Update...

Ahhhh....

Waiheke Island....

Quickly falling in love with this place!

From the beautiful beaches, to the genuine people, to the laidback atmosphere, to the true island feel...it’s a great place to be right now.  I am settling into a good situation too.  Below is an update:

I am working front line at Charlie Farley’s Beach Restaurant and Bar...bartending, taking orders, clearing tables, delivering food and bantering with the guests.   It’s located directly on Onetangi beach so the view is spectacular. Really nice owners and staff too!  I also just started working at the Waiheke Golf Course and will manage the clubhouse on occasion. This past week I worked from 3pm to close (about 11pm) everyday at CF and at the golf course on Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 8pm.

Before work each day we do a workout consisting of something different each day: resistance training (owner of hostel has weights in his garage), swimming a few hundred meters in the ocean, and/or running sets of stairs (from the beach to the hostel is 184 stairs straight up!). 

I am currently staying at Kina Backpackers which is just down the beach from the restaurant.  There are daily travelers in and out, but there is a group of 9 of us staying long term here...3 Argentinians, 3 Swedish, 1 Danish, 1 Aussie (Jules) and me.  We have such great group dynamics and enjoy divulging in conversation, learning languages, cooking, chilling on the beach, creating percussion music, and of course heaps of laughing.  

Hope things are well your way.  Enjoy your day!  

Chur!

Alrighty, landed some shifts working at Charlie Farleys' Beach Bar and Restaurant on Onetangi beach here on Waiheke.  Really great people and a sweet spot right on the beach!  Had a blast working a wedding reception last night!  Also, will start working for accommodation (only 2 hours a day) for free place to stay so things are looking great!  Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  Cheers!

The most surreal experience! Skydiving is by far the most inhuman(not even a word), indescribable wild adrenaline kick I have ever been on!  Heaving yourself out of a plane at 15,000 feet and hauling to the ground at 150 mph!!  Whaaaat!!  Awesome!  I definitely endorse this activity and suggest giving it a go!  You don't get the falling effect because there is no point of reference (like with a bungy jump)...so its like you are a rocket cruising to the earth for 60 seconds...then "POOF" out comes your 'chute and you are in a dream...floating like an eagle high above the ground...taking in the sites...and trying to think logically at what you are actually doing but not coming up with an actual realization....it's that good!  SWEET AS!

Job time again

Quick update: Currently on Waiheke Island which is a 30 minute ferry outside of Auckland.  The island is a beautiful place with a laidback feel sporting 31 vineyards and many cafes.  I am here with Jules and Kevin and we are currently trying to find some work to help pay for the 2 week adventure  trip we just enjoyed with Molly and Carol.  Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  Make it a great day!

Uncalled-for Uncomfortableness

I have always thought it to be funny about places/situations that people seem to be uncomfortable in.  I was reminded the other day of one of the top spots this happens as I was cruising to the IEP office on the 10th floor of the Data building here in Auckland city.  Can you guess it?...happens just about everytime I am in one.  People dont talk, there is usually silence...everyone turns and faces one way, like they are watching a show...I mean, can we not be friends for 30 seconds or 1 minute or how ever long it takes to get to the next floor?  You can feel people wanting the doors to hurry up and open because they dont like the uncalled-for uncomfortableness.  What I mean here is there is usually an awkward silence that is set as soon as another person steps on.  Why I ask?  It’s pretty amusing if you think about it.  I am sure everyone can relate to this, and as soon as you step on your next elevator you will begin laughing.  I say we should throw a curveball at people...next time you step onto one, stay facing the direction of everybody...they wont know what is going on!  That’ll be hilarious!  

Amusing situations encountered on a daily basis.  Happy Elevating!

Happy New Year!

ALRIGHTY!  Let me just start by saying Happy New Year to everyone!  Hope you have rang in the year with a BANG already!  If not, stop wasting time and make that resolution to crank things up and get adventuring... whatever adventure means to you... just put yourself out there, get out of your comfort zone for a bit, and grow!  After all, that's what life is about... checking yourself, pushing your limits, and seeing what you are made of!

An update from the past 2 weeks: Six of us (Jules, Andy, Carly, Carol, Molly and myself)  took a trip all around the North island.  In a nutshell, we rented a van and hit the road!  

Sea kayaking Cathedral Cove, glowworm sighting, skydiving (unbelievable!), whitewater rafting the Kaituna (including a 21 foot waterfall!), cliff jumping, hiking the Tongariro Crossing, climbing Pohutukawa trees, beachcombing many places, snorkling Goat Island Marine Reserve, Bay of Islands (Carol skydived again and Molly did the island helicopter tour), Waiheke wineries, and of course heaps of laughter and good times!  It was such an AWESOME experience!  Stay tuned for more insight on these adventures as well as other thoughts.  

Sweet as!