Wow, where do I begin? So much has happened in the last month it all just swirls around and around in my head, like a counter clockwise flushing toilet. Well here goes.

Family number one was very nice to me, although quite populated with little people. Lots of running, and bouncing, Dallas Martin, and little Chance, tearing around in Superman pajamas and butterfly wings alternately. It was lovely and laid back, and I chose what work I did, more or less. Kind of like helping with chores when you were a kid in the summer; all the little things to keep a little farm and garden. I had tons of free time and got to ride a bike (although with a bent wheel) and hike the nearby Hakarimata range.

Met two lovely American wwoofers later in my stay, one of whom taught me how to make bread, and let me tag along to a most bodacious University of Hamilton party. Quite theinternational event, with people from all over the world and plenty of good conversation and great hangovers. Was quite surprised though to be playing Flip Cup and Beer Pong halfway around the world (turns out I'm something of a natural at Flip Cup, who knew?)

So come Jan 18th I said goodbye to everyone there in Ngaruwahia ( Can you pronounce that? I dare you to get it right) and hopped on the bus, retracing my steps back to Auckland, for a transfer up to Northland, far North in KeriKeri. While I was back in the city I did have the opportunity to play the harp for a charming little Frenchman who sold me a salmon pastry. (The pastries here are delicous! ) Looking like he just popped straight out of the 1930's he insisted I play for him, and even asked me to play at his little shop's anninversary party after. I was sorry to turn him down.

Up in KeriKeri I meet the self-described aging hippies Chris and Kaye, and settle in for an amazing work experience. As they drove me out to the countryside I just had a growing feeling of rightness. They took me to a once great watergarden/bushwalk that had suffered neglect under the failing health of a little old english man who had wrought the place from scrub 20 years ago with his own two hands. So essentially we cleared scrub and brush and weeds and muck of every order, sawed and pruned and dug and moved earth to reclaim the place from the earth. I was the first volunteer to come help so there was plenty to do, I even inspired to add some rockwork projects of my own design. It was all hard, dirty work, but I was glad to give, and it felt wonderful. We managed to re-open the doors before I left, even though there is still work aplenty left for months more.

Constant breaks for tea or coffee and bickies(cookies), and at the end of the days we would sit down to tasty tea(dinner) from the hands of Kaye, and have great conversations about any such this and that. Or watch Star trek movies, or anime. Wierd and unexpected, but certainly, no doubt, fun.

They are experienced at living out of a modified 60's Bedford bus, and I got to share the experience, sleeping in my own, dubbed "The Palace." Chris and Kaye really educated me about the land, what to see, the Native Mouri people, good food, sheep shearing and all kinds of things in our talks.

I spent longer there, feeling I was needed, but I did manage to get out to hike around the very top of the Island. It was an amazing three day hike, but the Mosquitoes were like pointy wolverines, crawling right through the mesh of my bug net. At any rate, I hiked up and over Dunes, cliffs and along long broad beaches. It's amazing what kind of feelings you get and the state of mind produced from pure nature, and exertion. No music or books, roads or people to distract on this trip.

The way home showed me the wonderful hospitality of the people, since I decided to hitch. I was amazed at how little I was on the road, mere minutes or seconds between rides. Very interesting people and conversations.

Now I have said goodbye again, and will soon say hello to someone new. So many new people and experiences! Took the Bus to Taupo last night, now to work at a spiritual/relaxual retreat or conference center of some kind. The Tauhara Centre if you're curious. We shall see what the future brings! Good luck to you to friends, I will see you soon enough!

-Cheers