I’m writing this newsletter today (albeit last minute) from a picturesque little town called Wānaka. Here, I’ll show you!
I’m still on the road in Aotearoa, two weeks in and one to go. We’ve slowed down a bit, and changed the course of our trip slightly. There were so many midgies/ sandflies in the Fjordlands that we decided to avoid the West Coast at all costs. Plus, you need a helicopter to get onto the glaciers, which, to put it lightly, costs an arm and a leg. Plus, my helicopter pilot was busy this week, so how sad, we didn’t get to go! We even toyed with the idea of getting my private yacht up there, but apparently it wouldn’t quite fit. So we did away with the West Coast for now.
a very slap-dash japchae in queenstown
the beautiful lake wakatipu.
But I’m so glad we changed our plan, because it’s nice not to race around from one place to the next. That’s never been my style, which is why I usually go overseas for months at a time! Queenstown in winter is known for its wonderful conditions for snow sports. In Autumn, it’s known for… nothing at all. Which is why it’s the best place to just pause for a minute (or 5 days).
trying out the local fare - chips with a side of more chips.
a true highlight - lake alta. had the coldest swim of my life here - there was snow behind me! ⛰️
Another beautiful part of this country is Glenorchy, home to a farm where the animals aren’t used for meat, eggs, or dairy. They just get to be themselves. I was so excited to meet Daisy, their resident cow. Cows are my favourite animals and I’ve never gotten to cuddle one. You could tell how content she was - I cried a few times. It’s so nice to see animals living happy, healthy, and long lives, and provides a great affirmation for why I eat the way I do.
daisy loved a pat, and she reaaaaally liked a little scratch behind her ears! one day i’ll have a pet cow…
blake and his new bestie, visiting buttercup.
I don’t usually “preach” veganism on this page. I’m aware that it’s a privilege to choose this lifestyle, and, despite what some of the cultier sections of the vegan community tell you, not everyone can be vegan. Plus, I want my recipes to be accessible to vegans and non-vegans alike. So if you are a meat-eater and perhaps feel a little guilty looking at these images, don’t feel as if you have to go cold turkey, so to speak. Just try a couple of plant-based meals a couple of times a week. Maybe even something from my archives ;) and see how you feel beyond that.
I’m fed up of the “perfect vegan” standard that’s upheld within the community. It scares people away from doing their bit for the planet and the animals. I remember the days where it was all about “Raw til 4” and Freelee the Banana Girl. It was so toxic. I’m glad that there’s more information out there now for those who want to stop eating animals; information that doesn’t promote disordered eating. Veganism is still a bit of a cult, but there’s a lot of people out there doing great things with food that happens to be cruelty-free. Check out a couple of the amazing home cooks I’m reading after the recipe!
big breakfasts have been our thing here. avo toast with tofu scramble and sausages. and tea of course!
Now, onto the food! This week we’re making a pretty simple mushroom and barley soup. serves 4, generously.
ingredients.
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
About 10 mushrooms, sliced
1 potato or kumara (or both, go wild), diced
1 carrot, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1/2 cup barley (soak for less cook time)
1/2 cup wild, brown or black rice
2 stock cubes
Dried or fresh herbs, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Butter (ensure vegan), to cook
how to.
Melt butter in a heavy pot and add onions, cook until translucent. Fry herbs here too, if they’re fresh.
Add mushrooms and fry until soft or slightly browned. Add garlic and fry for a further minute.
Add the remaining veggies, rice and barley and cover with water. Bring to a boil.
Once boiled, add stock cubes, salt, pepper and dried herbs. Simmer until the veggies are soft and the rice is cooked and serve with vegan cheese toasties!
baaaa-byeee! (sorry)
oh, I cherished every bit of this! Happy road-tripping and well-rounded-eating & being!!
Yes, veganism is a cult. Both from inside and outside.
Inside, there are the extreme ("committed to the cause"?) vegans who don't compromise on their beliefs and take pride demonstrating the Right Way of Veganism. They make more efforts than most of us are willing to, and they don't consist in the majority of the community. Still, they're highly noticeable.
Outside, there are uninformed people, or misinformed, or simply curious, who look at us and ask genuine questions. Especially if they picture a vegan like the one you mentioned, Arielle. I recall a time I was relating a scene of the movie "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" where one of the villains has super-powers thanks to veganism. A relative heard my conversation, and asked if we, the vegans, had also dedicated movies for our "community" (it sounded like "cult"). However, the person was not making fun of me, just genuinely asking if that was the case.
In between, there are us, trying to live our best lives, balancing beliefs and practicality. Buying hiking shoes which include a piece of leather because other options at the shop are cheap and won't last long. Having someone next to you inquiring if you're really vegan. Mentioning it online. Having a true vegan pointing at durable, cruelty-free hiking shoes. A cult, you're right Arielle!
Thanksfully, there are a lot of wonderful vegans, taking a sizable amount of time to share resources, including great travel & recipe posts like this one. Posts showing another life is possible, and enjoyable - and that no cult is pulling strings, nor having a secret agenda!