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A Spirited Lens

Hokey Pokey and the Super Moon

NEW ZEALAND | Tuesday, 26 May 2015 | Views [366] | Scholarship Entry

The sulphurous scent wafted through the air like hard boiled eggs on a crowded tour bus – unwelcome, yet familiar. The day began well enough – it was a brisk one, so a hot soak sounded appealing on this wintery New Zealand day. The geothermal Polynesian ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship


Photos: Los Angeles

USA | Tuesday, 14 Apr 2015 | Photo Gallery

highlights from brief trip to West Hollywood in LA
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Velvet Crush

USA | Tuesday, 14 Apr 2015 | Views [410]

Los Angeles is a city of broken charm. Like a pair of Angels wings wrapped in crushed velvet this wood promises a touch of stardom at every turn for tourists like me seeking a brush with fame only to be turned away by the finality of each ubiquitous ... Read more >


Photos: The Land of the Long White Cloud

NEW ZEALAND | Sunday, 25 Aug 2013 | Photo Gallery

photos from my travels in NZ, 2013
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When Next in Auckland

NEW ZEALAND | Saturday, 10 Aug 2013 | Views [439]

Tonight the stars are out, the moon illuminates my keys and there's a sweet Summer breeze at my back. Yes, I've returned home, and I'm no longer sure where home is.   That I miss New Zealand is an understatement. This means that I will ... Read more >

Tags: #art, #auckland, #bungee, #ecotourism, #recycling, #sailing, #swimming, #wildlife


A Taste of Love

NEW ZEALAND | Wednesday, 7 Aug 2013 | Views [296]

 A few things that I learned from the lovely Camille about wine tasting:   *Most tasting should be done early in the day, preferably before lunch because your sense of taste is more active then (and it’s a great excuse ... Read more >


Encountering Camille

NEW ZEALAND | Friday, 19 Jul 2013 | Views [385]

The wine bubbled on his tongue, aerating to reveal black fruit, dark chocolate, and a hint of tomato vine. Camille knew wine, having spent two years prior to this one in France, studying to be an Oenologist - a scientist of wine. He was now at the ... Read more >

Tags: #auckland, #biking, #hostelling, #kayaking, #nelson, #tramping, #trekking, #waikheke, #wine


Sea Level to Clack Height

NEW ZEALAND | Sunday, 30 Jun 2013 | Views [309]

I realize that it's been a bit quiet around here lately. Lots of moving of late: one night here, two nights there. This translates into a quick unpacking of essentials, instantaneous determination of the best things to take advantage of in a particular ... Read more >


The Fantail

NEW ZEALAND | Wednesday, 26 Jun 2013 | Views [402]

I met Luciano in the room with a view of distant snow-capped peaks. His back to the window, shrouded in black puffy down, crouched studiously over his computer, he was ready with a welcoming nod for all who entered the hostel's dining room. After a brief ... Read more >

Tags: #friends, #hostelling, #international, #taupo


Clacks Spotted in Taupo!

NEW ZEALAND | Monday, 24 Jun 2013 | Views [308]

My first day in Taupo was a bit of a wash. Hungover from the full moon, I think. Anyway, magic hour made up for it when I spotted more than a few clacks on distant snow-clad peaks.  My first day in Taupo was a bit of a wash. Hungover from the ... Read more >

Tags: #biking, #swimming, #trekking, #volcanic


Like a Box of Birds

NEW ZEALAND | Saturday, 22 Jun 2013 | Views [349]

22 June Things that I am ever so grateful for (in chronological order): 1. The ferryman who replied, "Like a box of birds" when I asked how he was doing. 2. The creamy mushroom and aubergine tart purchased at the Waiheke ferry dock (36degree ... Read more >

Tags: #beaches, #ferry, #trails, #tramping, #trekking


Off to Auckland

NEW ZEALAND | Friday, 24 May 2013 | Views [415]

Well, the timing of this article could not be better: 48 hours in Auckland  I think I'll put this on my calendar for days one and two.     In the meantime, I'm busy reading travel guides, perusing maps, watching films ... Read more >


What is a Clack?

NEW ZEALAND | Thursday, 23 May 2013 | Views [343]

What exactly is a 'clack'?   Well, I was wondering exactly the same thing one fine day in May when Neil Finn posted a comment about them on NeilFinn.com  (see diary post for 10 May 2013). So I wrote to him @NeilMullaneFinn and asked ... Read more >

Tags: #clouds, #mountains, #nz, #slang


Whispers from the Clouds

INDIA | Friday, 9 Sep 2005 | Views [401]

I found my way to the Garhwal Himalayas through yoga.  Studying Tantra and Avaita Vedanta in the Himalayan Tradition, I found sages, swamis and pandits who spoke of the inherent spirituality of the mountains, often referring to them as "living sages".... Read more >

Tags: #clouds, #himalaya, #photography, #sages, #trekking, #yoga


Photos: India 2005

INDIA | Friday, 26 Aug 2005 | Photo Gallery

from my journey to the Himalaya
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