FREE MOVIE

Justin and I had only been in town about 20 minutes.  I decided why not go right to Fiordland Cinema. I met Karen and introduced myself to her and mentioned that I was not the typical tourist she sees everyday.  She was so excited that Justin and I were going to be working at Fiordland Lodge for the summer, she told us we would be considered locals.  We have now lived in town for 8 weeks.

Part of being a local means we have the benefit of seeing Ata Whenua the film whenever we want, for FREE.  The movie was filmed by Kim Hollows also the owner of Fiordland Helicopters.  It’s only 32 minutes in length, yet it feels like a lengthy journey through Fiordland National Park as some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes are captured.  It’s truly spectacular.  We have seen it twice now, but I am sure that Justin and I will see the exhilarating film at least once more before we leave Te Anau.    Did we mention Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand.  Right here!!!  And we get to see Ata Whenua FREE whenever we want.

One Car on the Rocks

It was a semi-peaceful, semi-productive day of cleaning at Fiordland Lodge.  Cathryn and I had just finished cleaning one of the cabins.  It was time to drive back to the lodge.  As I was backing up I noticed we were really close to huge boulders that created a cliff near the driveway to the cabin.  I mentioned to Cath (aware that I was new at driving a stick) that I thought we were really close.  She assured me that we would be fine.  I felt slightly better and decided to try putting the vehicle into first gear in attempts to go up the hill away from the rocks.

Instead, Cath and I ended up straddling the rocks, with the rear of the vehicle ready to bound down the small cliff.

“No!  No!  No!”, not me.  Oh, no, I’ve got to go tell Ron the owner of the lodge and see if he can get us out of this less than optimal situation.  Cath and I walked back to the lodge towards Robynne and Ron’s home.  I knocked.  Entered confidently, until I realized I was interrupting Ron’s time of relaxing with televised golf.  After I told him what happened to the car, he smiled and asked, “Cabin 2?”.

Apparently, this happens to many guests staying in Cabin 2 and Ron was not surprised at all.  I still felt dumb for creating, One Car on the Rocks, Justin’s one of the bartenders at the lodge, not me.  But as the Kiwi’s say, “She’ll be right”.

Want a date too?

Soon after arriving to the Lodge one evening to serve dinner, I saw a delivery truck pull up.  I noticed a young guy dropping some boxes off in the hallway, and then he approached me for a signature.

I casually replied, “Sure, I’d love to sign!” in my happy cheerful way.  After signing it, and handing back the pen, I discovered I forgot to write the date at the designated place on the paper.

So, I innocently asked the guy, “Want a date too?”

He replied, “No”, then quickly changed his demeanor to a smooth talking Kiwi, “Well, now that you mention it, a date sounds pretty nice!”

Knowing I had a long night of serving tables, and enough people to deal with, I only had the heart to say, “RIGHT!  I’m not sure what the date is today.  Sorry about that!” and walk away.

In Conclusion

While living and working in New Zealand I have learned how to drive a stick sitting on the right side of the car, shifting with my left hand, while driving on the left side of the road.  If Justin and I get a rainy day during our last 9 days of living here, which will definitely occur, as some days I wonder if Noah felt like this shortly after building the ark. We should have the rainy-day excuse to see the FREE movie for a third and final time before making our departure from Te Anau.  Oh, and before we leave town, I have at least one potential date with a local.  It’s not as good as a proposal, but if it involves pizza, I’ll take the date, and even ask the nice delivery guy if my pizza-crazy husband can come along.

Tags | Natalie Saga, New Zealand