Oamaru
New Zealanders are not really known for their love of berets. I have a few customers here, mainly in Wellington and Otago, often writers and artists, generally rugby fans (there is a strong link between berets and rugby that I still have not been able to unravel), but altogether, not your average Kiwi bloke. "We're an odd lot, us beret wearers", I quote one of my customers.
But when you do see them, they're not the average beret either, I learned while visiting the beautiful town of Oamaru during my last holidays.
In one of the many art and antique stores, I found this large collection of crafty (re-crafted) berets. Not completely my style, but good to see them anyway.
Can you please tell me where these were in Oamaru? I like them and live a few hours away.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Ah, I couldn't tell you the name of the place, but it is hard to miss: small, very well preserved old street in the old part of town between the 'Steam Punk HQ and the waterfront with playground at the other end; big hall that serves as a kind of antique market, with one of the stalls selling these berets. I know this sounds like hopeless directions, but I'm sure most in Oamaru could guide you to it with these directions. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThankfully, we are not all the average kiwi bloke. I prefer my own non-stereotype identity which isn't enforced by society at-large. Perhaps, that's why I'm drawn to berets. Reading this blog has shown me that a wearing a beret can be a sign of counter-culturalism. That's where I want to be and now my beret can give a message of where I stand.
ReplyDelete