Well, my very first post. I suppose it should be eloquent, exciting and a delicious morsel of what's to come... Let's hope it turns out that way! Blogging is not a form of writing I'm familiar with so we'll see!
When I was attempting to come up with a name for my blog I decided on Kiwifruit because it pretty much describes me. A Kiwi, more than a little fruity and a greenie. I guess all this will become obvious to anyone who may read this blog. My posts, I imagine will be as variable as the recesses of my cluttered mind. Some on issues that I would like to raise awareness of (if anyone reads this!) and some purely for fun. Recurring themes are likely to be food, conservation, culture, music, films, travel and various observations on society.
Today, however, I am feeling in need of cheering up. The beautiful summery moments outside have worked a little of their magic this afternoon, but overall it has been a bit of a blue day for me with the horrific oil spill in the Bay of Plenty preying on my mind. It is an issue I am fairly worked up about and will write about but not at this moment as it will depress me even more! So I thought I'd write about something more positive. If you are a Kiwi, unless you've been living under a particularly sizeable rock; you will have noticed there is a World Cup on here at the moment, and and it is one which has been occupying my mind an unhealthy amount of time lately.
Thinking about Dan Carter's groin and Richie McCaw in general should not be what I am doing while at work but I'm afraid it can't be helped. I actually think I might cry if we lose tomorrow. I have watched my Irish flatmate and English friend stare tensely at the screen for the last two weekends. Gasping, swearing, cheering, fist-pumping and then slumping into a heap of misery. I am unspeakably eager to avoid this fate. I am and will be fiercely proud of Richie and the boys no matter what the outcome, but want so much for them to make it. I have immense respect for our gallant captain and feel he and all of them deserve the win.
Poignant moments for me in the World Cup so far: (In no particular order)
#1 No surprises here, let's get it out of the way - The Sonny Bill Williams shirt episode. Even the males have to agree it was a classic moment. The rippling bicep bulging as he ripped the flap of material off, then the doctor's epic battle to get the new shirt on will live on in the memories of women (and some men!) everywhere.
#2 Ireland beating the Aussies. We watched this at an Irish bar with my Irish flatmate and the atmosphere was electric. A rapturous explosion of joy, Guinness and smiling Irish eyes.
#3 Seeing England play Argentina live in the new Forsyth Barr stadium in Dunedin. Some delectable Argentinian behinds warming up just metres from us!
#4 The sportsmanship of rugby players and fans in general. The players listen respectfully when the ref is talking to them, help the opposition up and give a warm, genuine pat on the back and handshake at the end. In general the fans clap for the opposing team's anthem and when they score. There were some great examples in the All Blacks v Japan game. One of our big burly guys mowing down a petite Japanese player and then instantly pulling him to his feet again and the entire pub of All Blacks supporters smothering the two lone Japanese supporters in hugs and cheers when Japan scored their try.
#5 Tonga beating France! What more needs to be said?!
#6 The Australia v South Africa game. Australia managed to win it despite South Africa having 76% of the territory and dominating the possession! Such a tense game.
#7 The 5.5 magnitude aftershock in Christchurch while we were sitting on the grass with hundreds of others at the Fanzone watching the All Blacks play Argentina. A truly bizarre experience feeling the ground move violently beneath your buttocks. Can't help but be glad John Key was there to feel it! I can only imagine what it would have been like had we had the game here as originally scheduled!
#8 Scotland's last two games. Heart-breakingly close to winning only to have it ripped away at the last moment. They just couldn't get the tries which is what it came down to. Seeing the Scottish player sobbing inconsolably at the end of the England match was hard to watch!
#9 Richie McCaw receiving his cap for 100 tests from Jock Hobbs had to be the most emotional moment of the World Cup for me. Two fantastic, inspirational men.
#10 The minute's silence at the beginning of The New Zealand v Japan game for both countries' devastating earthquakes.
There have been some epic moments so far and there will definitely be more to come; a highlight sure to be the stellar Welsh defence tonight. Let's just hope that despite our injury situation, one of them is us beating Australia tomorrow! If Piri has another game like he did against the Pumas we should be sorted!
Kia
Kaha
boys, from Christchurch! xox
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| The mighty All Blacks Haka |
According to David Cordoba's Arte de Cocteles, the mojito apparently has it's origins in the 16th Century as a drink enjoyed onboard private ships. The lime juice was good for keeping scurvy at bay and the mint for aiding digestion - and of course being a ship in those days, I'm sure rum was never in short supply! This is my version of what is surely today the quintessential summer drink. It is cheating a little bit and using lemonade instead of soda water and sugar but it is easier and just as delicious :)