TO JUMP OR NOT TO JUMP - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA & QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND - DAY 7
We wake up at 6AM before our alarm clock. I actually wake up early in a cold sweat (again), because I’m thinking about potentially bungy jumping tomorrow- I still haven't made an official decision. It's an affective wake up call at that. We get ready, and wait for our cab that the hostel claimed they prepared for us to arrive at 7AM. Last night, I had spoken with the receptionist who was new, multiple times about booking a cab for us. She confirmed on the third try, so "she'll be 'ole right". *(She'll be alright).
7:05AM, no cab. We don’t want to continue to wait, in fear of being late for our flight or check-in. Upset with the hostel, we rush up the street. I'm a little angry and both Rachel and I are a little stressed. We manage to find a cab within 10minutes, and our nerves calm. On our way, and a little more at ease, we arrive at our terminal and check in. Still coming down from the frustration and stress of the cab situation, we have trouble checking in, and need an employee to help us with our papers and bag drop.
We eventually make it to our flight, and a few hours later, we’re landing in a dense fog surrounded by mountains and lakes. As you land, you basically fly through dips in the mountains. Even with half the visibility, this land is BEAUTIFUL!! It was raining, you can imagine how gorgeous it is. It’s like Ireland on steroids!
We sail through customs, pick up the car, pull some cash and we’re off!
We drive over to our hostel quite easily, and the views are breathtaking through the whole ride, with interspersed “Wow”s and “Oh my gosh”s between me and Rachel. The leaves are changing colors, everywhere smells like a campfire, and the views are magnificent. It actually reminds me a little bit of when we lived in Colorado, but far more lush, and less rocky.
We park for free and check in to Adventure Queenstown Hostel. It’s probably the best hostel I have ever stayed at, including all of the ones in Europe. They provide nearly everything for free. The showers are hotel quality, the beds are comfy and warm, and they lend you extra bedding, and lockers free of charge. We’re VERY impressed. We explore the town, which is small, so this is quickly accomplished, and then stop to chow down on some burritos- The cheapest thing we can find. After which, we pick up a few groceries for the next night, and the road trip.
Before we pick up Ashley tomorrow, we have plans to go to a winery, (something Rachel wants to do), go to a Kiwi bird conservation, (something I want to do),...
....AND WE BOTH BOOKED A BUNGY JUMP AT 10:45AM.
(In case I don't make it), I love you!
-eM
