Somehow woke up at 6:00 am to go watch the sunrise on the beach. Although I was disgusting and exhausted, I am SO glad my friend rattled me awake. I was shocked at how many of us managed to get up at the ungodly hour to see the magnificent event. It was truly spectacular and so worth it.
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| the end of the sunrise-absolutely breathtaking. |
I went back to bed for a few hours, then rented kayaks with a friend and headed out to the warmest water in the world. It was pretty windy, so we didn't get very far in our kayaks. But we had more fun just sitting in it anyways and soaking up the rays and talking. This was followed by the MOST NEEDED SHOWER OF MY LIFE. Unfortunately, I got locked out of my room post-shower, but I thankfully still had my swim suit. That could have been awkward... I played the card game spoons with some friends on the beach until my room was unlocked, and then got all ready for jungle surfing! Also known as, zip lining. Something I have always wanted to do. It surpassed my expectations for sure. We were given a hat with a funny name on it (I got to be Indiana Jones for the day-not too shabby) and jumped into a smelly harness.
We embarked on a long hike in the jungle, and it was as if I had never showered. Whatever. I obviously gave up on being attractive/hygienic/not smelly-or-sweaty at the beginning of the trip. We went zip lining through the gorgeous rainforest via 5 different spots, each with a bit of a different twist. One was with a partner, one was super fast, one you rode upside down. All incredibly fantastic. My favorite was the super fast one-it literally felt like I was flying through the trees , like Tarzan or something.
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| all ready to go! |
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| yes that's me, flying through the trees |
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| oh heyyyy |
The second we finished our last zip line, we had to head back to our rooms and pack up to leave. I ordered a sandwich at the restaurant for take away to stuff in my mouth on the bus ride, threw my clothes in a suitcase, and jumped on the bus. That amazing shower I had earlier in the day? You would never have known. I reeked like that smelly harness and was incredibly sweaty from being in the humid rainforest all day. Perfect conditions for a three hour bus ride... It started to pour (who knew-rain in the rainforest?), which was actually really pretty to watch out the window. Until the bus behind us had a bit of an incident... the trailer carrying all the luggage unhitched and all the bags were rolling all over the road. Put us a bit behind schedule, as the driver didn't notice for about a half hour. And then an emu was crossing the road and we everyone had to stop and wait for it to cross (slash everyone wanted to take pictures and look at it) #onlyinAustralia. We eventually made it back to Gilligan's for one final night. Thais informed us that since we were so behind schedule we wouldn't have time to shower before the night activities. We had to meet in the lobby in a half hour for dinner. Challenge accepted, Thais. I showered and changed and made myself presentable before heading down to meet the group. One of the girls in my room was an angel and saved me a bottom bunk because she remembered form last time how much I hate the top bunks. I love nice people. We went on a celebratory cruise for a bit and everyone got all choked up when Thais started thanking us for being such a great group and how much she would miss us all and how the semester is already half over and yada yada... Let's not go there yet, okay? Live in the moment. We got off the boat and thankfully got to dinner just in time before it started to pour again. We each got a three course $50 meal for free (well, I guess it was probably included somehow in all the money we've shelled out). Started out with kangaroo and crocodile skewers, followed by ravioli, and marshmallow pavlova for dessert. Oh, and don't forget that pina colada drink. Necessary celebratory drink to end my island vacation. Made it back without getting too wet and enjoyed one last night out with the crew. A truly amazing trip-could not have asked for anything better.
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| YUM! |
Day 6:
Woke up, packed up, checked out, enjoyed a delicious french toast breakfast, and then headed to the airport. We all almost missed our flight (I was the actual LAST person on the plane), but I settled in next to Catherine and Alexa and goodbye Cairns it was :( I somehow managed to study for an upcoming midterm for the first hour of the flight, but then we all got antsy and loud and talkative, and sorry Thais and Beata for being annoying across from you. When else do you get to fly with 60 of your closet friends? Grabbed a cab once we got back to Sydney and went home. Dumped my smelly clothes in the washer (learned how to hand wash clothes too), showered, and then met my PARENTS!!
Mom and Dad came to Sydney to visit me! We hadn't spoken in a week since I didn't have internet/cell reception during my trip, so it was fun when they just randomly appeared outside my apartment. Too much to say, overwhelming emotions, lots of love. Fun fact: Chris Brown was on their flight to Sydney, and he asked my dad to take his picture with him and his entourage in the LAX international terminal. Apparently Dad looked pretty unassuming in his travel sweat suit and a good candidate to take the photo haha. Rihanna is here on tour, so rumors are they are having a secret rendezvous. You heard it here first... Anyways, we had a great Thai dinner, looked at pictures, talked about my trip and everything going on back home. It was strange seeing them here, but I must say I loved it. Even though they were so incredibly jet-lagged, they met some of my friends, checked out my apartment, and gave me some much needed hugs from home. Cheers to a wonderful Spring Break Part II!
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