We continued to explore more of Parnell, the neighborhood near the campus.
It took about 20 minutes to walk over to the La Cigale Market, Bistro and Cafe which is a French-focused gourmet area featuring eateries, a shop and a multi-vendor weekend market.
The market was a real mix of French stuff like eclairs, quiches and cheeses as well as the usual fruit, veg, wines, olive oils, and breads. But what really caught our eyes were some stands with unusual products.
I posted other unusual doggie treats a few weeks back, but I couldn't resist showing some more:
This shot of the market isn't so special, but we loved the clouds.
Off to another island! This time we went to Motutapu Island which is connected to Rangitoto thanks to the short causeway established during WWII. At 178 million years old Motutapu is one of the oldest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf. (And some of you might remember from an older post that Rangitoto is the youngest).
The island has lived an exciting life – it was intensively settled by Maori (when Rangitoto erupted 600 years ago, it destroyed the Maori settlements), it hosted massive Victorian picnic parties, and was a base during WWll.
Today the island lacks the forest cover of Rangitoto and most areas are limited to grass and meadows with some grazing sheep and cows. Following the world's largest island pest eradication program, it is now pest-free and a great place to see native birds, hike and camp.
It took about 20 minutes to walk over to the La Cigale Market, Bistro and Cafe which is a French-focused gourmet area featuring eateries, a shop and a multi-vendor weekend market.
The market was a real mix of French stuff like eclairs, quiches and cheeses as well as the usual fruit, veg, wines, olive oils, and breads. But what really caught our eyes were some stands with unusual products.
This fresh turmeric looked like caterpillar chrysalises
Edible flowers on top of sprouts
Sauerkraut made with carrot, turmeric and kaffir lime (no vinegar)
I posted other unusual doggie treats a few weeks back, but I couldn't resist showing some more:
Black pudding
Giant teeth cleaners
Earisistables
Crunchy clogs
This shot of the market isn't so special, but we loved the clouds.
Off to another island! This time we went to Motutapu Island which is connected to Rangitoto thanks to the short causeway established during WWII. At 178 million years old Motutapu is one of the oldest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf. (And some of you might remember from an older post that Rangitoto is the youngest).
The island has lived an exciting life – it was intensively settled by Maori (when Rangitoto erupted 600 years ago, it destroyed the Maori settlements), it hosted massive Victorian picnic parties, and was a base during WWll.
Today the island lacks the forest cover of Rangitoto and most areas are limited to grass and meadows with some grazing sheep and cows. Following the world's largest island pest eradication program, it is now pest-free and a great place to see native birds, hike and camp.
A historic bach (vacation home)
Wind swept fields
Up and over meadows
Lone tree
Emu Point
Cliffs along the shore at Emu Point
Maybe this tree was struck by lightning?
Home Bay where we caught the ferry back to Auckland
Bushy hills
Centennial Bush Walk
Various colored hills and turquoise water
Holding up Rangitoto
see any kiwi's... the feathered kind ?
ReplyDeleteLa Cigale Market looks delightful. Leave it to you to find all the good foodie places. Motutapu is a great place to have a bach. No pests! Enchanting photos once again.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Kiwis only come out at night, you can see them (if you are lucky and persistant) at the Auckland Zoo).