Today was the happiest and saddest day of the trip.
The early morning saw most of the travellers snooze all the way to Rotorua, where the day's theme of water got into full swing.
We had begun in the still-drenched area of Maketu where cow pastures became swamps following Wilma's rage. Rotorua was a much-anticipated stop as the Zorb was on the docket. Hugh, Dane and I crammed into a Zorb in our swimmers (no homo) for some down hill wet and wild fun before scurrying off to town for the departure of the bus. As it was Sunday, bus service was limited, but thankfully Curry waited for us.
Now for the sad bit. As Stray piled on the massive deals that got me on the bus in the first place, the savings continued and Claire, Sarah, Dane and Hugh all added on a 'Go East' pass that saw them depart in Rotorua. The biggest goodbye so far was had, but it was bittersweet as Taupo held the promise of a 60 second freefall after jumping out of a plane.
Taupo quickly gained legendary status as the small but chill town offered the experience of a lifetime. Skydive Taupo gave me the opportunity to descend from 15000 feet and live to tell the tale. As the DVD of the occasion (video to come) attests, I now feel it is something everyone should do. Everywhere you looked was a postcard for New Zealand and the massive body of water below (Singapore-sized Lake Taupo) made it all the more magical. I can't describe it better than that as words and pictures still do not do justice to the experience. Had to go full board with the souvies here as this was something that if it was to be done, it was to be done right. I'd go again tomorrow.
After a lift back in a limosine, German friend Olaf and I hobbled down to a marvelous sunset in the township, followed by a long and boozed goodbye party at the local pub, complete with jam session with the locals and an American.
Slept like a baby before an early morning, of which I will divulge more details at a later time.
Goodnight, world!
No comments:
Post a Comment