Dear Friends and followers,

I have finished my first day working for a Viticulture contractor. It is among the hardest work i have ever done in Horticulture. It is a remarkable experience working in a new area of horticulture and in such a beautiful location. The quicker i get at the job the better i can earn too (payed hourly but if quick there are bonuses).

I am working for Provine Viticulture and am the only Pome, the rest are Maori's Kiwi's and Pacific islanders (i like them!) The work is physically demanding particularly in the dry summer heat. The days are usually about eight hours long though sometimes longer.

Today as part of a team of about 25 labourers we did wire lifting on Oyster bay's Sauvignon and Chardonnay vines in the Wairau Valley, which cover 180 hectares. This is aleat modern Commercial horticulture making my old job look like a walk in the park (however much i miss that park, and all the people too)

I have got to know many Vanuatuans and Kiribasian's who work the vines seasonally too, which is interesting as they are surprised i know about there homeland. I am trying to learn basic Nauru-an.

Will update soon.

Cheers,

Felix

Dear Freinds and Followers,


I am in Blenheim. At last i am here after an exhaustingly long journey. After my breif stay in California i flew accross the Pacific to Auckland in the north island and then down to the south island. I caught a bus into Christchurch then killed time before catching a coach up to Blenheim at the northern tip of the south island.

The weather has been spectacular. and the air is noticably fresher and cleaner than the States and the Uk. The place is how i left it, but i am so glad i am in the south island as the scenery is gloriouse.
I start work tomoro morning, Once i have started work hopefully there will be some interesting things to write about...and some photo's too.

Cheers,

Felix

Dear Friends and followers,

Howdy from US of A's (Borat)

I arrived yesterday evening after an eleven hour long haul with air New Zealand. Friend Russ met me and since then we have been hanging out as they say over here.

The weather is bad here, but not snowing. Drizzly rain and a cold air. Nothing to write home about...

Went to Joshua tree national park in south eastern California. An incredible desert like land with impressive boulder like rock formations, a gritty sand with islands of vegetation, Mainly Joshua trees and Cacti. Surprisingly cold though for a desert.

We took a two wheel drive truck through a 30 mile four wheel drive intermediate track towards Palm Springs. It was insane!

Will write soon,

Cheers

Felix

Dear Friends,

As of Tuesday 23rd November i will be on the road again.

I leave for familiar Kiwi land (with a brief three day stop in LA) wear i will be working on a Vineyard. I am returning with a working visa and an open mind. The main objective is to work to eat but if i can i will put money aside and travel after months of hard work.

I plan to explore another area of the Pacific such as Fiji and Vanuatu or The Kingdom of Tonga and some wear in Asia such as The rail roads of India and Nepal; Kathmandu to Cochin.

Once i have arrived in New Zealand my blog will be of medium interest though i will try and make it interesting, try and get it to stand out from the competition of a land of many backpackers. The interesting bit will be when i am back hacking through the bush of lands less traveled, finding my way off and back on the beaten track!

Until then my friends and followers,

Cheers!

Felix