Author Archives: rpg

It was about a week ago (the time difference plays havoc with my internal calendar) that we said goodbye to the vineyards and the outlaws, climbed aboard a Q300 and took the (relatively) short flight up to Auckland, where we … Continue reading →

So. I moved to Australia three years ago, with a suitcase full of hopes and plans. There’s been a number of significant events, and any number of photo opportunities. But in a surprising — to me, at least — turn … Continue reading →

Vindaloo that is. Here’s my recipe, as I remember it from Pat Chapman’s Curry Club book. Day One Kill your pig Dice about 7 lbs meat, trimmed of excess fat Put half aside for wimps children and wussies those who … Continue reading →

It seems odd to me that the issue of faith versus science still gets so many people excited. Maybe there’s a deficit in my understanding of human nature, or maybe my optimism does, despite all my efforts, transcend my legendary … Continue reading →

bq. And… Eva’s thoughtful comment deserves a response from me. This was going to be a comment, but seeing as it was quite on-topic for the title I gave it its own space. I did wonder if posting this story … Continue reading →

Mount Tapi looked down on us as Mike guided the Toyota down the track and around rain-scarred switchbacks that are to even unsealed roads what three waterbaths are to a programmable thermal cycler. On such a journey you need complete … Continue reading →

Mike arrived early, which was a little bit of a surprise. But maybe that was because we had a late start—he arrived at five to six, before I had my boots on. I tried tying them up in the truck … Continue reading →

(Onamalutu isn’t exactly where we went yesterday, but it is close enough and the title should please Eva.) New Zealand is full of beautiful scenery. It’s offset somewhat by having Australians as neighbours, but few things are perfect. Anyway, rather … Continue reading →

Alom wanted me to write about the film (you’ll remember a few of us wrote about this previously): unfortunately the long, damp piece of internet string connecting NZ to the rest of the world is long, and, well, damp, so … Continue reading →

As I write I can look across the Domain: beyond the NSW Art Gallery to the Telstra Tower and the other buildings of Sydney’s CBD. To my right, although I can’t see it from here, the Harbour Bridge lurks behind … Continue reading →