Just kidding...I'm not done yet!

I went on a long run this morning, probably my last run until I get back to Philly on Thursday and realized that I have more to say (is anyone surprised?) I apologize for the pics and entries that may seem a bit repetitive. Since I can't bring my phone camera sky diving or in the water you're basically stuck with what I see walking around and it seems that a lot of my days are pretty repetitive themselves. Now that I've been in NZ and OZ for 10 weeks, I admit it might all be blending together.

First, a pet peeve. New Zealand and Australia join England and drive on the "other" side of the road. The same follows for walking, biking, running and basically anything where 2 people or vehicles are moving in opposite directions. I'm very used to this now...so much so that I'm worried about crossing the street when I get home to the States. So, if I can figure out this system I would like to know why people from here can't handle it. If I'm running on the left side of the trail and you see me coming towards you MOVE to your left side of the trail. If I were a car would you just let me drive head-on into you?

Next, I don't think I did a good job explaining exactly what river surfing was like yesterday. I want you all to understand why it was the most unenjoyable activity I've ever willingly subjected myself to (and paid for nonetheless!).

Here goes. First, we got suited up in 10mm wetsuits and booties (because it's freezing cold water). On top of that we got a life jacket, a helmet and flippers. I pretty much waddled like a penguin. It was hot. I had a gold helmet which is pretty cool but I was a bit jealous of Evan's magenta one. Then we were handed our body board. Literally it's that 3ft long foam board you use to ride waves at the beach.

Next we got a lesson on how to enter the water, exit the water, and go the proper direction (easy, they say, just point your board where you want to go and kick). And off we went. Let me say, I am a strong swimmer and, from running, my legs are pretty strong but I could point my board any which way I wanted and kick for my life and I was not getting anywhere with that board that the river didn't feel like taking me. Rapids, cool. Whirlpools, awesome. Huge rocks and rock cliffs coming at me, no, not cool. On top of that we were in a group of about 11 people so just when you think you might be getting somewhere a clump of people would come flying towards you, turn you around and make it impossible to kick or get unstuck. So the guide yelling "point right and kick" or "downstream and left" was virtually meaningless until I drifted into him and he physically got me to the right place. Please tell me what part of that sounds fun.

And now I'm waiting for Courtney and Evan to return from bungy. I have dreams of Ferg burgers for dinner (NZ's most famous burgers) and I hope they're sharing my dream once they get back from hanging upside down all day.

Don't worry, I'm still not done...I realized I haven't properly discussed airport layovers so stay tuned for that!