Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[kiwi_surfer]

Ok.. introductions...

Im from New Zealand, 25, handsome, like long walks along the beach um.....

but seriously

I have traveled to a few countries now. Antarctica(2), Australia(2), Tonga, East Timor, America(2), Hawaii, Indonesia(Bali), Thailand, Japan and Solomon islands. I'm looking at traveling to south/central America to go surfing, salsa dancing to gaze at mochu pichu and marvel at rain forest.

I decided to join these forums to get some advice and to find similar people who enjoy the addiction of traveling and meeting new people.

Drop us a line if any of you cats visit NZ and ill be more then happy to dish out some advice.

[huckabmm]

I have traveled to a few countries now. Antarctica(2)

Wow...not many people are fortunate enough to get there even once...much less twice!

I'd love to hear more about your trips there...it's a place I've always wanted to go, but the remoteness makes it difficult.

Anyway, welcome to the forums! We're so glad you're here! When are you thinking about going to South America?

[starlagurl]

Really? Antarctica twice? How come?

[kiwi_surfer]

I went to Antarctica the 1st time to unload a ship at an American base called mc murdo, the wharf was made from ice and shingle.... . i had about 2 weeks to off to myself then. The 2nd time I airdroped supplies to the south pole using an American c17.

Im looking at going to central/south America for 8 weeks at this stage. But not until mid next year. I hope I can wait that long that......

Im in East Timor at the moment, helping the country get back on its feet. been here for 4 months, got 2 months to go.

I will write up a travel blog about both my trips to Antarctica when i figure out how to do it. I'm not the best with computers.

[starlagurl]

That sounds like an exciting job, are you working with the military?

If you need any help whatsoever with writing your blog, just let me know, I'm an expert!

[huckabmm]

I went to Antarctica the 1st time to unload a ship at an American base called mc murdo, the wharf was made from ice and shingle.... . i had about 2 weeks to off to myself then. The 2nd time I airdroped supplies to the south pole using an American c17.

Can't wait to see those pics!

Im in East Timor at the moment, helping the country get back on its feet. been here for 4 months, got 2 months to go.

Wow that sounds pretty cool...what kind of things are you working on?

[kiwi_surfer]

Yep NZ military.. well some people wouldn't call it a military really. I mean we don't have any "enemy's" because we are isolated from the rest of the world and because we are such friendly people

We get deployed on peace keeping missions really. At the moment i am working at Dili airport in East Timor. A civilian term for my job would be a Logistic manager. I organize the dispatch of all NZ freight and personal. I get to go out on patrols now and then, which consist of giving out food equipment and water to the local people and playing sports with them.

It hard work, but someone has to do it yeah?

I will create a travel blog for East Timor once i return to NZ.

[starlagurl]

That's a really cool job, I bet you feel good about helping out.

[huckabmm]

I mean we don't have any "enemy's" because we are isolated from the rest of the world and because we are such friendly people

If only we could all live in countries that are so fortunate

[kiwi_surfer]

haha, yes agreed.

[ellenmilton]

Sorry, this is the first time I post in a forum and somehow I hit the wrong key and my post turned out to be an empty one!!!!

I just wanted to reply to Kiwi and tell her that if she needs some information about my city (Buenos Aires) or my country (Argentina) I'll be pleased to help her!!!!

Have a very nice day all!!!
Love from Buenos Aires

Ok.. introductions...

Im from New Zealand, 25, handsome, like long walks along the beach um.....

but seriously

I have traveled to a few countries now. Antarctica(2), Australia(2), Tonga, East Timor, America(2), Hawaii, Indonesia(Bali), Thailand, Japan and Solomon islands. I'm looking at traveling to south/central America to go surfing, salsa dancing to gaze at mochu pichu and marvel at rain forest.

I decided to join these forums to get some advice and to find similar people who enjoy the addiction of traveling and meeting new people.

Drop us a line if any of you cats visit NZ and ill be more then happy to dish out some advice.

[kiwi_surfer]

some how i have become a female over night, hahah.

Thanks for the offer of advice for argentina.Im def going to go to Buenos Aires sometime during my trip.

[ellenmilton]

Ohmy!! I've done it again, hit the reply button and not replying!!! LOL

Sorry about the confussion, somehow I associate kiwi with a female name!!!!
You know that you can contact me if you come!!!



quote name='ellenmilton' date='Apr 2 2009, 07:14 PM' post='95395']
[quote name='kiwi_surfer' post='95393' date='Apr 2 2009, 06:48 PM']
some how i have become a female over night, hahah.

Thanks for the offer of advice for argentina.Im def going to go to Buenos Aires sometime during my trip.
[/quote]
[/quote]

[big_red_truck]

Kiwi,
Good to see you on here. You are with like-minded people (love traveling)...

If you need advice on South America, mmbcross is a wealth of knowledge. And if you need help with Brazil, I've been living and working here off and on for about a year of the last 2. Can't help with the major cities (Rio or Sao Paulo), but I've been all over the smaller areas.

[kiwi_surfer]

cool man thanks, im looking at going to florinopolis sometime during my tour,

Kiwi is a flightless bird in New Zealand, Most people call New Zealanders Kiwi's . I suppose it does sound like a female name, haha.

[heidhurtin]

Hi Kiwi. I'm a (soon to be) ex British serviceman. Somebody just mentioned the possibility of a job in East Timor, building (a) camp(s) for the antipodean elements out there as a civvy contractor. Can you give me a bit of info about the living conditions etc? Could I take the Mrs & Bairn? I know nothing about the place but just returned from over 3 years in Brunei which I LOVED!

Cheers Aye

[kiwi_surfer]

hmm, some of these questions are not easy to answer, as I am protected by the defence force over here and the locals love us, so we have freedom of movement. As a civi contractor, there are many hoops you will have to jump through. eg think carefully when you employ your workers.... u may want to employ certain sons etc to keep certain people off your back...

It’s sad, but corruption is huge over here. The locals do not like companies from over seas making money and bringing that money out of their economy.

I am probably already telling you things you are fully aware of so ill answer some of your questions.

There are many civ contractors from all over the world here, predominately from Australia. Most of them leave their wife’s at home and get partners who are thai/indonisian... well this seems to be the pattern anyway.

Currently east Timor is very peaceful and the nz and Australian defence forces are slowly pulling their forces out. emphasis on slowly. It’s safe for families at the moment but schools aren’t the best along with infrastructure. There is also nothing to do for young children unless they love soccer....but would be great for them to see how lucky they are eg a 2 week trip which will open their eyes…

I have been working here for 7 months and I’m returning home on Monday, I work in logistics. I organise the movement of people and cargo via air/land and sea. My living area is 30m from the runway at camaora airport in dili. If you have anymore questions on civi contractors in the country , don’t hesitate to ask.

Note; PDL (patrix defence logistics) is the biggest civi company here in Timor and seem to have a monopoly over dili. They subcontract to various other companies with substantial mark ups. I’m thinking of leaving the military soon to pursue a job in logistics overseas. I Might see you in Timor one day.

Hope this helps?