After all of the rainy weather on the West Coast (yes, I know — it’s a rain forest, it’s supposed to rain), it was great heading north to Marahau and Abel Tasman National Park, one of the sunniest spots in New Zealand. We arrived super late at The Barn, did in a much needed bundle of laundry, and crashed. This was the only night of the trip where I didn’t sleep well, the Sea Legs pills I was taking tended to knock me out pretty hard. But for whatever reason, …

It’s been a super busy time for me lately. I moved house over the last few days, and am now living with my friend Naiana, a girl I met up in Nelson in April. A group of CouchSurfers from Christchurch were up for the Easter long weekend and invited me on a day trip out to Cable Bay. Absolutely gorgeous spot, has a massive hill that completely kicked out asses. The view was worth it though!
My last apartment while nice, was a very stressful environment for me. The building was …

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 …

It’s been awhile, I apologize. When last we spoke, I’d just started my 3-week stint as a housekeeper in a hostel. The job itself was simple enough, if at times a bit logistically frustrating, but with only one more shift left Im happy at how quickly the time has gone by. I know my family has been a little chagrined that Ive been cleaning up after 20-something year old backpackers (my auntie’s words were, “you’re better than this”), but since my choices were a) go home, or b) clean in …

Hello from sunny Nelson, South Island! Ive been here for a few days now, and wow. My life has completely changed for the better since leaving Wellington. Everything about Welly was going against me, no matter how hard I tried to make it work, no matter how much I loved that city. It just plain SUCKED.
Im working at the Tasman Bay Backpackers for 3-weeks as a housekeeper: cleaning rooms, the kitchen, doing the laundry, and odd jobs in exchange for my accomodation. While Im still rapidly running out of money, …

I love Wellington. I love the way the city looks and feels, the people. The cafes and presumably the bars (I say presumably because Ive yet to set foot in one). I love the weather, and the hills and how there seems to be water in every direction. I love pretty much everything about this city, except for the small bit about me not finding work here. In another week I would have run out of rent money, and since Id rather not have to wonder what my options would …