Redheads, Sushi and Sunsets

Redheads. It’s been only twelve hours since my arrival in New Zealand and I am already fascinated. After dropping off my pack, we darted to the library for a quick internet session. As we walked down the stairs a toddler aimlessly stumbled in front of me. I reached out slowly to pat his head and avoid a collision, a collision that probably would have knocked him to the ground. I didn’t think anything of it and went on my way. Once we turned the corner Bridget informed me that I had almost touched a “Ginga”. Huh? A What? “A redhead”, she whispered. So? Your point is? She later explained to me that many Kiwi’s are discriminatory against redheads. I am still not clear on the details of this supposed stereotype or the level of severity, but found it interesting that it was top of mind enough for her to even point it out. Needless to say, the “Gingas” don’t scare me.

Sushi. After our library experience, Midge (Bridget) and I walk to Umi to grab some sushi. Umi, which happens to be the name of my favorite sushi spot in Seattle, was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Unlike your typical sushi restaurant there was no visible sushi bar, no tables and no hot sake. You simply walk in, grab a plastic container and fill it up to your heart’s desire. As I stared at the buffet of “Japanese” cuisine in front of me I was bewildered. First off, the rolls are much larger. I would compare their circumference to that of a vine ripe tomato, which as you can imagine is pretty impossible to swallow in a single bite. Secondly, as I read each label I was surprised at some of the contents. In addition to your normal fixings there were rolls with chicken, steamed broccoli and apparently … hot dogs? I passed on the left over pig parts and stuck to my pescatarian diet. First meal in NZ … interesting, but delicious.

Sunsets. Our last planned adventure of the day was driving to Bethell’s Beach for a little hiking, a little sand and a lot of sunset. As we headed West from Takapuna we hit rush hour traffic. I didn’t mind, it gave me more time to observe. As I watched the cars pass to the right of us and observed their passengers – nothing seemed atypical. A disgruntled father with two noisy toddlers in the back. A young woman on her cell phone fiddling with her radio. Two twenty-something men laughing and … smoking weed out of a Dr. Pepper can. Ha, flashback to high school anyone? Moving on … as the traffic dwindled and we got further West, the scenery became more and more beautiful. 50 sheep, 10 horses and 3 ostriches later – we arrived at our destination. We hiked up the cliffside, walked along the beach and posted up a top a large rock peninsula to catch the show. It was truly epic. It was like Hawaii, Cannon Beach, Pictured Rocks and Cinque Terre married together. I look forward to catching a few more.