Being Magellan

And so it goes...

2009-04-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

This is it.

My last day abroad has finally arrived. It has come so fast yet crept up on me at the same time. I honestly could not see this day coming 7 months ago, as my plane took off out of LAX and my journey began.

In my first weeks I was filled with trepidation, anxiety, uncertainty about what I had done. I actually wrote the words down a few days in:

I hope I look back on this (my anxiety) later and laugh about it

Ha. Whew. Well, double 'Ha'. While the road to get here was not easy, or always comfortable, it has been the most rewarding thing I have ever been able to do. I can really say that the last months have been among the hardest and easiest I have ever experienced.

I left on the trip to escape real life; not to run from it, but to take a welcome break from normality. Knowing it would always be there upon my return, I felt I needed to take the opportunity to explore the world a little bit more. Sometimes living a normal life back home failed to inspire me, and I wanted to feel that again.

The last few months have been amazing. I have seen things that have put me in awe of the world. Things that I can take a picture of, but can hardly explain what it was like standing near. I have been filled with something in these moments, though i'm not sure what. It felt like pure happiness. I will remember this forever.

I have met people I am so lucky to have met. People from all over the world who have changed me in ways that they will never know. Ways that probably have not taken shape yet, but someday will. I have seen the world through their perspective and feel lucky to have done so. I look back at those times with a smile, and look forward to seeing them in the future.

I have spent countless hours in a state of complete uncomfortability. Sleeping in rooms with many other people at the same time, a "good night's sleep" is a thing of myth. Hearty meals are few and far between, and when you are lucky enough to experience one, it tastes like nothing you've ever tasted. And we're talking McDonalds here...seriously. I don't think I will ever look at bread the same again.

But you put up with it, because, well, you have to. And that's part of the deal. You accept those things in order to keep living in a world that seems like Never Never Land. A world that quickly becomes your life, your reality. I feel like I belong here, even though "here" is nowhere...or everywhere. While I am looking forward to being back home, I will always yearn to be...here.

So it is not an ending then. It is just another part of the storyline. And I am rejuvenated to experience life back home, and that is part of the point. To keep everything fresh. While I am leaving my nomad self behind for the time being, it is just a part of who I am, a part that influences the rest of me, but does not define me. I am excited for what is next...and that is exactly what I wanted.

That is all I can hope for. Wanting to see what is next. If I didn't feel that way, that would be the scary thing, wouldn't it? So bring it on.

European Pictures...and that is all folks...

2009-04-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here is London and Dublin...Paris is still in limbo...so I'll post that someday...

London

Dublin

Europe Part 3!!

2009-04-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, lets not be coy. You would rather look at pictures rather than listen to me blather on and on about Europe, and I am frustrated as hell with these damn Belgian keyboards...so pictures it is...

Europe Pictures Part 2!!

2009-04-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

One more week of intense traveling has produced the following pictures. We are relaxing in the eastern German citz of Cologne right now, staying with our friend Ella from New Zealands infamous Surf N Snow hostel. Had a tradition German Easter here, complete with an Osterzoo hunt of sorts...more blog to come soon...just sit back, relax, and point and click...

European Vacation Thus Far...

2009-04-05T03:48:00.000-07:00

After a 13 hour flight direct from Hong Kong, my European trip (and final leg) had arrived. Well, almost anyways. There was still the flight from London to Lisbon, Portugal to take...so make that a 16 hour trip...

Landing in Portugal, I was worried it might be a little chilly. Heaven forbid I experience any amount of frigid temps. Well, it turned out to be a wonderful day and a great way to start of the trip. Leaving my bags in the train locker, I left to wander the city, with a trusty Lonely Planet guide book to help navigate the way.

You see, the plan for this part is to hit as many cities and countries in the 21 days we have on our rail passes, to make the most out of it. Well, so far, so good.

Portugal was great. Beautiful, relaxed...a place to return to someday for sure. I will let the pictures do the talking. We got on the train that night (for the first of many long train rides) and headed to our next stop - Madrid.

From Lisbon

Overnight train to Madrid was comfortable. Well, as comfortable as possible in a reclining seat. Arrived in the morning and with our bags on our backs, headed out into the city again. Madrid is the only city in Europe (and most anywhere) that has a Taco Bell as well, so we had to fit that into the agenda. Overall though, Madrid is a really nice city, and pretty big as well...unfortunately we caught some rain this day that thoroughly soaked my shoes...but pushed through it to get some decent picture time...

From Madrid

One night in Madrid, left in the morning for Barcelona. I loved the architecture in the city here, very archaic and stunning. Also, it is right on the water, so walking alongside it takes away the size of the city and makes it more person. It is hard to believe they had an Olympic games here, I suppose it is a deceivingly large city. Oh and the last picture is of the group of guys who were selling fake purses along the water...they are running from the cops.

From Barcelona

Yada yada yada, overnight train to Switzerland. Arrived in Zurich at around 11am. Walked around for a bit...a little boring of a city, but some good pics. Hopped a train to Lucerne, a city more in the center of the country, surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Very nice! Amazing views and the city has such a cool feel to it. Castle, bridges, old Swiss buildings...loved it there. Then headed to Interlaken, which is a small town nestled, literally, between the Alps. It is breathtaking there on a clear day, and though we didnt get one, it was still nice to go there...I had actually did a skydive there 3 years ago, so it was cool to see all the things to remember. The train ride took us up into the mountains surrounded by snowy peaks and crazy cliffs...definitely the most amazing train ride ive ever taken...rivaled only by the New York City to Springfield, MA train. Umm....maybe not. Then our last train took us to the capital, Bern, where we walked around with a local tour guide (random kid who showed us around) until our next overnight train left to take us to Florence, Italy.

From Switzerland: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern

While it was definitely cold in Switzerland, it was amazing. We headed overnight to Florence and arrived at 6am. Another day of walking around...and let me just say that Florence is spectacular. It is right out of the 1500s but never feels too old. There is an enormous amount of history there and it is still so evident on almost every street.

From Florence

Rome was next, and well...its Rome ), so it has to kick ass...

From Rome

Venice was the next stop. Surprisingly serene and calm if you walk a little off the beaten path, it was a great day for moseying (yes, moseying) around and shooting pictures. The main square in San Marco is really a beautiful place and Venice would be a great place for a little vacation. Who am I kidding, of course it is. Also a fun side note is that we saw Bernie Bickerstaff here. Now, most people dont know who that is, but I do.

From Venice

Onto the European leg, we hit Budapest the next morning. I had heard a lot of the city and was eager to check it out. Funnily enough, the city is divided by a river down the middle separating Buda and Pest. This is really true. Buda was pretty cool and hosts an amazing palace area...Pest...well, I was a little let down. Glad I went there, but I expected more.

From Budapest

Next stop was Vienna, Austria, to stay with our friend Igor who we had met while in New Zealand at the hostel. We finally got to relax a little bit, and for the first time we stayed somewhere more than 24 hours! We also got a personal city tour, and real food, courtesy of his mother and girlfriend. Some much needed energy and comfort boosters.

From Vienna

And now we are in Prague, Czech Republic. Barack Obama spoke today in front of 30,000 people right here in the city next to a castle. I got so close I could actually heard words being spoken from around the corner...yay I guess. But this city is very cool, i can tell already. We will be here for another day and a half and then likely headed to Berlin...and onto more crazy European cities. All this traveling is getting exhausting and I would be lying if I didnt say I was thinking about home with my arrival date nearing, but I wouldnt miss this for anything...

European Pictures...take a seat

2009-04-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

Ok...so after an extremely fast paced and exhausting week to begin in Europe, I finally have the proof that I am here. Below you find the links to the first 9 or so albums. Hope you take some time to take a look!! A real blog should follow soon enough...

Lisbon

Madrid

Barcelona

Switzerland: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern

Hong Kong Phooey

2009-03-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Leaving Hong Kong tonight, headed for Europe. 13 hour flight into London, followed by a few more hours to get to Lisbon, Portugal. That will kick off 21 straight days of long train rides throughout Europe...excited to be on the move so frequently, needing a shower badly, should be enlightening. My clothing bonfire will take place when I return.

Hong Kong was a cool city. My experience:

Stepped off the bus from the airport and was greeted, nay SHOVED, back onto the bus by 9 or 10 Indians sticking their business cards in my face. "Tailor made suits" "Hashish" "Woman" "Tailor made suits" "Tailor made suits" were among the frenzied cries. Did I mention you can get a tailor made suit if you want? Ok, good. So, you walk down certain streets in the city and because of your foreign look, you get bombarded by "salesman". Making it into a game is the way I liked to deal with it...games I invented:

1) Do Barry Sanders spin moves around extended arms with business cards, including ducking, juke moves, and stiff arms

2) Make loud, odd noises when they start talking to you

3) Silent treatment. I usually would stare at them like I was stoned or something

4) Talk with them. They tell you to follow them into the store, I tell them they can walk with me and hang out with me.

5) Ask them to split the cost of said suits and I will think about it

So, any of these are fun, harmless ways to brush off the most annoying sales pitch in the world.

Other than that, Hong Kong was really cool. Inexpensive to eat, sleep, and purchase goods...which I didn't expect. The skyline in the city is really unbelievable...beautiful as capitalism can be...but hey, sometimes it really is.

There are markets throughout the city, but we went to one that hosted some of the most disgusting sights ever. Here is a list of delictable items on the menu...

Live chickens: Chosen, thrown into boiling pot, packaged and paid for.
Fish heads: Fish still breathing, do not worry.
Ducks with heads on, dead and cooked: What else can I say?
Raw pig snouts: I took a picture that you can look at, and it grosses me out every time

Well, there were other things, but these topped my list.

Also, our hostel was hilarious. The building that it was in should've been condemned, but this is price of backpacking. My bed back home was looking pretty nice in my dreams.

I posted some pictures below of the city, you should check them out...pretty interesting!! From another continent next time you hear from me...home in 30 days...now that is crazy.

Hong Kong Pictures!!

2009-03-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos from Hong Kong, I will give you my take of the country in my next blog...for now, just take a look!

Hong Kong

Take A Looksie: Thailand

2009-03-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

Phuket and Ko Phi Phi pictures!!

2009-03-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

These are my pictures from Phuket and the Ko Phi Phi Islands...I really recommend you take a look at them for me!!

Phuket

Ko Phi Phi Islands

I still got it...

2009-03-20T04:36:00.000-07:00

So I've been in Phuket for about a week on my own, and have been enjoying the beach and relaxation for sure. I took a day trip yesterday to the islands where they shot the movie "The Beach" with Leo Dicaps. The islands are called Ko Phi Phi; they're real, and they're spectacular. For serious. I will post pictures next. But, I wanted to share an interaction I had with you, just to explain how I am still sexy as hell. And I am going to fast forward the conversation for comedic relief:

Part one: Lunch stop of day trip on the island

Me: Hey man do you have the time?
CJ: No, my watch is still in Phillipino time. Hey are you alone? Come join me and my friend...
Me: Well, I'm going to lay out for a bit...maybe i'll see you later.

(After laying out for 10 minutes, I notice him staring...I mean, staring)

Me: (Meekly waves)
CJ: (of course, waves back)

Me: (Walks over to where CJ is...(I figured I was obligated to?))
Me: Man it's hot out here...I'm sweating
CJ: Yea...(using me as man-candy)
Me: (Notices "friend)
CJ: Hey, this is my friend...
Me: (Notices he is a 68 year old Phillipino man)

Here CJ and I discuss my life and trip...he thinks I am brave for being on a trip alone...after me repeatedly telling him that I am not really alone, but he is persistent. Also, he thinks I am "cool" for working in tennis before I left. Damn I am on a roll here. He also thinks we should meet up later.

Part 2: Boat ride back to mainland

CJ: (Sits down next to me, squashing my foolproof "Ipod will scare away people who think we're friends strategy"...) (Also brings me a cup of water)
Me: Here you go...(offering water back)
CJ: No, that's for you...do you like it?
Me: Water? Yea water is good

If you don't know this yet, I should come clean. CJ is a man. He is very socially awkward, a little forward, and smothering. His "friend" is creepy and old. I have been uncomfortable from the 2nd minute we knew each other, but I don't know how to avoid him.

CJ: So, we should hang out tonight!
Me: Umm...yea that's cool (this is not smart...)
CJ: Well, (touches hand to my forearm...lingers there for hours...(seconds))
CJ: Here's my room number and my hotel. I'll wait for you tonight.
Me: Sure, umm...how's 9pm...i'll meet up with you.

Breathe easy. I chickened out. I figured that while he most likely wanted to play Scrabble with me, I just wasn't up for a game. And that's all I want to say about that.

More on Bangkok...worth reading...

2009-03-19T03:22:00.000-07:00

This is a better breakdown of what Bangkok was like...written in Mark's perspective...I read it and thought it would paint a picture...

As I walked off the plane and into the terminal I stopped flat footed staring at the high glass ceilings, then quickly looked to my left and right recognizing where I was standing, just 2 months ago I was watching New Zealand news and in that exact location a sea of about 8000 demonstrators took over the airport as a demonstration accusing the Thai government of corruption and grenade attacks elsewhere in the city deepened the sense of lawlessness. A quick deep breath, I continued moving towards the exit of the airport and almost immediately a sense of Culture Shock set in as I struggled to find someone that understood my American English pronunciation of sukhumvit road and my accommodation SUK 11. Eventually I booked a bus and for the one hour ride into Bangkok my face was glued to the window in awe. The poverty ridden suburbs were like nothing I have seen in person before. Huts the size of a bedroom were built from sheet metal and Pepsi banner rooftops were holding back the rain. As the bus made its way closer to bangkok I could begin to make out the resemblance of a city, taller buildings, shopping malls, but still a significant amount of poverty.

My first step off the bus and into the city was a bit alarming. The outside air was a smell resembling the inside of a portable toilet at a university football tailgate. Many times I witnessed people urinating into the streets and throwing their trash directly into sewage drains. At one point I walked up a set of stairs that led me to the SkyTrain (similar to the EL in Chicago), I barely ducked under the electrical lines that passed across my face and then stopped to look at the abandoned building within view. The outside walls had been knocked down and the building gutted. All that was left were the graffitied inside walls and hanging electrical lines and the fenced off property was littered with debris and looked as if people were dumping their bags of garbage over the fence to avoid their pickup charges. I looked closer at the ground floor and was shocked to see a child in a lawn chair sweating and exhausted watching his younger friend/brother take over his job of sifting through the rubbish in search of something that might be of value. Again I took a deep breath and continued up the stairs.

At the top of the stairs was a lady in her early thirties holding her recently newborn child in her hands. Their cloths were tattered and torn, and a few steps later I came across her two other children hugging the pavement trying to stay cool with a cup asking for change. Its tough enough when you see a mid aged person asking for coins and food, but when a child is put in the picture it really is distrurbing. I know poverty levels in Thailand are not as high as many other areas but to be their and witness what I saw is something that I can not fully describe without placing you in my shoes.

phhhewww, with that all being said Bangkok truly is in a world of its own. Motorcycles and mopeds dominate the roadways, stray dogs and cats run the sidewalks and vendors line the curbs selling anything from pirated DVD's, fake gucci handbags, and their sisters. Taxis are common to see but the cheapest mode of transportation are called Tuk Tuk's. Their similar in size to a Golf Cart, but their is one wheel in the front and two in the back. No doors or seatbelts just a hand rail for the two passengers to grip. Swerving in and out of traffic and at times driving down the opposite side of the road into on-coming traffic (its okay no road laws), the Tuk Tuk drivers are insane and at one point I was taking my last tour of the city cruising at about 35 mph in the left lane and the driver jerks quickly to our right to avoid the elephant. ''Are you kidding me, are you kidding me'' I shouted ''An elephant down the middle of the street in the city'', at that point I realized it was time to take an actual Taxi CAR.

At night Bangkok comes alive, or something like that! Females are begging tourists to come into their 'massage parlors', ping pong shows are packed with tourists (not explaining that one) and lady boys crowd the streets. The 'Lady Boy' is a surgical phenomenon that dates back in history as easy way for men to avoid the war, and to this day has picked up as a significant way for Thais to make a good living. As one male Taxi Cab driver told me ''Yes, my best friend is now a Lady Boy, I am okay with it, he makes great money''...hard for me to understand, but I guess it goes to show what some people will do to make a living in an area far below the poverty line. Bangkok is in a world of its own, which is why ONLY IN BANGKOK is a coined phrase.

Few Fun Facts:

#1 fact of all time: Lay's Top 3 Potato Chip flavors in Thailand: Seaweed, Hot Spicy Squid, and Garlic Soft Shell Crab...no joke

*Bahts- Thailand currency, 1USD = 35BAHT, my own beachside bungalow was 350 BAHT about 10 USD, very cheap country to travel. Baht, Baht, Baht...what a great word!

*Went to a Maui Thai fight, puts boxing to shame, go to one if you can!

* According to the Thai calender it is year 2552, if you need any more information about the future let me know!

Bangkok Pictures

2009-03-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

Bangkok

Take A Looksie: Wollongong

2009-03-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

This literally took me forever to get online...you don't know how relieving it is...

What's the capital of Thailand...

2009-03-17T00:08:00.000-07:00

Bangkok...a mix of crowded streets and interesting smells.

It really was like nothing i've ever seen. It's another world...what an experience. The streets are completely congested and you can't go a minute without being offered something....

Massage (i'm saying it sarcastically though...i mean, it's a massage, but like not a massage massage...you get it?)

Clothing (Mark and I were brought into about 5 tailoring shops...i'll explain more later)

Lady (some are actually ladies, some are just ladies in the way that Dennis Rodman was a lady in 1998)

Food (it is 90 degrees every day, yet hot chicken and other various meats are being cooked on the street and pushed like I would ever want dog on a stick when i'm sweating)

Tuk Tuk/Moped/Taxi rides (this is actually happening every 8 seconds...but i have to admit that a Tuk Tuk ride is hilarious)

Tuk Tuk situation: (picture of driver below)

Tuk Tuk Driver: Get in! 20 Baht (Thai currency...also funny to me)
Me: 20 Baht? No thanks....
Tuk Tuk Driver: 10 Baht, 5 (points to me) and 5 (points to Mark)
Me: (First encounter and a little sketched out) Umm, 1 Baht (points to myself) and 1 Baht (points to Mark, looking equally freaked out)...
Tuk Tuk Driver: Ok...1 Baht each
Me (and Mark): (Look at eachother in amazement) Umm, ok?

Now a little lesson here: 1 American Dollar = 36 Baht

** SO this means that 2 baht for what turned out to be a 30 minute ride around the city cost us the equivalent of around 6 cents. Ok, Thailand is officially cool.

A side note about Tuk Tuk rides. There is a deal worked out between the drivers and certain shops around the city...they bring you to these shops in the middle of your ride and you have to go inside and act interested in buying 3 suits (no, seriously) for about 10 minutes, and the drivers get a free coupon for gasoline for their vehicles. So Mark and I wound up at about 10 different tailoring and jewelry shops. This gets old.

So, needless to say, we spent 3 days wandering around the city in amazement. Saw some Muay Thai fighting, which is primarily a Thai sport:

Saw this guy walking down the street a few times. Yes, on the sidewalk:

We also went to a Ping Pong show...which I had been told was a "must-do"...let me just say that I am happy I went so that I never have to go back again. I am officially scarred for life. It was worse than walking in on your grandparents...yes...doing that.

Oh and I also met my uncle...i'm glad he got that shirt that I sent him...he'd played coy like he didn't know me, but we know better...

But now I am in Phuket, which is on the southern side of the country. Basically I will be on a beach for the next week or so, before I meet up with Mark again in Hong Kong for some more adventures...so until then...keep on keeping on...keep trucking.

One last note: I am trying like hell to get videos up that i've taken, but the internet speeds have been unreal. I have literally tried to do this like 10 times to no avail. So I might give up altogether...either way, keep reading along, because I'm almost done with this trip and will become extremely boring in another month...exciting!!

Photos from Sydney and Wollongong

2009-03-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

So, here are ALL the photos I have from Wollongong and Sydney...there's some pretty ridiculous ones as well as amazing ones...take a look!!

Wollongong

Sydney: Five years later

Sydney Mardi Gras

Picture Post 85 (or something like that):

2009-03-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from the past few weeks in Sydney and Wollongong (my old school)...full albums coming in the next 2 days...woohoo!

They have been a great 2 weeks with a lot going on, and in 2 days Mark and I are headed to Thailand, so we will bid Australia goodbye and start a new, faster-paced traveling stretch, ladyboys included!

PS: The last 3 pictures are from the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Parade...which is the biggest one of it's kind...what a blast, and a little ridiculous...all in good fun!!

Wollongong lighthouse

This is the games room on Campus East, where we hung out most nights 5 years ago

Glasshouse Wednesdays were and STILL are legendary...what a good time

Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge...one of the best sights i've ever seen

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Parade...we made so many new "friends"...a little insanity...

Where it all began...

2009-03-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

Don't settle for what life gives you, take some of what it doesn't

That is what Australia has taught me

So for the past 3 weeks I have been traveling around Australia and it has been amazing. I've seen so many things and experienced it all with 2 friends who I met in this country 5 years ago...I couldn't have asked for anything more. Leaving Melbourne was hard because it was such a good experience for me, but it was time to go and i'm used to that feeling by now.

We headed to Brisbane and walked around the city, went to the city beach (which is a man-made lagoon in the middle of the city with imported sand), and went out at night. Also, we played a lot of Dig-Dug and Ms. Pacman, but that's a different story. It's a nice city, but a little bland for my taste.

After that we headed to the Whitsundays for 7 days, which is further north up the east coast. We did a daytrip to a place called Whitehaven beach, where the sand is so pure, NASA actually has requested a number of tons of it to create a lens...that is serious. We did more hanging around and going out, and it was good times.

Then we headed down to Sydney, and it was great going back to a city that was familiar in my head. It was really the first place I ever went outside the country, and my memories of it were so strong that I was really looking forward to going back. Pretty much for the last 5 years, I would think about it from time to time. Seeing all the same things, streets, shops, and the harbors was really amazing, and we are actually headed back there in a few days before Mark and I fly out to Thailand on March 10th...so quickly approaching!

So for the past 4 days we have been hanging out in Wollongong, which is the university that I studied at 5 years ago. Talk about serious memories...that semester changed my life. Seeing the campus 5 years later has been great...going to the same beaches, the university, and the classy bars that were still so fresh in my mind...hard to describe. Being back here with Dave and Mark has only added to that, as it is the place we all met. All of us wholeheartedly agree that the experience was so unique and has shaped us is some way.

So like I said, it's been a great 3 weeks in Australia traveling around. And the fact that the same lunchlady is still working at campus east (my dorm rooms) is just a bonus. It will be crazy leaving this country again, but I am so excited to experience Thailand and Hong Kong that I think I'll be alright.

On a side note, I have eaten so much god damn Subway on this trip that it's shameful. Seriously, I really need to stop. That's all for now, sorry this post was pretty scattered, but that is how I am today.

Sydney Bridge and Opera House

2009-03-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

Take A Looksie: Sydney Harbor

2009-02-26T04:20:00.001-08:00

A little info about where I am and what I am seeing...

Picture Post: Melbourne, Brisbane, Whitsundays

2009-02-26T04:16:00.000-08:00

Here are more glorious pictures from my travels around Australia...some randoms from Melbourne...my last night there (craziness)...then my trips to Brisbane and the Whitsundays...check them out!!

Random Melbourne

Last night in Melbourne

Brisbane & Whitsundays

Last night in Melbourne...

2009-02-15T16:35:00.001-08:00

So my last night in Melbourne couldn't have been any better...Friends, Kangaroo BBQ, Champagne, and great bars...

The first night I arrived here 2 months ago, I met up with my friend Tom and we went to this really good bar called St. Jerome's, so we figured we would go back to where it all started. Our crew consisted of 7 Belgians, 3 Americans, and 2 Germans...after we reached a peace accord, we smashed some beers and headed out...i'm throwing some pictures up here and it'll tell you why I am going to miss this place...

It was a good run in Australia so far...I'll try to keep it going, but I will always be fond of Melbourne. And now it's on to the next stop.

Catch Phrase Part 2

2009-02-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

So, I thought my original list of ridiculous Australian phrases was a little weak, so I went back to the drawing board and did a little more research, i.e. telling my friend to talk in normal conversation with a notepad in hand. So here are the fruits of my labors:

Feral: A suburban-dwelling, nominally white poor person who is perceived as being uneducated, unskilled, uncultured or dependent on social security benefits. This can also be used as an adjective.
My god that guy who grinded on me in the club was so feral.

Pash: Kiss or make out
So when we pashed last night, all I could smell was Taco meat.

Rangas: A redheaded human being
Is it true that 30% of rangas can't count to 18?

Tosser/Wanker: A douchebag, usually of the male variation.
I can't stand that IT guy, he really creeps me out. What a complete tosser and a wanker!

Pay out: To make fun of someone or to play a joke on them.
When I told you I didn't think you looked fat in those jeans, I was just paying you out. (Running away)

Thingo: Thing
Hey, give me that thingo. I'm being serious on this one.

Bogan: Referring to anything hick-like, Steve Irwin/Mick Dundee-ish
My accent is so bogan, I should be siphoning petrol out of someones car.

Munt: To vomit
Cheers for holding my hair when I munted, i'd still make out if you want, you're a pretty handsome bloke.

Pokies: Slot machines
I chose to play the pokies every day because I don't want to spend time with my family.

After Grog Bog: After a night of drinking, you wander into the bathroom and produce one of these **Editor's Pick**
Man, I just had the worst AGB ever, it must've been all the Carlton Draught I drank last night.

I thought these were well worth showing to the world, and I hope you can learn something from it. Mainly that I am clueless half the time I talk to someone, because they undoubtedly use at least one ridiculous saying in each sentence. As a rule of thumb though, I've found that Australians love ended there words in "ie", I think it's to make things sound more fun...so try it out. It really does work. Until the next time...

Melbourne...finally

2009-02-09T01:23:00.000-08:00

So, I have slacked off long enough with this no pictures/no blogging crap...so here it goes:

Melbourne is awesome. I am leaving in a week and it will be really hard. The city has everything; aesthetic beauty, beaches, culture, an edge, nice people, clean environment, good bars...I couldn't have asked for anything more. Also, I had such a good working experience and that made me realize how much I love working in sports and will continue to do so in the future. I worked with good people and got to meet a lot of players in a sport that I love, I will miss all of it.

I have also another group of people I will be leaving behind that I may never see again. There's the Belgian, Tom who I met in New Zealand. We had such good times, the city wouldn't have been the same otherwise.

There's the people I worked with, such a fun group of people...it made the day go by extra fast. My friend Matty, who I met in NYC a few years back at the US Open...so great to meet up with him again. My roommates were great...I could go on and on...

My friends Mark, Dave, and Scott came to Melbourne also this past week. You'll remember Mark from such hits as "I work at Subway and I have a Master's Degree" and "I chase chickens because I'm too cheap to buy my own dinner"...and Dave and I lived in NYC right near each other for the past 2 years. It's been great having them around, and we've seen a lot more of the city now.

The other day the four of us rented a car and drove out to the Great Ocean Road, which is an amazing coastline drive the goes on for hundreds of miles starting near Melbourne and going west. The highlight of the drive is the 12 Apostles, which are rock formations right off the coast that have been formed over millions of years to create a beautiful landmark. Overall it was such a great experience, and doing it with close friends was even more memorable.

So, I think I've gotten my point across that it's been amazing here so far. It makes me remember how much I love Australia (I studied here 5 years ago), and how worth it has been to return. I have been abroad now for over 4 months and it feels like it has been 1...just crazy to think about sometimes. I have done so much so far, and cannot wait for the rest. Next week, me, Mark and Dave are headed up to Brisbane for a few days and then to the Whitsundays to do the Great Barrier Reef and some relaxation (I know, I know, I so need the relaxation...don't hate me!)...and then down to Sydney and Wollongong (the school all 3 of us met at 5 years ago) to reminisce about the days. I am so lucky to have this chance again...I cannot wait.

Well, I am glad I finally blogged, it had been way too long. I was a little busy hanging out with Andy Roddick to worry about you guys...but thanks for coming back if you have. I will make sure and be a little more proactive from here on out, because I enjoy sharing all my travel stories with you all. Until then...a link to the rest of my pictures from Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road...enjoy!

Melbourne

Catch Phrase

2009-01-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

So here is a little list of Australian linguistic nuances that I found entertaining:

Rocked up - To walk up to a counter or line for help
This chick rocked up and expected me to put my pants on before I helped her.

Pissed - A state of drunkeness
Mate, I got so pissed last night, that I went home with a Koala.

Ta - An expression of thanks (though extremely feminine)
Here is your chicken sandwich. (other guy:) Ta!

Gridiron - American football
Did you watch the Gridiron last night? The St. Louis Vikings are some athletic blokes!

Ripper - Great
That Dawson's Creek is such a ripper!

Chuck a massive wobbly - To throw a fit **Personal Favorite**
I was about to chuck a massive wobbly, but then I realized that my shoes were OUTSIDE!

Other fun facts...

Chicken is the flavor of chips that is most popular. This just tastes like ramen noodles chicken flavoring...yummmmmm

They pronounce Nike like Mike with an "N" and Adidas like "add did as"...even in commercials.

All Australians smell like bacon. There's no reason really, it's just nature.

Favorite People Awards

2009-01-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I've been feeling a little unmotivated with the blog recently due to the fact that I haven't taken one picture in Oz yet. I will, I'm just really lazy, ok? So in lieu of real information to give you, I will attempt to summarize some of the interesting people that I've met thus far...

Go: Go is one of the most hilarious and crazy people i've met. He is Japanese and dances like a maniac. We went to the club a few times and he proceeded to dance like he was fighting his way out of a paper bag. The funniest part was when two other Japanese girls seemed really into it. He never made the move though. I would also pay a good amount of money to know what was going on inside his head during the day, in a Dwight Schrute kind of way. He's also one of the nicest guys around, and a good friend...but someone I will and could never forget.

Jeff: He worked at reception at the backpackers for a few weeks. A portly American fellow, he threaten to stab someone who was staying in his room. He also fancied his San Diego Chargers 2005 Division Champions T-Shirt.

Paul: My Chinese boss for 1 day on the vineyards. Though we never connected on the level I thought we could, I will also remember him running through the vineyards inspecting my work while I thought of 84 ways to murder him, both discreetly and extremely publicly.

Will: The drunkest (northern)-Irishman I have ever met. He would come back to the hostel in between 12am-6am every morning mumbling about religion, racism, amongst other things. Most of it was only recognizable to sub-human species, but all was hilarious. There is a 70% chance he does not make it through his 20's.

From Auckland first 2 weeks

Take: My infamous manager at the hostel. I think i've said enough about him, but I'll leave it for good by repeating my last conversation with him:

Me: Take (Teck-A), I got another job as a supervisor on the vineyards, so I have to leave tomorrow (hmmm...that's not really true)
Take: Umm, (scratches head), well, see, this week no good, how about next week?
Me: Well, I have to start this weekend, so I have to leave. There's no other way...I really want this job!
Take: Well, see you give two weeks notice, this more like 1 day's notice.
Me: Right, yes, 1 day's notice. I'm sorry about that.
Take: Hmm...well I understand. Do 2 things. Get someone to work your shift and find another employee and hire them for tomorrow.
Me: Ok! See you later!

Possum Kingdom

2009-01-05T22:47:00.000-08:00

So, one drawback to living in a garden laden community is that dirty possums are crawling around the path leading up to my door during the nighttime. If one of those disgusting things ever touches me (which I've been told is quite likely to happen) I will literally lose it. I think I would rather be forced to eat cement than be touched by a possum.

Other than that things are great! No really!

Address

2008-12-28T22:45:00.001-08:00

I have one!

Michael Chechile
19/22 Grattan
Carlton, VIC 3053
Australia

That will work until February 14th, then you will be sending things to someone named Pei.

Christmas in Melbourne

2008-12-26T16:47:00.000-08:00

My first week in Melbourne has been great. It is such an amazing city, with an endless amount of things to do. I also started work last Saturday and it's been good so far as well...excited for the actually tournament to start on Jan. 19th. Here are some pictures of the city that I didn't take but totally could've:

So that should hold the blog over until I get off my ass and take some of my own pictures.

I've also found an apartment until Feb. 14th which means that I will have a semi-permanent address for a little while, which I will provide as soon as I get it. What does this mean? That you should send me the following things:

Pizza...real pizza, preferably Ray's from the Upper East side, but I can compromise
New music and and Ipod that isn't broken
The original screenplay for Reservoir Dogs
Season 3 of Dexter
More cowbell

So Christmas in Melbourne was good. Weird, but good. I got a sunburn at the beach. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Also, I have a new phone number which is displayed to the right...so spend that cash and call me when I'm sleeping.

Hey Bert

2008-12-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

Stolen from my friend Sarah's Blog

Doritos get me excited

2008-12-19T21:46:00.001-08:00

These exist:

The wait is over!

2008-12-18T22:11:00.000-08:00

So I touched down in Melbourne this Wednesday and could've have been more excited. The city is extremely cool, with heaps (aussie for a lot) of personality. There is so much going on here, I can already tell. Street performers, Music and Arts, markets, and nightlife is all superior to New Zealand...so I think things here will be good. I actually start work at the Australia Open tomorrow, for 3 days in December, and the continue more in January. Very excited to see how that goes down. I am out for now...just wanted to let everyone know that they should come to Australia and visit. Yes, that means you.

Now make like a tree...

2008-12-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

Today marks the last day I will be in New Zealand. Cannot believe I arrived here 2 1/2 months ago already. In a way its like leaving my home. I never thought home would consist of shared rooms with sweaty travelers but somehow it ended up that way. Well, at least temporarily.

So, in the morning I am on my way back to where my traveling bug started in the first place: Australia. 5 years ago I went there and had the most amazing 6 month experience of my life, and shared it with a group of strangers who became lifelong friends. For the past 5 years I've wanted to go back and relive some of those times, and I am finally going to do just that. Mark was one of those people I met there, and it will be amazing to see everything when he arrives early next year. Our other friend Dave will also be there for some of the time as well, and I cannot wait to experience it all.

Ill be working at the Australian Open for a few days in December and for all of January, as an Accreditation/Will Call Assistant. Such a great opportunity to travel and work and I am definitely looking forward to it. You can see me in this video if you look closely:

I've also booked the rest of my travel around the world, and have listed it to the right side of my blog. Check it out and warn me of any potential terror attacks that coincide with my trip. Is that funny? Of course it is.

So goodbye sweet New Zealand...you've been a scenic temptress and I will always remember our times together. Though I'm leaving your bed, I will be sleeping with your neighbor for the next 3 months. Don't be jealous, you're not as sexy when you're jealous. It was good while it lasted.

Pictures from the South Island (warning: amazing)

2008-12-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

Here are my pictures from the bus tour around the South Island...

South Island Trip

I'm alive!

2008-12-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

Ok ok, so I have successfully made it around the South Island on my bus tour. It was incredible...no other words will suffice. This country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If it were a Golden Girl, it would be Blanche, hands down.

Every day was filled with a new adventure and a new city, and while it was exhausting, it was extremely exciting. Right now I am back in Auckland and headed out to Melbourne in a week. I will post more extensively in the next few days, I just didn't want you to think I went 2Pac on all of you.

Picture Blog

2008-11-28T23:23:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures starting with my last night in Auckland through my North Island tour and my week in Seddon...enjoy!

Last Night in Auckland

It's Thanksgiving Time

2008-11-27T15:37:00.000-08:00

One week ago I arrived in the middle of nowhere. Got off the bus, looked around and thought to myself, "what the hell have I done". I was completely uncomfortable and out of place, and then I moved into my room in a house with 7 other people who all knew each other and all spoke another language. It was like the Real World meets the Twilight Zone and I was the main character. Sitting around with a group of strangers, I was a little out of my element. I wanted to leave and never look back.

I'm tremendously glad that I didn't. If I had left, I would've never had the opportunity to get to know these people. To rediscover that it is OK to be uncomfortable and out of place...that something good usually comes from overcoming that feeling. Sometimes I have to remind myself that the majority of people I meet on this trip are in the same position as me. I am leaving here tomorrow with new friends that I never thought I would have, and never would have had if I had left that day. While most of these people I will never see again, I will remember these things long after I am gone from here. I will remember the time I was stuck in a ridiculously small town on the other side of the world with a group of foreigners. Whatever that is worth, I'll take it.

Obviously, on a holiday like Thanksgiving, I am missing home. I miss my family, my friends, and normality. I picture everyone together, sharing the day with food and laughter, and it's a weird feeling. It doesn't leave me with sadness, but with the appreciation of what I do have.

I have parents that I miss a lot; who I wish I could be around the table with on a day like today. I have brothers that I hope are well, and can't wait to see again. I have friends who are second to none. Most people are lucky to have just a few, and I have so many who I care about and can't wait to see again. I miss and love you all, hope your holiday was great.

And I have this road in front of me that is headed back there. All in due time. Until then, I have so much more to see, and I can't wait.

Now for a laugh...check out this amazing Thanksgiving video clip courtesy of Ashlee...

Thanksgiving Time

New Video Blog

2008-11-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some videos from the past few weeks...the first one is a little juvenile. And therefore it is the best...

Last night in Auckland, and Tomo has a problem...(ignore my insane 1st person laughing shot at the end...)

More from my last night, Mark can't seem to wake up...

Boiling hot water pools in Rotorua...the smell is delicious (a lot like my friend Wayne after a chicken wing waterfall)

Bubbling Mud in Rotorua

It's a geyser!!!

Seddon on my mind

2008-11-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

Arrived in Seddon on Saturday. Staying in a house with 7 German backpackers, all of them work on the vineyards in the same group. I've learned from a brochure in the information center that 6 days in Seddon is equivalent to 1 1/2 months anywhere on the planet. Interesting! So, just to give you a rundown...

The town is tiny and consists of:

Grocery store
Information Center
Extremely shady bar
Cafe

and lacks...

ATM
Piped drinking water
People
Fun

Well, you can actually obtain water from the school about a half mile up the road, so that's not too bad. Hmmm...

So it is my fifth day here, and I worked yesterday for the first time. I will say that it was unequivocally the worst thing I've ever done for money in my life. It trumps the time I drank a Dunkin' Donuts Coolatta that had been sitting on the Boston T for a few dollars. Looking back I'm not even sure I did that for money. We spent 11 hours in the heat lifting wires and pulling them up to put on nails on posts. Now picture a football field of vines, with dozens of rows. A few times, I would realize (at the end of the row) that the wires had crossed somewhere along the way, which meant I would have to go back and uncross them at every single post. All while getting paid per plant...which boiled down to about $10 New Zealand an hour (converted to about $6 American with the going exchange rate). Our supervisor, Paul, draws an uncanny resemblance to Short Round from Indiana Jones, and he would go through your work at tell you what to redo. So imagine Short Round yelling at you while all this is going on. And rather than encouraging things like in the movie, he is being critical of you. Dr. Jones!

Now, whoever picked the under for days on the job, pat yourself on the back, because it is 2pm the next day and I am at the visitors center on the internet. I want to thoroughly thank my parents for encouraging me to pursue secondary education. After work I jumped in the shower and I was like Jodie Foster in "The Accused" washing away my sins. I've never actually heard dirt scream as it washed off of me, what a chilling experience.

So, I am still in Seddon for probably another 2 days, but I don't think I am getting up at 6am to work anytime soon. Oh well, I gave it a try.

Mike's international employment tally:

0 for 2

Ok, back to work

2008-11-20T15:12:00.001-08:00

It is my last day in Wellington before I head off to the South Island to work on the vineyards. When I arrived here on Monday I said I would stay 1 or 2 nights. I stayed 5. I guess I wasn't as excited about vineyard work as I thought I was...weird! Obviously we have come to learn that me and work do not mix on this trip. It's been a great week so far, and Wellington is such a cool city. It is the capital of New Zealand and much better than Auckland. If Wellington was Alec Baldwin, Auckland would be like Stephen Baldwin. So here are some pics from the past week...

Last night in Auckland with Mark, Ella and Tomo...

Bubbling mud in Rotorua...

Huka Falls and Taupo...

The beautiful port city that is Wellington, the southernmost capital in the world...

Saturday I will be arriving in Seddon to start work on Tuesday. I changed my travel date for the bus there at the hostel in Wellington. This was the interaction:

Me: I would like to change my travel date for a bus ride
Agent: Ok, what was the Reference Number?
Me: 2039201391
Agent: That's Picton to...Seddon? Where the hell is Seddon? Is that right?
Me: Umm...yes
Agent: I have never even heard of that town
Me: Ok, ok, just shutup and change the ticket

So, Seddon is a little remote. I can make due. I will be working there for about a week (I know, poor me!), and then traveling the South Island for the 10 days after that. So keep following along and I will keep getting myself in and out of trouble.

North Island Tour

2008-11-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

So I'm in Taupo right now, which is pretty much in the center of the North Island. We've gone to Waitomo and Rotorua in the last few days and it has been awesome. I will post a more detailed blog soon, but I just wanted to link you to my new skydiving pictures. Went yesterday and I have to say it was awesome!! Can't describe it. This was my second time and I was surprisingly not that nervous all the way through, maybe it's because I am growing into a man. It only took 26 years. I have to say that I was expecting at least a little poop in my pants afterward. Clean as a whistle though!

Take a look/laugh at the photos linked below. It's slightly disturbing to see such pliable skin, but deal with it!

Skydiving in Taupo

Guest Blog Link

2008-11-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

So, I'm leaving Auckland in about 1 hour, but i've successfully stayed up all night to catch the bus. I also talked to a guy tonight who knew more about the NBA than anyone i've ever met. Then he bet me over statistics...the loser: would go home with him. Ok, time to leave the bar.

So anyways, i've guest blogged on my friend Sarah's page, and you should all go check it out. No only because it is funny, but because Sarah's blog is so awesome. So go check it out. No not later, now...link below

Guest Blog

Moving on up, to the South side

2008-11-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

Auckland and me are calling it quits after 40+ days of trying to make it work. We are ending things on good terms though. On Friday, I am leaving here to venture down to the south island in Blenheim. There, I will try to get work at one of the many vineyards for a few weeks. It is supposedly a very easy type of employment to obtain, and many backpackers take advantage of the opportunity. While I am no fan of manual labor, I'm excited to work outside in the fresh New Zealand air alongside my Fijian and Samoan brothers. I'm sure a bottle of wine that I made with my backpacking feet will cleanse the pallet as well. Mmmmm.

Getting there will be the fun part though. I will be taking a Magic Bus: down to Wellington on a route through Waitomo, Rotorua, and Taupo over 3 days. No, it's not actually a magic bus. I know you were picturing me floating away in this crazy bus driven by a gnome...but this one takes roads. Here are a few of the things I will be checking out on the way down...

There are caves in Waitomo:

Hot pools and bubbling mud in Rotorua:

Skydiving in Taupo:

Picture of people skydiving in Taupo not available due to lameness of actually posting a picture of other people skydiving.

I will be arriving in Wellington on Sunday/Monday, and I'm excited to check out New Zealand's second largest city, and one that's known for having a little more personality. While Auckland has been fun, it is a city that does not have an identity. It's as if the city was planned by a group of 4 year olds with glaucoma.

I will miss this city though, and I will miss this hostel. This place is like Never Never Land, except instead of Fairies, there are crazy Maori people who look like they should be the offensive line for the Chargers. You don't feel like time exists, and my biggest concern has been which day of the week to shower on (this week: Sunday...I was ambitious!) It quickly became like a home to me and it'll be bittersweet to leave. If you would've asked me that 5 weeks ago, I wouldn't have believed it. It's time to move on though, so it's on to the next chapter.

Sweet as bro...

2008-11-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

It is 4:30am on Thursday morning, and I am sitting at reception at the hostel working another overnight shift. This is prime blogging time. So, like expected, things are pretty regular right now. Well except for this:

This picture is made up of about 30% of the staff here. I hope this makes you laugh half as hard as me...

Ok, so I won't blather on about the election...but I just wanted to make a point from my perspective. Today Obama was named the next president, and instantly, the world's perception of the US has brightened. The world had really soured on us. I'm excited for that to change or at least have the opportunity to change. I've gotten around 4-5 hi-fives from people here that are from all around the world. Mostly they are from people who don't know the hi-five is like the fifth coolest way to celebrate these days, but still...you get my point.

Also, I picked up a few shifts at Whitcoulls this week - the bookstore I had previously quit (or kind of quit). Working a shift there makes me go through about 10 different emotions and maybe 1 is a positive one. I literally have to picture dollars in my wallet to make it through (yes, i'm whining). There is a guy named Rance (yes, Rance), who calls me "Like Mike", which I believe is a reference to Michael Jordan circa 1991...which is relative. I mean every time I walk by him though. There is a guy Johnno who is a self proclaimed "pen-freak". Sean is a girl who dances like a fairy princess around the store when closing time approaches. Jeremy is one of my managers, and he is about as thrilled with his job as McCain is with doing a pullup. Today I was told to stay "within the Gift Hub", a new promotional set-up to advise people of what to get their loved ones for Christmas. So, in the confines of the Hub, I've actually learned that time is slowed by some space-time continuum, which I think one of my co-workers has created. All I'm trying to do is give you a visual here. 3 1/2 weeks left. I can do this...

Oh, this might shed some light on the subject of my post today...New Zealanders say "sweet as" as a response to most things. So far I've found that it can be used to express: excitement, satisfaction, understanding, acknowledgement, unhappiness, disappointment, indifference. This video is a play on the New Zealand accent made by Aussies...the whale is saying he is "beached as"...basically ragging on the fact that they say "sweet as" so much; but you would've figured this out anyways:

P.S. I ate pizza with Mayonnaise on it tonight. I just got grossed out thinking about that moment again. Oh god what is happening.

More Pictures

2008-11-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Auckland and last weekend in Coromandel

Auckland (continued)

Coromandel

Weekend Getaway

2008-10-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, me and Mark received a van and drove out to the Coromandel Peninsula to check out a concert, about 4 hours away from Auckland. I was really excited to do this since it would be my first venture outside of the main city since i'd arrived. Refer to the map, Coromandel is to the right of Auckland.

So we loaded up the van with all the necessities: bread, peanut butter, chips and beer. We chose our complimentary DVD's: War of the Worlds and Lethal Weapon...1. Yes, these were the best options. It was lucky for us that one of the first scenes of LW1 features a bottomless Mel Gibson with a mullet. Anyways, we headed out on the road, the left side of it that is.

The drive was long. But we chose a "scenic" route that we thought would follow the water the whole way. We were half right. Here are a few shots from the trip up:

Making it to Coromandel Town around 9 at night, we were glad to finally be at our destination. The drive up was treacherous at times. Many areas of New Zealand are uninhabited and you can drive for miles on unguarded roads, barely large enough for one car nevermind two. The country is extremely mountainous, only adding to the craziness of the ride. And they're big fans of the "one lane bridge" here; your guess is as good as mine. This is what we saw most of the ride up there, not much room for error. What you can't see is the continuous 300 foot drop to the left.

Getting there, we drove through the city in about 8 seconds. Bar? Check. Gas station? Check. Everything else needed to sustain life? Try the next town. Asking the station attendant where the concert venue was for tomorrow night, he referenced a local map, showing Coroglen as our real destination...about 2 hours drive away. Oops. Anyways, we made due and set up shop in the bar's parking lot, knocking back a few beers with Mel and Danny Glover. We checked out the local bar scene, got as many dirty looks as your local pedophile and headed off to bed. And awoke to a park ranger knocking on our car window at 7:30am...with a warning.

Oh well. So that morning we ventured out to Coroglen, driving one of the most ridiculous roads I could ever imagine, called the 309 road. Named after the number of turns in it, 80% of it unguarded and concrete chipped from what road remains, it was a little daunting. We arrived to the town and realized a trend of business development. It was a bar, and that's it. A little down on the idea of a concert being held here later that night, we decided to make the most of the day.

We headed to a place called Hahei. Hahei is an area about 30 minutes north of Coroglen, and features a place called Cathedral Cove. I will just show some pictures, because my words will not describe it well:

Feeling a little inspired, we headed back to Coroglen to get a few drinks before the show. Grabbing a case of beer, we made a quick dash for the hills to hang out on a farm with some cattle. We jumped an unassuming fence and hung out for the next few hours with some nature. After a few cold ones and some close encounters with the locals (cows), we headed back to the show. Jumping the fence back to the road my knee momentarily brushed the wire, sending an electric jolt through my body. The next few minutes are hazy, though Mark will not let me forget that I described the feeling as a "sonic boom through my body". So I was electrocuted. Ok, even I'll admit that is hilarious. And I don't get any points for being smart on this trip, but we already knew I wouldn't exert my brain too much anyways.

So we got to the concert, and to our surprise there were about 1000 people there. Coming from all over the country to see this act, Tiki Taane, a local Maori rap/reggae/folk act. This summer he reached #1 on the New Zealand charts. The song that succeeded him? "In the Air Tonight" from Phil Collins. This is dead serious...it came out in 1981 and charted in 2008. Yes, I am as puzzled as you are. Here are some pics and an annoyingly unclear video from the show:

The night was fun, and afterwards we camped out again, this time with no problems. We hit the road early the next morning to head back and after a few scenic stops...

...we were back in Auckland. And city life resumes. It was a great and exhausting trip, though it's weird to arrive back at the hostel with a sense of relief and comfort. I will post all the pictures from the last two weeks up soon, until then i'm out.

Contact Info

2008-10-22T21:52:00.001-07:00

I have it. It is located on the right hand side of the page, and will change accordingly if needed. This contact info should stay the same through December 1st, or until I get deported, whichever comes first.

The phone number is including all country codes and international hoo-ha, so that is the exact number. Now you no excuse not to contact me, well i'm sure you have many, but whatever.

Send me a text. Buy a phone card. Give me a call. Or bugger off you wank.

What's going on?

2008-10-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a little while since i've updated what actually is going on over here in New Zealand, so let me take a minute to do that.

Since I last left you, I was in the midst of looking for a job. I ended up finding one last week at a retail bookstore, Whitcoulls. One of the largest bookstores in New Zealand, well, just take a look for yourself.

Whitcoulls Official Website

So for the last week I have worked there in additional to working 16 hours at the hostel to cover my accommodation. And in that week I learned that retail and me just don't click. So I cut back on my hours there, moreso towards zero, and will be looking for other work somewhere more palatable...I can get into specifics, but i'd just be whining. Let's just say it didn't help wearing an extremely red shirt every day.

Anyways, so right now I am back to square one. Right now, my only hours are behind the desk at the hostel...which looks a little like this:

Yes, this is Surf N' Snow Backpackers in Auckland. Now I know you're saying that I complained about my other work shirt, so what gives. Ok, I never said my reasoning was rock solid. Oh, and I am definitely giving the universal Asian picture pose. When in Rome...

Also, this weekend I will be driving to a city called Coromandel with sir Marcus to go check out some concert. This van is called a spaceship and is super-neat (yes, I said that) with a bed, grill, dvd player and a steering column on the wrong side of the dash. So that should be interesting. Because A) Other side of road being driven on B) the route to be taken is mostly coastal, and by coastal I mean, 'oh look, roads with no guardrails' coastal. Ah, there's no need for a C). But it's free, and that's a good price, so I will keep you posted on how that goes!!

Also, I climbed Mt. Eden the other day, which is one of dozens of dormant volcanoes in Auckland and New Zealand in general. It is the highest natural point in Auckland and gives an amazing view. Here is the view:

It was pretty cool, and worth the walk/hike. (Yes, I know, awesome videography...yikes).

So things are going good over here. I hope everyone back home is staying warm! I miss all of you and will keep you posted as always.

So one more ridiculous video...

2008-10-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

So, by now you pretty much know Mark...so this will not come as a surprise. This was like 2 weeks ago, but once again, uploads speeds are about as fast as the Mesozoic era. It lasted 180 million years, roughly.

P.S. Marcy's Playground "Sex and Candy" just came on the radio. I think it just came out here...

Pictures...finally

2008-10-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

Here are my pictures from the first two weeks. Enjoy!!

Auckland first 2 weeks

and one hilarious video...

Intersection

2008-10-12T02:17:00.000-07:00

I was walking past the harbor today and I was nearing the street corner ready to cross. I missed the light. So I was waiting there, and it was about 7:30pm so the sun is setting; I'm listening to my ipod. I'm standing there staring blankly across the intersection when I notice the sky's brilliant red streaking through the skyline above my head. It's cutting into the tall buildings just dropping into the streets but I had caught it. In that moment, my ipod is playing the perfect song and it all happens at once.
The warmness rushes over me and paints a smile on my face as I stand. It takes all of thirty seconds but it feels like so much longer, like time is frozen still. And it is all that is needed to make my day.
On trips I look for these moments. When everything and everyone is so far away and home is just a thought, I can lose sight on what I am really there for. These moments, this moment, brings that back into focus. In these seconds I feel everything. It's overwhelming, but it is what makes it all worth it. The cramped living spaces, the passing acquaintances, the time away from real life, missing friends and family, and all of the uncertainty. It goes away and lives inside of you at the same time.
And then the light changes. So I walk on to that cramped living space, to wish another someone good luck on their travels. Still away from real life, uncertain about tomorrow...and I wouldn't change any of it.

Back to normal

2008-10-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

So the last few days have been pretty normal by any standard. Went on an interview for a retail job at Quiksilver (have yet to hear back...hold back your laughter). I also have done a few shifts of reception at the hostel. The manager here is a Japanese guy in his early 30's named Take (pronounced Teck-Ay). He is quite inept and all the backpackers working here completely agree, his countryman included. He scratches his head when he is confused, which is often...it's really silly. I've found that most backpackers (at least the ones who stay in one place for an extended period of time) are characters. I could write a book on this place...it's hilarious. Pictures will be coming soon...don't worry.

Not too much new to report here. I am watching the gamecast of the red sox game right now. Ah, the life of a backpacker can be so normal sometimes.

Picture blog

2008-10-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

So here are some pictures from the last week...

The Auckland city skyline on a commonly overcast day...

Wait a second...there's a Wollongong campus in Auckland?? On a sidenote, here is an excerpt from an email I wrote to the head of Campus East (the dorms I stayed at in Australia 5 years ago) in regards to presenting to the students there to get free accomodation...

"My colleague Mark Williams and I, who met while at Campus East, have spoken with hundreds of students about the benefit of studying abroad and its' positive impact on an American student's career path...We would like to visit Campus East, for nostalgic as well as educational purposes. I wanted to express our interest in speaking with the students at Campus East in regards to getting the most out of their studying abroad experience and how to use that post graduation to enhance their careers." - ok ok, so I might be embellishing our credentials a little bit...it's worth a shot!

The first picture was not so good. This is the second, and i've just told Mark to look like he's alive. He might be overcompensating a bit. And Will could care less what is going on.

The next three are me on a yacht...I'm so mom-friendly...

I think this is art-noveau...or maybe art deco? Or I am just a big dork. You choose.

One of the main reasons I am here is so someone can carry Mark home after a long night of screeching and bootydancing. I was born to do this.

Auckland in one piece...

2008-10-05T00:16:00.000-07:00

So I got into Auckland after 36 hours of continuous travel. Boston-Charlotte-Los Angeles-Fiji-Auckland. I was 80% sure Mark would be there at the airport, but i don't think i give him enough credit...he was there. I got in at about 2 in the afternoon, and it was good to see a familiar face. We didn't waste anytime, and after dropping off my bag at the hostel we did this...

So that was scary. But it was free, so that was great. It’s much more satisfying not paying for almost dying, I would feel silly otherwise. Mark works for the hostel doing travel sales and reception, so he hooked up this Skywalk for us. It's off this structure called the Skytower (630 feet):

Afterwards, I changed my pants. Yes, I know that's what you were thinking...

So i've been in Auckland for 4 days now. It is a really interesting city is many ways. I will be posting pictures soon, when I can get access to the work computers here, so bear with me. I am going to begin working at the hostel for a few days a week, and that will gain me free accomodation. I'll also be looking for other work as well to start balancing out the money i'm spending. Every time I open my wallet it’s a sobering moment. So I have my resume and I’ll go out this week and find something I am completely overqualified for.

So life here is good. I’m nearing the point of comfortability and looking forward to getting into sort of a rhythm here. I’ll try to post more frequently. I’ll starting having more time to do so.

Fun Fact: New Zealanders refer to green peppers as capsicums. I know this because Mark also works at Subway. Yes, I just said that.

One more week...

2008-09-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

So the day is almost here. When you first book a trip, you get this rush of excitement which gradually wears off the longer you have to wait. It hasn't hit me yet that I am leaving just yet, but I am sure it will come shortly after my 17 hour flight begins.

Ok, so if you don't know, I am going to New Zealand for a few months, then Australia for a few more...then who knows? It is yet to be determined where exactly...but planning gives me a headache. I am meeting up with my friend Mark, who has been in New Zealand for a few months and is borderline insane...he's well known for making extremely crazy faces/sounds/mannerisms (see below, on the bottom).

Anyways...I'll be arriving in Auckland on October 2nd, and I'll try to get a job as soon as I can...or at least when I look at my bank account and crap myself. I have already secured a job at the Australian Open in Melbourne for the month of January, so I have that to look forward to. I will be Radek Stepanek's mentor and shower aide (not sure what that will mean yet), but we will see...

So this will be my blog for my trip, where I will post the most important and random events over the next (??) months. Comment if you feel the need, it will always be nice to hear from people back home, even if it is a rude and belittling note. And if you're contemplating a trip yourself, you are always welcome to come visit...those who are daring enough.

Ok, I'm going to go now...