This week marks my final official, school-sanctioned spring break vacation. Sad days, but knowing me I'll find some other opportunities to get out and about (probably even before school is out).
Today I woke up in what is usually supposed to be sunny Colorado. I can see a few flickers of blue sky which gives some hope. It's been a few years since I last drove down here but I still remember that trip quite vividly, especially because I was driving to beat a blizzard. I did make it then, even with a truck caked in ice and about 10 inches of snow on the ground. That trip was a good time and I have fond memories. But now I'm here to add to those Colorado memories.\
Tomorrow I'm headed up to a cabin in the Buena Vista area to stay the night and attempt to solve life's problems around a blazing fire. There's a little whitewater kayaking in order. Hopefully my first journey down the Arkansas river will be a good one, no causualties :)
Perhaps I'll get back on here in a few days to notify you and the rest of the population what problems we solved around that fire and just how many casualties there were. Cheers!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Alive and still kickin'
For your information, I'm back in Spokane and starting school back up tomorrow morning. Life the past few weeks has been so real and surreal, which will make things interesting as my last semester starts up. I've learned a lot and still have a ton more to learn. Life is an experience, full of short stories.
I plan on continuing this blog with first further developing stories from New Zealand so I don't forget the small things nor leave everyone hanging. But as time goes on I imagine this turning into written record and sneak peak into my life as I start my next major transition, a transition into who knows what. I foresee ups and downs, dull moments and exciting ones. You're invited to read along, ask questions, and share in my life.
So stay tuned to for a further look into my time with the police commander (it's not what you think) and much more.
By the way, I did bungee jump over a river, got dunked, and loved it. I recommend the experience to everyone including those of you who are afraid of heights; it just makes you feel alive!
I plan on continuing this blog with first further developing stories from New Zealand so I don't forget the small things nor leave everyone hanging. But as time goes on I imagine this turning into written record and sneak peak into my life as I start my next major transition, a transition into who knows what. I foresee ups and downs, dull moments and exciting ones. You're invited to read along, ask questions, and share in my life.
So stay tuned to for a further look into my time with the police commander (it's not what you think) and much more.
By the way, I did bungee jump over a river, got dunked, and loved it. I recommend the experience to everyone including those of you who are afraid of heights; it just makes you feel alive!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Another day and not another dime
Since my last post, which I had to skim to refresh myself, quite a bit has happened. To get a few things out of the way: Nate and I are still talking to each other, porridge (oatmeal) in the morning is still bland and gives me award winning gas throughout the day, put 8.5 litres of soda down the throat, and racked up a little over 3000 km on Roger (the rental car).
I will not be able to elaborately address everything that happened over the past hand full of days, but I can give you some pointers so you can at least ask a few questions here and there when I see you again.
Saw in the inauguration outside of Gisborne and talked to a number of people here about the new presidency. It was interesting to see news coverage of such an event from a completely different perspective.
Susan Schuler, if you are reading this many thanks for the contact information with your in-laws outside of Whakatane. I got to eat my fair share of fresh fruit from the orchard and spent some time camping with "King" Arther, Martha, and Grant's family on Lake Taraweara. Great family. So Susan (and Rudi), I look forward to meeting you when I return home.
Slept on the side of a dirt road after observing and partaking in what seemed like a religious gala at a hot water beach.
Went surfing after asking to borrow a dude's board, which happened just after I was drug across the sandy beach by a 6 meter kite attached to my waist (i was learning how to kite board. Thank goodness I don't live where it's windy or else I would have to purchase one of those things). Shortly after, I took a stroll down the beach and proceeded to body surf in the nude. I imagine those who were walking on along the shore only thought I had white colored shorts on, until they saw my actual shorts collecting sand at their feet. As odd as it may seem to some of you, I highly recommend this activity. It's quite liberating.
Stayed the night in a guy's camper trailer last night. Crossed paths with him when we realized we were out of drinking water. We pulled over to a random house, and an hour and a half later after a cup of tea (with milk) and refilleding out water we left only to return for the night. The view was spectacular from this used-to-be garage. It looked west from high up off of the Coromandel Pennisula.
Currently I'm back at Katie and Ken's preping for the long haul home in a few days by drinking various beers and eating who-knows-what asian cuisine. It's Monday late afternoon here with the air temp at a comfrotable 25 degrees. :) Too soon will that 25 turn to ferenheit, :(
By the way, after nearly three weeks seeing every corner of New Zealand's North Island we never paid a single cent for accomodation. So despite all the holidays that were happening (Wellington and Auckland Anniverseries and school holidays) and tourist traps, we broke the status quo and didn't feed the pocketbook depleating system.
~Dan
I will not be able to elaborately address everything that happened over the past hand full of days, but I can give you some pointers so you can at least ask a few questions here and there when I see you again.
Saw in the inauguration outside of Gisborne and talked to a number of people here about the new presidency. It was interesting to see news coverage of such an event from a completely different perspective.
Susan Schuler, if you are reading this many thanks for the contact information with your in-laws outside of Whakatane. I got to eat my fair share of fresh fruit from the orchard and spent some time camping with "King" Arther, Martha, and Grant's family on Lake Taraweara. Great family. So Susan (and Rudi), I look forward to meeting you when I return home.
Slept on the side of a dirt road after observing and partaking in what seemed like a religious gala at a hot water beach.
Went surfing after asking to borrow a dude's board, which happened just after I was drug across the sandy beach by a 6 meter kite attached to my waist (i was learning how to kite board. Thank goodness I don't live where it's windy or else I would have to purchase one of those things). Shortly after, I took a stroll down the beach and proceeded to body surf in the nude. I imagine those who were walking on along the shore only thought I had white colored shorts on, until they saw my actual shorts collecting sand at their feet. As odd as it may seem to some of you, I highly recommend this activity. It's quite liberating.
Stayed the night in a guy's camper trailer last night. Crossed paths with him when we realized we were out of drinking water. We pulled over to a random house, and an hour and a half later after a cup of tea (with milk) and refilleding out water we left only to return for the night. The view was spectacular from this used-to-be garage. It looked west from high up off of the Coromandel Pennisula.
Currently I'm back at Katie and Ken's preping for the long haul home in a few days by drinking various beers and eating who-knows-what asian cuisine. It's Monday late afternoon here with the air temp at a comfrotable 25 degrees. :) Too soon will that 25 turn to ferenheit, :(
By the way, after nearly three weeks seeing every corner of New Zealand's North Island we never paid a single cent for accomodation. So despite all the holidays that were happening (Wellington and Auckland Anniverseries and school holidays) and tourist traps, we broke the status quo and didn't feed the pocketbook depleating system.
~Dan
Monday, January 19, 2009
It doesn't hurt to ask
Currently it is 8:45 pm ish on Tuesday night. Which puts the inauguration to take place at 6:00 am my time tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Yes, I'll be watching it. How? In a home where the family is on vacation to Mahia and the neighbor boys are house sitting. How? you might ask again. Simple, just talk to the people to cross paths with.
These people we met on the beach near Mahia (near Hawke Bay off the peninsula). After swimming we walked up to these people to see what they were doing. Turns out they were fishing with some high tech gear and are on vacation for a week or two. After a little persuasive speaking, a little rhetoric (thanks Ron Pyle), and a touch of psychology the women, Belinda, offered for us to stay at there home while they were away. Maybe I did learn somethings while in school.
Fishing...these people's method was interesting but to say the least, I got to handle a little shark (about .5 meters long) and wade out into the ocean with it. Even though the thing was relatively small and would only take off most of my hand if it wished, all I could hear in my head the theme music to Jaws.
After spending some time swimming and baking under the sun, we took a quick drive to the other side of the peninsula for some more swimming...with a dolphin. Yes, that's right. With a dolphin. Sorry Amanda but I had to.
I treaded water in this cove for about 30 minutes while watching this dolphin swim around and then finally it came over to me. As it swam by I laid my hand on its side. Their skin feels great. Then later after eating some food, I went back out to the water and had the thing swim under me, grabbed its top fin and when for a two second swim/drag with the thing. Look up Moko, the dolphin on you tube and watch what it did with a whale.
Backing up...this is my second homestay. The first happened in Herbertsville. You'll have to ask in person if you want more of the story, but here's a snippet. I had a nice homestay with the Palmerston North Area Police Commander. He even fed me dinner and breakfast. Yes, there's more to the story, but you must ask to learn more. To say the least, I would go back in heartbeat.
I have a tan. Cheers!
Dan
These people we met on the beach near Mahia (near Hawke Bay off the peninsula). After swimming we walked up to these people to see what they were doing. Turns out they were fishing with some high tech gear and are on vacation for a week or two. After a little persuasive speaking, a little rhetoric (thanks Ron Pyle), and a touch of psychology the women, Belinda, offered for us to stay at there home while they were away. Maybe I did learn somethings while in school.
Fishing...these people's method was interesting but to say the least, I got to handle a little shark (about .5 meters long) and wade out into the ocean with it. Even though the thing was relatively small and would only take off most of my hand if it wished, all I could hear in my head the theme music to Jaws.
After spending some time swimming and baking under the sun, we took a quick drive to the other side of the peninsula for some more swimming...with a dolphin. Yes, that's right. With a dolphin. Sorry Amanda but I had to.
I treaded water in this cove for about 30 minutes while watching this dolphin swim around and then finally it came over to me. As it swam by I laid my hand on its side. Their skin feels great. Then later after eating some food, I went back out to the water and had the thing swim under me, grabbed its top fin and when for a two second swim/drag with the thing. Look up Moko, the dolphin on you tube and watch what it did with a whale.
Backing up...this is my second homestay. The first happened in Herbertsville. You'll have to ask in person if you want more of the story, but here's a snippet. I had a nice homestay with the Palmerston North Area Police Commander. He even fed me dinner and breakfast. Yes, there's more to the story, but you must ask to learn more. To say the least, I would go back in heartbeat.
I have a tan. Cheers!
Dan
Friday, January 16, 2009
Windy Welly
Got out of the factory alive, but not with horrible allergies and scratchy eyes. My time spent there was quite an experience from employees smoking weed, to lying Canadians, and a bachelor fellow who couldn't get through a sentence without using the f-word. All said and done, I would do it again though. Custom making your own kayak is an awesome experience. Any questions on how a kayak is made, I can answer them.
There was a lodge down the road from the factory that was tucked away in a deep gorge. Tried to get dinner there but found out that you had to register to have dinner instead of sitting down and just ordering something. This makes for an interesting story...cutting it short. Nate and I had ordered some beer (by some I mean much), but then no food came. Basically we got along with everyone there really well.
By the way, those lodges are like a perpetual spring break for people my age, only everyone has the travel bug. It's fun just to watch everyone do their thing.
I made it down to Wellington (Windy Welly) and it's windy all right. It's the southern most major city on the North Island. I'm going to try and track down a friend from school here and maybe have a bite to eat.
I've been able to do everything relatively cheap down here so far because I've been camping every night for free and making my own food. Lots of pasta and oatmeal.
My plans...there are no plans and that's the glory of it. But I do know I'll be making my way back up north on the Pacific side of the island. Hopefully stopping in Wuakatane for an attempted homestay, but I still need to make a few calls.
Until some other time.
There was a lodge down the road from the factory that was tucked away in a deep gorge. Tried to get dinner there but found out that you had to register to have dinner instead of sitting down and just ordering something. This makes for an interesting story...cutting it short. Nate and I had ordered some beer (by some I mean much), but then no food came. Basically we got along with everyone there really well.
By the way, those lodges are like a perpetual spring break for people my age, only everyone has the travel bug. It's fun just to watch everyone do their thing.
I made it down to Wellington (Windy Welly) and it's windy all right. It's the southern most major city on the North Island. I'm going to try and track down a friend from school here and maybe have a bite to eat.
I've been able to do everything relatively cheap down here so far because I've been camping every night for free and making my own food. Lots of pasta and oatmeal.
My plans...there are no plans and that's the glory of it. But I do know I'll be making my way back up north on the Pacific side of the island. Hopefully stopping in Wuakatane for an attempted homestay, but I still need to make a few calls.
Until some other time.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Rain anyone?
From the U.S. news I quickly checked, no one cares about the south Pacific. My return trip home may be a bit interesting...http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10551537...will be.
:)
:)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Are those floating rocks?
Time posting this is limited because internet cafe are a bit pricy. So moving on...
Drove around Lake Taupo today and stayed outside of Taupo last night at a free camp ground. So far the cost of living here is cheap, but that could change.
Hunted down a secluded waterfall late this morning after tossing around the idea of Hiking Mt. Ngaurhoe (whatever) Mt. doom for all of you who are reading this. The falls were perfect, cold, and picturesque.
Tomorrow I'll be jumping head first 60 m off a platform, bungee jumping. I'm already pissing my self.
Tomorrow night I' be haeding to Taihape and then to the facftory in the evening.
Gotta go.
cheers All!!
DFRY
Drove around Lake Taupo today and stayed outside of Taupo last night at a free camp ground. So far the cost of living here is cheap, but that could change.
Hunted down a secluded waterfall late this morning after tossing around the idea of Hiking Mt. Ngaurhoe (whatever) Mt. doom for all of you who are reading this. The falls were perfect, cold, and picturesque.
Tomorrow I'll be jumping head first 60 m off a platform, bungee jumping. I'm already pissing my self.
Tomorrow night I' be haeding to Taihape and then to the facftory in the evening.
Gotta go.
cheers All!!
DFRY
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
That ain't no dixie cup
First off, who's idea was it to offer free alcohol on international flights? Genius! The flight attendant offered me red wine, so I took some. But she poured a huge glass full, the same amount you would get with water. Then later when she asked if I wanted more and I said "Water please." Next thing I knew I had another huge glass of wine in front of me that needed to be consumed...and that was not the last time she visited.
Besides swollen feet, an eight hour layover in Fiji was definitely the way to go. Caught a cab with two others we met in LA to a beach. Swam some in the picturesque ocean and played with fish swimming around our legs. Topped off the beach adventure with a nice cold Fiji Bitter (beer). It was 9:30 AM when we toasted to the layover.
Slept well on the flight from Fiji to New Zealand, wonder why.
Katie and Ken were at the airport to pick us up and happy to see a familiar face. Customs wasn't too bad all around, just had to be patient waiting in lines. NZ customs was friendly, they even unplack your bag and tent for you.
Day one really has yet to start. I have only traveled to my destination and have experienced so much already. Among the many highlights that happened during the past 30 (approx.) hours of travel, meeting the two gals in LA, spending time with them waiting in lines and swimming, and feeling the warmth of the sun and air has been amazing. Did I mention the girl who ordered milk on the plane?
Wish me luck as we track down transportation tomorrow and pay a visit to Piha, apparently NZ's now violent/life taking beach. Love you mom.
~DFRY
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Preparation and procrastination
Here it is, Thursday and I leave Monday afternoon...I have nearly nothing done for the school work. I have five reading response I want to get done before I leave along with a book of choice to complete (I'm half-way through it), and a text book to review and take notes on....Being able to do an independent study seems like a slick deal, but let me tell you it's hard to find the motivation to do anything.
I still have to pack. Did you know that upon entering New Zealand the customs agents go through everything? And by everything, I'm mean they make you scrape the dirt from your shoes and "properly dispose" of the those random food crumbs in the bottom of your bag. Should I be surprised if they lube up a doctors glove and ask me to relax?
If you are curious, here's my detailed itinerary....there is none, except for a pit-stop on the tropical island Nadi, Fiji (both coming and going) and a week's worth of work in a whitewater kayak factory starting Jan. 12th.
Some of you may find it surprising that I do have some qualms, fears if you will, about traveling this time, but I warn you they are not the typical fears. For example, if the NZ government underwent a coup and the US refused to recognize the new administration (think "Terminal" with Tom Hanks) or my luggage got lost for the duration of the tramping, I would love it. Although the first is likely not to happen and the chances of the second happening are greater, either one would add to the adventure.
On to my qualms. I'm afraid of landing in NZ, being so excited to be there, and then freezing, not knowing what to do. I don't want to waste a lick of time. While I know I can't do and see it all, I don't want to board the plane at the end of the month with a single regret. I'm sure I'll be fine,but I cannot help but feel this way.
Another fear....transportation. As of now, I have no way of getting around the island. Yes, they do have good bus system, but I feel that would restrict the freedom to roam and do whatever when ever. Not being able to travel freely is my fear. Improvising and punting for transpo is not. If all else fails I have two legs, a thumb, and a smile (I know mom that you love that idea, but don't fret, I've done it before so I have the experience...I can see you rolling your eyes now).
My last fear, the end. I'm afraid that when I return I'm not going to be able to concentrate on my final semester of school. I can see myself sitting in class in early February not hearing a word spoken, and instead thinking of the exotic animals and plants that filled my daily life for three weeks.
My hopes....I hope to:
- get thoroughly lost at least once
- meet some sweet people randomly
- laugh at the fact that I'm able to do this incredible adventure
- pet a sheep (I never have) and possibly help sheer one
- hitchhike
- pull off a home stay...that would be awesome
- drop a waterfall in some way shape or form
- do at least one extreme sport (ever heard of Zorbing? I still don't know about this, I think jumping off a bridge with a giant rubber band attached to your ankles might be a better idea., but we'll see)
- hike Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings, known locally as Mt. Ngauruhoe
- surf
- return home alive to tell about it
If you want to respond to this posting or any other one, you can leave comments here in the blog or feel free to e-mail me at dfry09@whitworth.edu or danfry00@gmail.com
Don't forget to pray, send luck, wishes, or whatever you feel called to do. Nate (my travelling partner) and I will take whatever we can get.
My next posting will be from the other side of the world, literally....
-Dan
I still have to pack. Did you know that upon entering New Zealand the customs agents go through everything? And by everything, I'm mean they make you scrape the dirt from your shoes and "properly dispose" of the those random food crumbs in the bottom of your bag. Should I be surprised if they lube up a doctors glove and ask me to relax?
If you are curious, here's my detailed itinerary....there is none, except for a pit-stop on the tropical island Nadi, Fiji (both coming and going) and a week's worth of work in a whitewater kayak factory starting Jan. 12th.
Some of you may find it surprising that I do have some qualms, fears if you will, about traveling this time, but I warn you they are not the typical fears. For example, if the NZ government underwent a coup and the US refused to recognize the new administration (think "Terminal" with Tom Hanks) or my luggage got lost for the duration of the tramping, I would love it. Although the first is likely not to happen and the chances of the second happening are greater, either one would add to the adventure.
On to my qualms. I'm afraid of landing in NZ, being so excited to be there, and then freezing, not knowing what to do. I don't want to waste a lick of time. While I know I can't do and see it all, I don't want to board the plane at the end of the month with a single regret. I'm sure I'll be fine,but I cannot help but feel this way.
Another fear....transportation. As of now, I have no way of getting around the island. Yes, they do have good bus system, but I feel that would restrict the freedom to roam and do whatever when ever. Not being able to travel freely is my fear. Improvising and punting for transpo is not. If all else fails I have two legs, a thumb, and a smile (I know mom that you love that idea, but don't fret, I've done it before so I have the experience...I can see you rolling your eyes now).
My last fear, the end. I'm afraid that when I return I'm not going to be able to concentrate on my final semester of school. I can see myself sitting in class in early February not hearing a word spoken, and instead thinking of the exotic animals and plants that filled my daily life for three weeks.
My hopes....I hope to:
- get thoroughly lost at least once
- meet some sweet people randomly
- laugh at the fact that I'm able to do this incredible adventure
- pet a sheep (I never have) and possibly help sheer one
- hitchhike
- pull off a home stay...that would be awesome
- drop a waterfall in some way shape or form
- do at least one extreme sport (ever heard of Zorbing? I still don't know about this, I think jumping off a bridge with a giant rubber band attached to your ankles might be a better idea., but we'll see)
- hike Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings, known locally as Mt. Ngauruhoe
- surf
- return home alive to tell about it
If you want to respond to this posting or any other one, you can leave comments here in the blog or feel free to e-mail me at dfry09@whitworth.edu or danfry00@gmail.com
Don't forget to pray, send luck, wishes, or whatever you feel called to do. Nate (my travelling partner) and I will take whatever we can get.
My next posting will be from the other side of the world, literally....
-Dan
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