I'm still alive

I know you were worried--more than two days without a blog post. Your finger must be hurting from clicking "refresh" so many times over the last 72 hours. Take an aspirin. Go ahead; I'll wait.


Better? Good. OK, so I've been enjoying my new home the last few days. I worked my first shift on Thursday--it's going to be interesting. It's a great restaurant, but it's very fast-paced. There's a lot of things on the menu that I've never heard of, and we do everything manually. That is, we don't enter the orders into a computer. Rather, we have an old-school triplicate order pad that we hand to the kitchen. I've noticed that this seems to be the way things work in restaurants here in NZ. I'm convinced that much of this country is stuck in 1989 America. More on that in future posts. Anyway, the job should be a fun challenge and should help me ease my savings account's pain.

As far as accomodation goes, I have been staying at the Wellywood Backpackers, casually considering my options. One is that I can get a weekly rate here for quite a bargain of a price. A lot of the flat rooms and house rooms available are only free for the summer, or until about mid-February, as they're pretty much all sublets from university students. And many of them cost more than it would cost to stay here. And at the hostel, I'm a three minute walk from work, a one-minute walk to many of the popular bars and five minutes from anything else I might need. It's hard to argue with that. So it's likely that I'll start with the weekly rate here and if something good comes up elsewhere, I'll take it.

Lastly, I probably will be having my laptop shipped to me. (I didn't take it initially because that's a hell of a liability to worry about when you're traveling constantly and sharing rooms with seven people you have known for less than two hours.) This (I hope) is good news for you, as I will be able to provide some enhanced content: more videos, gorgeous panoramic shots that I've taken, etc. And it's good news for me because I won't have to use dodgy shared computers that run Windows.

More exciting things to come soon--I've been sketching out a bit of an "editorial calendar" in my mind. And please don't lose hope if I go a couple days without an update. I have a lot of bars to hit and only six or seven months to do it in.

Sights of Wellington

Since I'm not working yet (some training tonight and first shift next Thursday), I've been taking the time to get to know the city I'll call home for the next several months. Every city has its iconic places that are must-sees. New York has Times Square, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Paris has the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

Can you name any of Wellington's iconic sights? I didn't think so. But you can now:

Being the capital of the country, Wellington hosts New Zealand's parliamentary offices. Are the prime minister and her cabinet set up in some grand building of marble and towering pillars? Nope. They're in a Beehive.




Wellington is only half the size of Omaha, yet it feels at least twice as big. The downtown area is a buzzing place. Lambton Quay (say "key") is the heart of the downtown area.




If you want to get out of the concrete jungle, Wellington's got a great option. The city's cable car has been hauling people up the hill since the early 1900s.




At the top station is the city's botanical gardens. They make Omaha's garden look like an amateur's backyard.






There's all sorts of New Zealand flora to walk among, including many things that I've never seen before in my life...




So that's a glace at some of Wellington's important features. You'll hear plenty more from me on this awesome city over the next several months...but I won't let it get boring, I promise. Next week, I'll give you a glimpse at the odd things that Kiwis tend to find fashionable. Let's just say some of them seem to be stuck in the US in the late 80s/early 90s. Full House, anyone?

Job!

I applied for a job, had a trial shift and was offered the job all in less than 10 hours today. I think zibibbo will be a great place to work.

Looks like I will be on the schedule next week. Now I just have to figure out my living situation. Sweet as.

My new home

After much back-and-forth over the last three weeks, I've decided to live in...


Wellington!




And as you can see, the weather was much more hospitable on my return.

My journey to Wellington was quite fun. I opted to take the train from Christchurch to Picton, before hopping on the ferry. Much of the track runs right along the Pacific coast, and there's an open-air viewing car. Very cool.




So, I will renew my job search today. I think my employment prospects will be a lot higher here. That, and I get to live in one of the coolest capital cities in the world!

More great views

While the North Island is quite stunning, the things I've seen in two days on the South Island have me awestruck. And there's still places I have yet to see that are supposed to be even more breathtaking. It's an unbelievably beautiful country, and I'm glad that I am here.

While in Nelson, I went for a random drive around the countryside with Heather from Ontario, who I had met in Auckland. We found this crystal-clear river.




I can take photos and drive on the left at the same time! This was during my drive today from Nelson to Christchurch. It's in the Marlborough region, which plays host to countless vineyards and wineries.




I stopped in Kaikoura for a bit as well. Unbelievable.




And I made a friend there.




Random stop along the highway





So hurry now to Kayak and book your tickets to come visit me! I know you want to.

Wellington

Quick update... Got into Wellington last night. No photos to post, because the weather is pretty miserable, but it is a very nice city. Kind of San Franciso-ish, hills and all. I went to the Te Papa museum this morning. It's free and it's a really nice museum. Tomorrow, I will take the ferry over to Picton, and Sunday I will start traveling south. I may deviate from my original itinerary a bit, as lots of people are telling me that Nelson is quite nice. So I think i'll go there on Saturday, and perhaps extend my rental another day. Stay tuned...the adventure has just begun

Point of clarification

It has come to my attention that some readers find it funny that I have been wearing a Healthy Choice t-shirt. I do not view this as something that goes against my anti-corporate whore philosophy. Because while you wear your Healthy Choice t-shirts to company events and while working out, I wear mine while doing such un-healthy tasks as sitting at the beach, driving on the left side of the road and drinking beer.


Therefor, I win. And if that argument is not good enough, I'm in New Zealand and you're not.

I know you want more photos of me

Today's adventure took Annie, Vida and myself up to Mahia (you can use Google Maps like a big kid, can't you?).


It was my first time driving on the roads in New Zealand...right side of the car; left side of the road!




Visited a very cool beach of rock, carved out by the surf.







I caught a crab. That's crab singular. See?




No, I did not eat it. Yes I know I need to shave.


And for those of you playing at home, I'll give you a rundown of my tentative itinerary for the next 10 days or so. On Wednesday, I am leaving Lancaster Citrus for Wellington. I plan to spend two nights there (I'll see it more on the way back up), and take the ferry to picton on Friday. Then, on Saturday, I intend to rent a car (or hire, as they say) and leisurely drive to Queenstown over the next five days, via Christchurch and Dunedin. This will allow me to enjoy the scenery of the beautiful New Zealand Pacific coast.

Once in Queenstown, after I track down my liver and nurse it back to life, I hope to take on gainful employment in one of the city's eating establishments, where I will remain through the busy season (March-ish). Wish me luck!

(I'll help you out this time)


View Larger Map

Life outside the cube: Bee keeping

I've heard that bees make a different sound when they're pissed off. I'd like to take this opportunity to confirm that. Thankfully this was done without a single sting marring the handsome figure of your hero. Have I found my new calling?


1400 hours: The call comes in. One of the neighbors has spotted something. Annie and Vida (helper from Taiwan) suit up. We load the van and head off. I'm ready with my camera.

1412 hours: We arrive at the scene and interogate the resident. This isn't the first incident here.




1415 hours: We investigate the scene. It's a swarm all right; a massive one.






1420 hours: The containment device is deployed. The bees are swept from the tree and onto a board.








1425 hours: Success. They are marching into the containment unit. (No, seriously, they all just started marching right into the damn box!)




1435 hours: My turn.




Kinda Marty McFly, no?

I go out to the orchard to assist with some hive maintenance. The bees surround me. I can feel them throwing themselves at the suit; their buzz becomes high pitched. They're effing pissed. I have to slowly walk away from the hive--they can smell fear, after all. I'm careful not to swat at them, so they don't sting through the suit. Successful mission.


Quite a departure from my desk job, but I don't think I have a future as a bee keeper.

Wairoa in pictures

As promised, here are some photos from my stay in Wairoa.


My temporary home and place of employement



Oops



At the regatta



My surroudings



Humphrey the pig, taking a nap after a beer



Teddy Bear (black dog) and Mitsy



The fruits (hah) of my labor




Looks like I'll be staying in Wairoa until the 10th, at which time I'll head to Wellington, and eventually the South Island, possibly in search of a paying job for the summer.

So far in Wairoa...

-I helped pick more than eight tons of oranges
-I slide the riding mower into a drainage ditch (don't worry, photos forthcoming)
-I did go spotlighting...perfectly clear night with a full moon, roaming through fields of sheep and cattle on the back of a four-wheeler. No deer, but plenty of rabbits and turkeys
-I got an American history lesson from an Irishman
-I watched a rowing regatta on the Wairoa river. (For those who don't know, I used to row, so this was of particular interest...though the talent levels were quite spread out, so it was pretty boring)


Photos coming for all of the above, and lots more adventures to come, and possibly one that will make Bogard quite jealous.

And Gena, that earthquake was too far south for me to have felt it. I think folks on the south island did, though.


Hope all is well back in the USA

Mmmm...Fresh oranges

So, a quick update for my fans around the world. I've made it safely to Wairoa and am now staying with Annie and Graham at Lancaster Citrus. The have about eight acres of navel and valencia oranges, tangelos, mandarins, lemons, limes, and I'm sure things I've forgotten. And bees. So they have fresh honey. And yes, oranges do taste better right off the tree.

So I'll be helping with any number of things in the next couple weeks. Picking, mowing, tractor-driving, chopping wood, minding their store and who knows what else. Lots of fun, and they are great hosts. They've got a couple cats, three dogs (including a six-week-old black lab-terrier mix that's so cute you could throw up), 2 pigs and lots of chickens.

Sounds like I also might get invited to go deer hunting with Annie's son. His preferred method is called "spotlighting" and apparently takes place at night and involves a motorbike.

Lastly, I may night have much internet access in the coming week or two. Maybe every few days. Annie and Graham's computer seems to be on the fritz, and it's quite a walk to use the computer I'm at right now (and it costs $3 for five minutes). But I'll give you updates and plenty of photos when I get to another major city, for sure. And of course you can always give me a call, (if calling from the US) dial 011 6421 0257 9885.

Hostel - Stables Lodge, Napier

Of all the times to be getting over a cold, it had to be this one. This hostel had about 20 women from across Europe and only one other guy to fight for them with. A gorgeous German checked in right behind me. I had two hot Norwegians in my room. But that doesn't matter shit when you can't carry on a conversation without sounding like you just smoked three packs of cigarettes and gargled razor blades; the constant sniffling and coughing doesn't get you far either. The cold is on its way out, but not quite gone.


Pros: Good kitchen, free fruit and bread, only $15, hot-European-chick haven

Cons: Room smelled kinda funky, hostel is several blocks from the city center

Web site




And one other note on being sick--Medicine here is ridiculously expensive! A 20-pack of sudafed is like $16.50! Not cool at all. However, getting a high dose of vitamin C is cheap as hell. Kiwifruit are less than 10 cents a piece.

Hostels three and four

Verandahs, Auckland



I spent one night here on my way from Paihia to Rotorua. It's outside the central business district, in Ponsonby, so it's much quieter, and a good place to relax. It's essentially just an old victorian house that's been turned into a hostel.

Pros: Quiet, no bunk beds, cool part of town, no TV

Cons: Far from the bus terminal, no supermarket within walking distance

Web site



Funky Green Voyager, Rotorua



My favorite hostel so far, Funky Green sits in a residential neighborhood south of the city center. It is very cosy and welcoming.

Pros: Good atmosphere, comfy beds, beer fridge, helpful staff, no TV

Cons: A bit of a hike from the bus terminal, but it is worth it

Web site

You have spoken

Well, unanimously, my readers want me to hit the farm. So, later this week, I'll be heading to Wairoa, a town of about 5,000, to work at a local citrus orchard. I'll be there about two weeks and will get room and board in exchange for my help. Looking forward to it!



View Larger Map

Maori

The Maori are New Zealand's indigenous people, having settled here about 1,000 years ago. That makes New Zealand the last major land mass to be settled by humans. The Maori have assimilated well into Western culture, but have a strong grip on their cultural heritage.

Last night, I went to a cultural event that included presentations on Maori song and dance, weapons, tattoos, and ended in a hangi, or a meal steam-cooked in the ground. Very impressive and lots of fun.


Our meal is cooking



Traditional Maori canoe




I couldnt get lots of good photos because it was really dark, but lastly, here's a brief video of a haka that they performed. A haka is a Maori group dance.

Rotorua

I've been in Rotorua since Friday, but haven't ventured out to do all that much so far. There are tons of ways to lose your money in this city (which could easily be mistaken for an American city, except for the sulfur), but since I've had a wicked cold, I have mostly been relaxing at the hostel, trying to get better. Tonight, I'm going to a Maori cultural event, complete with hangi.

But for now, here are a couple photos of a local park that's filled with geothermal activity. Kinda weird to watch mud boil...

Hostels

Hostels: the nightly home of the backpacker. They can range from dirty shitholes seemingly built on top of an anthill to damn-near 3-star hotels. I'm at my fourth hostel of my trip and have already seen quite a range. I'll tell you a bit about each of them, and future homes, as I remember.


Nomads Fat Camel, Auckland



The Fat Camel is a popular spot for folks' first nights in New Zealand. It's convenient to public transportation and the city center.

Pros: Good location in downtown Auckland; free (small) dinner; bar is a good place to meet other backpackers

Cons: Needs to be refurbished quite a bit: new paint, mattresses, etc.; mattresses are just thin foam sheets; seedy part of town ("massage" parlor right next door)


Web site


Saltwater Lodge, Paihia, Bay of Islands



Saltwater Lodge opened in 2001. It's just a block from the beach and is in great condition.

Pros: Good character; very clean; great kitchen and community room; very helpful desk staff

Cons: Some guests opt to enjoy the large movie collection too much.


Web site



I'll profile more soon.



First, a poll. Should I:

A- Get a job somewhere on the north island for a couple weeks before heading south. I have a couple opportunities to work on farms.
B- Head south now to Wellington and then the south island for some awesome scenery and maybe some skiing.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think

Bits and pieces

Some random items from my first week+ in New Zealand.


Ferns They're everywhere! The place is just covered with ferns.



Free-range livestock I haven't had a steak yet to prove whether my theory is true, but I bet the cows here are delicious, as they just roam free and eat grass all day. Same with sheep. And they're EVERYWHERE. I think I've seen more cows in the last five days than in my entire life.

Coffee Lattes are a particular favorite here. They come in big bowls and are loaded with milk.



Dorms Sharing a bedroom with 5 other people is not as hard as the unexperienced might think.

Geography No one has any idea where Nebraska is.

Demographics I can count the Americans I've met so far on one hand. Many Canadians. Tons of Brits (mostly English) and Germans. Several Japanese, Aussies and Irish. And at least one: Pole, Hong Konger, Romanian, Brasilian, Italian, Chilean, Dutch, Malaysian, countless others. The diversity is exciting.

And the not so good It's rained a lot in the last 24 hours, and I have a pretty good cold going on here. I feel sorry for my roommates as I sniff, hack and cough through the night.


Be sure to check out my photo album for pictures I haven't posted to the blog. Some good ones there.

I'm back in Auckland for the night. Next stop: Rotorua! Famous for its hot springs, sulfuric odor, maori culture and plenty of ways to harm oneself.


View Larger Map

Holy crap, what a day!

For those of you who are living vicariously through me, let me say that we had a hell of a day today!



I had my first fish and chips in New Zealand.




What? Not good enough for you? You want something exciting and fun?

Fine. It was on the way home from a day trip to the top of the country, Cape Reinga.


Not impressed with extreme locations, eh?


I also went to a kauri tree forest. Huge trees...comparable with giant redwoods. Also saw some 45,000 year old kauri wood, such as this old trunk that's become a staircase.





What? Seriously? Not good enough?


Shit, what does it take?


Our bus drove the length of 90 Mile Beach to get to the top of the country. Actually it's only 50 miles, but incredible still.





Not doing it, eh?

We saw baby seals.




Yea, yea it's still not enough, I know.



OK then, I've got one more. At the end of the beach, there are sand dunes.


We went down them on body boards.


Now, by this, I don't mean we ran up and down some 30-foot hill, laughing and sliding into eachother.


We hiked up a 280-foot sand dune and went down, one at a time, at 20 miles an hour. Do it wrong and you break your wrists, ribs or face.


Imagine a football field covered with sand. OK, now put it at a 40-degree angle. Now climb up it, while 30+ mph winds are trying to throw you back down the dune.







I'll probably be picking sand out of my ears for the next week, and it's totally worth it.