Brandy Keener

This is a picture 3 days after my wasp sting (Still red, itchy and sore)

Besides last week, I can’t remember the last time I was stung by a bee or a wasp?

Last Tuesday, Kai and I were driving to the West End for a beach playdate. As I got out of the car, I put my jandels (flip flops) on and felt a sting right between my big and second toe. I looked down and swatted the wasp out of there but it was too late. Funny because Kai and I seem to be the only ones in New Zealand who ALWAYS wear shoes. One of our little friends who is 10 will go to school all day barefoot. People will be barefoot on the beach, at the park and in the grocery store here. Not me, I wear my shoes almost always and I still got stung. Funny how that works.

My foot itched so much and was sore for a little over a week. I had a massage the day after I got stung and forgot to mention it to the massage therapist. So, half way through the massage she started massaging my foot (it wasn’t swollen yet but itched like crazy) I loved it! It felt like she was itching it from the inside. Looking back, I think she spread the venom all around my foot because after the massage my foot swelled up and wouldn’t fit in my shoe. I’m just saying..

Sporting my black hair color just a couple of months earlier

When I decided to color my hair from black to blonde I was eager to get it done. It didn’t matter that I had 5 years of permanent black hair color on my hair or that I only had 3 weeks to do it. Luckily, I have an amazing hair stylist who is like a magician.

After four sessions of 3+ hours in less than 3 weeks, I was officially blonde. The best part was the company of my favorite hair stylist in Portland OR who is full of fun! Funny part is that I knew I was heading to New Zealand for awhile and figured I’d just have some serious roots. Sure, I’m having fun with them but am starting to sniff around for hair stylists and salons here in New Zealand because I wouldn’t mind losing my roots. If you have a stylist you love, you feel my pain because looking for a new stylist can be very daunting.

Of course the big risk is coloring my hair again and having it fall out. I was definitely warned and am a little iffy about seeing someone here in New Zealand. I suppose I could start fresh with a cute, short cut if I color it again and it falls out. I’m just saying..

My perfect Americano in New Zealand

Where’s the Starbucks? Not here, not in Ohope or Whakatane New Zealand. Instead, it’s a Long Black or a Flat White. I added the link of my video from 3 years ago talking about the Long Black or Flat White, some things never change. Except maybe my hair color.

A flat white is similar to a latte and a long black is similar to an americano. However, every coffee shop is drastically different when making their long blacks. Typically, a long black is just that; LONG and BLACK. So, forget ordering a 1/2 caf americano because most espresso machines only pour double shots in New Zealand and if you order 1/2 decaf you’ll be paying for 4 shots. Yikes. Better just to roll with it and go for that double shot! I have found a few coffee shops that are nice are happy to make my “special americano.” Two shots of espresso, hot water, 2 raw sugars and a little soy milk on the side. My favorite coffee shops also have coffee cards (not punch cards like I mistakenly called them and was corrected) where you buy 8 drinks and get one free. Sweet As! (means awesome or cool in New Zealand)

Posing, pre-run with my special americano

Tips When Ordering Coffee In New Zealand

1. Ask for what you want but be ready to take what they make

2. Be prepared for strange looks and salty faces when ordering your tall americano with 2 raw sugars and a little soy milk

3. They like to put the sugar in and stir it for you so order it all at once

4. Ask for a coffee card if you think you’ll be back

5. Ask for “takeaway” when ordering if you want your coffee to go

6. No tips! Just accept it and don’t force our “US crazy tipping culture” upon kiwis. It makes them uncomfortable.