Early Lessons in Vagabonding

 Our taxi driver is an Indian man from Fiji. He says he lived in Sacramento thirty years before New Zealand. Wife's family lives here. We say we are from the U.S. on a working holiday visa. He eyes us curiously.
    "People from the U.S. don't come here on working holiday."
    We laugh awkwardly, "We did."
    "Well, I'll tell you something."
    "Okay."
    "You won't make any friends around here. It's a small island. The Kiwis all know each other. They don't bother mingling with outsiders."
    "That's good to know. Thank you."
    "And don't talk about your political. Like if you are a Republican, you will be the most hated person around."

Things I have learned in New Zealand:

1. It is more effective to earn money in countries with higher incomes (such as the U.S.), and spend it in countries with lower costs of living. (Also known as geo arbitrage; maximizes return on labor.)

2. Bring enough money for your minimum stay and return trip. (Don't assume you will find work.)

3. Secure work before traveling. (Or your trip will be full of job searching, dwindling funds, and uncertainty.)

4. It is easier to travel with one large bag than several small ones.

5. Plan your day, or it will quickly fill up with fidgets. (Mine are reading and drinking coffee.)

6. Pack athletic tape. (Works in place of band aids and duct tape.)

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