Monday, December 28, 2015

OUR WORLD and Nature Notes - Some little wonders in New Zealand


We arrived late and by the time we were out of the airport,
it was close to midnight.
Happily, Darling Daughter had booked us the most 
comfortable king-sized beds at the nearest hotel

After a blissful night, this bumble bee was busy at the
entrance as we waited for transport back to the airport
to pick up our car.


After a few hours of slow driving through flat, rather boring
country, we came upon this marvellous Japanese restaurant
at Ashburton. A find indeed, with authentic beyond delicious 
Japanese food. We were a bit late for lunch but they 
very kindly kept the Restaurant open for us 
so we could fully enjoy our meal.


it was so delicious I did not even think of taking a photo
until we were halfway through our meal.
I stil salivate just thinking about it.


DD, who organised the whole trip, is a seasoned traveller
and knows when to stop an stretch one's legs to ward 
off fatigue

we stopped by a railway line, under some beautiful oaks
and although it was not such a great spot for stretching one's
legs, there was much to discover and appreciate in the grass


tiny lawn daisies


red clover


a sea of baby oaks


some roadside weeds glowing like miniature suns


and this interesting flower which neither of us was 
acquainted with and much much more
(this plant has now been identified by Sweetpea
in my comments. Thank you Christ.))

a short stop, but so refreshing for the soul.


Linking with OUR WORLD

and Nature Notes


19 comments:

  1. Hello, sounds like you had a nice trip! The diner looks delicious too. The flowers are lovely. It does not take much to refresh the soul. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week ahead! I wish you all the best in 2016, Happy New Year!

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  2. What a wonderful trip.
    Did you find out what the mystery plant is?
    Mmmm Japanese cuisine. Deliciousness.

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  3. Sounds like a wonderful trip full of new delights.

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  4. Ah, a wonderful trip indeed, Arija!! I'm so happy for you!! Thank you for sharing the beauty and the fun!!! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!! Enjoy!

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  5. Wonderful post and lovely photos of your journey ~

    Wishing you a Happy New Year,
    artmusedog and carol

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  6. Beautiful photos.Even those small flowers can brighten a day.

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  7. Season's Greetings from the Pacific Northwest of America, Arija! A most delightful post - your fault I am now craving Japanese food ;>))

    So, as I'm rarely able to resist a plant mystery [just ask your DD] I passed your bottom photo by a few of my plant pals knowing that some had traversed to that region of the world before or were somehow learned about such things. They believe you saw an Orobanche [O. minor]. Here is a link that might be helpful: http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/weeds/broomrape-orobanche-minor.html

    Should any more info arrive to the contrary, I'll be sure to pop by & post it for you. In the meantime I'll look forward immensely to your next installments!

    kind regards,
    Christi

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    Replies
    1. Christi, you absolute brick!!! I was just wondering whom I could tap for information. Just put the question into the universe and the answer comes to you. It is the very same plant we saw and you know well, we like to know our friends by name. Thank you so much Christi, now I'll go back to the page and find out where it is native to, I suspect it is Europe.

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  8. A lovely way to travel. Looking forward to more of your journey in the New Year.

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  9. NZ is high on my 'to go to' list - also had Japanese food for lunch today - splendid!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  10. Ha - well done Miyabi Restaurant, their great customer service keeping the place open for you, has it's rewards you have told the world :)
    Looks nice and green over there!
    Wren x

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  11. A wonderful trip and stop to take in thew local flora and great food.

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  12. Oh what a wonderful trip! I'm glad I forgot to take pictures of our Christmas meals, because

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  13. Oops sorry ... Because, while good, it did not compare with yours which looks absolutely stunning! So glad you got to spend time with your daughters... The countryside stops look lovely. Your daughter is smart to know when to stop, we've learned that lesson too!

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  14. Often the smallest wonders are the best, as you've shown. Happy New Year!
    The View from the Top of the Ladder

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  15. Wonderful trip and I love the small wonders best of all... Michelle

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  16. It sounds like a great, leisurely tour around the country.

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