My New Home and Choose My Next One
NZ IS 4 ME
I’ve been in New Zealand less than a week, but already I’m getting a lot of strong first impressions.
The natural beauty here is everything people say it is. I’ve been told over and over that I’d fall in love with the landscape, and being the skeptical fellow that I am, I assumed that the branding of the place was just super-effective and the scenery would be the equivalent of anywhere else I’ve been but with better brochures.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s absolutely gorgeous (and I haven’t even been to the places that are touted as the most beautiful yet).
It’s also very clean compared to most of the cities I’ve frequented recently. Walking around Christchurch you don’t exactly see the bustle of activity you’d expect in a really big city, but there is plenty of traffic – foot and car – and yet they still manage to keep things generally sparkly and new-feeling.
The people are really great here. You can go anywhere and find a really good group to hang out with, but the general vibe is such that I feel like I could walk up to a stranger and strike up a conversation. Drivers cheerily stop and wave for you to cross the street, employees behind the counter of every shop and restaurant I’ve been to have smiled warmly and been genuinely interested in my comfort and satisfaction, and the roads are paved with chocolate and gold (okay, I made that last part up…as far as I know).
I need to do more investigation into the party scene, because so far all I know is the folk here get a little rough and rowdy when the booze starts to flow. I’ll go out and collect more data and keep you in the loop (oh, the things I do for you).
What Now?
Now that I’m comfortably housed in a nice little apartment on the Southwest side of the City Centre in Christchurch, how will I spend my hours?
It’s back to work of course! I’ve got a double-handful of new features that I’ll be unfurling here at Exile Lifestyle in the VERY near future, I’ll be writing a post a day for the month of March, and I’ll be preparing for my next country.
That’s right: it’s time to figure out where I’ll be moving after New Zealand!
Suggest a Country
If you haven’t participated in the voting before, here’s how it works:
Leave a comment below with the country you’d most like for me to move to next. Any country is fair game, though I won’t be going anywhere that is actively at war, won’t let me in or that I’ve lived in before (so the US, Argentina and New Zealand are out).
The first 8 suggestions will be put on a poll that goes up tomorrow for everyone to vote on!
If your comment doesn’t show up right away, don’t fret: I’ll be checking back throughout the day to approve new comments, and they will show up in the order they are left.
Thanks a lot! Send me someplace cool!
Borneo. Ok, it's not a city but an island with three countries - your pick.
Scotland. Of course! You'd love it. Honest. :-)
I'd suggest Utrecht in the Netherlands. It's a lovely town and so close to Belgium. Cheers.
PHILIPPINES!!!
I went to New Zealand recently and blogged about it... let me know if your experience is at all similar to mine: http://jennahasnoidea.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-which-our-protagonist-has-plenty-of.html
I think you should go to Cairo next.
I went to New Zealand recently and blogged about it... let me know if your experience is at all similar to mine: http://jennahasnoidea.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-which-our-protagonist-has-plenty-of.html
I think you should go to Cairo next.
Hi there, I was watching the show this morning and I am still thinking about what it is you do. I am finishing double majors which will lead me to my desired job area: trade. I too am a dreamer and a traveller however and I think that what you are doing is exceptional.
Breaking the mould is something us kiwis are not good at and we often mock Yanks (no offence intended!) at thinking they are Gods personal gift. I just think that you are living my dream!
Just thought I would mention that I am originally from Chch and I think you need to head to the Westcoast? You want to meet friendly kiwis who you can strike up banter with and see extraordinary landscape? Hop on the train and head over! It will change your life!
Best of luck!
Hi Colin left a message on facebook for you if your anywhere near Mt Maunganui tomorrow 23rd i am holding a VIP event for a product lauch my number is 0272715515 .If your in Auckland can get you a ride ddown here to Mt Maunganui with some real lifestyler etrupnears who will be be the speakers , Have no idea where you may be right now but ime just throwing out something exiting to come and be with a whole lot of creative possitive kiwi biz people. regards Sue
Hi there, I was watching the show this morning and I am still thinking about what it is you do. I am finishing double majors which will lead me to my desired job area: trade. I too am a dreamer and a traveller however and I think that what you are doing is exceptional.
Breaking the mould is something us kiwis are not good at and we often mock Yanks (no offence intended!) at thinking they are Gods personal gift. I just think that you are living my dream!
Just thought I would mention that I am originally from Chch and I think you need to head to the Westcoast? You want to meet friendly kiwis who you can strike up banter with and see extraordinary landscape? Hop on the train and head over! It will change your life!
Best of luck!
Hi Colin left a message on facebook for you if your anywhere near Mt Maunganui tomorrow 23rd i am holding a VIP event for a product lauch my number is 0272715515 .If your in Auckland can get you a ride ddown here to Mt Maunganui with some real lifestyler etrupnears who will be be the speakers , Have no idea where you may be right now but ime just throwing out something exiting to come and be with a whole lot of creative possitive kiwi biz people. regards Sue
Morocco. Definatly Morocco.
Morocco. Definatly Morocco.
Spain has to be the next one!
Spain has to be the next one!
Russia, for sure.
Germany!
Russia, for sure.
Laos
Its super cheap and super chilled
Malaysia! :D
Iceland
Sweden!
Something neither English- nor Spanish-speaking, and maybe swap climates/hemispheres for a while.
Poland, perhaps?
China.
Estonia. Although, you may want to go in the summer rather than endure a dark winter.
Germany!
I'd like to suggest Canada.
Laos
Its super cheap and super chilled
oh crud...that's a city too...so go to england. Oxford and the cotswalds are nice if you don't want a city city. : )
London...you should experience london!! And go in the springtime or summer, don't try to suffer out their winter. I lived there three months in winter and found it way too drab.
Egypt!
Malaysia! :D
Iceland
I would vote for Japan (making your life a bit more complicated than it already must be.
Can I offer more than one suggestion? If so I would add India to the list.
You probably loath me for submitting this, but I think that those countries would be challenging -and- charming. It has nothing to do with the fact that I dream of going there myself since years. Of course not.
France... I had a blast living there and there's lots of fertile material begging your pithy comments.
I would try the Czech Republic and hang out in Prague.
South Africa. (Cape Town) Just in time for World Cup! Even if you don't care about sports--It will be an incredible spectacle.
I don't know, I've always had a soft spot for Thailand so that would be my choice.....or Manila, Philippines. Too many choices.
Thailand.
I'm an American who lived 3 months in Bangkok for school and had an amazing time. English is prevalent so don't worry about the language.
Sweden!
Barcelona is a good choice. I'll second Spain. It's in Europe but not as expensive. LOTS of different parts of the country. Do it. I dare ya.
The Netherlands, in particular Utrecht.
Looking forward hearing more on NZ!
Been to Australia last year for 9 weeks and loved it, but didn't make it to NZ, everyone told meI should had.....reason to come back!
Something neither English- nor Spanish-speaking, and maybe swap climates/hemispheres for a while.
Poland, perhaps?
China.
Azerbaijan! - Great times there.
Estonia. Although, you may want to go in the summer rather than endure a dark winter.
I suggest Italy, my mother says it's wonderful and I would like to see a bit more of the daily life, also I hear the food is amazing.
Mexico would be nice too but I guess after Argentina it would be a bit too similar, so maybe that one for the future would be nice.
By the way, I will blame you from here on of my desire to visit New Zealand. =)
Germany :-)
Italy
I'd like to suggest Canada.
why don't you give the Netherlands a try?
+ Most people speak English very well
+ It's beautiful in spring
+ We are going to win the World Championships Football so you definitely want to be in that country
Trackbacks
I’m gonna throw Germany into the running. I’ve never actually been myself, but I think it’d be a great place to explore through becoming a resident for a few months. And damn, NZ sure does look beautiful. I found that Sydney was amazingly clean as well— despite the crowds, everything is somehow maintained impeccably.
I’m gonna throw Germany into the running. I’ve never actually been myself, but I think it’d be a great place to explore through becoming a resident for a few months. And damn, NZ sure does look beautiful. I found that Sydney was amazingly clean as well— despite the crowds, everything is somehow maintained impeccably.
chris schaeperkoetter says: OK Colin, I said I would do this…
Tuvalu
‘Nuff said.
chris schaeperkoetter says: OK Colin, I said I would do this…
Tuvalu
‘Nuff said.
CJ says: Glad you’re enjoying NZ, Colin. My suggestion: China.
CJ says: Glad you’re enjoying NZ, Colin. My suggestion: China.
Wow, so freakin’ jealous right now. Beautiful area you are in! What about Spain? I just realized two other people seem to agree but I think Spain would be amazing… I’ve never been myself, only to Italy. Enjoy New Zealand lucky duck!
Wow, so freakin’ jealous right now. Beautiful area you are in! What about Spain? I just realized two other people seem to agree but I think Spain would be amazing… I’ve never been myself, only to Italy. Enjoy New Zealand lucky duck!
Hugo says: Germany (Berlin specifically)
Hugo says: Germany (Berlin specifically)
I think you should go to France. Good food, good-looking people, good clothes, what’s not to like, no?
Josh Cannon says: I have heard great things about Thailand. Give that a try.
I think you should go to France. Good food, good-looking people, good clothes, what’s not to like, no?
Josh Cannon says: I have heard great things about Thailand. Give that a try.
I feel like you should join the location indie cult in Thailand next..at least in a pass through! But my vote next is for reals Japan. Get you some really good sushi!
I feel like you should join the location indie cult in Thailand next..at least in a pass through! But my vote next is for reals Japan. Get you some really good sushi!
Lucho says: I’d like to see you escape the grasp of familiarity, and drop into a distinctly “non westernized” country (granted this is difficult with globalization.) I’d be interested to see how your business/marketing/networking ideas would play over in unfamiliar territory. I have a plethora of suggestions, but since your rules exclude active wars zone, I think I’ll be more conservative with my pick. Anyway, my vote is for Vietnam…
Lucho says: I’d like to see you escape the grasp of familiarity, and drop into a distinctly “non westernized” country (granted this is difficult with globalization.) I’d be interested to see how your business/marketing/networking ideas would play over in unfamiliar territory. I have a plethora of suggestions, but since your rules exclude active wars zone, I think I’ll be more conservative with my pick. Anyway, my vote is for Vietnam…
Scotland, you could be in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival. Biggest comedy festival in the world. Hey and think of all the whiskey.
Scotland, you could be in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival. Biggest comedy festival in the world. Hey and think of all the whiskey.
Remco says: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Ghana (take a pick :-)
Remco says: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Ghana (take a pick :-)
Jackie says: Cambodia
Nicest people, think you’d enjoy the culture, history, and challenges it would present
Jackie says: Cambodia
Nicest people, think you’d enjoy the culture, history, and challenges it would present
Tariq says: Hey Colin
I would suggest middle east.
Country : UAE
City: Abu-Dhabi
Reason: I was born there and its a beautiful city unlike Dubai(You might as well stay in NY).
Tariq says: Hey Colin
I would suggest middle east.
Country : UAE
City: Abu-Dhabi
Reason: I was born there and its a beautiful city unlike Dubai(You might as well stay in NY).
Elena says: Very tempted to say Bhutan. But I won’t. So how about Germany or The Netherlands?
Elena says: Very tempted to say Bhutan. But I won’t. So how about Germany or The Netherlands?
JiaXuan says: Try Malaysia. You might want some chaos after the lovely peaceful life in NZ ;)
JiaXuan says: Try Malaysia. You might want some chaos after the lovely peaceful life in NZ ;)
Anne says: Laos
Anne says: Laos
Paula says: Thailand!
Paula says: Thailand!
Mish says: Uzbekistan. You should be able to wrangle a business visa for a long enough stay without too much hassle. It’s a truly wonderful place and a change from the U.S./Argentina/New Zealand. You won’t regret it.
Mish says: Uzbekistan. You should be able to wrangle a business visa for a long enough stay without too much hassle. It’s a truly wonderful place and a change from the U.S./Argentina/New Zealand. You won’t regret it.
Mneiae says: Thailand
Mneiae says: Thailand
why don’t you give the Netherlands a try?
+ Most people speak English very well
+ It’s beautiful in spring
+ We are going to win the World Championships Football so you definitely want to be in that country
why don’t you give the Netherlands a try?
+ Most people speak English very well
+ It’s beautiful in spring
+ We are going to win the World Championships Football so you definitely want to be in that country
Jeremy Smith says: Italy
Jeremy Smith says: Italy
I suggest Italy, my mother says it’s wonderful and I would like to see a bit more of the daily life, also I hear the food is amazing.
Mexico would be nice too but I guess after Argentina it would be a bit too similar, so maybe that one for the future would be nice.
By the way, I will blame you from here on of my desire to visit New Zealand. =)
I suggest Italy, my mother says it’s wonderful and I would like to see a bit more of the daily life, also I hear the food is amazing.
Mexico would be nice too but I guess after Argentina it would be a bit too similar, so maybe that one for the future would be nice.
By the way, I will blame you from here on of my desire to visit New Zealand. =)
The Netherlands, in particular Utrecht.
Looking forward hearing more on NZ!
Been to Australia last year for 9 weeks and loved it, but didn’t make it to NZ, everyone told meI should had…..reason to come back!
The Netherlands, in particular Utrecht.
Looking forward hearing more on NZ!
Been to Australia last year for 9 weeks and loved it, but didn’t make it to NZ, everyone told meI should had…..reason to come back!
Barcelona is a good choice. I’ll second Spain. It’s in Europe but not as expensive. LOTS of different parts of the country. Do it. I dare ya.
Barcelona is a good choice. I’ll second Spain. It’s in Europe but not as expensive. LOTS of different parts of the country. Do it. I dare ya.
Ruari says: Thailand.
I’m an American who lived 3 months in Bangkok for school and had an amazing time. English is prevalent so don’t worry about the language.
Ruari says: Thailand.
I’m an American who lived 3 months in Bangkok for school and had an amazing time. English is prevalent so don’t worry about the language.
I don’t know, I’ve always had a soft spot for Thailand so that would be my choice…..or Manila, Philippines. Too many choices.
I don’t know, I’ve always had a soft spot for Thailand so that would be my choice…..or Manila, Philippines. Too many choices.
South Africa. (Cape Town) Just in time for World Cup! Even if you don’t care about sports–It will be an incredible spectacle.
South Africa. (Cape Town) Just in time for World Cup! Even if you don’t care about sports–It will be an incredible spectacle.
Michael says: France… I had a blast living there and there’s lots of fertile material begging your pithy comments.
Michael says: France… I had a blast living there and there’s lots of fertile material begging your pithy comments.
wonder woman says: London…you should experience london!! And go in the springtime or summer, don’t try to suffer out their winter. I lived there three months in winter and found it way too drab.
wonder woman says: London…you should experience london!! And go in the springtime or summer, don’t try to suffer out their winter. I lived there three months in winter and found it way too drab.
wonder woman says: oh crud…that’s a city too…so go to england. Oxford and the cotswalds are nice if you don’t want a city city. : )
wonder woman says: oh crud…that’s a city too…so go to england. Oxford and the cotswalds are nice if you don’t want a city city. : )
uli says: Germany :-)
uli says: Germany :-)
Anne says: China.
Anne says: China.
Will says: Something neither English- nor Spanish-speaking, and maybe swap climates/hemispheres for a while.
Poland, perhaps?
Will says: Something neither English- nor Spanish-speaking, and maybe swap climates/hemispheres for a while.
Poland, perhaps?
Ally says: Sweden!
Ally says: Sweden!
I would vote for Japan (making your life a bit more complicated than it already must be.
Can I offer more than one suggestion? If so I would add India to the list.
You probably loath me for submitting this, but I think that those countries would be challenging -and- charming. It has nothing to do with the fact that I dream of going there myself since years. Of course not.
Kendal says: Iceland
Kendal says: Iceland
[...] were LOTS of fantastic suggestions (check the comments here to see them all), and despite a few that I wasn’t able to use (sorry Chris, Tuvalu looks [...]
Alain says: Spain has to be the next one!
Alain says: Spain has to be the next one!
Jill says: Morocco. Definatly Morocco.
Jill says: Morocco. Definatly Morocco.
Sue Mckay says: Hi Colin left a message on facebook for you if your anywhere near Mt Maunganui tomorrow 23rd i am holding a VIP event for a product lauch my number is 0272715515 .If your in Auckland can get you a ride ddown here to Mt Maunganui with some real lifestyler etrupnears who will be be the speakers , Have no idea where you may be right now but ime just throwing out something exiting to come and be with a whole lot of creative possitive kiwi biz people. regards Sue
Sue Mckay says: Hi Colin left a message on facebook for you if your anywhere near Mt Maunganui tomorrow 23rd i am holding a VIP event for a product lauch my number is 0272715515 .If your in Auckland can get you a ride ddown here to Mt Maunganui with some real lifestyler etrupnears who will be be the speakers , Have no idea where you may be right now but ime just throwing out something exiting to come and be with a whole lot of creative possitive kiwi biz people. regards Sue
Hanna says: Hi there, I was watching the show this morning and I am still thinking about what it is you do. I am finishing double majors which will lead me to my desired job area: trade. I too am a dreamer and a traveller however and I think that what you are doing is exceptional.
Breaking the mould is something us kiwis are not good at and we often mock Yanks (no offence intended!) at thinking they are Gods personal gift. I just think that you are living my dream!
Just thought I would mention that I am originally from Chch and I think you need to head to the Westcoast? You want to meet friendly kiwis who you can strike up banter with and see extraordinary landscape? Hop on the train and head over! It will change your life!
Best of luck!
Hanna says: Hi there, I was watching the show this morning and I am still thinking about what it is you do. I am finishing double majors which will lead me to my desired job area: trade. I too am a dreamer and a traveller however and I think that what you are doing is exceptional.
Breaking the mould is something us kiwis are not good at and we often mock Yanks (no offence intended!) at thinking they are Gods personal gift. I just think that you are living my dream!
Just thought I would mention that I am originally from Chch and I think you need to head to the Westcoast? You want to meet friendly kiwis who you can strike up banter with and see extraordinary landscape? Hop on the train and head over! It will change your life!
Best of luck!
I went to New Zealand recently and blogged about it… let me know if your experience is at all similar to mine: http://jennahasnoidea.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-which-our-protagonist-has-plenty-of.html
I think you should go to Cairo next.
I went to New Zealand recently and blogged about it… let me know if your experience is at all similar to mine: http://jennahasnoidea.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-which-our-protagonist-has-plenty-of.html
I think you should go to Cairo next.
Katie says: PHILIPPINES!!!
TallyCast says: I’d suggest Utrecht in the Netherlands. It’s a lovely town and so close to Belgium. Cheers.
june says: Borneo. Ok, it’s not a city but an island with three countries – your pick.
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[...] were LOTS of fantastic suggestions (check the comments here to see them all), and despite a few that I wasn’t able to use (sorry Chris, Tuvalu looks [...]