Well, well, well...

They say all good things must come to an end...Damn!

I am officially back on US soil... Bittersweet I would say as my adventures in NZ/Aus have been unbelievable.  But it's good to be back nonetheless to see family and friends and create some fun experiences here.  The last week in Aus boasted an array of events including a Sydney Swans AFL match (legit) and officially surfing some waves(legit)!!  That's right, I caught my first waves and was PUMPED!  I can see how that mysterious drive to catch the next big one swells inside all surfers.  I want to be in the 'green room'..in tha tube!  What a feeling that must be.  

So here I am back in the Queen City and reflecting on the past 7 months...the friendships, the laughter, the adrenaline nervousness, the gorgeous countryside and landscapes, the incredible people watching, the work experiences, the conversations, and the list goes on and on.  Thanks to all those wonderful worldly individuals that made my experience a Killer one!!

What's next??  Well the blog 'ain't' over just because I am not traveling.  I am always looking and searching and seeking for adventures...that's the only way to be!  Currently I am working on 3 projects: 

-developing and directing Camp LuCK, a camp for kids with heart disease (may 21-23, 2010)

-Art Exhibition"New Zealand Experience" as the featured artist in the Green Rice Gallery in Charlotte (month of July, artist reception Friday July 2)

-Aggressive Launching of MuzzleJab Clothing Company, a clothing line that benefits cancer research

So I am excited to be back and indulge in life via other adventures.  Stay tuned and keep in touch!  And remember... "Twenty years from now, you'll be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." 

Sweet As!

Mr. Cookie

Probably one of the most exciting yet insignificant persons we indulge in... he gives us hope without any tangible reasoning... but nonetheless, isn't that what life is about... the positive potential... the hope you contain in yourself and in others.  

I speak of Mr. Cookie!  Everyone knows Mr. Cookie!  He gives us inspiration in an outer shell. Don't we all search constantly for that motivation wrapped up in a tasty treat... whether it's via another person, a material thing, or a concept?  Yes, the most simple thing can help guide us into this "positive potential."  This is the power of attitude!  Attitude is the way you mentally look at the world around you. It is how you view your environment and your future. It is the focus you develop toward life itself.

  

Another avenue that also applies in addition to the seriousness of this, is the side of humor.  The funny take of it is the attachment you can add to the saying... put the words "in bed" at the end.  For example, my latest fortune was ... 'Versatility is one of your outstanding traits...in bed!'  HA!  Last night we were sitting at the dinner table and passed out the treats for everyone to be enlightened.  It was funny watching Tish's dad and his girlfriend add "in bed" at the end of theirs while Tish is sitting there and vice versa...Tish and her fiance' Ron had to add "in bed" to their sayings.  It was such a great moment.

So whether you believe in them or not, attitude and simple revelations can entirely swing your persona and life!  It can give you what you need... hope and laughter. 

His sur name is Cookie... his first name is Fortune. He rules!

people watching

Fascination!!  Random... Hilarious... Crazy... Eccentric... Smooth... Unpredictable... Beautiful... Not so much... Are you serious?  

I have a secret fascination...I am an Official unofficial Anthropologist!  Besides eating good food, studying people has to be my favorite hobby!  I like it so much that I actually enjoy a four hour layover at an airport!  Ahhh, people watching brings such a joy to my inner soul... looking, watching, observing various mannerisms and styles and walks.  So exciting to indulge in this art. 

We have been at the Blues and Roots Festival here in Byron Bay Australia for the past few days.   The music has been phenomenal with talented musicians like John Butler Trio, Gypsy Kings, Jack Johnson, Donovan Frankenreiter, Fat Freddy's Drop, and my new fav Ozomatli.   But the people watching has been equally enjoyable!  Thousands and thousands of individuals dancing to a beat of a different drummer.  Actions, sayings, colors, what they have on and what they dont have on, matching schemes, old school styles, futuristics, things I have never seen, characteristics, personalities and the list goes on.

It's absolutely fascinating!  I invite you to take a minute next time you are waiting somewhere... and instead of being impatient and getting frustrated with whatever you are waiting on... take that opportunity to play the people watching game.  Only one rule with this game...No judgements... just fun observations.

You will be surprised at the enjoyment you can have.  Sweet as!

'Straalia

Meeting up with old friends is such a Gem!  The past few days have been filled with reminiscing, laughter, great meals and new memories.  Ron and Tish, my 2 Aussie mates...whom I met 5 years ago in Italy, stayed with in Aus 3 years ago, and then had them visit me for Christmas last year...have been hosting me.  Good times!  Yet another reminder on this trip of the genuine people that you meet all over the world.  Today we enjoyed a beautiful 35 degrees C (about 83 F) day at Shelly Beach, just outside of Sydney. Then had a big barbie (cookout) and enjoyed the balmy summer evening.  

Welp, here I am sitting underneath a Pohutukawa tree on the deck of Charlie Farley's after my last shift...having a TAB (Tasty Adult Beverage) and reflecting on the past 8 weeks working here. What a slice of paradise!  Warm, sunny, genuine people, interesting convos, gorgeous scenery, and a comfortable feeling.  I have had many thoughts, transactions, actions, adventures, discussions, visualizations and revelations.  Many have been expressed here on the blog.   There will also be many more to come along with over 40 pieces of artwork to try to capture these 6 months..  I have thoroughly enjoyed my stint here and what a fantastic way to close out my time in New Zealand.  Yep, only 2 days left. I travel to Australia for three weeks to visit my mates Ron and Tish and then it's back Stateside.  

While I am looking forward to my return to see family and friends...I will also enjoy these last few weeks and soak up each moment.  For traveling always helps to put things in perspective and enlightens our mind and souls.  Sweet as.

OK SERIOUSLY??

The following is my journal entry on the first day of my stay at Great Barrier Island.  Enjoy:

Ok, Seriously!  I mean com'on!  Are you REALLY serious?! For real? The answer is 'yes' for $200 Alex.

I am sitting in a hammock right now overlooking one of the most incredible places on earth! The Medlands at Great Barrier Island. My mate Mark has a batch here and it is nestled in a cove with sea stacks, sheer cliffs, a horseshoe beach with crashing waves, heaps of trees and tall grass, the South Pacific Ocean in the distance, clouds changing by the second, colors vivid, air clean, blue waters, white caps, old fences, fresh fish, rocky crags...and the list goes on and on.  

I mean seriously?! This morning at 6:30 we ventured out to go fishing.  The clouds were bright pink faded to yellow, air crisp and cool, waves rolling, got the bait ready and push off in our 10 foot john-boats... pass through shark alley and around the rocky corner.... WOW! A dramatic cliff with the crashing waves producing bright white foam against the rock hues of deep olives, reds, oranges and golds. Above it, the full moon still illuminating and fading into the horizon while the sun emerges on the direct opposite.  Ahhh, the smell of the ocean, the banter with good mates and the anticipation of an adventure.

With a few minutes of attaching our bait to our rods...out they go only seconds to have a few nibbles! Mark hauls in a Trevelli and I crank in a small snapper!  Seriously? Could it get much better than this?... No worries, catching lunch and dinner, at peace with Mother Earth.

There's another one...and another one...and a big 12 pounder!!  We were fishermen! And it was Awesome!  About an hour rolled by...12 fish, a beautiful sky, time to head in.  

So, here I am sitting in a hammock overlooking one of the most tranquil places on earth... Belly full from smoked and pan-seared snapper, satisfied from the morning adventure and absolutely loving life!

GBI here we come!

Kia Ora!  Just a quick update...

GK made it here yesterday morning and we are heading to Great Barrier Island tomorrow! Staying with a Kiwi mate who has a batch over there.  We will be Surfing/Kayaking/Fishing/Tramping/Solving-the-world's-problems/etc.  Should be Choice.  We were supposed to have the Onetangi Beach Races today which consists of many various activities: Boat races, relay races, tractor races, tug-o-war, heaps of socializing and tons more....but they were postponed due to the threat of the possible tsunami from the earthquakes in Chile'. Nothing happened here but I do feel sympathy for those damaged by this 8.8 scale disaster.  

This reminds me of the ole thought for the day I use to share at camp... "The Ripple Effect"... everything that happens, effects us/others in some manner.  We think, well this won't effect me..it's far away.  Or what I choose to do doesn't effect others.  Being here in NZ, a literal ripple effect was in caution from this earthquake.  But also, one of my mates here from Argentina talked to some family at home and they even felt some of it, but are all ok.  Anyhoo, let's think about our actions and how they all effect someone/something whether it's for the better or for worse...hopefully, of course it's the first of those!  

Be back in a week with some sick pics!  Sweet as!

Update...

Below are several scenes from this past week here on Waiheke...

the 184 stairs from the beach to the top of the hill to Kina Backpackers... my morning view of Onetangi Bay... views from a friend's deck.  

Been working heaps to help pay for this great adventure... About 70 hours this past week between Charlie Farley's and Kina.  

Anticipation news: My best friend Ech is having a little girl, Liza, this week!

Sweet news: My good friend GK is booked to come over from Feb. 27 through March 10!!

Sad news: My travel mate of 3 months, Jules (from Aus), departed today to travel NZ with his brother... Great bloke!

Enjoy your day!  Leave you with a quote... 

“Until you mean something to yourself, you can’t be important to anyone else. One must live the good alone-life in order to grow and develop in one’s own way.” – Grace Moore

Superb 'Stache Squad

It's so refreshing to meet such nice people from all over the world...people that accept you no matter where you are from, what you look like, what you do for a living, how much money you have, etc. etc.  This picture is a great representation of our hostel and the laughter we are creating.  Rockin the almighty 'Stache! The Superb 'Stache Squad included (but not all pictured) from the UK, Argentina, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Australia and the US.  Watch out...it's making a comeback...and for a great cause...humanity!

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!