ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD has certainly earned the title, “One of my best friends in the world.” She’s been all over this great planet just living life as she pleases. Several years ago she studied in Spain, then Prague, and everywhere between. Now graduated, she’s living life not on the road or at her parents’ (however, there’s nothing wrong with either), but in NEW ZEALAND.
Her name? Vanessa Watson, a.k.a. “Nessie” a.k.a. “Wanderlust Nessie.” She is basically my travel idol (right up there with Rick Steves.) Nessie is FEARLESS. She graduated college this past December, lived with her parents for a while and worked — three to five jobs — along the way, managing to save enough money to —RANDOMLY — buy a plane ticket to New Zealand.
To my knowledge, Nessie didn’t know a soul in New Zealand. My guess is that she went there on the premise of a) FINE WEATHER 2) tan men and III) her ability to get a job. Nessie did her homework (as she is not only beautiful but also smarter than your average former Victoria’s Secret saleswoman) and learned that it is REALLY EASY to get a worker’s permit in New Zealand. You basically apply for one, wait a few weeks for the good folk of Down Under to ensure you have a pulse, and WHAM! You are as good as qualified to serve the good island folk of the South Pacific! Now she’s living and working the good life!
Due to my strong avoidance of Facebook, I’ve been playing a pretty game of “Where in the World Is Nessie?” these past few months to keep up with her. Luckily I learned she has a blog, which, after two stagnant months, she finally posted the other day to let everyone know that she is HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE. (YES, I’M SHOUTING.)
As I was banging my head against a computer screen yesterday, I decided to check up on Nessie’s blog to see what she was up to. This is what I found:
“You may have noticed it has been months since my last blog post. Some would say my lack of TLC for Wanderlust Nessie is pure laziness and neglect. I would like to set the record straight that I have just been having too damn good of a time hiking, camping, bungy jumping, dancing, sitting on the beach, star gazing and enjoying New Zealand to sit indoors on a computer. Fret not, I am rededicating myself to the cause starting soon.
Peace & Love,
Nessie
approximatelyes.com 