secure for bracing. Used throughout the destruction.

An unfortunate exodus of many businesses and population leaves this city with an rather uncertain future. Auckland's sunny climes is also a contributing factor to locals leaving the rainy and voliatle south.

The lack of any current work being done on one of Christchurch's most notable attractions is evident by the untouched and random growth of weeds. Apparently the plans for reconstruction is mired in litigation between various interest groups and insurance companies. 
Can our higher power help us all. 

I feel sad for having visited for not the right reason.

NEW ZEALAND - HEADING TO CHRISTCHURCH

March 2013

Random images heading from Queenstown to Christchurch. 

One night in Cromwell. Home to endless orchards of stone fruit.

Te Anau. Stopped at this church in "78.

Have an identical photo from thirty five years ago. Was going to post it but it's identical.

As with the picture being the same, probably my prayer to, "be with hot babe(s).

One night in Methven. Home town to Mount Hutt skiing. 

What in the world is going on?

Christchurch. Next stop. Sad times ahead.

NEW ZEALAND, FOOD, - FOR OUR DASHING TO DINING' PLEASURE

I am pleased to announce, before our irregular scheduled blogging continues, it has been determined that four out of ten desperate housewives approve of Niagara Paul's.

After some un and scheduled diversions, our journey in New Zealand continues to end.

February/March 2013

I generally don't pony up to the dinner table and start snapping photos of supper, or most any other eats.

How many photos can one have with the Kitchen sink or the TV as a background.

Not the most determining factor in our travel destinations, but the culinary experience has always been a memorable component of many trips. What does it mean that when one tries to refer to aparticular place or time, it might be a meal that triggers my response.

Many times as in this tour, the combination of place or the place mat, vista or the Visa bill, ambiance or Aunt Bee's left more than just a pictorial memory. 

(DAM YOU SCALE!)

For Kate not being a big fan of many mollusk, these Green Lipped Mussels and all things sea quickly became favourites.

What a difference any food that's FRESH makes. 

It's not the love. It's the LARD!

Kiwis are BIG on pies. Pies make some Kiwis BIG

Be very afraid

Venison was popular. I know why. It was excellent.

Oh Deer!

Beside that it was "Rump", most excellent lamb.

Potato flavoured blue bird chicken chips.

Not the best representation of fries, here it seemed mandatory to have your quota of English Fish and Chips. Again with most places offering a variety of fresh local fish.

 At times I just ordered butter. What ever the sides that come with it will be fine.

This tray is to hold one over between breakfast and lunch.



lunch time

Ceviche, calamari. Like most seafood. Local and fresh.
"JUST off the hook!!"

Global gastronomic globe



"Ingredulous Baster"

"off the shank" fall off the shank lamb.



Little Turkish delight.

Auckland was much like Toronto. MULTI cultural cuisine.

This done like dinner is a sure signal for "Ice Cream"

This department we are talkin' local product only.

For someone who has a habit of eating and enjoying most everyting, this country and its people offered and served up some excellent eats.