Day 252 Over half way done….
….that is if we actually travel for 500 days. As of now, I think I’m in for much longer. Not sure what Eric’s plans are going to be but I may add a little more before I make the journey home. It is funny how I had so many reservations and worries about this trip and how it would all work out, but speaking for myself, I think I’ll have more reservations about stopping.
New Zealand is still as amazing as it was when we first arrived. Saddly to say, Eric and I are no longer traveling together at the moment. It looks like we won’t be back together for about another month:( About two weeks ago Eric left with Kirilee to get work in Wanaka. It’s about 5hrs from here. I got lucky and scored a job here which is the only reason I stayed. I believe he is working at a Vineyard, but not sure on that. He does have a job though. Now that we both have jobs, living should be a little better with some money in our pockets. A little extra cash goes a long way in South Africa and India.
Besides the amazing job, which includes room and board, I was given a car last week!! How amazing is that? Our friends we met climbing here, from Utah, couldn’t sell their car before they left, so they just gave it to me. (Thank you soooo much Jake and Ashley…..and don’t forget about SA) It’s a Subaru Legacy Wagon pimped out with a bed and storage action in the back. It’s grey, so in honor of New Zealand/Lord of the Rings I’m calling it Gandalf the Grey. It is perfect for traveling here. I couldn’t be anymore blessed. I am going to try and go on my first road trip in it this weekend. If all goes as planned, I’m gonna head down to Wanaka to see Eric and help him in this really cool Film Competition. Apparently you have 24hrs to shoot and edit a film. It is going on all over New Zealand and there are some pretty good prizes. It should be good.
Other than that, no new exciting news…..just working and climbing.
For those that enjoy the pictures, Eric has the computer so I can’t upload any photos…..sorry. But I will try this weekend or ASAP. We’ll also try and get some good footage and put together some good Castle/Flock hill videos as soon as Eric gets back. By then I should have all the problems wired:)
Eric, you should probably write a post too, so everyone, including me, knows what you’re up to.
Hope all is well across the world.
-Matt
You REALLY are blessed! Now come home sooner than later because we miss you. I will hear NO more talk about staying longer…just kidding.
Carrie Machen said this on June 2nd, 2008 at 5:54 am
Hey Matt… I am so glad everything has worked out and that it has been such an amazing trip to keep you wanting more. I remember talking to you in AL before you left and you were stressing …
I have been working alot since the semester ended and haven’t had much time. Look for an E-mail soon. this week hoepfully to catch you up!
love and pieces
Gina Marie said this on May 18th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Matt, it is so good to hear from you ! Sounds as if things are going well. I hope you get to see Eric this weekend. Take care. Mike
Claudius Klimt said this on May 17th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Deed,
I really enjoyed talking to you the other night! It is great to hear how well everything is going for you. I will continue to pray for y’all. We will miss you at the wedding but we know you are having the time of your life and wish you the best!! Probably the next time I talk to you, I will be married; pretty weird, huh? Be safe and don’t let it go so long before I hear from you again!!
Jason
Jason said this on May 15th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Yay! And what about the guitar? And start making a list too of what you want from this side of the Pacific… or Atlantic once we’re in S.A… cause there’s only 50 days left till we see you!
Alana said this on May 14th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
ballard, just a thought check out vedauwoo.org. If you want to stay on the road longer I am 20 min. from there. Andrew GIll
Andrew Gill said this on May 14th, 2008 at 10:02 am