SEASON 2!!!!!!

SEASON 2 HAS ARRIVED! WHO'S EXCITED!?

So after saving some pennies for a bit after NZ, we've come to our next destination! My mom has always wanted to see Tuscany (thanks to Under the Tuscan Sun) and since her traveling prowess isn't the best, I'll be on hand to help out. With the pops at the helm, it's sure to be quite the adventure. So, a week in Tuscany (with a rental car) a train ride to Venice, and then off to Switzerland to do the Glacier Express, Zermatt, Lucerne, and Zurich (all in 5 days and I'm lucky to get that).

We'll have 10 days in Italy and 5 in Switzerland. If you have any advice, must do's, and don't forgets I'm all ears. I am excited! It's gonna be another awesome season for Where's Walnuts full of food, boats, Swiss cheese, and chocolate. Don't forget the chocolate.

WHICH TRAVELING MOVIE CHARACTER ARE YOU?

Let's do an interactive blog! How exciting! Comment on which movie character best describes your traveling persona and why.

Up In the Air (George Clooney)- Disconnected Businessman: This is a guy you can relate to.  Hard working, first class traveling man disconnected from his personal life.  His job requires firing people and being cold-hearted and that in turn has spread into his family life.  He misses out on life and marriage, and most importantly love.  Don't let the hard work fool you.  The guy gets the best hotels, best meals, best car rentals, but it comes at a price. I am not a traveling businessman, but I can relate to George's traveling persona. Consumed in business and disconnected to his family, there isn't anyone who understands him.  His job forces him on the road too much and that in turn makes him feel abandoned.  He's a workaholic struggling to re-gain the emotional balance in his life.  The lesson (I guess) is to never lose connection to those that mean the most in your life.

Into the Wild (Emile Hirsch)- Minimalist Adventurer: Here's a kid who had (seemingly) everything and gave it up. Gave up the money, the family, and the car all to live the life of a nomad.  I mean I like budget traveling, but this is extreme.  I guess when we have nothing its when we truly learn who we are.  In world full of gadgets and meetings and lunch breaks, the lesson is to not lose yourself.  Learn who you are and what makes you happy.  Happiness is different for everyone and lacks definition. That is the beauty of it.   Don't be afraid to explore and live outside your comfort zone. I don't I would hitchhike across America, but who's to say you wouldn't? 

Crazy Heart (Jeff Bridges)- Indulgent Roadie:  Here's a guy that's been living life pretty hard for way too long.  Rolling around playing small time gigs for small money, his career (as well as his life) are on the edge.  This guy represents the small town folk.  He shows people the heartache and the reality of life on the road.  Rolling around in his truck going from gig to gig ain't easy, especially when you've been doing it for years.  The lesson here is there is hope.  There is always light at the end of the tunnel.  No matter how down you can be, if you work hard enough you will catch a break.  



 

Pee Wee Herman (Paul Reubens)- Dreaming Man Child:
We all wanted that bike. You can admit it. Who needs a car when your bike kicks that much ass? Its almost as if he had no idea he was supposed to grow up.  Who needs reality? Not Pee Wee. If you're over 30 and you dream of a life with no job, no bills, no kids, and no mortgage then this is all you.  Its like how long can you delay any responsibility? Sounds like a dream world to me, albeit unobtainable.  Well, one can dream...can't we?


So who is your traveling persona?

ARE GADGETS MAKING US ANTI-SOCIAL?

I'm writing on a laptop. Yes I am. I have a blackberry, not an iphone. I do not own a kindle, portable tv or an ipad. I resisted the VHS to DVD switch. I love my original nintendo and don't own (and never have) an xbox, playstation or Wii. I, however, am feeling guilty. On my travels there are some essentials. Computer, Camera, phone, Ipod, chargers (wall and car), dvd player, you know the list. I was at the airport waiting for my plane and stopped. In the crowded waiting room, I noticed everyone, and I mean EVERYONE was on a gadget. Sometimes two. I saw men on their phones playing with their Ipads. I saw a new Google Chrome station in the back. People were occupied, but in their own little worlds.  Lost are the days of handshakes and chit chat.  Everything is about multi tasking, occupying down time, and instant gratification.  Gone are the days of a nice dinner with your phone off and movie theaters without obnoxious ringing tones (OMG I HATE THOSE PEOPLE.)  I am behind the technological 8 ball, and I still feel guilty. I've used Starbucks just for the free Wi-fi (like the rest of Los Angeles).  My father, can't text. My mother just learned how to send a pic from her phone.  God bless them. 

These gadgets are designed to make our lives easier, however, DO NOT LET THEM CONSUME YOU. Once in awhile, turn your phone off.It'll be okay I promise you.  So let's do this together. Next time you are somewhere, just start a conversation. Who knows, maybe you'll be sitting next to me in the airport. :)

NZ TRANSPORTATION...WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET?

When traveling across NZ, you got a couple different options. So depending on your budget, here's some great tips to help get the most out of each option.

Buses: There's several bus companies that offer all sorts of routes across NZ.  This is the cheapest option to see the most of the country the easiest.  The setbacks are its a set route and set schedule.  Its a fast paced, up at 8am, get places and go. They say you can come and go as you please, but the issue is during the peak seasons it maybe very hard to get your spot on the bus once you give it up to stay longer. Its not as flexible as they say unless your calling weeks in advance.  Its great for meeting people and having the bus company do most of the legwork for you.  Me personally, I like to get lost and go at my own pace. The bus option gives you a highlight reel of things to do at the best price.  Downside is you're traveling with 40 people without much flexibility.  

RENTAL CARS: Traveling by car, you go when you want where you want.  For your wallet avoid the main rental car companies (Hertz, Eurocar, Avis, etc.) in the airport. They charge the most.  Instead, go off the beaten path a bit and you can find some real good deals if you look a bit. Gas is the real killer.  Everything in NZ from bananas to oil is imported, and therefore very expensive.  So be prepared for food, gas, and hotels are gonna burn a hole in that wallet.

CAMPER VANS: Campervans are really cool and probably the most expensive.  Where you save on hostels or hotels you probably spend in gas.  Some companies have really cool long term deals where you can get a Campervan for cheap but have to rent it for months at time to get that great price.

HITCHHIKING:  Let me start by saying THE WALNUTS SHOW DOES NOT ENCOURAGE HITCHING RIDES. That being said, it is practiced widely throughout NZ. NZ is possibly the friendliest, nicest, most helpful people left on the planet. Through my travels, I noticed that hitchhiking is encouraged and practiced widely throughout the country.  So if you're feeling a bit crazy (and really have no money), that's always an option too.  Truth be told, it'll take ya double the time to get anywhere, but I'm sure you'll get a good story out of it. :)  

Personally, if I had the money, Campervans have to be a great way to travel.  They are very popular in NZ, if you can afford.  For short term stuff, cars a good bet.  If you gotta real squeeze to save, then bus it you shall.    
airline tickets around the world

Episode 6: Milford Sound Baller

Walnuts on Pawn Stars!!!