5 years ago Travel Stories

One of the big experiences of traveling is to pull off a move to a country with next to no money. This is an experience that takes the most intense focus, a few good friends, and basically just a bit of luck. There was a time several years back when I had the experience of moving to Amsterdam – at first for a girl, then later for my self – with just around $500 dollars. I’m going to detail how I did it as a blue print of sorts of how high risk moves like this are done.

amsterdam

I concocted the plan and I stuck to it…

This may sounds sort of obvious, but the reality is that I very much needed to have a goal in my mind cemented that I was going to do this move and there would be no turning back. Even as certain set backs occurred, like it taking much longer in London then I had calculated to get my Dutch work visa, I didn’t give up on my plan. Keeping the goal alive kept my mind sharp for anything that would help me see the goal through. I was optimistic it would work, even when at times it did seem a little dire, and it did.

I tapped my travel contacts in Amsterdam…

Knowing that my money was so low I didn’t mess around before I was set to come to Amsterdam, I got in touch with all the people I knew there first. Rather than sugar coat the situation, I told them just how dire my circumstances were and they all leapt forward to help me. As I would come to find out Dutch people are very caring about one another and this was the first time I saw it. As I stayed with different friends I said to myself that latter on I would definitely re-pay that kindness.

No rest for the wicked, I found any job I could ASAP…

Literally from the day I arrived I didn’t bother learning the pubs and coffee shops instead I had my friend Julia show me the layout of the city and right away I was hitting the pavement looking for work. I sketched a loose outline of the city and wandered around resume in hand. I tried at some bars and a few youth hostels to no avail. The next day though, still focused from my plan, I looked hard again and found what would keep me a float in the city – a posting at a temp agency to for dishwashers. Without ego or pride I walked in there and took the job and my Amsterdam experience began. Later on, I would find much more exiting work, but I was there then and I was staying!

5 years ago Travel Tips

New Zealanders will muse how it really isn’t possible to annoy them and how they will get a kick out of your attempts to do so. Voted second, only behind Icelanders, for how accepting they are to foreigners you may wonder how do you actually do annoy a Kiwi? The truth is that it is possible to bring a Kiwi into a fury and here are a few ways to do just that.

kiwi-sign

Just Assuming that New Zealand is the same as Australia

Australia and New Zealand are culturally different, geographically different and politically different the only thing that is remotely similar is there accent and that is only fleeting. Kiwis do not like being thought of as Australian just as Canadians don’t like to be thought of English. They will understand an accident when it comes to hearing the accent, but what will really annoy them is if a person totally believes there is no difference between the nations. Expect to hear a harsh piss off, if you ask a New Zealander about kangaroos, boomerang, or Ayers Rock.

Calling them sheep shaggers

One of the oldest ongoing jokes Australians have is that New Zealanders like to get it on with sheep. The genesis of this joke stems from the fact that there are more than 33 million sheep presently in New Zealand – only a third of what it was 25 years ago – which is 7 sheep per person. You know when you have heard the same joke a million times, multiply that by a thousand and you have the feeling New Zealanders get when they hear this. If you spout off this knowledge they will definitely get annoyed, if you are Australian and you do it they will be doubly annoyed.

Belittle rugby

Kiwis’ love rugby as it is hands down the national sport of New Zealand. Talking disparagingly about the game is definitely one way that you can annoy a lot of Kiwis. The truth is that it is quite a feat that a nation with just 4.4 million people currently holds the Rugby World Cup. If you really want to get a group of Kiwis ready to have you gang tackled talk about how American Football is a better, tougher sport. If you want to push it further tell them rugby is a brute game that has no strategy. They’ll probably offer to show you what it’s like to play rugby right then and there.

5 years ago Travel Stories, Travel Tips

You’ve seen the blockbuster films, and now you want to see the real Middle Earth! Peter Jackson built a multi-million dollar film franchise from J. R. R. Tolkien’s novels the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit using the spectacular scenery of New Zealand. The natural beauty of New Zealand’s mountains, rivers, meadows and caves has made it a popular place for tourists and Tolkien-enthusiasts alike.

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For a first-hand experience of the locations used to re-create Middle Earth, why not try a self-guided car trip? Pick up Ian Brodie’s Lord of the Rings Guidebook for a comprehensive guide to the film and country. Or, just head out to some of the famously beautiful landmarks that were featured in the films. Take a drive around the Northern Islands starting in Waitomo where you can explore the underground caverns then on to Matamata, which served as the location for Hobbiton. See the little hobbit houses peeking out of the hillside and pet the sheep who have now made these props their homes. You won’t want to miss Mount Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park. This is the actual Mount Doom seen in the films and, with its vast volcanic landscaped, the park became the perfect spot to build Mordor. Or head to the Remarkables mountain range, which were featured several times in the films, notably as the Misty Mountains. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way to Glenorchy where you’ll find the fortress of Isengard.

If you would rather stay in one spot for a little while, perhaps consider some Tolkein-inspired accommodations? Minaret Lodge in Wanaka offers guests the true hobbit experience in their Barlimans – comfortable cottages with round doors and oversized furniture, complete with a custom “hobbit menu.” Or get a room in Wellington, home of Peter Jackson and home base for the production crew for much of the filming. Head to the Weta Cave for Lord of the Rings souvenirs and stop in to see the weavers at Stansborough, who wove all the cloaks for the movies. About an hour out of Wellington you can visit the horses used in the films

For a fully comprehensive experience of New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings locations book a tour with Southern Lakes Sightseeing. They have several prepared itineraries and can visit up to twenty film locations in one day. The tour is complete with over $15,000 in weapons, armor and costumes for guests who wish to recreate scenes and take pictures.

5 years ago Travel Tips

Nottinghamshire is home to Sherwood Forest, the actual, real-life stomping grounds of historic outlaw Robin Hood. The legend of Robin Hood is well known and has been immortalized in books and film for generations. Sherwood Forest was part of the vast areas of waste land – land that was uncultivated and outside of city limits – and according to Forest Law it was reserved exclusively for the use of the king (usually for hunting and leisure). Robin Hood and his Band of Merry Men were fugitives who used the untamed wilds of Sherwood Forest as a hideout. Nowadays you can visit Sherwood Forest, which is a protected park with a visitors centre, and see the actual forest hideout of the legendary outlaw band. See Edwinstowe Hall, and visit the arts and crafts centre in the coach house and stables.

kevin-costner-robin-hood

In the legends, Nottingham Castle is the location of the final confrontation between Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. The castle is open to visitors and houses a museum, an art gallery and original artifacts from throughout the castle’s turbid history. Take a cave to see the tunnels and passageways beneath the castle.

Much of the true story of Robin Hood is incomplete or unknown. References to Robin Hood in writing have been dated as far back as 1377, with many of the legends being written throughout the 15th century. It is suspected that he lived sometime before his name popped up in writing, possibly sometime during the 13th century. Get a taste of the period dress and outlaw swagger on a Robin Hood tour of Nottinghamshire with the man himself! Local celebrity Ezekiel Bone hosts this top tourist attraction that tours the city, stopping at historic pubs and landmarks, or offers visitors the option of a guided tour of Sherwood Forest.

If you happen to be in town at just the right time of year you might catch the annual Robin Hood festival held at the Sherwood Forest visitor centre. This week-long celebration of all things Robin Hood features performers in traditional costume, musical performances, stage performances, jousting and medieval vendors set up to demonstrate traditional crafts. In October, Nottingham Castle holds a Robin Hood pageant wherein participants dress as knights and ladies and put on a jousting tournament for spectators.

5 years ago Travel Tips

The magic and mystery of British castles has drawn visitors for centuries. The legend of King Arthur, the larger than life histories of Queen Elizabeth and King Henry VIII and the architectural beauty of these massive pieces of history make them a must-see stop on any tour of Great Britain. These are a few of Britain’s oldest and most storied castles.

chepstow

Chepstow Castle, Wales: Chepstow is thought to be the oldest surviving, post-Roman fort in Britain. It does not have the royal look that characterizes newer castles, as it was clearly built to withstand assault, however it is imposing. Construction began in 1067, under William the Conqueror, and has served as a private residence for various nobles during its long existence.

Norwich Castle, England: Another one of William the Conqueror’s fortified castles, Norwich was built between 1066 and 1075. It is starkly different in appearance from a fort like Chepstow, though it did provide protection – notably to nearby Jewish families who were the target of anti-Semitic violence in the 12th century after the townsfolk blamed them for the murder of a young boy. Today the castle is a notable tourist destination since it houses a museum and art gallery.

Palace of Westminster, England: Possibly the most important castle in Britain, this is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Built in the 11th century, this location was originally the residence of the kings of England, until 1512 when a fire destroyed much of the palace complex. The Elizabeth Tower is more famous than the palace as a whole because it house Big Ben – the largest of five bells suspended inside the tower and chime on the hour in accordance with the tower’s clock. The palace was the location of the historic 1605 Gunpowder Plot as well as several subsequent attempts at arson and the assassination of Prime Minister Spencer Perceval.

Holyrood Palace, Scotland: This beautiful Scottish castle was built in 1128 as a monastery before becoming the seat of Scottish monarchs in the 16th century. It remains the official residence of the Kings and Queens of Scotland (currently that title belongs to Queen Elizabeth II) to this day. Queen Elizabeth is in residence one week of every summer for official and ceremonial business. When she is not in residence, the public is free to view the apartments of the ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots.

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