100 Grams Of Everything

181211 Graduation Meal

2011-12-21T19:58:00.000+08:00

Truffle Pasta

Preparing Confit Byaldi

Confit de Canard Soaking in Duck Fat

Foie Gras and Cherry Jelly!

Cooling the Confit Byaldi

Confit Byaldi, complete!

Crisping the skin!

Pommes de terre sarlardaise - Potatoes roasted /w duck fat

171211 My Graduation! Yay!

2011-12-18T18:17:00.000+08:00

I can't believe it....its finally my turn....Yay!!

Graduation March on George Street, Dunedin CBD towards Regent Theatre.

Reminded me of the film, "The King's Speech"

Can't remember what that was.

Handshake with the Chancellor and blesseth unto me, a graduate!

The Iconic ClockTower of Dunedin!

Had quite a few classes held here at the Quad area.

161211 Fish!!!

2011-12-18T17:32:00.000+08:00

What would you do if you had a salmon for $13?

Big As Salmon too btw...

Top: Suimono Bottom: Sake Oyakodon

Amazing! 24 Hours = 1 Meal Worth it!

Salmon Skin Grilled till Cracker-like crispness!

Salmon flakes off the bones made into Salmon Ochazuke for breakfast the day after.

121211 An Ordinary Day

2011-12-12T15:38:00.000+08:00

8a.m breakfast!! Looks complicated doesn't it? 30 minutes is all we need to prep these!

Sliced Cabbage with some leftover strawberries. Cheap as!

Aburaage　油揚げ

Hiyayakko 冷奴

Fermented Squid

Small bird, big chair. THE BOSS!

Mabo Tofu for dinner!

Work and Home cooking,

after dinner, a detox stroll to the uni by the river :)

The Clock Tower

081211 Day Off and a visit to the Dunedin Chinese Gardens & Dunedin Harbour

2011-12-11T16:57:00.000+08:00

Homemade Japanese breakfast made with local ingredients. Tasty!

Dunedin Chinese Gardens entrance, unfortunately the main arch was under renovation, hence we couldn't get a good shot of it.

Asian influenced architecture in a city filled with colonial heritage. Interesting Hahaha!

Spidey is doing really well under these circumstances, constant supply of food!

I wonder what that is?

And there you have it, a short trip to the gardens and now on the harbour for some air!

A beautiful day at the harbour! The day started with an overcast but improved as they day went on, aren't we blessed?

A cup of caramel latte (not a coffee guy till recently)

Curls.

The wharf looking thingy, nice reflections off the windows too!

I'm onna boat!

In memory of those who participated in WWII

And then came evening, I prepared Muttonbird, something I've always wanted to try. The greens you see above was dinner in the making, I made a base of garlic butter spinach before assembling the rest of the ingredients on top.

Dinner served! Muttonbird with thyme potatoes, seasonal asparagus (cheap as atm), with a garlic buter spinach, and a wee bit of thickened balsamic sauce with intentions to neutralize the fattyness of the bird. The bird was blanched in hot water several times to reduce its fat and salt content, then placed in the oven to roast for 20 minutes.

My verdict? These birds are fatty (in a good way), and kinda like anchovies! Oh! and it taste very very similar to the "Chinese Wax Duck" that is eaten during the festive seasons! Nonetheless bon apetite!

071211 Taieri Gorge Train Trip - Pukerangi

2011-12-09T19:19:00.001+08:00

Our day starts in Dunedin's Historic Train Station

Flowers are blooming

The trains are restored to their formal glory, and...

runs on a diesel engine.

Horses are a common sight in the countryside

Really really noisy on the steel track and fast too!

You've got to be there to witness the nature.

Feels like an episode of NZ's version of the wild west.

The valleys and hills are covered by yellow vegetation (can't remember what the name was)

Another typical NZ view, BAAAA!!

Those who were there before us.

And that concludes the trip. You gotta be there to see it for yourself :)

021211 Oamaru Road Trip

2011-12-06T19:44:00.000+08:00

Don't be fooled by the empty streets, the buildings are filled with people, dining and drinking.!!

Bar and Cafe,

Victorian Setting.

XX1111 Post-Earthquake Christchurch

2011-12-06T19:23:00.000+08:00

 The earthquake in Christchurch brought great changes to businesses in CBD

In fact, life goes on pretty well despite all they've been through. 

Collapsed buildings were demolished, little remains/ 

The tall buildings that stand are no longer operable. The building are being dismantled slowly, day by day. 

The streets of CBD. now inaccessible 

Another pile of rubble 

 Cathedral Square ahead

 Shops closed down.

 Historic building

271111 Doctor's Point - Blue Skin Bay, Warrington

2011-12-01T19:44:00.000+08:00

We had a wee trip to Doctor's Point in search for some dinner :)  

 A couple of live clams and crabs, we released the crabs later anyways, and the clams were just enough for two.

 Han slicing the chillies.

 Clam on a mission to flee my room XD

Coriander 

 Can you guess what we're having for dinner yet?

 A mini bottle of drinkable white wine

 Pasta

 Ooooo smelling goood!

Whuaaalaa! 

Vongole Bianco 

 They say it tastes better when you have to work hard for it, true story.

 Garlic, Cherry Toms, Chilli, Coriander, and Fresh Clams

We like it garlicky :P Thx Han!

XX0811 The Catlins

2011-11-30T14:36:00.001+08:00

 6.35a.m Let the journey begin!!

 Caught a glimpse of the first sunrise!

 Unforgiving ocean waves testing the rocks!

 Lighthouse

 An interesting formation of rock, cliffs and peaks.

 Hunters Trap

 Entrance to the Catlins Forest

Little plants 

 One of several suspension bridges in the forest.

 Lush fauna cover the forest paths.

Picture taken while crossing the second suspension bridge. 

 The atmosphere was somewhat dark and humid as the sunlight gets curtained by the tree canopies that towers the entire forest.

 An irresistible looking purple mushroom. Lethal?

 Waterfall motion

10 hours one way through the forest. Sunset :P A foresty experience wouldn't you agree?

XX0711 Snowy Winter in Dunedin

2011-11-28T19:22:00.002+08:00

 It snowed for 3 days.

Snow and rain 

Cold and Slippery 

 Rugby Field covered in snow

 Otago University's main entrance

 Castle Street

 Otago University Clock Tower Building

Downtown Dunedin, Knox Church

XX0411 Wellington City

2011-11-28T19:10:00.001+08:00

A very sunny and windy day in Wellington CBD 

Wellington Harbour 

 Awesome view from the harbour!

 A great day for outdoor activities.

 A blend of colonial and modern architecture.

 Bee!!

 A view of Wellington City from Wellington Zoo

 Wellington Parliament building I think?

 Wellington Central Business District

141110 Bluff

2010-11-16T23:41:00.006+08:00

Baaah!!! Sheep
Mother Sheep and Lamb =)

Bluff, a really really small town.

Abalone Caught Fresh from the ocean! Yes. FREE. As fresh as can be!

But we had to face the life threatening pacific waves to get to these babies.

Albatross Colony by the cliffs

Proceeding to launch platform.

Paua also known as Abalone

Collecting Green Lipped Mussels. Yes. FREE!

Chillax!

Water littered with Kelp.

Coastal Gun! Boom!

That factory produces the PUREST alluminium in the world 90% Alluminium.

260910 さくら

2010-11-16T23:17:00.004+08:00

Spring Approaches...
Cherry Blossoms

Amazing....how much life has changed.

The events that passed by...

Quad Lecture Halls.

Otago University

300810 Lake Tekapo

2010-11-16T22:44:00.008+08:00

Lake Tekapo, cystal clear waters..
Calm Waters mirrors the landscape
During the night, stories written across the skies.
Mt.John Observatory

Took an hour an a half walk to reach the top.

View of Tekapo from Mt.John

On the hills.

The barren landscapes of Central Otago.

Arid

And the path began in the woods.

Evening Lake Tekapo

Raindrops

Chess set in the backpackers

XX0710 Winter Break so far...

2010-07-06T17:24:00.008+08:00

Relive the glorius days of pencil drawing =)
My cooking endeavours never stops.

Its called Ra-bukgi, (Ramyon + Dukboggi)

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Steamed Crab (Fresh from the harbour)

Crab Roe, great contrast!

]

Nigiri Sushi, Tuna, Tamago, Octopus and Prawns

Dim Sum Morning at home, first up - dumplings

Barbaque Pork Buns

Home-made Egg Tarts

Home-made 'Har Gow'

So far... =)

040410 Kawarau Bungy Queenstown

2010-05-01T20:32:00.005+08:00

Apparently, I was the first to jump. ^^
No second thoughts, Wheeeee~!!

It was supposed to be scary...but...I wished there was more free-fall time.

Success! Next! NEVIS 143M Just you wait!

040410 Otematata --> Queenstown

2010-05-01T20:15:00.011+08:00

Early morning card games...Geez...

Lake Pukaki

Biscuiting!

Feel the drag and adrenaline. Letting of the biscuit was a real pain as my body smack the water surface...felt like concrete.

The Drive continues! Queenstown!

Oooh man.....

The infamous Fergburger

Sheep Jam in Ranfurley

Just the way I imagined =P

Chase!

030410 Mt.Cook, Tasman Glacier, & Otematata

2010-04-11T07:57:00.009+08:00

Day 2 of Easter Break, Sunrise at Lake Tekapo

Tailor-made backpackers.

Lake Pukaki

Mt.Cook-Southern Alps area

Chilli Bean Nachos.

Source of water pouring down

Quite a rocky trail I would say...

Tasman Glacier, ancient dusts trapped within the Iceberg.

More Icebergs

and was once part of the icepeak...

Rays of light beaming through the evening clouds

Salmon directly from the Salmon farm itself!!

Smoked with Manuka Woodchips
Smokey~!

and there you have it, Manuka Smoked Salmon. Dinner at Otematata.

020410 Lake Tekapo

2010-04-10T21:20:00.006+08:00

Day 1 of Easter Break

240210 Oamaru Stop

2010-03-10T21:23:00.007+08:00

A wee tea break in Oamaru before heading back to Dunedin.

230210 Summer in Sumner, Stone Grill for Dinner

2010-03-10T21:08:00.007+08:00

Surf & Turf - Angus Beef and Scallops
Meat Assortment, Yum!!

Free scallops, why not? =)

Just me, on the edge of the lighthouse, enjoying the breeze.

230210 Christchurch Flower Carpet

2010-03-10T20:44:00.010+08:00

Bless thy eyes with the beauty of petals.

Immaculate O_O

Captured with High-Definition Cam. =P

Assortment of Daisies with Paua Shells

My shadow

The Void

2010-02-06T18:43:00.003+08:00

Dawn approaches with little hope but rain,

The unending and perpetual rain has washed my enthusiasm away.

I woke up in the morning, walk downstairs, and there was no one.

In the laundry room where I was, there was no one.

In the hallway where I live, there was no one.In Manawa, where lively parties were held, now so silent till the computer cooling fans could be heard, there was no one.

At the car park, where people used to socialize, now void of life, there was no one.

And for each of the houses that stand on this plot of Toroa, only the shadow of its inhabitants remains, there was no one.

This entire void, only to be replaced by the sounds of rain water lapping from the plastic roof, droplets on the window glass, puddles on an uneven road, and the water gushes by the car that swifts by, and there was no one.

Here I stood, in my black hood, under the depressing rain…and there was no one.

Maybe this is what they call, Loneliness.

The Good, The Bad, The Strange

2010-02-03T08:44:00.002+08:00

Peculiar...peculiar indeed, that the human mind could play a game of trickery with itself. I for one, find myself in the edge of nothingness at moment, absolutely no idea whatsoever, kept walking because I believe that is the right thing to do. The answers that I need is but a cyclical epiphany, I see it now, but vague afterward, until later shall it become clear again. It is comforting, but at the same time uncomfortable. The heart is strong and faithful, but irritated by a small torn. The will to endure is strong, but weakening by the day, all trapped in a paradox of thoughts, unable to unwind, yet truth stares directly into the soul. Complicated. - August Insight

010110 Count Down @ Cathedral Square, Christchurch & New Brighton!

2010-01-17T19:45:00.006+08:00

Partay Atmosphere!

Scottish bagpipe 1 minute before New Year
Oooo O_O
The moon at 5.15 AM
It was freezing cold at the Pier.

Moon descends slowly...

Beautiful.....T_T

XX1209 Scarborough Walk

2010-01-17T19:20:00.007+08:00

The $5000 scenery picture. Something important lies here.

Tea with Hyun Su at Sumner Beach.
Lyttelton harbor

Charcoal Refinery, as black as it gets...
New Zealand's Xmas tree, The Pohutukawa

Coll & Moe

A Quiche prepared by Coll

XX1209 Life on Mt. Pleasant

2010-01-07T19:37:00.008+08:00

I left Alexandra for Christchurch, and settled here on Mt. Pleasant, with the Hunt family.
Mt. Pleasant, so beautiful...it made my eyes tear in inspiration.
This hill was opposite Mt.Pleasant
One of the best flower pictures I've ever taken so far...
Just below where I live was the beach....Imagine living on the hilltop with the beach below...

Another great flower picture.
The peak of Mt.Pleasant
That's Maurice Hunt. =) Awesome dude!
That's me....in my shorts and shirt. Totally standard.
An observatory amidst those hills...Wonders...
Lyttelton harbour
Coll and Moe took me on a picnic dinner on the cliff of Mt.Pleasant.
My very first Flower Salad, it tastes peppery, unbelievable!
Coll's homemade seafood pasta!
This was where we picnic-ed
Mesmerizing..
That's Christchurch on the other end.

And that's Sumner.
It's amazing how much we could observe atop this peak.
And Lyttelton
Makes us look so small, doesn't it? =)

XX1209 Christchurch Catholic Cathedral

2010-01-07T12:58:00.013+08:00

signs of the Papacy

Our late PJP the II

060110 Fifty Grams of Summer

2010-01-06T08:45:00.005+08:00

Departure began, and it was a window of new opportunities. For four hours I travelled northwest from Dunedin until the seamlessly endless and rocky trails have led me Alexandra, what used to be a humble gold mining town, now inhabited by a population of seven thousand. I came across a roundabout that was surrounded by old fashioned shops, overlapping the image of the arid landscape behind it. On it stood a colonial statue that faced the west towards an eye opening structure in the hills, a giant man made clock that was big enough to make Alexandra’s inhabitants time savvy. There were no signs of agricultural activity at first, thus I headed away from there, crossing the bridge that was above a deep and jade colored river towards the estates. Opportunity at the face of adversity, scarce, services of an orchard worker unwanted, as one estate led to another until finally, the Hinton Estate.

HINTONS.

The Hinton estate, at first glance looked nothing like a vineyard that I imagined as this place was surrounded by formations of fruit trees. I took a deep breath as I took my first step out from the car, and there I stood facing the small office. No wind, no breeze, not even a melody from the birds, gave me the impression of a deserted orchard. The sound of an engine turned my attention towards a fast approaching figure of a man on a dirt bike. It was, The Boss. Long story short, I found myself a job for the first of summer. A city boy such as I, would have never imagined the amount of effort that one puts in to nurture a fruit until the day it is served.

A DAY IN THE ORCHARD

The sun once again embraces the bright less sky. In the accommodation, a place usually silent and peaceful through the night, only to be interrupted by occasional snoring awaited for the moment. Five in the morning, the symphony of dawn begins as the alarm springs the room with life through one of Vladimir Ashkenazy’s version of Chopin’s masterpiece, Fantasie Impromptu Opus 66. Consciousness came back unto me. I unzipped my sleeping bag only to find myself attacked by a rush of frost cold temperature. Shivers! The common routine proceeds. Firstly, breakfast usually a therapeutic bowl of Korean “Shin-Ramyon” that never fails to warm my lifeless and ever-aging outfit back to its normal state. Immediately after that, I would enter the hall of thrones to complete the cycle of life. Thereafter, I would equip myself with three layers of clothing to battle the frosty mornings, and reduce them later in the day.

Alexandra located in Central Otago, is probably one of the driest places in New Zealand. Currently in the summer months, the prevailing wind is a persistent southerly breeze which sweeps the skies clear of clouds and makes an open path for the sun, under which the forms of objects stand out in sharp outline and their colors show true. The dazzling solar radiation, the afternoon temperature never ceases to fill me with horrific experiences. In addition to an already almost extreme physical torment, comes the curse of allergy from the minute hair from handling the fruits. The peach, a sweet, delicate, and luscious looking fruit when matured was in fact a difficult fruit to handle in the first place. Green and hairy, the fluffs got under my skin caused much irritation as rashes emerged.

The immature fruits were not only the problem, for an even bigger force was beyond expectation. There and then, I was maintaining my composure to thin the overpopulated nectarines, peaches, cherries, and apricots, in the simmering and irritating environment. The only source of comfort came from the brief breezes that come and pass, but it halted. The calm before the storm as people say. In one instance, gusts of southerly winds approaches. The wind was so magnanimous it lifted the galvanized steel ladder off the ground.

To thin every single tree in the orchard before it fruits fully mature was the main objective. Hence, the workers were divided into three teams that were assigned to different sites within the orchard. I have never imagined that I could remove so many fruits in a single day. Speed and accuracy was what The Boss stressed on, thus applying pressure especially on those who are inexperienced. Each person would have taken a row of forty trees or more, all working in synchrony towards the end, a task that would take a few days. Everyone is isolated from one another which were undeniably an anti-social working environment. However, there are times that friends like Samson and Lucy would just sit by to relieve the overwhelming boredom. Samson is a pure golden retriever, but I couldn’t remember what Lucy was, but poor Lucy, her joints suffer from arthritis due to her age. I find it strange to experience the connection between canine and humans. For instance, Samson would bark a reply one tells him something which sometimes makes him more receptive compared to humans. It’s remarkable!

Eight hours of consecutive thinning could drive even the most composed person into a psychotic state. Frustrated, uncomfortable, and annoyed one could just swift through the branches removing almost every fruit in its wake, destroying the fruit spires that could end a trees life permanently. I had similar thought once before until I came across that one day that made me rethink. A particular shape caught my eyes. It was a beautifully weaved nest atop a thick and almost flat branch intersection. The little branches and abundant leaves from above provide the perfect shelter for little nestlings. Inside were five chicks, each half the size of a thumb with punk-rock like feather on its head, big headed with eyes undeveloped, helpless, and vulnerable. In short, they were little fur balls clustered together to keep warm. Therefore, an act of ignorance could very well put the life of these helpless chicks to an end by accident as mishandling the tree threatens the nest and the life within it. That was the reason why, I worked with perseverance, always looking forward to meet more nestlings and I did, but it was a bunch of un-hatched eggs. Unfortunately, the fate of these chicks has been decided for they will die from the chemical sprays for the fruit if not the nets that will surround the trees during the picking season that would cut off food access from its parent.

Life In The Wooden Cottage

Throughout the first half of summer, I sheltered in a humble wooden cottage or rather a longhouse on stilts. In the living room rests a superannuated television. Atop it was another mini television which provided the weather forecast and occasional media entertainment. On the right from the entrance lies a traditional wood fired heater. Every evening, Terence and Wayne would head out to accumulate dry wood to feed the furnace for sundown. Terence of Hong Kong was one of my roommates, a tanned, un stout fellow with long permed semi dyed hair held up usually by a black bandana, humble, easy-going, and has acute sense of humor every once in a while, certainly a fan of the NBA. Wayne on the other hand, was a tanned independent lady in her twenties with straight long hair and of the same culture as my own, a Malaysian, with down to earth honesty, self proclaimed shyness, and never ceases to amaze me with unprecedented statements of her own, truly a person of white virtues.

Across the living room was the kitchen which consists of two fridges and an ornamental freezer that shows signs of permanent disability. Next to the stainless steel kitchen counter were two well used oven-function-removed stoves. Every week will there be a duty roster to ensure cleanliness at a habitable state. Every once in a while, there will be ice cream treats offered by Ben and Vivian. Ben and Vivian, both of Taiwanese descent, were a conservative yet loving couple, and the shepherd to all in the accommodation. Ben was a young man who was young at heart and cheerful, caring and at times disciplinary towards those who were in his presence. Vivian was his other half, a quiet, feather-like gentle and conservative young lady, who speaks only if necessary.

Between the living and kitchen area was a narrow hallway which lead to the other end of the long house, bypassing four rooms on either side along the way. First room on the right belonged to three girls from South Korea whose names were Aimee, Sue, and Dana. Sue and Dana spoke little English and would most of the time be in their room, and I know not the mysteries that linger in there. Sue was a promising girl, a girl who kept silence golden, aspires to become a politician in the future, and a person who has many internal conversations. Dana, though speak little English managed to spice up the atmosphere every once in a while offering friendly, yet sometimes mean jokes on others who may sometimes misunderstand due to cultural differences. Nonetheless, she was a person who was still in search of her true passion in life. First room on the left belonged to Ben and Vivian.

Aimee or Hyun Su on the other hand was distinct from the other two; she had a better command in English. As English was assumed to be 1% of accumulated conversation in that accommodation before I arrived, that could just be the reason why her English went blunt. Hyun Su was in her early twenties, with healthy, shiny hair that revealed its true colours in places where light prevailed; incandescent brown eyes, petit, bubbly character, and never failed to give a smile that would bring colour to the day. Pink was her primary colour, something that I wasn’t fond of at all, but she gave me a really funny first impression initially, certainly an interesting person.

Further towards the second row were the rooms of Mei Ling, Ei Ling, Bey Meng, and a lady whom I simply called Tan. Mei Ling was also a girl from Taiwan, has an assortment of traits from cool to cute. On the day I left, she wrote on my shirt that she treated me as thought I was her little brother, which made me deeply moved. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the courage to tell her the threats of smoking. Ei Ling, Bey Meng, and Tan were Malaysians, each with their own view to life. Sadly, I wasn’t able to understand them better. Bey Meng too spoke little English, but she taught me how prepare some pretty interesting dishes. Tan was like an elder sister, worked in Singapore before she arrived in New Zealand, ever encouraging, and always reminded me to have courage and express myself to the fullest. She was probably one of the calmer people that I would meet in life. Ei Ling was an outgoing, generous, and had a neutral stand when it comes to disputes and gossips.
There was also Fiona, Kiki, and Daria who stayed in the same room at the very end, also a group of Taiwanese. One may take a look at them once, and be fooled by their young looks, but they were in fact past mid-twenties. Fiona, probably the only person whom I never got to know, was a mysterious lady. Nobody knew what really went on in her mind, but I would sometimes observe her as she enjoy her meal of considerable portion, followed by her presumed long slumbers. Kiki, the most experienced of ladies in the accommodation, spoke mandarin regularly, and I haven’t an idea what she was talking about at times, but speech is but a medium of communication, for she uses a communicating method which I think, most Asians would understand. It was through the art of cooking of course.

Kiki, ever busy on weekdays, would spend her time during the weekend preparing crafty dishes like the Chinese dumpling. Instinctively, she measured the flour, with water added to it that acted as a mortar to bind the two ingredients together. Down to the finest of details, everything was done by hand where she would prepare disk shaped dough rappers with factory-machine-like consistency, and then used it to wrap the filling which of course, she prepared earlier. These little dumplings, folded and wrapped with the minutest of finger gestures, filling in the epicenter of the disk with the pastry walls closing in and gently embracing it, then arranged in a regime-like formation atop the stainless steel kitchen counter, waiting to complete the ritual, a plunge in a sacrificial pit of boiling water, only to reemerge and reunited with the broth that was meant to be. Yin and Yang reunited; the once dry dumplings became a reincarnation of heavenly flavors.

Daria had two jobs, a fruit picker at dawn, and a nanny of the Hinton’s heirs by noon. She was a lady of little words, serious, attracted to European culture, and seemed to be focused on her lifetime achievements. She was the only person in the accommodation who owned a mountain bicycle. The four key combinations to unlock her bike were zero, two, one, zero, if I remembered correctly. Most evenings, she would rather have pasta for dinner to Asian dishes. She would talk to Ben and Vivian in mandarin, as usual, I wouldn’t understand a single word their saying; sometimes.

Finally on the opposite side, was a room that belonged to Terence, Denis, David and I. Denis Peng from Taiwan was an artist. He was a musician of high qualification, and his choice of musical instrument was somewhat rare, the Pipa, a four-stringed Chinese instrument with a wooden frame that unleashed wonders when plucked. One Sunday evening, David, Wayne, Denis and I, had a short expedition up the hilltop behind the Hinton’s vineyard. The hills were rocky and rabbit hole filled. At the top was a suitable spot for Denis to demonstrate his skills. Behind a huge rock we settled, Denis unboxed his instrument and started with an amazing rehearsal succeeded by a never seen before, one of a kind pipa performance that resonates to the winds.

David Bigelow from Dunedin was the senior of the house, and the only Caucasian in the accommodation. It was the first weekend when I arrived, where everyone was away to do some grocery shopping and I was alone at home because of transportation incapacities. Then, David walked in only to find one Asian boy sitting at one corner of the living room, eyes focused on the laptop screen. I told him that I too was a green hat, then ushered him to the room. There, he chose the bed that was just above of Terence. David was a man who loved his job, but revenue depletion in a hotel that he worked for has resulted to an ultimatum that puts his passion to a temporary discontinuity. Nonetheless, he left the orchard a day earlier than I when he found a job back in Dunedin. He sat down with me during meals or tea and talked about world history and his Canadian past which I found it really interesting when he talked about the Golden Horde Empire.

Ahead of Schedule

All was in accordance until one morning, until the Big Boss announced that our services were no longer needed. At that time, we were 10 days ahead of schedule. Being jobless for 10 days meant the loss of NZD880 to my personal treasury, bitter news indeed and bitter it may be, for there was still a tinge of happiness as I head to Christchurch for a moment of reflection and reunion with a couple of friends from Home. Not The Alpha or The Omega, I reckon, but a Bittersweet Chocolate which will be shared by two. I am not a writer, and I describe only the things that lie before my eyes, and this...pretty much summarizes most events that has past while I was there at the estate.

The Bittersweet Chocolate (40 Grams)

A life changing experience indeed. =)

221209 Christchurch Anglican Cathedral

2009-12-23T10:13:00.011+08:00

Lets take a look at the Anglican Cathedral situated on Cathedral Square of course.
Angel with six-wings? Naaaah....
Anglicans are very similar to Catholicism when it comes to practices.

But the architecture is somewhat Gothic. All around New Zealand that is...
Looks amaaaziiing O_o

Mosaic with symbolic meaning.
I have a strange attraction to church stain glasses. XD
Sometimes, one may find hidden meanings too. =P

The Baptism?
Too similar to the Papacy

Unlike the catholic churches, this circle has 8 divisions. Hmmm...

Bunch of dudes performing Capoeira just outside the Church.

If you think this church is impressive, wait till you see the Catholic Basilica. =) COming Next!

211209 The City of Christchurch (DAY 1)

2009-12-21T09:48:00.005+08:00

As expected, Christchurch starts with the symbol of the Cross
It's good to be back in Civilization. Reduced air quality, of engines and of sheer population the air polluted with the sounds of a City. Big town and lots of sightseeing to do, More PICTURES COMING YOUR WAY! =)

Mt.Pleasant is the place to settle. Once again, living up on the hills, and the beach is on the foothill.
Huge room! Nice!
Hmmm...party pills?
Pork Bone Ramen!
In the middle of dinner came this Japanese Samurai/Kabuki guy, experienced man with a young heart. Admirable. =D
Teriyaki Chicken.
Ramen!
Curry Katsudon.

211209 Alexandra

2009-12-21T09:20:00.003+08:00

Don't be fooled by the snow, this place is Warm-->Hot!
Extreme climate creates this landscape. Plenty of precious stones and metals deposited within these rocks. Gold was one of the main reason this town was established.
Statue roundabout.
This was where I lived, a wooden house on stilts in the center of the vineyard estate. Imagine rising in the morning only to witness mother nature gazing gently back at you.
The hill further up the vineyard, littered with dried sage that scents the air and the Lambs HO HO HO!
Peak of the hill we were at. Thats where we sat and listen to Chinese melody by the Pipa master.
A clock on the hill. See it?
Can't remember what the name of the river was, but this river is shite deep!
The Asian crew on our last day at work. Tired from working, but happy nontheless.
Last day in Alexandra, a picture of myself and Hyun Su as we head out to Christchurch.
A wild summer experience that was....OFF TO CHRISTCHURCH NOW!!

121209 Sneak Peaks

2009-12-12T10:02:00.005+08:00

Here are some of the pictures that has been taken throughout my stay in Alexandra.

Hintons Pinot Noir during wine tasting. Oaky...
Picture taken while walking with Hyun Su.
Just another day at work
Cherry Trees. Clusters of cherries hanging by the tree. Sweet and Fragile.
Pinot Noir grapes I assume. =)
I've always wanted to be in a vineyard. In one now, and now what? Hmmm....
The hills are scented with the perfume of dried sage. Doesn't it make you wonder why lamb goes well with sage, thyme, or rosemary??

MORE VINES O_O
Lots of physical work working here. So please....don't waste your fruits...
Sometimes, one might be suprised by the wonder of life. While I was thinning nectarines, I came across nests and nests of eggs and lil birds. This picture shows 5 chicks, each the size of half a thumb, SUPER SMALL!
Rewards will be given to those who know where to look. Throughout my stay here, I could go foraging for wild asparagus, mushrooms, and herbs. If you have a rifle, you could also hunt a rabbit or simply fish a salmon for dinner. Who knows? =) After all, you're living with nature. The way it has always been since the dawn of humanity.
Peach trees.....the most irritating fruits.....GRR....
Plums!
Snow caped mountains. =D

071209 Life In a Wooden Cottage

2009-12-07T07:39:00.002+08:00

I'm sure most of you have not heard from me for weeks now, but fear not for I have return with stories more exciting than ever before! New people, new experience, and plenty of pictures to capture the moment.

Prologue

Immediately after the final examinations, I responded to The call of duty at Hinton's Vineyard & Orchard for the fruit-picking season. For four hours, we travelled from Dunedin to Alexandra, a town consisting of 7000 inhabitants. First impressions might you ask? It looks as though I've entered into one of Clint Eastwood's masterpieces; the wild west, arid atmosphere, sky blue rivers, abandoned gold mines replaced by the recent and more sophisticated contraptions, remnants of the departed chinese gold miners whispering through the winds.

Imagine living in a house in the midst of all these plants. Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, Grapes and Plums. For weeks, I was exposed to skin- darkening rays of the sun, eight hours perpetually, but there was more. For many, the Peach, a luscious, succulent yellowish fruit, enjoyed with cakes and pastries, but they know not the dire efforts that one put into to put that fruit on their table. The "fluff", tiny yet not quite microscopic hair from an immature peach fruit gets under one's skin and cause much irritation and allergy......

XX1009 Final Exam Period

2009-10-29T18:39:00.008+08:00

Nice to have encouragement during times like these. =) Thank you Stella.

My dinner. Boiled vege and pan-fried salmon.
Bryant's caption.
=)
Fried wontons. Something hand the knowledge over to Uncle Sam, Mr.Americano.
We've made so much, lost count...couple of hundreds I suppose.
Plenty of colours and textures. Cubed. =)

My very first kkakdugi (radish kimchi). Passed the korean taste palette.
Good try for first attempt eh?
Lotsa vege. Mom's gonna be proud of me.

101009 Shag.P--> Elephant Rock-->Moeraki

2009-10-17T19:36:00.007+08:00

I haven't been an active blogger recently, but be bore no more, for I...shall upload some pics of my recent endeavours. Yes....the finals is but a few days away!! The study regime awaits...
The jump.
The beauty of wind and chill erosion.

Mac & Cheese....Mmmmmm...

A flower dedicated to someone who thought I disappeared. =)

Elephant rocks. Imagine one day, chunks of lime stone began to emerge out of nowhere. The rocks are subject to natural erosion, naturally...Lol!

See the similarity?

Mmmmm grass....

The Southern Alps!

Remember the part in LOTR:Return of the Kings where Gondor was invaded by a bunch of Mordor Orcs ? A beacon was lit across the snowy mountains? That's the one right there! The beacon that the Rohirim's of Rohan answered to!

Back at shag point. The colony of seagull...lotsa bird ScheiBe. =P

Aaaw...baby seal again...
3 Shags!

I've never seen a flower that red before...so far....

Rock Texture

A picture taken with great risk. I was standing on an almost 90 degree cliff to capture this moment...phew...=P

Just me....and the vast plains...

220909 Stir-fried Beef with Spring Onions and Ginger

2009-09-22T16:29:00.004+08:00

워!! 맛잇겟다!! 잘먹어!!

The abundance of beef in New Zealand has made it a reality. Looks so much like Wagyu except slightly more lean. Haven't had home inspired dishes for a while now, hence I decided to replicate my own.

But its not that bad...I mean...check out the marbles on that piece of meat? I personally sharpened my knife and carefully slice it super thin approx 3 millimeters each O_o. Nothing is better than cooking with a sharp knife. RAWR!

XX0909 Perspectives.

2009-09-22T07:09:00.003+08:00

130909 Nature Suprises!

2009-09-18T06:52:00.004+08:00

Just outside my flat, probably the biggest rainbow I've witnessed in my life so far.
Not just one, but two rainbow stretching over the horizon. Unbelievable!

This fella's probably amazed like I am =)

130909 Waikouaiti Beach -> Shag Point -> Moeraki

2009-09-14T17:32:00.012+08:00

Thats me standing on a Moeraki boulder.

Moeraki Boulders. Imagine a bunch of somewhat unearthly shaped boulders in the middle of a sandy beach. Apparently, these boulders are believed to be formed by the climate and some sorta geographic influences but there is no explanation to its unbelievably round shape. O_o

Scrape the Barnacles of ye rudder!!!
The windy village of Moeraki
A quiet port village with many

At Shag Point, I was actually standing with the Seagull colony yet they dont feel threatened by my present at all. =)
Drawin on the beach.
2 Shags on a stone cliff. Too bad the penguins aren't around at this hour.
Crystal Clear sea water, one would witness the presence of aquatic live from the surface. Amazing...
Seagulls flying overhead.

Blue waters and more sea grass..
I was standing at the very edge of the cliff with VERY VERY strong winds. Mistake could be catastrophic. Good picture nontheless. =D

Water waves created by the wind.A baby seal posing for the camera =)

Art.

Oooo flowers!!

Waikouaiti Beach!

020909 Taeri River Expidition

2009-09-08T17:38:00.013+08:00

At long last, the cycle of life begins with the advent of spring. The flowers scent the air with natures perfume.

Travel down south to River Taeri for some off-road green adventure!

Somewhere in the middle of the forest. Quite dark really...

Traces of rain fall
The forest walkabout begins....kodamas? Maybe =)

As if it wasn't slippery enough, it started snowing. As usual, I am in shorts =) Nice! Trully 4 seasons in one day, welcome to Dunedin.

New Zealand's national symbol, the Silver Fern

Taeri River. Amazing....Millford Sound...coming for you soon!
Snow gives way to a sunny afternoon.
New Zealand's Pests, a stalk of thorns masked with flowers.

A few hours later, we're finally at the top of the mountain.

Stream in the forest.
Age old tree.

Crystal clear waters at Taeri river mouth.

Having a break by the river, enjoy the scenery eh mate?

Back into the forest once again.

Almost back to civilization. Maybe 3 more hours...

picture taken by Kasper Tjonberg, Cheers!
Never ending forest. Unforunately, not a single elf in sight.
Rock on a deserted dock. =)
Uh...oh...weather don't look too good again...more rain.

Rain gives way to sunshine again. Yeap...4 seasons thingy...Da Sheep Family.
The dead marshes? O_o

You gonna know where to look to find fun in New Zealand. Outdoors and more outdoors. Sweet!

160809 Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

2009-08-20T19:26:00.003+08:00

Dawn at Mt.Cargill. Moon's still there.
Amazed....
Suns Rising!!
Sheets of Clouds and Mist over sleepy Dunedin.
Runs all the way through..

Almost like a different planet
That explains why Rohan always look orangee..
Stone textures
Shaun Rector on the Edge.