This one will go down well at MMP HQ where a true blue Dunedinite, of course now based in Sydney with the rest of New Zealand, runs the show and edits without personal bias. Budding Grove is taking in some South Island action this week, with stops in Dunedin and Gore. Let’s leave it at that in as far as an explanation.
What strikes me first and foremost is the guy sitting next to me on the plane with the newly deep vocal tones is reading one of those Rugby Magazines, you didn’t think anyone actually opened them, or that they had anything inside the cover, but were more of a shelf filler or a badge of masculinity. I mustn’t be rude however, one would suspect the journalism is better than what you are currently reading, and of course sports writing has the sensitivity to lead into gross exaggeration and senseless hyperbole without seeming ridiculous, which suits me fine, as an idea. (On a not totally unrelated note what the fuck is Air NZ doing making its cups the names of Rugby players, it does not feel right drinking my tea out of Jerome Kaino, I can’t imagine even Jerome is OK with this!?)
I’ve been to Dunedin once, and enjoyed it immensely, finally grasping the identity of a city and area that has put such cultural ignition into NZ. I did however wait until I knew no one left at Otago University, which is what took me so long to visit, as it seems even those people who learnt nothing at University were there an eternity. In saying that someone else once said “at University you can only teach what will need to be learnt later”.
I have never been to Gore however, I am nervous. It is cold there, proper cold. Below freezing. I am a pussy. I have lots of clothes and am an onion but I am still nervous. I have a beard, this gives me some confidence. I do however dress like what some would describe as a weirdo, will this be an issue? I will not compromise on this point anyhow.
I look forward to providing relatively entertaining reports on what might be of interest in Dunedin, but in the meantime if the MMP connected brethren of Dunedin feel compelled to pass judgement on what might be appropriate to do/see/experience I will endeavour to check my superiority complex and test the waters.
I have chosen Albert Camus’s book Rebel and Sigur-Ros’ untitled album and Micheal Haneke’s film White Ribbon as my ode of entertainment and accompaniment whilst in the South. I feel these were good choices…? Said Editor will have no opinion because he is has only ever read biographies on wicketkeepers and a single novel I gave him.
BG
Dunedin – go to Balmacewan and play golf. That is all. Oh, and pop up to Pine Hill and say hi to Aunty Barb and Uncle Don for me. In Gore feel free to take the dusty road up to Lamb Hill and have lunch with Auntie Polly and Uncle Golly. They are bloody champions and Golly’s beard will give yours a true run for its money.
Looks like all my relations live on Hills
I love this. If you venture to Invercargill, have a wine with Jo and Pete. Actually Jo is going to see you in your finery at the fashion awards…so no doubt shell accost you and tell you of her love for World.
Have lunch at Poppa’s Pizza’s behind the library. It’s a grease-fest and you can keep some in your beard for later on. Have a sub AND a pizza. Don’t fuck about.
Pray tell, what was the novel?
St Clair, Filadelfios Pizza, the DISGUSTING fish tank at De Lusso, the lookout above Opiho, the aviary at the Botanical Gardens, Mosgiel op shops, the second hand record and book shop in South D and its collection of Flyin Nun 7inches, Flying Nun more generally, SNOW. DUNEDIN RULES MAN.
Get in a cab (do they even have cabs down there) and on a plane back to the mainland before you are hunted down and eaten by the locals (more commonly referred to as “southern beauties”) – good luck! As a side suggest a spot of white baiting – can only imagine that you could find an amazing creek side spot for the next world shoot!