A Big Sappy Thank You

With my nine and a half month journey in New Zealand at its end, I cannot leave without dedicating a post to all those who have helped me along the way. Though, ‘helped’ is an understatement. Like an oasis in the desert, these people provided a head over my roof—I mean, a roof over my head, gave me lifts, fed me well, and donated things that I needed to continue my travels. All of that came simply from the kindness of their hearts, and often when I needed it the most…despite my lousy hair, clothes worn way-too-many times, really really wet and muddy boots, short notice, etc…

When I wasn’t working for money, or wandering through the wilderness (‘tramping in the bush’ as kiwis say), I was Wwoofing. I can hardly express my gratitude for the absolute awesomeness of the Wwoof program. If you can believe me, my Wwoof book became my bible. I left it behind once for a week, during which I was very very sad, and since have never let it leave my side. All my Wwoof hosts and the Wwoof NZ Festival gifted me with memorable experiences and improved knowledge of food production, engineering, and life. There’s no doubt that I will be Wwoofing for years to come, wherever I may be.

And of course, thanks to everyone I met along the way. It’s hard to express the impact that everyone had on me. Even those I only met for a few minutes had an effect on my thoughts, like someone making small adjustments to a sculpture, carving out who I am. When I felt lost, they kept me company, gave me faith, and reassured me that I would find my way. There’s nothing like that feeling when someone appears to help you out. There are great great people in this world.

oh the irony

everywhere i go, i can't help but laugh at the irony that life brings...

i lost my USB stick. i left it at the apple store yesterday, because i simply can't stop losing things. and yet, while i was walking away from the apple store this morning all distraught, this guy on the street was handing out pamphlets for free USB sticks. Dicks Smith Electronics had a grand opening store, and were giving away free USB sticks to the first 1000 ppl who wanted them. yeah, it's a bit sad that i lost all the random crap on my beloved memory stick, but i must admit getting a new one for free was pretty awesome. What are the odds???

the other thing is that the principles surrounding working on organic farms is completely opposite to nuclear engineering. organic farming is all about small scale, local, everything produced is returned to the natural cycle. with nuclear energy, it's always gotta be BIG...the bigger the more efficient. somehow i think there is a middle ground between the two. in our world now, we won't be able to be all out relocalization, or all out large scale, because being too local means you miss the bigger picture, and being too large scale means you miss the beauty of invidualism and diversity. maybe i'll find the answer as i continue along my journeys. (i've been telling ppl that i'm a mechanical engineer for all this time on the road...because a lot of ppl get all rattled up just hearing the world nuclear. and once they're rattled up, there's no end to their condemnations (is that a word?)).

one of these days i'll write a real post. i keep saying that, but really, it'll happen.

My last days in New Zealand are passing by...one by one. I don't even quite know what to do with myself. I'll be heading up to Northland soon for my last week, once I figure out my Aussie visa...

Man, traveling is really poop sometimes when you have access to like absolutely nothing. And you only have like 1 1/2 sets of clothes. And you're standing around like an absolute bum, not quite sure what to do...