America Tri-Force Reunites

Somewhere between Haast and Fox Glacier, the Gordon's Outdoor Shop three-thirds of the Americans reunited randomly on the side of the road. Our crew was slowly making its way back to the bus after their glacier swimming romp in Thunder Creek when I looked up and saw these two fools. Mario and Rachel were traveling counter-clock around the South Island, while our group goes clock-wise. Mario being his calculating self, figured that day would be the day that we would cross paths, but who knew we would both be at a stop. Running into them made my day. See you two stateside :)

Karaoke Night

We always have our farewell/hello dinner at Winnies in Queenstown, but this time it happened to be karaoke night. The song books were passed around the table and my rendition of Whitney Houstons "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" is nowhere near it's public debut. My voice resonates so much, I could knock down two out of three of the little pigs' homes and 99% of the time I am lip-syncing the hymnals in church.

The MC sang her heart out to encourage all to participate and finally she had a willing volunteer singing Rod Stewart's "Maggie May." He was amazing and had the entire audience's attention. Our group closed the books and sank into their chairs when we noticed the whispers of our Irish passengers. This drunk Irishman wailing out "Maggie I wish I never seen your face" is a well-known Irish popstar that won "You're a Star," the Irish version of American Idol, a few years back.

Click on George Murphy's pic if you wanna watch him on YouTube.

Those who jump together, work together or . . .are just plain stupid. In this case all apply.

Being a professional Bungy Jumper with one previous jump under my belt, I was keen to have another go at it when Drew (my 'co-worker' who drives the bus) suggests jumping tandem.

I was nervous and convinced we would collide, be knocked unconscious, and drown in Waikato River. We took the plunge, leaping from a 154ft platform. Never had a team building exercise like this in Grad School.



Side note: this bungy jump station was Drew's summer job in high school.

On the Road Again

Today I start my new job with a Adventure Travel Tour Company going everywhere in New Zealand. I am very excited to look at the stars, ride my bicycle, sleep in a tent, and live by a campfire.

Since I will be on the road, I will not be updating the blog until the beginning of February, but you are always more than welcome to comment, send me emails, and write me letters.

2009 is mighty mighty fine!

Where is New Zealand from if it's not from the World?!

"Stop comparing everything to Top Gun. This situation is nothing like Top Gun." - Jermaine

It is New Year's day and of course there is a Flight of the Conchords marathon! Watching it again after living here for three months, well . . .it is spot on.

Jermaine: Too much mumbling?
Murray: Yeah . . .that was inaudible.

This is my everyday minus people breaking out into song and ya know . . that New York City thing.

They do think all Americans have guns. Hamish is a very common name. And the posters . . No really, that is how they advertise the country. The picture of sheep on the road is a 'traffic jam'. Nana's tea party - well I have been to Mary's 2pm tea party over Christmas holiday and the ginger biscuits were good!

I apologize to those who havent seen it. Really you should be apologizing to me. I thought we were friends? Netflix it NOW!

Oh yeah! I got a new job as a part-time model, but you know I gotta keep my other job ;)