Sydney is kind of a weird place.
If you keep it to just the Sydney Harbour area (bridge, opera house, argyle stores, botanic gardens, coast walks, Museum of Contemporary Art) and beaches in the area (like Manly, which was awesome), the place is incredible, lively and like a dream come to life.
It's just the other 80% of the city kind of sucks.
Dirty, hurried, rude, horribly expensive, riddled with smoke and pushy strip club marketers (at least in Kings Cross for the latter part) and with no real heart to it, Sydney is a city with one really tremendous area and a whole lot of crap surrounding it.
I spent a total of three nights and two days there and I can safely say I have little to no interest in ever going back. I got the experiences I wanted (and some I was entertained by, like with the aforementioned pushy strip club entrepreneurs in Kings Cross) and am pretty much set now.
Having powered through the city, I am now in Brisbane for two days of animal power (the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to start and then the Australia Zoo tomorrow) before heading to what I hope to be somewhere with honest to god life and vitality - Noosa. My great white hope of small town joie de vivre.
So far though, I have found Australia significantly lacking in comparison to New Zealand. It is truly unreal how expensive this city is. Here are some prices to give you an idea how much I am dealing with, and keep in mind this will be in Australian dollars which are stronger than American dollars.
Movies in the theater: $17.50 ($10 in Anchorage)
Comics: $6.95 ($3.99 in the US)
Coke (as in the beverage, not the drug): $4 ($1.50 in Anchorage?)
It is insane. After just a few days, I wish I had spent my whole time in Oceania in New Zealand.
The things I really want to do here too are both pricing and timing me out. Going to Uluru (Ayers Rock) would likely ultimately cost me $1400 AU dollars and 5 days, to which I say SCREW THAT. Even getting up to the Great Barrier Reef promises to be rather prodigiously expensive. Stupid huge country.
In short, I already am excited for the cheap thrills of Thailand.
At least I know tomorrow brings the promise of koalas. That will make things better. They always do.
Sigh...
Koalas are awesome.
Music of the day: The sound a cash register makes when it bankrupts me (it sounds like a baby or a 27 year old Alaskan man named David Harper crying)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
New Zealand in Retrospect
It turns out New Zealand is just as beautiful and amazing as people hype it up to be.
True story.
Not only that, but the people are uniformly friendly. It's kind of jarring actually, just how friendly the people are. Everywhere you go the people are mellow, forgiving of stupidity (which I bring with a vengeance), kind, generous and all around class acts.
Think of this: the only people who picked me up hitchhiking were Kiwis, and this only took place in tourist heavy areas. Not only that, but three times when I approached a local for directions, they saw my request for a pointing finger and raised with a ride to the location itself.
In many parts of America, I would get a finger, but it would point skyward (which is fairly useless when you are looking for somewhere).
It is a remarkable place, and one of the nicest ones I have been to.
But oddly enough, I don't find myself saddened as I depart there. Maybe because I have so much adventure left ahead of me, but one way or another I am excited as I fly from Christchurch to Sydney.
Before I get into writing about Australia (which will come a day or so into that section), I wanted to look at the highlights of my New Zealand experience.
Favorite Place: Waiheke Island
Beautiful, relaxed, natural, inviting, friendly and completely unique, when I felt most unsure about NZ, this island and its 8 interconnected townships made the awesome rain all over me. With the best blend of culture, culinary and Caribbean like environs (sue me, I reached for the alliteration), this place was living a dream.
Favorite City: Dunedin
I've always said I wanted to live in a place that blended a college town vibe with city like amenities. Never had I found it until the brilliance of this city. Nestled into the south island, packing a punch from the robust musical and cuisine scenes while also being near the fertile wildlife sanctuaries of the Otago Peninsula, this place has a little something for everyone.
Even a hostel called Hogwartz.
Least Favorite Places: Paihia and Christchurch
A bit of advice, visit the Bay of Islands, but try to get out of Paihia as soon as possible. Mediocre and overpriced food and accommodations, frat party like vibe, and generally unfriendly people (probably because they are overburdened by rabid tourists), I spent two nights here and would have highly preferred one.
Christchurch kind of gets a pass because of the devastation that hit it with their earthquake, but man, it is the most confusing city I have ever been to. Finding your way through the city as a newbie is incredibly difficult, as streets seemingly cross with themselves and even the GPS we had changed its routes trip to trip due to what I can only guess is the electronic equivalent of throwing your hands in the air and saying "that's it!!!"
Most Underrated Place: Wanaka
Very little hype in Lonely Planet or within backpacker stories, Wanaka was a soothing four day balm to my weary traveling soul. Loaded with quality cafes, top hiking tracks, and a superb hostel and movie theater (both the YHA Purple Cow and Cinema Paradiso come highly recommended from yours truly), this is a fantastic place to lay low for a few days.
Especially in Puzzling World's maze. No one will find you there.
Favorite Experience: It's a tie! Swimming with dolphins in the Bay of Islands and bungie jumping outside of Queenstown
Confession time: growing up I loved dolphins (well, all cetaceans really) and I wanted to be a marine biologist. Swimming with them was short, but completely and utterly exhilarating. When I exited the water, I quickly gathered with other swimmers and rapidly shared experiences with them. "Did you?!" "Yeah!" "So close!" "Yeah!"
Warning: non-sensical excitement based shorthand occurs shortly after this experience.
Bungie jumping I've gone on and on about, but I think this somewhat revealed to me that I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. A low level one, but whenever I do something "extreme" I approach it with fear and experience it with a transcendent level of jubilance. The bungie jumping experience, for me, was truly special, and something I highly suggest to anyone to try.
Biggest Disappointment: The Food
I am not a foodie - I am a food enthusiast.
With that said, everyone knows I love food, but New Zealand's food had very little that was special about it. Certain towns and cities did food well (Dunedin in particular) and they handled some dishes well (hello Eggs Benedict!), but for the most part, I found that the food was at best solid and at worst cholera inducing (don't ask).
Silver lining: New Zealand can make a mean cup of coffee and their beer, particularly Speight's, is top notch as well.
North Island or South Island?: North Island
For me personally, I found myself sadder to leave the North Island than I was to leave the South Island. The northern section seemed to offer more variety to your experience and seemed to have more options for your wayward traveler. I have to admit, I may have just preferred the warmer weather, but it seemed that my time in the north was too short while my south time was too long.
New Zealand as a whole, however, is the type of place I could see myself going back to live at. Blessed with an overabundance of things to do and good bang for my American dollar, i could see myself returning after acquiring a work visa. But I doubt it. Who knows, maybe Australia will be even more awesome? The flight sure is - Emirates Airlines RULES.
Music of the day: The Black Keys - Brothers
True story.
Not only that, but the people are uniformly friendly. It's kind of jarring actually, just how friendly the people are. Everywhere you go the people are mellow, forgiving of stupidity (which I bring with a vengeance), kind, generous and all around class acts.
Think of this: the only people who picked me up hitchhiking were Kiwis, and this only took place in tourist heavy areas. Not only that, but three times when I approached a local for directions, they saw my request for a pointing finger and raised with a ride to the location itself.
In many parts of America, I would get a finger, but it would point skyward (which is fairly useless when you are looking for somewhere).
It is a remarkable place, and one of the nicest ones I have been to.
But oddly enough, I don't find myself saddened as I depart there. Maybe because I have so much adventure left ahead of me, but one way or another I am excited as I fly from Christchurch to Sydney.
Before I get into writing about Australia (which will come a day or so into that section), I wanted to look at the highlights of my New Zealand experience.
Favorite Place: Waiheke Island
Beautiful, relaxed, natural, inviting, friendly and completely unique, when I felt most unsure about NZ, this island and its 8 interconnected townships made the awesome rain all over me. With the best blend of culture, culinary and Caribbean like environs (sue me, I reached for the alliteration), this place was living a dream.
Favorite City: Dunedin
I've always said I wanted to live in a place that blended a college town vibe with city like amenities. Never had I found it until the brilliance of this city. Nestled into the south island, packing a punch from the robust musical and cuisine scenes while also being near the fertile wildlife sanctuaries of the Otago Peninsula, this place has a little something for everyone.
Even a hostel called Hogwartz.
Least Favorite Places: Paihia and Christchurch
A bit of advice, visit the Bay of Islands, but try to get out of Paihia as soon as possible. Mediocre and overpriced food and accommodations, frat party like vibe, and generally unfriendly people (probably because they are overburdened by rabid tourists), I spent two nights here and would have highly preferred one.
Christchurch kind of gets a pass because of the devastation that hit it with their earthquake, but man, it is the most confusing city I have ever been to. Finding your way through the city as a newbie is incredibly difficult, as streets seemingly cross with themselves and even the GPS we had changed its routes trip to trip due to what I can only guess is the electronic equivalent of throwing your hands in the air and saying "that's it!!!"
Most Underrated Place: Wanaka
Very little hype in Lonely Planet or within backpacker stories, Wanaka was a soothing four day balm to my weary traveling soul. Loaded with quality cafes, top hiking tracks, and a superb hostel and movie theater (both the YHA Purple Cow and Cinema Paradiso come highly recommended from yours truly), this is a fantastic place to lay low for a few days.
Especially in Puzzling World's maze. No one will find you there.
Favorite Experience: It's a tie! Swimming with dolphins in the Bay of Islands and bungie jumping outside of Queenstown
Confession time: growing up I loved dolphins (well, all cetaceans really) and I wanted to be a marine biologist. Swimming with them was short, but completely and utterly exhilarating. When I exited the water, I quickly gathered with other swimmers and rapidly shared experiences with them. "Did you?!" "Yeah!" "So close!" "Yeah!"
Warning: non-sensical excitement based shorthand occurs shortly after this experience.
Bungie jumping I've gone on and on about, but I think this somewhat revealed to me that I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. A low level one, but whenever I do something "extreme" I approach it with fear and experience it with a transcendent level of jubilance. The bungie jumping experience, for me, was truly special, and something I highly suggest to anyone to try.
Biggest Disappointment: The Food
I am not a foodie - I am a food enthusiast.
With that said, everyone knows I love food, but New Zealand's food had very little that was special about it. Certain towns and cities did food well (Dunedin in particular) and they handled some dishes well (hello Eggs Benedict!), but for the most part, I found that the food was at best solid and at worst cholera inducing (don't ask).
Silver lining: New Zealand can make a mean cup of coffee and their beer, particularly Speight's, is top notch as well.
North Island or South Island?: North Island
For me personally, I found myself sadder to leave the North Island than I was to leave the South Island. The northern section seemed to offer more variety to your experience and seemed to have more options for your wayward traveler. I have to admit, I may have just preferred the warmer weather, but it seemed that my time in the north was too short while my south time was too long.
New Zealand as a whole, however, is the type of place I could see myself going back to live at. Blessed with an overabundance of things to do and good bang for my American dollar, i could see myself returning after acquiring a work visa. But I doubt it. Who knows, maybe Australia will be even more awesome? The flight sure is - Emirates Airlines RULES.
Music of the day: The Black Keys - Brothers
Saturday, March 26, 2011
New Zealand: A Land of Firsts
Today is my last full day in New Zealand, and I am spending the majority of it transitioning from Wanaka to Christchurch via Naked Bus (hopefully no nudity will be required for entry, but that will be revealed in about an hour and 15 minutes). This is unsurprising given the amount of bus travel I went through while here, but it was all worth it (more on that later in my NZ Revisited post).
What I wanted to talk about here are the firsts I went through while in Kiwiland, because I did a surprising amount of things for the first time while here.
- Perhaps most impressively (and most surprisingly) I bungie jumped for the first time ever in Queenstown at the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge jump - 43 meters of pure awesome
- I hitchhiked for the first time (as well as a few times after that) - I highly doubt that will be the last time either
- I went snorkeling for the first time ever
- Better yet, I swam with dolphins for the first time (and good god do I hope it isn't the last)
- I had my first frisbee golf hole-in-one on the 10th hole of the Queenstown course
- I grew a "beard" for the first time (two points: my beard is a patchy hodgepodge of randomness, and this isn't really a NZ experience but it is something I'm doing for the first time while here
- First time seeing a penguin in the wild in person
Not a ton of things really, but a fun list of very memorable experiences. My Facebook page is now loaded with pictures for those that are interested in that type of thing. There are only 54 pics on there but I can say this - I took over 1000 pics, many of which are not so good (I subscribe to the quantity makes quality school of thought in photography).
Today New Zealand, tomorrow Australia. Here is hoping my first I get there is getting MDK'd by a massive spider as I sleep in the Outback.
Music of the day: Eluvium's "Copia" (the salve to my insomniac woes when my room is an oven and a girl is snoring something fierce)
What I wanted to talk about here are the firsts I went through while in Kiwiland, because I did a surprising amount of things for the first time while here.
- Perhaps most impressively (and most surprisingly) I bungie jumped for the first time ever in Queenstown at the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge jump - 43 meters of pure awesome
- I hitchhiked for the first time (as well as a few times after that) - I highly doubt that will be the last time either
- I went snorkeling for the first time ever
- Better yet, I swam with dolphins for the first time (and good god do I hope it isn't the last)
- I had my first frisbee golf hole-in-one on the 10th hole of the Queenstown course
- I grew a "beard" for the first time (two points: my beard is a patchy hodgepodge of randomness, and this isn't really a NZ experience but it is something I'm doing for the first time while here
- First time seeing a penguin in the wild in person
Not a ton of things really, but a fun list of very memorable experiences. My Facebook page is now loaded with pictures for those that are interested in that type of thing. There are only 54 pics on there but I can say this - I took over 1000 pics, many of which are not so good (I subscribe to the quantity makes quality school of thought in photography).
Today New Zealand, tomorrow Australia. Here is hoping my first I get there is getting MDK'd by a massive spider as I sleep in the Outback.
Music of the day: Eluvium's "Copia" (the salve to my insomniac woes when my room is an oven and a girl is snoring something fierce)
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Power of Twitter
Update: Patagonia said they cannot get me new shoes until I send my current ones back AND that they cannot send shoes internationally (which seems a tad contrary to their origins). So I guess I will be buying new shoes and throwing these ones in the trash. REI is still cool, but I officially will never be buying a Patagonia product again.
After just three weeks, my brand new Patagonia slip-on walking shoes are nearing their last rites. Given that I dropped $80 dollars for them at REI, I kind of feel like they should last just a bit longer, so my frustration was palpable last evening.
TO TWITTER I GO!!
For a wayward pacifist such as myself, instead of just buying new shoes or something of that sort, I passive aggressively tweeted lamentations about the quick death of my almost absurdly comfortable shoes. @ messaging Patagonia and REI in the process (I wanted them to be aware of my frustration - or at the very least their bots or PR firm), I awoke to a surprise: both REI and Patagonia responded.
It's a little early to tell, but it looks like papa is getting a new set of shoes - on the house of course. This was unintentional of course, as well as wholly welcome. Bravo to both companies for going above and beyond in customer service and turning my negative experience into a positive one.
Music of the Day: The 88 - Over and Over (pure pop for blissful sunny days)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Gone Fishing...
Slow on the blog lately everyone, sorry! I'm hiding out in Wanaka, New Zealand for a few days at the end of my NZ trip to relax and get a vacation from my vacation. That means cooking, movies, sleeping in, hiking and being boring for a few days. So for those looking for exciting tales from Kiwiland, you won't be getting them from me for a bit.
There are stories to be told from days past, namely the superb frisbee golf course I found in Queenstown (and the hole in one I made), the impossibly cool movie theater here in Wanaka (google Cinema Paradiso), the Lord of the Rings tour Sharee and I took, and the sadness that comes from my phone no longer working. But you will get none of that until later my friends!
You also sadly will not be getting pictures (sorry Sara!). I cannot load pics on my iPad, thus I cannot share with you...yet. But my apologies, as I would very much like to share my journey with you. I just cannot yet.
Share comments with me people! I miss everyone something fierce (especially with my phone being a brick) so cheer me up with entertaining commentary.
There are stories to be told from days past, namely the superb frisbee golf course I found in Queenstown (and the hole in one I made), the impossibly cool movie theater here in Wanaka (google Cinema Paradiso), the Lord of the Rings tour Sharee and I took, and the sadness that comes from my phone no longer working. But you will get none of that until later my friends!
You also sadly will not be getting pictures (sorry Sara!). I cannot load pics on my iPad, thus I cannot share with you...yet. But my apologies, as I would very much like to share my journey with you. I just cannot yet.
Share comments with me people! I miss everyone something fierce (especially with my phone being a brick) so cheer me up with entertaining commentary.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
I Came, I Saw, I Leapt
Yesterday was a milestone day for me. Given that I want this trip to be some sort of grand adventure, it only makes sense that leaping off the first bridge to support commercial bungie jumping would be an activity early on in my journey. And it really didn't make sense not to.
So yesterday outside of Queenstown, New Zealand at AJ Hackett's bungie joint, I jumped off the Kawaru Bridge at precisely 4 pm.
The funny thing about bungie jumping, like other really scary activities I had to overcome previously, is that almost all of the fear exists in the build-up to the actual event. As I was approaching it, my stomach was in knots and my hands were frozen out of fear.
But once I got up there I flew like an eagle.
Okay, if I was an eagle in that situation I would have been the world's crappiest one because I dove straight out and proceeded to go straight down rapidly. Naturally.
The fun thing was I had no idea how my surgically repaired knee would respond, and to be honest, neither did the crew working. They suggested jumping straight out as far as I could ("imagine you are jumping onto a bed 6 feet away") to reduce any strain on my knee. It didn't hurt at all.
In fact, all potential pain and real fear was quickly replaced with pure elation.
While those before and after me met the leap by screaming, I responded by laughing like a madman, much to the elation of those watching. I spread my arms out and spun and smiled and as I was pulled into a boat far below me on the Kawaru River by the crack team they had there, only one sensation remained.
The desire to do it again.
Music of the day: The "extreme" soundtrack of AJ Hackett's bungie crew - EXTREME!
So yesterday outside of Queenstown, New Zealand at AJ Hackett's bungie joint, I jumped off the Kawaru Bridge at precisely 4 pm.
The funny thing about bungie jumping, like other really scary activities I had to overcome previously, is that almost all of the fear exists in the build-up to the actual event. As I was approaching it, my stomach was in knots and my hands were frozen out of fear.
But once I got up there I flew like an eagle.
Okay, if I was an eagle in that situation I would have been the world's crappiest one because I dove straight out and proceeded to go straight down rapidly. Naturally.
The fun thing was I had no idea how my surgically repaired knee would respond, and to be honest, neither did the crew working. They suggested jumping straight out as far as I could ("imagine you are jumping onto a bed 6 feet away") to reduce any strain on my knee. It didn't hurt at all.
In fact, all potential pain and real fear was quickly replaced with pure elation.
While those before and after me met the leap by screaming, I responded by laughing like a madman, much to the elation of those watching. I spread my arms out and spun and smiled and as I was pulled into a boat far below me on the Kawaru River by the crack team they had there, only one sensation remained.
The desire to do it again.
Music of the day: The "extreme" soundtrack of AJ Hackett's bungie crew - EXTREME!
Friday, March 18, 2011
To Dunedin and Beyond
Arriving into Dunedin late last night, I didn't get much of a feel for the place save for a few simple facts.
1) It had better architecture than everywhere else I had been I New Zealand to date
2) People love to party here (this is not derived from the fact I heard Eddie Murphy's "Party All The Time" playing in a the supermarket but from the fact St. Patrick's Day was welcomed by fleets of green wearing and beer chugging people of all ages)
3) It is a bit dirtier than most NZ cities as well
My evening did have the benefit of meeting some really cool people at a local bar and hearing some very interesting and fun stories, but for the most part it was calm and I didn't really get a good feel for the city at all.
Today on the other hand was like a Lonely Planet one-day itinerary from heaven for people traveling in Dunedin and the surrounding area. I went straight from the guidebook on this one and it led me to perhaps my favorite day yet in Kiwiland.
Highlights included:
- a ridiculously great breakfast at local haunt Governor's - I had the God's Benedict (eggs benedict) with bacon and hash browns and a latte. My best meal in NZ to date
- meeting an incredibly cool local musician named Matt Langley on the bus who told me all about the surrounding area and the New Zealand music scene
- honest-to-god hitchhiking (with the thumb and everything) for the first (and second (and third)) time in my life (I loved it)
- checking out the only Royal Albatross preserve in the world and catching two in flight and three fledglings chilling
- going to a Yellow Eyed Penguin preserve set up by an organization designed to stabilize and stimulate the endangered species population
- enjoying the weather in 6 to 8 kms of walking, taking in beautiful vistas as I go while also almost tripping on a sea lion (which likely would have resulted in my death)
- a superb dinner at local Vietnamese eatery Saigon Van, taking in crispy spring rolls and a braised pork and egg entree that replenished my diminished energy cells
Not a bad day, and if you throw in the fact that I am writing this from the best hostel I have ever been (that just so happens to be named Hogwartz) in an incredibly comfy bed in a room filled with delightful people and you have one guy who is an unhappy camper because of his pending departure from Dunedin.
This city bridges my favorite elements of college towns and major cities, giving it a feel that sends it skyrocketing up my list of favorite cities I have ever been to. The fact that tomorrow could have given me the chance to see my first rugby match AND a six act show of Kiwi bands on the relative cheap just makes me all the more bummed out to leave.
Dunedin, I will be truly sad to depart you come tomorrow.
Music of the day: Katrina and the Waves - Walkin' on Sunshine (whoaaaaaohohhhhh!)
1) It had better architecture than everywhere else I had been I New Zealand to date
2) People love to party here (this is not derived from the fact I heard Eddie Murphy's "Party All The Time" playing in a the supermarket but from the fact St. Patrick's Day was welcomed by fleets of green wearing and beer chugging people of all ages)
3) It is a bit dirtier than most NZ cities as well
My evening did have the benefit of meeting some really cool people at a local bar and hearing some very interesting and fun stories, but for the most part it was calm and I didn't really get a good feel for the city at all.
Today on the other hand was like a Lonely Planet one-day itinerary from heaven for people traveling in Dunedin and the surrounding area. I went straight from the guidebook on this one and it led me to perhaps my favorite day yet in Kiwiland.
Highlights included:
- a ridiculously great breakfast at local haunt Governor's - I had the God's Benedict (eggs benedict) with bacon and hash browns and a latte. My best meal in NZ to date
- meeting an incredibly cool local musician named Matt Langley on the bus who told me all about the surrounding area and the New Zealand music scene
- honest-to-god hitchhiking (with the thumb and everything) for the first (and second (and third)) time in my life (I loved it)
- checking out the only Royal Albatross preserve in the world and catching two in flight and three fledglings chilling
- going to a Yellow Eyed Penguin preserve set up by an organization designed to stabilize and stimulate the endangered species population
- enjoying the weather in 6 to 8 kms of walking, taking in beautiful vistas as I go while also almost tripping on a sea lion (which likely would have resulted in my death)
- a superb dinner at local Vietnamese eatery Saigon Van, taking in crispy spring rolls and a braised pork and egg entree that replenished my diminished energy cells
Not a bad day, and if you throw in the fact that I am writing this from the best hostel I have ever been (that just so happens to be named Hogwartz) in an incredibly comfy bed in a room filled with delightful people and you have one guy who is an unhappy camper because of his pending departure from Dunedin.
This city bridges my favorite elements of college towns and major cities, giving it a feel that sends it skyrocketing up my list of favorite cities I have ever been to. The fact that tomorrow could have given me the chance to see my first rugby match AND a six act show of Kiwi bands on the relative cheap just makes me all the more bummed out to leave.
Dunedin, I will be truly sad to depart you come tomorrow.
Music of the day: Katrina and the Waves - Walkin' on Sunshine (whoaaaaaohohhhhh!)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Money for Nothing and Your Chicks for Free
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about vacation and my trip is that there is the prerequisite attached to it that it needs to be expensive. Sure, flying around the world has a lot of inherent cost to it, especially if you aren't going to places that are dirt cheap to begin with.
And let me tell you, my itinerary pulls no punches when it comes to savings. Europe, Australia and Japan are some of the most expensive places you can visit, and by god, I am making them happen.
But still, the past couple days proves that really memorable experiences can be had for free.
The last few days I have been traveling with former coworkers (and friends) Sharee and Paulette. They had already planned on being here well before my trip was announced, so the three of us are meeting up in New Zealand and Australia for some team traveling and good times.
The first day, we joint ventured our way to Christchurch on the South Island of NZ. Because of their recent earthquake, the city itself is in disarray, with many Kiwis left without homes and the entire city being found without potable drinking water from the tap (well, without boiling that is).
We quickly ventured off to gather supplies for our time in this city, before we ran into the city centre accidentally. This is the area that was most heavily affected by the quake, and I have to say that this place was the closest in feel to being in a zombie apocalypse I have ever been and likely ever will be (presuming an actual zombie apocalypse does not strike, in which case I will be ready and willing with my Louisville Slugger). The streets were dead - not undead - and every conceivable waypoint into the famed core of the city was blocked off by fatigue and beret wearing soldiers backed by APC's.
It felt like a scene from Cillian Murphy's early walk through London in 28 Days Later inserted into my life. It was eerie, chilling and really intriguing.
It put into perspective what I will likely be facing in Japan, but amplified to a significant degree.
Regardless, my mind kept going back to that experience as one that was completely unlike anything I had ever done. I wouldn't say I loved the experience because that would be uncool, but I did find it to be intensely memorable.
Because the city was pretty much shut off, I convinced the ladies to take a day trip to nearby Kaikoura the next day, a city famed for its marine life and bevy of excursions available to incoming tourists. Having just missed out on the whale watching tour, the three of us split: Sharee and Paulette shopped and lunched while I went off on my own to go on the 3.5 hour peninsula hike that was, you guessed it, free.
What followed was one of the best nature days in my life, as I explored New Zealand's coastline on a gorgeous day, checking out a couple seal colonies, observing some of NZ's incredible avian life (namely the Tree Penguin, or the more apt term, Shag), and, oddly enough, roaming through a field of cattle (all of whom seemed as surprised to see me as I was to see them).
It was a superb day, and one that really showed a lot of what people envision when they think of New Zealand.
Both experiences quickly leapt up my travel list in terms of favorites, especially with the added weight tied to the fact they were free and really unique.
Today though brought more money to be spent, as I left Sharee and Paulette for Dunedin in the south. I'm on a bus as I type headed to experience the famed Dunedin nightlife on St. Patrick's Day, visit nearby Albatross and Penguin colonies on the nearby Otago Peninsula, and potentially checking out the Cadbury factory (where I could see the Cadbury Egg you eat on Easter be crafted!!). Plus, I am staying the night in a hostel named Hogwartz.
Seriously. How could that be not amazing?
The only thing ruining my good mood is the first appearance of dismal weather, as windows of the bus are streaked with rain and the blue sky and sunshine that highlighted my first 8 days a thing of the past.
Here's hoping I wake to a return of beautiful weather, and my travels continue to be as memorable and inexpensive as they have been to date.
Music of the day: Spoon's discography
And let me tell you, my itinerary pulls no punches when it comes to savings. Europe, Australia and Japan are some of the most expensive places you can visit, and by god, I am making them happen.
But still, the past couple days proves that really memorable experiences can be had for free.
The last few days I have been traveling with former coworkers (and friends) Sharee and Paulette. They had already planned on being here well before my trip was announced, so the three of us are meeting up in New Zealand and Australia for some team traveling and good times.
The first day, we joint ventured our way to Christchurch on the South Island of NZ. Because of their recent earthquake, the city itself is in disarray, with many Kiwis left without homes and the entire city being found without potable drinking water from the tap (well, without boiling that is).
We quickly ventured off to gather supplies for our time in this city, before we ran into the city centre accidentally. This is the area that was most heavily affected by the quake, and I have to say that this place was the closest in feel to being in a zombie apocalypse I have ever been and likely ever will be (presuming an actual zombie apocalypse does not strike, in which case I will be ready and willing with my Louisville Slugger). The streets were dead - not undead - and every conceivable waypoint into the famed core of the city was blocked off by fatigue and beret wearing soldiers backed by APC's.
It felt like a scene from Cillian Murphy's early walk through London in 28 Days Later inserted into my life. It was eerie, chilling and really intriguing.
It put into perspective what I will likely be facing in Japan, but amplified to a significant degree.
Regardless, my mind kept going back to that experience as one that was completely unlike anything I had ever done. I wouldn't say I loved the experience because that would be uncool, but I did find it to be intensely memorable.
Because the city was pretty much shut off, I convinced the ladies to take a day trip to nearby Kaikoura the next day, a city famed for its marine life and bevy of excursions available to incoming tourists. Having just missed out on the whale watching tour, the three of us split: Sharee and Paulette shopped and lunched while I went off on my own to go on the 3.5 hour peninsula hike that was, you guessed it, free.
What followed was one of the best nature days in my life, as I explored New Zealand's coastline on a gorgeous day, checking out a couple seal colonies, observing some of NZ's incredible avian life (namely the Tree Penguin, or the more apt term, Shag), and, oddly enough, roaming through a field of cattle (all of whom seemed as surprised to see me as I was to see them).
It was a superb day, and one that really showed a lot of what people envision when they think of New Zealand.
Both experiences quickly leapt up my travel list in terms of favorites, especially with the added weight tied to the fact they were free and really unique.
Today though brought more money to be spent, as I left Sharee and Paulette for Dunedin in the south. I'm on a bus as I type headed to experience the famed Dunedin nightlife on St. Patrick's Day, visit nearby Albatross and Penguin colonies on the nearby Otago Peninsula, and potentially checking out the Cadbury factory (where I could see the Cadbury Egg you eat on Easter be crafted!!). Plus, I am staying the night in a hostel named Hogwartz.
Seriously. How could that be not amazing?
The only thing ruining my good mood is the first appearance of dismal weather, as windows of the bus are streaked with rain and the blue sky and sunshine that highlighted my first 8 days a thing of the past.
Here's hoping I wake to a return of beautiful weather, and my travels continue to be as memorable and inexpensive as they have been to date.
Music of the day: Spoon's discography
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day Six: North Island's Last Hurrah
My last full day on New Zealand's North Island was spent in the smelly but oddly charming Rotorua. A locale that alternately earned praise (from my friend Kellie) and derision (from Paihia hostel mate Karis), I went there for one purpose: to get my hobbit on.
Yes, I went stereotypical on my last day, as I went and did a tour of Hobbiton in Matamata. Unsurprisingly, this is where I met the most Americans (had only met one in the previous 5 days combined), but it was definitely an entertaining time and fit the theme I started in Europe2K9 of going on ridiculous movie tours. I cannot go into detail about what I saw/heard (Peter Jackson laid down mandates about social media and blogging by visitors), I can say it was a dorky delight for me.
Plus, it was just a great way to spend a beautiful Monday, and randomly threw in a hugely entertaining sheep shearing demo and the ability to feed young lambs. Fun!
I went back to Rotorua and had a couple hours to kill, so I hopped off at Te Puia and quickly learned a lot about local Maori culture and observed some superb geyser action. The area is known for its geothermal geysers (hence the reason why it smells like Nightcrawler just bamfed out always - only Brandon will get that), and the one at Te Puia - Pohutu - is particularly renowned. Definitely a good and informative way to use the afternoon.
After that, my favorite parts of the day took place. First off, I asked for directions from - wait for it - an old woman who quickly offered to drive me to the town's I-site (convenient information centers that exist everywhere in New Zealand) just because. Her name was Anne and she was quick to offer ideas of ways go use my time while in Rotorua and beyond. She didn't offer me a place to stay the night, but she was extremely friendly.
Then, at the I-site, I asked for restaurant advice from an employee of the bus section who quickly suggested a cafe named Zippy's.
As many of you know, I am a freak about my food. I am not a foodie though - I prefer the term food enthusiast or, if you've seen me eat, a food exhibitionist. This little joint nearby offered my wayward soul a brief respite in the form of a perfect tuna melt (with complimentary avocado when I asked for it), the best coffee I have had in New Zealand and phenomenal atmosphere from the staff, decor and music (more on that at the end). Plus, free wifi AND a place to plug-in (which has been an eternal struggle got me). In short, I loved it.
All in all, a very nice little day to close out my North Island adventure. I mean, come on, I am writing this on a bus to Auckland staring at open farmland, mountains and the sun. Not too bad. I am definitely a fan of it, and hope the South Island and my time with Sharee and Paulette can live up to it.
Music of the Day: The Naked + Famous (heard them for the first time on KRUA in Anchorage, heard them a second time in Zippy's, seen their name around a lot lately...I have to say I am very impressed)
Yes, I went stereotypical on my last day, as I went and did a tour of Hobbiton in Matamata. Unsurprisingly, this is where I met the most Americans (had only met one in the previous 5 days combined), but it was definitely an entertaining time and fit the theme I started in Europe2K9 of going on ridiculous movie tours. I cannot go into detail about what I saw/heard (Peter Jackson laid down mandates about social media and blogging by visitors), I can say it was a dorky delight for me.
Plus, it was just a great way to spend a beautiful Monday, and randomly threw in a hugely entertaining sheep shearing demo and the ability to feed young lambs. Fun!
I went back to Rotorua and had a couple hours to kill, so I hopped off at Te Puia and quickly learned a lot about local Maori culture and observed some superb geyser action. The area is known for its geothermal geysers (hence the reason why it smells like Nightcrawler just bamfed out always - only Brandon will get that), and the one at Te Puia - Pohutu - is particularly renowned. Definitely a good and informative way to use the afternoon.
After that, my favorite parts of the day took place. First off, I asked for directions from - wait for it - an old woman who quickly offered to drive me to the town's I-site (convenient information centers that exist everywhere in New Zealand) just because. Her name was Anne and she was quick to offer ideas of ways go use my time while in Rotorua and beyond. She didn't offer me a place to stay the night, but she was extremely friendly.
Then, at the I-site, I asked for restaurant advice from an employee of the bus section who quickly suggested a cafe named Zippy's.
As many of you know, I am a freak about my food. I am not a foodie though - I prefer the term food enthusiast or, if you've seen me eat, a food exhibitionist. This little joint nearby offered my wayward soul a brief respite in the form of a perfect tuna melt (with complimentary avocado when I asked for it), the best coffee I have had in New Zealand and phenomenal atmosphere from the staff, decor and music (more on that at the end). Plus, free wifi AND a place to plug-in (which has been an eternal struggle got me). In short, I loved it.
All in all, a very nice little day to close out my North Island adventure. I mean, come on, I am writing this on a bus to Auckland staring at open farmland, mountains and the sun. Not too bad. I am definitely a fan of it, and hope the South Island and my time with Sharee and Paulette can live up to it.
Music of the Day: The Naked + Famous (heard them for the first time on KRUA in Anchorage, heard them a second time in Zippy's, seen their name around a lot lately...I have to say I am very impressed)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Interlude: Harbinger of Doom
As you may or may not know, my trip was going to be big in Japan come April 19th. In true me fashion though, disaster struck as a huge earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant related issues all befell northern Japan in recent days.
Why is that in true me fashion? Well, I have recently described myself as the Harbinger of Doom (fittingly given the fact my friend Brandon compared my one comic appearance to one by Terrax, one of Galactus' harbingers), as my trips are always timed around natural disasters that directly affect my trip and precede my arrival by a few weeks.
That list includes:
- Italy 2009: huge earthquake in the south of Italy
- Coachella 2010: Icelandic volcano strands many bands from appearing at festival
- Christchurch 2011: weeks before my arrival, it is flattened by an earthquake
And now this.
Maybe there is something to this idea.
The last three days have been a sandwich composed of unremarkable bread and delicious dolphin meat (not a perfect visualization, but work with me). Two travel days sticking me in okay places for a time (namely the wholly okay Paihia, a beachfront town that acts like an expansive Kiwi frat) just so I can go visit the Bay of Islands, swim with dolphins and get my hobbit on in Hobbiton.
That last item is what I am doing tomorrow and the previous ones are what I did on Saturday and HOLY crap was that amazing. Swimming with dolphins was easily one of the most memorable things I have ever done, and I immediately want to get to snorkeling more often. The Bay of Islands themselves was some of the most breathtaking visuals I have ever experienced.
It has been an amazing time so far but I have quickly made some realizations about this trip. Let us look at some random notes so far:
- I should have spent more time in less places (I need a lot more time on the North Island of New Zealand)
- Free WiFi is a myth in New Zealand
- I may actually be able to pull off a beard (yes I am growing one, but mostly out of laziness and not out of desire of hipster appeal)
- "What's New Pussycat?" is somehow the theme of the trip, thanks to Brianna and Ivan in Seattle, an odd Spanish cover on a bus to Paihia, and 20 acapella singing German girls who did not know anything besides the chorus but decided they wanted to sing it over and over for 10 minutes at 2 am Friday night at my hostel in Paihia
- Older people love me, as every older person I meet invites me for rides, meals or staying the night in their home
- Traveling is a small world - I stayed the night with the same girl two times in three nights in two cities, and a second I stayed with is going to be in Thailand at the same time as me
- Visualizing Godzilla coming out of the water while on the open sea is one of the quickest ways to freak me out
- I am AWFUL at snorkeling
- My interviews from Emerald City ComiCon are up
That is it for now. My temporarily free WiFi from the coffee shop I am in near the bus depot nears its conclusion, so conclude I must. The trip continues on, and the next week should be an exciting one on a brand new island (that seems to be very Alaskan in many ways). Here is hoping it goes as well as the first island.
Music of the day: The Postal Service - Give Up
Why is that in true me fashion? Well, I have recently described myself as the Harbinger of Doom (fittingly given the fact my friend Brandon compared my one comic appearance to one by Terrax, one of Galactus' harbingers), as my trips are always timed around natural disasters that directly affect my trip and precede my arrival by a few weeks.
That list includes:
- Italy 2009: huge earthquake in the south of Italy
- Coachella 2010: Icelandic volcano strands many bands from appearing at festival
- Christchurch 2011: weeks before my arrival, it is flattened by an earthquake
And now this.
Maybe there is something to this idea.
The last three days have been a sandwich composed of unremarkable bread and delicious dolphin meat (not a perfect visualization, but work with me). Two travel days sticking me in okay places for a time (namely the wholly okay Paihia, a beachfront town that acts like an expansive Kiwi frat) just so I can go visit the Bay of Islands, swim with dolphins and get my hobbit on in Hobbiton.
That last item is what I am doing tomorrow and the previous ones are what I did on Saturday and HOLY crap was that amazing. Swimming with dolphins was easily one of the most memorable things I have ever done, and I immediately want to get to snorkeling more often. The Bay of Islands themselves was some of the most breathtaking visuals I have ever experienced.
It has been an amazing time so far but I have quickly made some realizations about this trip. Let us look at some random notes so far:
- I should have spent more time in less places (I need a lot more time on the North Island of New Zealand)
- Free WiFi is a myth in New Zealand
- I may actually be able to pull off a beard (yes I am growing one, but mostly out of laziness and not out of desire of hipster appeal)
- "What's New Pussycat?" is somehow the theme of the trip, thanks to Brianna and Ivan in Seattle, an odd Spanish cover on a bus to Paihia, and 20 acapella singing German girls who did not know anything besides the chorus but decided they wanted to sing it over and over for 10 minutes at 2 am Friday night at my hostel in Paihia
- Older people love me, as every older person I meet invites me for rides, meals or staying the night in their home
- Traveling is a small world - I stayed the night with the same girl two times in three nights in two cities, and a second I stayed with is going to be in Thailand at the same time as me
- Visualizing Godzilla coming out of the water while on the open sea is one of the quickest ways to freak me out
- I am AWFUL at snorkeling
- My interviews from Emerald City ComiCon are up
That is it for now. My temporarily free WiFi from the coffee shop I am in near the bus depot nears its conclusion, so conclude I must. The trip continues on, and the next week should be an exciting one on a brand new island (that seems to be very Alaskan in many ways). Here is hoping it goes as well as the first island.
Music of the day: The Postal Service - Give Up
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day Two: Waiheke Boogaloo
I think I am in love.
The fact that my love is for a 28 km land mass is inconsequential of course. That land mass is Waiheke Island, the locale I spent almost my entire second day at.
Waiheke reminds me of what Hawaii would look like if it had a lovechild with Cinque Terre in Italy. It is a marvelous place filled with enough character and charm to make me want to live there right now! (seriously, who is coming with me?!)
The island connects 8 different small townships, many of which are beachfront locations, into a truly unique and natural feeling place. It may be an hour away from Auckland but it feels like a while different world.
Every town seems to have a little niche of their own, but my favorites were Oneroa and Onatangi. Both I had phenomenal dining experiences in as well gorgeous beach ventures.
The former's restaurant of choice was the Lazy Lounge, a vivacious cafe with tons of coffee, beer and liquor choices as well as a menu that bridged the gap between meat fearing hippies and seafood craving doodies. Plus, they had a collage on their counter of various famous people, including a section that appeared to only be famous people wearing Hawaiian shirts (which I found to be spectacular).
Sadly, Oneroa also had an awful dining experience, as a recommended Turkish joint named Delight served mediocre and over priced Lamb Kebab while pairing it with villainous service (I was told I could not eat in because they had reservations...when there was literally no one else in the restaurant).
Salt Seafood Restaurant and Art Bar was a charming place that I had a lovely plate of breads with assorted sauces and dips along with some ridiculously good wine for a reasonable price. Throw in a super cool waiter, great tunes and free wifi from a neighboring restaurant (as well as an Oceanside view) and you have a pitch perfect snack place.
While this network of villages would be worth a visit just with the artistic vibe and foodie culture that proliferates it, I would say the thing that made the day standout so much are the residents of the island. I met two people - Carol and Syd - who offered me a place to stay and a ride separately after only a short time of knowingn them. They also walked me through the political, geographical and social history of the island, and it made the experience as a whole so much more special.
To me, Waiheke Island is the New Zealand I always wanted, quite like Cinque Terre was the Italy I always wanted. To have found it on my second day was a remarkable thing indeed, and I was truly sad to leave at the end of the day.
Of course, my day concluded at a table in my hostel, drinking Duvel and eating Borsch and befriending three Brits, a French girl, a Ukrainian man, and two Germans over topics ranging from Black Swan to the pairing of Ugg Boots and micro skirts to the visitation of dingoes in their natural setting.
If anything can be learned from my second day, it is this: going into a situation with expectations can lead to disappointment, but going into one open to anything can lead to magic. Did I expect to spend my day with a frail woman from Waiheke talking big businesses invasion of their land or to spend it with a Borsch pushing, beefy Ukrainian man? No way.
But I would never want it to be any different than it turned out.
Music of the day: The Pixies - Doolittle
The fact that my love is for a 28 km land mass is inconsequential of course. That land mass is Waiheke Island, the locale I spent almost my entire second day at.
Waiheke reminds me of what Hawaii would look like if it had a lovechild with Cinque Terre in Italy. It is a marvelous place filled with enough character and charm to make me want to live there right now! (seriously, who is coming with me?!)
The island connects 8 different small townships, many of which are beachfront locations, into a truly unique and natural feeling place. It may be an hour away from Auckland but it feels like a while different world.
Every town seems to have a little niche of their own, but my favorites were Oneroa and Onatangi. Both I had phenomenal dining experiences in as well gorgeous beach ventures.
The former's restaurant of choice was the Lazy Lounge, a vivacious cafe with tons of coffee, beer and liquor choices as well as a menu that bridged the gap between meat fearing hippies and seafood craving doodies. Plus, they had a collage on their counter of various famous people, including a section that appeared to only be famous people wearing Hawaiian shirts (which I found to be spectacular).
Sadly, Oneroa also had an awful dining experience, as a recommended Turkish joint named Delight served mediocre and over priced Lamb Kebab while pairing it with villainous service (I was told I could not eat in because they had reservations...when there was literally no one else in the restaurant).
Salt Seafood Restaurant and Art Bar was a charming place that I had a lovely plate of breads with assorted sauces and dips along with some ridiculously good wine for a reasonable price. Throw in a super cool waiter, great tunes and free wifi from a neighboring restaurant (as well as an Oceanside view) and you have a pitch perfect snack place.
While this network of villages would be worth a visit just with the artistic vibe and foodie culture that proliferates it, I would say the thing that made the day standout so much are the residents of the island. I met two people - Carol and Syd - who offered me a place to stay and a ride separately after only a short time of knowingn them. They also walked me through the political, geographical and social history of the island, and it made the experience as a whole so much more special.
To me, Waiheke Island is the New Zealand I always wanted, quite like Cinque Terre was the Italy I always wanted. To have found it on my second day was a remarkable thing indeed, and I was truly sad to leave at the end of the day.
Of course, my day concluded at a table in my hostel, drinking Duvel and eating Borsch and befriending three Brits, a French girl, a Ukrainian man, and two Germans over topics ranging from Black Swan to the pairing of Ugg Boots and micro skirts to the visitation of dingoes in their natural setting.
If anything can be learned from my second day, it is this: going into a situation with expectations can lead to disappointment, but going into one open to anything can lead to magic. Did I expect to spend my day with a frail woman from Waiheke talking big businesses invasion of their land or to spend it with a Borsch pushing, beefy Ukrainian man? No way.
But I would never want it to be any different than it turned out.
Music of the day: The Pixies - Doolittle
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day One: From Auckland, With Love
Going into Auckland, I had the idea that the city itself was going to be similar to Seattle. That is what people had suggested at least.
What I actually found was that it was similar but also a lot better in many ways. Seattle doesn't have a ton of personality to it, while Auckland itself has an overabundance of it. The township I am staying in - Mt. Eden - is quaint and full of delicious coffee shops and bakeries. It has many small but adorable homes. It is like the world's most perfect suburb.
The city itself is a melting pot (one of the most ethnically diverse places I have ever been) as well as one of the most beautiful cities I have been in.
But not in the way you think I mean.
True story: I am a little overweight right now. It turns out that I really love food and haven't exercised as much as I should have recently, and that led me to appear to be the world's first pregnant man (besides Arnold in "Junior"). But I am in perfectly fine shape for Alaska.
In Auckland, I am the equivalent of the mom from "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?"
Everyone is fit and well dressed. Every man, woman and child walks and bikes and scooters and runs everywhere as if they were compelled to do so. Men have perfectly coiffed hair and naturally pop Blue Steel faces. Women pull off 1/4 torso length leather jackets without looking ridiculous.
Essentially, they make me look like a fat homeless man. It's bizarre.
The first day I explored the city by bicycle and enjoyed my travels. I managed to flip my bike and tear myself up a little, but I got to see some spectacular sights. The only problem though is the city itself feels done in a day. My second day finds me rolling to nearby Waiheke Island and my third day takes me to the supposedly resplendent beauty of the Bay of Islands, and I will likely stay out of Auckland until I meet up with my soon-to-be partners-in-crime Sharee and Paulette.
Oh yeah, last thing. AMAZING weather. I always said I wanted to live in 70 to 75 degrees weather with no clouds and a little breeze. That IS Auckland.
Music of the day: Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
Note: This was written on a ferry but posted in an art bar on Waiheke Island while stealing the only free wireless in New Zealand. While observing the ocean. Not bad NZ. Not bad at all.
What I actually found was that it was similar but also a lot better in many ways. Seattle doesn't have a ton of personality to it, while Auckland itself has an overabundance of it. The township I am staying in - Mt. Eden - is quaint and full of delicious coffee shops and bakeries. It has many small but adorable homes. It is like the world's most perfect suburb.
The city itself is a melting pot (one of the most ethnically diverse places I have ever been) as well as one of the most beautiful cities I have been in.
But not in the way you think I mean.
True story: I am a little overweight right now. It turns out that I really love food and haven't exercised as much as I should have recently, and that led me to appear to be the world's first pregnant man (besides Arnold in "Junior"). But I am in perfectly fine shape for Alaska.
In Auckland, I am the equivalent of the mom from "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?"
Everyone is fit and well dressed. Every man, woman and child walks and bikes and scooters and runs everywhere as if they were compelled to do so. Men have perfectly coiffed hair and naturally pop Blue Steel faces. Women pull off 1/4 torso length leather jackets without looking ridiculous.
Essentially, they make me look like a fat homeless man. It's bizarre.
The first day I explored the city by bicycle and enjoyed my travels. I managed to flip my bike and tear myself up a little, but I got to see some spectacular sights. The only problem though is the city itself feels done in a day. My second day finds me rolling to nearby Waiheke Island and my third day takes me to the supposedly resplendent beauty of the Bay of Islands, and I will likely stay out of Auckland until I meet up with my soon-to-be partners-in-crime Sharee and Paulette.
Oh yeah, last thing. AMAZING weather. I always said I wanted to live in 70 to 75 degrees weather with no clouds and a little breeze. That IS Auckland.
Music of the day: Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
Note: This was written on a ferry but posted in an art bar on Waiheke Island while stealing the only free wireless in New Zealand. While observing the ocean. Not bad NZ. Not bad at all.
Day Zero: San Francisco to Auckland
On my first international flight of my trip writing my first official post for this blog and I have already learned an important lesson: always use air miles. Or at the very least collect them.
Thankfully, I am collecting them (due to some remarkably good selling by the United Airlines employee at the Sea Tac Airport, but I really need to start doing so going forward.
The other lesson I learned was always fly Air New Zealand when given the chance. Comfortable, spacious seats, free movies that you get to choose from (I went with the last Best Picture nominee I had not seen yet - the excellent Winter's Bone), and tasty food that came with the flight instead of having to be paid for separately.
In short, it's the exact opposite of Alaska Airlines.
The trip besides the flight has started out remarkably well. Emerald City ComiCon was a huge hit, as my podcast co-host Brandon and I were recognized somewhat regularly by comic creators. While we did have a bit of a fiasco with our camera situation, we still were able to swing 4 interviews and make some superb contacts with comic folk as well.
It's tough for me sometimes because of how difficult it is for me with "celebrities." Sometimes I act like a complete crazy person around people I idolize (see: how Troy acts when he meets Levar Burton in "Community"), but I think I managed to do a good enough job this time.
Besides that, my friend Erik came up to visit and we ended up making some rather unforgettable memories with his friends Marcie, Brianna and Ivan. It was one of the best weekends I've ever had in terms of sheer fun, and I'm already excited for next year and hope everyone will join Brandon and I once again.
5 days in, traveling from today to two days from now. My trip is off to a remarkably good start. It's time for rest, and when I awaken I will be in a place that is over 10,000 miles from my home. It's a scary thought, but I think a little uncomfortableness is good for a person from time to time.
Music of the day: anything and everything Celtic Thunder.
Or, more seriously, my favorite mix ever, but especially the Nina Simone jam off it ("men cluster to me like moths around a flame/and if their wings burn I know I'm not to blame") or the Jeff Magnum cover of a Phil Spector song ("but darling most of all/I love how you love me"). Pretty much perfect.
Thankfully, I am collecting them (due to some remarkably good selling by the United Airlines employee at the Sea Tac Airport, but I really need to start doing so going forward.
The other lesson I learned was always fly Air New Zealand when given the chance. Comfortable, spacious seats, free movies that you get to choose from (I went with the last Best Picture nominee I had not seen yet - the excellent Winter's Bone), and tasty food that came with the flight instead of having to be paid for separately.
In short, it's the exact opposite of Alaska Airlines.
The trip besides the flight has started out remarkably well. Emerald City ComiCon was a huge hit, as my podcast co-host Brandon and I were recognized somewhat regularly by comic creators. While we did have a bit of a fiasco with our camera situation, we still were able to swing 4 interviews and make some superb contacts with comic folk as well.
It's tough for me sometimes because of how difficult it is for me with "celebrities." Sometimes I act like a complete crazy person around people I idolize (see: how Troy acts when he meets Levar Burton in "Community"), but I think I managed to do a good enough job this time.
Besides that, my friend Erik came up to visit and we ended up making some rather unforgettable memories with his friends Marcie, Brianna and Ivan. It was one of the best weekends I've ever had in terms of sheer fun, and I'm already excited for next year and hope everyone will join Brandon and I once again.
5 days in, traveling from today to two days from now. My trip is off to a remarkably good start. It's time for rest, and when I awaken I will be in a place that is over 10,000 miles from my home. It's a scary thought, but I think a little uncomfortableness is good for a person from time to time.
Music of the day: anything and everything Celtic Thunder.
Or, more seriously, my favorite mix ever, but especially the Nina Simone jam off it ("men cluster to me like moths around a flame/and if their wings burn I know I'm not to blame") or the Jeff Magnum cover of a Phil Spector song ("but darling most of all/I love how you love me"). Pretty much perfect.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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