happy medium

To put some sort of scale into these photos, the fox glacier is taller than 8 Eiffell towers, and 8 miles (13km) long. It can move up to 70cm a day, which is about 10 times faster than most Glaciers. However, Franz Josef and Fox are two of the most accessible in the world, and unique in the fact both end very close to the sea and in lush rainforest. These things have carved valleys 10 times deeper than the empire state building, there are well over a hundred of them leaving their mark on New Zealand right now and are great at making you feel totally insignificant…

(notice the british shaped cloud?!)

I’ve started working on getting some sort of mini-blog and photo/video album together of our 3 week trip. There’s just too many photos, and video to all put up here on happy, I don’t think 350px jpegs and youtube quality films are going to do the experience much justice, so I’m putting them onto DVD-Rom to send back home. I know a fair amount of friends and family read happy, so just to make sure can you drop me a line on the contact page (link to the right) so not to leave anyone out who fancies a copy. It was 3 of the best weeks of my life, and it would be great to share it with you all.

Have been spending a fair amount of time in Albert Park recently as it’s just around the corner from my flat. After work I’ve been taking a book down there and just reading while enjoying the last bit of sunshine. This weekend has been the Lantern Festival, a celebration of the Chinese new year. A group of us met up and enjoyed the displays, food and fireworks. The place was heaving, biggest crowd they’ve had. The red lanterns hanging from the trees looked stunning, shame they don’t do it all year round. There’s an even bigger firework display on at the Auckland Domain next weekend which should be good (and busy). Thanks to Dylan for lending me his camera!

Anyone had Quinoa before? It’s a pretty good alternative to rice, I’d say the best way to place it is somewhere between brown rice and cous cous. It’s in the same family as Buckwheat. Popular in South America, it was sacred to the Incas. It’s extremely high nutritional value – it’s around 18% protein, high in iron, magnesium, fiber and phosphorus. Photos of Quinoa farms in South America here. Also picked up some Cha Soba (grean-tea buckwheat noodles). Good stuff!