Brian Gibb

Growing up in a small surfing town in New Zealand I was constantly meeting travelers from all over the world. I could never grasp why they seemed so easy and care free.  Each traveler I met made my urge to live in their world grow more and more. Fortunately, when I was younger I was lucky enough to travel through Fiji, Australia, Thailand, British Columbia and the USA with my family. The second my feet touched back on NZ soil I was off traveling this little island. Seeing so much beauty that NZ had to offer I became compelled to find out what the rest of the world had for me.

In 2008, I couldn’t wait any longer I quit my job and flew off to Thailand. I had been to Thailand before so I knew it would be smart to make no plans at all for this trip (That was the second best choice I’ve made in my life). While traveling through Chiang Mai I stumbled across most of the Free and Easy leaders off duty. In a haze of awesome conversations and copious buckets I knew I had found my people. Rather than going back to New Zealand in May I joined up for a 40 day trip. (That was the first best choice I’ve made in my life). From that trip I made friends in minutes that ill keep for life. Everyday I’ve spent in Asia has blown my expectations out of the water.

In April 2009, I moved to Chiang Mai for a month to learn how to speak Thai at the CMU. I loved heading out after class and messing around with all the local Thai’s (I still haven’t had a serious convo with a Thai!). Thailand is an awe-inspiring country, although I have to say that it’s the people that make the country. From the toothless old lady trying to sell a necklace to the little kid who wants to help you for the sake of being helpful. It is this beautiful nature the Thai people have that will see me coming back year after year.

I’m lucky enough now to be helping spread the Free and Easy cheer through New Zealand by asking Kiwis to join us in paradise. As of 2010 I will also be leading groups through SE Asia so I’m pretty stoked for the year to come.

The Thais, frisbee, $1 beers and I will be waiting for you!