OMG, what a day! Like, seriously, I can’t even. So, I’m a Maiko, right? And today was just a rollercoaster in Titirangi. First off, I woke up late. Classic me. My alarm? Totally ignored it. I was supposed to be at the Titirangi Village by 10, but nah, I rolled outta bed at, like, 9:45. Panic mode activated! I dashed down Titirangi Road, hair all over the place. I mean, who needs a comb when you’ve got the wind? 😂 Anyway, I finally made it to the village, and wow, it was buzzing! The cafes were packed, and I could smell the coffee from a mile away. I swear, if I could bottle that smell, I’d be rich. So, I’m strutting my stuff, trying to channel my inner grace, when I bump into this dude. Like, full-on collision. He spills his flat white all over my kimono. Ugh! I was fuming! I mean, come on, dude! But then he starts apologizing like crazy, and I couldn’t help but laugh. He was so flustered, it was kinda cute. After that little mishap, I decided to hit up the Titirangi Market. It’s on every Saturday, and let me tell ya, it’s a vibe! Fresh produce, handmade crafts, and the best part? The live music! I was grooving to some local band, and it just hit me—this place is magic. The energy, the people, the food! I grabbed a mean pie from the bakery on South Titirangi Road. Like, seriously, best pie ever. But then, outta nowhere, it started pouring. I mean, typical NZ weather, right? One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s a monsoon. I ducked into this cute little shop on Scenic Drive. It’s got all these quirky knick-knacks. I found this ridiculous gnome statue that looked like it was judging me. I had to take a pic. #GnomeGoals 😂 So, I’m stuck in there, waiting for the rain to chill, and I start chatting with the shop owner. She’s this lovely lady, super friendly. Turns out, she’s been living in Titirangi for, like, 30 years! She told me all these stories about the area. Did you know there’s a hidden waterfall nearby? I’m def gonna check that out later. Finally, the rain eased up, and I made my way to the Titirangi Beach. Yes, there’s a beach! It’s not your typical sandy paradise, but it’s got its charm. The waves were crashing, and I just sat there, soaking it all in. I felt so free. Like, who needs a fancy life when you’ve got this? But then, I saw this kid trying to fly a kite. And let me tell ya, it was a disaster. The kite was all tangled up, and the poor kid was crying. I couldn’t help but step in. I mean, I’m a Maiko, I’ve got skills, right? So, I helped him untangle it, and when it finally took off, his face lit up! It was the cutest thing ever. Made my day, for real. As the sun started to set, I walked back through the village. The lights were twinkling, and everything felt magical. I stopped by the local pub, The Titirangi Tavern, for a quick drink. I ordered a cider, and the bartender was super chill. We ended up chatting about the best hiking spots around. I’m def hitting up the Waitakere Ranges next weekend. So, yeah, my day was a whirlwind. From coffee spills to kite rescues, Titirangi really knows how to keep it interesting. I’m exhausted but happy. This place? It’s got my heart. Can’t wait for tomorrow! 🌟