I thought Dunedin might be a little lacking in character when I moved down from Wellington a few weeks ago to take up a job at the ODT.
I was wrong.
If anything, Dunedin has more character than Wellington because it comes without the pretence.
The city chugs along without feeling the need to draw too much attention to itself. It's ''Absolutely, Positively, Real.''
The vibe is: ''If you're here, you know what it's all about and you're welcome. If you're not here, we're not going to beg you to come - it's your loss.''
This is proven by the number of people I have interviewed already who have lived in the area all their lives and have no desire to move.
They haven't been boring people who don't seek change or adventure - it seems to me they have considered themselves lucky enough to stumble upon a place or be born in a place which can offer those things in daily life.
I sat in the Octagon the other day and did some people-watching.
A guy in an outfit not too dissimilar from Gandalf the Grey's, walked into the Night'n Day shop. Staff didn't bat an eyelid.
A ''professional'' looking man was taking video footage of the Octagon and seemed like he was a bit pressured for time.
Another man who looked as if he might be a little under the weather, or under the influence, or both, got in his frame and insisted on giving a wee performance.
The cameraman let him do it. Then he let him do it again, and again, and again, and again.
''This is the absolute last time!'' he said each time.
When he finally got rid of the ''performer'', he said ''I can't guarantee you'll be famous'' and continued with his job.
Now, I don't know if this was a particularly patient Dunedin man, or if he was from Dunedin at all, but I have found that Dunedin people seem to be not only patient but proud of their local characters.
People here seem to have time for everyone. That's a sign of a relaxed city - a city that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Dunedin is a dark horse when it comes to leisure activities.
For example the area has some absolutely world class surf breaks - St Clair (which everyone knows about), but also Aramoana, Murdering Beach, Blueskin Bay, Warrington, Karitane ... . the list is endless.
It isn't marketed as THE place to go, like Raglan and Taranaki are up north, but it really is THE place to go if you're a surfer.
If you're not into the adventure side of things, there's enough here to keep you occupied.
Every bar and cafe seems to strive for a point of difference.
The streets aren't boring - there's enough going on for a walk down George St to be of interest.
That's partly due to the student culture. Although they may be filthy, boozed up creatures (just kidding - I was one such creature only a short time ago), they add value to the city.
They keep things interesting and they ensure the city doesn't go down a ''one size fits all'' track.
One last thing before I get too carried away
- it's a beautiful city. Amazing old buildings indicating a wealth of history, lots of trees, lots of areas to sit and watch, a sublime coastline, a bloody good rugby team.
I'm told it gets cold, though.
