For the past 16 years I've been in full-time education. I've gone through primary, secondary and college in Norway and then university in the UK. For 16 years my life have been set and decided for me.
So I decided many months back I wanted to try something different, something completely crazy. Over the past year I've reading book in and book out about travelling. I've messaged several travel bloggers asking for tips and tricks. And I've managed to save up every singly penny I had left over. When I was a young boy I used to watch Travel Channel at my grandparents place, cause they had cable TV. The things I saw... I remember sitting thinking that must amazing.
HOW
It was one morning that changed my future. It was 07:30 on a chilly April morning and I was at home having breakfast before my physiotherapy. I sat there, sleepy as a sloth, eating oat porridge halfway asleep. Then I stumbled over this post from a Facebook page I've LIKED:
I read it. I liked it. Then two hours later, whilst in the gym, I ended up having a 20 minute phone assessment with their UK representative.
After this, the process of getting a medical examination, police certificate and visa started. In the beginning I wasn't sure if I wanted to travel that far away, but every single person I spoke to said do it.
HOST FAMILY/EMPLOYER
Four days ago I had an email of the Bartle family. She really liked my profile and my introduction video and wondered if we could set up a Skype chat. Half an hour later, we were on Skype. I got to talk to both her and her boys and we immediately clicked. We spoke for about 40 minutes, really about everything. The place, New Zealand, the kids, the job and about rugby and sports (with the boys that is).
She said that she love for me to be their Au Pair, so I said I wanted to consider it for a bit. Within 24 hours I had accepted.
GOING
I've now got a 6 month contract for a job in New Zealand and I'm leaving Norway and Europe on the 2nd of September 2013. I CAN'T WAIT. And this is where I'm going to live. Mt Maunganui, Tauranga.
Guess where I'll live? One street from the beach, meaning the beach will practically be on the doorstop.
WHERE
Mt Maunganui is about 2,5 hours away from Auckland. The boys dad lives in Auckland and they go up there every other weekend, so I can get a free ride every other weekend.
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Why now? Well, like I've told others who've asked that; I haven't got a mortgage/apartment contract. I haven't got kids. No one in my immediate family is dying. And Europe is a sinking ship... Why shouldn't I go?
Why New Zealand? Have you seen the place? Many say it's one of the most beautiful countries in the world and I actually believe them.
Also I've got a couple of friends down in that region, mainly Australia, whom I haven't seen for years and would very much like to visit.
So what is my plan?
- Leave in September
- Work as Au Pair for six months
- Travel round New Zealand for 1-2 months (I'll be living 30 minutes away from Hobitton!!)
- Jump over to Australia and travel and work for 2 months
Throughout the year I'll be doing freelance work, filming and taking pictures. I'm also in the process of setting up a new blog and have contacted companies for getting sponsorships and so far so good.
When am I back? I'll be gone for almost one year. I'm definitely back by August 2014, because then one of my closest friends in the UK is getting married and I wouldn't miss that for anything in the world. I told her that even if I have to crawl back from Antarctica, I will be there.
Aren't you scared? Oh yes, I'm really nervous. It's on the other side of the world for Christ sake. But I know that if I don't push myself, if I don't test myself, I won't experience anything and I won't be happy in life. Travelling the world has been my dream for years and years, so I just decided it's time I start following MY dreams and go out into the world MY way.
It must be somethings in my blood, seeing as so much of my family members have traveled the world either in the air, sea or on land. The notion of settling down, getting a house simply does not appeal to me, at least not yet. I'm young. I'm wild. I'm going travelling.
Let this inspire you. Never let anyone tell you what you can't do, because it only means they're scared to try it themselves. Dream big and do it. Regrets are for people who are afraid to follow their dreams.
Over the next few weeks, you'll see several things change. I'll be posting more about the job, about why I'm doing this, more detailed travel plans, the process I've gone through, how I can afford this as a student and much more. So stay tuned and thanks for following :)
This is one the songs I've listen to over, over and over again for months now. I've been wanting to do what she does in the video. Just totally smash everything and take off to somewhere amazing.
Today's song: Avicii vs Nicky Romero - I could be the one
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