Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bartender in Mangere is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I roll into work at this little joint on Massey Rd, right? It’s a cozy spot, but today? Today was a whole different vibe.
First off, the weather was all over the place. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring like the heavens opened up. I’m standing behind the bar, and I swear, I could feel the humidity creeping in. Like, c’mon, Mangere, pick a season!
So, I’m mixing up some drinks, right? Just a regular Tuesday. Then, boom! This group of lads walks in, all hyped up. They’re from the local rugby club, and they’re celebrating a win. I mean, who doesn’t love a good rugby win? They’re shouting, laughing, and ordering like they’re at a buffet. “Get us a jug of your best beer!” they yell. I’m like, “Dude, it’s a Tuesday, chill!” But hey, I’m not one to kill the vibe.
Then, outta nowhere, this lady storms in. She’s fuming, like a volcano ready to erupt. Turns out, she just had a massive argument with her partner over on Bader Drive. I mean, I get it, relationships can be rough, but don’t take it out on me! She orders a cocktail, and I whip up a mean mojito. “This better be good!” she snaps. I’m like, “Lady, I’m not a magician, but I’ll try!”
As the night rolls on, the bar fills up. I’m pouring drinks, chatting with the regulars, and trying to keep my sanity. There’s this one guy, always comes in wearing a bright orange beanie. I call him “Beano.” He’s a character, always got some wild story about his adventures around Mangere. Today, he’s talking about how he got lost near the Mangere Mountain. “I thought I was gonna end up in Onehunga!” he laughs. Classic Beano.
But then, the mood shifts. This couple walks in, and they look like they just stepped out of a rom-com. They’re all lovey-dovey, holding hands, and I’m like, “Ugh, get a room!” But then, they sit at the bar, and the guy pulls out a ring. My heart stops. Is he proposing? In my bar? Right now?
He gets down on one knee, and the whole place goes silent. I’m holding my breath, and the lady’s face is priceless. She’s shocked, then she starts crying. I’m thinking, “This is it! This is the moment!” And she says yes! The bar erupts in cheers, and I’m pouring champagne like it’s water.
But then, just as I’m basking in the joy, the angry lady from earlier storms back in. “You think you can just propose in here?!” she yells. I’m like, “Whoa, lady, chill! It’s a celebration!” But she’s not having it. She starts throwing her drink, and I’m dodging like I’m in the Olympics.
Finally, security steps in, and it’s chaos. I’m trying to keep the peace, but it’s like herding cats. The rugby lads are laughing, Beano’s telling everyone to calm down, and I’m just trying to keep my job.
By the end of the night, I’m exhausted. I clean up the bar, and I’m thinking about how wild Mangere can be. From the rugby wins to the love stories, and the drama, it’s never a dull moment. I step outside, and the air is fresh, the stars are out, and I can hear the distant sounds of the city.
I love this place, even with all its craziness. Mangere, you’ve got my heart, even if you drive me nuts sometimes. Here’s to another day in paradise!