Lake Tekapo, uno dei posti più belli e visitati nell'Isola del Sud

Fra tutti i posti da visitare al Sud questo non può mancare! Il lago di Tekapo, con il suo colore turchese quasi lattiginoso... si trova nel cuore del distretto Mackenzie, zona tradizionale di pastori, e adesso di turisti! Il nome originale probabilmente era Takapo, Taka significa stuoia (su cui dormire) e Po notte.

This highland lake (710 meters - 2300 feet) is in the heart of the Mackenzie District, South Island, New Zealand.

The name Tekapo (originally Takapo) is Maori and it probably means: Taka (sleeping mat) and Po (night).

La roccia finemente sminuzzata e proveniente dalle acque dei ghiacciai da al lago il suo colore caratteristico

Finely ground rock in the glacial melted waters give Lake Tekapo a beautifully unique turquoise color.

Ed ecco la chiesetta più fotografata del paese!!

E la statua in onore al cane pastore!

The monument to the working shepherd dog.

La chiesa del Buon Pastore, costruita nel 1935, si usa anche per i matrimoni, negli anni 90 era molto di moda fra i giapponesi, adesso un po' meno. Ha una finestra che da sul lago, per il resto rimane molto spoglia e semplice, ancora una volta lo spettacolo rimane il panorama!

The Church of the Good Shepherd, the first church built in the Mackenzie Basin (1935).

Possibly one of the most photographed churches in New Zealand, it features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini©

Sweet on You

Check out the February edition of NZ House & Garden for my article about cake decorating: Sweet on You.

In perfect time for Valentine, cake expert Jenny Nicholls of

  For Heavens' Cake! 

has prepared a beautiful selection of cakes and decorating ideas.

Also visit the NZ House & Garden website, and click here to learn how to create this lovely mini rose cake.

Full Garden

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini ©

Basilico Genovese

Sweet corn

Brussels

Full garden, lower right bed.

Pumpkin

Corn, beans and zucchini

Upper bed

Most seeds came from King Seeds.

A special birthday

January 14: Happy Birthday Dan!

And welcome new pizza oven!

Slow Food Waitakere Piha Walk and Picnic

Sunday January 18th 2009

 

Meet at North Piha carpark by information sign, 10.30 am

Walk up to White's Beach Lookout [ around 30 mins each way ]. Beautiful views up and down coastline.

Optional swim at North Piha patrolled area [there is also a lovely stream which meets the beach].

Picnic in shade North Piha Clearing OR at clearing in Marawhara track.

 

Anyone who would like to fish for eels here, bring a pole, string and a little bit of meat for bait. Fun just to watch the eels for kids.

 

Bring summer picnic food to share and plenty of water.

 

RSVP, or for more information phone Claire 812 8192.

 

Summer Salad

Photo by Alessandra Zecchini ©

Summer salad from my garden: rocket, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, orange and yellow calendula petals and borage flowers. Dressed with extra virgin olive oil, salt and a drop of Aceto Balsamico di Modena.

Muriwai Beach

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini ©

A seal!

The gannets colony

January, in the garden

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini ©

All kinds of beans and peas,

the first tomatoes,

zucchini, celery, parlsey and onions,

carrots, leeks and radishes,

All in the pot!

I can't believe it...I am still getting broccoli!

Ah, new potatoes..

...and to end: tomatillo flowers! 

Here to stay, Italians in New Zealand

Click here to watch the TVNZ programme

(available to New Zealand viewers only)

La befana vien di notte...

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini ©

...Actually, in Auckland Befana arrived on January 4th, at midday, to deliver presents to the children of the Dante Alighieri Italian Society. And what a beautiful Befana she was! Thank you Befana!