was the cafe a Starbucks? (Just thought I'd ask, since I'm not sure how relevant any of my questions could possibly be).
No - Starbucks actually isn't very successful in Australasia because we have so many better alternatives. I'm glad no Dwarves or Umbrellas were harmed, but what about hobbits?
They're fine too This is New Zealand after all, is it not... were there Elves?
No Were they harmed?
They were not I hope not... We know Bilbo has an umbrella stand...was this cafe in the Shire?
No. Nor was it in Matamata (although, unlike Wellington, one could use an umbrella in Matamata without it being torn to shreds in seconds) Was your manager Lobelia Sackville-Baggins?
No She had an umbrella...*hopeful*
She lives in Christchurch, where it is also possible to use umbrellas, although they will not protect you from earthquakes (please don't tell me I'm on the wrong track...I live in hope that the wonderful WiZ is a resident of Middle-earth, even if only the cinematic version)
Alas, this is set in the relatively mundane real-life New ZealandI did enjoy your questions, though. Some established points to ponder:- My decision was based on avoiding paying for my much-better-paid manager's coffee
- I had intended initially to take the lift, but changed my mind
- My manager and I saw each other on 10F when she was an occupant in the lift, but I was not
- There is no established cultural paradigm dictating who buys the other coffee under certain circumstances (including, but not limited to, who arrives at the cafe first)