Of course Kiwi's don't celebrate Thanksgiving. But of course an American nanny is going to want to plan a Thanksgiving dinner for her kiwi family! So for this special holiday devoted to eating, drinking, and eating some more, I planned a simple dinner for my family and had a few friends show up. Since turkey is uncommon here, I had to resort to baking a pre-stuffed turkey from Foodtown. I had green beans with sliced almonds, mashed potatoes, and "green stuff" which was especially requested by Tim. Green stuff is actually a jello salad --- lime jello, marshmellows, canned pineapple, mascarpone, and walnuts --- served upside down to show off its colors. Gendie whipped up gravy and also some whipped cream for the dessert.
No Thanksgiving is complete without a pumpkin pie, and me being the eager chef I have always been (hahaha yeah right) I decided to make one from scratch.
Now the interesting thing about New Zealand is that not many foods are canned; most people grow their own fruits and vegetables or buy them from veggie stores. But when you are an American and you are using an American recipe, you go to Foodtown and go down the canned fruit aisle looking for the canned pumpkin. You might find that essential ingredient simply not on the shelves. What do you do? You frantically text your host mum and ask her how on earth you are supposed to make a pumpkin pie when there is no pumpkin? She will probably laugh and write you back saying, "Go to the fresh produce section and pick a pumpkin."
How bizarre! So I followed her instructions and lo and behold, pumpkins! For sale! But Halloween has passed! And it is summer here! There were two different kinds of pumpkins; neither variety was orange and they were not really pumpkin-shaped. I slowly took one from the shelf, not having the faintest idea what to do with it.
Turns out, you cut the pumpkin up, boil it, puree it, and there you go! You make the crust, add your own spices and a few other ingredients, and then you bake it!! When it is finished it looks nothing like what you are used to. The pie is not brown, it is orange. The texture is not creamy or flan-like; it is a bit more pulpy - the way a pumpkin should be. It tastes fresh, healthy, and like a pumpkin. After you sink your teeth into a forkful of honest-to-goodness pumpkin pie, you wonder, "WHAT THE HELL HAVE I BEEN EATING FROM A CAN ALL THESE YEARS?"
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Movin' to the Country
On Dec 22, after a week's notice, Tim, Gendie, Uncle Ed, the kids and I packed up and moved out to Muriwai Valley. Tired of the city life and eager to settle down in the country, Tim and Gendie found the perfect house on a 5 acre plot. Spacious, airy, and perfect for entertaining. Surrounded by grassy knolls, 2 ponds, a stream, and lush vegetation. In no time at all, the pigs had been renamed, a tree house had been erected, and plans began taking form for a garden, compost bin, sleep out, chicken coop, and the list goes on. Just 5 minutes away is the beautiful Muriwai Beach complete with gannet colony, tide pools, and caves all on pristine land --- not a resort or condo in sight. So far we have had to adjust to all sorts of bugs blowing inside with the breeze, ducks eager to come inside, eels in the stream, and colorful lorikeets flying around in the "backyard".
So far, here are the things we don't miss: city lights at night, cars constantly driving by, pollution, noise, traffic lights, and cement everywhere.
So far, here are the things we don't miss: city lights at night, cars constantly driving by, pollution, noise, traffic lights, and cement everywhere.
South Island
On Dec 28 Anna and I embarked on a 10 day journey through the south island. We flew in to Christchurch and toured the city. The next morning we stopped in Waimate to pet over 60 tame wallabies on our way to Queenstown. The drive was long and hot but absolutely stunning! Queenstown was even more breathtaking --- dark mountains mirrored in a crystal clear lake with the sun setting. We hopped around to different restaurants and bars in the area, stopping at a new place for each round of dinner.
In the morning we took of for the famous Milford Sound where we took a cruise all the way to the ocean looking at seals and waterfalls the entire way. On the return, we stayed in Te Anau and checked out the local scene with our CS friend Nathan. The next morning, which was New Year's Eve Day, we went back to Queenstown for some naps and pre-partying before we hit the town square for the big celebration. Good music, good company, and a good sleep in the car to get away from all the craziness in the house! Almost forgot to mention that I went quadbiking up in the hills! Whoo hoo!
Tired but eager to keep going, Anna and I headed towards Fox Glacier. With a few scenic stops we made it in time to meet our host for the night, Jono. We met some of his guiding buddies, watched "Role Models", and then crashed. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to spoil our fun and we were unable to make it on the full-day glacier hike we had planned. Bummed, we left town early in hopes of escaping the white fog that had enveloped everything. We went river rafting on the Buller River in Murchison; a perfect activity for an icky day. Unfortunately, we were stuck in fog for 2 days --- all the way up the west coast and to Abel Tasman. That didn't stop us from finding washed up jade at the beach in Hokitika or snapping pictures at the pancake rocks in Punakaiki. After spending the night in a sweet hostel in Abel tasman we awoke to find a gloriously sunny day. We walked along the nearest track for a couple hours before continuing on to Nelson.
We made a couple of stops along the way to Kaikoura but had intended to spend the bulk of the evening there. We listed to live music, walked around town, and relaxed a bit in the hostel. In the morning we managed to get ourselves on the 8:30 boat to swim with the dolphins! Hundreds of dusky dolphins swam past our noses as we made funny sounds in order to entertain them. After some hot cocoa we jumped in the car and headed to Hanmer Springs. We relaxed for a few hours in the antural springs and then took off for our last night of the trip. We slept in old sleeper trains in Waipara, just north of Christchurch. What a hoot! I really got a kick out of the experience.
Back in Christchurch, we walked around a bit more, listened to a live band, and then took off for the airport. What an amazing trip!!!
In the morning we took of for the famous Milford Sound where we took a cruise all the way to the ocean looking at seals and waterfalls the entire way. On the return, we stayed in Te Anau and checked out the local scene with our CS friend Nathan. The next morning, which was New Year's Eve Day, we went back to Queenstown for some naps and pre-partying before we hit the town square for the big celebration. Good music, good company, and a good sleep in the car to get away from all the craziness in the house! Almost forgot to mention that I went quadbiking up in the hills! Whoo hoo!
Tired but eager to keep going, Anna and I headed towards Fox Glacier. With a few scenic stops we made it in time to meet our host for the night, Jono. We met some of his guiding buddies, watched "Role Models", and then crashed. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to spoil our fun and we were unable to make it on the full-day glacier hike we had planned. Bummed, we left town early in hopes of escaping the white fog that had enveloped everything. We went river rafting on the Buller River in Murchison; a perfect activity for an icky day. Unfortunately, we were stuck in fog for 2 days --- all the way up the west coast and to Abel Tasman. That didn't stop us from finding washed up jade at the beach in Hokitika or snapping pictures at the pancake rocks in Punakaiki. After spending the night in a sweet hostel in Abel tasman we awoke to find a gloriously sunny day. We walked along the nearest track for a couple hours before continuing on to Nelson.
We made a couple of stops along the way to Kaikoura but had intended to spend the bulk of the evening there. We listed to live music, walked around town, and relaxed a bit in the hostel. In the morning we managed to get ourselves on the 8:30 boat to swim with the dolphins! Hundreds of dusky dolphins swam past our noses as we made funny sounds in order to entertain them. After some hot cocoa we jumped in the car and headed to Hanmer Springs. We relaxed for a few hours in the antural springs and then took off for our last night of the trip. We slept in old sleeper trains in Waipara, just north of Christchurch. What a hoot! I really got a kick out of the experience.
Back in Christchurch, we walked around a bit more, listened to a live band, and then took off for the airport. What an amazing trip!!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
NZ Bucket List
So after my first indoor rock climbing experience today I asked myself why I have never gone before (the excuse that I am scared of heights is no longer valid). Then I wondered why many of the things I have done so far in NZ I have never been interested in before.
Growing up I was so into soccer and running that I never craved the adrenaline rush of extreme sports (assuming that to me rock climbing is extreme). In college and afterwards I simply didn't hang out with many people who were into other activities.
However, now that I am here, in the extreme sports capital of the world, I am on a mission to cross off as many activities that I have never considered before or have been to scared to think about as possible. Hence, my NZ Bucket List below. The activities in bold are the ones I have crossed off!!
1. Scuba diving
2. Hot air ballooning
3. ATVing
4. River rafting (more than the average family vacation stuff)
5. Spelunking (cave exploring - commercialized)
6. Spelunking (non-commercialized)
7. Zorbing (rolling downhill in a huge beach ball filled with hot water)
8. Jetboating
9. Indoor rock climbing
10. Glacier hiking
11. Salsa dancing
12. Swimming with dolphins
13. Skydiving
14. Abseiling (rappelling)
(Last updated 1/20/10)
Growing up I was so into soccer and running that I never craved the adrenaline rush of extreme sports (assuming that to me rock climbing is extreme). In college and afterwards I simply didn't hang out with many people who were into other activities.
However, now that I am here, in the extreme sports capital of the world, I am on a mission to cross off as many activities that I have never considered before or have been to scared to think about as possible. Hence, my NZ Bucket List below. The activities in bold are the ones I have crossed off!!
1. Scuba diving
2. Hot air ballooning
3. ATVing
4. River rafting (more than the average family vacation stuff)
5. Spelunking (cave exploring - commercialized)
6. Spelunking (non-commercialized)
7. Zorbing (rolling downhill in a huge beach ball filled with hot water)
8. Jetboating
9. Indoor rock climbing
10. Glacier hiking
11. Salsa dancing
12. Swimming with dolphins
13. Skydiving
14. Abseiling (rappelling)
(Last updated 1/20/10)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Interesting Facts About Aoteroa (NZ)
1) New Zealand is the most geographically isolated country in the world. It's nearest neighbor, Australia, is 2000 km away.
2) All of the cars here are imported from Japan, used. After Kiwis are done with them, they send them to Samoa.
3) Although it is illegal for the driver to drink alcohol, passengers in the car are allowed to drink.
4) Home to the world's longest place name : Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu Hill.
5) Has the most sheep per capita, 15:1, and in lambing season 35:1.
6) The legal drinking age is 18.
7) NZ is the extreme sports capital of the world. Opened the world's first commercial bungy jump site. Zorbing was invented here. Cheapest place to sky dive.
8) Consumes the second highest amount of ice cream per capita, after the US.
9) There is no national tree despite the abundance of species of trees.
10) Hard to get turkey here. Only reliable source is Subway.
11) College lasts only three years.
12) The minimum wage is $12.50 per hour.
13) All schooling before elementary is called kindergarten; the term preschool isn't as widely used.
14)In downtown Auckland there is the annual Bikes Parade where women flaunt themselves half naked down a main street in the middle of the day.
15) Ruled by a parliamentary form of government.
16) Foods don't contain high fructose corn syrup!!!
2) All of the cars here are imported from Japan, used. After Kiwis are done with them, they send them to Samoa.
3) Although it is illegal for the driver to drink alcohol, passengers in the car are allowed to drink.
4) Home to the world's longest place name : Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu Hill.
5) Has the most sheep per capita, 15:1, and in lambing season 35:1.
6) The legal drinking age is 18.
7) NZ is the extreme sports capital of the world. Opened the world's first commercial bungy jump site. Zorbing was invented here. Cheapest place to sky dive.
8) Consumes the second highest amount of ice cream per capita, after the US.
9) There is no national tree despite the abundance of species of trees.
10) Hard to get turkey here. Only reliable source is Subway.
11) College lasts only three years.
12) The minimum wage is $12.50 per hour.
13) All schooling before elementary is called kindergarten; the term preschool isn't as widely used.
14)In downtown Auckland there is the annual Bikes Parade where women flaunt themselves half naked down a main street in the middle of the day.
15) Ruled by a parliamentary form of government.
16) Foods don't contain high fructose corn syrup!!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
kudos to the kiwis
While I love the USA and all, I have to admit that there are a few things that New Zealand has that we should consider adopting. Here are some of my observations....
1) Toilets that conserve water - On every toilet there is a "big button" and a "little button". The big button uses more water when it has a bigger job to flush. The little button uses less water when it has just a little job to flush. Simply press which button that completes the job best.
2) Roundabouts - they are everywhere! Not just in the city, not just on busy roads, but everywhere! The flow of traffic is so much more efficient. Roundabouts are easier on your brakes because you don't have to stop every time you come to an intersection and they save gas because you don't have to accelerate after stopping, you just keep a nice even speed. You can just zip around places that would take ages back home.
3) Marshmellows - they are full of flavor! Generally come in vanilla and raspberry and have some powder still on them. You have to try one to truly experience the difference.
4) Recycling and conserving goods/energy - Kiwis recycle just about everything. My host mom reuses plastic baggies like they were made of gold. Buying a 40 pack of water bottles for the week is unthinkable - just wash and reuse your bottles. Paper towels are luxury items. Instead of paper towels or sponges, we use thin cloth wipes that you can wash in the washing machine. No one uses their clothes dryers. Everyone hangs their wash on a line. And you know what, it works just as well! Amazing!
5) Quick goodbyes - When good friends or acquaintances need to leave or just sense that it is time to leave, they give a quick "See you!" and out the door they go! No overdrawn, 10 minute "oh we will definitely catch up soon, blah blah blah, let me know what happens after cricket, blah, so good to see you, blah blah, oh talk later, bye! Kisses!" No room for awkwardness or wasted time!
6) Compost bins - instead of sending fruit and veggies to the dump, families have their own compost bins in the backyard. So much space is saved in landfills because it decomposes naturally.
7) The price you see is the price you get - the prices listed on menus, in stores and supermarkets are the total price. You don't have to figure in tax or tip - it is already done for you. Even when at the bar - no tipping! And no squabbling when the check comes when you're with a group of people at dinner!!!
8) EFTPOS - It is basically a checking card from your bank that can be used almost everywhere. It just debits money from your account after you use a pin number. It does not have a credit card logo or anything, so you never have to worry about carrying multiple credit cards ie Visa, MC, Amex, etc.
9) Healthy eating - My host family knows how to eat right. Dinners consist of 70% vegetables, 25% meat, and 5% other, such as a tortilla or soup base or cheese. Portions are much smaller, and meals emphasize natural food products. I have never eaten so many fruits and vegetables in my life. And you know what? Everyone is a lot skinnier out here.
10) Healthcare system (this may get extremely touchy, but I am speaking on one incident that would have been a nightmare in the States) - My two year old nearly bit through his tongue when at the pool. Blood was gushing everywhere and he was screaming. His mom took him to a small emergency clinic, got care, antibiotics, and two doctor's opinions. We were there for less than an hour, hardly had to wait, and didn't have to fill out forms. I don't believe there was a charge. My host dad said anytime the boys or I had any type of accident just go immediately to one of these clinics and not worry about insurance or payment because of the healthcare system. Very good to know! Wish I could tell you more details... will look into it.
11) Savory muffins and baked goods in general - People here know how to bake. Not only are their homemade goods tasty and filling, but they are a lot healthier than pastries back home. Instead of flour and butter and sugar being the main ingredients, random tasty items are used. Example: Savory muffins - may contain anything from nuts to berries to bacon bits to chocolate bits to onions to oats (all in one muffin). They are full of flavor and contain hardly any sugar, butter, or things like that. Homemade muesli bars contain fresh berries, oats, chocolate bits, brown sugar (maybe), dried fruit, or whatever.
12) Another traffic efficiency tactic (T-streets) - I actually thought about this a lot in the States but didn't realize these intersections have already been implemented. When approaching an intersection, the through traffic is shielded and can keep moving straight while cars turning into the same direction can also keep moving. In other words, drivers don't have to stop just because other drivers are going the same way. Maybe I should create a diagram.....
1) Toilets that conserve water - On every toilet there is a "big button" and a "little button". The big button uses more water when it has a bigger job to flush. The little button uses less water when it has just a little job to flush. Simply press which button that completes the job best.
2) Roundabouts - they are everywhere! Not just in the city, not just on busy roads, but everywhere! The flow of traffic is so much more efficient. Roundabouts are easier on your brakes because you don't have to stop every time you come to an intersection and they save gas because you don't have to accelerate after stopping, you just keep a nice even speed. You can just zip around places that would take ages back home.
3) Marshmellows - they are full of flavor! Generally come in vanilla and raspberry and have some powder still on them. You have to try one to truly experience the difference.
4) Recycling and conserving goods/energy - Kiwis recycle just about everything. My host mom reuses plastic baggies like they were made of gold. Buying a 40 pack of water bottles for the week is unthinkable - just wash and reuse your bottles. Paper towels are luxury items. Instead of paper towels or sponges, we use thin cloth wipes that you can wash in the washing machine. No one uses their clothes dryers. Everyone hangs their wash on a line. And you know what, it works just as well! Amazing!
5) Quick goodbyes - When good friends or acquaintances need to leave or just sense that it is time to leave, they give a quick "See you!" and out the door they go! No overdrawn, 10 minute "oh we will definitely catch up soon, blah blah blah, let me know what happens after cricket, blah, so good to see you, blah blah, oh talk later, bye! Kisses!" No room for awkwardness or wasted time!
6) Compost bins - instead of sending fruit and veggies to the dump, families have their own compost bins in the backyard. So much space is saved in landfills because it decomposes naturally.
7) The price you see is the price you get - the prices listed on menus, in stores and supermarkets are the total price. You don't have to figure in tax or tip - it is already done for you. Even when at the bar - no tipping! And no squabbling when the check comes when you're with a group of people at dinner!!!
8) EFTPOS - It is basically a checking card from your bank that can be used almost everywhere. It just debits money from your account after you use a pin number. It does not have a credit card logo or anything, so you never have to worry about carrying multiple credit cards ie Visa, MC, Amex, etc.
9) Healthy eating - My host family knows how to eat right. Dinners consist of 70% vegetables, 25% meat, and 5% other, such as a tortilla or soup base or cheese. Portions are much smaller, and meals emphasize natural food products. I have never eaten so many fruits and vegetables in my life. And you know what? Everyone is a lot skinnier out here.
10) Healthcare system (this may get extremely touchy, but I am speaking on one incident that would have been a nightmare in the States) - My two year old nearly bit through his tongue when at the pool. Blood was gushing everywhere and he was screaming. His mom took him to a small emergency clinic, got care, antibiotics, and two doctor's opinions. We were there for less than an hour, hardly had to wait, and didn't have to fill out forms. I don't believe there was a charge. My host dad said anytime the boys or I had any type of accident just go immediately to one of these clinics and not worry about insurance or payment because of the healthcare system. Very good to know! Wish I could tell you more details... will look into it.
11) Savory muffins and baked goods in general - People here know how to bake. Not only are their homemade goods tasty and filling, but they are a lot healthier than pastries back home. Instead of flour and butter and sugar being the main ingredients, random tasty items are used. Example: Savory muffins - may contain anything from nuts to berries to bacon bits to chocolate bits to onions to oats (all in one muffin). They are full of flavor and contain hardly any sugar, butter, or things like that. Homemade muesli bars contain fresh berries, oats, chocolate bits, brown sugar (maybe), dried fruit, or whatever.
12) Another traffic efficiency tactic (T-streets) - I actually thought about this a lot in the States but didn't realize these intersections have already been implemented. When approaching an intersection, the through traffic is shielded and can keep moving straight while cars turning into the same direction can also keep moving. In other words, drivers don't have to stop just because other drivers are going the same way. Maybe I should create a diagram.....
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
week in the life of an au pair
Here is a typical day for me, followed by a typical week:
I wake up at 7:30 every morning. The boys are finishing breakfast and watching tv/wreaking havoc in the lounge. I tidy up the kitchen and prepare lunch and snacks for the day. Change the nappy, dress boys, and out the door. Around 2 or 3 ish the boys have quiet time (aka naps) while i have my own quiet time (aka facebook). I play with whoever is awake until 5 when i tidy up their rooms and the lounge. I may start preparing dinner and then Gendie comes to perfect it. We eat family style. After dinner I am off!
Monday
9am Get boys out of house asap, housekeeper is coming. Play at park.
10:30am Gym class
Lunch and activity - Museum with Theo and Danae
Tuesday
8:30 Walk Oli to school
10am Mom takes Sam to swim. I have free time!
11am Feed Sam and then activity - Zoo
3pm Pick up Oli from school
Wednesday
10am Playgroup with Theo and Danae
12pm Lunch and activity - Mission Bay beach
Thursday
8:30am Walk Oli to school
10am Music group with Sam and Theo,
11am Lunch and activity - Grey Lynn Park
12:30 Pick up Oli from school
1pm Play in backyard or special project
Friday
8:30am Walk Oli to school
10am Playgroup with Sam
12:30pm Pick up Oli
1pm Play in backyard or special project
3:00 Tidy both cars
5:00 Food Alley for dinner!!
I wake up at 7:30 every morning. The boys are finishing breakfast and watching tv/wreaking havoc in the lounge. I tidy up the kitchen and prepare lunch and snacks for the day. Change the nappy, dress boys, and out the door. Around 2 or 3 ish the boys have quiet time (aka naps) while i have my own quiet time (aka facebook). I play with whoever is awake until 5 when i tidy up their rooms and the lounge. I may start preparing dinner and then Gendie comes to perfect it. We eat family style. After dinner I am off!
Monday
9am Get boys out of house asap, housekeeper is coming. Play at park.
10:30am Gym class
Lunch and activity - Museum with Theo and Danae
Tuesday
8:30 Walk Oli to school
10am Mom takes Sam to swim. I have free time!
11am Feed Sam and then activity - Zoo
3pm Pick up Oli from school
Wednesday
10am Playgroup with Theo and Danae
12pm Lunch and activity - Mission Bay beach
Thursday
8:30am Walk Oli to school
10am Music group with Sam and Theo,
11am Lunch and activity - Grey Lynn Park
12:30 Pick up Oli from school
1pm Play in backyard or special project
Friday
8:30am Walk Oli to school
10am Playgroup with Sam
12:30pm Pick up Oli
1pm Play in backyard or special project
3:00 Tidy both cars
5:00 Food Alley for dinner!!
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