OPINION:
Nova Energy's TV commercial for its broadband service is a real earworm. Who knew there were so many words that start with broad?
I can't stand broad beans and have no experience with broad swords, but once Broadway was in my brain it wouldn't leave.
So, my cure was to take a walk with a super critical eye down the main stretch of our very own Broadway Ave.
Starting on the east side at the Princess St end, the first thing I notice is a billboard of a delicious-looking burger. Sadly ReBurger is closed. I discover later on Facebook "with the unprecedented amount of support the Palmy folk showed us, we drained Palmerston North dry and our suppliers were not able to keep up". A good sign a new business is being so well supported. Food, Glorious Food.
Well, I haven't actually tried a ReBurger yet, but by coming up with Broadway tunes I'm getting rid of my Nova earworm.
Ah yes, the newly opened Orphans Aid Op Shop. Annie, the effervescent orphan comes to mind. The shop's windows are beautifully presented.
Next stop, Richies Kai. It's busy. And they are selling plants. I spot a sign saying it's open until 3.30am ON Saturdays and Sundays. Wow, hanging out with the customers and staff at 2am one day would make a great story. I Dreamed a Dream I'd get out of bed to get there.
There's the old Whitcoulls building, still empty. It closed three years ago. Do you hear the people read (sing)? I can't remember how many years Abode Interiors has been closed but I still love those doors.
The two ATMs at either side of The Square end are not to be sneezed at. Getting in the money is getting harder as these once marvels of technology slowly disappear.
I'm on the west side now, outside my hairdressers, and pondering yet again the photo of the woman outside. Why does her dress need to be open to way below her breasts? What's with that. I complained to a male friend about it and he said not to worry, she doesn't have breasts. Well, not realistic, practical ones anyway. I'm no Dolly but I'm happy with my breasts.
What I'm not happy with is the sign outside a restaurant informing me "cute waitress on duty". Seriously, it's not the summer of 69.
Outside the Regent on Broadway, the jewel of the strip, a guy on a skateboard flies past playing an imaginary guitar. Classic. Give that guy a gig.
It soon becomes obvious the T & G Building is not the only one in need of some tender loving care. I spot the architectural equivalent of green snot on several buildings, including the much admired (by me anyway) art deco frontages.
I come to a sudden, slightly embarrassed stop. I've never noticed the dome and decorative vertical lines outside Kelly's Supermall before. I like.
There's the shiny shop the Naked Pie Man now works at. It's many a puff of smoke since Leighton Haar ran for mayor and presented me with a handwritten statement of why people should vote for him. Ah, the memories.
Hello, Hello World Travel. One Night in Bangkok. Thankfully, I can't feel the devil walking next to me. I've only been to Bangkok airport and that was a super stressful, fleeting visit as we were meant to be in Hong Kong. I note a sign on the door saying all the Hello World staff are studying at UCOL towards New Zealand diplomas of business. Impressive. They clearly get their kicks above the waistline, sunshine or not.
I note the Palmy banners, hanging baskets and lack of rubbish blowing around with approval.
I finish my jottings and mental joustings on a high outside HVM. I love their colourful ties and waistcoats just inside the door. I Could Have Danced All Night.
Ah, night. I need to do this all again but at night.