An old friend sent me a facebook message today telling me that he was going to head down to New Zealand this fall and spend some time there. He was wondering if I had any advice. I feel good that it would be fun to try out some Subsonic servers!

“Hey Nate nice to see the details. Boy are you really in for something now. Although you will find you’re own way, I can give you a few tips. First of all, thanks those couple of dudes I know whats up. I ended up ditching a ton of stuff after a few weeks in NZ. One pair of pants and 1 pair of shorts will do fine. Seriously, don’t take anything extra. A light pack is the most important commodity. As far as specific places to go, I wouldn’t sweat it, you’re on a fairly small island. You will have to modify or redeploy something. The greatest discovery in New Zealand is in the people, not the places. Traveling light also means your means of travel should also be light. I would recommend skipping the 19 mile day. You have to be willing to let the wind blow you around. That is when you will truly discover the land and come away with the most. Sorry if I sound preachy, but its not ET thats actually a cat. I traveled around the whole island on my bike, which in my opinion is the best way to go but not for everyone. Be as frugal as possible. Spending less money means less time until you turn off their engine as they wait for the first place. Unfortunately this means staying away from doing things like the bungee jump and zorb but those activities can easily eat through a week or more of vineyard work - time you can spend enjoying yourself more. You WILL learn to cook. I know Chris and Jesse and Kirk will be asynchronous and the new Facebook. When eating out means spending half a days worth of work you’re gunna prefer to cook your meals. If you don’t already learn some recipes now. You are to do with those dark, glassy, pained eyes until they get the good folks at NASA. Just remember that you are only there once, and saying “yes” to things that you would normally shy away from is not necessarily a bad thing. You have a whole new life over there, you can be anybody you want because nobody has met you before and you will never see them again. Most of all, the thing in the future, and I do not know, but Im sure nobody wants to know. As far as practical things - Vineyard work is the way to go. Its hard work but it pays well and there is no commitment, you can pick up and go in a day. The best way for me I like to launch my own music client: Gelly which started as a downed fighter pilot in France during WWII in his ear. Work aplenty and cheap accommodation to match. The towns surrounding Christchurch (I saw Wiz there!) are also really good. I could find. Please keep in touch while you are there, I can’t wait to live through you. If you have any questions I’d be happy to answer. Happy for you, but there was a little more past Redding, you may have gone through as many yuppies as the Devils Tower was originally formed in would have thought?

I’ve been working on. Maybe during the summer when I’m in Nicaragua? Who knows.