Skip to content
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
Wandering Journal
  • Start Here
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • North America
      • California
    • Oceania
      • New Zealand
  • Series
    • Cities on a Budget
    • Through My Eyes Series • Story Behind A Photo
      • New Zealand
      • USA California
      • Singapore
  • Discover More
    • Travel Tips & Resources
      • Saving Tips
      • Recommended Gears
      • Amazon’s Best Travel Accessories Under $20
      • Travel Inspirations
    • Blogging Resources
      • Start Your Travel Blog
    • Travel Product Reviews
  • For Malaysians
    • Work & Travel USA Guide
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa for Malaysian
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa Application
    • What I Learnt From NZ Working Holiday
    • How It’s Like Working in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Search
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
Wandering Journal
  • Start Here
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • North America
      • California
    • Oceania
      • New Zealand
  • Series
    • Cities on a Budget
    • Through My Eyes Series • Story Behind A Photo
      • New Zealand
      • USA California
      • Singapore
  • Discover More
    • Travel Tips & Resources
      • Saving Tips
      • Recommended Gears
      • Amazon’s Best Travel Accessories Under $20
      • Travel Inspirations
    • Blogging Resources
      • Start Your Travel Blog
    • Travel Product Reviews
  • For Malaysians
    • Work & Travel USA Guide
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa for Malaysian
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa Application
    • What I Learnt From NZ Working Holiday
    • How It’s Like Working in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Search

#7 The Mysterious Wandering Korean Uncle

Yen
·
November 10, 2018
·
Wandering Journal eBook Cover

Get Your Free
"Ultimate Travel Bucket List" eBook!

It’s my first ever e-book, and I want to share it with you! 

Everyone hates spammy emails, so do I. 
Rest assured, I will never spam your inbox! 

Even though I spent a lot of time in Motueka looking for a job, it doesn’t mean I was devastatingly lifeless. I still spent some time exploring around this lovely town. There was a Korean uncle living in the same hostel as me but we never talked much, because he usually spent most of his day outside of the hostel. I forgot what brought us together, but one day, we went exploring the beaches and hidden gems together.

sealord factory motueka new zealand

Who is this ‘Mysterious Wandering Korean Uncle’?

I couldn’t even remember his name but he was a former military Major if I was not mistaken. To be honest, I don’t have a lot of ideas about the military ranks. But he served the country during World War II is all I could remember.

There was a huge language barrier between us because he couldn’t speak in English very well. I was bad back then too.

One day, he said he wanted to bring me to a beach hidden in the residential area. I was convinced effortlessly and was down to the plan. We departed after our breakfast in the hostel.

We talked quite a lot on the way. Most of the time, it’s him who was speaking and I was listening because his stories are, honestly, quite interesting.

He has two children, who were academically excellent (I remember one of them studying Ph.D., but the memories are kinda blurred now). And guess what, he doesn’t have a cell phone.

I asked, “How do you talk to your family then?”

He said he hasn’t talked to them in a long time. I didn’t ask further because really, it’s none of my business even though my curiosity peaked at that time. And he had been in New Zealand for many months.

Now that’s what we call a wanderer. Definitely not an average old man.

port motueka new zealand

Where we went?

We walked for almost 2 hours, penetrating the residential maze and finally got to the beach. It was quiet and deserted as expected, with some picnic tables and a swing rope tied to a tree branch.

It was a perfect place for chilling. But we didn’t bring any food for a picnic. But still, we enjoyed our time there a lot. Didn’t talk much but enjoying cool sea breeze under a tree shade is some kind of luxury treats.

After a few days, I went back alone and this time, I brought some food with me. Slow-paced traveling is definitely my thing.

rope swing in motueka new zealand

motueka river new zealand

Wrapping It Up

So here’s my story with the ‘mysterious wandering Korean uncle’. I somehow remembered him because he’s one of my very first friends in New Zealand. I wonder how he’s doing right now and where is he enjoying life…

Anyway, thanks for reading and hope to see you again next week. This episode is kinda shorter than usual, and maybe slightly more boring (for some), so… sorry if I made you felt so!

Interested to apply for New Zealand Working Holiday and experience amazing encounters? Check out my Complete Guide for Applying NZ Working Holiday Visa. Malaysian? Go here.

Til next time. Have a great weekend!

Would You Pin This?

#7 The Mysterious Wandering Korean Uncle

Tweet
Pin
Share
PrevPrevious Episode#6 Cycling to Kaiteriteri Beach From Motueka
Next Episode#8 Let The Travel Begins – Motueka to KaikouraNext

Written by

Yen

Yen is a university student from Malaysia and a huge fan of Blues music and photography. His passion for travel can be traced back to 2016 when he spent 6 months traveling New Zealand. By blending into the locals and traveling long-term, he shares all the comprehensive and detailed travel ideas and guides for the countries with his footprints.

Travel Resources:

Booking.com

Related Posts:

Singapore NYE 2020 Countdown Fireworks at Marina Bay
Yen
//
January 23, 2020
On 31st December 2019, I went to Marina Bay, Singapore and photographed the new year eve's countdown fireworks in Jubilee Bridge. Enjoy the photos, let me know what...
The Reason Why I Didn't Enjoy San Francisco
Yen
//
September 28, 2019
San Francisco is one of the most happening cities in the world. But still, bad things happen. Curious about what happened? Find out more here!
#12 Arriving in Temuka & Starting My First Apple Picking Job
Yen
//
June 2, 2019
After landing my first job with a job agent, I headed to Temuka to start my job as an apple picker. Check out my experience in Temuka, New...
#11 Akaroa - The Eye-Opening Paradise in New Zealand
Yen
//
May 7, 2019
Akaroa is the most beautiful place I've ever been to back when I was 20. It opens up my mind and redefines my definition of mother nature. Click...
#10 Kaikoura to Christchurch - Two Hours in Christchurch City
Yen
//
December 8, 2018
After traveling in Kaikoura, I decided to head to Akaroa next. With a two hours transit in Christchurch City, I made full use of it and explored the...
#9 Discovering Kaikoura - Epic Peninsula & Crayfish Town
Yen
//
November 21, 2018
After leaving Motueka, I arrived in this lovely crayfish town, Kaikoura. Spent 3 days discovering Kaikoura and went for several mind-blowing tracks! Kinda changed my way of traveling...
#8 Let The Travel Begins - Motueka to Kaikoura
Yen
//
November 17, 2018
I was introduced to a job agent, Terry who then landed me an apple picking job in Temuka. The job starts in 10 days so I traveled from...
#6 Cycling to Kaiteriteri Beach From Motueka
Yen
//
November 3, 2018
While I was jobless in Motueka, I made sure to enjoy every single second of the week. I rented a bike, cycled all the way to Kaiteriteri Beach...
#5 Looking For A Job In Motueka - Mission Impossible?
Yen
//
October 27, 2018
Looking for a job in Motueka, New Zealand was much harder than I ever imagined. I kind of messed up but still enjoyed exploring around. See what happened!
#4 12 Hours in Nelson, A Homeless Night on Street
Yen
//
October 20, 2018
After my flight from Auckland to Nelson, things didn't go as planned. I spent a homeless 12 hours in the street and camping(?). Read to learn what happened!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About The Blog

swing abroad blog

Greetings! It’s Yen here, the guy behind this blog. Currently a university student who takes advantages of holidays for life-changing experiences abroad. Loves adventurous outdoor sports as much as street foods. Feel free to explore around!

Travel Together?

Popular Posts

things to do in new zealand
New Zealand

27 Remarkable Things To Do In New Zealand South Island

melaka street arts
Malaysia

17 Best Things To Do In Melaka – Never Miss Out No. 4!

things to see in santa cruz
USA California

21 Awesome Things To Do in Santa Cruz California in Summer!

Fun and adventurous Things to do in vang vieng laos
Laos

17 Adventurous Things To Do in Vang Vieng – Not Just Tubing!

For Backpackers

backpacking nepal

Backpacking Nepal – Explore More With This Detailed Guide!

woman on mountain peak vietnam

Backpacking Vietnam – The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need!

laos backpacking laos itinerary

Laos Backpacking Guide – Crafting Your Perfect Laos Itinerary

Travel Resources

save money while traveling

10 Legit Ways to Save Money While Traveling

swing abroad recommended gears

Recommended Gears

nikon d3500 for travel photography

Nikon D3500 For Travel Photography? Great Choice or Not?

Amazon's Best Travel Accessories Under $20

Amazon’s Best Travel Accessories Under $20

Let's Meet Elsewhere

It would be lovely to meet you at social media platforms!

Facebook Twitter
Pinterest Instagram
Wandering Journal eBook Cover

Would You Join Me On My Adventures?

I’m giving away my first ever eBook, which I know you will love it. Subscribe and let’s explore the world bit by bit together!

Now, I know everyone hates spammy emails, so do I. Rest assured, I will never spam your inbox in any way.

Travel Together?

Join me on my travels and get the latest travel ideas, guides and tips. Grab your ebook as freebie now!

More Resources:

Recommended Gears

Amazon's Travel Accessories Under $20

Start Your Own Travel Blog

Disclaimer: WanderingJournal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you. We only link to products & services we personally use or trust.
Scroll to Top
Tweet
Pin
Share
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok