My experiences in NZ #31

Hello there.

Yesterday, I shared that I decided to take a job interview at “Chateau Tongariro hotel” with you, and I’d love to continue from where I ended last time.

I mentioned it would take about six hours, but since the train didn’t come and operate on time, it took more than seven hours. Holy cow!

Aside from that, I enjoyed my first train journey abroad. It was like the Japanese TV program “See The World By Train -Sekai no shaso kara.” Finally, I arrived at the National Park Railway Station. Although I don’t remember clearly, someone from the hotel picked me up and took me to the hotel.

After arriving at the hotel, I left my luggage in my room and grabbed some food. Luckily, I found the daily like a Japanese convenience store nearby and got some food. I wanted to stroll around but thought I should have returned to the hotel before dark.

They had a swimming pool at the hotel, and I was permitted to swim there, but I was not in the mood since I was so nervous about the job interview the next day.

Instead of swimming, I was bathing for a long time in my room. After that, I went to bed and watched TV; I couldn’t enjoy it and sleep well.

The following day, I had some food in my room, checked out first, and took the interview. And then, they said to take the technical test for the restaurant service, and the restaurant manager took me to the restaurant.

The contents of the technical test were serving meals and taking orders.

Regarding serving meals, they asked me how many plates I could have simultaneously, and I showed them that I could hold three plates in my left hand and one more dish in my right hand. In addition, they asked me to serve napkins that look like food with a serving spoon and fork. It is one of the techniques of restaurant service. Of course, I completed it perfectly.

The next task was taking orders. I handed the restaurant manager, acting as a customer, the menu for easy viewing with the words, “Here is the menu; I’ll take your order later.” After a while, I approached her and asked, “May I take your order?” she said, “Yes, please.” And then, I took her order. After that, she asked me which NZ wine suits her cuisines, but I needed to learn enough.

And then, she said to me, “Well done. However, unfortunately, we need knowledge about NZ wines, so we can’t hire you. Sorry.” That’s it.

I couldn’t work there, but it was a valuable experience. Honestly, I don’t remember on the way back to Auckland; I must have been on that train again that never operated on time, though.

That’s all for today, and to be next time. See you around.