Crossing the RiRo

After previous attempts, I finally got the opportunity to join the crew and hike the Tongariro Crossing; a 19.5 km moderate hike through alpine scrubs, volcanic rock formations, and tropical forest.











It was on this hike that Ruben, won my heart as my most favorite passenger of the second tour and possibly all time. Think the Dutch version of John Gara. (Yes! that good.) As we were climbing the steepest part at kilometer 7 to get to the cloud covered crater, he peered over my shoulder and asked "Have you ever seen Britney Spear's music video 'I'm not a girl not yet a woman?', I think it was filmed here . . . " I turned around laughing and he was off, climbing up the mountain signing Britney at the top of his lungs " . . not yet a woman . . all I need is time . . "













And the singing didn't stop there. That beast of a climb inspired further sing-along moments including 'Aint no mountain high enough' and 'Hallelujah.' We also asked Jesus to send us a sign if we should continue and at that moment the holy spirit texted us about Vodafone's BestMates promotion. Jesus and I are best mates. I didn't know he had a cellphone ?!?!