Lonely Planet recently scored an epic fail - claiming that Wellington is the world's coolest capital city.
Are they on crack?
We have, as many know, missed out on the marvel that people feel of living in or visiting Wellington. Still, we were willing to give the place the benefit of the doubt by having a "townie" mini-break. So last weekend we booked a night in the Intercontinental and dinner and tickets to a movie the following day.
Saturday dawned. Check-in was 3pm so we made our way leisurely into town for about 1.30pm to do some shopping. Typical Wellington weather - grey, cold, windy and miserable. We went to Cuba Mall for a wander. The shops looked like they had been designed to suit hung-over op-shoppers. The place reeked of cigarettes. Lambton Quay was tolerable although half the shops were shut.
Coffee seemed the order of the day so we strolled down Courtenay Place. At 2.30pm, many shops still had vomit from the night before plastered down the doors, spilling on to the street. Charming.
The place felt grimy. You didn't want to touch anything due to the risk of contracting multi-organ failure.
How about the waterfront? Cold, grey and empty. The cafes that were supposedly open for dinner were shutting due to a lack of interest at 3.30pm although the tired "market" selling covert weed limped on.
Maybe a drink? The bars were empty at 5pm and lifeless. No one knew how to mix a mojito - it's not that hard people.
What about a drink after dinner? Town was empty apart from a drunken gaggle from a hen's party. There were three pubs that had people in them - all closed for private functions.
The hotel was, sadly, the highlight with a competent barman and chef for brekkie.
Wellington. The slogan should be "2/3 as good as everywhere else".
Or how about - "Absolutely positively hepatitis".
The Rose
Friday, May 27, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The joy of cooking
For some reason, the cooking bug has bitten me recently on the behind.
We're working on tasty and low-fat...although the compromise is tasty and more gym time!
Two weekends back we pigged out on a home-made lemon meringue pie - the Dragon's favourite. I meant to save some for my dad...
Last weekend I made some delicious chicken filo pies. I have to confess to minimal filo experimentation until recently however it is now officially my favourite pastry. I cooked up onion, mushroom, shredded chicken, creamy tomato, chilli and some herbs...let it cool...then individual filo pies with a sprinkling of sesame with sweet chilli sauce on the side. Mmmmm...
Today I made Italian Drip Beef inspired from thepioneerwoman.com. I used beef stock, fire-roasted capsicums and mixed herbs. Delicious. And lots left over for lunch and beef filo pies!
Dessert tonight was orange loaf, inspired from this recipe. I made it as a loaf and drizzled the glaze over the tin so it soaked in the top and bottom. At the Dragon's request, we had slices with custard. He has a strong view that 1) all savoury food is better with bacon and 2) all sweet food is better with custard. Mmmmmmmmm...and leftovers to freeze (see? Look at the responsibility here!)
I am now plotting risotto, chicken parmigiana and tiramasu. I love being inspired by a good website!
The Rose
We're working on tasty and low-fat...although the compromise is tasty and more gym time!
Two weekends back we pigged out on a home-made lemon meringue pie - the Dragon's favourite. I meant to save some for my dad...
Last weekend I made some delicious chicken filo pies. I have to confess to minimal filo experimentation until recently however it is now officially my favourite pastry. I cooked up onion, mushroom, shredded chicken, creamy tomato, chilli and some herbs...let it cool...then individual filo pies with a sprinkling of sesame with sweet chilli sauce on the side. Mmmmm...
Today I made Italian Drip Beef inspired from thepioneerwoman.com. I used beef stock, fire-roasted capsicums and mixed herbs. Delicious. And lots left over for lunch and beef filo pies!
Dessert tonight was orange loaf, inspired from this recipe. I made it as a loaf and drizzled the glaze over the tin so it soaked in the top and bottom. At the Dragon's request, we had slices with custard. He has a strong view that 1) all savoury food is better with bacon and 2) all sweet food is better with custard. Mmmmmmmmm...and leftovers to freeze (see? Look at the responsibility here!)
I am now plotting risotto, chicken parmigiana and tiramasu. I love being inspired by a good website!
The Rose
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Baring Head
Went for a walk around Baring Head today. The route was apparently opened to the public in February 2011.
Nice views across the water towards Wellington and Kaikoura. The circuit takes about 2 hours at a moderate pace. Bit of a hike up the grass to see the WWII bunkers however worth it for the view. Although the route was reasonable easy to traverse, the grass would be really slippery after rain and there were patches of loose scree where hiking boots were definitely an advantage!
I'd recommend walking the circuit from right to left - walking around the coast to the Baring Head light house, the trig site and bunkers then across the grass to the car park.
It was disappointing to see that for a route only open for 3 months, most of the route markers had succumbed to either vandalism or itchy cows. I'd recommend printing out the map to help with the navigation.
Lots of nice spots for a picnic if you can keep out of the wind :)
Turikirae Head
Baring Head Lighthouse
NZ's version of "ruins" - on the way to the Trig Point. Maybe even 50 years old!
Looking towards Wellington
The Rose
Nice views across the water towards Wellington and Kaikoura. The circuit takes about 2 hours at a moderate pace. Bit of a hike up the grass to see the WWII bunkers however worth it for the view. Although the route was reasonable easy to traverse, the grass would be really slippery after rain and there were patches of loose scree where hiking boots were definitely an advantage!
I'd recommend walking the circuit from right to left - walking around the coast to the Baring Head light house, the trig site and bunkers then across the grass to the car park.
It was disappointing to see that for a route only open for 3 months, most of the route markers had succumbed to either vandalism or itchy cows. I'd recommend printing out the map to help with the navigation.
Lots of nice spots for a picnic if you can keep out of the wind :)
Turikirae Head
Baring Head Lighthouse
NZ's version of "ruins" - on the way to the Trig Point. Maybe even 50 years old!
Looking towards Wellington
The Rose
Sunday, April 10, 2011
There and Back Again
Another lovely trip to Sydney...initially for work then some play. We managed to indulge in just enough wine and touristy-ness to make it a welcome break from work.
Made it to Taronga Zoo which was a good effort, regardless of the philosophical discussions that can occur about zoos.
Sleeping 23 hours a day - could be worse...
This emu works for MI6
Popped out to Manly for the evening and had a spectacular steak at The Manly Grill (tee hee hee). Definitely an area that we'd like to live in - 30 minutes by ferry from downtown Sydney (Circular Quay) or 16km by road (I imagine the time varies!).
We risked the tourist trap and took a trip out to the Blue Mountains run by APT Tours. It was really well organised with a good tour operator. Stopped at the village of Leura, which was quite Arrowtown-esque where we managed to find our favourite type of souvenirs - wine from Leura Cellars. Bless the allowance.
Had a great time at Scenic World - an old mining area in the mountains that has been opened up with the use of a railway and gondolas to see the sights. Didn't like how the rainforest below had become super-accessible with paths made from boardwalks. That's not a hike through the bush! Still, a pleasant stroll.
Katoomba
Three Sisters Rocks
Katoomba Falls from the Skyway
Looking down - vertigo!
The Scenic Railway - pacing up a 52 degree slope
Toddled round to Featherdale Wildlife Park which we would have been unlikely to go to otherwise due to the "too twee" issue however we really enjoyed ourselves. Took the ferry back down the Parramatta River.
We generally spent quite a lot of time wandering around in the beautiful sunshine, checking out shops and getting around the city including North Sydney and Bondi. As always, the food in Sydney was excellent. Baia in Darling Harbour was excellent as was L'Incontro in North Sydney and Pancakes on the Rocks - try the crepes :)
The best tip for getting round is to buy the Sydney week-long train pass and use the trains like taxis. Covers all the ferries as well so you can go all over the city.
Downsides? Duty free really isn't what it used to be, even the perfume, the stupid Air NZ safety video and coming home to freezing cold, no sunshine and rain. Sigh. Time to plan the next trip!
The Rose
Made it to Taronga Zoo which was a good effort, regardless of the philosophical discussions that can occur about zoos.
Sleeping 23 hours a day - could be worse...
This emu works for MI6
Popped out to Manly for the evening and had a spectacular steak at The Manly Grill (tee hee hee). Definitely an area that we'd like to live in - 30 minutes by ferry from downtown Sydney (Circular Quay) or 16km by road (I imagine the time varies!).
We risked the tourist trap and took a trip out to the Blue Mountains run by APT Tours. It was really well organised with a good tour operator. Stopped at the village of Leura, which was quite Arrowtown-esque where we managed to find our favourite type of souvenirs - wine from Leura Cellars. Bless the allowance.
Had a great time at Scenic World - an old mining area in the mountains that has been opened up with the use of a railway and gondolas to see the sights. Didn't like how the rainforest below had become super-accessible with paths made from boardwalks. That's not a hike through the bush! Still, a pleasant stroll.
Katoomba
Three Sisters Rocks
Katoomba Falls from the Skyway
Looking down - vertigo!
The Scenic Railway - pacing up a 52 degree slope
Toddled round to Featherdale Wildlife Park which we would have been unlikely to go to otherwise due to the "too twee" issue however we really enjoyed ourselves. Took the ferry back down the Parramatta River.
We generally spent quite a lot of time wandering around in the beautiful sunshine, checking out shops and getting around the city including North Sydney and Bondi. As always, the food in Sydney was excellent. Baia in Darling Harbour was excellent as was L'Incontro in North Sydney and Pancakes on the Rocks - try the crepes :)
The best tip for getting round is to buy the Sydney week-long train pass and use the trains like taxis. Covers all the ferries as well so you can go all over the city.
Downsides? Duty free really isn't what it used to be, even the perfume, the stupid Air NZ safety video and coming home to freezing cold, no sunshine and rain. Sigh. Time to plan the next trip!
The Rose
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Philosophy of the Onion
Why is it that, despite best efforts, I always end up with half an onion in the fridge? EVERY TIME! I have even tried to buy smaller onions...with no success. What does it mean??
I'm slightly concerned that the half-onions are galvanising the mushrooms and mung beans to mount a vegetable revolution in the fridge against the bacon...
Maybe wine will cure this worry?
The Rose
I'm slightly concerned that the half-onions are galvanising the mushrooms and mung beans to mount a vegetable revolution in the fridge against the bacon...
Maybe wine will cure this worry?
The Rose
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Holiday...it would be so nice
Finally took a couple of days out from work for a welcome long weekend escape.
Lake Taupo
Camped overnight in Great Lake Holiday Park which was a pleasant experience. Dinner at The Bay Bar & Brasserie was excellent.
As always, I'd recommend the Sugar Plum Cafe on SH1 - stopped here many times over the years for the excellent food and coffee.
Set off the next day to see the carvings at Mine Bay, Lake Taupo. Beautifully carved by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the 1970's, they are only accessible by boat...a trip for the kayaks then! 11km from Acacia Bay South.
Kayaking out was like paddling through silk with beautiful clear water and great views of the lake bottom. Enjoyed a snack on a private beach before heading back. The way back was a shocker! 1 - 1.5m broadside swells courtesy off a suddenly easterly that whipped out. Near...death...experience. With tired arms.
Whakapapa
Went down to camp in Whakapapa Holiday Park for two days of outdoorsy fun. The campground was nicely set up although geared towards campervans rather than tents. The Discovery Lodge looks nice too.
We did a number of the short walks around Whakapapa - The Ridge Track (30mins), the Taranaki Falls track (2 hours), the Silica Rapids loop (2 1/2 hrs) and the Tawhai Track (20 minutes).
The Ridge Track
Lovely views of the mountains and the Chateau
Taranaki Falls Track (7km loop)
A very pleasant walk through tussock and forest to the waterfall - the water must be falling from 30metres.
Wairere Stream
Taranaki Falls
Silica Rapids Track (7km loop)
This was the real surprise - multi-coloured rocks secondary to mineral deposits that are more typically seen in Rotorua.
Waikare Stream
Silica Rapids
Tawhai Falls
We're hoping to do the Tama Lakes and Tongariro Alpine Crossing at some stage.
And FFS, how long does it take to upload to Blogger?
The Rose
Lake Taupo
Camped overnight in Great Lake Holiday Park which was a pleasant experience. Dinner at The Bay Bar & Brasserie was excellent.
As always, I'd recommend the Sugar Plum Cafe on SH1 - stopped here many times over the years for the excellent food and coffee.
Set off the next day to see the carvings at Mine Bay, Lake Taupo. Beautifully carved by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the 1970's, they are only accessible by boat...a trip for the kayaks then! 11km from Acacia Bay South.
Kayaking out was like paddling through silk with beautiful clear water and great views of the lake bottom. Enjoyed a snack on a private beach before heading back. The way back was a shocker! 1 - 1.5m broadside swells courtesy off a suddenly easterly that whipped out. Near...death...experience. With tired arms.
Whakapapa
Went down to camp in Whakapapa Holiday Park for two days of outdoorsy fun. The campground was nicely set up although geared towards campervans rather than tents. The Discovery Lodge looks nice too.
We did a number of the short walks around Whakapapa - The Ridge Track (30mins), the Taranaki Falls track (2 hours), the Silica Rapids loop (2 1/2 hrs) and the Tawhai Track (20 minutes).
The Ridge Track
Lovely views of the mountains and the Chateau
Taranaki Falls Track (7km loop)
A very pleasant walk through tussock and forest to the waterfall - the water must be falling from 30metres.
Wairere Stream
Taranaki Falls
Silica Rapids Track (7km loop)
This was the real surprise - multi-coloured rocks secondary to mineral deposits that are more typically seen in Rotorua.
Waikare Stream
Silica Rapids
Tawhai Falls
We're hoping to do the Tama Lakes and Tongariro Alpine Crossing at some stage.
And FFS, how long does it take to upload to Blogger?
The Rose
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Reflections
Well, it's been just over a month since moving north. There's been both pros and cons with this process. We've taken a "suck it up" approach to being back in Wellington - probably will be here for 3-5 years so we'll just have to make the best of it.
Pros...
-Moore Wilson's selling Havana, Supreme & Peoples beans
-2 hours free parking in town. WCC finally clicked that to get people spending in town, you have to let them in...Perhaps if the public transport actually worked it would be more reasonable to limit car access into town!
-Kayaking on the inlet
-Working with some good people
-Exploring the local region e.g. the Pinnacles, Battle Hill Forest Park, Rimutaka Incline Rail Trail
Cons...
-The bloody weather. Such a big reason why we left. Only cracked 26 once since we arrived, at least we could enjoy this on the deck. Frequent rain. And the wind - relentless, frustrating and ruins your life. As always, enjoy Wellington "summer" in your car.
-Public transport. I love how Wellington goes on about how great this is. It's rubbish! Trains broken and never on time. Bus service is shocking - we're near a major bus route however each bus is nicknamed the "X not in service" as they never are! Sheesh.
-Pricing to attend events - even if the ticket price is reasonable, the additional cost for parking/transport/food etc means that you have to plan going to shows, events and games rather than be spontaneous
-Wellington drivers. They really are rubbish
-Feeling like we've never left/stepped back in time
-Being so far away from Central Otago
-Being more difficult to get out of town...and nowhere close nearby that's worth going to
-Local Lush being shut. Oh well, mail order it is...
-Intermittent success with the "wonderful" cafe culture
Perseverance, that's the key...
The Rose
P.S. Recent cafes...
Ruby's Cafe - located in Mana. Good parking, great coffee and excellent food. As a connoisseur of the triple shot, this will keep you buzzing for some time (I had two). Highly recommended.
Espresso Garden Cafe Petone - no idea how they do it, but the food and coffee at the Mitre 10 cafe in Lower Hutt is regularly very good. Every time. Really can't fault this place! Favourites are the omelette and eggs Montreal. Does cabinet and black board really well.
Scorch-o-Rama in Scorching Bay. Although the coffee was good, the serve was small compared to most other places. Location was good however far too small - although I'm sure 1 out of 365 days they can open the french doors to add some space. The cafe seemed not to know what it wanted to be - Gourmet? Cabinet? Vegetarian but add bacon? Food was too sweet for my palate. Can't see us hurrying back.
Pros...
-Moore Wilson's selling Havana, Supreme & Peoples beans
-2 hours free parking in town. WCC finally clicked that to get people spending in town, you have to let them in...Perhaps if the public transport actually worked it would be more reasonable to limit car access into town!
-Kayaking on the inlet
-Working with some good people
-Exploring the local region e.g. the Pinnacles, Battle Hill Forest Park, Rimutaka Incline Rail Trail
Cons...
-The bloody weather. Such a big reason why we left. Only cracked 26 once since we arrived, at least we could enjoy this on the deck. Frequent rain. And the wind - relentless, frustrating and ruins your life. As always, enjoy Wellington "summer" in your car.
-Public transport. I love how Wellington goes on about how great this is. It's rubbish! Trains broken and never on time. Bus service is shocking - we're near a major bus route however each bus is nicknamed the "X not in service" as they never are! Sheesh.
-Pricing to attend events - even if the ticket price is reasonable, the additional cost for parking/transport/food etc means that you have to plan going to shows, events and games rather than be spontaneous
-Wellington drivers. They really are rubbish
-Feeling like we've never left/stepped back in time
-Being so far away from Central Otago
-Being more difficult to get out of town...and nowhere close nearby that's worth going to
-Local Lush being shut. Oh well, mail order it is...
-Intermittent success with the "wonderful" cafe culture
Perseverance, that's the key...
The Rose
P.S. Recent cafes...
Ruby's Cafe - located in Mana. Good parking, great coffee and excellent food. As a connoisseur of the triple shot, this will keep you buzzing for some time (I had two). Highly recommended.
Espresso Garden Cafe Petone - no idea how they do it, but the food and coffee at the Mitre 10 cafe in Lower Hutt is regularly very good. Every time. Really can't fault this place! Favourites are the omelette and eggs Montreal. Does cabinet and black board really well.
Scorch-o-Rama in Scorching Bay. Although the coffee was good, the serve was small compared to most other places. Location was good however far too small - although I'm sure 1 out of 365 days they can open the french doors to add some space. The cafe seemed not to know what it wanted to be - Gourmet? Cabinet? Vegetarian but add bacon? Food was too sweet for my palate. Can't see us hurrying back.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)