Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I wake up in my flat on Mokoia Rd, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I head down to Birkenhead Ave to grab a coffee. You know, the usual spot, that little café called “The Coffee Stop.” I swear, their flat whites are like liquid gold. But guess what? They ran out of beans! I mean, c’mon! How do you run out of coffee beans? I was ready to throw a fit. I mean, I need my caffeine fix, right?
So, I settle for a chai latte. Not my jam, but whatever. I’m standing there, waiting, and this dude walks in. He’s got a dog that looks like it just rolled outta a dumpster. I’m talking matted fur, one eye, the whole deal. And he’s like, “This is my best mate, Scruffy.” I’m thinking, “Bro, that dog needs a spa day, not a coffee run.”
Anyway, I finally get my drink and head out. I’m walking down to the Birkenhead Wharf, right? The view is killer. You can see the city skyline across the water. But then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring! Like, I’m talking torrential downpour. I’m soaked in seconds. I’m like, “Great, just great.”
I duck into this little shop on Hinemoa St. It’s one of those quirky places with all sorts of random stuff. I’m browsing, trying to dry off, when I spot this old vinyl record. It’s some classic Kiwi band. I’m like, “Heck yeah, I need this!” But then, the shopkeeper tells me it’s $50! I’m like, “Dude, it’s a record, not a gold bar!”
So, I leave empty-handed, still dripping wet. I decide to take a stroll down to the Birkenhead Domain. It’s a nice park, but I’m still fuming about that record. I sit on a bench, trying to chill, when I see this kid flying a kite. The kite gets stuck in a tree. Classic. The kid starts crying, and I’m like, “C’mon, it’s just a kite!” But then I remember my childhood and how I once lost my favorite toy. So, I help him out.
I climb the tree like a monkey, and after a few awkward moments, I get the kite down. The kid’s face lights up, and I’m like, “Yeah, I’m a hero!” But then I realize I’ve got tree sap all over my hands. Ugh, gross.
After that, I’m feeling a bit better, so I head over to the Birkenhead shopping center. I’m just wandering around, and I bump into an old mate from school. We start chatting, and he’s telling me about his new job. I’m like, “Dude, that’s awesome!” But then he drops the bomb: he’s moving to Australia. I’m like, “No way! You can’t leave me here!”
We grab a bite at this burger joint on Highbury Bypass. I order the biggest burger they have. It’s massive! I’m talking two patties, bacon, cheese, the works. I take a bite, and it’s like a flavor explosion. I’m in heaven. But then, I realize I’ve got sauce all over my face. I’m like, “Smooth, real smooth.”
As the day winds down, I’m walking back home, and I can’t help but think about all the craziness. Birkenhead’s got its quirks, for sure. The people, the streets, the random moments. It’s like a rollercoaster, and I’m just hanging on for dear life.
So, yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, laughter and frustration. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Birkenhead, you crazy little gem, you’ve got my heart.