The Ferry to Picton
Despite dire warnings from our creepy hotel owner about a nasty southerly wind threatening to make our ferry crossing absolute hell, the day stayed relatively calm.
Despite dire warnings from Jody’s cousin regarding the quality of food we could expect on the ferry, I was pleased to have some more Mac’s draft (especially one called “Sassy Red”), and even more pleased to be able to carry my pint anywhere on the ferry. And when the food selection includes a Vegemite and cheese sandwich, what more could I desire? As long as it’s authentic, it doesn’t have to be fancy. I was happy enjoying my little sandwich and some of the freshest tasting Eta brand “crisps” (potato chips) I’d ever sampled.
Speaking of freshness, I feel compelled to comment on the quality of even the most basic candy in New Zealand. Chocolate bars, for example, are made fairly locally, as in Australia or New Zealand. So while the Snickers bar I’m used to is produced somewhere in North America (the New Jersey turnpike, maybe?), New Zealand chocolate bars are made locally, with the fresh and delicious dairy products they produce right here. And you can definitely taste the difference. Kelly’s Snickers bar tasted like no other Snickers bar I’d ever sampled. Ah, when even the simplest pleasures are more enjoyable…
Another quick note on the impressions that Kiwis and Canadians hold about each other’s drinking prowess. Crystal and Jeff’s friend Nick seemed quite impressed with our various stories of growing up in Canada. “It sounds like all you guys do is drink—and I say goodonya!” He thinks Canadians drink more than kiwis. I couldn’t really argue, until I experienced the bar on the ferry. When I stopped in for a bottle of water after last call, when port was only 20 minutes away, I came upon a rollicking good time. I was reminded of a bar in Saskatchewan after last call—except that it was only 9PM, but the ferry was docking soon. Every table that wasn’t filled with people was filled with pints of beer waiting to be drunk by the nearby tables full of revelers. I suddenly felt inadequate, having only enjoyed one pint during the three-hour ferry ride.
We managed one more pint in Picton once we’d met Jeff at our hotel. Sadly, Crystal had to work the weekend. The three of us promised to have a great time on her behalf.
Despite dire warnings from Jody’s cousin regarding the quality of food we could expect on the ferry, I was pleased to have some more Mac’s draft (especially one called “Sassy Red”), and even more pleased to be able to carry my pint anywhere on the ferry. And when the food selection includes a Vegemite and cheese sandwich, what more could I desire? As long as it’s authentic, it doesn’t have to be fancy. I was happy enjoying my little sandwich and some of the freshest tasting Eta brand “crisps” (potato chips) I’d ever sampled.
Speaking of freshness, I feel compelled to comment on the quality of even the most basic candy in New Zealand. Chocolate bars, for example, are made fairly locally, as in Australia or New Zealand. So while the Snickers bar I’m used to is produced somewhere in North America (the New Jersey turnpike, maybe?), New Zealand chocolate bars are made locally, with the fresh and delicious dairy products they produce right here. And you can definitely taste the difference. Kelly’s Snickers bar tasted like no other Snickers bar I’d ever sampled. Ah, when even the simplest pleasures are more enjoyable…
Another quick note on the impressions that Kiwis and Canadians hold about each other’s drinking prowess. Crystal and Jeff’s friend Nick seemed quite impressed with our various stories of growing up in Canada. “It sounds like all you guys do is drink—and I say goodonya!” He thinks Canadians drink more than kiwis. I couldn’t really argue, until I experienced the bar on the ferry. When I stopped in for a bottle of water after last call, when port was only 20 minutes away, I came upon a rollicking good time. I was reminded of a bar in Saskatchewan after last call—except that it was only 9PM, but the ferry was docking soon. Every table that wasn’t filled with people was filled with pints of beer waiting to be drunk by the nearby tables full of revelers. I suddenly felt inadequate, having only enjoyed one pint during the three-hour ferry ride.
We managed one more pint in Picton once we’d met Jeff at our hotel. Sadly, Crystal had to work the weekend. The three of us promised to have a great time on her behalf.
posted by Noelle | 6:44 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home