A change in mood and direction.

What a horrible week it has been. On Tuesday one of the keepers who were supposed to be exchanging jobs with us called Phil to say they have accepted full time jobs elsewhere and so the whole thing is off. This is despite them knowing about all the planning we have done, rehousing/selling our variety of pets, packing, tidying and not to mention, purchasing two one way tickets to New Zealand! We are too disappointed to be angry, but it is hard to think nice thoughts about these people anymore.

So what do we do from here? Things are still up in the air and we really haven't been able to get our heads around it all as yet. One possibility so far is going to Auckland Zoo instead. Hamilton Zoo was going to get in contact with them to fill them in on the events and maybe fast track a similar exchange with a couple of keepers there. This sounds ideal, but we are not too hopeful about this one as yet. Another option is to go as planned anyway, and get work when we are over there. We have the air tickets and the time off from our jobs here, it would be a waste not to use this opportunity. There regularly seems to be jobs going at the zoos over there so there is a good chance we will find work at some stage and just travel around in the meantime. Even if one of us got zoo work somewhere, the other will be able to get some other job in tourism or conservation.

It makes me feel better to remember that this recent challenge is keeping in line with the whole purpose of the journey, which was to go on an adventure and a learning experience. It had been a very smooth road up to this point, but we weren't expecting anything this challenging at this late stage of preparations. As opportunities arise, decisions made and plans unfold, you will be duly kept informed.

It is no disgrace to start all over. It is usually an opportunity.(George Matthew Adams)

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