Man, what a day! Seriously, Newlands, NZ, you’ve thrown me for a loop. I woke up, sun shining through my window on Newlands Rd. Thought, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill. First off, I’m running late for my jam sesh at the local café, The Newlands Café. I’m sprinting down the street, dodging kids on bikes and old folks walking their dogs. Like, can’t a musician get a break? I’m sweating bullets, and my guitar’s bouncing like crazy. Finally, I get there, and guess what? The café’s packed! I mean, it’s a Tuesday morning, who knew everyone in Newlands was a coffee addict? I squeeze in, order a flat white, and plop down. Just as I’m about to strum a chord, the barista spills a whole jug of milk. Right on my lap! I’m like, “Dude, I didn’t order a milk bath!” But hey, I laugh it off. I mean, it’s just milk, right? I start playing, and the vibe is good. People are vibing, tapping their feet. Then, outta nowhere, this guy starts singing along. Off-key, like a cat in a blender. But I’m loving it! Newlands is all about that community spirit, ya know? After the jam, I decide to stroll down to the Newlands Shopping Centre. I’m feeling good, got my tunes in my head. But then, I see this massive traffic jam on the main road. Cars honking, people yelling. I’m like, “What’s the deal?” Turns out, some dude’s car broke down right on the roundabout. Classic Newlands, right? I’m standing there, watching the chaos unfold. I see a couple of mates from high school, and we start cracking jokes about it. “Hey, at least it’s not MY car!” We’re laughing, but then I get this idea. I grab my guitar and start playing a little tune about the traffic jam. People start gathering, laughing, and singing along. It’s like a mini concert! But then, just as I’m hitting my groove, the sky decides to open up. Rain pours down like it’s the end of the world. I’m soaked, my guitar’s getting wet, and I’m thinking, “Really, universe? Really?” But the crowd? They’re loving it! Dancing in the rain like it’s some epic music video. I’m standing there, drenched, but I can’t help but smile. This is Newlands, man. It’s wild, it’s unpredictable, but it’s home. I finish my song, and people cheer. I’m feeling like a rockstar, even if I look like a drowned rat. After the rain, I head over to the park on Newlands Ave. It’s a bit quieter there. I sit on a bench, guitar in hand, and just soak it all in. Kids are playing, dogs are running around, and I’m thinking about how lucky I am. Sure, today was a rollercoaster, but that’s life, right? As the sun sets, I strum a few chords, just me and the fading light. I’m grateful for the chaos, the laughter, and the unexpected moments. Newlands, you’ve got my heart. Even if you do throw a milk bath and a rainstorm at me. So yeah, that was my day. Intense, emotional, and totally unforgettable. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!