Working in Russell for 6 weeks was a very welcomed change from the backpacking life. Back to a routine and a place to call home for the time being. Russell is a small holiday town situated in the Bay of Islands. It is a very popular place during the summer because many Aucklanders have holiday homes there. During the winter it only has about 500 permanent residences. I was very excited when I saw the job post because The Bay of Islands is my favourite spot in New Zealand. Amazing views only minutes from the flat, friendly people and a beach in walking distance how can I not love everyday here!
When I arrived in Russell I was brought to the staff house and introduced to my flatmates. There were 6 of us living in a 3 bedroom house 15 minutes walk from work. I was working in a little gift/coffee shop called Indulgenz. The owners of the gift shop also owned the Kamakura restaurant, which my other 5 flatmates worked at, and the Pizza Port. Work consisted of helping customers, completing inventory count, set up product display and making coffee. Coffee was a little bit of a challenge coming from a filter coffee country. Kiwi’s take their coffee very seriously, it’s almost an art form here. After a few days of practise I finally got the hang of it, I think I make a pretty good espresso coffee now ;) I had a few regulars so they must have thought my coffee was good. haha
The people reminded me a little of Kap because everyone knew each other and always said hello to you when walking in town. One of the local Mini Tour Bus Driver would pick me up and give me a ride to work if he saw me walking. Just another confirmation of how Kiwi’s are truly friendly people. On my day off I would go do my groceries and laundry and either go shopping or spend a few hours on the beach. Most nights my flatmates and I would enjoy a few glasses of wine after they were done work and once in a while we would head down to Hone’s the local beer garden in Town. I was lucky enough it only rained about 3 times during my 6 weeks, most of the time the sun was shining which made my stay in Russell all the better.
