A post-luging update from Rotorua

So I finally got my pictures uploaded from my camera to my external hard drive... and wouldn't you know, now I can't upload pics from my hard drive to my blog! Gah. I will be very happy when I become reunited with my computer.

Speaking of my computer, do you want to know something funny? The computer will arrive in Lower Hutt this week. Guess how much my credit card was charged for to FedEx it (economy rate)? TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE DOLLARS AND SIX CENTS. Holy crap. I honestly just have to laugh at it, because the other alternative is to cry, and really, what fun is that? SOOOO expensive. I will keep it very very close to me for the rest of the trip, I can assure you that! Haha.

So I'm writing this post from the Base Hot Rocks backpackers in Rotorua. I spent the afternoon luging with a group of 6 or 7 Kiwi Exp bus friends, and actually managed to successfully record a video of an entire luge run down the advanced track from my makeshift "helmet cam" (which just consisted of my own regular camera, heavily taped to the front of my helmet with maple leaf print packing tape).

Oh, what do you know? This computer JUST recognized that I wanted to upload pics... SO SLOW! Haha. Here's one of us luging earlier this afternoon:


Anyway, I just noticed the time. We're heading out to our Tamaki tours evening in about 20 minutes so I'd better run. I need to get spruced up for the big event! I'm sure I will take heaps of pictures. My camera battery is charging up in my hostel room as we speak.

Thanks again for all the blog comments, guys. I will continue to update with pics as often as I can! I took some amazing scenic shots at Cathedral Cove yesterday so would love to share a couple of those when I have the time.

Cheerio until tomorrow!

We came.... we zorbed and swooped.... we conquered!

I'm back from a fantastically adventurous and exhausting weekend in Rotorua with Jude, Julia, and Grace. We met up with Grace's friend Jay at the Zorb and spent the rest of the day with him zorbing, swooping, luging, etc. We spent lots of money but saw lots of awesome sights and had lots of extremely entertaining and memorable bonding experiences. I'll do a post of some other pics from Taupo and area later, but for now here are the adventure photo highlights from our picture CDs ($50 NZ worth! Hahaha):

The Zorb ball at the bottom of the hill

Jude and Julia after their ride in the Zorb

Jay, Grace, and I give a thumbs up to Zorbing!

I'm screaming as I pull the rip cord at the Swoop. All 3 of us proceed to scream for the entire free-fall.

Headfirst.... what a view!

The bluriness of the background, Jay's screaming face, and Grace clutching Jay's arm say it all.

Once the initial "pee-your-pants" moment subsided, we were able to enjoy the ride and pretend we were flying.

All in all a great weekend! As Jay put it, it was a "sweet as Saturday" (and yes, that's sweet AS. One 's.' The kiwis say it all the time... basically it means really sweet. This also works for sayings such as "That joke was funny as" or "That test was easy as"). Yep, our trip to Rotorua was sweet as!

More updates to come later. Don't be surprised if the blogging is a bit lacking this week, as I am doing my first week of sole charge (i.e. teaching all of Stephen's classes) this week. Things are CRAZY around here. That being said, I need to get to bed. I've got lots to do tomorrow and I need all the sleep I can get, especially since I've still got this ridiculous cold! Must rest. Until next time, cheers! (Oh, and wish me luck for tomorrow.... WYC is singing my arrangement of God Defend New Zealand and O Canada, and I'm conducting!!!!)

Kiwi road trip time!

Kia ora! Grace, Jude, Julia and I are all heading off on our weekend road trip extravaganza to Taupo and Rotorua, the latter being the home of the infamous "Swoop" and "Zorb" today after school/work! YAY!!!! Grace and I have been planning this trip for months, and it's finally happening! Stay tuned for some hilariously fun and adventurous pictures from our weekend.

Stephen and I just had the most ridiculous and unstoppable giggle fit in the staff lounge whilst marking Year 13 harmony exams. It was SO funny though, and I even said to him (between gasps for air, tears, and outbursts of laughter) that "my mother would really appreciate this right now...." It was hilarious, and we were both being so silly that we could hardly look at each other while we were talking without bursting out in laughter again. Oy! SO funny. I am SO happy that he's my co-op teacher. What a great guy.

I should jet here. Take care everyone, and think of me on Saturday afternoon (Friday night at home) as I soar through the sky on Rotorua's "Swoop" and get sloshed around down a hill in a big giant ball known as the "Zorb." I reckon it will be a fun time with good mates.... add another one to my list of kiwi adventures!!!!

Much love!