There and Back Again: A College Tale

On Friday, Kristi, Kendrick, Chandler and I took a break from studying and drove three hours to Taupo to cross something very exciting off our bucket lists.  We went bungy (or bungee) jumping. Bungy jumping was first commercialised in New Zealand in 1988 near Queenstown in the South Island, and since 1991, over 350,000 people have jumped at Taupo Bungy in the North Island. Yesterday, I joined that number of brave souls and experienced the thrill of a lifetime.  At Taupo, jumpers fall 47 metres (51 yards) before reaching the Waikato River below, making it the highest "water-touch" bungy jump in New Zealand. (Although, I didn't get to touch the water. I don't weigh enough, and it was kinda chilly the morning of the jump.) The facility is highly professional, and the likelihood of injury is very, very slim. Bungy jumping is completely safe, given the jumper is healthy and has no previous injuries.  We originally decided to do this when we found tickets o...

This past week, I visited the Young family in Sydney Australia. Here are the day-by-day details of my trip! Brace yourself for a rather long post! Friday, October 16th I took an overnight bus from Massey to Auckland. The ride was around eight hours total, although it felt much longer. I was able to sleep a little, which was nice, since my flight left at 9:00 on Saturday morning.  When I wasn't sleeping, I was studying a little for my upcoming exams.  (Honestly, that's probably what I should be doing right now instead of writing this.) The top of the double-decker bus was packed, and it swaying back and forth was a little scary.  Saturday, October 17th The bus arrived in Auckland at around 6:00 AM, and I made it to Auckland International at 7:00, via shuttle bus. Travelling by myself made me feel like such a responsible adult! Other than the flights to New Zealand and a bus ride or two, this was the first major "solo traveling" I've done. I'm actua...

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.  You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet,  there's no knowing where you might be swept off to. - JRRT This past weekend, I went on an adventure. This isn't one of the grand, outdoorsy adventures I've been on so far on my trip. (Let's face it. It doesn't get much grander than living out of a camper van for ten days.) In fact, this adventure took me to the most touristy, most anticipated spot in the North Island of New Zealand. This weekend, I went to Hobbiton; the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and the other half-lings from the popular book and movie series The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.  Disclaimer: I haven't actually read the LOTR books. I did read The Hobbit in high school and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have seen the movies, mostly because my boyfriend's family is a little obsessed with all things Tolkien, and with good reason. (Love y'all, Hoot...