My Luck Filled Weekend Part 1

I went to Auckland last weekend.

If there was one word to describe my weekend - it would be... lucky.

To be perfectly fair, if we had more foresight and planning, perhaps we wouldn't need luck. But disorganized we were and thus luck was needed.

Firstly, we didn't decide where we were going to park our car when we went to Auckland. See, the thing is, we go down to Melbourne all the time. Thus everything should be straightforward enough - what's so complicated?

So when we approached the airport...

Housemate: So, where are we going to park the car?
Me: Uh... long term parking I guess? I know it's cheaper if we don't park in the airport but I don't think I can be bothered looking for the alternatives.
Housemate: Yea... so.. outdoor or indoor?
Me: Oh... outdoor will be fine... I mean, what's going to happen, right?

A hailstorm in Melbourne's going to happen, that's what!!!!

Very very happily and fortunately, it didn't hail where my car was. :D



Secondly, we didn't really decide if we were going to rent a car or just take public transport/taxi around Auckland. After much thought we decided that renting a car was probably going to be the best idea. Problem was, we arrived at Auckland at 1 a.m. on a Friday night. There weren't really many options.

Avis: We do have one car left. But it's small.
Us: Small's okay.
Avis: You need to be 25 to rent a car.
Me: Weelll.. I'm 25. (A mere 2-3 weeks after my 25th birthday)
Avis:Oh...another thing. This car has a manual transmission.
Me: ....I can drive manual.....I think...

So we got into the car and I gave myself a refresher course in manual driving in the car park. One may liken it to riding a bicycle - you never forget. Last time I drove a manual car would probably be at least 4-5 years ago.

Did I mention how many steep hills there were in Auckland City?!?!!

Anyway, was very proud of myself. So much so I'm putting this into my 101 list.

No. 80 - Drive in a foreign country.

Pecan Tart

For a long time I've wanted to make a pecan tart. After the fresh fig tart, I got into 'tart mode' and decided to continue in the same vein.

I really enjoyed making it. One arranges the pecans at the base of the tart and then pour the liquid in, submerging the pecans.

And then.... they float up to the surface very gently, in perfect symmetry. A joy to watch.



Loved it - although next time I'll probably put less treacle in.

Fresh Fig Tart

One of the dental assistants at work brought in a bag of figs and innocently offered me one.

I went into a ramble about how I've always wanted to make a fig tart but never had enough figs to do it. Before I knew it she gave me a whole bag of them.

Dashed home and churned this out of my kitchen before anyone could stop me.



This is the 26th new recipe out of the 50 on my 101 list.

It's very simple, really. Just a shortcrust pastry base topped with fresh figs and a drizzle of honey. 20 minutes in the oven and that was it.

It was excellent, even if I do say so myself.

Bought Season 1 of One Tree Hill.

I have too much time on my hands - that's why.

Sleep

I've been oversleeping for the past few weeks.

I guess when I have nothing to do I just lie in bed and read and before I know it I turn over and go to sleep.

And when I wake up in the morning I think... 'Why bother getting up when there's nothing to really do?"

Anyway, I think I should snap out of it and start doing more productive things with my time instead of just sleeping it away.

Bought a few more toys for my kitchen. Shall start experimenting soon.

Macaron Tower

I should really have waited for an occasion to build this - but decided now's a good time as ever to do it.



I love macarons. Shame they're such fiddly delicate temperamental little things.

210 seconds

After experimenting for less than half an hour the answer came to me.

To perfectly half boil an extra large egg straight out of the fridge, one should put it into simmering water for exactly 210 seconds - or 3.5 minutes.

Mystery solved.