Ink, Burgers, and Farewell Kindness

I'd decided on a yellow-eyed penguin, hoping to incorporate a kiwi design within its belly, a symbol of New Zealand. I was scheduled to meet Crazy Horse at noon, but a late start to my morning meant I arrived about 30 minutes late. Thankfully, it was met with good-natured ribbing.

Crazy Horse, a true artist, doesn't just offer flash designs. He creates custom pieces. He showed me his initial sketch, explaining the challenge of incorporating a kiwi into the penguin's belly. "If I do this, your penguin's going to have a dick," he bluntly stated. I laughed, realizing the kiwi's long beak would indeed create an awkward silhouette.

Instead, he presented an amazing design featuring mountains, the ocean, native flowers, and the hoiho. It was perfect! I’d initially wanted the tattoo on my ribs, but he advised against it, explaining that women's bodies change more in that area. I ended up getting it on my right forearm, the start of what I envision as a New Zealand-themed sleeve.

Two and a half hours later, I had a beautiful, unique penguin tattoo. Crazy Horse wrapped it up, and I left, thrilled with the result. If you're in Dunedin and want a one-of-a-kind tattoo experience, I highly recommend Crazy Horse Tattoos.

His wife, who is celiac, recommended "Pattie's and Cream," a burger and ice cream joint. I explained my dietary restrictions, and they served me a delicious gluten-free burger. I opted for their rock fruit sweet tea, a taste of home. Growing up in the Southern US, I know good sweet tea, and Pattie's and Cream nailed it. It was perfectly brewed, with no artificial flavors. This place is a must-try! The owner’s story, starting with a food truck and now owning multiple restaurants, is truly inspiring.

After lunch, a wave of sadness washed over me as I realized I was leaving in two days. I decided to buy some treats for my B&B host's outdoor cat. She was an old stray, living outside, and I wanted to make her comfortable. I brought her snacks, extra bedding, and helped remove some mats from her fur. She was the sweetest, most trusting cat.

I then took photos of the B&B property, wanting to capture its beauty. While doing so, my host invited me for dinner the following evening. I was delighted and accepted. She also offered me a ride into town to pick up my rental car the next morning, which was incredibly kind and helpful.