Greetings

Hello Everyone!

I hope you enjoyed some of the pictures. I can't wait until I can upload all of them. I feel as though my writing doesn't do it justice. We're reaching the end of our New Zealand trip and I'm having a hard time with it. I fell in love with this place! We made so many great friends and most of them are heading to the South island right now. We only have 10 days here, which is just enough time to travel through the North island. However, I've heard that the South island is even more breathtaking and gorgeous than the North. So, you know what that means. Looks like I'll have to come back some day.

On Tuesday, we signed up for the Tongariro Crossing. It's currently Friday and I'm still sore. We were picked up at 5:30 a.m. and taken to the middle of nowhere to start our trek up and over the volcanic mountain. I figured it would be a challenge, but I didn't expect that we'd literally be climbing rocks to reach the top. Top that with the fact that we were in shorts and COMPLETELY frozen and you have one hell of a bad mixture. After a few hours, curse words and serious contemplation about turning around, we reached the summit. I couldn't feel my limbs, but the view was amazing. We were surrounded by volcanic rocks and we got a close-up view of the crater. This bad boy blew up in 1995 and once more in 2007 so it all still looked relatively fresh.

What goes up must come down - unfortunately. I didn't think I'd make it, but we climbed (fell) down the mountain and came out in the midst of a rainforest. The total hike was about 12 miles and took us about 7 hours. Exhausting. Just wait until I post pictures of the hills and stairs that we had to climb. We spent about two to three hours hiking up stairs and hills. Talk about a work out.

That night, we were all pretty sore so we found ourselves a bar stool and drank our pain away. Don't worry Mom and Dad, it's legal here. I've found a few Australian beers that I thoroughly enjoy :) No one has heard of Budweiser so we have to make do. And, oh yeah, Fosters is NO WHERE to be found. Australian for beer? I think not.

On Wednesday, we left Taupo and headed for River Valley. Try looking that town up on a map and I'm guessing you won't find it. To get to River Valley, we took winding roads through the New Zealand country side and saw our fair share of sheep and cows. Iowa all over again - except I much rather prefer this landscape. Call me my father's daughter but I love looking at the mountains, volcanoes and rolling hills that surround every city here.

Once we reached River Valley, we had to walk about 20 minutes down the side of a mountain to reach our hostel. It rested in the valley of the mountains and was accessible only via foot. There was NOTHING around us - just a hostel and a bar. It was pretty cool to be disconnected from the world, though. I felt as though I was at summer camp. We had a great home cooked meal at the hostel - just like Mom would have made. After backpacking for days, it was nice to enjoy real food. Since there was no one around and nothing to do, we hung out with everyone on our bus and had a good time. Took a late night swim in the river and passed out early.

The next morning we woke up and went white water rafting! Since the hostel was located near the river bed, they were known for their white water rafting trips. It was sweet. The river was sandwiched between tall mountains and we rafted our way down some Grade 5 rapids. I had a little accident and ended up hitting my knee pretty hard. No worries, though. Bruises and scars are the best souvenirs.

We left River Valley on Thursday around 2 p.m. and headed into Wellington, which is New Zealand's capital city. But, before we reached Wellington, we made a pit stop at a waterfall and got to jump off of it. Standing at the top of a waterfall and staring down 35 feet was almost scarier than sky diving. But, we did it becuase we are the 'outgoing Americans.' We've made a name for ourselves. Not many Americans make it down this way so we're trying to set a solid image of USA. We're loud, fun, crazy and we know how to party. I think it sums us up well :)

I'm fascinated with everyone else. They know so much about our country, especially our politics. I can't count how many times I've been asked who I voted for. As soon as anyone finds out your from USA, the next series of questions usually goes like this:

• Where in the US?
• Iowa - that's in the Midwest right? By Chicago?
• You like New Zealand so far? Don't see many Americans down here.
• Who did you vote for?
• Obama? Good choice. Good man.

After meeting all of these amazing people, I can't wait to travel more. There are great places filled with great people out there and America is nowhere near as exciting. This trip has opened up my eyes. I want to see the world!

Once we reached Wellington, we noticed that this city was booming with nightlife. The Sevens were in town. If you're into Rugby, you'll know that this is like the Rugby 'superbowl' and people were partying until wee hours of the morning. The bars were packed and people were going NUTS! Plus, it was also Beth's 21st birthday! So, needless to say, we had an excellent time and met some sweet locals.

After three hours of sleep last night, we left Wellington early this morning, said goodbye to our friends who are headed for the South island and started our journey back North to Auckland. We are currently in Taupo - again. And, tomorrow we'll reach Auckland. We're taking it easy today and I'm hoping to get some laundry done. I've been living out of a backpack for the past 8 days, and I'm having a hard time being away from my hair products and fashion clothing. No worries, though. I wouldn't trade this trip for anything.

On a side note, I have about 70 pictures and a video of our skydiving trip. Hopefully, once we reach Auckland and I get my laptop back, I'll try and post it. I was the first to dive and the video is wicked sweet. I'm still on a natural high from that free fall. This goes out to EVERYONE - you have to do it at least once.

Our flight leaves early on Sunday morning and by Sunday afternoon, we'll be in Newcastle, Australia. We've got three nights booked at a hostel and we'll have to start our apartment search as soon as we get into town. We're crossing our fingers that we can find a sweet pad near the beach. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

That's about it. I'll leave you with some interesting tidbits that I've picked up. Miss you all!

• Yes, the toilets flush the other way. And, instead of flushing, you have the option of pressing one of two buttons. One button is for when you 'wee' and the other is for - well, you know. They take water conservation very seriously here.
• Regular coffee is nowhere to be found. You either order a short white, cappuccino or a latte.
• Grocery stores have no 'quick meals'. Since the lifestyle is very easy going, there are no such things as Lunchables or 'meals to go'.
• Yes, they have McDonalds, Subway and KFC down here. But, no Starbucks :(
• Most cafes and restaurants are open-air and have half of their seating on patios outside. They are very quaint.
• The US dollar is going very far right now. If you exchange $100 USD, you get about $190 New Zealand dollars. Sweet as, mate.
• I have yet to find good-tasting orange juice, and the candy selection is limited.
• Since New Zealand has a lot of volcanoes, some of the cities smell like sulfur or rotten eggs and steam often rises from under the ground, as there are natural hot springs throughout the land.
• There are more sheep than people here.
• Hostels are co-ed. Yep, it was interesting when we found that one out.
• I've almost been hit by several cars, as I'm not used to looking the opposite way when I cross streets.
• There are no animals here. Before humans inhabited the land, there were only wild birds. Now, there are just bugs and birds - and some spiders. Sick.

Still loving it. The next time I post, hopefully there will be some sweet pictures, too.

No worries, mate.
XOXO, Jennifer