OK, forget what I said , let’s talk about the war.
I moved into new digs Tuesday, as you know. It’s as good as can be expected, in many ways;
- It’s 5 minutes on a bike to the Esplanade
- It’s good temperature-wise. It’s got good aircon, and the bedroom ceiling fan is effective, even if sounds like a blender on slow. The patio is under a shelter, out of the direct sunlight, and gets a cool afternoon breeze
- It’s secure.
- One of the other flatmates, Hamish, is an escapee from Gore. But he’s overcome that, and he’s been friendly , generous, and accommodating. He’s been in Aussie for many years, and works night-shifts on the Stop / Go roadsigns for $30 / hour.
Liebensraum
It’s very early days, but the other guy, by contrast, is a humorless German, Peter.
He’s having trouble adjusting to a third flatmate, and every time we’ve talked directly, he’s complained or given orders about something or other.
For example, there are two shared fridges in the flat. In his universe, three into two works like this – one for you two, and one for me. It sounds petty, but without fridge-space I’ll be eating junkier food. So sooner or later, there will need to be compromise.
Right now, though, I’m the New Guy – Poland if you will – to his Germany. If it comes to a scrap, I’m guessing the Landlord would give me the marching orders, so I’m being diplomatic.
Gated
Most residences here are behind at least one high locked gate, as if there’s a low-level siege mentality.
Not nearly at the same level as Vietnam, but it’s noticeable for a small-town lad.
Along with a wide range of foreigners, there also seems to be noticeably more Lost Souls here than back in Whangarei . People shouting at windmills and sucking on bags of dubious liquid, or just making the place look untidy.
I guess the Haves are barricading themselves against the Have-Nots.
When In Rome
The weather is even better than expected. It’s not rained once, during daylight, since I’ve been here.
Like most of the natives, I gad about in shorts and a t-shirt, and haven’t yet worn shoes.
All of that seems to be agreeing with me, and if this continues, I may be some time.