Catching Up

So obviously, keeping up this blog is not as easy as I thought it would be. So much has happened since I last talked to you guys. I'll just start from the top.
First, we did two activities with the Maori people. At the first location, we did some volunteer work and then were accepted into their village. It was so cool. They made us lunch and they explained the intricate details of their rituals and history. It is amazing that they have been able to preserve their culture so well when compared to Native Americans. Anyways, we also went to a more touristy location. They put on a show and fed us a huge meal. It was cool, but not as fun as the real thing. We also learned to do a Maori dance. It was super embarrassing.
The next day, we headed off for OPC (outdoor pursuit center). But before we got there. We went bunjee jumping. It was so freaking scary and exciting at the same time! I can't wait to go again on a bigger one. Afterwards, we ate at a place called Hell's Pizza. It was amazing. Apparently all the crappy food in NZ is way better than America's good stuff. Go figure.
Anyways, we headed off to OPC next. And it was probably the most challenging 5 days of my entire life. The first day wasn't so bad. We did a low ropes course and some other team building activities. Our last one was to use wooden planks to get from one side of a creek to the other. We broke them and fell in. It was hysterical. The next day, the activity was kyaking. Unfortunately for me, I got really motion sick because I was trying to save my patches. So, I just took a nap that day haha.
The third day was the best. We climbed a mountain! It was actually the mountain they used as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings. It took all day, but we made it. Unfortunately, you aren't allowed to summit completely because of Maori law. But, we got to the top of the ridge and it was amazing. It was snowing a little bit and the view was amazing. We were up so high thatmany of our cameras didn't work. But, I promise to upload tons when I get back. Oh, I also took a pretty nasty tumble down the mountain. It was more embarrassing than anything. But, it left some pretty nasty battle scars.
The forth and fifth days were the most ridiculous of all though. We were all tired and sore from the rest of the week. Then, they made us hike with our 20lb backs almost 25 miles to and back from this clearing in the woods where we camped in the middle of the night. The temperatures were below zero. It snowed. We got lost. And, there was an easier route that our guides knew of all along and didn't tell us. We were upset to say the least. I would go into the details of how we hiked up three sets of stairs, then up multiple hills, in the dark, then slid down the bush hills in the dark. But, that would just be complaining wouldn't it ;P.
Any whoo, we left OPC yesterday and arrived in Wellington yesterday night. This morning, we did a volunteer project at a school creating paths through the woods. It was fun and felt nice to do even though we were sore and tired.
Tonight, we went shopping and we are headed to a bar to watch the rugby game. Anyways, I miss you all and I will be home soon. With plenty of pictures and full on details. XOXO Julie