When I first started this blog, my intentions were twofold. First, I hoped to create a venue for a documentation of my travels throughout New Zealand (also, a continuation of my travels throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the rest of Europe). Second, I hoped to maintain a general travel blog which contained information for backpackers and other budget travelers. I might mention that I hoped the two wouldn’t be mutually exclusive. Hopefully a web log of my experiences would be enlightening and informative to other travelers.
So far, it’s safe to say I’ve failed at both intentions.
Why?
First of all, I’ve been busy. This shouldn’t be an excuse. Ideally, I should be able to balance the day-to-day lifestyle of a backpacker with the (relatively) frequent blog post and update. Alas, I haven’t.
Why?
When I traveled throughout Europe, I spent a fair bit of idle my time on buses, trains, and in hostels with easy access to the world wide web. While I was busy, I had more downtime to sit down, reflect, and shed light on my experiences living out of a backpack. You might note I mentioned the easy access to the world wide web.
One thing I have found in New Zealand is that wireless internet is often hard to come by. When I do find a wireless hotspot, the service tends to be either slow or expensive (or both). Again, this isn’t an excuse – as there are ways for me to get online.
Nonetheless, while I’m making excuses, I’ll make one more. My traveling throughout New Zealand has been in my own, personal transport. Living with Nicole out of a campervan named Max has thus far been a terrific experience. We can choose our own path, with our own time frame in mind, and at our own pace. We’ve seen corners of this island that we most certainly would not be able to see if we were traveling via bus. Yet, at the end of the day, we often find ourselves camping on a secluded beach or in a national park – where, believe it or not, WiFi is difficult (read impossible) to come by.
So, please take this for what it is – an explanation (excuse) of why posts to backpackingmatt.com have been few and far between. Please continue to check back, as hopefully great things are coming.
Backpacking Matt 
“4 to 5 posts a week no problem, i’ll be a backpacker!”
Quote by matthew kyhnn early november 2009.
Yes, 4 to 5 was a lofty goal.
i for one am glad you are not posting or wasting your time trying to always be online. NZ is a beautiful country and should be enjoyed to the fullest outdoors and not spent worrying when you are going to get your next internet fix. americans are too hung up on the internet sometimes.
I have missed reading about your perception of your travels, the people you meet and the interesting experiences you have along the way. I hope there will be more of this in the future but…I do also agree with Bec. xx
DARLING!
i am still mulling over my possible contribution to your site. i really just need to get writing. i have a couple of ideas for articles 🙂
i’m so jealous.. camping on beaches. sounds like you’re having a great time.
oh, and as disgusting as it is.. try starbucks for free/cheap wifi. i don’t know how many there are in rural nz, but there should be one or two in the small cities at least (read pop. 50000+). i’d forgotten how hard it is to come by cheap webbing in nz.
Having a blast Emma, I love it here. Lovely people and beautiful sights everywhere you turn – though the weather has been a bit rubbish as of late. Get to writing! Hope you’re well in Texas.