Anything Goes

Update 2016-11-06

meweisma — Sun, 6 Nov 2016 10:12:00 GMT

Hello!

I have been in Auckland now since Thursday (Nov, 3). Its a beautiful city and I have really enjoyed exploring the museums, landmarks, and even climbed a active volcano. But I am ready to move out of the city and explore the rest of New Zealand. My next stop is Whangarei (pronounced phan-ga-rei). Ange says its another city like atmosphere which I think will be fine... I guess I will easy myself into the country.

Ange and Gerard have been my hosts since arriving to NZ. They have been truly wonderful people and I owe them a bottle of whiskey (Anges drink of choice) when I swing back through Auckland to thank them for their generous hospitality.

The family I am staying with is my first help exchange. I am feeling nervous but I think once I arrive that will go away. I am providing child care, spring cleaning and gardening help so it shouldnt be to hard and if it goes well then maybe I'll stay on with them for an extra week. Fingers crossed!

Anyways I am off to find some lunch before it starts to rain.

Bye for now!!

I'm packed!

meweisma — Tue, 1 Nov 2016 15:05:00 GMT

I am packed. Actually, I am pretty sure that I am overpacked and could stand to leave a few things behind. But everything fits into my 40L travel pack and day pack (shout out to Osprey, they make awesome travel backpacks). My emotions about the trip oscillate between excited and anxious. I am staying with my brothers friend in Auckland when I land and then going to stay with a helpx host in Whangarei (2 hours northeast of Auckland). After that I don’t know… I have about six weeks before my family comes to visit so I have some time to explore by myself.

If anyone has traveled NZ before and has recommendations for the North Island let me know!

To blog or not to blog

meweisma — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 22:50:00 GMT

As I get closer to my departure date a lot of family and friends have been asking me about whether or not I will keep a blog. I had previously thought about having one but ultimately decided against it due to the fact that I most likely wouldn’t keep up with it and instead would keep in touch via email and facebook.

So why do I have a blog now? Well it was offered to me with my travel health insurance (weird right?) and to be honest I have never been good at keeping in touch with people on a regular basis so I think this is a good way to keep those interested up to speed on my whereabouts. I won’t make any promises though, I may not update frequently but I will try my best to keep up with it.