six less days

We're 94 away.

Some updates are still to come. As stated in earlier posts. Sadly, I'm not in much of a writing mood today to elaborate on our current status of gear and such.

It's close. A big shop is coming up once Brent finishes his exams (3 to go). That will probably be our boots and his coat shop. We did go clothing shopping on Monday. He bought nothing. I gained three pieces - dry fit and loving it. Clothing will be my biggest challenge in terms of shopping - because nothing fits. I can't very well pack an entire wardrobe of cotton - i'll run into problems somewhere down the line. Oh - and serengeti sunglasses are impossible to find in Toronto now. So much for top of the line polarizing lenses.

In NZ, where the ozone is much thiner - your best friends will be Mr. Sunscreen, Mr. Tilley hat and Mr. Sunglasses. You can't cheap out on these three things. Very important. I think people underestimate this aspect. Living in Canada, especially Toronto - I'm 'protected' from the sun's UV rays to a certain degree by the layer of disgusting smog hovering from my head level to great heights. My lungs - not the biggest fans - but to some extent, this holds back even a tiny amount of UV rays. New Zealand is virtually pollution free. Add that to the thinner Ozone layer and you have big problems for fair skinned people like me (well, really this is a helth concern for everybody).

Today, the building of the gear list continues.

The mapworld purchase is almost complete. So, four months later, we are finally purchasing our freshmaps gps map. :)

I've been researching banks. In New Zealand and in Canada. We're probably going to deal with the Bank of New Zealand in NZ - as they seem to be one of the top banks out there, and their credit cards have a lower annual fee (we thought it might be wise to own a NZ credit card while travelling in NZ, to avoid astronomical exchange rates charged by the Canadian credit card companies). Also - I've already spoken to representatives at this bank about opening an account upon our arrival.

In Canada - this trip has sparked the need to purchase travellers cheques, which I cannot do at my current bank. So I'm also looking into opening an account with one of the big 5 in Canada. Interesting shopping experience let me say. It's actually quite fun. I've been back and forth with a few branches asking about their accounts and whatnot. But the big winner is going to be the one with whom I can waive a monthly fee with the lowest monthly balance.

BUT - another factor is commission on the purchase of travellers cheques. Think about it travellers. If you are going to purchase a large amount of money in travellers cheques - you will usually lose commission on that cheque TWICE. Once at the time of purchase and once at the time of exchange. (not always - but most of the time) There is a loop hole. Some banks offer a waived commission fee if you own either a certain bank account or credit card. Yes - these accounts and cards USUALLY have a monthly or annual fee attached. But not all!! AND - if the annual fee for the credit card is LESS than your 1% commission fee (which is the average fee charged by a bank in Canada), maybe you should spend some time looking into that option.

This has led me to possibly sign up for yet another credit card. A VISA. I don't have one of those. But I fit one bank's criteria for their GOLD Visa - which in the end would equal a waived commission fee on travellers cheques. And - this card has NO annual fee. So realistically, I don't lose anything. The catch is that usually banks require minimum credit limits that are quite high (not for adults, but it could be daunting for a younger person looking at this option - and for that reason, I would not suggest this for everyone). I haven't noticed one for this card yet - we'll see. I'll research it a little more tonight and then probably set out tomorrow to sign up.

You can always cancel a credit card. But they are also really good to have - and truly are both a great way to develop a credit history (hopefully you are responsible with that!) and what I feel is a secure way to make purchases in your day to day life. You're building a relationship with a bank/company who will protect you should there be unusual activity on your card. To me, that's comforting!!

Anyway. So banks and credit cards have been swirling in my head in the last few days. You might wonder how this would apply to my trip - a walking adventure that will bring me out into the middle of nowhere. Being prepared to meet every potential problem when entering a foreign country is part of planning. Knowing that I will be in a new country for an entire year and having the priveledge to do even simple things like opening a bank account and accessing a foreign credit card will help me financially. The NZ card will eliminate foreign exchange rates charged if I would have to use my canadian credit card. Again, the credit card is really there to only use in an emergency situation. Opening a foreign bank account allows us to do one lump sum transfer at the beginning and one more at the end of our trip. This eliminates all those money transfers and exchanges along the way - rates and fees that can add up to a great amount of money. If you know you'll be in a country for a long period of time - this is something worth researching. We have become a world reliant on debit and moneyless transactions. This seems like a logical step with a world trip.

Mind you - for Vanuatu and China - we will be using US$ Travellers cheques and local currencies. And from that point on - will use our Canadian credit cards should one be required to place holds on locations. Those legs of the trip are more 'vacation-like' and short term.

Speaking of China - the Foreign Affairs travel report for China is not so hot right now. A regional warning lists "Avoid non-essential travel".

"OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Tibet and urges Canadian citizens to exercise extreme caution when travelling in the Tibetan areas located in the provinces of Qinghai, Ganzu, Sichuan and Yunnan." (http://www.voyage.gc.ca)

Sichuan is where Chengdu is - which is east of Wolong - which is my #1 travel destination in China right now.

This travel advisory is due to the level of protests that have been occuring in Tibet (which is just west of Sichuan). The Olympics will be in China this summer - and are bringing to light a great deal of protests from the residents within the country and around the world. When your country is hosting a world class event such as the Olympics, you become the spotlight. And everybody knows this. This year's Olympics are being protested from all sides due to human rights violations, Tibet's desire from independance and a fight against oppression. There is a heightened amount of push from the oppressed to fight right now. With the world looking, it's the safest time for them to speak up and do more than they normally would. That being said - China is not particularly the best travel destination at the moment. If I were in NZ right now, I would probably have to omit the treck to Wolong due to the increased problems the Sichuan area is facing. It would be risky.

Hopefully, rest and resolution will come between Tibet and China. There is a chance that this could continue for a while yet. Keeping an eye on this while we plan.


The Te Araroa: http://www.teararoa.org.nz/index.php - "A hiking trail the length of New Zealand by 2010".

"Te Araroa means, in Maori, The Long Pathway. It's a proposed foot trail from top to bottom of the country."

Who would have thought? There are many tracks in New Zealand to walk. It is probably one of the most inviting things about the country: its accessibility. A few people in New Zealand have a vision that they are working on fulfilling as we speak. They are working at setting up a continuous track that runs from the peak of New Zealand (Cape Regina) to the southern tip of the south island (Bluff). Check out the website for more information. Brent and I will most likely come across parts of this route as we work our way around the entire country.

I have sent out emails to two people - one who is the CEO of the Te Araroa Trust, Geoff Chapple, and another individual who hiked a similar path 5 years ago. I will let you know if I hear from either of these individuals. :)

And that my friend, is all I have to say today. I have to get ready for my orthotics fitting today. I am going to my knee specialist to fulfill my parents' birthday present to me. :) (thanks mom & dad) The orthotics fitter also fits knee braces and will take a look at the two braces I have for my right knee and advise me of any changes once I discuss my trip with her. So exciting.

Sunday - you meet the trip goers!