14000 feet over the Ocean

 

YUP, I just jumped from a plane 14,000 feet over the Ocean. It was by far the most amazing experience of my entire life and I can not wait to go again. absolutely wonderful. The fact that I’m afraid of heights should tell you how much I truly enjoyed this.

 

Rewind to Friday. We decided to keep it a low key night because no one wanted to jump out of a plane hung-over. We all trekked down the the local sushi restaurant, like we do every Friday, to get our dose of rice and raw fish. We were all pretty exhausted, so we came back after and all fell asleep watching a movie.

 

My alarm went off at 6:30, and I moved as quietly around the room as I could, so I wouldn’t wake Meg. I tossed on gym clothes, slapped on some mascara, and grabbed my bag (I had packed it the night before so I wouldn’t make noise). We all headed out to the circle to wait for the van that was picking us up.

 

Once we boarded the van, the driver handed up a bunch of forms to fill out, aka I signed my life away. It was about an hour drive to the place, so you know I fell back to sleep. I woke up again as we were pulling off the highway, just in time to see the SKYDIVE Byron Bay sign.

 

When we got there, we had our forms check over, paid, and then they told us they were going to take us the Byron Bay for a few hours, because they were running behind schedule.  We were stoked on the idea because none of us had eaten breakfast. It rained the entire time we were walking around time, so I was definitely a little nervous that we were not going to be able to jump. I decided it would be a good idea to do something to take my mind off freefalling out of a plane, so piercing my nose it was!! No pictures yet, lo siento, pero it was so quick I was amazed. In and out in the time it took my friend to eat a kebab. Once we finished that adventure we just wandered around town and bck to the bus. Thankfully it was sunny rain the whole time, and by the time they came back to get us it had stopped raining!!

 

Once back at the skydiving place, we all lounged around on the couches for about another hour, waiting for it to be our turn. Everyone wrote things on their hands (mostly “I’m sorrys” so the parents) so that  they could show it to the camera while diving. They finally called our names around 2:30 and we all looked at each other and realized that this was actually happening. We went over to the prep area and got handed some sweet red pants to put on. They were the same material as a windbreaker, aka windbreaker pants.

After the pants, we were each given a harness, and the divers we were tandeming with came around and strapped each of us in. We practiced both the position for exiting the plane and the position for landing, and then hopped into this rickety small little thing.

 

 

They fit about 15 people in that plane, which is shocking, but when you consider the fact that we were all literally sitting on top of each other. The man that was strapped to my back was incredible and made me so much more at ease. When we were up in the plane, he kept taking my harness off my shoulders and joking that I was going to fall out. I know that shouldn’t put me ease, but his laid back personality made me totally trust him.

 

The flight up was beautiful. It took a lot longer than expected. Apparently 14,000 feet is a lot higher than I thought. I was surprised at how calm I was the entire ride up. I was really expecting to be freaking out and considering not going, but it never crossed my mind. I think I was just so excited, I didn’t give myself time to be scared.

 

When we reached 14,000 feet, the door opened and that’s when my heart started to pound a little bit. We were in the middle of a cloud, so all you could see was whiteness all around. Erin was the first to go, and as I watched her roll out of the plane the only thing that went though my head was “it was nice knowing her”. So scary. Roxanne went next. the look on her face combined with her reaching for the doorframe made me a little nervous, but before I knew it she was out and I was being scooted forward so I could roll out.

 

As you roll out, you lean your head back on your tandems shoulder, but my head was there way before even reaching the edge of the plane. I knew I would freak out if I looked down, so I kept my head back and rolled. The first 15 seconds were literally the weirdest yet most incredible seconds of my life. I was screaming at the top of my lungs the entire time. Free fall was amazing, yet the strangest sensation. We were jumping through a cloud, so the raindrops felt like hail on my skin. I probably should have worn long sleeves. Next time. Once we cleared the cloud, all I could see was the ocean and the beach. It was a sight that I will literally never forget. After freefall for 60 seconds, I saw the parachutes of the other girls come out, so I knew mine was coming soon. When the parachute opened we actually went higher and stopped falling for a few seconds. The rest of the flight down was incredible. We spun in circles for a little bit,  and he let me maneuver the parachute.

 

It probably took about 5 minutes to get to the ground, but it was the best 5 minutes. I wish I could have gone again immediately. The people at SKYDIVE  Byron Bay were so friendly and calming. When we were back on the ground taking our stuff off, the women helping us came up and gave us huge hugs of congratulations. We all ran straight out of the place to call our parents and let them know we were alive. Once we finished confirming life, we went back inside to look at videos and pictures, which were hilarious.

 

I’m so so sooooooooo glad that I went skydiving. I would have regretted it forever had I backed out. We’ve already planned a skydive Newport reunion for when we get back to the states!!

Down Down Undahhhh

 

 

 Hello lovies!!! Oh I’ve missed hearing about all of your crazy lives. Mine has been crazy hectic lately, between classes and traveling, I’ve barely had time to check my email!!

 

Thursday night I boarded a massive double-decker bus to travel 9 hours to SYDNEY!! I found this bossy piece at a health food store in town and knew it needed to be included in my bus snacks.

 

mmmm larabar goodness in Australia. finally!

After popping 2 Tylenol PM’s, I was pretty much out for the count. I got off the bus at each rest stop to stretch my legs, but as a whole I pretty much slept the entire time, which was awesome. The only 2 things that got me through it was

A. knowing I was NOT taking the bus back

and

B. Tylenol PM

 

Once we arrived and checked into the hostel, it was time for some Sydney exploring. Guess what i just stumbled upon…

 

yup, I touched the Sydney Opera House. After staring in awe for awhile, it was time for tourist attraction number two.

 

The Sydney Harbor Bridge.

 

And yes, I did splurge and spend the too much money to climb to the top. Which basically means I was standing right next to the, flags at the top! It was one of the most amazing experiences, and I’m so glad I didn’t let my fear of heights get in the way of me doing the climb. The only scary part was the wood on the way out. I just do not trust wood to walk on that high above the ground. game steel baby.

 

To celebrate the magnificent climb, we headed over to the oldest brewery in Sydney for some ice cold brews. I chose a pint of the 3 sheets

 

It was really good and so refreshing on such a hot hot day. Quality beer makes such a difference taste wise. I was wish a bunch of girls who don’t like beer (blasphemy I know!) but they liked this one. I’m pretty sure anyone who says they don’t like beer just hasn’t had a good one yet.

 

The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around the city, exploring and snapping way too many pictures( if there is such a thing). We lost track of time, and had to race back to the hostel in order to be ready for dinner in time. The whole crew headed over to a bar for dinner and drinks, but unfortunately it was so dark the pictures are just awful. I’ll just let you know I had the most tasteless pasta and some very tasty (free) beers. Got to love all inclusive trips

 

We were up pretty early the next morning because we were headed out to the Blue Mountains for a hike. We walked down to the kitchen to see what breakfast was, and I was disgusted to see an entire table covered in McDonalds mcmuffins of all sorts. I bee lined to the 7/11 next door and ended up with a nice apple and some granola, and the crisis was averted. phew

 

The roomie and I woke up Monday morning craving coffee out of a mug. They only give it to us in takeout cups on campus, and there really is nothing like drinking coffee out of a mug. We set out to find a coffee shop that was going to indulge us, and sure enough there was one right around the corner.

the roomies lovely latte in a mug!!

 

Despues de cafe, we set out to get lost around the city once more. Found this hilarious sign at a local coffee shop

Start my heart puhlease!

A few more from the wandering of the day

check out the colors on the bird!

beautiful planters in the middle of the city

 

I had a rather uneventful plane ride home. I took my first attempt at Sudoku, and failed miserably. Numbers and I are just not meant to be. OH WELL. I’ll stick to muh crosswords thx.

 

 

Tuesday I woke up and did something I have not done since arriving in Australia.

 

OATS IN A JAR!!

 

I took this puppy, and filled it with

• oat bran
• a few drops of stevia
• a chopped green apple
• and a spoon

yum

 

It’s been a  snacky sort of day, so I munched on this pear a few hours later.

 

 

Followed a little while later by these gems I found at the dollar store.

 

They are spicy and just delish. And you can’t beat the fact that they’re a dollah!

 

I know I’ve been awful at keeping up on eats lately, but life here has gotten crazy busy and exciting. Just know that it’s been a lot of pears, a lot of salad and the occasionally veggie sushi. I promise I’ll get better at picturas soon, but unfortunately as I’m eating from a dining hall, the food pretty much looks the same every time. There are only so many ways for me to make the same sushi roll look different!!

 

This weekend is going to be spent here, doing wayyyy too much homework, so you may see me a little more often than you have been because, well, I LOVE to procrastinate

 

adios chicassssssssss

Whitsundays=PARADISE

 

This may be the longest EEB post to date, so prepare yourselves!

 

 

Well I swear my boat didn’t sink and I’m still here!! I think we should start back with Wednesday, because I’m pretty sure that’s the last time I saw all of you (if you can really ‘see’ fellow bloggers).

 

I woke up and had this lovely little pear, eaten in the dark because the roomie was still sleeping.

 

 

Went to class, stopped and got breakfast on the way back.

Enter the only thing I like from my cafeteria muesli.

     

 

They even gave me a strawberry, which I’m pretty sure on the menu they call a ‘fruit compote’. Pretty lame compote if you ask me!

 

I wish I could say I ate a lot of great things and did a lot of great things on Wednesday, but it was pretty much spent sitting at a computer in the library busting out my paper.I had a yummy pumpkin focaccia sandwich, eaten while attempting to make it look like I wasn’t eating in the library (no food allowed!!). The only thing worthy of a picture was this SPECTACULAR carrot cake from the cafe. I figured after spending 2 days straight in the library, I deserved a little treat  

 

The carrot cake was moist (ew what a gross word) and the cream cheese frosting was TDF!

 

THURSDAY

I woke up and ran around like a maniac rushing to hand things in before the flight. After getting everything done, I headed back to the room to refuel before a long day of traveling. I went with an oldie-but-goodie

 

oat bran with banana and peanut butter

delicious

After a train ride to the airport, checking in and heading to our gate, we were all starving and be-lined for the food court.

 

Now before we get to lunch, I need to touch on the security here. I did not take my ID out ONCE through the entire check-in process. I started to do all the normal US things, asking about water, taking off my shoes and jewelry etc. Let’s just say I got some weird looks about asking if it was okay to bring water on the plane. All they asked was if I had any aerosol cans, which I did not. My lack of aerosol meant that I was through security in a grand total of, oh, about 30 seconds. It was so strange to experience because going through Logan always takes at least 20 minutes.

 

Back to lunch.

Being oh so American, we headed to good ol subway for some sammies. THEY HAD AVOCADO. I don’t know if this is a new thing, or an Australian thing, but let me tell you, it was an amazing addition to this sandwich.

 

wheat bread, avocado spread, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles and LOTS of jalapeños.

 

 

Not so lucky for us, there was a Hungry Jack’s (aka Australian Burger King) right next to subway, and I just could not resist a 50 cent soft serve cone.

I’ve pretty much been waiting for this since I got here.

 

After completely stuffing myself, we headed back to the gate to relax before the flight. The flight was relatively smooth, about the same length as a Boston to New York flight. We got off the plane using stairs, which tells you how small the plane was. I was greeted by this lovely sign

 

and then I got yelled at for taking pictures. LAME, but i continued snapping anyways

 

The waiting area literally looked like a prison yard. That’s the entire waiting area for the airport. Smaller than muh own backyahd!

 

Once we landed we went straight to hostel, checked in, and obviously headed straight to the liquor store because we are all alcoholics college students We decided that we would split one bottle between us 7 girls to start the night off.

A few swigs later, it was down the hall to meet everyone else.  It was at this point we realized that if we had any chance of making it past 8pm, we needed to eat. We went to this little place across the street and ordered the smallest “large” cheese pizza I’ve ever seen.

   

whatupppp blurry drunk shot

 

The rest of the night contained karaoke, drunk old men inviting us to bachelor parties and subsequently throwing $$ at us for dranks, and much debauchery with the group. We all passed out, and then rose again for our complementary 7am breakfast. You know I’m not skipping free food, so we got up, ate, and then went straight back to bed. Got up for real around 10, checked out and wandered around till it was time to board the boat.

we clearly do not have enough alcohol for 26 people. In case you were wondering, those silver sacks are GOON, aka supah cheap boxed wine, and we brought 52 liters with us. gross.

 

 

The first few hours were full of lectures, which honestly were quite annoying. I felt like I was sitting in class, yet this was supposed to be my weekend vacation. I started to feel a little queasy sitting outside, so I headed out to the deck to get some fresh air.

 

We spent the afternoon getting to our destination, snorkeling and scuba diving. I had so much fun snorkeling. At one point I was surrounded by a school of fish and it was unreal. They had no fear, and just swam around as if we were there. We saw some mega scary fish, and that pretty much sealed my decision NOT to go scuba diving. I’m pretty sure I would have freaked out if I had seen some of those fish 30meters underwater.

The evening brought one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen.

Kind of cloudy, but breathtaking.

 

I got up super early the next morning to watch the sunrise (think 5am early). Too bad it was sooo cloudy

 

After 2 hours of sailing through rocking waves, we got to the next bay, where we found some beautiful boats.

 

We did our scuba snorkel thing, and then headed further down the islands to the famous Whitehaven beach, which is known for its amazing white sand. Apparently they used the sand in the lens of the Hubble telescope, so that tells you how fine it is. The ride there was INSANE. So many huge waves just kept crashing onto the deck. We were all soaked, and had THE best time. When we finally got to the beach, it was beautiful beyond words.

 

 

The pictures will never do it justice.

 

After playing on the beach for the afternoon, it was back to the boat to get out drank on. We had toooooons of beer and wine to finish, so we got started, but not without a snack first.

 

That was a plate of nachos that the cook made for everyone that lasted maybe 3 minutes. We’re hungry, what can we say!

 

The cook was actually amazing this weekend and got me these yummy rice crackers so I could have a snack sans cheese! such a gem

 

I consumed my fair share, then passed them on to everyone else who devoured them. They all gave them nasty looks, but the majority agreed that they were actually pretty tasty!

 

The rest of the night was spent following the ‘International Drinking Rules’ set forth by the crew. They included:

 

1. No drinking with your right and
2. Pinky must be off your drink
3. When you hear the horn, you must stand up and consume 2 fingers worth of your drink
4. If using the bathroom, you much cry loudly the entire time

 

There were so many more, all written up on the board for us. Saturday night was great. We all stayed up, sitting on the deck of the boat basically living in paradise.

We woke up up the next morning and began the depressing sail back to shore. No one wanted to get off that boat AT ALL. Once we got back, we headed to a bar to grab some food and wait for our flight home. We were all pretty burnt out, so it was a very low key Sunday that involved far too many hours of traveling. Finally made it home around 11pm, and then I had to get to work to hand in a Spanish blog that I had forgotten to do before I left. I literally passed out around 12:30.

 

When my alarm went off on Monday I could not figure out what was going on. I was still severely out of it.  I managed to get this baby down before heading to class.

clearly the best way to eat a banana. peanut butter top hat thankyouverymuch

 

After class and a nap, I made myself a light lunch because I wasn’t too hungry.

yogurt and fiber one

I pretty much slept all day on Monday because I was so tired from the weekend.  I snacked on some various fruits.

 

 

I had some pretty bossy Vegetarian Dahl from the cafe for dinner

 

 

and then had this treat that I had received in class earlier in the day.

pretty much a mounds bars, minus the dark chocolate plus more coconut flavah. I miss the dark chocolate but LOVED the stronger coconut flavor. Glad I saved it for dinner, and didn’t eat it 8am.

 

Monday night was spent planning an upcoming trip that’ll I’ll let you know more about once I know more about it!!

 

buenas nochesssss

I’m on a Boat

 

 

Well, I’ve been a pretty bad blogger this week, and it’s just going to get worse because in just a few short hours I’m taking off for Whitsundays. Aka I’m sailing around the Great Barrier Reef on a Catamaran for the next 3 days!!!

 

 

 

 

Have a SPECTACULAR weekend lovelies, and I’ll see you all for a long a$$ recap Sunday or Monday!!