
Image: Su Leslie 2021
Wherever you are, and whatever is happening in your world, Kia ora koutou katoa (Greetings. Hello to you all)
I’m on the road this month; a visit with my Dad, an eco dye-making workshop, and a chance to catch up with a few friends.
It’s a trip that’s taking me through some favourite landscapes …

Mt. Ruapehu, from the Desert Road. Image: Su Leslie 2021
… and to a much-loved cafe.

Almond croissant and a flat white, Creel Lodge Cafe, Turangi. Image: Su Leslie 2021
I first stayed at the Creel Lodge in Turangi almost a decade ago, and return when I can. The lodge backs onto the Tongariro River and offers fishing gear and instruction — which I’ve yet to take them up on.

Delicious. Image: Su Leslie 2021
I do visit the on-site cafe though — even (especially) when I’m not staying in the Lodge. The coffee is consistently excellent, and the almond croissants are flaky, almond-y perfection.

Whanganui River at Aramoho, Whanganui. Image: Su Leslie 2021
It’s now late afternoon in Whanganui. Despite Met Service forecasts of heavy rain, it’s been a glorious autumnal day.
Not quite warm enough for a dip in my hosts’ pool, but perfect weather for a glass of wine, a few figs and some of my favourite Kikorangi blue cheese.

Image: Su Leslie 2021
Care to join me?
About Virtual Afternoon Tea
In these Covid-crazy times, we’re missing not only the big things, but a also the small joys and rituals of sharing a cuppa with friends. Virtual Afternoon Tea will never replace that, but it is a chance for bloggers around the world to connect over the simple sharing of food.
I post some images of my afternoon tea, along with musings on whatever’s on my mind.
You can tell me about your afternoon tea in the comments, or add a post of your own. Take a shot of your cuppa, tell us about your favourite tea-time snack — maybe even share a recipe.
Tag your post Virtual Afternoon Tea and link it to this one so others can find it.
I’ll update my post with a ping-back to everyone else’s in the same way as I do with The Changing Seasons.
#virtualteaparty2021 for anyone on Instagram who wants to post images (or video?)
Update
Aggie at Nomad is moving house, and probably really needs a few cups of tea to keep her going.
Tracy at Reflections of an Untidy Mind is enjoying her cuppa with toast and homemade fig marmalade. Pop over to enjoy the gorgeous colours of a Canberra autumn.
If you love cheese, pop over to visit Irene at My Slice of Mexico for a delicious-looking recipe for baked cheese with oregano.
Join Deb at The Widow Badass for banana oatmeal muffins and some hilarious chat on her snazzy balcony.
Ladylee Manila is enjoying a cuppa and some fresh fruit while she’s working on a jigsaw puzzle.
Once again Ju-Lyn has baked something delicious and shared the recipe. Pop over to Touring my Backyard to check out her cinnamon streusel cake.
Pingback: Coffee And Colour – Reflections of An Untidy Mind
I love the big skies and big rivers of New Zealand. Wonderful photos, Su, and thanks for the invitation. I am about to go and sit on my front step to soak up the last rays of the day. You’ve inspired me to have another coffee.
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No last days for me today; the rain has finally caught up with me.
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You might have broken the drought, Su.
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I suspect so!
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Pingback: Packing the tea last – Nomad
Waves from here. Might have my aperitivo early today 🙂
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😀😀
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I like Kikorangi blue cheese too. The last time we drove over the Desert Road in January 2020 there was a strong wind and a dust storm….bit scary!
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That does sound a bit scary. I’ve been caught in really heavy rain, and occasional snow there, but never a dust storm 😬
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Enjoy that trip, the workshop, and oh, bliss, the chance to catch up wit friends without a Zoom call in sight!
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Thanks Margaret
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Pingback: Virtual Afternoon Tea, April 2021 – Ladyleemanila
lovely photos, Su 🙂
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Wow, your photos are lovely. Thanks for taking us along. We also love tea and cake. Our favorite is masala chai. A couple of weeks ago, we also tried baking a yogurt early grey muffin and it was really nice!
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Thank you. The muffins sound delicious. I don’t like Earl Grey tea as a drink (the bergamot doesn’t agree with me), but somehow I’m fine with it in baking.
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Difficult to know which I prefer: an almond croissant or the figs/blue cheese/white wine combo? Could I have both, perhaps?
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Absolutely. Always plenty of virtual food to go around.
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Pingback: Tea Party on the Patio! #virtualteaparty2021 – THE WIDOW BADASS BLOG
Care to join you? You had me at blue cheese, Su! Absolutely delicious post, once again….here’s the link to mine:
https://widowbadass.com/2021/04/15/tea-party-on-the-patio-virtualteaparty2021/
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Thanks Deb
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Pingback: Baked Cheese with Oregano – My Slice of Mexico
Hi, Su, thank you for hosting! Those views are amazing, and sounds so nice that you are able to travel for your workshop, see your dad, and visit with friends. I have been busy in the garden this week, but your last feature reminded me of this delicious recipe:
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Thank you Irene
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I love your eye for photos. After a rather emotional and exhausting week, I desperately need a cuppa or a pot?
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I hope you’re ok?
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I am a tough bird! I did enjoy tea, but didn’t take a photo. 🫖
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Blue cheese is one of my favourites Su….then there are those delicious looking almond croissants. Hmmm good!
Leslie xoxo
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Thanks Leslie
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Both the coffee / croissant and wine / cheese combos have me drooling – and yearning to be able to do the same. Not long now! Cafes reopen on the 26th. Today we are celebrating John’s second lockdown birthday and are awaiting delivery of dinner. Aperitifs are at the ready though – slainte!
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Happy Birthday to John. And cheers to many delicious cafe meals to come.
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Cheers!
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I want all of this: trip, wine, food, everything. I’m a bit sad today as my trip next week to California has to be postponed until May because our daughter has work that has to be done. She’s just going to reschedule anything but I was really looking forward to it and she to the days off. Ahh, well, it will be the sweeter for the wait, right? Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
janet
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Pingback: scent of cinnamon – Touring My Backyard
I don’t know how I missed this but it has been a busy, though not entirely normal, week for me. So glad you got to see your Dad at last! And the croissant and views look fabulous 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Jo. It was just wonderful to see him.
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Hope you are still enjoying the trip away. It must be wonderful to escape at last! As for the virtual tea I am with you on the figs/blue cheese/white wine combination. Happy days 💙💜💙
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It is bliss!!
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Pingback: rain, rain – Touring My Backyard
Croissants, coffee, and road trip (with Dad!), truly a winning combination. ❤
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A visit to Dad, and a really cool workshop eco-dyeing silk. And beaches!!
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Pingback: This week’s small pleasures #229 – Thistles and Kiwis
Everything looks delicious and I love the shots with the angry sky.
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😀
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Sounds and looks like you had a great time, Su! So happy for you! 😀
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Thank you; it was so good to see my dad.
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Really enjoyed this virtual trip. The combination of food and travel is always exciting to me
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So glad you enjoyed it.
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