Dunedin's a Weird One, Seriously
okay, so i’m still vibrating. like, actually vibrating. i landed in dunedin, new zealand, yesterday and it’s… intense. the air smells like damp wool and something vaguely metallic, which is probably the iron deposits or something. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the pressure’s sitting at 1000, humidity’s clinging to everything like a second skin, and it’s a solid 16.74 degrees celsius. feels like 16.74 too, which is just… unsettling.
I’m a touring session drummer, so my brain is perpetually wired for rhythm and chaos, but even I wasn’t prepared for this. it’s not…pretty, you know? it’s got this gritty, almost bruised beauty. like a boxer who’s taken a few too many hits.
I’m staying in this tiny Airbnb - seriously, it’s basically a glorified shed - and the landlord, Agnes, keeps leaving me these little jars of pickled onions. she says they’re ‘traditional.’ i’m not convinced. she also told me someone saw a shadow man near the harbor last week. someone told me that… it’s probably just the light, but you know how it is.
Spent the afternoon wandering around the *Otago Peninsula. it’s all dramatic cliffs and windswept beaches. i managed to snag some shots with my camera - the light here is insane. seriously, the way it hits the water is… wow. i need to get some of these edited.
Checked out Baldwin Street - the steepest residential street in the world. i almost face-planted. multiple times.
Seriously considering a hike up Flagstaff Hill. it’s supposed to have incredible views. but i’m also pretty low on water and my feet are already screaming. pro tip: bring more water than you think you need. like, a lot more.
I found this little cafe called ‘The Drunken Sailor’ - it’s basically a converted shipping container. the coffee was… okay. a little bitter, but the vibe was good.
Speaking of vibes, if you get bored, Christchurch is just a short drive away. apparently, they’ve got a really cool street art scene. i’m not a huge street art person, but i’m always up for a new experience. check out some of the murals on this local board.
I overheard a group of tourists arguing about whether the Larnach Castle was ‘worth the hype.’ one of them said it looked like a giant, crumbling gingerbread house. another one just kept repeating, “it’s…atmospheric.” i think they were both slightly drunk.
My gear list for this trip:
My drumsticks (obviously) - gotta keep the rhythm alive.
Camera - for capturing the weirdness.
Water bottle - crucial.
Pickles (thanks, Agnes) - i’m not sure i’ll ever understand.
A ridiculously oversized hoodie - it’s chilly.
* Earplugs - for Agnes’s stories about shadow men.
Seriously, this place is a trip. it’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking for something a little…offbeat, you might just find yourself liking it.
And if you're looking for a good place to eat, I heard that this Yelp page has some solid recommendations. Just… maybe don’t ask for the pickled onions.