Back to New Zealand

This week I am settling back into KL life after a 2 week dose of kiwi-living.

It’s always good catching up with my family, and we were also able to visit several friends including Nettie, Alannah, Mike, Luke, Marie, Rob, and Amy. The visit was timed to attend Graeme and Cathy’s wedding in Mangawai which was very special. Graeme has been a great friend and we have shared many good times, and I would not have missed it for anything.

The Steer family bach in Pauanui gave us the taste of the New Zealand that I love; quiet, laid back, and beautiful. The coastline winds round from estuary to surf beach and makes for a brilliant walk. Many thanks to Mike for the use of this accommodation.

It is unlikely that we will return for a least 2 years so we really soaked it all in. I am in no doubt that we have an incredibly unique and special place down there, and the 2 year absence only reinforces this. Like everywhere, its changing, and will never be like it was ‘in the good old days’ (if there ever was such a thing), but for all its faults, the kiwi spirit of fairness, common sense, groundedness (is there such a word?), and friendliness, is unmatched.

The beautiful Pohutakawa flower

Isaac's cousins

Kite flying on Pauanui beach

Dads, vege patch. Corn on the cob

Playing with Jake

Getting down and dirty. Thats how we play in Aoteoroa

Tomatos from Dad's vege patch

Rob with his kids, Charlie, and Bobby

There was a cold wind coming through this day at Pauanui

Pauanui Beach

BFM Radio Interview

Here is the podcast link for an interview I participated in about physiotherapy.

http://www.bfm.my/jonathan-snell-jason-moriarty-ace-physiotherapy-physiotherapy-physiotherapy-and-everyday-life.html

Another Photo from Tom, Dick & Harry's Fun Run

Go girl - check the dude looking over his shoulder. He can hear the foot steps!!

Sarah Visits

Several weeks ago Sarah, a friend from NZ who is now living in Melbourne, paid us a visit. It
gave us a chance to return to some favourite eating haunts as we have decided that with visitors it is best to adopt the 'food tourism' strategy. Hence we took Sarah to Yut Kee , Raju's, and several other of our preferred eating options.

And of course, on our usual list of must-dos is the Fish Spa, of which there are many dotted around this city. Fish nibbling at one's feet and toes is surpriseingly soothing and although I was'nt present, I heard that Sarah dozed off at one point.

Unfortunately Sarah's visit was marred when her wallet was stolen whilst shopping in Mid Valley, several hours before she was due to fly out. Very disappointing.

I will be seeing Sarah again in a couple of weeks at a wedding in Mangawai, New Zealand.

Laguna Phuket International (Half) Marathon

Following the outstanding success of the Angkor Wat Half Marathon in December last year http://kiakahakl.blogspot.com/2009/12/angkor-wat-half-marathon.html, our next running destination has been decided and what beter location than the resort Mecca of Phuket, Thailand.

http://www.phuketmarathon.com/

Lina has opted for the 10.5 KM race and her preparations are progressing well with a brisk, 5km fun run in the inaugural Tom Dick & Harry's fun run on Sunday. Athletic endeavour and drinking establishments provide an unlikely yet symbiotic combination. The run was followed by a hearty fry up breakfast kindly provided by the proprietors, one of whom is a colleague of Lina's. Physiotherapy services were provided by ACE Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre, giving those who needed it, a good stretch out.

More Photos from Laos

Banana Leaf

One of my favourite eating experiences in KL is Banana Leaf rice. This originates from South India, a part of the world that the majority of Indian Malaysians ancesters hail from. The experience starts with the placing of a banana leaf in front of you. This takes the place of a plate and for someone brought up on meat and potatoes, is a wonderfully exotic start to a meal.

The first step is a couple of large dollops of rice (3 if you’re real hungry) placed in the middle followed by usually 3 separate vegetable dishes. The types will vary between establishments (there are literally dozens of these places around KL) with cucumber and yogurt the most common. You are then given the choice of curry gravies and although the flavours are usually standardised between establishments, the quality always varies. Daal gravy is non spicy in contrast to the remaining options of chicken or fish, which will always have some kick. If you want all three then that is fine to.

Our favourite Banana leaf restaurant is in Bangsar, a short drive from our condominium in Mid Valley. Why do I think it is better than all the others? One reason and one reason only. Deep fried bitter gourd. Your arteries will start to wince merely looking at this stuff, but it is delicious. In addition there is a tasty chutney as well as dried, salted chillies that are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression long after the meal has finished (if you know what I mean). Described above is merely the standard package. One can buy mutton, chicken, beef, and seafood side dishes of varying degrees of spiciness, with the fried satong highly recommended at Nirwana, Bangsar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pma_dy7bgGY

The fried bittergourd is to the left. Cucumber at the top and you can see those nasty dried chillies

Daal and chicken gravy

Behold - a thing of beauty in KL. Best to come with a very hearty appetite.