Book sale

I love books and frequently spend lots of time (and money) in bookshops. I particularly love book sales, like this sidewalk sale shown in the photograph.

Recycling

Recycling is very popular in New Zealand. It is part and parcel of Kiwi culture. This is a photo of a recycling bin at the university.

Patriotic church!

The New Zealand flag flying high on the spire of The Cathedral of St Peter in Hamilton.

Yasawa Islands

This photo was taken yesterday on Botaira Island, one of many small resort islands in the Yasawa Island group. It takes about three and a half hours to reach this island by high speed catamaran.

University wall art

This is just one example of wall art on the university campus.

Fijian sunset

A beautiful sunset over Nadi Bay with a thunderstorm brewing above ...

Balloon over Hamilton

Hot air ballooning is very popular in the Waikato region. Balloons over Waikato, an event billed as New Zealand's premier hot air ballooning event, takes place annually. This year's event takes place from 9-13 April 2008.

I spotted this lone balloon just as I was leaving home by car. I quickly retreated back home to collect my camera. Moral of the story? Always carry your camera with you!

Not Hamilton, but Fiji ...

I'm in Fiji at the moment, not Hamilton. The days are exquisite, and so are the nights. It was a bit overcast when this shot was taken and a few minutes later it started to rain, but it rained for about ten minutes only. Every night the torches at the resort are lit as part of a lighting ceremony by so-called Fijian warriors. It's quite exciting and great fun to watch.

In the coming days, I'll alternate photos of Hamilton and Fiji.

A bit of Europe ...

This is a photo taken last Sunday morning of the apartments above the enchanting little Frenchesque place in Cassabella Lane, off Anglesea Street in Hamilton. It's a little bit of European heaven smack in the middle of the Waikato.

Café culture

A lazy weekend morning at Metropolis in Victoria street.

Misery loves company

A bit of light reading over my morning espresso ...

The old and the new

This is the main entrance to the S block lecture halls on the university campus. It is a blend of modern architectural design and Maori art. I think it's quite beautiful.

The joys of coffee

The barista at Saint Lazarre Café Francais in Cassabella Lane doing her magic.

Barista (pronounced: bar-east-ta) is an Italian term for a skilful and experienced espresso bar operator. Baristas can instantly talk the coffee lingo, understand the origins of coffee, explain the subtle differences in roasting techniques and produce outstanding espresso based coffee drinks in the blink of an eye.

The font of all knowledge

The entrance to the Hamilton Public Library on Garden Place in the city centre. The rubbish bin on the left doubles as an advertising post.

The University Lake

It was an absolute scorcher in Hamilton today! I was down at the Waikato University this morning, where I work. The university campus is very picturesque with lavish greenery and several lakes. This is the largest lake on campus and next to the student green and eateries, where students tend to congregate during the day. On a day like today, everybody wants to be outside!


This student, who is here from Europe, was kind enough to allow me to photograph her while she was reading. This duck (see below) was just about to join her for some intellectual discussion on French philosophy. Luckily I had my camera to capture the shot!

MV Waipa Delta

This photo of the MV Waipa Delta sailing down the mighty Waikato river, was taken around noon today. This replica paddle steamer cruises the Waikato River every day of the week. It sails past historical sites, sacred Maori villages, ancient native trees and other scenes of interest with insightful commentary provided by the steamer's skipper.

Passengers have a choice of enjoying a three-course meal for lunch or a four-course meal for dinner on one of the longer cruise options. Every Dinner Cruise includes live entertainment as you dine and drink (provided by talented local musicians) on the lower deck. The Sunday Sunset Cruise is a popular favourite. If you prefer a shorter one hour coffee cruise, you will be able to enjoy a freshly baked scone with Chantilly cream and jam, served with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Mmmm ...yum!

Welcome to the Hamilton Daily Photo Blog!

Welcome to the Hamilton Daily Photo blog. Hamilton is a picturesque, quaint little outpost in the central part of New Zealand's North Island. It is located on the Waikato River, which is the lifeblood of the agricultural industry in the area. It is also home to Waikato University and the Waikato Chiefs!

Every day I will bring you a photo taken somewhere in or around Hamilton. Every photo will have a story to tell about Hamilton life, culture, society, sport, etc. It is essentially a photo diary of life in Hamilton. I hope that you will explore my adopted hometown with me, and that your journey here will be a pleasant one.

This photograph of the mighty Waikato River was taken from a spot in the Chinese Scholars Garden, one of the gardens in the Paradise Collection of the Hamilton Gardens. The Celestial Yuan of Taihu (bronze turtle) is on the left.