GENERIC:
WHO AM I?
My name is Neville Shaun Richardson. I am known by my middle name: SHAUN.
I was born in Hertfordshire, England in 1958. In 1988 I emigrated to New Zealand.
I have a degree in Operations Research With Computing from Leeds University, England. I worked for most of my professional life as a Project Manager in the Information Technology industry.
I am now retired. My savings and investments provide me with a source of income.
I don’t qualify for a State Pension until 2023.
WHERE DO I LIVE?
I lived in a 230sqm, executive, 4 1/2 bedroom home in Paraparaumu Beach on the Kapiti Coast, New Zealand.
My home backed onto a Golf Course and the beach was 2 minutes walk away.
On the face of it, it seemed that I was in a pretty good spot – but I was not… Paraparaumu is a small town and there was nothing to do… and the weather wasn’t really good enough for enjoying all-year-round outdoor living. At best, we get 3-4 nice months each summer.
I considered moving to Wellington (our capital city) but (even though there would be a lot more to do there) the weather is worse, the cost of living is much higher, and the costs of apartments (and the associated “body corp”) put me off.
SO WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT?
It was all very nice … and, I was proud of what I had built … but it felt empty.
Something was missing … I needed to go in search of that missing cup …
IN SEARCH OF THE ACE OF CUPS
I have traveled a lot in my time. In my early / student days I went Backpacking, in my professional years I tended towards the convenience of Cruises; but, I have always tried to slot in Flashpacking where I can.
I can honestly say that I enjoyed myself the most either Backpacking or Flashpacking. I have never really been a Package Holiday type person. I know what I am … I’m a GRANDPA who goes flashpacking.
… I call this GRANDPAcking …
… and I know that I can travel to and holiday in some beautiful places around the world on less than it is costing me to stay at home and do nothing …
SO, I FORMULATED MY PLAN …