The bigger question for us seemed to be "Why not?"
We had spent about 5 weeks in New Zealand on our way to Australia in 2008. Although the visit did have its ups and downs - http://www.tripdiary.com/katherine - we were still so enamoured with the country that even a 3 hour stopover on our way back to Vancouver in 2009 provided excitement.
So it's been on our minds for the last year and we continued to revisit the idea over the last 12 months as we both struggled to find enough stable work to help fund the trip. I've been on contracts (by choice now since earlier this year though) and there just hasn't been a lot of construction work here lately. I don't think we've really felt "at home" since we have been back in the Lower Mainland. We realized that the lifestyle we have right now isn't exactly what we want so we're looking to try something different.
We absolutely loved the NZ people and their laid-back, friendly manner. The landscape is gorgeous and you're never really more than a few hours from a surf break or a beach. They have some amazing local food as well.
We are hoping that we can find a place to feel "at home" there so we're keeping our minds open as we explore. Last time we had a more touristy approach of course so this time it'll be with a different eye on what it's like to live there.
I figure that if I have visited somewhere that seemed to provide us with one obstacle after another (at times) and I still look back and smile about the place, it's worth another look.
We had spent about 5 weeks in New Zealand on our way to Australia in 2008. Although the visit did have its ups and downs - http://www.tripdiary.com/katherine - we were still so enamoured with the country that even a 3 hour stopover on our way back to Vancouver in 2009 provided excitement.
So it's been on our minds for the last year and we continued to revisit the idea over the last 12 months as we both struggled to find enough stable work to help fund the trip. I've been on contracts (by choice now since earlier this year though) and there just hasn't been a lot of construction work here lately. I don't think we've really felt "at home" since we have been back in the Lower Mainland. We realized that the lifestyle we have right now isn't exactly what we want so we're looking to try something different.
We absolutely loved the NZ people and their laid-back, friendly manner. The landscape is gorgeous and you're never really more than a few hours from a surf break or a beach. They have some amazing local food as well.
We are hoping that we can find a place to feel "at home" there so we're keeping our minds open as we explore. Last time we had a more touristy approach of course so this time it'll be with a different eye on what it's like to live there.
I figure that if I have visited somewhere that seemed to provide us with one obstacle after another (at times) and I still look back and smile about the place, it's worth another look.
Thanks for the info about your blog Katherine. Can't wait for your comments on the 5 - 6 hour bus ride after you land in N.Z. Not long now is it? Love you guys, Mom & Dad
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you both know that you have my love and support and I'm sure you will have an awesome experience. Still hope I will get to visit this trip too. Love N&F Mom
ReplyDeletegood luck with all your travels! I think Nate and I would be doing the same, maybe in the future, but right now we're more settling in to Chase BC, and having a baby! Lets keep in touch!
ReplyDeleteSteph