It's officially a year since moving to New Zealand and a lot has changed. Not just around me but in me. For starters, I now refer to myself as a photographer. I figure, I get paid to do it now, so why not? But honestly, there is so much more to learn. Right before coming to New Zealand, I started a new IG page inspired by one of my series here on the blog - The Travelling Nutmeg. I used it challenge my photography skills by only using my phone camera - Samsung's A50. This meant relying on angles and aesthetics and it really pushed me. I actually saw a huge difference when using my DSLR. Then I dropped my phone one too many times and needed my DSLR to continue the account. Around that time, I got my first gig and now felt confidence to put myself out there.

I wish the same could be said about my love life. But one year later and I'm still single. I will say that I didn't spend the day alone nor was it by design. But similarly to last year's escapade, it was all God's doing and I couldn't have planned it any better.

On Galentine's (February 13th), I spent a long day at work surrounded by amazing food that I couldn't eat. My friends tease me about the fact that I change my diets like people change clothes but they aren't lying. It was definitely a lack of foresight to give up dairy and sweets around Valentines but it was too late to change that now. Those profiteroles looked real good and my workmates were sure to let me know how good they taste too.

Finally I headed for a much needed domestic top up at The Warehouse, which I guess is New Zealand's version of a Walmart or Target but still very Kiwi in its own right. It's more than just the gumboots. There is such a distinctive practicality to this franchise that you don't even feel guilty for spending money there. Whereas you leave Target wondering why on earth you bought a star studded coin holder, you get home from The Warehouse still thinking about that polyester table mat you saw on Aisle 3.

To cure some of that, we spent quite a while in the kids section, imagining childhood costume parties that never happened and translating American games. Now I'm filled with questions. Like why did "Uno" see the need to launch a "Dos" card pack with the same rules that we illegally use in the first? Why does "Bop It" need a solo version? And why did they take so long to turn "Guess Who" into a card game? Brilliant!

We then trotted over to the gardening section because I have not killed enough succulents and need just a wee bit more practice. With Autumn and Winter right around the corner, at least I have some excuses already lined up. But seriously, something is wrong with my  new room because mould is attacking my baby succulents and they are probably not going to last two more days. Sometimes the grass is just greener on the other side and it's easier to enjoy someone else's blooms.

We may have spent some time in the makeup section but no need to dwell on that

Fast forward to V-day which started at church hanging out with the tribe and just sharing some good agape love. Vision Church Palmerston North is a wonderful place to foster those kind of relationships and it's a relief to find such a safe space. 

We then hung out a bit at our connect group leader's place where I was finally introduced to Sadza. My, my, what a new meaning to the phrase finger food. I totally forgot to take pictures because that food was  sweet. So Sadza is the unseasoned, stove top version of Cou-Cou which is served with tomato stew, greens and some saucy meat. Unlike cou-cou which is eaten on its own and requires coconut milk, ochro and the like, sadza is bread to gravy. It cups the food in each pocket and release undhindered, unadulterated flavour to your tastebuds. Like wow. Guaranteed ethnic fatigue loading.

Then God showed up to surprise me as usual. I drove for the first time in New Zealand unto my very own avenue. It reminds me of the time I was in transit in the UK, on my way back from study and found a Rennie brand of chewing gum.  But a whole avenue. I felt blessed, like I was right where I was supposed to be.

For an self professed introvert, I had more energy that day than I will like admit. Because some how I ended up at a Nigerian going away party, shoveling jollof in containers like a meme coming to life. There were some other memes and tik toks that suddenly received context and my laughs will forever be guttural whenever I next see them. 

Most importantly, I saw my sister loved on and praised and encouraged. I saw life being celebrated before being taken away. I saw someone empowered to make a difference in her community by her obedience. I saw the end of a journey and was inspired to finish mine.

I also saw a box of plantains under the sofa. And thanks to my other sister, left with two grains in hand. For me, that was the cherry on top of the most beautifully ordained day. I'm so grateful when God plans and I exist. Suddenly, I'm not the photographer because I hold the camera but because I'm a vessel of His light. And that's enough for me.

I hate losing things. I don't lose them often so when I do, I take the loss pretty hard. It's also part of the reason why I practice frugality. The cheaper the value, the easier the recovery, right? When I lost my new headphones this week, I was quick to think, I don't deserve nice things but I just as quickly retracted. Accidents happen. And that argument doesn't hold up against the things that are considered priceless. Things like the free beauty of nature.

I've noticed, with slight contempt, that the major pastimes of my city are biking, hiking or walking through the park. It's very easy to chalk up these activities as ordinary or unstimulating. Especially in comparison to a beach party or amusement park. However, I have come to appreciate the serenity they seek.

This year I have committed to spending Saturdays broadening my horizons. Whether its a hike or day trip, I believe that time adequately spent doing activities outside of the realms of my study is necessary to keep my sanity. Especially as time is drawing closer to the completion of my thesis.

I do love me some sushi. But it's not the most affordable meal in the world. Actually, if I was comfortable with raw fish I would have figured it out how to make it already. So I compromise and buy pocket friendly sushi from shops near to university that cater to students like myself. However, one day, I do aspire to order real sushi, prepared by a well decorated itamae. I also wish to be prepared to order confidently from the menu without the need to point at pictures. So why not practice now. Let's start with the basics. 

Main ingredients

Sushi - This actually refers to the sticky, vinegar rice part of the meal. However, it is commonly used to describe any dish involving fish, seaweed and rice.

Nori - Dried, flattened seaweed. Very unlikely you would have to use this word when ordering.

Gu - Any fish used whether cooked or raw

Roe - This is smelt roe or the eggs of smelt fish and usually served raw. They come in a variety of names and colours depending on the fish.  Masago is small and orange, it's found on the top of hosomaki or around uramaki. Tobiko are eggs sourced from flying fish. It doubles as caviar and if found in red orange, green and black.

Tempura - This one of the options for cooked fish if you are not a fan of raw texture. Shrimp or prawns are dipped in panko or cornflour batter and briefly fried. 

Special mention:

Unagi - Ross thought this was some deep Japanese meditation but it's just eel. Like octupus and squid it is often served cooked because the texture is too tight to appreciate raw.

Condiments

Gari Pickled Ginger - This final condiment is only used to cleanse the palate and should not be eaten with sushi but after.

Shoyu - Soy Sauce and I'm pretty sure they will be ok with me calling it that. Sushi is usually dipped for extra flavor but my uncouth self is always pour it over the rolls. Send help.

Wasabi  - Another condiment which is considered Japanese horseradish. What is horseradish you ask? Not ketchup for sure. It's a vegetable which belongs to the mustard and radish family and prepared into this very potent paste.  A little goes a long way so it's usually applied by brushing the chopsticks lightly along the surface of your sushi. Furthermore, its rarity means that cheap sushi shops are most likely using the adulterated version which is a mix of horseradish, green food colouring and mustard oil. 

Categories

Nigiri - Slice of raw fish over rice. This is also eaten in one bite. If you are using soy sauce, you should dip it fish side down so that it soaks into the flesh.

Maki (Norimaki) - This refers to the type of sushi that we know and love. It is named after the bamboo mat (makisu) that is used to roll the nori around the rice and filling. Maki is usually sliced into 5 or  6 pieces depending on the type as we will see below. It is acceptable to finish these in more than one bite.

Hosomaki - Uses one or two items as filling, rolled tightly and served as tall rolls.

Futomaki - Contains a larger filling but may feature vegetarian options.

Temaki - This was my favourite back in undergrad. The sushi is rolled into a beautiful ice cream cone with a filling that is consumed in a couple bites just  like an ice cream.

Uramaki -  Is considered a westernized version where the rice and nori switch places and sprinkled with a finished touch of black sesame seeds. A popular example of this is the California Roll.

Inari - This is sushi (rice) stuffed into a deep fried tofu pocket, topped with black sesame seeds. I tasted it for the first time NZ and was pleasantly surprised. The tofu is well marinated and juicy so there is a burst of flavor to enjoy.

Chirashi - This is sushi in a bowl but hardly found outside of Japan.

Oshizushi - Served in angular form, this sushi comprised of pressed rice with a layer of roe, sashimi or tempura shrimp secured with seaweed string.

Would love to mention beverages but will leave that for when I visit a fancy restaurant. Thanks to Trip Savvy for most of the information listed here.

After living in a country that held exams on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I've been apprehensive to celebrate Christmas out of the Caribbean. But I have to admit to you all that New Zealand has yet to disappoint. A Kiwi Christmas is quite the celebration, starting with a Kiwi Christmas Tree, complete with jandals, sunglasses and wingless angel at the top.

In Palmerston North, we enjoyed the Christmas Parade featuring social clubs from all throughout the Manawatu region; including a Brazil samba posse and a Bethlehem float. The whole community came out to support, the kids especially to catch flying candy which reminded me of Halloween repackaged. There was even a mobile snow rink to stimulate a winter wonderland.

It may be a summery Christmas for most of us, but Wellington was yet to get the message. I spent most of my time there covered up in down jackets and the warm voices of Wellington singers. As I walked into the lobby, I heard perfect minor harmonies for "Mary, Did you know?" causing my eyes to instantly well up. For the next 30 minutes I listened each rendition beautifully echoed through the acoustics of Wellington Central State. TakeNote may be a group of volunteer singers, but they sing with all the passion and effort of a very real choir. 

The following night was with a performance of Handel Messiah. I wasn't aware of this concert until I checked my Facebook feed in the city and saw the ad. Thanks Zuckerberg. Being here was a no brainer, even though that ticket costed a pretty penny. As an old choir head, I know Hallelujah note for note. But hearing the entire concerto was a new experience for me and actually quite emotional.

Dinner with friends is wonderful. But dinner with family is an absolute necessity. My new family welcomed me for the weekend with a traditional Swedish meal on the 3rd night of Hanukkah. These are the kindest folks that I have ever met and I have a feeling that this dinner is the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

The real reason that I visited Wellington, however, was to attend a cricket match - West Indies vs New Zealand. Before you say anything, yes they lost and it was sorrowful. Actually, it was a record breaking win for New Zealand. But I didn't have high expectations. What I did not anticipate was the feeling of losing amidst thousands of Kiwis. It's a different level of embarrassing when you don't have a bucket to drum or a big cooler to hide behind.

Sure people drink there, but the most that happens is that they wear dresses. Additionally, most persons came with their family and hit the field during lunch for a couple catches. We made the most of it but not sure I'll be headed to another test match soon.

In the city, there was a whole different turn up. I was already shook by the many restaurants that were still open. Palmy could never. But I ended up in the middle of some skater night tour and well it went something like this. 

Me? I found a quiet place to enjoy the Christmas lights and people in their Ugly Christmas sweaters. Then I taught myself how to use a Uber scooter and after a couple twirls around the block, I headed home. I did all this without the fear of being attacked and wasn't. So it wasn't that bad after all.

I miss the ocean so much. I just didn't realise how much. But I apparently I miss it "take-my-loafers-off-pull-my-jeans-up-and-wade-in-ice-cold-shallow-waters" much. 

I discovered this on my recent trip to Castle Point, home to one of NZ's twenty-three lighthouses. We drove almost 3 hours, with a brief pit stop in Masterton, which allowed us to arrive as the sun chased the clouds behind the rocks. Since Daylight Savings was the next day, we cherished the sun with light treks through out Castle Beach.

This weather has been a stark difference to the high winds, thunder and lightning that we have been experiencing for the last couple days. It doesn't help that there is a snow storm in the making headed for the South Island that is messing with pressure system up North. All the more reason to make the most of this beachy weather.

I may have gotten a bit carried away with walking barefoot on the sand, which quickly began the hardest fossils I had even come across. But that is totally understandable given how stable this cove is.

I wish I had this guy's alternative but after seeing him drive up a track of the same width and almost tip over, I quickly changed my mind.

I found out later that he was running maintenance on the lighthouse which is has been automated since 1988, which meant there was no entering the house for us. Instead, we enjoyed as much as we could from different vantage points.