Nathan

I have always had a passion for travelling. After finishing high school in 2007 I was welcomed to the work force with less than ideal circumstances. This was the beginning of the recession. And me wanting to become a builder turned out to be quite a task. I managed to find about 7 months of building work straight out of school, but this quickly dried up after the builder I was working for, had several jobs dry up for him. This was the case for many people at that time. I decided to go back to a factory I worked in during my school holidays. I was working for a company called Bean Supreme. They specialised in making tofu and vegetarian sausages. The company has since grown into an international company selling in several countries. But in those days, it was hard yaka and long hours!
I’m not quite sure what did it, but I decided I needed to leave the country and do something with my life. I found a school in Thailand through a friend of mine, and sent them an email, asking them if they needed help with any building work, or general help around the place.
The http://www.bambooschool.org was my first over seas experience and the start of my passion for helping others through volunteer work. I spent 6 months in total in Thailand during 2009. I have since then had a massive heart for helping others. I found a building apprenticeship soon after I returned to New Zealand and locked my self in to 4 years of hard work to finish that. In the mean time I helped out at my local church with the children’s program called Pathfinders which I enjoyed immensely and it really helped me feel like I was being a helpful hand in my community. I have recently finished my apprenticeship and am now ready to travel the world!
My goal on this trip is to meet interesting people, share ideas, become an open minded person and a positive influence on those I meet. The trip has just begun, but already I have met some amazing people and had some epic experiences! Travelling is the spice of life!!

Matthew

After finishing school I worked a few odd jobs. I went to camp America and met some really cool people. They encouraged me to go to Europe. I was quite keen on the idea. Then I spoke to Nathan after getting back to New Zealand, and he was very keen on travelling through South East Asia. So after several months of planning we are now here.

Ian

I am a 25 year old retired banker.