So, you left Auckland almost by three hours, it’s dark, you have spend one hour driving in what seems to be loops. You got to get to this tavern, it says it’s open until late but it’s very late now…let’s hope it’s still open.
They...say you can sleep at the back.
It should be somewhere around here… you pass the point that google maps says… Your eyes are tired, your mind starts “drifting”… until you see the lights!!
You drive quietly, not sure if you are disturbing at that time. Imagine it’s real dark around you, the sky and the stars are the only light other than the tavern.
You park the car at the front and you can already feel the warmth coming from that place, the wood that surrounds the Tavern.
It’s mystical, seems to jump back in time, when concrete wasn’t an option.
You can see someone inside, you open the door, and walk your first step in. Everything warms up, from your bones to your soul. A wood real f#cking authentic Tavern, with the most local people you’ll could possibly find.
The owner, Mike, can feel the cold coming out of you… but he can warm you up with a big smile. What can you do? You order a beer of course! You’ll have two options: “The light p#ssy one, or the real kiwi dark beer that men drink”.
You choose, mate.
That stuff goes down real good, no joke. Now it’s time to decide what person you want to be: you can sit in one of the many tables and enjoy your beer, or start talking with whoever else is at the bar with you. Not only will you meet real locals, but you’ll meet real people. Don’t expect fake compliments, or fake smiles. Expect, instead, real conversations, real deep connections that only few places can still give you on this planet, without the feeling of being just another customer.
In here, You are a person.
Stay at the bar, play some pool, have another couple of beers.
This moment will last forever, and will bring out memories and feelings that had for too long been forgotten.
When you had enough, go to sleep. You’ll wake up tomorrow with one of the best view you could ever imagine, surrounded by hills, cows and the same Tavern, that now seems sleeping, waiting for another night, another tired traveller.
If any of this rang a bell in you, in your soul, then this is The place. You know what I’m talking about. Or you are curious enough to come and see.
If none of this had any effect on you, I won’t lie to you: maybe you should go somewhere else. Or, maybe, you should challenge your inner self, and step your first foot in. The Tavern is not a place for everyone, but everyone should go at The Tavern at least once.
With Love,
Francesco & ValentinaMore