We were told that we would be living in a motel with a kitchenette for the first two weeks in TeKauwhata. I envisioned a very small, dark room with a mini-kitchen located in the downtown area. Much to our surprise we were booked at Jonio's Olive Grove Estates. It is absolutely beautiful here. We have a flat---------nice size kitchen which is well stocked, a livingroom with tv and stereo system, bedroom with comfortable bed, and a bath. We share our surroundings with several cows and roosters amongst the olive trees.
We were given a bottle of olive oil made from the olives on site------"These olives produce a complex, soft, smooth and delicate fresh flavour with a slight peppery finish. Enjoy"-------sounds more like a wine! I must say it was very delicious when mixed with balsamic vinegar as an appetizer.
Tuesday evening we were invited to Dr. Knight's home. (It is a two man practice and the other doctor is on vacation. In two weeks we will be in Dr. Knight's house while he is on vacation. Remember me telling you that we would be on a kiwi farm?) Dr. Knight, Jeff, and his wife, Ann (nurse who works three days at the clinic) do indeed live amongst the kiwi. I had never seen kiwi trees--------they grow on an arbor-like structure with the fruit hanging down. (Later, I will include a picture.) It was a lovely evening. Ann prepared a delicious meal of sirloin steak, gravy, roasted pumpkin and onions, boiled potatoes, and salad. They served a local wine. For dessert we had an apple crisp and cheese. Observation: the meat is so tender, the cows are grass fed and that may be the reason.
Sunday evening we ate at the local pub. The special on the chalkboard said, "Pavlova" which I was told to indulge in when in NZ. (I have a picture of this decadent dessert. ) Here is a little additional info-------"If New Zealand has a national dessert it is pavlova, traditionally eaten at Christmas barbecues. It is a giant egg-white meringue, smothered in whipped cream and topped with fresh fruit. The dessert was originally made in honour of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who visited New Zealand more than a century ago. It is an unbeatable way to consume a large amount of sugar in one sitting." We shared a huge piece and loved every bite.
Last evening Will and I went trekking. There is a trail that runs from one end of the island to the other. We got on one section near TeKauwhata and enjoyed the countryside.
Ann connected me up with a friend of hers (Joy) who loves to go trekking. Joy invited me to go to Mt. William and hike in the rainforest. We left today at 9:00 and returned at 3:00. It was the best day!
The blog has become my journal. Before I left Loveland, a friend told me to put in lots of pictures and not many words. Recently, I got a email requesting pictures. I will try to learn how to add pics. People have found that it is easiest to write us a quick email to respond to the blog and tell us about what they are doing. Please keep in touch. Email address is reents.w@gmail.com
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