Posts similar to this one are a rarity on Backpackingmatt. I don’t typically feel inclined to bring updates about my personal life to this blog, however I do feel an update of some sort is in order – and we’ll focus on the positives. I know it’s cliche, but it’s shocking how time flies – it really is hard to believe the last time I posted an update was the 28th of May.
At that point I was still in Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of the World, looking to get somewhat settled by finding employment and accommodation. The phantom job at one of Queesntown’s ski fields never came around. While this frustrated me for some time, I ultimately stumbled into a pretty sweet job. For the past two months or so,
I’ve been running a website called NZbyBike.com.
NZbyBike is the industry aggregating website for a government promoted series of Great Rides which are in development throughout New Zealand. NZbyBike contains a wealth of information about these Great Rides and other mountain bike rides, maps, and a directory of operators throughout New Zealand involved in cycle tourism. I’ve been writing content for the website, doing research, and reaching out to businesses and encouraging them to list on NZbyBike.
It’s an exciting project to be a part of and I work with a bloody cool team. I’m employed by @Xebidy, a web-design company. Believe it or not, I managed to land the job with the help of some Twitter networking. How cool is that?
Did I also mention I work with a Lonely Planet author? Needless to say, it’s a pretty sweet place to work.
I’m also the newest blogger over at Flightster.com.
A couple weeks back, Flightster ran a contest where they were looking to hire a new paid blogger for their website. To enter the competition, you had to write a post on your own blog mentioning your interest in joining the Flightster team. I wrote the well-received 7 Reasons You Should Write a Travel Blog post and was selected as a finalist. Thanks to everyone who responded to my tweets and voted for me, as I was one of two bloggers selected.
They just published my first post, 5 Ways to Meet Fellow Travelers on the Road. Check it out and add Flightster to your Google Reader, follow them on Twitter, and sign up for their newsletter. They have some pretty exciting things planned in the coming weeks.
As for me, I’m not entirely what I have planned in the coming weeks or months. Some things have happened recently that have more or less flipped my life upside down. Dealing with life’s blows are never easy when you’re miles away from friends, family, and familiarity and this past month has been a challenge. My deepest thanks to those of you who have sent your thoughts my way.
Today is the first day of Spring in New Zealand and it’s slowly getting warmer. Queenstown is a beautiful place, yet I’m getting itchy feet and would like to get out of town – if only for a long weekend. Short term, I’m going paragliding which should be sweet as – look forward to a post on the experience. Longer term, I’m looking for a cheap flight across the ditch to Australia or maybe the other way to a Pacific island. Who knows?
What about you? Do you have any trips planned in the coming weeks? Share them in the comments section below.
Backpacking Matt 
I feel like a breeze of fresh air just swept through your site, Matt.
Great to catch up on what you’re up to as BackpackingMatt, excellent to know you’re feeling the joys of spring simply as Matt.
@Ant Cheers mate, I think a breeze of fresh air is a good thing!
@Amanda The job is pretty bloody good, amazing the things you can stumble upon. And yes, I think Flightster gained a pretty good employee too!
@Ant & @Amanda But what about YOUR travel plans?!
Well, we like the occasional update on your life, Matt. 🙂 So I’m glad you shared. Your job sounds awesome. And congratulations on winning the Flighster race!! That’s so awesome. They’ve gained a good employee!
Enjoy springtime in NZ.
Great job! Wow. Busy and fun! sweet.
@Juno Thanks!
@Christine Spain will be lovely – I’m sure you’re excited to get back. I love Madrid, especially the Museo Reina Sophia, I could spend days there. And I have fond (but blurry!) memories of a small tapas bar where my mate and I spent many a night drinking tinto de verano and eating tapas!
Congrats on the flightser gig–I’ll be sure to check them out. My next trip is in a week to NYC, followed by Madrid. Short summer back at home is officially over and back to Spain I go. Best of luck with your new endeavors!
Congrats, Matt!
You have a new gig has me hoping to be soon hired by a school!
@Christene: if you make it down to Sevilla, get in contact with me! I live here and would be happy to show you some of the paces I took Matt when he came down for a visit!
@Cat Thanks! Hope you get something sorted as well!
@Caz Cheers!
@Steph Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, two exciting gigs – certainly keeping me busy. I’ll let you know if I plan anything across the ditch (since you’re skipping NZ!).
@Amanda Hawaii? That’d be sweet as! Fingers crossed you get to escape Ohio’s winter.
Great news Matt! So happy to read your update and all the exciting things you have going on in your life!
Hey, been thinking about you lately. I’m glad you are hanging in there- that’s so exciting about those two writing gigs! Will definitely keep an eye out for your Flightster work.
If you do decide to hope over to Australia let me know- I’ll be there in November and December and we are definitely due for a meet up!
Okay, okay Matt. I don’t have any immediate travel plans, but I’m *hoping* to go visit a friend in Hawaii in February. She’s in Honolulu for grad school, and I figure February will be a great time to escape Ohio for a week or so.
Wow, you’be been busy. Congratulations on the new job and the website nzbybike. I will have to start following both of them.
@Dave and Deb Thanks guys – you’ve got a busy month ahead of you as well!
@Keith Cheers Keith, who knows where they’ll take me.
Good stuff Matt! Congratulations and good luck on all the new opportunities.
Woot, big happenings! Congrats!
@Candice Thanks!
@Scott A long black it is then!
@Joanna Cheers Joanna! I think Nova Scotia and job hunting will be okay, at least while you save for your next trip. Any idea where that will be?
@Gloria Happy to answer any NZ questions you have, just drop me an email.
I think it’s a pretty cool place to work too! Congrats on the Flightster win – I’ll shout you a cup of Joe at VuDu to celebrate!
Those sound like amazing jobs you lucky guy! Reading your blog makes me get itchy feet to get out of Canada again (even though I just got back). However, I’ll have to settle for Nova Scotia and job hunting! Thanks for the update:)
Congratulations Matt! Sounds like things are going very well for you.
I’ll be starting my own RTW soon and heading for New Zealand in mid-November, with a couple weeks stopover in Samoa and Tonga! I just bought my ticket last week…now need to get an exit flight towards Indonesia before entering NZ. Looking for some tips on Samoa and Tonga but finding it a little more challenging to get interesting information. When I find something I’ll let you know, in case you want to make those Pacific islands, Samoa and Tonga.
I may be bombarding you with NZ questions soon. Just a forewarning!
Adding you to my blogroll!
Sounds like a busy, successful month for you! Congrats on the new gigs 🙂
@Laura & @Verity Thanks!
@Sasha Cheers! Enjoy the week off – look forward to seeing pictures of tropical Chinese islands!
Congratulations Matt! I’m glad to hear you’re the new Flightster blogger (especially since you were the one I voted for ;). I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the blog… off to put it in my google reader right now.
Congrats on all the exciting new stuff happening for you!!! You certainly deserve all the awesome writing gigs going your way!:)
As for me I’ve just finished 2 months travelling and already planning my travel for a wk long public holiday in October, bring on a tropical island paradise Chinese style! But damn itchy feet is an expensive habit to have!
Great to have an update. Time sure does fly doesn’t it. Congrats on the new gig(s), and hope you find what you’re looking for. Cool winter weather has a way of getting people down after awhile 🙂
@Dustin Cheers mate, enjoy Praha – bloody great place to spend a month.