Ringing in the New Year

Hey everyone,

I thought I would buzz in with an update. Paul and I have finally started our exchange after a few weeks of checking out the south island. Upon arriving back to Auckland, we were picked up from the airport by our primary contact in New Zealand, Rob Pigeon. After barbecuing and "hosting" us the only way he knows how to do to Americans, we knew the exchange had officially started. The next morning, he drove us around a bit detailing the history of some parts, and then he drove us to meet up with our contact from Orewa, Faran Turner. Paul and I found it rather odd that the meeting place was in front of a bungy jumping business. That's when we learned we would be bungy jumping! We went ahead, hiked up the bridge and proceeded to jump off with a child-like enthusiasm.

Once we were done with bungy jumping, Faran took us back to his place where we would spend a few nights before going off to Omaha. Faran could not have been a better host as he made sure we were set in both sleeping arrangements, but food and other basic supplies as well. He took us to a local water park where we went down some slides and healed up in the hot tub. We worked our first day at Orewa, and we got our first taste of being in an IRB. After a few days there, we were off to Omaha with Jason Wood taking over for Faran.

We have been in Omaha for a few days now, and we really couldn't ask for anything better. Jason has been great driving us around, taking us out to some cliffs to jump off of and making sure we rang the new year in properly. We had a giant feast with his friends and family before we went back to the surf club to celebrate the upcoming year. Jason gave me the grand pleasure of operating the IRB, and I warned him that it was his funeral. I was doing alright outside of the break, so he encouraged me to try going through some waves. He told me that it was the closest he had ever gone to flipping over without actually doing so, so I could have been worse I suppose. We're going to get another chance to work tomorrow, so hopefully we'll get some more training in the IRB before heading off to Whangerei Heads the following day. Our stay at Omaha will be capped by going to a concert tomorrow night. Can't wait!

We will post some pictures so you can see Paul and me in action bungy jumping and doing other recreational Kiwi activities. Until next time, look right then left before crossing the street!

Cheers,

Taylor

Queenstown

Queenstown is like if those extreme sports guys from Harold and Kumar go to Whitecastle founded a town. There are energy drinks on tap at the restaurants and they will put a bungee on absolutely anything that moves. We have tried to avoid the adrenaline junkies for the most part and found some amazing hikes and day trips. The Fiordland National Park is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It puts Big Sur, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Na Pali coast all to shame. Check it.

Christchurch

Christchuch is rich in history but also raw with the pain of recent devastating earthquakes. It is a city in a state of rebirth that is thriving but still has a long way to go. Much of the downtown area is closed off for demolition and reconstruction. It's interesting though as they rebuild they are making it much more bicycle friendly with dedicated lanes and free public bike stands with pumps, tools, etc. Many of the original businesses from downtown have reopened in modified shipping containers because their buildings are still red-tagged. I guess that is the downside of historic architecture. We learned that lesson in Santa Cruz too. Some highlights included the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum and the beaches around New Brighton.

We're here!

Taylor and I have arrived safely in NZ! After a quick one night stay in Auckland we decided to jet down and visit the South Island before we begin patrol in two weeks. We're staying in Christchurch for a couple days and then plan on moving on and checking out the amazing mountains and fjords down here. I'll post some pictures of cool stuff whenever we can track down the elusive and mysteriously expensive species known as the New Zealand wifi connection.

Cheers mates!

Paul