Turns out the journey hasn't quite begun yet afterall

Te Puke was a let down. It's just a normal, quiet town, miles from anything interesting. But what really sucked was the hostel. Spook-ily they somehow know of this blog, and will read this at some point.

It was a dive. A filthy hole. Its basic, sure, and they were upfront about not trying to be flash - which is fine, only they probably should be because at least then they'd actually have something going for them. My hands and nails were black after half an hour, and I had only opened a few doors. All surfaces, bedding, and the showers were filthy, probably never cleaned. I'm no clean-freak, but I like to eat, wash and sleep in a hygienic place, that probably wont cause some kind of stomach fungi. So fine Hairy Berry, stick with your non-flash, low-key mentality, go for the whole rural-thing - but at least clean the fucking place once in a while. Ive honestly been in better piss-floored public toilets than your pathetic excuse of a gents bathroom. Your internet access system is either crap or rigged - and I suspect the latter given the low, scummy morals you have. Im a tech-geek - I know all about bandwidth, and how much I was actually using, compared to your dodgy monitor which was clearly just spewing out made up figures like a retarded 7 year old in a maths class. Id spoke to quite a few people overnight and I'd heard the word 'disgusting' thrown around several times when I asked what they thought of your place. But you are lucky they are going nowhere anytime soon - it seems all backpackers who come to Te Puke are broke and desperately seeking kiwi-picking work. But I assure you, not one person I spoke to would piss on the place even if it was on fire. You are a disgusting establishment and I sincerely hope a Health n Safety Inspector shuts your dirty, shithole 'home' down.

Anyway, with the rant over, heres a video I filmed from a bar in Te Puke, shortly after arriving...


And then a while later....


I spoke to the incredibly friendly barmaid about it all and she gave some great advice, along with Marc when I called him.

So after one rainy night, with a spider looming over my bed, I abandoned the place and grabbed the next flight back to Wellington. The barmaid even gave me a lift to the airport - a life saver given there were no taxis or buses at that time of day.

Its all good again, and I have no regrets because I know for sure that Te-Puke was not for me.

My view at night:


I have already applied for some work here in Wellington and will check around town tomorrow - the region is massive, with plenty of bar, restaurant and hospitality work.

Check out my manky sunburnt feet:





















Less whiny-ness next time, I promise - Im happy again now im back in the city. :)

Nick