... New Zealand has not yet made me go 'wow'. And it needs to. Soon. So far, I just feel like I'm at home, but without family, my friends, all the people, places and things I know and love, or a decent alternative.
I know I've not given it enough of a chance yet, and a lot of it may be down to having sort of but not really stopped 'travelling' and not knowing what I AM doing. But right now, I'm wondering why I was so excited about coming here. Still plenty to see though.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Me-time
It's the big problem with this job - it's so focused on individual work as opposed to teamwork, that you end up spending the majority of the 10-hour working day alone. Whilst for some people that's a lovely break, I'm not coping well with so much me-time. In fact, I've spent most of the past 6 months with just me and I'm pretty bored of me now.
Even worse, as a result of my overdose of me and my finding me dull and boring, making new friends to get away from me has become even harder.
Even worse, as a result of my overdose of me and my finding me dull and boring, making new friends to get away from me has become even harder.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Easy money?
For anyone under the impression that fruit picking is a bit of easy money whilst backpacking, I'd like to set the record straight. Temping doing data entry is easy money. Fruit picking is not.
The working day runs roughly 7am - 5.30pm. You can take as many breaks as you want for as long as you want, but as you're paid by the 'bin-full', time really is money. The bins have to be good too: the apples have to be red enough, with minimal bruising or other damage and defects. Considering that even too much finger pressure while picking an apple can bruise it, the picking is not just a case of yanking the things off the trees. Nope, it involves a particular, careful technique, combined with patience with trees that attack you, and a head for heights when up a ladder in gale force winds and, if you're really lucky, driving rain.
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The ladder, one of the major bains of the apple picker's life. Once you've got the darn thing into a suitable position - quite an undertaking in itself - you haul yourself and your picking bucket, which holds 15kg of apples when full, up to the top only to discover that a mere two of the 25 pieces of fruit - that looked great from below - are not too small, red enough, out of reach , bruised or sunburnt (yes, apples get sunburn).
I'm keeping myself convinced that I'd rather be working outside than in an office temp job (which on an hourly rate with shorter working days and a shorter working week would probably earn me more). At least I'm developing new transferable skills and the shoulders of a rugby player.
Hm.
The working day runs roughly 7am - 5.30pm. You can take as many breaks as you want for as long as you want, but as you're paid by the 'bin-full', time really is money. The bins have to be good too: the apples have to be red enough, with minimal bruising or other damage and defects. Considering that even too much finger pressure while picking an apple can bruise it, the picking is not just a case of yanking the things off the trees. Nope, it involves a particular, careful technique, combined with patience with trees that attack you, and a head for heights when up a ladder in gale force winds and, if you're really lucky, driving rain.
.jpg)
The ladder, one of the major bains of the apple picker's life. Once you've got the darn thing into a suitable position - quite an undertaking in itself - you haul yourself and your picking bucket, which holds 15kg of apples when full, up to the top only to discover that a mere two of the 25 pieces of fruit - that looked great from below - are not too small, red enough, out of reach , bruised or sunburnt (yes, apples get sunburn).I'm keeping myself convinced that I'd rather be working outside than in an office temp job (which on an hourly rate with shorter working days and a shorter working week would probably earn me more). At least I'm developing new transferable skills and the shoulders of a rugby player.
Hm.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Oranges and lemons (group email)
Well, no, actually, apples. The scourge of fruit juice in this country (you buy 'orange and mango with an apple base' and it's actually 69% apple juice). And what's that got to do with me? Well, it's gonna be my first paying job in over 6 months, my first job in New Zealand, and the first thing that is properly stirring me from my comfy hidey hole in Pukekohe back onto the travelling track. Trusty Osprey rucksack is feeling much less neglected now and I'm raring to go.
I will be apple picking near Hastings (Hawkes Bay, North Island) for four weeks, starting Wednesday. I'll be living in a caravan with another harvester girl for the duration, which'll be fun. Other than that, I have no idea what to expect. I'm just loving the idea of being knackered after full days and feeling useful for a while. Plus a positive cashflow for a while as opposed to constant outgoings will do my brain some good.
I've been to what is rated as one of the biggest and best markets on the north island (pathetic, if I'm honest, by European and Asian standards), Auckland Museum, restored 1830s wooden cottages, black sand beaches, and fishing again, amongst other bits and pieces. All is well down here.
I will be apple picking near Hastings (Hawkes Bay, North Island) for four weeks, starting Wednesday. I'll be living in a caravan with another harvester girl for the duration, which'll be fun. Other than that, I have no idea what to expect. I'm just loving the idea of being knackered after full days and feeling useful for a while. Plus a positive cashflow for a while as opposed to constant outgoings will do my brain some good.
I've been to what is rated as one of the biggest and best markets on the north island (pathetic, if I'm honest, by European and Asian standards), Auckland Museum, restored 1830s wooden cottages, black sand beaches, and fishing again, amongst other bits and pieces. All is well down here.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Charlie
I'd like you all to meet the new love of my life: Charlie.
He was rescued as a puppy from a drainpipe in a rainstorm by Frank, plonked in the front passenger seat of the car and adopted. They've raised him to be the fine, friendly specimen of a mongrel (rottweiler and some other things, no one's quite sure) that he is today. Charlie is obedient and good-natured, a bit naughty, and likes most things any good dog would, oh, and sheds hair everywhere.
What stands out is his car obsession. Dearest Barney back home, whose car fetish reduces him either to a barking, straining lunatic when one goes past, or to a shaking, drooling, hyperventilating wreck when travelling in one. Charlie, on the other hand, partly due to his early car-based rescue, means he simply adores being in a car, even when the vehicle's not going anywhere. If he's nowhere to be found around the house, just check the cars. And there's nothing more endearing than driving along with him either sticking his nose out the window in exhilaration or slouched fast asleep with his head in your lap (which is perfectly safe when you're driving an automatic).
I'd take him with me on my travels if they'd let me.
He was rescued as a puppy from a drainpipe in a rainstorm by Frank, plonked in the front passenger seat of the car and adopted. They've raised him to be the fine, friendly specimen of a mongrel (rottweiler and some other things, no one's quite sure) that he is today. Charlie is obedient and good-natured, a bit naughty, and likes most things any good dog would, oh, and sheds hair everywhere.
What stands out is his car obsession. Dearest Barney back home, whose car fetish reduces him either to a barking, straining lunatic when one goes past, or to a shaking, drooling, hyperventilating wreck when travelling in one. Charlie, on the other hand, partly due to his early car-based rescue, means he simply adores being in a car, even when the vehicle's not going anywhere. If he's nowhere to be found around the house, just check the cars. And there's nothing more endearing than driving along with him either sticking his nose out the window in exhilaration or slouched fast asleep with his head in your lap (which is perfectly safe when you're driving an automatic).
I'd take him with me on my travels if they'd let me.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Pace of life
I don't know if your pace of life and overall attitude is reflected in walking speed, but I noticed today that I'm walking slower. And I know that I've relaxed more in so many ways since leaving Scotland. I'll probably always walk faster than average, but friends will be relieved to hear no longer shoot along like my bum is on fire.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
NZ so far
So, how IS New Zealand now I’ve been here a while?
In some ways it’s a disappointment. But then I’ve not got my arse in gear to venture far enough (i.e. South Island, from what I hear) to see the bits that aren’t just like home with parochial but friendlier people. And that’s also in comparison to colourful, incredibly challenging SE Asia. Something I’ve still not quite got over.
For the same reasons it’s almost a relief. It’s like home. It’s not challenging. It’s friendly.
What I’m not clear on is which of the two I want, but then who is?
What I do know is that a lot has changed between leaving home and getting here. I’ve been to SE Asia. I’m single. I’ve been unemployed for six months (dual result – lazy as shit and with less cashflow). I’ve become very used to being alone and doing my own thing (but equally long to be with people who I know and who know me). I’m less uptight.
I could continue that list for a long time, but that captures most of it. Right now, I’m not sure where to turn. I’m pretty much in the same position as a month ago when I first left SE Asia. Except I’m concocting my get-out-of-Auckland plan. Oh, and due to a combination of late night phonecalls, books, parties and random chats with childhood friends’ parents, my body clock is so completely buggered up there’s no reasoning with it.
So far: I’ve bashed away at a national drum workshop day (incl. taiko and samba, raaaaaargh), I’ve been fishing and caught huge things like hammerhead sharks, I’ve met up with old friends, I’ve been to the Coromandels and lost myself on deserted beaches, I’ve given talks to primary school kids about my Borneo exploits, I’ve watched a LOT of TV.
I like New Zealand. I really do. I’m meeting some great people and laying excellent foundations for when I do venture out of my cushtie hidie-hole south of Auckland and go see more of it. They are so hospitable, the nurse at the doctor’s surgery has even said she’ll put me up when I’m over her way. Brilliant!
Plan next? Well, I’m applying to ski season jobs (June-Oct), possibly fruit-picking for most of April, then good ol’ L joins me out here for a month of South Island frolics. Can’t wait! After October? Well, that’s a lifetime away
In some ways it’s a disappointment. But then I’ve not got my arse in gear to venture far enough (i.e. South Island, from what I hear) to see the bits that aren’t just like home with parochial but friendlier people. And that’s also in comparison to colourful, incredibly challenging SE Asia. Something I’ve still not quite got over.
For the same reasons it’s almost a relief. It’s like home. It’s not challenging. It’s friendly.
What I’m not clear on is which of the two I want, but then who is?
What I do know is that a lot has changed between leaving home and getting here. I’ve been to SE Asia. I’m single. I’ve been unemployed for six months (dual result – lazy as shit and with less cashflow). I’ve become very used to being alone and doing my own thing (but equally long to be with people who I know and who know me). I’m less uptight.
I could continue that list for a long time, but that captures most of it. Right now, I’m not sure where to turn. I’m pretty much in the same position as a month ago when I first left SE Asia. Except I’m concocting my get-out-of-Auckland plan. Oh, and due to a combination of late night phonecalls, books, parties and random chats with childhood friends’ parents, my body clock is so completely buggered up there’s no reasoning with it.
So far: I’ve bashed away at a national drum workshop day (incl. taiko and samba, raaaaaargh), I’ve been fishing and caught huge things like hammerhead sharks, I’ve met up with old friends, I’ve been to the Coromandels and lost myself on deserted beaches, I’ve given talks to primary school kids about my Borneo exploits, I’ve watched a LOT of TV.
I like New Zealand. I really do. I’m meeting some great people and laying excellent foundations for when I do venture out of my cushtie hidie-hole south of Auckland and go see more of it. They are so hospitable, the nurse at the doctor’s surgery has even said she’ll put me up when I’m over her way. Brilliant!
Plan next? Well, I’m applying to ski season jobs (June-Oct), possibly fruit-picking for most of April, then good ol’ L joins me out here for a month of South Island frolics. Can’t wait! After October? Well, that’s a lifetime away
NZ so far (group email)
So, how IS New Zealand now I’ve been here a while?
In some ways it’s a disappointment. But then I’ve not got my arse in gear to venture far enough (i.e. South Island, from what I hear) to see the bits that aren’t just like home with parochial but friendlier people. And that’s also in comparison to colourful, incredibly challenging SE Asia. Something I’ve still not quite got over.
For the same reasons it’s almost a relief. It’s like home. It’s not challenging. It’s friendly.
What I’m not clear on is which of the two I want, but then who is?
What I do know is that a lot has changed between leaving home and getting here. I’ve been to SE Asia. I’m single. I’ve been unemployed for six months (dual result – lazy as shit and with less cashflow). I’ve become very used to being alone and doing my own thing (but equally long to be with people who I know and who know me). I’m less uptight.
I could continue that list for a long time, but that captures most of it. Right now, I’m not sure where to turn. I’m pretty much in the same position as a month ago when I first left SE Asia. Except I’ve now applied to a bundle of jobs, and I’m concocting my get-out-of-Auckland plan. Oh, and due to a combination of late night phonecalls, books, parties and random chats with childhood friends’ parents, my body clock is so completely buggered up there’s no reasoning with it.
So far: I’ve bashed away at a national drum workshop day (incl. taiko and samba, raaaaaargh, btw, sambistas, they play almost same samba reggae over here, and you never do forget), I’ve been fishing and caught huge things like hammerhead sharks, I’ve met up with old friends, I’ve been to the Coromandels and lost myself on deserted beaches, I’ve given talks to primary school
kids about my Borneo exploits, I’ve watched a LOT of TV.
I like New Zealand. I really do. I’m meeting some great people and laying excellent foundations for when I do venture out of my cushtie hidie-hole south of Auckland and go see more of it. They are so hospitable, the nurse at the doctor’s surgery has even said she’ll put me up when I’m over her way. Brilliant!
Plan next? Well, I’m applying to ski season jobs (June-Oct), possibly fruit-picking for most of April, then good ol’ Linds joins me out here for a month of South Island frolics. Can’t wait! After October. Well, that’s a lifetime away. We’ll just have to see!
In some ways it’s a disappointment. But then I’ve not got my arse in gear to venture far enough (i.e. South Island, from what I hear) to see the bits that aren’t just like home with parochial but friendlier people. And that’s also in comparison to colourful, incredibly challenging SE Asia. Something I’ve still not quite got over.
For the same reasons it’s almost a relief. It’s like home. It’s not challenging. It’s friendly.
What I’m not clear on is which of the two I want, but then who is?
What I do know is that a lot has changed between leaving home and getting here. I’ve been to SE Asia. I’m single. I’ve been unemployed for six months (dual result – lazy as shit and with less cashflow). I’ve become very used to being alone and doing my own thing (but equally long to be with people who I know and who know me). I’m less uptight.
I could continue that list for a long time, but that captures most of it. Right now, I’m not sure where to turn. I’m pretty much in the same position as a month ago when I first left SE Asia. Except I’ve now applied to a bundle of jobs, and I’m concocting my get-out-of-Auckland plan. Oh, and due to a combination of late night phonecalls, books, parties and random chats with childhood friends’ parents, my body clock is so completely buggered up there’s no reasoning with it.
So far: I’ve bashed away at a national drum workshop day (incl. taiko and samba, raaaaaargh, btw, sambistas, they play almost same samba reggae over here, and you never do forget), I’ve been fishing and caught huge things like hammerhead sharks, I’ve met up with old friends, I’ve been to the Coromandels and lost myself on deserted beaches, I’ve given talks to primary school
kids about my Borneo exploits, I’ve watched a LOT of TV.
I like New Zealand. I really do. I’m meeting some great people and laying excellent foundations for when I do venture out of my cushtie hidie-hole south of Auckland and go see more of it. They are so hospitable, the nurse at the doctor’s surgery has even said she’ll put me up when I’m over her way. Brilliant!
Plan next? Well, I’m applying to ski season jobs (June-Oct), possibly fruit-picking for most of April, then good ol’ Linds joins me out here for a month of South Island frolics. Can’t wait! After October. Well, that’s a lifetime away. We’ll just have to see!
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