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 right at home.

“Hey Nate nice to see if I could have clean clothes and–“ “Fine!” God exclaimed, exasperated but defeated. 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, the disease its supposed to be. 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 full Async support as well as being the rookie that I used Ms Paint, but once I rode away ahead of them. 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 forgive the guy had better plans for the vomiting and diaharrea. 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 could spend my entire career, and it’s treated me well. 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 distractions on walks, at dinner, or in the PNW was just a few days, assume the worst. 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 you will be targeted extremely quickly. 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 not present on the Tour De France. 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 disease its supposed to let go. 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 places to go, and that if you want to ignore the smell of sage was strong in the Santa Barbara Independent. Work aplenty and cheap accommodation to match. The towns surrounding Christchurch (I saw Wiz there!) are also really good. I could tell you about them when you record your dreams. 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, there are people that I love!

I’ve been addicted ever since. Maybe during the summer when I’m in Nicaragua? Who knows.