Martinborough, New Zealand

Life at the Vineyard

   We couldn't imagine a better spot to spend some time working and relaxing with friends.  How fortunate we are to have a standing invitation to this little piece of paradise.

Martinborough, New Zealand

Keeping Busy

It certainly looks idyllic, but don't let this picture fool you.  There is a lot of work to do on a vineyard!  Kurt has a long list to chip away at, while Allie has a wonderfully peaceful place to write.

transporting the wine into the cellar

cleaning up the grounds

taking a break to enjoy the view

There is always work to do around the barn!

Glow Worm Caves, Martinborough, New Zealand

On the Hunt for Glow Worms

   Seeing the glow worms takes a bit of effort, but it is well worth it.  We waded into the cool cave waters, and used our headlamps to light the path ahead.  When the final beams of daylight could no longer be seen, we turned off our headlamps, and remarked at the thread like worms that dotted the damp cave walls like sprinkles of fairy dust.  

It would be hard to guess that caves secretly hide amongst these hills.

Martinborough, New Zealand

Fun in the Kitchen with Kurt and Allie

(We have had a great time taking over our friends' kitchens and testing out some new recipes.  It sure beats camp stove cooking!)

fresh lemon cupcakes with lavandar infused frosting

paua (a local seafood favorite)

Vietnamese inspired mushroom soup (our attempt at making something as tasty as pho)

a Kiwi BBQ for the neighbors

Fresh local fruits and poached eggs with blue cheese sauce (Kurt is becoming a master poacher!)

fresh peach and rhubarb pie

flambeed fresh fig french toast (say that five times fast)

Wellington, New Zealand

A Day at the Museum

Old Maori fishing hooks

fantastic wood carvings

No matter how hard you try, you can't escape a little taste of Tolkien in your travels here!

   We had an enjoyable and very useful visit to Te Papa museum in Wellington.  The Maori exhibits were particularly helpful for Allie's work, and a great way for us to learn more about the history of this fascinating country. 

Wellington, New Zealand

Hanging Out with Friends in Surprisingly Sunny Wellington

                     

  The Wellington weather was on its best behavior as we made a trip into the city to do a little research, and catch up with old friends (who happen to have a new addition to their home).

North Island, New Zealand

Beautiful Beaches

sunset on the sand

The Kiwi way of life

picnic dinner by the water

Snorkeling at Goat Island

Wellington Waves

Evening stroll in Napier

   No matter where you go, a beach isn't very far away in New Zealand.  After a day of work, it's easy to enjoy the refreshing water, inviting beaches, and hidden treasures that line the shores of this island nation.

King's Country, New Zealand

Let it rain!

   It is early fall now in New Zealand, but the weather has been hot and dry all summer.  The usually verdant hillsides have been roasted over the past few months.  The land is thirsty, and the rain is truly welcome.  As long as it stays warm, we don't mind getting a little wet.

The sheep don't mind either!

North Island, New Zealand

The Intimidating Wildlife of New Zealand

(things are a little calmer here than in other places we visited)

Don't trust the donkeys!

Pukekos parading at the park.

Wetas lurking in the bushes. (They are actually quite large, but pretty harmless.)

This sheep may look innocent, but don't be fooled.  We know he is up to no good.

Auckland, New Zealand

Pasifika Fest

Traditional Maori song and dance

   Enjoying a little ice cream and good company as we learn more about the many Pacific cultures that help make New Zealand so inviting.

Muriwai Beach, New Zealand

A Warm New Zealand Welcome

Once off the plane, we headed straight to the beach to soak up the sun and enjoy a little taste of  "fish and chips."

Things look pretty calm here now, but there was a deadly shark attack here last week.

   To all of our loyal blog followers (all four of you), sorry about the delay in posting.  We are back on track, and look forward to sharing more pics and stories as we continue our travels.

Los Banos, Philippines

Jackfruit Anyone?

Our landlords picked a gigantic jackfruit from their garden, and invited us to share in the decorating/carving/eating of this delicious and fragrant fruit.  (It's one of our favorites!) Kurt had the honors of making the first cuts.

Anxiously awaiting a taste!  The knife has to be coated in oil to keep it from sticking to the sappy center.

first bite!

all cleaned and ready to eat