Insignificance

I moved to Christchurch to study Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury on the 19th of February. I was living into the Ilam apartments and my room is on the third floor. I was all by myself in my room when the quake hit us violently. I am glad my building didn't fall down like so many did in the CBD.

When a natural disaster hits, regardless of human existence, it makes me feel insignificant in the scheme of things.

Nature is such a powerful force and with so many reports of natural disasters occurring in many different parts of the world it makes me wonder what the future holds.

I give my deepest condolences to those who have lost family and friends in this devastating event. I hope that people can one day return to their homes and feel safe again.

Lots of love

nikaugabrielle




   

Hangi

I went up north to my dads house and he put down a hangi for me. A hangi is probably a weird concept for most non-kiwis. Essentially a hangi is an oven...in the ground. Its pretty simple; you dig a hole, chuck some rocks in, light a fire. The fire falls into the hole, heats the rocks and in goes the food. Cover with...earth and leave for an hour or so.

collecting volcanic rocks

meat and banana leaves 

pumpkin in muslin

Rawene bread

taking out the ash and returning the hot rocks

hot rocks

the feast

ally

What makes a hangi special is not just the incredible food but the people you bring together. A hangi makes an event significant but the thing you remember is not the taste of the food but the company, the laughter and the love that surrounds this special occasion.

Country Life

driveway

church

sitting

reflection and butterflies

little brother

I am from the wild north. It's a huge contrast from the city. I like it. Time is slow. Needs are minimal. Stress is low. Food is good. Family is near. Company is crucial. Air is clear.  

New Addition to the Family

At first he was timid 

and he just want to play

His name is Tiki and we rescued him. He is a gypsy cat because he has come travelled all over Northland with us. Every morning I wake up to little claws prodding my hand. Then he jumps under neath the covers and plays with my pjs. Play with me!

returning to the roots

The sky seems to open up when you head up north. The clouds are moody and aggressive and the sunsets are hot and fiery. The landscape is so raw and inspiring... I tried to capture it.

Reflections

This year...

I brought a camera and took over 20000 photos.

I got down into the splits!

I made lots of wonderful international friends

I taught circus to hundreds of American kids at French Woods Theatre Camp

I got caught up in the hype of London

I adopted a Thai family when I stayed with my cousin in Thailand

I lived out of a suitcase for 5 months and somehow avoided penalties for overweight luggage despite continually being 5 kgs over.

See you 2010 and bring on 2011! wohoo!

cup cakes

cup cakes at a farmers market in Shropshire, England

blueberry and lemon cup cake from 'The Cupcake Collection'

cherry lipped girl decorating the delicate cupcakes

cup cakes in a shop window in London

I love cup cakes.  

Yesterday I came across  'The Cupcake Collection'. Decorating cupcakes is like an art form in itself. I brought my friend Wert a blue berry and lemon one (above) it was scrumptious!