Quintessential Kiwi

(Dawn) Our close Kensington neighbors, The Hatmakers, are doing a school report (Abbie's) on New Zealand and asked about food items because they have to bring one in for the class to try. It got me thinking about what is quintessential New Zealand food, fun, etc. I have include some pics from the last week to try to bring to life some of what we think would characterize New Zealand. For food, I told her that classically like England it would be Fish and Chips (AKA French Fries) like Long John Silvers/Captain Ds. They do eat kiwi fruit a lot too but they have a golden kiwi variety that is a Nichols' favorite. Also, like the American hotdog they have their own version of cookout and ballpark food called a sausage which is thicker and unique ground lamb. It is placed sideways on white bread with grilled onions and their version of ketchup. At the Northland crosscountry meet Friday every school was selling them and I included a picture of Whangarei Heads tent cooking them up in what is called a "Sausage sizzle". The crosscountry meet was a lot of fun and we were so proud of Phillip and Claire who both fell in the mud and yet got up hurting and finished the race in the top 1/4. The barefoot and muddy feet from the race would characterize life here as shoes are often not worn at school. Stores will ask you to take off muddy shoes and come in barefoot. Always go to someone's home with good clean socks because you are expected to remove shoes upon entry.

We had another Birthday Party this week. Our neighbor with the lamb, Leo turned 6 and we had a great time at the New Zealand version of Chucky Cheese. The parties have all played a game called "Pass the Parcel" where music is played and when the music stops whoever is holding the gift gets to unwrap one of the many layers the present is wrapped in. Each layer has a small gift like a piece of candy. The parcel (package) goes round again and again until the final lucky person gets to unwrap the last layer and finds the party favor.

I included the neighbors baby lamb with Anna feeding it. It was a triplet. Most sheep have twins and if they have 3 lambs the smallest one loses out. This little one was brought to our neighborhood to be hand fed. We hear it bleating all the time and have become very attached. Many of you know that I am not a huge dog fan but I am now a big fan of the baby lamb so watch out Kensington.

Also, a tractor is a necessity to put your boat in the water. Even million dollar homes have a tractor sitting in the driveway for the boat. I wonder what the folks at Tellico would think?

Sand Surfing is also big fun. We went to Ocean beach which is just 5 minutes from our house. The kids had a great time sliding down the dune with the Abascal kids (Californian pastor's family).

We even saw Whangarei Heads school principal, Lil Ogle, who took a minute out of her beach walk to slide down on one of the boards. You get a supportive community feel here.

Another major difference is that they are crazy for rugby (the Allblacks at Allblacks.com) instead of American football. Any SEC football games on homemade DVD's will be welcome (particularly the Auburn/UT game!) Send to 51 Stuart Rd. McCleod Bay RD4, Whangarei, NZ.