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Sorry for the cunning lack of presence, my friends. I wish I could give you a proper explanation to why I haven't been updating my blog, but i can't really say more then the fact that the last month has been quite interesting. To say the least. I blew all my money in a sudden flash, realized the fact and pondered over an alternative sollution before i basically shrugged the drama off, packed my backpack, checked out from the hostel without a single dollar and took off to sleep on the streets untill i found out what to do about the situation. Fortunately, I mentioned my status to a real character at my previous hostel. I was lucky enough to meet this 70 year old hawaiian man, "George", who's been travelling his whole life, zig-zagging the world and as far as his stories goes- he's experienced more then I could ever dream of. You only come across genuine people like "George" so and so often and i'm grateful to have had the honor meeting him. Anyway, back to the point. After i told "George" about my situation, he insisted on "smuggling" out food from the hostel in exchange of nothing. Bread, soup and bottles of water from my man "George" kept me going as I slept on the sands of Oriental beach in Wellington. This went on for three days before i finaly got this job at the hostel i'm staying at.
It's funny how words can inspire you, isn't it? A few words from an old "veteran" of travelling brought me back to when I sat in my familys dining room, dreaming away as my grandfather showed us pictures from his travels. There will be ups and downs, trials and tribulations, no matter where you are or where you want to be.
I'm trying to save money, i really am. I'm not getting payed well enough to save up to the amount I want, but I should be able to get my visa sorted together with a one way ticket to Australia. The plan is to ditch my ticket back to Sweden since there's really nothing else i can do with it, fly over to Australia on a working holiday visa and find a job as soon as I get there.
We'll see where the wind takes me, hah.
With love
- Vincent
I ran out of money this morning. Payed for next weeks rent with my last coin which makes everything a bit more interesting. If i don't find a job by next thursday i'll be sleeping in the gutter, without money or food. God bless the beautiful weather we've got though.
Anyway, can't waste time on the net when i've got a job to find.
Another time.
- Vincent
I'm against the Iraq war.
Now, i'm not going to rant about George W. Bush as you might expect me to. We all know that he's had his fair share of shit thrown at him so i'll simply leave that topic for someone else to complain about. I'm going to talk about my fosterland, Sweden, and it's "participation" in this war.
First of all, I dare to believe that the general swede is against the war, or atleast the outcome of it. I mean, it's common sense- people who kill people sucks, period. Sweden is and has since the beginning been passive to the whole thing. We take no part in the war, we act neutral in questions and the people choose to watch simpson's instead of the news- We simply don't feel like we have anything to do with it. Fair enough, I suppose. Who wants to support killing when we can drink Tuborg and watch Bingolotto?
What we have to acknowledge, however, is that Sweden has a great part in this war that most(common mortal people) don't even know about. Sweden sells weapons to the U.S army(like the "Excalibur") through Bofors dynamics. Each and every one of us pay tax money for the making of those weapons which makes us more then involved in this mess. What makes it even more interesting is that we take in thousands of Iraqi refugees every year.
What the fuck?!
We sell weapons to America and help the Iraqi's to avoid them? What the hell, what's going on?
I believe this is something most serious(and fucked up) and it must be taken care of, 'nuf said.
Don't support this bullshit my friends, take your eyes off from Bingolotto and make your voice heard.
- Vincent
Amen to that brother, amen.
I'm fed up with how we choose to live our lives through a hourglass- raising our kids with the ways of suffocating their inner dreams by aiming for a "career" instead of stimulating their own wishes. Is it really righteous to fill our children with hope of success and money, when we could teach them about the power of perspectives and creativity?
- Vincent
About culture and it's situation in the world, about life and how you choose to live it, about the expectations on man and his part in the system.
Life is what you make of it - not what you think of it.
Time is to precious for us to waste which is why I feel comfortable when i'm constantly on the road, experiencing new things as I go.
I'm slowly getting into the New Zealand music scene, gradually getting more acknowledged to the sounds of it. There's a few bands down here that brights up my days with their specific sounds. The Black Seeds(they're coming to our restaurant in a couple of weeks) is an act that is coming more and more to my liking, Katchafire has already made it to my heart with soulful root-vibes and Che fu sticks to my playlist. Although not from New Zealand but from Australia, The cat empire is another bunch of brilliant musicians who brings this side of the world up another notch in the worlds music scene.
Peace out my friends.
-Vincent
Fuck a long term goal. I'm not patient enough for my bread to toast- with that said, I have way to many ideas and preliminary plans for my "next destination". I'm saving up for a ticket to Australia at the moment. If I stay strict on my budget, I should be able to depart in January.
What happens after that is up to fate to decide because I honestly can't be bothered about thinking about it. In the end, universe tends to unfold the way it should. No matter what you've experienced or what kind of person you've been. I went from being the "young-adult" sort of ninja turtles loving nerd in early primary school, to become an acne struck, drug using, teenage-fuck up in the later years. Brainwashed by too much media and an overdose of youth-cultures bad sides made my first years of college into a complete havoc of all kinds of self-destructing(aswell as destructive to my close ones) bullshit.
*Snap* Something clicks and all of a sudden i'm enjoying every part of life as I after three years of studying music, walk out on the graduation balcony, catching the sunbeams of the future. The firs thing that comes to my mind is: What the hell would I think if i went back in time and talked to myself about my "achievements". The young ninja turtle me would probably say: "Music? Like Dr Bombay? And I thought i was going to become an Astronaut...". The teenage fuck-up me would most likely say: "Fuck yeah man, rap the shit out of the system. And be high as you do it because that's just how gangsta I am...Yo.". The complete wreck me would without a doubt say: "Good for me man, gotta stay on the grind for the cash to flow yo, gotta pay off my depths and poison myself with whatever gets me high until someone shoots me."
It's quite interesting when you look back at things. So what did I do after graduating? I became a window washer for a cleaning company and one year later i'm in on the other side of the world, being a kitchen bitch in a popular restaurant. My point is, that i'm not going to be a couch-lingering dreamer when i can get the cash, lock, load and dive into whatever dream that pops up in my mind. If hesitation was embodied, i'd knee it in the face.
- Vincent
- Mood:
optimistic
I'm really starting to feel like a semi-citizen now, actually. I have my own place, I pay my rent, I pay my taxes and I occasionally find myself adding "eh" and "bro" to conversations(if you've ever spoken to a New Zealander, you'd know what I mean). Being the busiest restaurant in town can be a pain when you're "in the back". Especially this weekend, which was the rugby weekend. New Zealand vs. South Africa and the game was held right here in Dunedin. The restaurant was -packed- with gluttons and rugby fans who probably enjoyed their night to its fullest. Almost 700 people had dinner, no kidding.
I've realized that i've taken a break in my traveling. Dunedin and the Lone star is where i'll be spending my time until further notice.
Making friends, saving money and enjoying my time in the most southern, populated area of the world!
Here's one of my photo's, covering a scenic fraction of Dunedin. Taken from one of the highest points of the city.
- Vincent
I don't think i've mentioned my new job by the way. Got a new job last week at the busiest restaurant in Dunedin(said in a mildly bragging tone) as a kitchen hand. Dish washing, minor food preparations and various kitchen errands is what occupies me nowadays. It's an amazing place to work at and the staff is a layed back bunch of all-through good people! The only down would be that I had to shave off my beard, but i'll manage. I'm on a casual contract, which means i'm working part time on a non-frequent schedule.
Uploaded my first canyon swing aswell. Scared as fuck and the fact that the guys messed with me didn't make it easier, haha.
Have a gander.
- Vincent
I don't really know where wikipedia want's to go with that but i'm sure it means that alcohol is great fun in the correct amount!
Today's been quite interesting, better believe it. Woke up, did my two hours of cleaning at the hostel, had some breakfast and went down town to make some errands(bank, shopping etc). Went back home with a handy-pack of beer and cooked up some mince ala vincent together with some low budget pasta. Sweet as, no kidding.
The hostel has been quiet for quite a while now. Not many checking in, low season and the fact that the place i'm living at isn't one of the most trendiest hostels might be one of the reasons aswell. Today however, a bunch of people checked in and made my day. I hooked up with a brazilian guy, a sort-of-dutch-guy-who's-not-really-dutch-b
Guess i'll have to go down town and find myself a new jacket.
Peace
- Vincent
I've been reading alot about the not so fortunate places in the world we're living in. Africa is undoubtedly the continent which has been suffering the most and it sickens me. In fact, it sickens me to that point of which i'm allready saving money for a ticket to Tanzania. I know it might sound a bit radical, or stupid to some perhaps. I'm not on drugs, i'm not some dip-shit hippie and i'm not on a mission to save the world. I just want to be part of something greater that might actually help someone. Would -I- sacrifice my own life for the sake of others? I say yes, I would. Which is why i've decided to volunteer in Tanzania and leave my personal desires for once and grant my service to someone who might die if help is not provided. I've had the luck of having a good life and i'd like to help others with achieving the same feeling. It will take time to save money however, and my New Zealand experience is far from experienced. I guess I just wanted to give you guys heads up.
- Vincent
"Everybody's different" is a well known(and true) cliche, but its meaning is sadly very often forgotten. I know i'm different, i have -personal- flaws just as everyone and there is nothing i can do about it, except finding a use of it and accept it as a part of what is ME. I'm a tad bit too short, i'm starting to loose my hair, i'm terrible at math and numbers, I forget things all to often, I have an acne problem, my teeth aren't quite right and i'm quite honestly, not intelligent at all. I'm not feeling bad about anything, however, because i've taught myself how to put a positive side to -my flaws- because somewhere; someone is having the same problem, but ten times worse.
So, I got a job! First day accomplished on my new career as a bartender. The bar/restaurant, named "The Cellar's bar", was pretty crowded that night aswell. I pretty much fumbled my way through the first hour but after that it went on just fine. The most convenient thing about this place is that it's in the same building as the hostel i'm staying at!
Unfortunately i'll only be able to work wednesdays to saturdays, but it works just perfect for me since i don't have a rent to worry about!
Cheers!
- Vincent
The world is such a various place with ever changing shapes, smells, scenery's and sounds. No place is identical to another and there is no memory more important then another. Why? Because, when it all comes around, it's not you who choose what will stick to your memory and what will not. It's the power of experiences that makes it marks behind your forehead, whether you want it or not. Caress every moment that is given to you and appreciate the ground you're standing on - The moment is just as precious as your dream.
It's funny how things change, as i've mentioned earlier. I was supposed to continue my journey downwards this wednesday but had some problems with my transportation. As a matter of fact, I quite frankly was forgotten by my bus company and sat outside in the rain for two hours, waiting for someone to open the door to the hostel(It was early in the morning and the door locks by itself). When i finally got in I called my bus and sorted things out - They said something in the style of: "Oops, we'll pick you up on friday if it's allright?". I thought it was hilarious. Anyway, all of this was fortunate, -because-! Later that day, I got a job as a waiter at one of the restaurants i've applied to, starting next week. It's funny how the world turns.
- Vincent
Self gratification is not allowed in society. It is deemed egotistical and uncomfortable to speak of oneself with pride and praise. I have often found myself among a group of people and when one person speaks of their own great quality or accomplishment every other person there: rolls their eyes, shifts their feet uncomfortably, and raises an eyebrow so high it disappears, or shoots the speaker down verbally.
We joke about it and tease anyone who thinks highly of themselves and tell them that, well, they are full of themselves. We cannot wait to bring them back to a level where we believe humility exists. We do it out of spite and without self-confidence whether we are aware of it or not. In many countries this is known as the Tallest Poppy Syndrome.
The Tallest Poppy Syndrome is essentially the tallest poppy in the field being mowed down because it is the most eye catching. When we relate this to humans it is to attack and cut down visibly successful/happy/confident people.
We are all a part of this sunshine robbery. It is human nature to point out flaws and faults in others, we do it so as to feel better about ourselves. It is like we are hard wired to judge one another, it is in the genetic make up of our beings and there is nothing for it. How disgustingly average of us to stifle the growth of another living creature, physically, mentally, spiritually you name it.
Is society giving us mixed messages? You bet! We are told to reach for the stars, to go for gusto, encouraged to succeed! Only, don’t talk about your accomplishments after you have achieved your greatest dreams because people will think you have a big head and are totally into yourself. And, of course, if you do not succeed, well, you are a loser like the rest of us so don’t worry; those people who make it big in life suck anyway.
Excuse me?
We have to justify our good fortune constantly. It cannot be enough that I have a good job; I have to explain that I have worked hard for it, and it hasn’t always been easy for me, blah blah blah. Is it ever socially acceptable to gush about how great we are? Four out of five say no. What a bummer. We want to feel good about ourselves and I really do think that most of us want others to feel good about themselves too.
I propose a challenge: Don’t be the tallest poppy. Be the towering Redwood.
For an entire week: only speak about yourself in the positive, speak about your amazing qualities, how great you are and everything you have accomplished. Take it a step further and only speak about others in a positive way, about their amazing qualities and how great they are. When someone is spouting off about their awesomeness, jump on their wagon and agree with them that they rock!
You might just discover how good this makes you yourself feel…and how much less energy you expend when you give praise rather than dragging someone down. So all you poppies out there, put down your axes and put a little love in the soil.
You might just be able to break your criminal record of happiness theft and be charged with the gift of gratitude.'Nuf said.
I have about 1600 swedish kronor left which is about $300...
Now, i've been told that i -should- have more money in there since my last pay from Sweden was supposed to be transfered about a week ago. As you might have figured out, that pay is everywhere else -but- on my account. With some spice I might actually end up on the streets for real this time which i find ridiculously funny! What doesn't kill you, strengthens you.
- Vincent
I'm still in Dunedin, helping the staff at the hostel with some cleaning. In return, i get free accomodation which is a good boost for my budget.
I'm planning on staying here for another week atleast, unless i find a job of course. With some luck, i might be able to join one of the fishingboats, which means three months out on the ocean. We'll see how things turns out!
New Zealand, new person.
- Vincent
Time exists and that's a fact. I mean, even the mesopotamians knew about time 2000 years before even Jesus Christ himself was born. Time is without a doubt something most existing, sure. There's just a small detail that the historians left out...It doesn't -really- exist...Fuck! I want my parking-fee back!
Time is just like everything else that we so clearly refuse to believe in. Take aliens for example, we don't believe in aliens, do we? Some say they're certain that there's life beyond earth while some say "I don't know, never seen one" but the most common theory is that aliens is nothing but bullshit, period. So, my pondering doesn't exclude the thought that we know just as much about time as we do about aliens. It's made up by man and it's up to man whether he or she believe in it or not. Add years, some historical speculations and an "official" agreement on it's existance, and suddenly you have a legitimate fully existing fact.
Time is -not- like a hotdog - you can't eat it, you can't hold it, you can't smell it and you most certainly can't add ketchup on it. Still we're devouring time as if it was munchies armagedon.
What would happen if everyone decided to not believe in time anymore? I wonder.
Dunedin is a city that has many european similarities to it. It was founded by the scottish and some say that the city looks like Edinburgh in many ways. Cathedrals, churches, monuments and a fair amount of scottish stores has it's part on the streets of this rather charming city. The wildlife is supposed to be pretty good here aswell with penguins, seals and the like. I haven't seen any of it yet, but I haven't been exploring that much either, so i guess it all falls to pieces. Actually, i've been looking for work, frequently to be honest. Went to an agency and filled in a form, waiting for an interview, been into stores asking for work, etc. Unfortunately, there hasn't been any success on that part. We'll see what happens.
The main-reason to why I became so desperate to find a job today is because of a major crash in my economy. I had to purchase a new laptop since mine, literally, exploded today. Yes, it's true.
Tomorrow, however, i'm going to make a few calls to a few farms and -hopefully- they have a position for me.
Life is uncertain - Have the dessert first.
- Vincent
I've mentioned before that all I really want is to be free. And by free I mean free from expectations in a mutual kind of nature.
Too me, life is not about success - it's about achievements. Personal such, like learning who you really are by exploring your inner thoughts and desires, both mentally and physically. To enjoy what you have without expecting anything, to be the listener when you want to reveal yourself, to be empathic instead of judging and to be able to see positive aspects in whatever situation you are situated in. That's what I want to be like.
"Ol' Queenie" - Queenstown, have mercy on me.
The adventurous capital of New Zealand(or the world, as some claims).
I love this place to the very depth of my heart, any god knows it. It has the charm of a small town, but the atmosphere of a city.
I'm staying here for awhile to come to some sort of conclusion. My beloved travel-mate Jimmy is going further south in a few days, which means that we'll be splitting up for an undecided period of time. I wish him the very best for his journey and that the wind blows safely on his back. For now, I'm going to the bar to enjoy a few beer after this days adventure, namely, the notorious Canyon-swing.
It's been two frustrating days of nervousness and anticipation, until today when I raged down a 109m's deep canyon. Of course, I had to do the worst one available...
Have a gander.
- Vincent
As you might have figured out, we never got any job in Franz Josef. Not because we never found anything, we just didn't look for any 'cause we decided to skip on to the next town to get closer to Queenstown, where we are more likely to find a decent job of sorts.The iceclimbing was phenomenal though. Unfortunately, they didn't allow me to climb naked(haha), but I managed to convince them to letting me climb topless! The weather was fine, can you blame me?
...Yeah. So.
On our way to Wanaka, we made a few stops along the western shoreline, including a popular place for dolphin spotting called Ship's Creek. Unfortunately, the dolphins were a bit shy that day, so i had to attend to drastic methods to attract the big fishes. Believe it or not, the dolphins actually showed up after the streaking.
Signing out
- The naked Swede
I'm sitting in an old schoolbus, remade into an internetcafe...Really, i'm not joking.
As a matter of fact, i'm sitting in an old schoolbus remade into an internetcafe, which is located in a small village in the heart of a rainforest. Yup, no kidding.
This village is awfully tiny and doesn't have much to offer. -But-! It is also one of the main tourist attractions here on the southern island because of a -gigantic- glacier that runs from the mountains all the way down into the rainforest. It's truly an amazing sight!
If everything turns out the way we've planned we'll head up for 8 hours of iceclimbing tomorrow, with full equipment. Hell yeah!
Other then that, the adventure goes onward. We'll stay in Franz Josef for a few days and see if we can find a job, of sorts. Travelling can be quite exhausting at some levels so we thought that we might aswell take a months break if we find a job that is suitable.
We'll see what happens.
Take care everyone.
- Vincent
Salutation!
This weekend has been a pleasant one, you better believe it folks.
We arrived to Taupo(called "the adventure capitol of the north") two days ago and checked in at a backpackers place called Burke's.
Probably the best place we've crashed on so far. The place is all chilled out and the managers are cool about everything!
We went the Tongarira crossing yesterday(the place we're they filmed the mount doom parts from the lord of the rings). I managed to conquor both peaks, including the summit of mount doom. It was magnificent, to be said the least.
I bet Frodo was damn proud over himself when he watched out over the top of the 2300 meters high Mount Doom in all his glory. -But-! He didn't do it naked!
Stay tuned everyone
- Vincent
