I’ve finally reached the point where I am close enough to exciting travels that I feel like I can touch them. It’s been a long haul, these last six months, and I’m super excited that in about six weeks I will  FINALLY be playing tourist in the country that has been my home for the last year. It’s taken a few weeks to sort everything out to a place where Im confident sharing my plans, but I think I’ve everything in order. Now all I need is money to pay …

I lived in Nelson for three weeks during April 2009, working at Tasman Bay Backpackers in exchange for accommodation. This was the turning point in my New Zealand experience. Up until this time I was trying to Make It Work™ on the North Island, and failing miserable. Finally, nearing the end of my bank account, I swallowed my pride and moved South. It was the best thing I could have done for myself. I surrendered to the really living in New Zealand, doing whatever it took to keep me here.
Crossing …