gdp's Comments

Our Mad World : A Mad Guide to Kiwi WWOOFing

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 02:11:15 +0000

I definitely understand your apprehension. What I realized after many months of globetrotting is that on average people are very good, warm and welcoming. My policy was definitely trust but verify. Signing up to volunteer teach with a small program in Nepal was a similar thing. How can I trust these people? I did like you said, emailed enough people, asked for references, etc until I felt comfortable. While it can sometimes be tough with farmers, you can possibly reach them on the phone to get a sanity check on their voice and personality. I would use this for only the most serious places, though, because I do know the hosts said they get a lot of such calls. What I can say is that all of my experiences WWOOF'ing in NZ were safe, enriching, and worth it. I have also talked to many people who have WWOOF'd in other countries and they all had the same. There will be a host who is bizarre here and there, but word travels fast through the WWOOF network of travelers and so those types don't last very long. Read their profiles, follow up with past guests, and trust your instincts and I am sure you will fine.

Our Mad World : Luang Prabang & the Night Market

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 00:14:35 +0000

Thanks, Marine!

Our Mad World : Dairy Farming in Gore, New Zealand

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:31:27 +0000

I would sign up to WWOOF. You can learn everything on their website.

Our Mad World : Dairy Farming in Gore, New Zealand

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:29:44 +0000

Hi Tamara, I am so excited for you! As for the visa question. Yes, we did get the Working Holiday Visa. For US citizens you have to be between 18-30 years of age and you can get a 12 month visa to work temporary jobs in NZ. You can find more information here: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/wor.... To be honest, though, we were never once asked for the visa and did not hear of anybody else getting asked. I for sure recommend you get whatever visa is needed these days, but while we were there NZ was super laid back about everything. Good luck and send a note when you are WWOOFing!

Our Mad World : Nepali Naming Ceremony

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:57:57 +0000

Thanks for visiting Brock! Yeah, for sure. I love my new name. Also, once you start going by different names, it helps to break down the strong sense of I or me, which is helpful in this part of the world. You can get all philosophical and start questioning what it does or does not mean to be a Jake, or Jacob, or Jagat. Does it matter? ;-)

Our Mad World : Trip Motivations

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:27:57 +0000

You got it Shawn. The journey continues. Thanks for reading and your thoughtful comment.

Our Mad World : Luang Prabang & the Night Market

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:27:46 +0000

Definitely, it is even better than the pictures do it justice. You'll love Luang Prabang!

Our Mad World : Sarangkot and the Himalayan Mountains

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:11:51 +0000

Thanks Julie!

Our Mad World : About Us

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 04:40:46 +0000

Hi Chris! Sent you an email. Definitely not too old to WWOOF!

Our Mad World : Trip Motivations

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:42:15 +0000

For sure Dietrich. You are in for an amazing time!! Can you send me an email at admin@cogpower.com so I can message you.

Our Mad World : Welcome to Nepal

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:51:43 +0000

Thanks Chris, gives me inspiration to get on number two for Nepal! Hope all is well with you too.

Our Mad World : A Visit to Dharamsala's Norbulingka

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:20:00 +0000

You can see more photos on Flickr starting here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18481732@N00/4537464.... Do you have a site that shows your collection? It sounds interesting.

Our Mad World : Who's Reading

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:30:11 +0000

Cool, thanks Chris! Got some more posts coming for you soon.

http://reviewzntips.blogspot.com/ : Bad Habits to Avoid for Better Blog

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 19:49:29 +0000

One of my bad habits is not writing. I get distracted with life and end up taking too long between posts to keep a regular audience, even though I believe my content appeals to many readers. Still working on this ;-) My recent post A Visit to Dharamsala’s Norbulingka

Our Mad World : About Us

Tue, 31 May 2011 03:38:09 +0000

Hey Mel, thanks! Very kind of you to say. I just found your site and really love it. I am so jealous of your Bali adventures ;-) All the best, Jake

Our Mad World : Who's Reading

Sat, 7 May 2011 17:32:54 +0000

Hey Adriana! I have http://www.longwindedandproud.com/ on my Google Reader, too! I really enjoy your perspective on life ;-)

TravMonkey.com : Travel Sites

Sat, 7 May 2011 02:25:03 +0000

Pretty cool idea...I added a link on our round the world travel blog at http://ourmadworld.com. Hope to be included soon!

Our Mad World : Bali's Snorkeling Mecca - Amed

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:56:37 +0000

Hi Linda, I think the best way is to hire a private driver. You would be surprised at the level of service that you can get for an extremely reasonable price. The driver can either stay in the area or return when you want them to. If you do not have any existing contacts, you can ask around and try to find a reputable driver. You get the best deal if you stick with the same person. However, be sure you are comfortable with whomever you pick and feel free to switch if it is not working out. If you like where you are staying in Ubud, you can ask the owners about a driver. They surely will have a family member dying to drive you around. Agree on the price up front to avoid any awkwardness. Sometimes the drivers may feel shy about this, but you really want to get it squared away so you can have a good time. Feel free to bargain a bit if it makes sense or ask around to make sure you are getting a reasonable price. You can check the shuttle service prices to get an idea. Hope that helps, Jake

Our Mad World : Photo Diary

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 05:41:10 +0000

Hi Betina, The hats were on display at Smith & Caughey\\\'s Newmarket 225 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, 1023 (Ph#: (09) 524 8049). Pictures of the store Take care!

Our Mad World : Preparation

Wed, 6 Oct 2010 04:20:20 +0000

Hey, thanks Steve! I bet you are going to have a blast in India, Laos and Cambodia. Yeah, that photo with the bridge with the monk is in Luang Prabang. It is right near where the two rivers meet. Definitely a great place to walk. As for a blog site for you. There are a bunch. I use my own Wordpress blog and host it myself. However, you can have them host it for free at http://wordpress.com/. Just click sign up now. If this is too much of a hassle for ya and you want something simple, then http://www.travelpod.com/ is the way to go.