Settling In Again

Two weeks ago, I could only have guessed where Arthur's Pass was. After a quick job application and a two-day journey, it has become my place of residence (“home” is too strong a term for now). As easily as the pieces fell into place, a smooth transition to a new life was not guaranteed. But I can happily report that I have settled in quite well here, something that has become a trend since I've been in New Zealand. I have been experiencing some serious technical difficulties: my computer has had problems accessing the internet in Arthur's Pass, and my attempts to solve it have only made it worse. Meanwhile, my cell phone decided to get stuck in headset mode, meaning I can't make calls or hear incoming ones without wearing headphones.

This general breakdown of communication with the outside world and the geographic isolation of Arthur's Pass have allowed me to focus on learning my new job, which is much more involved than the similar one I had in Wellington. Not only am I working more hours, but my duties include a much broader range of tasks. Despite having worked in hospitality multiple times before, I remain a fairly unskilled employee – that is, I am not a barista, bartender, or cook, all of which are positions that require specific experience despite being dismissed by many people as fairly menial jobs. It seems that is about to change, as my new job requires me to be part cook, part baker, and soon, part barista. People might wonder how anyone could stay in Arthur's Pass without getting bored; it looks like I'll be able to do so just by turning up for work.

Despite having a barely noticeable number of permanent residents, Arthur's Pass attracts a fair amount of business due to its location. I estimate at least half of our customers are internationals (as well as several of the staff), and they tend to come in bunches via bus tours. Even cruise ship passengers make it up here, as Arthur's Pass is only about two hours from Akaroa, the port used to access Christchurch since the recent earthquakes. There are Kiwi tourists as well, and some people do stay longer to take advantage of the hiking trails. But hearing American tourists navigate New Zealand's coinage out loud as they pay for their ice cream is enough to make me feel like a local after less than a week.