For anyone joining this blog post series, I am on a roadtrip around NZ, while also working,presenting sessions (and training) on Office 365 and Microsoft Teams at the Digital Workplace Roadshow - perfect way to enjoy some work-life balance! See the related list of posts at the bottom. The blogs include my pics and travel stories, feedback from locals and a "Recharge" segment on something you will hopefully find inspirational 🙂 Enjoy!
A few years ago I bought a campervan. At the time I was single and preparing for my daughter’s heading off to uni (and my being an empty nester). I wanted some way to explore and enjoy our beautiful country and at the same time be able to take my dog – a Dalmatian named Layla – on the journey. Hotels and flights were not an option, so the camper sounded like a great idea.
It was also a way to mould some downtime and “recharge time” into an otherwise busy life. I wanted to balance the need for freedom and exploring, and enjoying the many beautiful things NZ offers, while continuing to work. (Funnily enough my mother also travels the USA in a camper while working for me).
I started with small overnight trips and I even did a few day trips to local Waihi beach. I could reverse into a park that had a magical view of the beach and work on my laptop, all the while looking out the window at my glorious view. Layla would laze in the sun. The beach beckoned for breaks, as did Layla, and a walk cleared my head and helped to refocus. This was truly working on the road, living my life by my design – perfection!
I did a couple of casual trips to Palmerson North to see my daughter at uni. I tested all the different aspects of working remotely; internet speeds, tethering from phone, learning about optimising power and charging and everything it takes to stay connected. Add in a few client visits and public courses and I encountered a whole new layer of complexity and considerations including parking logistics in a big vehicle, pet friendly campsites and a schedule that works. What fun!
And what an adventure! You meet the friendliest and most interesting people anytime you travel and this is no different. I also continued my passion for finding amazing walks, stunning sunrises, and creativity in my work.
Then What?
For a while I pondered selling the campervan (having met a wonderful man and finding we spent more time on overseas travel together), but there was something about the freedom of a camper and enjoying New Zealand from top to toe by road that still appealed.
Of course…. work continued to be a primary focus and the roadshow idea surfaced yet again.
So I thought why not combine the personal pursuit of campervan wandering with sharing some Office 365 goodness (yes there will be lots of that – I am doing both free sessions and short courses to attend) – info here – www.dwroadshow.co.nz
I decided I would also make this a New Zealand travel blog – and share my adventuring experiences while trekking up and down the countryside – a personal challenge to journey AND write, create memories and memoirs 🙂
New Adventure Time
So here we are! On the brink of a NEW adventure – one that encompasses both working on the road and getting to enjoy New Zealand – beautiful sunrises (my personal passion as any of my Facebook friends well know), amazing scenery, finding little gems, tracks, walks and beaches to wander, meeting new people and hearing local yarns.
This is my invite to you to share this experience with me – the people the places, the pics, discovering walks and scenery , no doubt learning lessons and sharing joys (and of course Layla loving life!)
Ways to connect:
- Follow my pics on Instagram here : @debbieirelandnz or our company one : @sharethepoint
- Or on Twitter here : @debbieireland
- Or Subscribe here for updates
- And our new RECHARGE GROUP here on Facebook – join for Positive Injection, Motivation, Inspiration? A place to share your good vibes, ideas, inspiration, quotes, posts and anything you see of value for mental, spiritual, emotional and physical improvement. Anything related to self leadership, and personal development and ways, tips and techniques YOU use to Recharge your Life
And please share – to anyone you think may be interested in New Zealand adventures (and pics and posts) and/or Microsoft 365 topics.
See you on the road! I kick off November 11!
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone!
Neale Donald Walsch
Blog Posts related to this adventure
- Why? – Wanderlust Adventures
- Where am I going? – Exploring New Zealand – maps, and places and people
- Roadshow #1 – Thankful in Tauranga – and musings on Gratitude
- Roadshow #2 – Happiness in Hamilton – and thoughts of Happiness and Joy
- Roadshow #3 – Attainment in Auckland – changing paths and lifelong learning pondering.
- Roadshow #4 – Habits in Hawkes Bay – Rules, Routines and Results.
- Roadshow#5 – Wellington
- Roadshow#6 – Nelson
- Roadshow#7 – Christchurch
- Roadshow#8 – Dunedin
- Roadshow#9 – Invercargill
3 thoughts on “Wanderlust Adventures”