Hoki Happenings

After our big two week road trip we decided to hang out in Hokitika for a few weekends. It's great to learn a little more about this community and the people who live here.

Fact - There is always a fundraiser going on for some club or event.  ALWAYS.  Everyday at the grocery store there is a card table set up with a raffle or something to buy tickets for.  Groups we've had the opportunity to support include: Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Ukalale club, the Catholic School, the elementary school, the high school, Lions club, whatever.  A popular raffle prize is a load of wood for heating houses.

We decided to go to a fund raising event for the High School trip to Vietnam.  The main attraction of the evening included tasting liquor from a local shop that sells specialty schnapps.  $15 got you in, 1 free drink, free samples, yummy snacks, many desserts made with the schnapps liquors, quizzes (very popular here) for prizes, entertainment from the "the Red Moki from Hoki" (a neighbor and co-worker Don, who has an alter personality), contest for the best red outfit and many other door prizes. 

Lea and friends

Lea won 2nd place for her red outfit

Greg joined us for this one - see the necklace on Lea - I searched for red items in the grocery store

I had to beg Greg to put the wig on - he'll do almost anything for Lea

The Red Moki from Hoki with his better half - Sue, the event organizer

Fact - If you live here you own a pair of gumboots. 

Standard footwear for family of four!

 Fact - If you live here you hide your spare key in a gumboot outside your back door.  The secret is which gumboot. 

Is is a boot or is it a hide-a-key location.  Everyone knows the house key is in the boot...question is, which boot.

Fact - A sunset, sunrise, moon rise or moon set will always be awe inspiring.  Did you see the extra large full moon rise on Sunday, May 6th (NZ calendar).

Moon rising

Mezmerizing moon show

Fact - the oceans has moods. One of us takes at least a quick view of the waves each day.  Some days they are huge and scary others, calm and quite inviting.  Until you actually touch the water and think - that there is cold water!

We get to see the sea on a regular basis

Fact - We are in the midst of .Marmageddon

Marmite is a spread that New Zealanders put on bread or toast.  It is made in a plant in Christchurch that was damaged in the big earthquake last year.  The plant has to be relocated and therefore has stopped manufacturing the product.  Uh Oh, this is a problem because it's a staple in most people's diet.  So, what's a New Zealander to do?  Eat Vegemite, the Australian cousin of Marmite?  Apparently not! 

The shelf at the local grocery store

Vegemite on sale just below the out of stock Marmite sign.  Sales on Vegemite are just o.k by the looks of it.

I'm thinking this nearly untouched jar in our house may be worth something!  

Fact - Tea is very important

I recently helped with a community service project on a Saturday morning.  Supplies included rakes, weed cutter, and in the wheel barrel above, an extra fuel tank, hot tea in thermoses and biscuits.  All work was stopped for a morning tea break.

 Fact - Coffee may be even more important
 There are terrific coffee shops everywhere.  Cappuccino, Mochachino, Flat Black, Flat White, Espresso?  What's your favorite?  The baristas here know how to make the milk froth like you would not believe.  There is also a skill in pouring the foam to make a drawing in the foam.  Goodbye Starbucks, hello Hokitika Cheese and Deli, The Clock Tower Cafe, Cafe de Paris, plus others I haven't even tried;. There must be 12 or more places to get a good cappuccino in Hokitika alone. 

Cappachino - pure heaven with a sprinkle of chocolate, no sugar.