I am a British Ex Pat and have been living in New Zealand since 2012. I am now a dual citizen of NZ and UK.
I started this blog in 2012 on the run up to emigrating. It was a way to document the processes and keep all my friends and family around the world updated.
I chose New Zealand as a result of coming here in 2012 with team GB to race in the triathlon world championships. I was blown away with how beautifully quiet it was tucked away down under. I was sold.
When I originally came over I was a despondent teacher looking for a new country to revive me. It didn’t quite work out like that and I resigned as a teacher permanently at the end of 2013. This was when my business Ryding2Health (now called The Body Mechanic Ltd) was born. I have been self employed ever since.
This blog has seen me through an around the world emigration, a career change and a number of other major life changes including a formal autism diagnosis at the age of 42, a total knee replacement in 2018 and a left leg below the knee amputation in 2020. I have blogged regularly documenting my everyday life and experiences in this beautiful country since 2012 and continue to do so.
As always, I am honest and keep it real, with a hint of hoping to help and inspire along the way.
Carpe Diem
You only have one life, and you must live it to the full. I have rebuilt my life in a country where pace is slower, life can be lived, and the outdoors could be enjoyed.
It didn’t quite work out as I originally expected, but it’s been an awesome and interesting journey, and still is.
I was searching for an accurate account of how the Waendel Walk began and found that your version (while still not quite accurate) was the nearest to the truth. It probably sounds very pompous, but as I am the person who actually had the idea and did most of the work to get the event started…..
Over the years, my name has been removed from the “history “ of the walk.
As it happens, I have moved to Somerset and live in a beautiful area, off grid and with no mains water or electricity – wonderful!! and play hockey for England Over 80s.
To continue boasting, I am the only Brit who has completed the Nijmegen 4 days event more than 50 times.
I am most impressed with your blog and the way you have responded to your problems. It makes my gout and arthritis seem quite insignificant and I raise my hat to you.
Hope this hasn’t bored you too much.
Keep up the good work, and very best wishes.
Hello there Bill. Wow, that blog was written a very long time ago! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment! I haven’t lived in Wellingborough for over a decade. The international attraction of the Waendel walk always did fascinate me!
I had to google the Nijimen I had not heard of it!
Somerset is a beautiful place to choose off the grid. There’s a lot to be said about being ‘disconnected’!
Thank you for your lovely message ☺️