R.I.P. Yellow Swivel Stick (2001-2007)

Robb, Renae and I went out on the harbour last weekend to see our little suburb and city from a new perspective. Unlike our last trip, Renae paddled forward quite well and I managed to make it back to the shore without feeling sea sick. The harbour was calm (2-3 knots) however, that’s not stopped me from feeling sick before. There’s hope for me yet! Ian and James I could just take up this sea-kayaking business! I need to work a bit more on upper body strength though! Girl arms… whimpish! I think tomorrow my arms will hurt… like they did after my superb fast bowling to Robert last summer after a few too many wines. It’s not good to exert yourself whilst drinking because the pain’s not there to advise you, “Stop now”.

I am on two weeks holiday and despite other people being on holiday… or having quit their jobs (won’t mention names!) I have nobody flying in these holidays. Quite pathetic really! I hope this is not an indication of the holidays to come over the next 3 years. I am heading to the west coast of Viti Levu… I’ll maybe even head off to some of the islands. A week on the beach is in order. It’s been no small feat, adapting to the international school and its curriculum and settling into Suva life. I figure I’ve earned it!

Renae’s off to Australia for four weeks and on Tuesday I move into my new place! Can’t wait… already on the hunt for some speakers to hook my computer up to. It’s a one bedroom place with jack fruit, cumquat, lemon and mango tress out the back. It’s lush. It also has a nice little decking which I will share with the neighbors and I am quite sure I will be very happy in my new digs. My bedroom has aircon… which is quite luxurious… though I am getting quite use to the heat here and for the first time since I arrived I wore my cords (in the evening)! The best thing about my new place is my neighbours… a lovely couple and their new beautiful little baby. I am missing my nephews and nieces! L I am sad to be leaving Lami behind… it’s a nice little suburb and I was just starting to get to know a few people. But I am sure the next suburb will be just as good. I am right next to USP (Uni of the Sth Pacific) so I will be able to ride my bike to the gym and the National Aquatic Centre… so I can keep myself fit and healthy.

Very VERY sad news… my swivel stick has come to the end of its life. The swivel stick was a souvenir I kept from a trip to Thailand in 2001 with Banksworth. Swivel stick has accompanied me along moves from Albert Park to South Melbourne to two places in Wangaratta. She has stirred many a gin and tonic and has enjoyed her space amongst my tea spoons. Unfortunately, my housemates didn’t seem to appreciate my sense of loss. Swivel stick was from the Banana Discotheque at Patong Beach Hotel and life certainly wont be the same without her. Stirring a G&T with anything else wont do… you get that ghastly clanking noise against the glass. I am on the look out for a new swiveller. I know… no swivel stick can replace her… but one has to try and move on.

PS I found a volunteer who is going to teach me the art of cooking Dalo…. Apparently there’s some myths surrounding this whole affair… so you can look forward to a blog as soon as my offer comes through.

PPS The latest victims in the fight against mould are my cap and tea canister. Definitely need a Howard Park Winery cap now that this Yalumba cap has fallen victim. They sell a heaps of Yalumba wine here. Lots of whites (Sauv Blancs) from Malbourough, NZ too.

World Water Day

Was sitting in bed this morning, reading today's Fiji Times editorial which went something like this: ... Fiji has nothing to celebrate on World Water Day because of the erratic supply of water due to years of neglecting the upkeep of infrastructure...effects on health… yadda yadda... what's the interim government going to do about it?...

As if on cue, whilst I am reading this, housemate enters bathroom this morning and makes a vocal kaniption upon discovering the shower is not going to provide a drop beyond what was already sitting in the pipes. Ha! Happy World Water Day!

To rub more salt in the wound, 10 seconds later it begins bucketing down! I refused to go to work without a shower! So, I stripped down to my birthday suit and took my soap and toothbrush out onto the balcony and had a grand time watching the neighbours' expressions as I cleaned myself.

On the way to school I passed a burst water main (not a rare sight in Suva) and put two and two together.

Meanwhile... at school after a massive down pour my car floated about one meter away from where I initially parked it, as the drainage infrastructure is some what lacking too (see above photos).

How strange... in a city that rains so many days of the year... that people go without water.

I am always thinking about Australia and the severe water restrictions, which keeps my complaining about the rain at bay.

NB: Never let the truth get in the way of a good story... the balcony and car incidents are entirely fictional (I don’t even have a car! However, I did think about popping out onto the balcony).... the rest of the story is true though.

Green Thumbs & the Tree Climber

A few little garden shots for you today. Renee, Robb and I went to the nursery today and lugged a car load of greenery up our three flights of stairs. Renee’s preferred method of relaxation is gardening…. and she does a lovely job of it (see photo for Renee in action).

The new additions include 2 banana plants (see photo…banana tree on the right in black plastic sheeting)… don’t know how they’ll go in pots on the balcony. I am hoping there’s room left for my herbs and veggies ... bought seeds two weeks ago and they’re still in their packets. Fiji is a green thumb’s paradise.

Renee put in a request for frangipani (see photos of tree top flower & tree with swing) in our bathroom vase… I told her the flowers are too high in the tree to reach and any that I collect from the ground go brown too quickly… but being the trooper that I am I left my thongs at the foot of the tree and climbed, scissors in back pocket. I was very pleased with my cutting and it was decided we’d try and grow it for our balcony rather than put it in the bathroom vase. I have seven fresh mosquito bites from my clamber up the tree…. so that little clipping had better grow… my blood and sweat spent!

Thought for today: I wonder if Renee minds me putting these pictures of her on my blog...

Up Close & Personal with Dalo

I had a stroll down my street today just to capture dalo up close and personal. Deceivingly harmless looking plant, for something that proved to be so terribly noxious. I am not going to concede defeat yet though! I wont be happy until I cook it. Fijians cook it in coconut milk and apparently it's yummy… I find that hard to fathom, but I think dousing it in coconut milk will be the method I try first. You'll be able to read my account, complete with photos… when I get around to this gastronomic extravaganza! I got a feeling it's going to take more than one attempt to perfect.

It’s grown alongside the foot path outside my place (source of photos) and sold in the supermarket and markets in neat stacks of about 10-20 leaves.

Can't be sure... but I suspect someone's planted a crop right next door to us... there's a nutrient rich little gully between our apartment and the neighbour’s place. I've provided a snap shot of the crop in question. I'll be keeping a VERY close eye on what’s harvested.

The Dalo Leaf - Part Two

This is the last of 6 cartoon frames. There'll be more dalo adventures to come. Perhaps a few recipes... definitely a photo or two of the dreaded stuff...

The Dalo Leaf - Part One

Beach House Part 2

Along the Coral Coast, (southern Viti Levu) is an haven fit for any hard working Suva dweller. This weekend I could be found lying on the beach, looking up at the coconut palms… hoping they wouldn’t deliver a fatal blow.

Come midnight with decision making impaired by several alcoholic beverages I rose to the challenge placed before me by an English backpacker (who’d had more to drink than me). The old who-can-stay-under-the-water-the-longest competition. Aust:0, UK:1

Whilst it’s convenient to have the bar so close to the pool, one has to wonder about the safety issues… as the evening digressed along with my state of mind, it became the who-can-do-the-biggest-bomb competition… Australia:1 UK:1

Whilst there, I had the most relaxing massage… over an hour for $AU15. Not one of those light, fluffy do-nothing jobs. I came out covered head to toe in coconut oil, with a bad oily hair-do and was so unwound I needed to sleep. Received a few tips on cooking that dreaded Dalo leaf during the rubdown … I am determined.

Renee marked her birthday on Saturday night in great company, with much philosophizing and several different card games which lessened in difficulty as the night wore on. Pass the Ace was the finishing game… even that provided a challenge for some.

I’ve received requests for lots more photos… so I am going nuts… a combination of Renee’s (the good ones) and mine, taken at the Beach House.

Photos from The Beach House

Mould Colonies

I am developing a preoccupation with mould (not abnormal in a country where bananas can go from green to black... without that nice yellow edible in between phase).

These opportunistic spores don’t discriminate… my sandals grew mould after not being worn for a few days (photographic evidence supplied).I am now thinking about conducting an experiment on myself… if I remain in the same position for 4 days will I cultivate mould?

100 % cotton fabric, once my friend, is now a slow drying enemy developing a musty odor. Before you suggest…I refuse to pollute the Earth with fossil fuel emissions from a clothes drier. The little rusty unidentifiable electrical appliance in my wardrobe? It turns out to be a moisture killer… thing… a heat lamp. I am sure if I leave it on, I’ll return home to see the remains of a fire.

Amy K. (2002- )

A couple of weeks ago I received a package from Australia featuring a few of the latest pieces from artist, Amy K. What's distinct about Amy K's work is her communication of various theories; the solar system is made up of purple planets and bleak black blobs are present in an ever changing technologically driven environment.


I'd like to leave you with a few questions, Amy:

Do you think too much value is assigned to mouths and noses? Are you making a statement that the world be a better place without them?

What, if any, is the connection between your aunt and milk?

What inspired you to design your own alphabet?

My place in Lami

Here's a couple of shots of my new apartment. I am on the third floor.... the back yard overlooks Suva harbour. Through the tree line you can see the city lights in the evening. You can hear the drone of ships coming and going and of dock cranes lifting and lowering containers.

I imagine the green is a strange sight for those in Wangaratta on stage 4 water restrictions. Wish I could send some of these rain clouds your way... for your good and mine. The pool shot is taken from my bedroom window... a pool is a must have ... high humidity and high temperatures.

Stay tuned for my next blog which will feature a detailed analysis of art by Amy Knox (2002-).... what do the black dots mean?

Bila from Naila

It mightn’t look very enticing, but this little delicacy is quite tasty. No haste involved in the making process. Cassava (root crop) is peeled, chopped up and soaked for 4 days. After a good soaking the stringy core is removed and the remaining cassava forms a dough-like texture which is kneaded in a hearty way for a long time. Then a little sugar and coconut is added. Don’t know why, but the banana leaf is always used to shape it into a long skinny form and this is then steamed. They sell it at the market for 50cents... a little too cheap for the amount of effort required.