Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The End. Actually...Fiji...then the End.
I'm flying to Fiji today. And I apologize greatly for the complete lack of updates that I have had in the pat 2 months, but when I get home, which is in TEN DAYS, I am going to attempt to fill everyone in on the incredible story that my life has become in the past 2 months. Think adventure, think excitement, think drama, think love and passion, think runaways and surfing and diving and exploring, think heartbreak and promises and undescribeable happiness.
But it will have to wait- Fiji awaits!
But it will have to wait- Fiji awaits!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Has it really been 4 months?
I was supposed to have flown out of Auckland for home YESTERDAY. WHAT?! that doesnt even make any sense in my head...that this trip was supposed to be over yesterday. I can honestly remember landing in the Auckland airport like it happened a week ago...I was greeted by my room mates Ed and Jason and we went off an explored the shit city of Auckland together..I remember crying in my empty dorm a little bit because it hit me like a sack of bricks that Holy shit, I am completely alone, with no friends or family around, on the other side of the world, for 4 months. But as soon as I manned up, the weeks flew by..wwoofing with the Mackintosh's, 2 weeks through taupo and rototrua and tongariro, becoming a surfer hippie in Raglan for a month, christmas, new years, 2 week road trip with Amy, messes and successes in Australia, back in NZ for stargazing and music..and then all of a sudden, I'm working on this freaking awesome boat and extending my stay for another 2 months. Good thing I didn't plan this trip out.
Mom, Dad, and Eric, I miss you guys a ton, and I'm sorry that I'm extending my stay here in New Zealand, and that you have to erase all of the red circles on your calendars marking my return to the homeland, but if you could see me now, how happy I am here, how much fun I am having on The Rock, the friends I've made, and the experiences I'm having...I know you would understand why. I wish so badly that you all could come here and visit, because I know you would absolutely love it and be really proud of me :). You have been the most supportive family I could ever ask for, and thank you for encouraging me to follow my dreams, and for giving me the skills and confidence to take advantage of opportunities like this one. You're all the best! And eric- take advantage of being able to eat meat every day for dinner still while I'm not home haha.
But-The Rock Life...it's nearly a month into my employment, and I still get excited to go to woek every day. This job is so rewarding , but also so incredibly challenging...every single day I am learning something new, whether it be about handling the boat, driving the dingy, how to manipulate people into cooperating with you, how to pull up a 190 kg anchor while hanging off the bow of the boat, climbing up on to the roof of the boat while it's moving to turn on the wind generator...and yet every cruise, I still somehow make some sort of critical error that warrents either: 1. me getting a "stern talking to" by my boss (aka being made feel like I am 5 inches tall because I could not see another boat 800 m away), 2. me getting thrown into the ocean with my clothes on (for saying "ya'all", or for me just simply being American), or something being broken (i.e. 10 glass bowls, a wine glass, dropping a serving dish off the side of the boat and into the sea....whoops). It's a running joke now that Kristi gets thrown into the ocean at least 3 times during every cruise- once at the end to entertain guests, abnd the other 2 are usually done by Ben and Adam pretenting I need to check something off the side of the boat, and because I still don't know what I'm doing half the time, fall for it EVERY TIME, and then i get shoved into the water much to the delight of the crew and guests. But I guess my work problems could be a lot worse than getting tossed into the south pacific :).
We've done some amazing snorkels recently....the best had to be a muscle rock when after collecting hindreds of green lipped muscles, ben and I swam alongside a massive long tailed stingray. My favorite part of snorkeling is when I take a dive knife down with me and crack open the Kina- the fish go crazy for the eggs and you can be surrounded by about 30 feeding fish, all close enough to touch. Some day, Adam is going to take us all spear fishing for some Snapper...yum. a few days ago, a few of us went out for a sunrise fish on our morning off..and as I was eating my hot crossed buns and tea while out on the water at 6:30 am...I looked around me and asked myself, "how is this my life?" The sun was rising over the islands, the 3 of us were cuddled together in our hoodies sipping tea and pulling up little snapper, and we were all just so, so happy. And even last night, When i went back to my new flat and was having a quiet night to myself, my 3 room mates, a peruvian, an argentinian, and an spaniard, made us a family dinner and we sat and drank wine and talked about their different cultures and learned how to dance like a south American mamasita.
Yeah...I'm not quite ready to go home yet.
Mom, Dad, and Eric, I miss you guys a ton, and I'm sorry that I'm extending my stay here in New Zealand, and that you have to erase all of the red circles on your calendars marking my return to the homeland, but if you could see me now, how happy I am here, how much fun I am having on The Rock, the friends I've made, and the experiences I'm having...I know you would understand why. I wish so badly that you all could come here and visit, because I know you would absolutely love it and be really proud of me :). You have been the most supportive family I could ever ask for, and thank you for encouraging me to follow my dreams, and for giving me the skills and confidence to take advantage of opportunities like this one. You're all the best! And eric- take advantage of being able to eat meat every day for dinner still while I'm not home haha.
But-The Rock Life...it's nearly a month into my employment, and I still get excited to go to woek every day. This job is so rewarding , but also so incredibly challenging...every single day I am learning something new, whether it be about handling the boat, driving the dingy, how to manipulate people into cooperating with you, how to pull up a 190 kg anchor while hanging off the bow of the boat, climbing up on to the roof of the boat while it's moving to turn on the wind generator...and yet every cruise, I still somehow make some sort of critical error that warrents either: 1. me getting a "stern talking to" by my boss (aka being made feel like I am 5 inches tall because I could not see another boat 800 m away), 2. me getting thrown into the ocean with my clothes on (for saying "ya'all", or for me just simply being American), or something being broken (i.e. 10 glass bowls, a wine glass, dropping a serving dish off the side of the boat and into the sea....whoops). It's a running joke now that Kristi gets thrown into the ocean at least 3 times during every cruise- once at the end to entertain guests, abnd the other 2 are usually done by Ben and Adam pretenting I need to check something off the side of the boat, and because I still don't know what I'm doing half the time, fall for it EVERY TIME, and then i get shoved into the water much to the delight of the crew and guests. But I guess my work problems could be a lot worse than getting tossed into the south pacific :).
We've done some amazing snorkels recently....the best had to be a muscle rock when after collecting hindreds of green lipped muscles, ben and I swam alongside a massive long tailed stingray. My favorite part of snorkeling is when I take a dive knife down with me and crack open the Kina- the fish go crazy for the eggs and you can be surrounded by about 30 feeding fish, all close enough to touch. Some day, Adam is going to take us all spear fishing for some Snapper...yum. a few days ago, a few of us went out for a sunrise fish on our morning off..and as I was eating my hot crossed buns and tea while out on the water at 6:30 am...I looked around me and asked myself, "how is this my life?" The sun was rising over the islands, the 3 of us were cuddled together in our hoodies sipping tea and pulling up little snapper, and we were all just so, so happy. And even last night, When i went back to my new flat and was having a quiet night to myself, my 3 room mates, a peruvian, an argentinian, and an spaniard, made us a family dinner and we sat and drank wine and talked about their different cultures and learned how to dance like a south American mamasita.
Yeah...I'm not quite ready to go home yet.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Rock Life
I can't believe I was meant to be on a plane home to America in 3 days, and now here I am, in my bed to my house that I just moved into in Paihia, taking advantage of the first night off of work and going out since I arrived here for my trial. I just changed my flights today, and am officially coming home May 6th. But I'm going to FIJI before that to do my diving courses. HELL YES.
The Rock is still a dream. We work our ASSES off for 25 hours, somtimes 50 or 75 hours straight with the only break being when we sleep, but I am still awes every day by the incredible opportunity that this job has become. Not only is it a way that I am saving money to go off to get my diving certifications, but I have also acquired a new family of 5 travelers from around the world, who even though we spend every waking and unwaking second with them on the boat, we still go camping together, to to waterfalls to climb together, still go to each other's house for port and pizza after work, and still dance on tables together at Pipi patch (a horrible excuse for a night club similar to Tomato Patch Euro Dance Nights in Corolla). I've also been learning a fuck load about boats, the Bay of Islands, fishing, the oceans of New Zealand, how to make a proper cup of tea, how to handle being verbally abused every day for being American by my boss and co-workers...the list goes on and on.
Here's a sample itinerary of what a typical cruise is like, just so you guys can kind of grasp what it is we do:
-Head to the wharf around 2 pm, picking up laundy, lunches, and various other supplies to restock the boat for the cruise that night. Spend 2 hours cleaning, prepping, cooking, and sometimes dancing/stripping to get ourselves into the Rock Mindset.
-at 4 pm, our other boat, Climax, heads to the wharf to pick up customers. The are taken to The Rock, where we greet them, bring them to their rooms, learn all 36 of their names by dinner time, and try to ease the awkwardness of 36 random people getting together on a boat by serving them alcohol or asking them questions about themselves that we must pretend we are actually interested in learning about (aka- where are you from, how long have you been in NZ for...etc).
-We start cruising out into the Bay around 6 pm, and while we cruise, guests get to shoot a plastic duck target with a paintball gun as a competition, while the other crew members make popcorn and continue prepping for dinner
-We find a secluded bay and anchor up, and we start preparing the bait for fishing, wich must be descaled, filleted, and chopped into pieces enough for 36 guests for an hour of fishing. We get the fiishing poles out for a sunset session, and hopefully catch fresh snapper or Kawhai for dinner, which has happened about 50% of the cruises. We have to unhook every fish that guests catch, and we can only keep snapper about 27 cm. The rest get thrown back. But the big ones we keep and get thrown on the bbq with brown sugar and lemon pepper. YUM.
-After fisahing, if we have a Kahwhai, Adam picks a guest to kill the fish by bashing it on the head, and then surprises the guest by telling them that by killing the fish, they have to eat the dead, still beating heart. They always succumb and eat the heart...except for one time, in which i was nominated, and my vegetarian ass had to eat the beating heart of a fish in front of 40 cheering people. Yum.
-We then set up dinner, which is a bbq of steaks, sausages, pasta, and veg. dinner is by candle light and is very romantic and fun
-We clean up everything, and then we prep the guests for night kayaking, where we take them on a 20 minute kayak to see phosphorescence in the water, which is INCREDIBLE. The other night, it was so bright, you ciould see the outlines of fish in the dead black water, and when they moved, it looked like fireworks. Amazing.
-When kayaking is over, we start a fire down the back of the boat and the guests roast marshmallows and play guitar.
-The next morning, we get up at 6:30 to prep for the day/make breakky. Breakfast is at 8 am, and right after breakky, we go snorkeling!!!!!!! which is my favorite part of the job, and since I am like a fish in the water, I am always on snorkeling duty :). We see heaps of fish, kelp, stingrays, eels, starfish, and we collect Kina and Muscles.
-After snorkeling, we bring the guests to an island, where we go for a hike to the lookout, and the play on the beach for the rest of the time. Weve had a few intense ganes of beach soccer, volleyball, and even beach flags going. Some of the crew has to stay on the boat, where they strip and make all 36 beds in a little over an hour.
-Guests come back to the boat, we give them lunches, and then we entertain them with music, board games, trivia...anything for the next hour until we cruise into Paihia and they leave.
- We clean for another 2 hours, and end the shift with a beer and a reading of the guests comments, which usually sing our praises :).
There is so much more to this job though than just entertaining guests- its customer service, being a tour guide, house keeper, chef, sailor, sea-man, team mate, conservationist, historian, and you have to do everything with a smile on your face and a skip in your step, even though 3 minutues earlier you just got reamed out by your boss because the mugs were facing the wrong way. But hey- I can take that if I get to go snorkeling every day and get paid to do it!
The Rock is still a dream. We work our ASSES off for 25 hours, somtimes 50 or 75 hours straight with the only break being when we sleep, but I am still awes every day by the incredible opportunity that this job has become. Not only is it a way that I am saving money to go off to get my diving certifications, but I have also acquired a new family of 5 travelers from around the world, who even though we spend every waking and unwaking second with them on the boat, we still go camping together, to to waterfalls to climb together, still go to each other's house for port and pizza after work, and still dance on tables together at Pipi patch (a horrible excuse for a night club similar to Tomato Patch Euro Dance Nights in Corolla). I've also been learning a fuck load about boats, the Bay of Islands, fishing, the oceans of New Zealand, how to make a proper cup of tea, how to handle being verbally abused every day for being American by my boss and co-workers...the list goes on and on.
Here's a sample itinerary of what a typical cruise is like, just so you guys can kind of grasp what it is we do:
-Head to the wharf around 2 pm, picking up laundy, lunches, and various other supplies to restock the boat for the cruise that night. Spend 2 hours cleaning, prepping, cooking, and sometimes dancing/stripping to get ourselves into the Rock Mindset.
-at 4 pm, our other boat, Climax, heads to the wharf to pick up customers. The are taken to The Rock, where we greet them, bring them to their rooms, learn all 36 of their names by dinner time, and try to ease the awkwardness of 36 random people getting together on a boat by serving them alcohol or asking them questions about themselves that we must pretend we are actually interested in learning about (aka- where are you from, how long have you been in NZ for...etc).
-We start cruising out into the Bay around 6 pm, and while we cruise, guests get to shoot a plastic duck target with a paintball gun as a competition, while the other crew members make popcorn and continue prepping for dinner
-We find a secluded bay and anchor up, and we start preparing the bait for fishing, wich must be descaled, filleted, and chopped into pieces enough for 36 guests for an hour of fishing. We get the fiishing poles out for a sunset session, and hopefully catch fresh snapper or Kawhai for dinner, which has happened about 50% of the cruises. We have to unhook every fish that guests catch, and we can only keep snapper about 27 cm. The rest get thrown back. But the big ones we keep and get thrown on the bbq with brown sugar and lemon pepper. YUM.
-After fisahing, if we have a Kahwhai, Adam picks a guest to kill the fish by bashing it on the head, and then surprises the guest by telling them that by killing the fish, they have to eat the dead, still beating heart. They always succumb and eat the heart...except for one time, in which i was nominated, and my vegetarian ass had to eat the beating heart of a fish in front of 40 cheering people. Yum.
-We then set up dinner, which is a bbq of steaks, sausages, pasta, and veg. dinner is by candle light and is very romantic and fun
-We clean up everything, and then we prep the guests for night kayaking, where we take them on a 20 minute kayak to see phosphorescence in the water, which is INCREDIBLE. The other night, it was so bright, you ciould see the outlines of fish in the dead black water, and when they moved, it looked like fireworks. Amazing.
-When kayaking is over, we start a fire down the back of the boat and the guests roast marshmallows and play guitar.
-The next morning, we get up at 6:30 to prep for the day/make breakky. Breakfast is at 8 am, and right after breakky, we go snorkeling!!!!!!! which is my favorite part of the job, and since I am like a fish in the water, I am always on snorkeling duty :). We see heaps of fish, kelp, stingrays, eels, starfish, and we collect Kina and Muscles.
-After snorkeling, we bring the guests to an island, where we go for a hike to the lookout, and the play on the beach for the rest of the time. Weve had a few intense ganes of beach soccer, volleyball, and even beach flags going. Some of the crew has to stay on the boat, where they strip and make all 36 beds in a little over an hour.
-Guests come back to the boat, we give them lunches, and then we entertain them with music, board games, trivia...anything for the next hour until we cruise into Paihia and they leave.
- We clean for another 2 hours, and end the shift with a beer and a reading of the guests comments, which usually sing our praises :).
There is so much more to this job though than just entertaining guests- its customer service, being a tour guide, house keeper, chef, sailor, sea-man, team mate, conservationist, historian, and you have to do everything with a smile on your face and a skip in your step, even though 3 minutues earlier you just got reamed out by your boss because the mugs were facing the wrong way. But hey- I can take that if I get to go snorkeling every day and get paid to do it!
Friday, February 18, 2011
BIG RISKS=BIG REWARDS!!!!!!!!!!! EMPLOYMENT=SUCCESS!!!!
I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!
After a 3 day, 11 hour a day bus mission, 1500 km, the flu attacking my stomach and being curled up in fetal position for the entire duration of the trip, I arrived in Paihia to have my trial, which turned into a 3 cruise, 75 hour straight complete submersion into this job, which I AM SO FUCKING EXCITED TO SAY THAT I HAVE!!!!!!!! How is this my life???
Apparently, there were 90 applicants for this one position, and only 6 people got invited for trials. And somehow, I managed to knick the spot, and I am now officially part of "the Rock Crew", which i found out last night at the pub, means I am basically a celebrity in the town of Paihia. No joke!!!
As soon as I walked onto the boat, I knew I made the right choice. The rest of the crew (Adam the Kiwi, ben, Donna, and Luke the English folk, and Tommy the Aussie), are all legends- they welcomed me on with open arms and I felt instantly like I had known them for years. I cannot even describe the chemistry that everyone has with each other on the boat- it's like everyone was feeding off of each other's positive energy. I've never been around a more witty, sharp, positive, happy, fun-loving group of people in my life.
So basically, it is a dream job. We go fishing for Snapper and kowai every night at sunset. We go for night kayaks and go star gazing. We have an open fire on board, a guitar, and piano. We eat amazing food. We play with guests. We snorkel with stingrays and dolphins. we wake up to rainbows stretching across the entire bay. We go Kina diving and Mussel diving. We hike up hills. We play beach soccer and rugby and volleyball. We eat fresh shell fish. AND I NOW GET PAID TO DO THIS!!!!!!!
Words cannot express how happy I am for this opportunity. Big things are going to happen from this, I know it. I cannot wait to see where this leads me. But check out our promotional video!!!!! www.rocktheboat.co.nz
WOO!!!
After a 3 day, 11 hour a day bus mission, 1500 km, the flu attacking my stomach and being curled up in fetal position for the entire duration of the trip, I arrived in Paihia to have my trial, which turned into a 3 cruise, 75 hour straight complete submersion into this job, which I AM SO FUCKING EXCITED TO SAY THAT I HAVE!!!!!!!! How is this my life???
Apparently, there were 90 applicants for this one position, and only 6 people got invited for trials. And somehow, I managed to knick the spot, and I am now officially part of "the Rock Crew", which i found out last night at the pub, means I am basically a celebrity in the town of Paihia. No joke!!!
As soon as I walked onto the boat, I knew I made the right choice. The rest of the crew (Adam the Kiwi, ben, Donna, and Luke the English folk, and Tommy the Aussie), are all legends- they welcomed me on with open arms and I felt instantly like I had known them for years. I cannot even describe the chemistry that everyone has with each other on the boat- it's like everyone was feeding off of each other's positive energy. I've never been around a more witty, sharp, positive, happy, fun-loving group of people in my life.
So basically, it is a dream job. We go fishing for Snapper and kowai every night at sunset. We go for night kayaks and go star gazing. We have an open fire on board, a guitar, and piano. We eat amazing food. We play with guests. We snorkel with stingrays and dolphins. we wake up to rainbows stretching across the entire bay. We go Kina diving and Mussel diving. We hike up hills. We play beach soccer and rugby and volleyball. We eat fresh shell fish. AND I NOW GET PAID TO DO THIS!!!!!!!
Words cannot express how happy I am for this opportunity. Big things are going to happen from this, I know it. I cannot wait to see where this leads me. But check out our promotional video!!!!! www.rocktheboat.co.nz
WOO!!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Big Risks=Big Rewards?
Well, here I go. Finally making a move. Deciding to chase after an opportunity instead of just letting it pass by, and then always wondering what would have happened if I had just made the effort and given it a go. I said I was ready for a change here, and well, here I go. Making a big, plan-changing, itinerary-altering, travel-stopping change.
I was on a backpacker job website before I left for Australia, and I stumbled upon a job notice for an "overnight crew member" aboard a small cruise vessel (a backpackers on the water, essentially). The job asked for water savvy individuals who were enthusiastic about traveling, comfortable being on the water and around boats, good with people, and a commitment until mid April. I thought to myself, "Hm. sounds like a pretty sweet job for someone like me." And I applied, thinking nothing of it, definitely not expecting to hear back considering the job posting was from a few days ago and I felt like this vacancy would get about 67854 applications. And then I left for Australia.
Well, currently, I am near the very bottom of the SOuth Island, about an hour North of Dunedin. And a day after I have my "epiphany", about making a change, finding work, getting my dive certifications, really taking advantage of opportunities, I get a phone call from the captain/boss of this boat saying, "Hey Kristi, we'd be really keen to have you come up to Paihia for a trial cruise for the overnight crew position! We're doing them this weekend so if you're still interested, let us know!". BLAMMO! AWESOME! Only problem is- I'm currently 1503 kilometers away from Paihia, and it is currently Thursday. Meanimg I would have had to leave yesterday if I were to make it there by this weekend, which clearly is impossible. And it would be a 3 day journey by bus, including a ferry ride to the North Island again. And I would be leaving the South Island before I got to see the Milford Sound, which was one of the top places to see while I was down here. And I didn't actually have the job- only an offering for a trial cruise, meaning I am competing with others for the position.
So I spent yesterday morning in turmoil because I wanted to have a go at it SO bad. I sat on the computer for 3 hours trying to figure out how I could possible get there- train, plane, bus...but it was impossible and I was devestated. So I sent a desperate email explaining to them my dilemma, and that the earlies time I could get there would be Tuesday. In which case I would leave today for Christchurch, spend the night in Christchurch, Head to Picton, take the ferry to wellington, stay in wellington, take the bus to Auckland, stay in auckland, and then take the bus to Paihia, arriving there on Monday arvo, exhausted and very very much over taking the Naked Bus. But- it was do-able. And, by some incredible stroke of luck, I acquired 9 free bus passes by my seatmate last time I was on the bus because he was headed to Asia the next day and had bought too many passes. So I essentially can transport myself there for free, it just will cost me loads of time and my sanity. And when I recieved the call yesterday, with the big bossman laughing and impressed that I would make the 1500 km journey, he told me to come on up for a Tuesday Trial cruise. And with that, I all of a sudden am leaving the South Island for a chance of a lifetime job up in the Bay of Islands.
Logic tells me it is ridiculous to do this; there are loads of job opportunities elsewhere, and 3 days travel just for a trial is a bit absurd, I know. But something is pulling me to go. It seemed like it just lined up perfectly- I decided I wanted to find work, make a change, I got those free bus passes, the commitment til april is exactly the time I wanted to head out...it was lining up in some odd, random way that is just screaming to me "GO DO IT!". So, I'm going. And I'm bloody excited about it- so I hope my insane mission will impress the boss-man and he'll hire me.
And it's a big risk, but the biggest risks reap the biggest rewards. And, if I don't get the job, well...that will suck. But I have to keep the ultimate goal in mind: Fiji and diving. I can find work elsewhere, sure, but I know if I don't go up and at least try this, I will wonder what I really missed out on. The opportunity to live on a boat for the next 2 months is just overwhelmingly tempting.
So- wish me luck as I head out today. Don't hate me because I'm leaving the south island before seeing the Milford sound...eek. But heopfully next time you hear from me will be from the middle of the sea.
I was on a backpacker job website before I left for Australia, and I stumbled upon a job notice for an "overnight crew member" aboard a small cruise vessel (a backpackers on the water, essentially). The job asked for water savvy individuals who were enthusiastic about traveling, comfortable being on the water and around boats, good with people, and a commitment until mid April. I thought to myself, "Hm. sounds like a pretty sweet job for someone like me." And I applied, thinking nothing of it, definitely not expecting to hear back considering the job posting was from a few days ago and I felt like this vacancy would get about 67854 applications. And then I left for Australia.
Well, currently, I am near the very bottom of the SOuth Island, about an hour North of Dunedin. And a day after I have my "epiphany", about making a change, finding work, getting my dive certifications, really taking advantage of opportunities, I get a phone call from the captain/boss of this boat saying, "Hey Kristi, we'd be really keen to have you come up to Paihia for a trial cruise for the overnight crew position! We're doing them this weekend so if you're still interested, let us know!". BLAMMO! AWESOME! Only problem is- I'm currently 1503 kilometers away from Paihia, and it is currently Thursday. Meanimg I would have had to leave yesterday if I were to make it there by this weekend, which clearly is impossible. And it would be a 3 day journey by bus, including a ferry ride to the North Island again. And I would be leaving the South Island before I got to see the Milford Sound, which was one of the top places to see while I was down here. And I didn't actually have the job- only an offering for a trial cruise, meaning I am competing with others for the position.
So I spent yesterday morning in turmoil because I wanted to have a go at it SO bad. I sat on the computer for 3 hours trying to figure out how I could possible get there- train, plane, bus...but it was impossible and I was devestated. So I sent a desperate email explaining to them my dilemma, and that the earlies time I could get there would be Tuesday. In which case I would leave today for Christchurch, spend the night in Christchurch, Head to Picton, take the ferry to wellington, stay in wellington, take the bus to Auckland, stay in auckland, and then take the bus to Paihia, arriving there on Monday arvo, exhausted and very very much over taking the Naked Bus. But- it was do-able. And, by some incredible stroke of luck, I acquired 9 free bus passes by my seatmate last time I was on the bus because he was headed to Asia the next day and had bought too many passes. So I essentially can transport myself there for free, it just will cost me loads of time and my sanity. And when I recieved the call yesterday, with the big bossman laughing and impressed that I would make the 1500 km journey, he told me to come on up for a Tuesday Trial cruise. And with that, I all of a sudden am leaving the South Island for a chance of a lifetime job up in the Bay of Islands.
Logic tells me it is ridiculous to do this; there are loads of job opportunities elsewhere, and 3 days travel just for a trial is a bit absurd, I know. But something is pulling me to go. It seemed like it just lined up perfectly- I decided I wanted to find work, make a change, I got those free bus passes, the commitment til april is exactly the time I wanted to head out...it was lining up in some odd, random way that is just screaming to me "GO DO IT!". So, I'm going. And I'm bloody excited about it- so I hope my insane mission will impress the boss-man and he'll hire me.
And it's a big risk, but the biggest risks reap the biggest rewards. And, if I don't get the job, well...that will suck. But I have to keep the ultimate goal in mind: Fiji and diving. I can find work elsewhere, sure, but I know if I don't go up and at least try this, I will wonder what I really missed out on. The opportunity to live on a boat for the next 2 months is just overwhelmingly tempting.
So- wish me luck as I head out today. Don't hate me because I'm leaving the south island before seeing the Milford sound...eek. But heopfully next time you hear from me will be from the middle of the sea.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Epiphany
I have had an epiphany. And yes, I believe my plans will soon me drastically changing.
Although this is hard to admit, and also probably from coming out of the blue if you are reading any of this travel blog and see all of the things I am doing/have done, but I have been in a funk for the past few weeks in New Zealand. Even before I left for Australia, I was feeling a bit down, a bit homesick, and a bit..well, unhappy. And although I would never admit it to anyone, it was eating away at me because I just could not understand why I was feeling unhappy when I am living out the dream of so many people, traveling the world at such a ripe young age, having all of these crazy experiences, seeing all of these incredible things...but I was just getting kind of, well, over it. It's not the living out of a backpack part that was getting to me; I am quite happy with living only with the things on my back. But every day, worrying about how I am spending my money, deciding to go to places SOLEY on the fact that they have free internet, accomodation, and laundry (where I am at now), well I thought to myself, "this isn't why I am here". I love New Zealand, it is a beautiful country. I have seen some of the most amazing scenery that I have ever seen in my life, taken risks and adventures that most people only dream about, but there seems to be a point where you get to the top of a mountain you just hiked 4 hours to get to, and you look around and you say, "well, this is pretty nice. not as nice as Mt. Cook though". and then you snap a photograph, and turn back around for another 3 hour downhill climb. I feel so selfish for saying this, but there is only so much hiking/tramping one can do before the beauty before you becomes almost commonplace. And it finally hit me that feeling this way means I am definitely ready for a change. The part of my trip that was by far the best was when I was working in Raglan at Solscape, surrounded by people who love the ocean, who were creative, musical, open-minded...
I think I am done with New Zealand. I have accomplished nearly everything I have wanted to here, aside from visiting Dunedin for the Uni of Otago, and then seeing the Milford Sound. Aside from that, I was nearly worried the other day when I thought about how I was possibly going to fill another 4 weeks time. Isn't that horrible? And that's why I know I need to make a change. I have been given an opportunity to truly pursue something I really want. No one is going to hand it to me- I have to work my ass off and do it myself. I am sick of just idylly passing the time away at this shitty backpackers and wondering why the fuck I am here, in this shit town where the only thing to do is visit a cheese factory, and pay 25$ to see penguins. PAY TO SEE PENGUINS IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. and then, down the road, you can pay 2$ to see rocks. ROCKS for CHRIST SAKE!
So I am making a change. I have this wonderful working holiday visa which allows me to work and make money here in New Zealand, and I have not used it yet. And...I want Fiji. Yes. Fiji. Why? Because I desperatly want to get my Advanced Diving certifications. It's written down as one of my life goals- and what better time than now to go to Fiji, which is on the way home from New Zealand, and pursue one of my biggest life goals? Why have I not thought about this earlier? What was I THINKING?! Now, I don't have the money to take the courses now, but working in New Zealand for the next 7 weeks or so...yes Mom, I said 7 weeks...meaning I will stay here longer, will allow me to save enough to get me to Fiji and dive certified, providing I can find a job. What an accomplishment than will be. And the feeling of working towards something...well, I miss that.
Please, do not judge me harshly when you read this and thing. "wow, Kristi, you are such a selfish Bitch who will never be satisfied..you're in New Zealand for god's sake". And yes, I know how lucky I am to be here, TRUST ME. And I have enjoyed it SO, SO MUCH, but I really do think it's time to move on, to take advantage of this time a little bit more. Because who knows when I'll be in the South Pacific ever again.
Thoughts?
Although this is hard to admit, and also probably from coming out of the blue if you are reading any of this travel blog and see all of the things I am doing/have done, but I have been in a funk for the past few weeks in New Zealand. Even before I left for Australia, I was feeling a bit down, a bit homesick, and a bit..well, unhappy. And although I would never admit it to anyone, it was eating away at me because I just could not understand why I was feeling unhappy when I am living out the dream of so many people, traveling the world at such a ripe young age, having all of these crazy experiences, seeing all of these incredible things...but I was just getting kind of, well, over it. It's not the living out of a backpack part that was getting to me; I am quite happy with living only with the things on my back. But every day, worrying about how I am spending my money, deciding to go to places SOLEY on the fact that they have free internet, accomodation, and laundry (where I am at now), well I thought to myself, "this isn't why I am here". I love New Zealand, it is a beautiful country. I have seen some of the most amazing scenery that I have ever seen in my life, taken risks and adventures that most people only dream about, but there seems to be a point where you get to the top of a mountain you just hiked 4 hours to get to, and you look around and you say, "well, this is pretty nice. not as nice as Mt. Cook though". and then you snap a photograph, and turn back around for another 3 hour downhill climb. I feel so selfish for saying this, but there is only so much hiking/tramping one can do before the beauty before you becomes almost commonplace. And it finally hit me that feeling this way means I am definitely ready for a change. The part of my trip that was by far the best was when I was working in Raglan at Solscape, surrounded by people who love the ocean, who were creative, musical, open-minded...
I think I am done with New Zealand. I have accomplished nearly everything I have wanted to here, aside from visiting Dunedin for the Uni of Otago, and then seeing the Milford Sound. Aside from that, I was nearly worried the other day when I thought about how I was possibly going to fill another 4 weeks time. Isn't that horrible? And that's why I know I need to make a change. I have been given an opportunity to truly pursue something I really want. No one is going to hand it to me- I have to work my ass off and do it myself. I am sick of just idylly passing the time away at this shitty backpackers and wondering why the fuck I am here, in this shit town where the only thing to do is visit a cheese factory, and pay 25$ to see penguins. PAY TO SEE PENGUINS IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. and then, down the road, you can pay 2$ to see rocks. ROCKS for CHRIST SAKE!
So I am making a change. I have this wonderful working holiday visa which allows me to work and make money here in New Zealand, and I have not used it yet. And...I want Fiji. Yes. Fiji. Why? Because I desperatly want to get my Advanced Diving certifications. It's written down as one of my life goals- and what better time than now to go to Fiji, which is on the way home from New Zealand, and pursue one of my biggest life goals? Why have I not thought about this earlier? What was I THINKING?! Now, I don't have the money to take the courses now, but working in New Zealand for the next 7 weeks or so...yes Mom, I said 7 weeks...meaning I will stay here longer, will allow me to save enough to get me to Fiji and dive certified, providing I can find a job. What an accomplishment than will be. And the feeling of working towards something...well, I miss that.
Please, do not judge me harshly when you read this and thing. "wow, Kristi, you are such a selfish Bitch who will never be satisfied..you're in New Zealand for god's sake". And yes, I know how lucky I am to be here, TRUST ME. And I have enjoyed it SO, SO MUCH, but I really do think it's time to move on, to take advantage of this time a little bit more. Because who knows when I'll be in the South Pacific ever again.
Thoughts?
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Couch Surfing
So I set a number of goals I wanted to accomplish while I was in New Zealand, and many of them have to do with opening my mind to new experiences that may defy the standards of "normalcy". Don't worry family, I'm not talking anything supremely dangerous or out there, and for all you pervs out there, get your mind out of the gutter...I'm talking about things like busking on the streets for fun, or going on road trips with people you meet the day before. I also really wanted to try out couch surfing, which I am proud to say that I am currently doing in Wanaka.
So what is couch surfing? Well, it's a website set up for travelers, sort of like wwoofing, where you can post an online profile detailing who you are, what you do, your philosophies on life, interests, pictures, whatever...and then you can search for "hosts", people who are willing to let them come and sleep on their couch for free, in the places you are traveling. It's no strings attached- you don't have to work in exchange for the couch, so it's free accommodation usually with locals who live in the town. Awesome idea, because everyone is trying to travel on a budget, so the words "free" and "accomodation" are clearly alluring. And bonus: people who are willing to open up their homes to complete strangers usually are pretty keen on traveling themselves, so they know what it feels like to be a backpacker. Of course there are risks involved: you're literally walking into someone's house who you only have communicated once or twice with via internet, and I will tell you that if I walked into this situation and saw a myriad of weapons dangling from the walls and was greeted by a man with a hunchback and a little hand, I would have turned straight around. However, fortunately for me, I was greeted with a beer and 3 new friends.
Hayley, Taylor, and Kira are the girls I am couch surfing with, and they are all American Working holiday makers in Wanaka. I know, I know...why couch surf wtih Americans while in New Zealand? Well, they were 1 of 3 hosts in Wanaka, and when I read Hayley's profile (beach bum, plays guitar, soccer, music, running, traveling..) I figured this would be a pretty risk-free couch surf session with a girl who sounds a lot like me. So I messaged them, and amongst the 10 otherr couch surfing requests they had for these days, they invited me to come stay. Now these chicks are awesome: they have been hosting couch surfers every day for like, 4 weeks straight...one after another after another, letting travelers crash on their mattress on the floor, inviting them to go rock climbing and do Yoga, sharing their kitchen and food and home with people...and I'll tell you what,I've been here for 3 days and I already feel like this place is my home.
But what's awesome about couch surfing besides that it is free, is that you become a part of someone else's life for a little while. The first day I was there, hayley took me rock climbing. Now, the only rock climbing I have ever really done has been at North Penn high School on the rock wall. pretty safe. Hayley took me to legitimate rocks...30 foot cliffs that you literally climb like spider man, trusting your bah-lay-er with your life to make sure that if you fall, they will not let go of the rope. So as I am dangling off the endge of this rock face that overlooks lake wanaka, i decide that I really like couch surfing. And it's been like that since I got here: these girls have been more than awesome hosts and I am happy to say that I am still alive and kicking after this adventure into the unknown. Next time I couch surf, i am going to do it with Kiwis. But the only problem is, you need to request couches a week or so in advance because so many fucking people are in New Zealand traveling at the moment. And because I am really being blown around the island like the wind, I have no idea where I am going to be in a week's time. But- onwards to Oamuru today. Who knows what this next week will bring.
So what is couch surfing? Well, it's a website set up for travelers, sort of like wwoofing, where you can post an online profile detailing who you are, what you do, your philosophies on life, interests, pictures, whatever...and then you can search for "hosts", people who are willing to let them come and sleep on their couch for free, in the places you are traveling. It's no strings attached- you don't have to work in exchange for the couch, so it's free accommodation usually with locals who live in the town. Awesome idea, because everyone is trying to travel on a budget, so the words "free" and "accomodation" are clearly alluring. And bonus: people who are willing to open up their homes to complete strangers usually are pretty keen on traveling themselves, so they know what it feels like to be a backpacker. Of course there are risks involved: you're literally walking into someone's house who you only have communicated once or twice with via internet, and I will tell you that if I walked into this situation and saw a myriad of weapons dangling from the walls and was greeted by a man with a hunchback and a little hand, I would have turned straight around. However, fortunately for me, I was greeted with a beer and 3 new friends.
Hayley, Taylor, and Kira are the girls I am couch surfing with, and they are all American Working holiday makers in Wanaka. I know, I know...why couch surf wtih Americans while in New Zealand? Well, they were 1 of 3 hosts in Wanaka, and when I read Hayley's profile (beach bum, plays guitar, soccer, music, running, traveling..) I figured this would be a pretty risk-free couch surf session with a girl who sounds a lot like me. So I messaged them, and amongst the 10 otherr couch surfing requests they had for these days, they invited me to come stay. Now these chicks are awesome: they have been hosting couch surfers every day for like, 4 weeks straight...one after another after another, letting travelers crash on their mattress on the floor, inviting them to go rock climbing and do Yoga, sharing their kitchen and food and home with people...and I'll tell you what,I've been here for 3 days and I already feel like this place is my home.
But what's awesome about couch surfing besides that it is free, is that you become a part of someone else's life for a little while. The first day I was there, hayley took me rock climbing. Now, the only rock climbing I have ever really done has been at North Penn high School on the rock wall. pretty safe. Hayley took me to legitimate rocks...30 foot cliffs that you literally climb like spider man, trusting your bah-lay-er with your life to make sure that if you fall, they will not let go of the rope. So as I am dangling off the endge of this rock face that overlooks lake wanaka, i decide that I really like couch surfing. And it's been like that since I got here: these girls have been more than awesome hosts and I am happy to say that I am still alive and kicking after this adventure into the unknown. Next time I couch surf, i am going to do it with Kiwis. But the only problem is, you need to request couches a week or so in advance because so many fucking people are in New Zealand traveling at the moment. And because I am really being blown around the island like the wind, I have no idea where I am going to be in a week's time. But- onwards to Oamuru today. Who knows what this next week will bring.
Friday, February 4, 2011
There's Something About Sydney...
I'm not a city person. I hate the noise, the fashion, the hustle and bustle, the busy-ness...I hate feeling like a random number, I hate not knowing where I'm going, I hate the tourists, the honking, the endless amounts of people, the buses, the whole impersonable-ness of it all...but I fucking love Sydney. Perhaps it is because it was the first city I arrived in at an international airport by myself, or perhaps it symbolizes the place where I had stepped out of the plane on a warm, balmy, February day and realized that I was FINALLY in Australia, or perhaps it is the place where so many of my stories began but never really ended... but there is something about that city that has captured my heart forever. And yet again, I found myself sobbing the 3 hours back to Christchurch as my plane flew out of Sydney, and I waved goodbye to the Opera house and the Harbor Bridge once again.
Now there are a number of tangible reasons why I love Sydney, and the first and foremost is because it is just a beautifully stunning city. Within a 10 minutes walk from anywhere, you can be on the water and in view of the city's iconic opera house. The streets are clean, and there is a certain sunny-ness that the city has about.And i love that Billabong and Rip Curl are next to the Prada and Gucci shops, and that you will see more people in boardies and thongs (flip flops) walking down the street than you will see wearing anything that resembles high fashion. And it is not uncommon to see people carrying surfboards through the streets, on their way home from work in down town Sydney, because they are headed to the beach for a surf. It is a huge city, but Sydney-ians have the ocean close at heart. And I've been told time and time again that Melbourne is "Australia's City" because it has more "culture", but I don't know how else the Aussie spirit can be defined but by seeing business men carrying a breif case in one arm and a short board on the other.
But I also know that I will never look at Sydney the same way ever again. Because when you are guided with your eyes closed, through the streets of the Sydney Suburbs for a "surprise", and when you open them, you are sitting atop a hill overlooking the entire city and the opera house, lit up at night in all of it's glory, and you can hear the Harbor Bridge overhead moving as the cars go past, and you have to take a seat because the feeling of realizing just how far you have come and what you have accomplished hits you in the gut, and then you begin to cry because you know that once again, you are leaving Sydney tomorrow and it is coincidental that you are spending your last night in Sydney on top of this hill with the same person that you spent your last night in Sydney with 1.5 years ago, someone who has taught you about pride, about accomplishing goals, about working towards the seemingly impossible, about relishing in the unexpected, about taking risks...well, I think it's safe to say I won't look at Sydney the same. So thanks, Chris Holliday, because I see the city, and my life, in a completely different way. And thanks also for everything else.
And it was with a heavy heart that I flew out of Sydney...headed back to Christchurch where I knew I would be own my own once again...feeling like I was pretty much back at square one. In a new place, backpacking alone, no friends to speak of. It was weird. And I spent the night on the Christchurch airport floor (as you do) with a community of other backpackers who also were alone and homeless for the night. And then I arrived in lake Tekapo, the smallest little lake town you can think of, where I met 2 Israeli boys who invited me to come along with them to mount cook. So I went. and it was beautiful. And now, I am in Wanaka, couch surfing with 3 girls who, I have to say, have made my first couch surfing experience pretty freaking awesome. Rock climbing, playing music on the shores of lake Wanaka, Bouldering, wine, Shitty movies...it's been real fun. And now I'm headed to Oamuru tomorrow, to spend a week Wwoofing at a creative arts center, where hopefully I can produce something worthy of bringing home. It's been a long, random, story filled few days...but I suppose that's what this is all about.
Now there are a number of tangible reasons why I love Sydney, and the first and foremost is because it is just a beautifully stunning city. Within a 10 minutes walk from anywhere, you can be on the water and in view of the city's iconic opera house. The streets are clean, and there is a certain sunny-ness that the city has about.And i love that Billabong and Rip Curl are next to the Prada and Gucci shops, and that you will see more people in boardies and thongs (flip flops) walking down the street than you will see wearing anything that resembles high fashion. And it is not uncommon to see people carrying surfboards through the streets, on their way home from work in down town Sydney, because they are headed to the beach for a surf. It is a huge city, but Sydney-ians have the ocean close at heart. And I've been told time and time again that Melbourne is "Australia's City" because it has more "culture", but I don't know how else the Aussie spirit can be defined but by seeing business men carrying a breif case in one arm and a short board on the other.
But I also know that I will never look at Sydney the same way ever again. Because when you are guided with your eyes closed, through the streets of the Sydney Suburbs for a "surprise", and when you open them, you are sitting atop a hill overlooking the entire city and the opera house, lit up at night in all of it's glory, and you can hear the Harbor Bridge overhead moving as the cars go past, and you have to take a seat because the feeling of realizing just how far you have come and what you have accomplished hits you in the gut, and then you begin to cry because you know that once again, you are leaving Sydney tomorrow and it is coincidental that you are spending your last night in Sydney on top of this hill with the same person that you spent your last night in Sydney with 1.5 years ago, someone who has taught you about pride, about accomplishing goals, about working towards the seemingly impossible, about relishing in the unexpected, about taking risks...well, I think it's safe to say I won't look at Sydney the same. So thanks, Chris Holliday, because I see the city, and my life, in a completely different way. And thanks also for everything else.
And it was with a heavy heart that I flew out of Sydney...headed back to Christchurch where I knew I would be own my own once again...feeling like I was pretty much back at square one. In a new place, backpacking alone, no friends to speak of. It was weird. And I spent the night on the Christchurch airport floor (as you do) with a community of other backpackers who also were alone and homeless for the night. And then I arrived in lake Tekapo, the smallest little lake town you can think of, where I met 2 Israeli boys who invited me to come along with them to mount cook. So I went. and it was beautiful. And now, I am in Wanaka, couch surfing with 3 girls who, I have to say, have made my first couch surfing experience pretty freaking awesome. Rock climbing, playing music on the shores of lake Wanaka, Bouldering, wine, Shitty movies...it's been real fun. And now I'm headed to Oamuru tomorrow, to spend a week Wwoofing at a creative arts center, where hopefully I can produce something worthy of bringing home. It's been a long, random, story filled few days...but I suppose that's what this is all about.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Speechless in Coogee
Australia, yet again, has proven to be a life-changing place. In these 2 weeks I have been here, I have experienced more emotions, more self-discovery, more deep-thoughts, and more surprises than I have since I have left. I have felt the most homesick I have felt since being away, and a few days later have felt the most inclined to call qantas and tell them to cancel my flight back home because I want to stay here forever.
I left Coolangatta pretty upset. Which fucking sucks, because I was in Coolangatta; the weather was perfect, we had surf, I was with Alex, I was in Australia...but I went into the Gold Coast airport in tears because I had a less-than great time there with my mates from back home. Long story. And I also saw Liam, and for those of you who know the story, that was a fucking emotionally draining/ridiculous experience. And it kind of went like this:
Kristi and Liam decide to go get smoothies.
While in line, a guy shouts, "Oi, Liam!"
Liam goes to speak with guy, who is obviously his mate
Kristi is left in line waiting for smoothies
Liam and mate have a chat and a laugh, and Liam returns with shit eating grin on his face
Liam: "Do you know my mate?"
Kristi: "No, I don't think so"
Liam: "Aparently you do with you lips from the pub last night."
Awesome. So I made out with my "ex-boyfriend's" mate at the pub the night before I saw him after 1.5 years of waiting, and we happen to run into him in line for smoothies. And I have been waiting 1.5 years to see this guy again to tell him with a fuck off he is for ripping my heart out, and how mature and responsible and independent I am now that I am no longer affected by him. And then I make out with his friend while drunk at the Coolie hotel, who we just happen to run into the next day, who both think this situation is hilarious. Good job, Kristi. Kellie Braam- you'll like that story.
So I was feeling rather low after the Gold Coast experience, and truly the only thing that made me feel better was hopping into the ocean and going for a sunset surf. It's really the only place that makes my mind focus soley on the present moment; look for the next set, pick the wave, paddle paddle paddle...but man, that next morning, I was quite happy to be leaving Coolangatta. It's definitely a symbolic place for me, for good and bad reasons.
But then, I was flying to Sydney. Sydney, my favorite city in the whole world. The pleace where I fell in love with this country, this lifestyle, made the most amazing memories and friends, have the most ridiculous and hilarious stories. And when the plane actually flew over the Eastern suburbs becahes and I could recognize Coogee from the Air, and then we flew over Sydney Harbor and there was an ariel view of the Opera House, well I just absolutely lost it. I balled my eyes out in sheer happiness to be returning the homeland, and I apologized profusely to the woman sitting next to me for losing my grip in a fit of emotional turmoil. But- I was home.
And the return was epic. I got into the Sydney airport and was greeted by my mate Chris, my South African, rugby playing friend who shared a few good laughs with me when I lived in Coogee. Seeing him was so wonderful- familair, friendly...it was as if I had never left. He graciously offered to give me a couch to crash on when I came back into Sydney, and I clearly accepted the offer due to my limited funds. Well. We grab a cab outside of the airport, and I'm chatting away about God knows what, not at all paying attention to my surroundings. When I finally look up, I realize we are headed towards Coogee, which is on the complete other side of the city as Chris now lives. As we pull up to Coogee Beach, Chris goes, "Well we might as well have a look at coogee, considering this is why you came back to sydney in the first p;ace". I'm like, sweet,sounds great; but don't notice that we're taking my bags out of the cab as we're pulled up to the Crown Plaza Hotel- the most posh hotel in Coogee beach. But to be fair, I was so overwhelmed with being back in coogee that you could have slepped me and I would not have noticed. So I'm getting out of the cab, relishing in the beauty that is Coogee, and Chris goes offhandedly, "Oh by the way, you're staying here tonight." BLAMMO. WHAT?! So my mate chris, hooks me up with a POSH hotel for 2 nights overlooking coogee beach, "Just because you're my mate and it's your birthday, and that's what we do for our mates." And then, I cried some more. And for the first time since I've been away, I was rendered speechless. And I am going to throw it out there that He is not Aussie, he is South African, and he has made sure to tell me that when I retell this story that I need to point out that he is South African, because he is "doing his country a favor" and hoping that I spread the word back to America that South Africans are AWESOME blokes. Well, I'm convinced. So I spent 2 nights of Luxury in a hotel that was far too fancy for me, in my favorite place in the world, and then spent my Birthday, which is Australia day, celebrating the Aussie lifestyle in the back of a pickup truck filled with hot water that we turned into a hot tub, eating lambchops on the Barbie and drinking Pure Blondes. Can this Coogee Experience get any better? I think not. Big risks= big rewards.
I left Coolangatta pretty upset. Which fucking sucks, because I was in Coolangatta; the weather was perfect, we had surf, I was with Alex, I was in Australia...but I went into the Gold Coast airport in tears because I had a less-than great time there with my mates from back home. Long story. And I also saw Liam, and for those of you who know the story, that was a fucking emotionally draining/ridiculous experience. And it kind of went like this:
Kristi and Liam decide to go get smoothies.
While in line, a guy shouts, "Oi, Liam!"
Liam goes to speak with guy, who is obviously his mate
Kristi is left in line waiting for smoothies
Liam and mate have a chat and a laugh, and Liam returns with shit eating grin on his face
Liam: "Do you know my mate?"
Kristi: "No, I don't think so"
Liam: "Aparently you do with you lips from the pub last night."
Awesome. So I made out with my "ex-boyfriend's" mate at the pub the night before I saw him after 1.5 years of waiting, and we happen to run into him in line for smoothies. And I have been waiting 1.5 years to see this guy again to tell him with a fuck off he is for ripping my heart out, and how mature and responsible and independent I am now that I am no longer affected by him. And then I make out with his friend while drunk at the Coolie hotel, who we just happen to run into the next day, who both think this situation is hilarious. Good job, Kristi. Kellie Braam- you'll like that story.
So I was feeling rather low after the Gold Coast experience, and truly the only thing that made me feel better was hopping into the ocean and going for a sunset surf. It's really the only place that makes my mind focus soley on the present moment; look for the next set, pick the wave, paddle paddle paddle...but man, that next morning, I was quite happy to be leaving Coolangatta. It's definitely a symbolic place for me, for good and bad reasons.
But then, I was flying to Sydney. Sydney, my favorite city in the whole world. The pleace where I fell in love with this country, this lifestyle, made the most amazing memories and friends, have the most ridiculous and hilarious stories. And when the plane actually flew over the Eastern suburbs becahes and I could recognize Coogee from the Air, and then we flew over Sydney Harbor and there was an ariel view of the Opera House, well I just absolutely lost it. I balled my eyes out in sheer happiness to be returning the homeland, and I apologized profusely to the woman sitting next to me for losing my grip in a fit of emotional turmoil. But- I was home.
And the return was epic. I got into the Sydney airport and was greeted by my mate Chris, my South African, rugby playing friend who shared a few good laughs with me when I lived in Coogee. Seeing him was so wonderful- familair, friendly...it was as if I had never left. He graciously offered to give me a couch to crash on when I came back into Sydney, and I clearly accepted the offer due to my limited funds. Well. We grab a cab outside of the airport, and I'm chatting away about God knows what, not at all paying attention to my surroundings. When I finally look up, I realize we are headed towards Coogee, which is on the complete other side of the city as Chris now lives. As we pull up to Coogee Beach, Chris goes, "Well we might as well have a look at coogee, considering this is why you came back to sydney in the first p;ace". I'm like, sweet,sounds great; but don't notice that we're taking my bags out of the cab as we're pulled up to the Crown Plaza Hotel- the most posh hotel in Coogee beach. But to be fair, I was so overwhelmed with being back in coogee that you could have slepped me and I would not have noticed. So I'm getting out of the cab, relishing in the beauty that is Coogee, and Chris goes offhandedly, "Oh by the way, you're staying here tonight." BLAMMO. WHAT?! So my mate chris, hooks me up with a POSH hotel for 2 nights overlooking coogee beach, "Just because you're my mate and it's your birthday, and that's what we do for our mates." And then, I cried some more. And for the first time since I've been away, I was rendered speechless. And I am going to throw it out there that He is not Aussie, he is South African, and he has made sure to tell me that when I retell this story that I need to point out that he is South African, because he is "doing his country a favor" and hoping that I spread the word back to America that South Africans are AWESOME blokes. Well, I'm convinced. So I spent 2 nights of Luxury in a hotel that was far too fancy for me, in my favorite place in the world, and then spent my Birthday, which is Australia day, celebrating the Aussie lifestyle in the back of a pickup truck filled with hot water that we turned into a hot tub, eating lambchops on the Barbie and drinking Pure Blondes. Can this Coogee Experience get any better? I think not. Big risks= big rewards.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Coolies, Tweeds, Tim Tam Slams
I had my first sip of Toohey's New last night in 2 years, and it was Heaven in my mouth. I'M BACK IN AUSTRALIA! Have I mentioned that yet in the past few entries?
I have had the pleasure of meeting Alex, another soudreton water polo player who is also visiting the boys here in Australia. And I think I may have found my female soul mate, as we have been attached by the hip for the past 6 days and nights, and just in fact finished watching "The Lovely Bones" together in Reid's bed. Which was, by the way, one of the worst movies of all time. But since it is Alex's first time in the wonderful land down under, I have taken it upon myself to introduce her to some of what Australia has to offer. We went to a wildlife reserve where we did the standard kangaroo petting/photograph session, we paid 18 dollars to have our picture taken with a half-stoned Koala bear, and we ooh-ed and ahh-ed appropriately at the massive Salty Croc floating lazily in his enclosure. But he was absolutely huge; 2nd largest in captivity, and over 3 meters long. 3 METERS. Imagine that thing popping up in front of you as you're going for a swim. We actually did learn heaps at the reserve; like that kangaroos have the capacity to postpone their pregnancies if facing a draught or food shortage, and they are capable of producing two types of milk at once to cater to the different aged joeys they are rasing. And that Koalas are so lazy because Eucalyptus leaves, the only thing they eat, have about 2% useable energy, and the leaves contain toxins that basically make the Koalas very, very stoned. Alex and I then went to Kirra point where we attempted a surf lesson in ankle high waves, she got stung by a blue bottle jellyfish, and then by a spider, and then she was introduced to her first Tim Tam slam and 50 cent ice cream cone from Maccas. Overall, fantastic introduction to Australia, I reckon.
Coming here from New Zealand has given me a really interesting view on both Australia and New Zealand. When you walk out to the beach in Coolangatta, just a few kilometers up north, the giant, ugly, sky scraper-laden metropolis of Surfer's Paradise looms in the distance. Coolangatta its self has been quite built up with resorts and hotels, heaps of shopping and cafes and pubs, and people EVERYWHERE. In Raglan, it was miles upon miles of undeveloped coast. The only thing you could see beyond the small town of Raglan was green mountain, black sand, and turqioise water. a "crowded" day at Manu bay was 50 people, crowded at Kirra is about 350 people. InAustralia, you can't tramp in the bush without the strong possiblity of getting killed by spiders/snakes/Dingoes/Tasmanian Devils/Northern Queenslanders; in New Zealand, bush tramping is Death-free (unless you fall off of glaciers/mountains/volcanoes). The heat of New Zealand, at least in Canterbury, was dry and HOT, and in Queensland, the humidity is so oppressing that backsweat and swamp ass occur before you leave your driveway. And then like clockwork, it thunderstorms in the afternoon, much like florida in the summer. And today, we were graced by a rainbow, which appropriately formed over Rainbow Bay. It's still wetsuit season in Raglan, and here in Coolie, the water is a balmy 30 degrees celcius, perfect for sharks, box jellies, and other deadly sea creatures. But both places produce Tim Tams, and that is a very important similarity.
It has been great relaxing and hanging out with my American friends for a bit; it has brought me a taste of home and familiarity that I was definitely missing. But I also really enjoy meeting fellow backpackers and local people from the places I am in, and I am quite keen to get back to that. But I first detour in Sydney, the homeland, and I think I might burst into tears when I walk down Coogee Bay road again.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Alex, another soudreton water polo player who is also visiting the boys here in Australia. And I think I may have found my female soul mate, as we have been attached by the hip for the past 6 days and nights, and just in fact finished watching "The Lovely Bones" together in Reid's bed. Which was, by the way, one of the worst movies of all time. But since it is Alex's first time in the wonderful land down under, I have taken it upon myself to introduce her to some of what Australia has to offer. We went to a wildlife reserve where we did the standard kangaroo petting/photograph session, we paid 18 dollars to have our picture taken with a half-stoned Koala bear, and we ooh-ed and ahh-ed appropriately at the massive Salty Croc floating lazily in his enclosure. But he was absolutely huge; 2nd largest in captivity, and over 3 meters long. 3 METERS. Imagine that thing popping up in front of you as you're going for a swim. We actually did learn heaps at the reserve; like that kangaroos have the capacity to postpone their pregnancies if facing a draught or food shortage, and they are capable of producing two types of milk at once to cater to the different aged joeys they are rasing. And that Koalas are so lazy because Eucalyptus leaves, the only thing they eat, have about 2% useable energy, and the leaves contain toxins that basically make the Koalas very, very stoned. Alex and I then went to Kirra point where we attempted a surf lesson in ankle high waves, she got stung by a blue bottle jellyfish, and then by a spider, and then she was introduced to her first Tim Tam slam and 50 cent ice cream cone from Maccas. Overall, fantastic introduction to Australia, I reckon.
Coming here from New Zealand has given me a really interesting view on both Australia and New Zealand. When you walk out to the beach in Coolangatta, just a few kilometers up north, the giant, ugly, sky scraper-laden metropolis of Surfer's Paradise looms in the distance. Coolangatta its self has been quite built up with resorts and hotels, heaps of shopping and cafes and pubs, and people EVERYWHERE. In Raglan, it was miles upon miles of undeveloped coast. The only thing you could see beyond the small town of Raglan was green mountain, black sand, and turqioise water. a "crowded" day at Manu bay was 50 people, crowded at Kirra is about 350 people. InAustralia, you can't tramp in the bush without the strong possiblity of getting killed by spiders/snakes/Dingoes/Tasmanian Devils/Northern Queenslanders; in New Zealand, bush tramping is Death-free (unless you fall off of glaciers/mountains/volcanoes). The heat of New Zealand, at least in Canterbury, was dry and HOT, and in Queensland, the humidity is so oppressing that backsweat and swamp ass occur before you leave your driveway. And then like clockwork, it thunderstorms in the afternoon, much like florida in the summer. And today, we were graced by a rainbow, which appropriately formed over Rainbow Bay. It's still wetsuit season in Raglan, and here in Coolie, the water is a balmy 30 degrees celcius, perfect for sharks, box jellies, and other deadly sea creatures. But both places produce Tim Tams, and that is a very important similarity.
It has been great relaxing and hanging out with my American friends for a bit; it has brought me a taste of home and familiarity that I was definitely missing. But I also really enjoy meeting fellow backpackers and local people from the places I am in, and I am quite keen to get back to that. But I first detour in Sydney, the homeland, and I think I might burst into tears when I walk down Coogee Bay road again.
Monday, January 17, 2011
No wuckin forries, Mate.
G'DAY! I love this country. When I left the airport at gold coast, I returned my luggage cart to the cart dispenser, and out popped a 20 cent coin. THEY paid ME to use their services! Ahhh, Australia. It was an absolutely incredible summer day yesterday on the gold coast, sunny, hot, fun waves. and you wouldn't realize, that just up the coast a ways, people are stranded in flood waters, homes are being destroyed, lives are being lost. The attitude in Coolangatta would never make you suspect that there is a crisis going on up north- everyone here is on holiday. It's been quite a pleasure jumping into the ocean of 80+ degree, crystal clear water, after being in raglan for a month where it's still wetsuit season. But along with the warm, clear water also comes the sharks and blue bottles, a horrible stinging jellyfish. So I suppose there are pros and cons of both. Went surfing at Greenmouth today, then drifted down to rainbow bay, where in the process, got toppled over the falls, hit the ground, sliced my leg on my fin and now have a nast little scar that I can braggidly (is that a word) claim, "yep, I got this one down at Kirra. hectic" Apparently, the swell that hit when I arrived from New Zealand was the best swell this place has seen in the past 10 years. And it is also the first stop on the Quicksilver/Roxy pro tour, so pros are slowly trickling into town. Mick Fannings mum owns the smoothie shop I ate at today. I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!
But- it is a bit weird being here without all of my mates from coogee. When I was there, I felt like an Aussie. Here, I feel like just another American "seppo" tourist. But what I still love about this country is that no matter where you are, everyone is always interested in hearing where you're from. And they always as, "How do you like Australia?", because they're really proud to call this place home. And shit, I would be too. I also love how even at 5 in the morning, you would think it was noon because so many people are outside being active. Also playing with their children. It's so fun to watch all of the little "grommits" (small children) out in the water with their tiny little shortboards with their dads pushing them into waves. The Aussie culture is so intertwined with the water and the ocean; instead of playing video games, these kids are out surfing or playing Rugby. Maybe that's why they are so happy.
I feel like I have changed. In a very good way.
But- it is a bit weird being here without all of my mates from coogee. When I was there, I felt like an Aussie. Here, I feel like just another American "seppo" tourist. But what I still love about this country is that no matter where you are, everyone is always interested in hearing where you're from. And they always as, "How do you like Australia?", because they're really proud to call this place home. And shit, I would be too. I also love how even at 5 in the morning, you would think it was noon because so many people are outside being active. Also playing with their children. It's so fun to watch all of the little "grommits" (small children) out in the water with their tiny little shortboards with their dads pushing them into waves. The Aussie culture is so intertwined with the water and the ocean; instead of playing video games, these kids are out surfing or playing Rugby. Maybe that's why they are so happy.
I feel like I have changed. In a very good way.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Australia. Again. Holy Shit.
I cannot believe I am sitting on a porch in Coolangatta, looking out over Kirra beach watching about 300 surfers ripping in 8 ft swell. I AM BACK IN AUSTRALIA! I am not quite sure that anyone except a select few people know what this means for me. and not only am I back in Australia, I am back in Coolangatta. Coolangatta changed my life.
I went for a run this morning up Kirra Beach, past Snapper's rocks, up to Rainbow bay and froggies. Memories flooded back to me. It was surreal-hence why I am having difficulties finding the words to explain how I am feeling right now. It's very strange to be here, in a place that is familiar, that means so much to me, with mates from back home who are also familiar, but in a very, very different way. Having a barbeque on Kirra beach and then doing Tim Tam Slams with Souderton Water polo players...jeez, it's a small, small world. And then there's that feeling of half hoping to run into that familiar face, and wondering what sort of chaotic emotions that will trigger. But aside from that, I AM BACK IN AUSTRALIA! Holy shit.
The road trip of the Northern part of the South Island was a complete success, and Amy and I concluded the trip with swimming with the Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura, and then an all night bender of a night down in Christchurch, complete with dancing hula hooping in the streets and dancing on tables. Noticed that in Christchurch, dudes out number chicks by about 87 to 1. It was also pretty crazy to walk around the city and see the damage that the earthquakes have done, wondering if i'll experience an aftershock. And now I am in Queensland, the state where all of the flooding is occurring in Australia. That seems to be how I roll; moving from one natural disaster to the next. Sorry mom. But no flooding in Coolies, thank goodness. Just pumping swell, sunshine, and that unbelieveable Australian feeling of "no fucking worries, mate."
I went for a run this morning up Kirra Beach, past Snapper's rocks, up to Rainbow bay and froggies. Memories flooded back to me. It was surreal-hence why I am having difficulties finding the words to explain how I am feeling right now. It's very strange to be here, in a place that is familiar, that means so much to me, with mates from back home who are also familiar, but in a very, very different way. Having a barbeque on Kirra beach and then doing Tim Tam Slams with Souderton Water polo players...jeez, it's a small, small world. And then there's that feeling of half hoping to run into that familiar face, and wondering what sort of chaotic emotions that will trigger. But aside from that, I AM BACK IN AUSTRALIA! Holy shit.
The road trip of the Northern part of the South Island was a complete success, and Amy and I concluded the trip with swimming with the Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura, and then an all night bender of a night down in Christchurch, complete with dancing hula hooping in the streets and dancing on tables. Noticed that in Christchurch, dudes out number chicks by about 87 to 1. It was also pretty crazy to walk around the city and see the damage that the earthquakes have done, wondering if i'll experience an aftershock. And now I am in Queensland, the state where all of the flooding is occurring in Australia. That seems to be how I roll; moving from one natural disaster to the next. Sorry mom. But no flooding in Coolies, thank goodness. Just pumping swell, sunshine, and that unbelieveable Australian feeling of "no fucking worries, mate."
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Fuck. The Check Engine Light is On.
I am a rubbish blogger. The past 2 weeks have by far been the most eventful, most story- inspiring, most interesting and entertaining times of my travels thus far, and I have missed blogging about them all because I no longer have access to a computer. Why? Because I'm on the road again. Finally after a month in Raglan, a town that captured a piece of my heart forever, me and Vermont Amy hit the road in our friend's Claire's car, who decided on a whim to go to Asia for 5 weeks and is allowing us to borrow her car in the meantime (Yes...people do lend cars like clothing when they travel). And now It's Me and Amy, cruising in the Saab with a broken radio, camping where we can, eating oatmeal and peanut butter and banana sandwiches on the Reg, and getting ourselves into some pretty funny situations. But before I go into that, I will give some brief and important bullet points of things I missed blogging about:
1. New years. Boys from Wanaka came to Raglan. Copious amounts of beer and food consumed, then heard rumors of a Rave out in Rhuapuke on a farm. Drove 40 minutes into Bumblefuck New Zealand farm land in the pitch black until we saw what looked like spotlights in the distance. As we approached closer, the moos of cows were slowly becoming muted by the a thumping baseline. Drive over a hill to see about 500 people dancing their asses off around a massive bonfire, with a huge dance floor and crazy rave lights. Arrive exactly 23 seconds before the New Year's Countdown, celebrate the New Year dancing barefoot in a cow field. Woke up on top of a hill overlooking the ocean with all of my Raglan friends. Epic fuckng New Years.
2. Sold my beloved surfboard for 400 bucks, so essentially I just rented a board for a month for 50 bucks. WIN!
3. Sunday Session in Raglan: Watched someone steal my purse, but surprised him when he realized I was a girl he danced with on New Years. Got the bag back. Danced until the dawn of my last day in Raglan
4. Within 2 hours of me and Amy departing on our new road trip, the check engine light turns on. And we almost run out of gas. And the car smelled funny. And the hood won't pop. And we ate a whole bag of Chips and Salsa for dinner because we couldn't find a place to camp. But ended up stumbling upon what may have been a refuge for the mentally disturbed, on an isolated beach on the West Coast, where a woman with crazy, crazy eyes insisted that we come inside her bunk for a cup of tea. And we camped right there beside her cabin, and it was lovely. Thanks Loretta.
5. Hiking Mt. Teranaki and not seeing a thing, until we decided we had gone far enough when the clouds miraculously opened up and we got an awesome view of the summit. And then I fell and scraped my entire ass on some volcanic rock, blood gushing down my legs and staining the only pair of shorts I have. But at least we got the views.
6. Seeing the Colossal Squid ad Te Papa Museum in Wellington. LARGEST INVERTEBRATE EVER ON DISPLAY! And i'm not being sarcastic- that was definitely a highlight of my trip thus far. Just the fact that such a beast exists and has rarely been seen just makes you realize how little we really know about our deep oceans. It had eyes the size of SOCCER BALLS for shits sake.
7. Crossing over to the SOUTH ISLAND! Can't believe that at all!
8. Meeting up with Kristen Alexovich in Mapua- the land of 15 year old sluts snorting speed for lack of better things to do.
9. Hiking into the Nelson Lakes...absolutely beautiful
10. Katchafire at Summer 6- Sooooooo good. Got a photo with the bassist, and Kristen definitely drank a few beers with them after they performed. amazzzzzing
11. ABEL TASMAN on MONDAY!
I really, really lucky to have been able to do all of the different kinds of traveling I have been doing. When I first came here, I figured I would just be traveling on the bus passes to towns every few days, spending nights at hostels here and there, moving on. That's called flashpacking. But so far, I have done the flashpacking, wwoofind at a family's farm, being a "longtermer" at Solscape in Raglan, and now I'm traveling via car, free as a bird to do as I please, with another travel buddy who has the same plans and goals as me. It's awesome to have been able to do all of these kinds of traveling because it really makes me realize what I do and do not like about each way. Flashpacking is great when you're on your own if you have set things you want to do or see in a town, like tours and what not, but you dont really get to know people very well, and you're limited in the places you can really go due to lack of transport. Staying long term has some "what the hell am I doing here" kinds of days, but I absolutely fell in Love with Raglan and my friends I made there. It was awesome walking down the street in Raglan and being recognized by locals, by other workers, feeling like you have friends and a real sense of community. I also met amy here, my travel buddy, which is also a bonus. I am So, so glad I decided to stay there for a month. And now we have a car, which is amazing for freedom, but not amazing for money. We've been putting 60 dollars of gas in the damn thing every 2 days at LEAST. Camping is cheaper obviously but you also then lack the social-ness of staying at backpackers; it's just you and your travel mate. Which is awesome, especially when you both bring your guitars and write songs about Loretta and the check engine light turning on.
Phew: This is an epic entry, but I must conclude with this genius observation I made today about the Kiwi 15-27 year old male hair cut:
It must incorporate one of the following:
1. Rat tail
2. Curly Mullet
3. Fo-hawk
4. Single braid, perhaps fastened with a feather and a bead at the end
5. Bleached skunk stripe that sits asymmetrically on the back of the head
We're going to keep a tally sheet to see which of these haircuts deems most populat.
1. New years. Boys from Wanaka came to Raglan. Copious amounts of beer and food consumed, then heard rumors of a Rave out in Rhuapuke on a farm. Drove 40 minutes into Bumblefuck New Zealand farm land in the pitch black until we saw what looked like spotlights in the distance. As we approached closer, the moos of cows were slowly becoming muted by the a thumping baseline. Drive over a hill to see about 500 people dancing their asses off around a massive bonfire, with a huge dance floor and crazy rave lights. Arrive exactly 23 seconds before the New Year's Countdown, celebrate the New Year dancing barefoot in a cow field. Woke up on top of a hill overlooking the ocean with all of my Raglan friends. Epic fuckng New Years.
2. Sold my beloved surfboard for 400 bucks, so essentially I just rented a board for a month for 50 bucks. WIN!
3. Sunday Session in Raglan: Watched someone steal my purse, but surprised him when he realized I was a girl he danced with on New Years. Got the bag back. Danced until the dawn of my last day in Raglan
4. Within 2 hours of me and Amy departing on our new road trip, the check engine light turns on. And we almost run out of gas. And the car smelled funny. And the hood won't pop. And we ate a whole bag of Chips and Salsa for dinner because we couldn't find a place to camp. But ended up stumbling upon what may have been a refuge for the mentally disturbed, on an isolated beach on the West Coast, where a woman with crazy, crazy eyes insisted that we come inside her bunk for a cup of tea. And we camped right there beside her cabin, and it was lovely. Thanks Loretta.
5. Hiking Mt. Teranaki and not seeing a thing, until we decided we had gone far enough when the clouds miraculously opened up and we got an awesome view of the summit. And then I fell and scraped my entire ass on some volcanic rock, blood gushing down my legs and staining the only pair of shorts I have. But at least we got the views.
6. Seeing the Colossal Squid ad Te Papa Museum in Wellington. LARGEST INVERTEBRATE EVER ON DISPLAY! And i'm not being sarcastic- that was definitely a highlight of my trip thus far. Just the fact that such a beast exists and has rarely been seen just makes you realize how little we really know about our deep oceans. It had eyes the size of SOCCER BALLS for shits sake.
7. Crossing over to the SOUTH ISLAND! Can't believe that at all!
8. Meeting up with Kristen Alexovich in Mapua- the land of 15 year old sluts snorting speed for lack of better things to do.
9. Hiking into the Nelson Lakes...absolutely beautiful
10. Katchafire at Summer 6- Sooooooo good. Got a photo with the bassist, and Kristen definitely drank a few beers with them after they performed. amazzzzzing
11. ABEL TASMAN on MONDAY!
I really, really lucky to have been able to do all of the different kinds of traveling I have been doing. When I first came here, I figured I would just be traveling on the bus passes to towns every few days, spending nights at hostels here and there, moving on. That's called flashpacking. But so far, I have done the flashpacking, wwoofind at a family's farm, being a "longtermer" at Solscape in Raglan, and now I'm traveling via car, free as a bird to do as I please, with another travel buddy who has the same plans and goals as me. It's awesome to have been able to do all of these kinds of traveling because it really makes me realize what I do and do not like about each way. Flashpacking is great when you're on your own if you have set things you want to do or see in a town, like tours and what not, but you dont really get to know people very well, and you're limited in the places you can really go due to lack of transport. Staying long term has some "what the hell am I doing here" kinds of days, but I absolutely fell in Love with Raglan and my friends I made there. It was awesome walking down the street in Raglan and being recognized by locals, by other workers, feeling like you have friends and a real sense of community. I also met amy here, my travel buddy, which is also a bonus. I am So, so glad I decided to stay there for a month. And now we have a car, which is amazing for freedom, but not amazing for money. We've been putting 60 dollars of gas in the damn thing every 2 days at LEAST. Camping is cheaper obviously but you also then lack the social-ness of staying at backpackers; it's just you and your travel mate. Which is awesome, especially when you both bring your guitars and write songs about Loretta and the check engine light turning on.
Phew: This is an epic entry, but I must conclude with this genius observation I made today about the Kiwi 15-27 year old male hair cut:
It must incorporate one of the following:
1. Rat tail
2. Curly Mullet
3. Fo-hawk
4. Single braid, perhaps fastened with a feather and a bead at the end
5. Bleached skunk stripe that sits asymmetrically on the back of the head
We're going to keep a tally sheet to see which of these haircuts deems most populat.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)