Something to Write Home About

Dunedin. We're feeling the effects of last night's birthday champagne, margaritas and karaoke. We've checked out of our hotel after sneaking me in for free. So we’re looking for somewhere to chill.

“Wherever we end up today, I wanna be by the water, eating something good,” says Jaimee. I know exactly where to go.

We turn right at the Shark Bell. This is Waterfront Cafe neighbourhood. There’s one packed cafe buzzing with energy. It draws us in.

We score the best table, next to huge windows. The view of the ocean is superb. It's blue and just wild enough, with surfers and a tiny island. Every so often a surfer wipes out, which gives me a little thrill. People pass by along the esplanade. A dad skates behind his son, who is on a scooter, in a cape.

We all order the baked eggs, mine without eggs. After a while, we forget we've ordered and have to ask each other: “Did we order food?” We’re too relaxed to mind.

Funky purple and cream flowers are in a tiny 'school milk' bottle on our table. Going to the bathroom inspires me to redecorate my home.

I’m so happy I boogie in my seat. A waitress comes over. I wonder if my fist pumping the air has brought her over. I was just dancing. But top marks for attentiveness.

I feel incredibly affectionate towards my coffee and to everyone who helped bring it to me. “Fluffy cup of hugs” is literally the phrase that pops into my mind while I drink it. Maybe it’s the state I’m in, but this is the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.

We all comment on how we don't feel like we're in Dunedin. This could be Melbourne or somewhere further afield.

Dessert menu. I'm a new vegan and I suddenly realise tiramisu is gone from my life. I must find a recipe when I get home. Meanwhile, the limoncello semi-freddo with plums might be okay.

We are filmmakers and storytellers, we tired girls sitting in this café. We wonder about the stories around us. All these people – where are they going today? The cafe characters change as customers finish their meals. We know them in simple roles that don’t sum them up. The waiters here: we know them as waiters. I’m enjoying my role this morning as someone who eats brunch.

Outside, two girls walk past in matching puffer jackets and scarfs. A couple in white bucket hats enjoy their Sunday walk. We decide we are in New Zealand.

We’ve been there for over two hours when the bill comes. We could stay all day. Trying to keep our incredible moods, we head off to search for another café.