I approached this building with excitement.Much talk about this place has been floating in the air. When I arrived at the front door the host said table for one? I said yes, I believe so. As the host took me to my table in front of the large bay windows, I could feel the warmth of the tall round table against the back of my hands as I browsed through the menu. My seat was warm as if someone was saving it for me until I arrived. A bar stool stood across from me at my table, and I can only imagine that it was warm from the beating sun that penetrated through the windows illuminating the entire room with natural light. The place was quite small and quaint. It had this unique charm about it. The display window next to the register had eloquent desserts, and some sub sandwiches that were hand crafted and made with passion. Only a few people occupied this small hole in the wall diner. A couple over my shoulder with one child no older then one, and a group of young adults that were right in my line of site. If only they would hurry up and take their seat in front of me so I wouldn't have to make eye contact with one of the young adults. We would natural look up with our wondering eyes, us being both in the line of sight would make it easy for us to awkwardly stare at each other. I checked my watch it read 10:15 am, I glanced out the huge windows I was sitting next too and looked down the street in both directions, my face inches away from the glass in hopes to see just a tad further. I was wondering if they would show. I start to look across the street in the crowd of people when I was interrupted by a high feminine voice. "are you ready to order sir?" She had dark brown eyes, red curly hair and a very soft face. She wore bright red lipstick, and you can see her freckles that were faintly appearing on her nose. A short women, about 5'2" and a name tag that read Nancy. She couldn't be no older the 24 and you could tell this was a temporary job, she was pursuing acting or singing. A creative trendy look to her, and her dreams were vibrant, like a light that surrounded her body. She started telling me the orders, and I told her what my stomach desired, and ordered some water to go along with it. Before departing she asked me if I was waiting for someone, I told her I'm not sure and to go ahead and place my order. She walked away with a beautiful strut, careless and free. I turned and looked up and down the street again. Not a single face I recognized. No one even noticed me as I stared at the people passing. It was just another day for them, and the probably passed this small cafe millions of times, adapting to the faces starring out these windows. I grabbed my water and started to sip on it when I notice one of the young adults making eye contact again. You could tell the expression on his face was wondering why I was alone in a wonderful place like this. I must agree, this isn't a place where you eat alone. You would take a first date here, or make it your local spot if you lived down the street. For me it was neither, it was a place I once heard about, much talk that it was a great place, wonderful and fabulous. As happy as I was to be in a place that was so highly talked about I still found my self seated alone waiting for someone to take the seat across from me. My order came in and I began to eat the most exquisite meal ever. Everything was perfect, the temperature of the food allowed you to eat right away, steam rolled off the plate, and the smell was that of heaven, the smell of the food made your mouth water. Nothing I have ever tasted before. Made to perfection, and this experience was everything I thought it would be and more. I slowly enjoyed my food. In my own world, enjoying this experience I thought of the next time I would come back to get a taste of this place again. I couldn't help but savor every bite. For I knew this would be my only meal at this cafe for awhile. I glanced down the road once more to see if anyone was coming. Again not a single familiar face. I wondered why no one I knew was coming, they are missing out on something great. Something they will never experience if they don't come to this exact location. But would they ever, would my story of this place be so inspiring they would want to ditch routine and try something different? I hope so. And I took my last bite of my food, swallowing it I knew it was the end. I enjoyed every moment. It was time to pay at the register and depart from this magnificent cafe. My plate was so clean they could have reused it right there. Nothing left, I took everything in. As I approached the register I bought a little dessert, maybe this will be a little motivation and evidence about how wonderful this place is. The lady at the counter gave me a small bag for the dessert. As I was walking out Nancy was standing at the hostess booth right by the door. She said sorry your friend didn't make it, I told her It was a slim chance they would come this time. But maybe next time my experience here would be a table for two.
THE END
Thanks for reading all my blogs. Hope you enjoyed them!!!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Forever young
We can’t stay on this road forever, eventually it will come to an end; but if it doesn’t end we must be on the road of eternity, which in the end, we are all traveling anyways. So no matter where your road is taking you I hope we will cross again. Maybe meet at an intersection for some tea and toast. Regardless the time has come, and another fork lies in the path. If forks didn’t exist the road we travel on will be one in the same, but then again, if forks didn’t exist eating spaghetti would be such a hardship.
I'm back in Auckland, the city where I first landed in. I traveled both islands, doing various activities along the way. Staying with my family was one of the greatest times I had. Many relaxing days, filled with much family time and intimacy. They were once only thought of as family over seas. As our lives only intersected one time in America, the thought of actually visiting felt surreal. Entering their humble aboad I felt instant connections, each family member holds a special place in my heart. In saying this, leaving the small town of Mosgiel, a town lying just outside of dunedin, was the hardest place to leave. I think it's because I know that the next time I see them it could possible be another eight years, hoping thats not the case, goodbyes can easily be filled with sarcasim, inside jokes, and prolonged departure. Sure, its not goodbye but more so see ya later, yet the chances of seeing you soon is quite possible slim. And when facing that reality, knowing the next time Ill see my cousins they will be grown, I couldn't help but stroll away one final time as tears ran down my cheek.
Now I'm with my family in Auckland, a different family from the one in mosgeil, but family nontheless. You see this family I came across because I met their son in the hostel. And that is what stands out to me in my travels, out of the thousands of travelers that take the trek across New Zealand, I random met a family that opened their house to me for an extended period of time. I have to assume this is pretty rare. I love how it was so divine, because if I never went to the hostel, or if Cody never got in his arguement at home, if his work was on another street, or if the prices at the other hostel were cheaper. all small factors that would of lead me in a different direction and Cody and I would of never met, but because all these things played out the way they did, I sit here writing this blog on a couch having a cup of tea before going to the movies with mom.
The other day we played rugby at the local park. All the neighborhood kids came out to play. I got to talking with a maori kid who was about 4 ft tall. short black hair. and a very outgoing personalitiy "hey you're from America?" yes I am I said. " you like it?" very much so I responded. "do you watch Icarly?" "
ummmm not really, caught a couple episodes. do you?'
"nope not that much"
Growing up football was a big part of the childhood. always getting games together at parks, fields, in the middle of the street, and side lots. And to enter into someone else's world half way around the earth and see them doing the same thing was very heartwarming. It was like I was reliving my childhood but with rugby instead of football. As if I was back home with d-but, anthony, kory, dan jeremy, and peter playing some football at Audubon park. carefree and with no worries.
This week has been great and the family here loves rugby. I've been digesting it like a feast served 24/7. The way SportsCenter plays constantly late into the night, rugby runs like that here. But it is a great sport to play. Maybe I'll bring a ball back and we will get some games going at a park, and the memories once made as children will only be layered with same stories just as a young adult. For I will age, but my spirit will never grow old. I'm forever young.
I'm back in Auckland, the city where I first landed in. I traveled both islands, doing various activities along the way. Staying with my family was one of the greatest times I had. Many relaxing days, filled with much family time and intimacy. They were once only thought of as family over seas. As our lives only intersected one time in America, the thought of actually visiting felt surreal. Entering their humble aboad I felt instant connections, each family member holds a special place in my heart. In saying this, leaving the small town of Mosgiel, a town lying just outside of dunedin, was the hardest place to leave. I think it's because I know that the next time I see them it could possible be another eight years, hoping thats not the case, goodbyes can easily be filled with sarcasim, inside jokes, and prolonged departure. Sure, its not goodbye but more so see ya later, yet the chances of seeing you soon is quite possible slim. And when facing that reality, knowing the next time Ill see my cousins they will be grown, I couldn't help but stroll away one final time as tears ran down my cheek.
Now I'm with my family in Auckland, a different family from the one in mosgeil, but family nontheless. You see this family I came across because I met their son in the hostel. And that is what stands out to me in my travels, out of the thousands of travelers that take the trek across New Zealand, I random met a family that opened their house to me for an extended period of time. I have to assume this is pretty rare. I love how it was so divine, because if I never went to the hostel, or if Cody never got in his arguement at home, if his work was on another street, or if the prices at the other hostel were cheaper. all small factors that would of lead me in a different direction and Cody and I would of never met, but because all these things played out the way they did, I sit here writing this blog on a couch having a cup of tea before going to the movies with mom.
The other day we played rugby at the local park. All the neighborhood kids came out to play. I got to talking with a maori kid who was about 4 ft tall. short black hair. and a very outgoing personalitiy "hey you're from America?" yes I am I said. " you like it?" very much so I responded. "do you watch Icarly?" "
ummmm not really, caught a couple episodes. do you?'
"nope not that much"
Growing up football was a big part of the childhood. always getting games together at parks, fields, in the middle of the street, and side lots. And to enter into someone else's world half way around the earth and see them doing the same thing was very heartwarming. It was like I was reliving my childhood but with rugby instead of football. As if I was back home with d-but, anthony, kory, dan jeremy, and peter playing some football at Audubon park. carefree and with no worries.
This week has been great and the family here loves rugby. I've been digesting it like a feast served 24/7. The way SportsCenter plays constantly late into the night, rugby runs like that here. But it is a great sport to play. Maybe I'll bring a ball back and we will get some games going at a park, and the memories once made as children will only be layered with same stories just as a young adult. For I will age, but my spirit will never grow old. I'm forever young.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Family Adventure
Overcast most days, sometimes the sun is able to squeeze light through the clouds that act like a strong filter. Rain more often then not, and temperatures that show significant signs that fall is arriving. Awaken by a boney small structure, heavy enough to realize is there but not enough to fell oppressed, I slowly move under my sheets in hopes to find my watch. The noisy high voices of children with much energy reverb through the house. And I awaken like a zombie, sluggish and slow.The time reads 8 am and as everyone throughout the house is getting ready for the day, I arise like aman who lost his job, wondering what my day will consist of and why so early.The children ae chattery and excited as they greet my morning with smiles and giggles, tempting to tickle my feet they continue on in their bliss as they have some down time before school. I have just landed into the movie production " the change up." I went from a house full of young men who tend to sleep until their work shift regardless the time, to hyper-active children with more energy then that of the bunny who markets batteries. My schedule on holiday is being completely adjusted. I look forward to it though, I embrace the kis nature of excitment for the day. A cup of tea with sugar ( a must) and usually a piece of toast, then off to school we go. A stroll down the street to drop my cousins off and my day has begun in Mosgeil, New Zealand.
Meeting new cousins, some only seen in photographs has been very delightful. Timing couldnt be better as I had the opportunity to see a new baby enter the world. My cousin, Ashley just had her second child, felix, on March 5th "sweet as." This part of my trip is all about family. Although, I did have a young German man stay here at my uncles for the first two days. His name was Janice and he traveled with me to Mosgeil. I met him at a hostel the night before I left toward Dunedin. Hopefully if it works out we will travel some more together before I leave back to the north island. Anyways, I realized in the life of traveling feeling at home comes rare so when it does happen you are very thankful. Constantly on the move it's rare you'll come to a place where you feel totally comfortable and relaxed. I can say this has happened one other time and it was with the family in Auckland I stayed with. I have to keep my guard up. My safety is very important so approaching new things may not look hesitant on the outside but internally I am asking myself all the appropriate questions. Usually this safety precaution isnt anything extreme because travelers are all in the same boat, vulnerable in the sense of seeking friendhsip , and craving adventure in its randomness. But here it was nice to set my things down without questioning someone's intentions. There is no deposit fee (I'm sure its coming though haha) or nightly fee, no charge for internet, it doesnt cost 8 dollars to do laundry, and no random roommates. Sure this is part of traveling and has to be accepted if you are traveling, but being able to travel in country with family is such an amazing privilage. Slowly slipping into the routine of the family household, life here is clock work, as it should be. Wake up for breakfast, school, extra activities after school, tea, then bed. Just another ordinary day. Sorry If you thought this post would be full of exciting crazy stories. No skydiving, or meeting a guy that took me on a helicopter ride, no cliff jumping, or whale watching. Just waking up and reading, hanging out with cousins and ending the day with a movie accompanied by my Aunt, and an Occasional chest game with my uncle. But the thing I realized as I continue in this part of my adventure is, that this is probably the highlight of my entire trip. My moments of excitment of hiking up a mountain next to a waterfall, or hitch-hiking to a city will eventually fad, and the things I will reminicse on is what I did with my family. For family is a special thing. Whether adopt into one, or simple blood related, maybe perfect in everyway, or so dysfunctional they should make a movie out of it, regardless there is some sort of support you have in your life, and the way it looks will be different to others.But I have to believe that everyone is apart of a family. In saying that, I will say this, in all the crazy things Ive seen and experienced watching someone day in and day out raise a family makes me come to my conclusion of this blog; traveling the world is great, but raising a family has to be the best adventure ever...
Meeting new cousins, some only seen in photographs has been very delightful. Timing couldnt be better as I had the opportunity to see a new baby enter the world. My cousin, Ashley just had her second child, felix, on March 5th "sweet as." This part of my trip is all about family. Although, I did have a young German man stay here at my uncles for the first two days. His name was Janice and he traveled with me to Mosgeil. I met him at a hostel the night before I left toward Dunedin. Hopefully if it works out we will travel some more together before I leave back to the north island. Anyways, I realized in the life of traveling feeling at home comes rare so when it does happen you are very thankful. Constantly on the move it's rare you'll come to a place where you feel totally comfortable and relaxed. I can say this has happened one other time and it was with the family in Auckland I stayed with. I have to keep my guard up. My safety is very important so approaching new things may not look hesitant on the outside but internally I am asking myself all the appropriate questions. Usually this safety precaution isnt anything extreme because travelers are all in the same boat, vulnerable in the sense of seeking friendhsip , and craving adventure in its randomness. But here it was nice to set my things down without questioning someone's intentions. There is no deposit fee (I'm sure its coming though haha) or nightly fee, no charge for internet, it doesnt cost 8 dollars to do laundry, and no random roommates. Sure this is part of traveling and has to be accepted if you are traveling, but being able to travel in country with family is such an amazing privilage. Slowly slipping into the routine of the family household, life here is clock work, as it should be. Wake up for breakfast, school, extra activities after school, tea, then bed. Just another ordinary day. Sorry If you thought this post would be full of exciting crazy stories. No skydiving, or meeting a guy that took me on a helicopter ride, no cliff jumping, or whale watching. Just waking up and reading, hanging out with cousins and ending the day with a movie accompanied by my Aunt, and an Occasional chest game with my uncle. But the thing I realized as I continue in this part of my adventure is, that this is probably the highlight of my entire trip. My moments of excitment of hiking up a mountain next to a waterfall, or hitch-hiking to a city will eventually fad, and the things I will reminicse on is what I did with my family. For family is a special thing. Whether adopt into one, or simple blood related, maybe perfect in everyway, or so dysfunctional they should make a movie out of it, regardless there is some sort of support you have in your life, and the way it looks will be different to others.But I have to believe that everyone is apart of a family. In saying that, I will say this, in all the crazy things Ive seen and experienced watching someone day in and day out raise a family makes me come to my conclusion of this blog; traveling the world is great, but raising a family has to be the best adventure ever...
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