We have all heard the expression that something is “going for a song.” This is often used to describe a particularly low price. For many people, music is priceless, and its value is recognized and celebrated. One such example of this is a special project called KiwiRail’s Brands, which offers touring performing artists the perfect chance to cross Cook Strait in New Zealand for free.

Cook Strait Adventure

This summer, on Interislander’ Kaitaki ferry sailings, many singers and musicians can take to a stage on board and perform on one sailing each way every day. According to KiwRail, artists are on board most days during the summer peak holiday season. Ever since the project started in 2006, Interislander has hosted countless musicians on over 4694 sailings.

Greg Miller, who is the KiwiRail Group Chief Executive director shared that this summer, with borders still closed to international visitors, it’s the perfect time for many New Zealanders returning or heading off from holiday to finish or start their trip with some live New Zealand popular music in Cook Strait.

Passage Across the Cook Strait, NZ

Performers have included face painters and jugglers, as well as established acts and new bands. Genres have included jazz, folk, blues, acoustic singer-songwriters, reggae, funk, and classic. Mr. Miller said that they had vetted all applications to ensure suitability and quality of performers and family-friendly acts prioritization.

Bands wishing to supply for the coming summer season can do so at the Great Journeys of NZ website. The organization considers applications twice per month, and they must be made at least a month before the requested travel date. It surely sounds fun, and if you are a musician and want to be part of the whole experience that you will never forget, you can apply for this great adventure.

Although returning home from an epic vacation is never fun, that doesn’t mean that your whole experience has to come to an end. Not only can you continue to look over your photos and revel in your memories for years to come, but you can also cook up a storm in your kitchen to bring this experience into your own home. Yes, you can whip up these culinary delights from around the world in no time.

Jamaica – Jerk Chicken

No trip to Jamaica would be complete without tasting the country’s signature jerk seasoning. While you can use jerk on any meat or vegetable you choose, there’s nothing quite like tasting a succulent jerk chicken leg or wing. When you have created your own jerk seasoning, you can choose to cook them in a conventional oven or on the barbecue!

Sri Lanka – Kottu Roti

If you have ever been to Sri Lanka, there’s a high chance that you have eaten kottu roti. Arguably one of the most popular street foods in the country, this dish features everything that you could possibly want, from shredded bread to vegetables, meat, and delicious spices. It’s incredibly easy to make at home.

Russia – Blini

If you’re the kind of person who loves desserts, you’ll love the blins that you can find in Russia. They are wafer-thin pancakes that are filled with sweet and savory ingredients of your choice, but the Russian people love to fill them with deliciously sweet cherries and cream or caviar and salmon.

England – Bubble And Squeak

What do you do with your leftover food? Well, the English people love to turn their leftovers into a delicious meal of bubble and squeak. The beauty of this dish is that you really can use anything, but the traditional recipe normally involves leftover vegetables topped with fried or poached eggs.

So, why not bring international delicacies into your own kitchen? Which of these culinary delights will you try first?