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Nerd Alert: Let’s Get Logistical

Now that I've been gone about 3 weeks, I'm getting the hang of using the various Internet cafes and access points to keep my blog updated. Internet access in French Polynesia and New Zealand has been ubiquitous – every place I've stayed either had it, or had it within a short walk. The question is really how much you want to pay for it. The more remote the location, or the less touristy, the more it will likely cost you (and the slower the connection is likely to be). Since I didn't bring a laptop, I'm subject to my lack of discipline.

At any rate, time is money, and in New Zealand, I'm probably paying about $3/hour on average, whether in large Auckland, capital Wellington, or southerly Franz Joseph Glacier. Some computers are coin-operated, some are based on buying time via a communications company (like “Global Gossip” where you get a unique PIN #), and some are old fashioned timers on a computer (my preferred method).

The views vary from dark and dreary to my favorite so far – the driver's seat of a converted bus facing Franz Joseph Glacier (the clouds are literally parting now so I can see a giant glacier on top of a mountain while it's like 70 degrees out and we're surrounded by rainforest – simply stunning).

Bus turned internet cafe (faces glaciers)

Most computers have 1-2 USB ports available in the front, which I stick my 1gb flash memory card into so I can ensure secure access to my accounts, and make use of my customized Firefox browser (makes Internet time more efficient). The other port is handy for using a card reader to upload my photos to Flickr. I need to get better about uploading fewer photos, and shorter videos, as the time seems to drag on, though I'm usually multi-tasking.

Skype is pre-loaded on most computers and has been a breeze to use. I put $10 on it so I could call my parents on their home phone. Just 2 cents a minute.  Brilliant!

That's about all I can think of for now – please leave a comment if you have any questions.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Kango Suz

Wednesday 26th of December 2007

OMG! That's such a wonderful idea, putting the cafe in a bus! You should put some 'great resource posts' links on your sidebar so people like me (who enjoy getting lost in your site, but not too often) can link to your cool posts about getting your budget in order.... *grin*

3 weeks... my how time flies!

Kango Suz

Wednesday 26th of December 2007

OMG! That's such a wonderful idea, putting the cafe in a bus! You should put some 'great resource posts' links on your sidebar so people like me (who enjoy getting lost in your site, but not too often) can link to your cool posts about getting your budget in order.... *grin*

3 weeks... my how time flies!

Ames

Saturday 22nd of December 2007

3 weeks... wow! It makes me wonder how you are going to go 'round the whole world... with like only 49 weeks left?? :grin: Starting to think you want to extend your trip?? Personally, I'm partial to New Zealand so it's good to hear things are going well for you and getting into the "groove" during your time there! Take care, Amy

Ames

Saturday 22nd of December 2007

3 weeks... wow! It makes me wonder how you are going to go 'round the whole world... with like only 49 weeks left?? :grin: Starting to think you want to extend your trip?? Personally, I'm partial to New Zealand so it's good to hear things are going well for you and getting into the "groove" during your time there! Take care, Amy

Pete

Saturday 22nd of December 2007

I'm glad I found your blog and am enjoying your travel reports. I'm hoping to do a similar 'round the world trip - if I can just sell my house in this horrible market. Your pre-trip posts have been very insightful. Keep up the good work and enjoy your travels!!

Dave

Saturday 22nd of December 2007

Thanks Pete - glad you could stop by and read some of my older posts. The waiting and anxieties were well worth it now that I'm getting into a travel groove. Good luck with your own plans. :)

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