Hanging Out at Crank

Working at Crank is kind of like being in college again because there’s a revolving door of people all the time. Maria, Cris and I are more permanent than most, but even my housekeeping staff seems to change every two to three weeks.

Some housekeepers clean better than others, but in general we have had so many nice people come through our doors. I guess when you’re most people are happy to be away from home and experiencing a new country. If you have to make a few beds or clean some toilets along the way it’s really minor compared to what you’re doing the rest of the time.

I also think it’s nice when the staff is able to get along and hang out after work hours. Because I’m working two jobs, it’s hard for me to do this a lot. Most of the time I head straight to bed after finishing a shift. But, every once in a while I’ll have the energy to hang out in reception. It’s always a good time.

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Burger Showdown: Breakers Cafe and Bar Vs. Burger Fuel

I have just about settled in to life here in Rotorua and everything, even the daily cleaning of the hostel, has become routine. It’s almost as if I’ve gone home and taken up a regular job that I go to every day. With my eyes set on saving some cash, I don’t really venture out much (not that there’s much to do in Rotorua by means of nightlife anyway). So, what’s left? Eating, of course. Here’s a quick review of two chain restaurants: Breakers Cafe and Bar and Burger Fuel.

Breakers Cafe and Bar

Alex, Miriam and I headed to Breakers one night for dinner. Miriam just started working with us so it was nice to spend some time getting to know her.  I ordered the Breakers Burger and we all shared a pitcher of orange Fanta. I can’t remember what the girls had. Charlyn also joined us later in the evening.

Anyway, getting to my burger – it was huge, juicy and hit the spot perfectly. The backpacker’s diet, if you don’t know, usually consists of a noodle (either pasta or instant ramen) and/or rice and veggies. It almost never includes meat, even if you’re not a vegetarian.

Meat, chicken and fish are difficult to transport and will go bad on you faster than a bottle of tomato sauce and some pasta. Also, to be honest, most of us won’t pay for the luxury of protein. Most backpackers would rather spend their money on entertainment (aka alcohol) than food. I’d just rather spend my money on future travels, but to each his own.

But on special occasions like this one, it’s nice to have a real meal away from the hostel and pretend that we all have the money to do this all the time. It’s amazing how something as normal as eating out with your friends becomes a luxury when you’re traveling and is such a normal thing when you’re at home. I think the burgers at Breakers get two thumbs up, even though the decor is slightly cheesy (it’s an American-themed surf restaurant).

Burger Fuel

The day before Alex left Crank, we decided to give Burger Fuel a try. We had a coupon for free chips (aka fries in the States) with the purchase of any burger. I got the Ring Burner (yes, that’s what it’s called) and a chocolate shake. Both were delish! The Ring Burner was this enormously messy thing that you had to hold with two hands. I think all of their burgers are like that. Only later did we learn that they have special burger holders that help you hold things together. As we weren’t in-the-know, we struggled to wrap our mouths around it all, but the effort was definitely worth it. Our burgers were truly filling and we didn’t even touch most of our chips, which was such a waste. Oh well.

On a side note, I can’t believe Alex is leaving already. I think she actually stayed longer than the two-week minimum required of our work-for-accommodation staff, but it seems that time has flown by once again. In addition to her departure, we’ve lost a few people already – Nynke, Nina and Lasse – and Miriam is also on her way out. New people arrive soon and I hope they’re easy-going.

In the showdown between Breakers and Burger Fuel, my vote goes to Burger Fuel simply because its sheer size. It also tastes great (at least mine did and Alex seemed to enjoy hers as well) and is made with a thick meat patty. Round one goes to Burger Fuel.

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International House of Housekeepers

Due to the unfortunate departure of the Malaysian girls, we had two spots to fill on our housekeeping squad. Nic, one of the hostel’s owners, hired Nynke from Holland and Nina from Germany. The ranks of our international housekeeping team quickly filled up and it was back to normal again.

Prior to joining Crank, Nynke had spent time in Tauranga with her extended family who had moved from Holland to New Zealand several years ago. She was relieved to finally be on her own again as living with her aunt and cousins had been a bit stifling. Shortly after being hired, she also took a second job at a hotel and worked with guests at the reception. Like me, she was working at the hostel for accommodation and working at her second job for wages.

Nina, however, was visiting New Zealand on her own. In Germany, she worked as a graphic artist and her long, hot pink hair just screamed out her creativity and individuality. Besides working in the creative arts field, she also did some stints in promotion for large companies and festivals.

I’m not sure how Lasse felt about having to share a room with three girls again, but for me it was a grand old time. Nynke and Nina were great to have around and we had a lot of fun conversations when we could all find the time to hang out together.

As Nynke took more hours at the hotel, she spent less time in our room. Soon, she was debating whether she should get her own place or not. On one hand, it was a bit difficult living in such close quarters and not having too much personal space. On the other hand, she would save more money if she stayed. In the end, she decided to rent a room and try to live the life of a local. That was part of the reason she came to New Zealand in the first place so I think it was a good call in the end, even if it meant we’d be losing another housekeeper and friend.