food, drinks, and driving

There are a few things that stick out on the food and drink menu in New Zealand that I will miss. First, there are the amazing deli treats from sandwiches to quiche and bakery items. It seemed that every café we visited had a unique selection of tasty goods with equally delicious coffees. Second, I discovered kumara. This sweet potato-esque root is quite flavorful; especially kumara chips (steak fries). I ate this bag ‘o fries for dinner one night; probably not the most healthy of indulgences, but I enjoyed every bite!

Speaking of indulgences, I definitely found myself addicted to the New Zealand chocolate. I heard people say their taste in chocolate changed after having New Zealand’s cocoa product. I packed my bag with chocolate bars to take home, it was so good! There is something about the smooth texture and perfect fruity flavor of the kiwi chocolate, or the rich milky flavor to the Cadbury Dairy Milk bar!

My favorite kiwi treat is pavlova. We occasionally had this item for dessert in Antarctica, so I hoped to find some in New Zealand. This temptation is a bit like a wafer and a bit like angel food cake with whipped cream and fruit on top. One of the things Jeremy and I had opportunity to do while I was in Auckland was attempt our own pavlova. We had a great time beating egg white lifeless and dumping in heaps of sugar. The pavlova is supposed to rise up in the oven and then “toast” a bit in the oven after the heat is turned off. Our pavlova did not quite make it up to the lofty heights we intended. In fact, we called it a pancake, or “American Pavlova” since it remained quite flat. When the project was complete, the end result was still tasty (what wouldn’t be with that much sugar)!

I also discovered some great beverages. Bundaberg’s Ginger Beer is an Australian product I hope to have more of while I’m on that continent. It’s a bit like ginger ale with more ginger (and no ale). L&P is a New Zealand flavored soda. I enjoyed both drinks though I have been staying away from the carbonation.

Then there is driving. Though, I maintain a sober mentality when it comes to alcohol, one might think I’ve had a few when I turn on the windshield wipers, rather than the turn signals. Driving from the right side of the car on the left side of the road has a different feel to it, but I caught on pretty quickly. It also helped that I spent 6.5 hours of driving time by myself returning our rental car on the south island. The only thing more complicated than thinking in the left lane, was driving Kirrin’s manual; shifting gears with my left hand. All for experience!