What is a flat-white?

If you go out ‘for a coffee’ here (it’s never ‘a cup of coffee’) your cool coffee-drinking Kiwi mate is likely to order a flat-white. Now, other than Italy, how many countries have there own identifiable national style in this beverage? (okay…there’s Turkey…) If you Google flat-white, you will find out how strong national identity is bound to this brew. Ex-pats in London pine for it and are drawn like flies to any café that offers the flat-white. You cannot out-cool your mate by ordering a latte—skinny or full-bodied—or a cappuccino. Flat-white is IT. (The flat-white is a variant of latte, served in a cup consisting of one-third espresso, with steamed milk then added, while holding no froth at the top. Outside Italy, a latte is typically prepared with approximately one-third espresso and two-thirds steamed milk, but with the addition of a layer of foamed milk approximately one quarter inch thick on the top.)

Today’s news: “New Zealand comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, a cult favorite in the United States thanks to their HBO television show, yesterday won the New Zealand’s first Grammy in 24 years. Wellington duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, who play marginally-talented folk singers struggling to make it in New York, picked up the best comedy album Grammy for The Distant Future. The last New Zealander to win a Grammy was opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in 1984.” [If you grew up on the gentle, zany humor of Ernie Kovac, Mr. Peepers and the Smothers Brothers (especially the latter of course) the Conchords will strike a familiar chord.]

After eighteen months in Waikikamukau, local customs are still worthy of note. There was a partial eclipse of the sun last week which lasted from 4.22 to 6.30pm on 7th of Feb. In the lead up article the day before, the ODT said that there were more of these occurrences in this extremely southern latitude than in most of the rest of the world. (More local knowledge to keep on file.)

The biggest event during the unseemly blogging silence of yours truly was the death and send off of Sir Edmund Hillary। Every article in the paper about him, every speech in the broadcast of the state funeral on the telly (sic) was stirring, heart-warming and impressive. He was a giant, embodied many sterling qualities and accomplished so many good works. How many heroes of our time can compare? (When an interviewer asked Sir Ed a question he probably heard ad nauseum—how do you always mange to appear so humble—he replied “Well I have a good deal to be humble about.”)

Last week saw Waitangi Day as well as school restarting. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 (or began the process of being signed and traveling around for signatures in that year). Its purpose was to establish peace between the Maori and Pakeha (European settlers). This year Waitangi Day fell on Chinese New Year, which was marked by fireworks at midnight (Welcome to the Year of the Rat!). Ash Wednesday fell on top this confluence of cultural/religious convergence.

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More news courtesy of the Otago daily Times: “Man with axe calmed by couple…It was not clear what started the dispute but Det Snr Sgt Lynch said the man had mental health issues which might have been a factor…” (duh)

Toddler’s ear reattached following attack by dog

“Why we say ‘fush and chups’...(this attention getting headline is not really explained)
Common Kiwi Accent
Formed: With the arrival of British immigrants about 1850
By: Immigrants bringing their regional dialects to New Zealand
Developed: As immigration dropped off and internal transport improved
The future: Our accents will likely change as immigrants import aspects of their own language”

(Even though it seems there is steadily more violence in the news, we get the following headline:) “Two wings closed at prison Otago’s-New prison has closed two 30-prisoner wings because of low inmate numbers and management cannot say when the situation will change.”

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The happiest family times of 2008 so far were vacationing at Lake Wanaka and a short visit to the Catlins—Papatui, to be precise. The natural, unspoiled beauty of these places beggars description. There are walks to secret waterfalls, a lake formed by glaciers and caves next to sea where one can enter only at low tide. Another high for me was a concert with a singer from Sydney. The most rewarding parental experience of late was enjoying the palpable enthusiasm and excitement with which our children returned to school. What could be better?

Well…there was the moment last week when I went ‘for a coffee’ with my new friend from Sydney. Succumbing to local custom I drank my first flat-white. It was scrumptious. Perhaps this is the beginning of a new chapter in acclimation.