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Page 2 of 4
Chapter 2: The search for Randford, Lunch, and a Knife
Goal setting before major expeditions is both admirable and necessary, if one is not to waste time and resources on a futile dance through life. As such I had decided to focus on three things while in Dunedin, meeting old friends, finding a pocketknife for father's Christmas present and eating a fine lunch.
The latter two goals I felt would be accomplished with little trouble, given my knowledge of Dunedin's shopping precinct and eating establishments. The former goal was not so easily vanquished, while Wintersbell and I enjoyed regular contact, my other friend was harder to find. Randford, a former flatmate of both Meanderson and myself works for the Pharmacology Department at Otago, I had been unable to get in contact with him via cellphone or email so it was necessary to visit his office.
Adams Building, the location of the said department, is located on Frederick Street, right in the centre of town next to George St, a location that was not far from our starting point of the Captain Cook. Wintersbell and I took the lift to the third floor of Adams and commenced our efforts to locate Randford. However it soon became apparent that we had come at an inopportune time to find old friends. The lunching hour is, in hindsight, the wrong time to seek out the assistance of reception or administrative staff in locating a fellow staff member. Our inquiries came up in the negative and so we had to leave the building unsatisfied. Future visitors to that building would be advised to pay little heed to staff directories, even when helpfully placed by the lifts.
[The reader will be happy to know that I did later make contact with Randford over email and arranged to meet later in the month, in Christchurch where we enjoyed a delightful meal at a local eatery]
The first of my goals only partially fulfilled our party began to make our way to Lower Stuart Street, both to find a suitable eating place and find the knife. Dick Smith Electronics offered a brief respite from the sun while I searched for a USB cable, which was duly found and purchased. We then investigated the wares of several shops and cafes along the way, gaining both an idea of lunch prices and of the various types of knife on offer. On arrival at Lower Stuart Street we decided to eat first then finish up the business of the knife.
Bacchus Wine Bar, situated on the Lower Stuart Street corner of the Octagon was chosen, both for its reasonable prices and its known high quality meals. I had used this establishment last in 2001, where I had taken my family for graduation dinner, or should I say my family took me.
The staff seated Wintersbell and myself at a two-seat table near the bar, as there were few tables left. I had a pleasant view over the Octagon, but Wintersbell sadly had to eye up the entrance to the Toilets, which I can verify were both clean and serviceable.
We ordered drinks, and fitting the day beer was chosen, as it had the required features of being both cold and manly. In a sop to our environ we both selected Emerson's Weis Beer, a pleasing wheat beer brewed locally that I believe is available in Wellington. I ordered a Ceaser's Salad with smoked chicken, while Wintersbell ordered Eggs Benedict, both from the Brunch Menu.
We whiled away the next half an hour or so eating and making pleasant conversation, as is the custom at restaurants and eating-houses since time immemorial. The meal was heartily proclaimed by both parties to be highly satisfying, and of good value comparable to Wellington prices. On celebration of the Christmas spirit, that being the giving of gifts to friends, I decided to make a gift of the meal to Wintersbell. He graciously accepted and we enjoyed a complimentary mint for our troubles.
The lunching hour now over, with stomachs satisfied yet not overfull we returned to the purchasing of the knife. The knife had several requirements; it needed to be a Swiss Army knife, with multiple blades and accessories. Quality was an issue of course. I had attempted to find such a knife in Oamaru, however the range of knives on offer was limited, which encouraged the trip to Dunedin.
Recycled Recreation, of Lower Stuart Street offered fine service, good pricing and a wide range of products. After consultations with the staff member, Wintersbell and my own dark thoughts I eventually chose a model with a large, lockable blade, which is slightly bigger than the standard Swiss Army range. The bill settled we left the store with no real fixed goal.
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