Russel's not a party town

Trip Start Sep 05, 2007

Trip End May 01, 2008

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Flag of New Zealand Russell, North Island, New Zealand
Thursday, March 27, 2008

My last few days in Paihia weren't all that great. The weather turned crap and there was still enough of a flu to make me feel un-social. I did manage to get to Waitangi and the treaty grounds. Waitangi is where they consider the birth of New Zealand to have happened. A peace treaty with the Maori was signed, which made New-Zealand a colony, and gave the Maori rights of citizens. Considering how land has historically changed hands, they got a damn good deal.

I was finally well enough last night to hit the town. Russell isn't exactly a happening place, I had to concede to the bar-tender at the Pub. That's what it is called; "The Pub". He told me that food is better elsewhere.

I moved on down the orad and ordered some fish at a restaurant

Fire act

. And a large pint of beer. I invited myself to sit with a random couple that turned out to be from Sweden.

After travelling as a backpacker for a few month's you become somewhat jaded. You are always giving the same answers to the same questions, and receiving the same typical responses.

"Where are you from?"

"Canada. Wherein? What city? Is that near Quebec?"

"No, but it's close, only 7000 kms away." I just say Vancouver now. That's the only western city anyone has heard of. I've never understood why people ask where you are from if they don't have a clue about the geography. I guess I used to be guilty of that as well. A number of English have gotten strange looks when I didn't recognize their city. Or the city near their city. Now it's "North or South?"

Then there is the inevitable "I'm glad I didn't ask which State!" Honestly, I don't care. I do feel obligated to "thank" them at times. It's almost like people expect a "brownie badge" for guessing I'm not American.

After the Swedes left, I went back to the Pub. I felt obligated; I had told the guy I would be back for a beer. He seemed lonely. There was no one in the Pub but me. I tried to talk to him for two commercial breaks, before finally giving up and going home. I think a day-trip to Russell would have done.