Category Archives: Expat Life

A-Z Challenge: Guinness World Record Holders… after 36 hours

April 14, 2015 zaagitravel@gmail.com 7 Comments

Well, they did it.

My boyfriend James and his dad Brett are the new Guinness World Record holders for the longest squash match!

On Sunday evening at 5p.m. they set the new bar, playing 36 hours and 2 minutes in front of a massive cheering crowd. It was incredible.

If you want to know more about the event, check out my previous blog post, A-Z Challenge: For Michael Clarke & the Child Cancer Foundation!

There is so so much I could say about this experience but I’ll do my best to keep it simple.

It truly was an honor to watch these amazing athletes do what they do best, in the name of such an incredible charity that works to help young cancer sufferers and their families.

It was an even bigger honor to be apart of the support team that helped pull off such a feat!

My weekend consisted of baking banana muffins and cooking up pikelets and making smoothies and mixing up Gatorade + coconut water drinks.

I changed James’ plasters (Band-Aids for you Americans!) on his blistered hands and feet.

I massaged his sore, exhausted muscles and offered up pep talks and was on-call for eye drops and lip balm and pain meds.

I dressed up with friends and wore a dragon onesie outfit – which won the adult onesie contest!

I played squash (terribly) with Tessa and our friends in the next court over.

I danced for hours and hours. In part to entertain the guys during their toughest hours – between 2AM and 6AM – and in part to pass the time and help myself stay awake.

Because I didn’t sleep. For more than 40-something hours. And people, sleep deprivation isn’t a joke! haha

But every dash to the kitchen, every delirious dance move, every lost bit of sleep… it was all beyond worth it.

Please consider donating whatever you can afford to the Child Cancer Foundation!

Click HERE to help support the Meyers’ world record!

Before I sign off, I’ve added a few pictures from our trip to the TV ONE studios on Monday morning!

The troopers woke themselves up at 6am in order to make their live interview on the Breakfast program, and they did an incredible job in front of the cameras!

It was such a blast standing behind-the-scenes watching them discuss the weekend in front of a national audience!

Once again, congratulations James & Brett!!!

Check out the guys’ interview on TV ONE Breakfast at… http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/kiwis-smash-world-record-36-hour-squash-game-video-6282672!!

Expat Life, New Zealand, Oceania

A-Z Challenge: For Michael Clarke & the Child Cancer Foundation

April 10, 2015 zaagitravel@gmail.com 4 Comments

As I write this I am sitting in the Howick Squash Club.

It is 6:45 in the morning on Saturday, April 11.

We are less than 2 hours into James’ 36-hour-long squash marathon.

He is playing with his dad Brett in hopes of setting a new Guinness World Record!

In 2008 the athletic Meyer men set the same record, playing 25 hours and 55 minutes.

However, the record has been broken numerous times since… and it currently sits at 33 hours. So they’ve set out to smash it again!

Today, like 7 years ago, their grueling challenge is in the name of raising funds for the Child Cancer Foundation.

Tessa, James’ sister, pointed out to me that the squash record-breaking community is supportive of each other.

“The vision from the beginning has been to do this for a good cause and every successive record breaker has also raised money for their chosen charity. The greater effect of the challenge transcends their singular effort”, she explained as we sat courtside Saturday morning.

The goal James and Brett have set is $36,000. As of right now, they have reached $16,602.

Like last time, they are pushing their bodies and spirits to the limit, in honor of their very dear friend Michael Clarke.

Three days before the 2008 record, 13-year-old Michael passed away after a 16-month-long battle with bone and then ultimately lung cancer.

His bravery, courage and strength was and is immensely inspirational.

His memory motivates James and Brett today as they fight for children that show such brilliant strength as they fight cancer.

You can donate to the Meyers’ world record at their official Everyday Hero account HERE.

LIVE UPDATES

Hour three – We’re one hour away from the guys’ first break. They earn 5 minutes of break time for every hour they play. They’ve elected to play their first four hours without a break. For their first break they will only take 5 minutes, saving the other 15 minutes for later on when they really need it.

Hour five – TV ONE NZ came to interview the guys. They were able to answer some questions during their short five-minute break, while also scarfing down pikelets with jam and banana loaf.

Hour six – Some blisters and back pain but overall their energy and spirits are high. Your support is crucial so come on down to the Howick Squash Club and get loud for these amazing athletes!

MEDIA

TVNZ OneNews: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/father-and-son-attempt-world-record-squash-marathon-6279808

Howick & Pakuranga Times: http://www.times.co.nz/sports-news/smashing-rubber-to-regain-record.html

Expat Life, New Zealand, Oceania

A-Z Challenge: Exploring the Coromandel & Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

April 10, 2015 zaagitravel@gmail.com 6 Comments

Speaking of my favorite places in New Zealand… I fell absolutely head over heels for the Coromandel.

This gorgeous place on the eastern coast of the North Island is truly not to be missed!

James and I took a road trip and stopped in the Coromandel for a few days, staying in Hahei – a good central location to explore the region.

Every corner of the Coromandel offers up a breathtaking view.

There are so many things to see and do as well – from hiking to snorkeling to eating ridiculously good fresh seafood.

While on the beach in Hahei, James and I came across a rope swing, which offered a good hour of free entertainment.

In fact I pretty much had to pry James off of it. In this post I’ve included a couple pictures from his joyous discovery.

The beaches truly are some of the best I’ve ever seen. The volcanic New Zealand coast offers up exotic rock formations in the form of islands, which can be seen while lounging on soft sand, staring out at brilliant turquoise waters and bright blue skies.

As a girl from California, it struck me how serene the area was, considering how stunning!

I’m so used to crowded beaches – I feel so spoiled to enjoy such awesome nearly entirely private destinations.

Like most visitors, one of the highlights of our time in the Coromandel was our hike to Cathedral Cove.

The one-hour walk (each way) offered a massive pay off with one of the most mind-bogglingly beautiful views. It was hard to even believe my eyes.

The cove’s marine reserves covers 9 square kilometers and can be enjoyed by kayak – something we tried to do but had to omit from our itinerary due to rain.

We did rent some snorkeling gear from the local snorkel hire shop… and then spent a rather chilly 15 minutes trying to navigate the murky water, which was caused by the former day’s poor weather.

Heads up! Parking at the entrance to the hike is quite congested, so many people have to park at the bottom of the hill and take a shuttle up to the top. We were able to squeeze in to a spot with the help of parking attendant who charged us extra.

I would love to HIGHLY recommend the place where we stayed – The Church Accommodation.

According to their website, “The Church building was originally the Methodist Church from Taumaranui in the Central North Island, built in 1916”.

We stayed in a beautiful studio unit with abundant natural light, but they also offer separate cottages as well.

Unfortunately, I don’t have great pictures of the adorable cottage we stayed in because I was so distracted by the beauty surrounding us!

But even if you don’t stay at The Church, you absolutely HAVE TO go for dinner at their restaurant!!!

I usually find most hotel restaurants less than impressive – however that is absolutely NOT the case here. It is so so so good!! One of the best meals I’ve had in a LONG time.

We had the Patatas Bravas tapas, the Lamb Kifta meatballs, and the evening’s special – a delicious serving of mussels in a butter white wine broth.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is great, the food is amazing… just go. Seriously!

Expat Life, New Zealand, Oceania

A-Z Challenge: Duder Regional Park & Maraetai Coast, New Zealand

April 8, 2015 zaagitravel@gmail.com 9 Comments

Serious slacking on my A-Z blogging challenge so trying to catch up as much as possible tonight!

I knew I’d be busy the first week of the challenge, with moving across the world and all… but wow! It’s been hectic.

But no excuses, back to blogging!

In January this year James and I visited Duder Regional Park – one of my favorite places (so far) in New Zealand!

It is only a 20-minute STUNNING drive away, along the Maraetai Coast Rd., from where we live and is an absolutely gorgeous place!

The regional park – located in East Auckland – was created in 1995, after it was sold by the Duder Family, who had owned the land for 130 years.

It is a working farm with many adorable herds of sheep, which we saw being herded by a shepherd dog as we trekked our way through the fields and trails.

Views of the Hauraki Gulf are truly breathtaking as you hike (or tramp) the Farm Loop Trail, which is about 4 km in length or approximately 1.5 hours long.

We went at a leisurely pace, bringing along a little picnic to enjoy amongst the turquoise ocean views.

For the day James and I packed little sandwiches that we had stuffed with ham, lettuce, tomato and spread.

And then, a hike on a hot day is not complete without an ice cream, right?!

James and I finished up our memorable first day of 2015 by stopping for some hokey pokey deliciousness – a very Kiwi treat – at a dairy on the way home.

Hokey Pokey is now my new favorite! It is basically vanilla with bits of honeycomb toffee throughout. They taste like crunchy, chewy little pralines and they are to die for!

To visitors (and locals too!) I very highly recommend a morning or afternoon at Duder Regional Park, taking in the unbeatable scenery New Zealand is known for.

Because what’s better than vibrant sea views, ridiculously cute little lambs and some mouthwatering ice cream to top it all off?

Expat Life, New Zealand, Oceania, Travel Tips

A-Z Challenge: Customs (Global Entry & NZ Holiday Working Visa)

April 6, 2015 zaagitravel@gmail.com 8 Comments

On Thursday evening I flew to New Zealand.

I arrived on Saturday morning due to time changes + the amount of time in the air (almost 13 hours).

For this blog post I thought I would tell you about my experience with Customs & Immigration — including my new Global Entry membership as well as which visa I am on here in NZ!

GLOBAL ENTRY

I applied for the Global Entry program back in February.

The program, run by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection agency “allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States”, according to it’s website.

Applicants “undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment”.

The benefits of using Global Entry include…

shorter waiting times at both major American airports as well as many International airports as well
TSA PreCheck eligibility (cutting the line at security!)

Basically, you’ll spend approximately 30 minutes and $100 on the application, and if you travel often it is something you should consider looking into.

The membership will last me five years, and being that I’ll be traveling internationally often, I personally feel that it is very worth it!

In order to be fully approved, first, I had to await the acceptance of my online application. I was then told I had to schedule an interview at my nearest enrollment center, which happened to be at the LAX airport.

The interview was very simple and to the point. I met with a U.S. Customs Border Patrol agent who asked me questions about my traveling habits, if I had a criminal record, etc.

After only 15 or so minutes I was told I had been approved and could immediately begin using my Global Entry membership!

NEW ZEALAND WORKING HOLIDAY VISA

Now, on to another immigration matter!

In order to live and work in New Zealand I am using a special visa, which is referred to as the Working Holiday scheme.

The rules of the visa vary, depending on where you are from.

But for Americans, you can apply for this visa if you are between the ages of 18 and 30. It will last me 12 months and allows me to do any work that I would like, as long as I abide by universal New Zealand employment laws.

The application ended up being absolutely FREE! And I was approved in less than a week!

It went in to effect the day I arrived and will last for 365 days.

When I arrived at the airport in New Zealand I only had to show my passport to the NZ Customs officer. I had copies of my work visa & proof of the amount of money I have (in order to show that I can support myself until I find a job and can afford a return ticket at the end of my visa’s covered amount of time).

The entire process (of getting and using a visa) was incredibly simple and straight forward. Moving internationally – not so much. But I can get into that in another upcoming post.

I’m a tiny bit behind on my daily blogging challenge, which defeats the purpose, I know!

But I have been so so busy the last few days. Trying to catch up now!

Cheers from NZ,

Alexa & James

California, Expat Life, New Zealand, North America, Oceania, United States

A-Z Challenge: America to nZ

March 31, 2015 zaagitravel@gmail.com 12 Comments

Well, if you’re reading this there’s a good chance you already know I’m moving to New Zealand.

If you didn’t know… now you know!

And I’m moving… this week.

I’ll keep this post relatively brief because there will be some lengthy ones to come.

In the month of April I will be blogging EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Ok wait. That’s not true.

I’ll be blogging every single day of the month aside from Fridays… or Thursdays if you’re in North America. Technically the rules of the challenge I’m completing (more on that below) include breaks from blogging on Sundays. However, I’m a rebel so I’m choosing Fridays.

Basically… while researching blogs about Americans that have moved to New Zealand I came across Albom Adventures, a blog written by a female American expat living in Auckland.

She has completed the A-Z Blogging Challenge for the past four years. I was inspired. And being that this will be one of the biggest months of my entire life thus far, I want to document it the very best I can.

My blogging lately has been pitiful, and that’s being kind. But I feel extremely motivated to complete this challenge.

Some of my upcoming posts will include information pertaining to travel, including my experience with Global Entry as well as the special visa I’ll be on.

But most importantly, it will follow the shenanigans I get up to with the best sidekick in the world, my boyfriend James.

Upcoming topics include…

On April 11-12 James and his dad Brett will be attempting their second Guinness World Record, for the longest game of squash, playing 36+ consecutive hours to raise $36,000+ for the Child Cancer Foundation.
I’ll also be discussing Kiwi food, Kiwi slang, and some of my favorite places I’ve already traveled to around New Zealand.
Some of the most fun you could ever imagine!

And! As it turns out… Rhonda from Albom Adventures has themed her A-Z posts ‘AmaZing Auckland’! I look forward to discovering more about my new backyard through her blog as well!

Please feel free to follow this journey I’m about to partake on.

And buckle up. It’s gonna be a crazy beautiful ride (on the left side of the road… Oh goodness!)

Zaagi Travel

Category Archives: Expat Life

A-Z Challenge: Guinness World Record Holders… after 36 hours

Please consider donating whatever you can afford to the Child Cancer Foundation!

Click HERE to help support the Meyers’ world record!

Check out the guys’ interview on TV ONE Breakfast at… http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/kiwis-smash-world-record-36-hour-squash-game-video-6282672!!

A-Z Challenge: For Michael Clarke & the Child Cancer Foundation

You can donate to the Meyers’ world record at their official Everyday Hero account HERE.

A-Z Challenge: Exploring the Coromandel & Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

A-Z Challenge: Duder Regional Park & Maraetai Coast, New Zealand

A-Z Challenge: Customs (Global Entry & NZ Holiday Working Visa)

A-Z Challenge: America to nZ

Unique Insights From One Who Treasures Travel