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We Experience Hari Raya Aidilfitri in KT

 This morning when we left the comfort and familiarity of Tahina to start our backpacking adventure in earnest, we had no idea what was in store for us. After sorting our final details on board Tahina, Frank and Karen dropped us off ashore in the dinghy, we said quick goodbyes, and we were off. A…

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Redang Island Rendezvous

 We landed on Redang Island the day before yesterday and met Frank at Taaras Resort, a resort in a quiet little bay off of which Tahina is anchored. It was odd getting back on board a boat that acted as our home for over half a year and settling back into our old room. It…

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Singapore in 6 hours

 Right. So we landed in Singapore a full hour ahead of schedule this morning, and after clearing customs and locating the left-luggage drop off, we set out to see the city at about 6am. I’m now writing this from my somewhat translucent window seat on our Berjaya Air flight to Pulau Redang, a resort island…

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On leaving our adopted country

 Just short of three years after setting foot in our adopted country, today Jason and I left New Zealand behind. Damn, does it hurt. We’re both sitting here in Brisbane shell shocked from the rush of getting out, the move, the farewells, the logistics of moving and planning our next adventure. It feels like a…

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Officially Employed!

 Ok, I’ll admit it. I’ve been dismal at keeping up with the blog since we got back to Auckland. I never intended for the end of our wanderings to be the end of our story, but the last few weeks have had us both very caught up, and I fear it may have appeared that way. Jason left for the U.S. on the first of November to take care of some business back home, so I put myself to work finding work full-time. After a few applications and a handful of interviews, the right job came along, and I snagged it. You are now reading the personal blog of the…

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Coromandel Mussel Kitchen's gang of cattle

First Trip Itinerary Up for Grabs!

 After leaving Mt. Maunganui we headed to the Coromandel Peninsula, and there we were inspired. We have figured out our first long-weekend excursion itinerary from Auckland and it is up for grabs to our first visitor. Visit us here in NZ and you’ll be entitled to a beautiful coastal drive from Auckland along the coast…

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Ferrying out through the Marlborough Sounds

A Temporary (We Hope) Reprieve

 We jumped on the ferry to Wellington Monday and rushed north toward Taupo, about 4.5 hours away, in order to make enough progress back toward Auckland to make my 2:15 p.m. interview the following day. The plan was to hit some shops in the Taupo town center to pick up appropriate attire early in the…

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Hostel Hell

 Yesterday we stayed in the most disgusting backpackers we’ve encountered in all of New Zealand. The bathrooms were reminiscent of frat houses. The carpets were threadbare, and our room smelled like wet clothes left to rot. The place was billed as a backpackers’ “home away from home,” but I tend to think, “only if that home was a flop house.” It was a shame really because it’s right in the heart of Blenheim, the seat of NZ’s famed Marlborough wine region (think Sauvignon Blanc), and it has a stellar backyard with large common areas, but good God people, someone needs to find a housekeeping staff! We were so grossed out…

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