Andrew and I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Pop Up Globe in Auckland, NZ.
2016 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, resulting in a number of Shakespearean celebrations worldwide. In New Zealand, one of the key celebrations is the Pop Up Globe, located in Auckland, NZ from February to the end of April.
Shakespeare’s plays, first off, were meant to be performed. It is a little bit of a pet peeve of mine that most schools insist on taking his plays and tearing them apart through reading them as books. I have a hard time imagining that Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings would have had the same effect if, instead of books or movies, people were forced to read the scripts.
In addition to being performed, Shakespeare’s plays were written for a different type of stage than what we generally see in modern times. The Globe theater is a 16 sided structure that seats approximately 900 guests, all within 15 meters of the stage. Some of the audience even sits behind the stage, requiring actors to turn and face the audience. Seeing one of his plays performed in the theater it was originally written for was an incredible experience.
Inside the Globe Theatre
The stage even features a ‘groundlings’ area, that in Shakespeare’s time would have been for the peasants and was basically a big party area. In the re-creation, the actors got up close and personal with the groundlings, making the performance come alive in a way that is not normally possible. With the close proximity to the stage, there is also no amplification used or necessary, creating a very intimate experience.
Andrew and I in the theatre
Andrew and I chose seats that were in the bottom tier in the front row, but to the side of the stage, which gave us a very different view from a normal production. I quite enjoyed it!
We went to see Tempest, a lesser known Shakespeare play written sometime around 1610. It is believed to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone and was quite interesting and entertaining. It features the sorcerer Prospero, the Duke of Milan, who seeks to restore his daughter to here rightful place by conjuring a tempest to lure his brother Antonio and the usurping King Alonso to the island where he has been banished. It is part comedy, part tragedy, and has some wonderful lines, including:
Hell is empty and all the devils are here.
Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows.
Watch out, he’s winding the watch of his wit, by and by it will strike.
I have always loved Shakespeare’s language and use of words. He is the master of language and crafts words in a manner that are both beautiful and leave a reader thinking. Not to mention that he is the king of insults.
The play was thoroughly enjoyable and made for a fantastic birthday present from my amazing husband! I would recommend anyone who has a chance to see Shakespeare performed either in the Pop Up Globe or in the Globe Theater in London to do so.
Horseback riding is something that I have always wanted to learn and, now, I have a chance to do so! When I looked into it in Calgary, everywhere I found wanted me to pay a membership, join their club, and basically lay out a few hundred dollars before I even got to see a horse. While I can see their viewpoint, that just wasn't feasible as a student with limited funds.
In Raglan, I have been getting lessons through Spirit Rides from the amazing Stephanie (check out her website here).
There are so many options for trail rides in New Zealand that I really wanted to be more confident on horseback than I was. Most of my previous riding experience has been "Here is a horse. Sit on the saddle. Hold the reins. Stay on the horse while he follows the horse in front of him."
Me with the little colt
Stephanie started me on a pad, which is basically a slightly cushioned blanket that is shaped like a saddle. The idea is to really feel the way the horse moves and to learn to plug my butt into the horse so that I move with him instead of as a separate entity. It was such an awesome experience that I decided to go back!
I have been riding weekly for a couple of months now and have progressed to an English saddle (which feels completely different from a western saddle!!) and have worked up to a trot. There's only been one small mishap when Yasmina, a 17 hand beauty, got a bit spooked and decided she really didn't want me on her back. I was already a bit unbalanced and she managed to toss me onto the ground. No damage though and I got right back up. Andrew told me I have to get thrown 7 times to be a cowboy, so I guess only 6 more to go!
Stephanie is incredibly knowledgeable and patient, gently reminding me whenever I forget to keep my legs in position or let my hands drop from the correct position or start to let my posture slip. I know that when we go on a trail ride I'm going to hear her voice in my head correcting me, which is awesome!
I am really looking forward to attempting to gallop/canter along the beach, but I'm a little nervous too. Moving that quickly on something with a mind of its own without a seatbelt or restraint is a little bit intimidating! I'm sure it will be exciting.
Raglan is a small community located to the west of Hamilton and southwest of Auckland. Probably best known for the famous 'left hand break' on the surf beaches, Raglan also sports safe swimming beaches, boutique shopping, and some quality tramping tracks nearby. The people here are friendly, laid back, and proud of their town.
Map of Raglan
Did I mention laid back? Raglan is an artsy surf community full of fun people. Wondering what to do in this awesome little town? Check out my suggestions!
Surfing
Ready to Surf!
Famous for it's left hand break and consistent waves, Raglan is an amazing surf community. Situated on the west coast of New Zealand. Surfing on the Tasman sea is much warmer than the Pacific ocean on the other side of New Zealand. Water temperatures in the summer reach 20C-24C, which makes for pleasant surfing.
The beaches of New Zealand offer some of the most consistent surfing of anywhere in New Zealand, with the break at Manu Bay famous for allowing rides of up to 2km. Any day is a good surf day in New Zealand!
There are a number of surf beaches in New Zealand:
Ngaranui Beach - Beach surf, consistent, great for beginner to intermediate surfers
Manu Bay - Famous left hand break - longest and most consistent in the world! Surf break with rocky beach and rocks in the water so best for intermediate to experienced surfers.
Whale Bay - surf break good for experienced surfers. Long paddle, with exposed rocks
Shopping
Surf Shops Everywhere
If you are looking for the Warehouse or McDonalds, you aren't going to find what you are looking for in Raglan. If you want boutique artisan shops, surf shops, and good food from small cafes and chip shops, then look no further!
Pedestrian friendly, the central district of Raglan has many unique shops featuring work of local artists, fun clothes, crafty gifts, and surfing gear. There are, I believe, four surf shops in Raglan, as well as custom surf and long board shops for those looking for something made especially for them. It's certainly worth spending an afternoon wandering around.
If you get tired or hungry on your shopping excursion, then look no further than the three bars, handful of cafes, or collection of other small restaurants to quench your thirst. Many of the local bars feature the BEvERages of the Good George Brewing Company, based in nearby Hamilton, NZ. Try the Old Mout Cider! It's tasty!
Beach Time
River Swimming
Fun Playground
What small town in New Zealand would be complete without the local watering hole? Lots of nearby amenities including picnic tables, toilets, change rooms, showers, a huge and awesome playground, as well as a small shop nearby with an assortment of snacks including ice cream.
While crowded during the summer, it is almost always possible to find a spot on the soft sand and dip into the water for a quick cool off or a day in the sun.
Ngaranui beach also features soft sand and, during the summer, a lifeguard patrolled swim area.
Picnic facilities
Arts and Music
Raglan is an artsy town, with a high proportion of art galleries, local artisans, and festivals.
The second Sunday of every month features the Raglan Creative Market, specializing in local crafts, art, and food. More information can be found at the following link: Raglan Market.
The YOT club is a normal stop for New Zealand musicians on National tours. The Orca, the Harbour View, the Raglan Club, and Valentes Cafe also feature live music most nights in the summer and weekend evenings year round.
There's almost always something happening in Raglan! If there aren't any events or festivals, there are still about eight different small art galleries featuring the work of local area artists.
Tramping
Bridal Veil Falls
The Whaingaroa region, near Raglan, features a variety of walks ranging in difficulty.
The Bridal Veil falls track (I mentioned it in a previous post here), is an easy track, suitable for wheelchairs and prams up to the top of the falls. The path to the bottom of the falls is slightly more challenging, featuring approximately 200 stairs down to the base of the falls.
In Raglan itself, there is the Wharves Walk, a historical heritage trail through Raglan. More information can be found in the brochure available at the link here.
For more strenuous walks, check out the Mount Karioi tracks. These trails take around two to three hours for a fit walker and climb 756m from the carpark to the summit. There are incredible views from the top of Raglan, the coast, and the cliffs nearby. More information on these tracks is located here.
I have been practicing (and practicing and practicing some more!) surfing in an attempt to learn as much as possible in the two and a half months that my husband and I are in a surf town that has consistent waves, good weather, and a good, safe beach. I have been surfing at Ngaranui beach, near Raglan, New Zealand. The surf beaches at Raglan are well known for their consistently good waves, including the famous 'left hand break'. Don't expect to be riding these waves for awhile if you are a beginner though!
Having a surf coach has made a huge difference in our initial development as surfers. If you are in Raglan, I would highly recommend Steve at Surf Safe. He is very professional and thorough. He is catching small mistakes and correcting them before they become habits, even if it is as simple as moving my foot two centimeters further right on the board when I am standing up. He also has a good eye for judging waves that only comes with experience, which means I am able to catch more waves and get more practice with his help. While it is technically possible to just rent a board and learn on your own, if you can afford lessons, I highly recommend doing so. You will learn not only surfing skills, but also safety and surfing etiquette.
Without further ado, I present you with: How to Surf. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or comment on the post and I'll do my best to help you.
Equipment
Realistically, to go surfing, you need a surfboard and yourself. However, to make it safer, more fun, and more enjoyable, there is some additional equipment that you might want to consider taking with you.
Surfboard
Soft top, hard top, foam, fiberglass, and a variety of lengths from 10 feet to 5 feet. So what board to choose? As a beginner, the wider the better. A soft top foam board also offers more buoyancy and is a little bit more forgiving if it happens to hit you in the back of the head after you fall off. Repeatedly. Once you have mastered the largest, widest board that you can lay your hands on, slowly start progressing down in both width and length. The shorter a board is, the easier it will be to turn.
Wetsuit
In cold waters this is practically a must for surfing for any length of time. However, one should be worn even in warm waters if possible. In addition to warmth, a wetsuit protects your body from scrapes on the sand, provides extra flotation, and protects you from marine animals such as jellyfish.
Leash
A leash will ensure that, when you fall off of your surfboard, the board will stay near you instead of careening off. This protects not only you, but also those who are around you.
Sunscreen
Surfing takes place at the beach and on the water, where the sun and sand act as lenses to reflect the UV rays of the sun. This can make the sun more intense, resulting in you getting a sunburn more quickly. To make sure that you can surf for many days instead of enjoying one day and then hiding from the sun for the next four, apply sunscreen to anywhere that is not covered by your wetsuit.
Hat
For particularly sunny days or locations like New Zealand where the sun is harsh, it can be worth investing in either a surf hat or a floating tilley hat. These both feature straps around the chin that make them difficult to lose in even the hardest falls.
SNACKS
Surfing is hungry (and thirsty!) work. Make sure you bring along some water and a few healthy snacks for your day on the surf! If you are surfing a lot or just learning you will probably find yourself eating more than usual.
My husband and I surfing
When to go
Safety is key!
Always make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you will return.
Don't surf alone! Especially when you are just learning. Take someone with you for at least a few months, if not a few years. A surfing buddy makes things more fun anyways!
Alright, now that I am done with the warnings, there is some other information that is useful for knowing when to go surfing.
Tides
The most dangerous time at any beach to swim is within three hours of low tide. The best surfing at any given beach is generally in the three hours leading up to high tide. Tide charts for your preferred beach can be found in a local Farmer's Almanac or by a simple internet search. If in doubt, ask a local! If it is a popular surf beach, then most people nearby will likely have an idea of where to find tide information.
Weather
Weather will affect the surfing at any given beach just as much as the tides. In order to assess whether it is a good day to surf or not, it is helpful to look at weather forecasts and, if available, surf reports for your chosen beach.
An example of a surf report is shown here. It is much more detailed than most. Ideally, one would aim for a minimum 10 second period (the amount of time between waves) and approximately 2-3 foot waves for learning. A shorter period makes it difficult to catch a wave properly as the surfer is being constantly pounded. Taller waves might seem tempting, but they can result in an inexperienced surfer simply nosediving into the sand (unfortunately, I learned this the hard way!).
Onshore winds will push the waves in, making them slightly bigger and choppier. While it is quite possible to surf with an onshore wind, the waves aren't as nice.
Offshore winds will push against the waves, holding them up as they break and making them easier and better to surf.
Strong winds should be avoided if at all possible.
On the beach
Warm up
Surfing is a sport and, like all sports, it is important to do a proper warm up prior to starting to avoid injury! Don't worry about looking silly; it is much better to possibly look a bit silly than end up with an injury that keeps you from surfing!
You might have a favourite warm up from previous sports experience, but if not, here's a basic one.
Begin by jogging away from your surfboard for approximately 30-45 seconds. Stop and jog backwards for about half the distance back to your board. Turn around and for the remaining distance jog forwards while alternating kicking your heels up to your glutes and bringing your knees up high.
Roll your head, stretching the neck in all directions. Bring the ear to one shoulder, then the other. Bring the chin to the chest, then tilt the head back.
Roll the shoulders, then move the arms forwards in small circles, slowly increasing the circle size. Repeat moving the arms backwards in circles.
Stretch your sides by standing straight, then reaching one arm over your head and sliding your other arm down your side towards your knees. Repeat on the other side.
Stretch your hamstrings by putting one leg forwards slightly, then pulling the toes upwards as you bend forward to touch the toe of the outstretched foot.
Standing on one leg, roll your ankle in all directions. Repeat with the other leg. Walk on tiptoe for 10 paces, then walk on your heels for another 10.
Twist at your hips, warming up the back.
If in doubt, it is possible to ask at any nearby gym for them to show you a basic warm up routine. There might be a small fee. Youtube can also be a good option if you haven't done a warm up before.
Practice on the Sand
It is a great idea to practice standing up on your board and getting a feel for it while it is on solid ground. If you can form the muscle memory and some of the balance prior to taking your board out on the water, your body will generally do as you trained it to, allowing you a better ability to focus on staying on the board itself.
There are several different methods (14, I think) to go from laying on the board to standing on the board. It might take some experimentation to find one that works best for you, so don't get discouraged! I was getting a little bit frustrated that my husband was progressing a lot faster than I was. I was then shown a different method for standing up that suited me better and made tonnes of progress in just one session on the waves. DON'T GIVE UP!
Begin by determining if you are natural or goofy footed. The easiest way is to have a friend gently shove you from behind when you aren't expecting it. If your right foot comes forward on instinct, you are a goofy foot; if it is the left foot, then you are a natural foot. This is the foot that you will want at the front when you stand up on the board and what we will call your 'lead leg'.
Standing Pop Up
This method is great for those who have pretty good balance and good upper body strength.
1. Begin with lying on the board, facing the shore (when you are on the water), with your toes at the back edge of the board. Notice the chicken wing position of the arms, hands positioned below the armpits and gripping the rails of the board. This is a good position for simply riding waves into shore while lying down and is the starting position.
Lying down, Chicken Wing
2. Assume you have paddled hard to catch the wave and you feel it beginning to lift you (we will get to this in the water). Plant your hands firmly in the chicken wing position on top of the board. Push yourself up, bringing your back foot (or trailing leg) to the middle of the board approximately where your knee was.
Back Foot Up
3. This is where the upper body strength comes into play. Simultaneously push up hard with your hands, swinging your leading leg to the centre of the board between where your hands just vacated. This will bring you into a standing position. At the same time, plant your back foot.
Stand up
Stand up! Great! Now stay on the board. The easiest way to do this is to make sure that your knees are bent, your hips are forward, and your front arm is pointing where you want to go. Also look where you want to go, not at your friends, the board, or the water. Looking at the water will generally result in you falling in the water (again, from experience). The back arm should be slightly bent and pointing out to the side. This allows you to adjust your balance; think a tightrope walker with their arms outstretched.
Practice a multiple times on the beach (or in your living room or on the bed). The more routine this feels, the more natural it will happen when you are on the water.
Kneeling Stand Up
This method is great while learning as it allows you to break things down a bit more. It is also good for those with less upper body strength.
1. The start position is the same with all stand up methods. Start with your toes at the back of the board and your hands planted firmly on the board in the 'chicken wing' position.
2. Push up on the board, bringing your the knee of your trailing leg forward. Your toes should be approximately in the centre of the board, located about where your knee had been.
3. Bring your leading leg forward, positioning it between your hands. YOUR HANDS SHOULD BE ON THE BOARD STILL. Lifting your hands off will result in increased instability and make it much more likely for you to take an unexpected swim instead of standing up.
4. Stand up! Keep the knees bent and the body pointed forwards. Same as before, front hand should be pointing where you are going, which is also where you should be looking.
In the water
Once you have practiced your stand up method of choice until you could do it in your sleep, it's time to get wet! Again, safety first. Look at the beach. Assess hazards, such as rocks or dangerous currents. If at all possible, ask a local since you might not be able to see those rocks that are visible at low tide and are lurking just below the surface at high tide. If it is a lifeguard patrolled beach, make sure that you stay out of the swim area.
For the first few times out, you will be riding whitewash waves. These are the waves that have already broken and are great for beginners. Until you are comfortable riding these in to shore and are getting a good long ride off of them consistently, leave the green unbroken waves alone. Trust me, you aren't ready for them yet!
Controlling the board
It is important to know how to control your board in the water. Be aggressive. Point the board nose first into the waves, place a hand on the back of the board and one in the middle of the board. Push down slightly on the back to lift the nose over the wave and use the hand in the middle to keep the board from spinning out of control. To begin, you should be in water no more than shoulder deep.
When you need to turn your board, after you have fallen off, for example, always turn so that your back is to the waves. This will prevent the board from hitting you in the face while you are turning it if a wave catches you off guard.
Rip Currents
Rip currents sound dangerous and they definitely can be, especially if you are unprepared.
Life Saving Victoria has some good information about how to identify and escape a rip current.
Generally, if there is an area of the beach where it is calm, with waves breaking on either side, then this is likely where a rip current is flowing. These tend to be strongest at low tide, which is part of why low tide is considered to be the most dangerous time to be in the water.
Rip currents can also be beneficial while surfing as they tend not to extend far from the beach. They can be used to get 'out the back' past the breaking waves, allowing more advanced surfers to catch green waves without getting pounded by the whitewash.
On the board
Practice on the board is very similar to what has been practiced on land. Watch the waves and spend some time observing other surfers if there are any nearby. Look for larger waves that will be breaking just before they reach you. This judgement takes some time to develop. Generally speaking, you want about a bus-length of space between you and the wave when you start preparing for it. This will allow you enough time to get yourself lying on the board, pointing the right direction, and paddle enough to gain momentum, allowing you to catch the wave.
Once you have spotted your wave, turn your board towards shore, perpendicular to the wave, and jump on. Position yourself as you practiced, with your toes at the back edge of the board.
Remember all those lengths of front crawl that you did in swim lessons? Time to put them to use! Paddle in a smooth, circular motion, reaching as far as you are able to and cupping the water with your hand. Strong, smooth strokes are your best bet. Paddle hard to gain momentum before the wave reaches you.
When you feel the wave starting to lift the back of your board, paddle four hard, strong strokes to make sure that you are riding the wave. Then plant your hands in the 'chicken wing' position.
The first few times you catch a wave, it can be a good idea to simply lay on the board, getting a feel for it. Gripping the rails (the sides of the surfboard) and leaning slightly to one side or the other will allow you to turn the board from the prone position. This can be a useful skill to practice, especially at a busy beach! Getting yourself aimed away from other surfers or swimmers before you attempt to stand up is a very good idea.
When you are ready to stand up, practice the stand up technique that you are familiar with from your work on the sand.
Be prepared to inhale and swallow copious amounts of seawater! It will get up your nose and in your mouth and you will fall off. Don't get discouraged!
When you fall off, bring your arms up. Put one hand on top of your head and one on the back of your neck. Squeeze your elbows together. Hold your breath and wait patiently until your head breaks the surface of the water. Especially if you are wearing a wetsuit, this shouldn't take longer than a few seconds. Positioning your hands in this manner when you fall accomplishes two things: it prevents the board from smacking you in the face and it protects your head and neck from the bottom of the ocean if you fell off in shallow water.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Like any new pursuit, you will fall, you will fail, and you will get back up and try again. With some practice...lots of practice...you will be surfing like a pro in no time!
Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful plunge waterfall located along the Pakoka river near Raglan, New Zealand.
Andrew and I visited the falls the other day as a nice picnic lunch on our way into the town of Raglan. The road was very twisty with some steep sections, but we had no problems managing the drive in our campervan. The carpark is located approximately 15 kilometers from the SH23 road that travels from Hamilton to Raglan.
Bridal Veil Falls
The trail to the upper falls is short and gentle, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. I was surprised to encounter a nice Maori totem in the middle of the trail partway through the forest. I love how the Maori culture and traditions have been integrated into so many parts of the country. The totem featured a traditional Maori greeting, which translates to:
"We greet all of you who come from near and far to this special place. Step lightly and enjoy."
The Maori name for the falls, Waireinga, means leaping waters. It refers to the fact that the river is known to the people of the land to be occupied by fairies who are considered to be guardians (kaitiaki) of the area and that the spirits leap the great height of this waterfall.
Top of the Falls
Falls and Forest
Bottom of the Falls
There were several picnic tables and benches along the path for people to stop and enjoy a nice rest or a snack. There were quite a few families and couples taking advantage of this when we went since it was a long weekend. It took us about ten minutes to walk from the carpark to the top of the falls, which has two different viewing platforms. Of course, Andrew and I had to take advantage of the stairs to the bottom of the falls to get a better view of the 55 meter drop to the pool at the bottom.
Unfortunately, swimming isn't permitted in the bottom pool since the water quality doesn't meet suitable health standards for swimming. It was certainly tempting though! It was quite a hot day and the pool looked quite inviting.
The lip of the falls is formed by a band of hard basalt rock from a volcano about 1.5 kilometers away. It is possible to see rock formations similar to the Giant's Causeway in Ireland that Andrew and I visited early in 2015. It was very interesting to see the bands of different stones so clearly visible. They were created by flowing lava that cooled at different rates from an eruption approximately 2.5 million years ago. As the lava slowed, the top and bottom began to cool and shrink, while cracks and joints appeared, creating the striations in the rock that we can see today. Since the lava was still flowing at the time, the bands of rock took on a distinctive curve, which is clearly visible from the bottom of the falls. I was quite surprised to see a picture of the Giant's Causeway on one of the signposts, since it is so far away. I was even more excited to have been there and to have a better idea of what the sign was talking about.
Andrew and I relaxed at the base of the falls a bit, but it was quite crowded so we decided to hike partway up the 250+ stairs to the midway point and enjoy our picnic at one of the benches midway up. We have found that some cheese, sandwich meat, and rice crackers makes for a very tasty and portable lunch. Overall it was a very enjoyable walk and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Traveling normally presents a certain range of difficulties,
but for those whose every day is spent reading food labels and questioning the
safety of the kitchen the food is cooked in, it presents particular challenges.
Celiac disease requires those who have it to follow a strict gluten free diet
that does not contain wheat, rye, barley, and most oats. The degree of severity
differs, but for most, simply having a meal cooked in the same kitchen where
these foods are used is enough to cause illness.
There are certain places that are easier to travel to and
certain things that can be done to make travelling with celiac easier. A lot of
the same tips would also apply to other food allergies as well. While
travelling with allergies poses some extra challenges, it should by no means
keep you from travelling. Get out there and enjoy life!
Airlines
Of course, to travel, you need to first get where you are
going. While most airlines offer special meals for those with allergies, they
do not always provide them. There are some things you can do to make this more
likely.
First, make sure that you have specified the correct meal
for your allergy upon making your booking. It is usually an option with most
major airlines, including Air France, Air Canada, British Airways, Air New
Zealand, Delta, United, etc.
Second, approximately 1-2 weeks prior to your trip, phone
the airline and ask to confirm the requested meal. If possible, ask for an
email confirmation of this request.
Third, check your ticket upon booking in. Ask the attendant
at the desk if the meal specified to be served on the flight is gluten-free and
where it indicates this on your ticket. If it has somehow been missed with all
of your advance preparations, it might still be possible for them to get a
gluten-free meal onto the plane before it departs. If you wait until you are at
the gate prior to checking, it will likely be too late.
Of course, stuff happens and it is always best to be
prepared and capable of being self-sufficient if necessary. I have had the
worst luck on United, Air France, and LAN airlines. Somehow, no matter what
preparation steps I take it is always a surprise to them that I require a
gluten-free meal. Before I learned how to be appropriately prepared, this
sometimes resulted in me landing at my chosen destination ready to gnaw the arm
off of anybody who got between me and food (not the best way to start a trip!).
If you bring your own snacks, it is necessary to be aware of
the customs requirements of your destination country. Most countries will not
allow you to bring fresh produce into the country or most meats (although I
have found most customs officials are alright with commercially packaged dried
meats like beef jerky). If you still have these items in your bag when you
arrive DECLARE THEM! They might ask you to throw them out, but usually when you
explain that you have an allergy they are willing to allow most things except
for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Here is a list of items I have found work best as in-flight
snacks:
Commercially packaged meat
jerky
Gluten-free instant
oatmeal - the flight attendants are usually willing to provide you with a
cup of hot water if you ask nicely!
Almonds, Cashews, most
nuts except peanuts - although I have been on a flight where there was an
extreme peanut allergy and they asked us to all refrain from eating
anything with nuts
Rice crackers/Rice cakes
Popcorn
Tips for Any Destination
There are certain things that you can do to make travelling
to any destination simpler, regardless of the availability of the local food
there. One thing that I have found to be the biggest help is to learn the following
words in the language of the country that you are travelling to:
Wheat
Gluten
Allergy
Safe?
Obviously if you are fluent in the language at your
destination then things become easier, but I have managed to communicate
effectively enough with these four words for most purposes. If you are a
prepared traveller, there are resources that can be extremely useful. The
website Celiac Travel has
cards like the one shown here printed in a variety of different languages.
Like
visiting any restaurant at home, you do need to exercise a certain degree of
caution when visiting an unfamiliar restaurant.
Hostels
Hostels
prove a different difficulty altogether. While hostels and backpacker
accommodations can be a haven for those wanting to travel inexpensively and
save money by making use of the kitchen facilities, they pose a unique
conundrum to those with allergies. Just how well was that pot scrubbed by the
last guest and what has been cooked in it?
This can be mitigated to some degree
by rewashing all dishes and preparation surfaces prior to using them and trying
to limit how much your food comes into contact with these surfaces. For myself,
I found it useful to take my own small pot and cutting board and to use these
surfaces exclusively for food preparation. It is a bit more work and a bit of a
pain in the butt, but it certainly beats the alternative of spending your
vacation feeling unwell!
My Favourite
Destinations
While
I have managed to eat adequately most places that I have visited, there are
certain destinations that I have found to be easier to navigate than others.
Disney Parks
While more of a destination within a destination, Disney in
general does a fantastic job of caring for its guests. A sick guest isn't
likely to spend much time in the parks, eating the food and buying souvenirs!
When booking, it is possible to put a note on your file indicating that you
have an allergy. This will then flag an alert whenever you check in to
restaurants.
There were many times that I went to a restaurant with my
family, only to have the head chef come out and go over the menu with me so
that I knew what was safe to eat. They are aware of the dangers of cross-contamination
and, when we ate at buffets, offered to bring me a plate of fresh food directly
from the kitchen once I had decided what to eat.
I was thoroughly impressed and astonished one day while
ordering breakfast when the server saw me looking longingly at the Mickey Mouse
waffles that my husband already had on his plate. She stepped aside for a
moment, talked to the chef, and I was then told that my breakfast would be out
shortly. The chef pulled out a special waffle maker that is reserved for use
with gluten allergies and brought me my very own waffles!
Thailand
When eating in Thailand, I rarely had any issues, even
eating from street carts. The Thai people truly love their food and will go out
of their way to make sure that nothing in them will make you sick. Many of the
dishes are rice based and many of the sauces are fish-oil based instead of soya
based. Thai food is also incredibly tasty! I had the pleasure of doing a
cooking class in Thailand and even there they emphasized food safety and
avoiding cross-contamination in all of their cooking, which was nice to see.
New Zealand
While eating out has been slightly more difficult than some
other destinations, every town I have visited has had at least one gluten free cafe
or restaurant. Grocery stores and supermarkets are exceptionally easy with
everything clearly labelled. So much of New Zealand food culture is based on
fresh, whole ingredients and scrumptious meals that I have had no difficulties
eating here. As a bonus for those with other allergies, they tend to make all
gluten free products egg, nut, and lactose free as well!
Peru
Although I had some difficulties
at first with the language barrier, once I managed to figure out how to
pronounce what I needed, everywhere was very accommodating. Primarily a corn
and rice based diet, I was able to enjoy most dishes with little to no
modifications. I hiked the Inca Trail with G adventures when we were in Peru
and the cooks on the trail always had plenty of snacks and food available that
was safe to eat. They even managed corn pancakes one morning that we were on
the trail!
Andrew and I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Hobbiton movie set recently; thanks to a very generous Christmas gift we were able to go for the evening tour, which included not just a tour through Hobbiton, but dinner at the Green Dragon Inn and then a starlit tour back amongst the hobbit holes.
The tour started by the town of Matamata and the path that Andrew and I took was not very well marked. We had absolutely no idea if we were going the right way or not, but thankfully we managed to find the right place. We checked in, then waited for the tour bus to take us to the actual movie set on the Alexander Farm, which is still a working farm.
Andrew chopping wood for the hobbits
The drive itself was quite picturesque, through rolling hills with tonnes of sheep and not many signs of civilization. We got off at the parking lot where there was a sign welcoming us to Hobbiton. I was so excited I was literally bouncing as we walked through a tunnel of trees and out into our first views of Hobbiton. The entry way is the same small narrowing that Gandalf first drives through when he enters Hobbiton in the movies, and is the same small path that Bilbo runs out of when he goes on his adventure.
It was fun being there and not only immersing ourselves in the fantasy world of Lord of the Rings, but also learning about some of the film-making techniques that they used. The sheer attention to detail and lengths that they went to while making those films is simply astounding.
Inside a hobbit hole
For example, the tree above Bilbo's house is actually an artificial oak tree. After they finished wiring all of the artificial leaves to it, they decided it didn't quite look like the right shade of green...so they hired someone to go up and paint all of the leaves! They also wanted the paths through the Shire to look naturally worn, so they hired a few people to go hang out washing and take it down from the hobbit lines a few times a day and to meander to each other's 'houses' so that the paths through Hobbiton look like the worn paths in a normal village.
Visiting Bilbo Baggins
It was also quite fun seeing the hobbit holes of all different sizes so that the actors placed in front of them looked suitable smaller or larger depending on whether they were hobbit or wizard. I certainly felt distinctly hobbit sized in front of a few of them!
Andrew with the beer barrel
A beautiful hobbit home
Trying stilts for the first time!
The tour led us through the Dell and then up into Hobbiton proper, where we climbed the hill to Bilbo's house. I was very excited to see that little hobbit door, complete with the iconic "No admittance" sign. It's one thing to visit a theme park where scenes have been re-created, or to see props from films (which are both neat experiences, don't get me wrong); it is quite another to stand where those actors stood and to actually feel like I could have been in the shire with a hobbit just around the corner and to see where they actually filmed such wonderful films.
Playing on the see-saw at the Party Tree
The tour then proceeded to the iconic field under the party tree, where Bilbo celebrated his birthday. It was also here that they imparted some little-known anecdotes about the film. Like the fact that they filmed Bilbo's birthday speech in one take and that Ian Holm did such a terrific job holding everyone rapt and nailing the performance that it wasn't until they were back in the studio editing the clips that they noticed that the cake behind Bilbo was quite noticeably in flames. Apparently it was made of styrofoam, which isn't a good combination with over one hundred candles! Instead of re-shooting the scene they did some clever clipping, zooming, and editing so that it isn't visible unless you know exactly what to be looking for.
A sumptuous feast!
Of course, we also got to have some fun at the party tree. I just had to get on the see-saw and a little girl was kind enough to join me. They also had stilts, which all of the adults were a bit hesitant to pick up at first, but upon some encouragement that it was alright and that we weren't going to hurt sensitive props, most of us had a go at it. They take a lot more balance than I had thought! Andrew and I both managed to walk a few steps with them though.
Me feeling slight hobbit-sized by the bar
From the party tree and the house of Samwise Gamgee we proceeded across the bridge to Sandyman's Mill and the Green Dragon Inn. The location is just so beautiful and picturesque. A local company has brewed ciders, beers, and ginger beer specifically for Hobbiton, which we got to enjoy from the Green Dragon while watching the sunset over Hobbiton. It was a really wonderful way to spend the evening.
Me helping out the hobbits
After the sun set we were called inside to an amazing feast. In all the years that they have done the dinner and evening tour, they have never had a group be able to finish everything on the table. I believe them!! The meal was absolutely wonderful. They were really great about handling allergies as well. After they served the main feast, the head cook brought out a plate specifically for me that had been prepared for my specific allergy. Another lady at the table was allergic to lactose as well as gluten and her plate looked quite good as well! They then proceeded to tell me what else on the table would be safe for me to eat as well if I was still hungry after I finished my plate.
Me by Sandyman's Mill
Andrew and I by one of the hobbit holes at night
They then left time for us to chat and explore the inn before they served dessert. I had asked another guest to take a picture of me beside the bar and the guide came past. He told me I wasn't standing in the right spot for a good picture and that I should move further left...and then further still until I was standing behind the bar. He said that was the perfect place for a good picture and then offered to take the picture for me. Dessert could have easily have been an entire meal unto itself! Homemade cinnamon and honey yogurt, Pavlova with fresh picked fruit from the Shire gardens, and a brownie were my top picks.
After we relaxed for a bit after dinner and dessert, our guides handed out lanterns for our walk back through Hobbiton. It was beautiful wandering through the village, illuminated by our lanterns and the porchlights of hobbits who have not returned home yet. It was very peaceful wandering around, listening to the frogs croak in the pond, and enjoying an after-dinner walk.
They wanted to make sure that everyone had a chance to get at least one good picture of themselves in front of a hobbit hole after dark so they brought out movie lighting and had everything set up to get a good picture on almost any camera or phone.
It was truly a magical experience wandering through this fantasy world. Their customer service and attention to their customers was also exceptional and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening.
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