Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a Watchman in Rotorua is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I hit up Tutanekai Street. You know, the main drag? It’s always buzzing. I grab my flat white from this little café called Capers. Best coffee in town, no cap. I’m sippin’ it, feelin’ all good, when I see this dude, like, totally lose it over a parking spot. I mean, c’mon, it’s Rotorua, not New York! Chill, bro!
Then, I head over to the lakefront. Man, Lake Rotorua is stunning. The steam rising from the geothermal vents is like nature’s own fog machine. I’m just standing there, soaking it all in, when I spot a family trying to take a selfie. They’re all crowded together, and the dad’s like, “Say cheese!” But the kid’s just staring at a duck. Classic. I’m laughing, but then I realize I’m late for my shift. Oops!
So, I rush down Fenton Street, dodging tourists left and right. Seriously, it’s like an obstacle course. I’m almost at the police station when I hear this loud bang. My heart drops. I think it’s a gunshot or something. Turns out, it’s just some guy dropping his fish and chips. I mean, I get it, that’s tragic, but c’mon, dude! Priorities!
Finally, I get to my post. I’m standing there, watching the world go by. Rotorua’s got this vibe, ya know? The smell of sulfur in the air, the sound of laughter, and the occasional geyser going off. It’s wild. But then, I see this group of teenagers messing around near the hot pools. I’m like, “Hey! You can’t just jump in there!” But they’re all like, “Chill, bro!” Ugh, kids these days.
Then, outta nowhere, this old lady comes up to me. She’s got this massive smile, and she’s like, “You’re doing a great job, dear!” I’m not gonna lie, that made my day. I mean, who doesn’t love a compliment? But then she starts telling me about her pet parrot. I’m standing there, nodding, but inside I’m like, “Lady, I gotta watch the streets!”
As the day goes on, I see more craziness. A guy in a tutu running down Hinemoa Street. A couple arguing over who gets the last meat pie at the bakery. And don’t even get me started on the tourists trying to figure out the bus system. It’s like watching a live-action comedy show.
By the time the sun starts setting, I’m exhausted but happy. Rotorua’s got this magic, man. The way the sky turns orange and pink over the lake? Breathtaking. I’m just about to call it a night when I hear this loud roar. I think it’s a lion or something. Nope! Just a bunch of kids on a bouncy castle.
So, I wrap up my shift, head home, and crash on the couch. I’m thinking about all the wild stuff that went down today. Rotorua, you crazy! But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just another day in the life of a Watchman. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!