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Lake Taupo . . . . Let's Freefall!!
Written on: Thursday January 24th, 2008
A journal entry from: Round the World in 172 days . . .
We've been in Taupo for a night and the first afternoon, we sussed out the area spent more time in internet cafe's (and here we are again! So dedicated to our readers!!) and then found ourselves stuck in a shed!! This was actually a bar near the lake itself where we stopped for a quick refreshment and then the sun came out, so we ended up chilling and having a few more jugs of beer than first intended!! We had a lovely chat and a cool time!
After a patchy night sleep, as the hostel was quite loud, we got up and I (Kaori)booked for myself to do a skydive! 12,000 feet. I felt really nervous for a while and then once I got to the place I felt, even when I was in the plane on the way up! Considering I was the last one in and obviously going to be the first one out I was feeling very calm! Then the door opened, my bare feet were hanging out of the plane and one, two . . . gone!! What happened to three??!! It was the weirdest feeling for the first few seconds as I was trying to shout but nothing was coming out, or atleast I couldn't hear myself!! The freefall lasted about 40 seconds and then the parachute was pulled and we slowly descending and boy was it peaceful! Unfortuntately, I felt a bit motion sick from the spinning during the freefall, so didn't enjoy the last part as much as I'd hoped - great rush though and I'm so glad I did it!! I do have a DVD, but can't upload it for you to see, so there's some photo's attached to give you an idea . . . .
From Jacqui and Linda on Jan 25th, 2008
I can't believe how much you've done and written in the last few days. NZ looks fantastic and seems like you've made some great friends, didn't you know all 39 year old female graphic designers are cool!! Keep that adrenalin topped up. Can't wait to read the next bit. Lots of love to you both.xxxx
From Trewsey on Jan 25th, 2008
hey guys, i can't believe how much you've done!! i'm reliving every moment of my NZ trip with you as i read what you've been up to, i can smell rotorua again, i can feel the rush of the sky dive, and hear the silence of the caves (was too scared to do the black labyrinth so just went to see the glow worms!)so pleased you're having an awesome time. miss you, lots of love xx
From Nanna on Jan 25th, 2008
WOW! Sky-diving no less, good for you, didn't you go as well James? It seems every day you are doing such a variety of things, and staying in every type of accommodation, that nothing will be strange to you any more.You will want us to send you a refill of adrenaline next! Love XX
From Dad on Jan 25th, 2008
Well done Kaori,well impressed !.James,didnt you fancy a bit of free fall surfing ?.I reckon you will be up for it before the six months is up.Still with all the other stuff that your doing,why jump out of an aeroplane.Great photos of you Kaori,good arm spread,a natural !.xx
From Gill Mum on Jan 25th, 2008
Well Wow what can I say just bloody fantastic and we're stuck here in cold and miserable Norfolk. It all looks so amazing ans well done Kaori for Sky diving a memory that you will never forget. Do you have to wear nappies cos I think I would have to of done. James where were you your turn next... The caves awesome what a memory you two will never forget. Anyway untill I look again in the next hour and Yvonne where are you no comment yet your slacking and Hi everyone i Harpenden xx love you both xxxxxx
From Ails on Jan 25th, 2008
Hi Guys - I have just got back and have tried to catch up on your whole month so far (although to be honest as I am still a bit jet laggy I did just skim read a lot of it). It sounds like you are having a great time and doing loads of stuff. I can't believe you got so daring!! I will have to send you a facebook message with some Thailand tips but it was great - you will love it. Bear that smell of eggs you were talking about in mind though - cos it is quite common there Although by that point, living out of a ruck sack - you will probably pong a bit yourselves (however if morris packed your toiletry bag I am sure you will have enough soap to keep even an OCD person clean and happy!!). Take care guys - Karl got me onto this so hopefully I will be able to rememebr how to get on all by myself and keep up to date with the next 5 months xx
From Sue, Ian & Molly (remember us? on Jan 27th, 2008
Sorry, Karl has ONLY just given me the blog address. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time - just read up to date from beginning (not much going on in Worthing on a Sunday). Glad to see you made Coyote Ugly - didn't dance on the bar then?? Things quiet here in Worthing, however it must be said that Karl's regular Friday night crack smoking and swinging parties have certainly livened everything up - especially for Jenny! Ian's also a little bit confused that a FOR SALE has gone up outside your house. He wanted to ask Karl what was going on but he was too busy reading the new Porsche brochure. Will keep watching and reading - lots of love S, I & Mxx PS. Ian asked that when you get to OZ can you get him a didgeridoo or a koala not sure what he wants to do with either as he has not mastered your guitar yet. Jenny wants a hat with corks and I just want you to have stacks of fun!
From Yvonne on Jan 27th, 2008
Well done Kaori! Don't blame you for staying on the ground James, I got motion sickness on a pedalo! I bet that was a long 40 seconds! Lots of love! XXX There you go Gill, I'm back! X
From Mum&Dad on Jan 27th, 2008
Well that was fantastic skydiving Kaori very breathtaking stuff can't wait to see the DVD.Great shots James!You're going to make a great photographer!!Just keep having agreat time & take it all in.Love to you bothxxxxxx
From Julie and Mick on Jan 28th, 2008
Hi Kaori and James It certainly sounds as though you are making the most of what's on offer down there. We keep wondering what is coming next. There can't be many more things to do on the activities side! Keep on having a great time. Not long now before we are off on our hols. Love Julie and Mick xx
From amy hall on Feb 1st, 2008
Love the hat, he he!!! I am gutted I didnt get to wear one of those on my sky dive! It all sounds sooo cool,wish I was out there with you guys. Miss you, Love Amz xxx