Day 39 - No Ordinary Day

The day started out relatively normal, like most days usually do, but this turned out to be no ordinary day.

I got up and started to work on redoing my thesis question (another story for another blog category) and once I finished presenting my new thesis question, and had my supervisors give the OK, I thought I should treat myself a little, so I went to central Auckland, or the CBD as some call it. I had no idea what was in store for me this night.

I just wanted to grab a beer and listen to music at the Thirsty Dog, which was a little out of my way, but walking is never an issue. However, on my way, I decided to go and play $2 on a slot machine, or pokies as they call them here. Well it turns out I picked a lucky machine because I ended winning over $85 in two plays with the same two dollar coin. Well it looks like I could afford the expensive beer that night.

As I am not particularly interested in gambling, I left while I was ahead and on towards the Thirsty Dog to order an expensive beer ($10 for a pint of Kilkenny), that turned out to be three, and some chips (french fries to Canadians). It was electric jam that night, and while I wanted to play, I ended up just listening to people play some classic songs. It is a good atmosphere, because as I have only been in there once before, the waitress and owner remembered me and that I was there to do research.

As I left to go back home, I had a good conversation about homelessness and the possible causes to homelessness in Auckland. We even talked about how homelessness should be a way of life rather than as being separate from, and that this may help stop the stigma of homelessness. While that can be a slippery slope argument, there is at least one academic talking about it. After this conversation I looked to go back home.

However, unbeknownst to me, I would not be going home that night.

As I was strolling down the street, walking towards my bus to go home, I passed a large dog chilling out by a table full of people at the Peach Pit. Missing Mika, I asked if I could pet the dog, whose name was Jess. The owner said yes and we started talking, and like always, it was pointed out that I was not from around there. I told them why I was in New Zealand and I was then directed to start talking to her friend, as she was, coincidentally, involved in homelessness in Auckland. She studied in France for a while and came across a radio show run by homeless individuals. She took that back to New Zealand and has started her own radio show helping give people who are homeless their own voice. This has actually been done in Canada.

At the same time I met some guys chatting and we all had some good laughs. It felt very comfortable talking to all of these individuals and they seemed pretty cool to talk to. I was all over the place, talking to various people, and the main name I got was not actually a real name. It quickly became an inside joke, probably one of the fastest inside jokes made by strangers, or at least in my experience.

The guys left and invited me to go sing karaoke a few doors down. I stayed back talking to some of the girls about homelessness and the Auckland experience. They actually have some connections with the service providers and can help me get in touch with key actors (this was an issue with my research). I learned that Kaupapa Maori research is actually more a critical, anti-colonial research method, which makes sense considering some of the principles. It is much like the book I read for my qualitative research course, but I digress.

After I exchanged numbers by providing them card, I set out to the karaoke bar. It was a bit late but it was exciting to make local friends. I ended up signing up to sing I Can't Dance by Genesis by the request of a few strangers. That song is my go to joke song because it has a specific line that works in my favour: "I can't dance. I can't sing." I guess they turned off the machine and my newfound friends were about to head out. They invited me to come, and I figured I might as well. I have my winnings and I could always cab it to where I need to go.

We ended up taking a cab to a friend's place (another guy I met earlier) and listening to music. Apparently they are in a band that has a Pink Floyd-influenced style (my thought). They are called Te Huhu, which actually is loosely translated to The Beatles. Here, have a listen:

Their music was pretty chill and relaxing, with very ironic lyrics. The guys in the video are the guys I met.

We took a cab back to the CBD and I went to the main bus stop. As it turns out, there are no buses that run at 3 am on a Thursday morning, at least not until 7 am. The more you know. So I guess I had to walk around for four hours until the bus came. I realized it would cost around $80 for a cab to get home, so to maximize my savings, I chose not to call a cab.

As I was walking I figured I should probably go inside to stay warm, but my options are limited at this time of morning. I walked past a place that I knew would be open: Denny's. I figured I should buy something while I am waiting, so I got a chicken burger and ate it as slowly as possible. A strategic while later, I bought some dessert. I figured I can waste money as I have my winnings.

Well, I found out it is very difficult for me to waste three and a half hours eating a chicken burger, chips, and a fudge browny with ice cream. Interesting note: when I ordered the dessert the guy came back and told me that was a waste of money and that I should get the fudge browny because it is bigger and better, for no extra charge. That was kind of him. Helped me to waste some time.

I was really tired and it showed. I was kind of passing out and could barely keep my eyes open. The waiter came up and told me he could turn the tv off in the back corner and I could have a nap. I took him up on the offer with minor hesitation. I ended up napping for an hour until I had to leave to catch my bus. I ended up getting home around 8 am.

It was an experience that I am glad I had. I was able to network and create some new friends. Good academically and psychologically.

#Daily #Restaurant