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Published: November 10th 2009
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On our final day in Rotorua, Stephen and I woke up early after a relaxing spa night. We headed to Lake Rotorua and snapped some shots of the scenery and the black swans. We decided to walk into town and check out what was there...we found a bunch of souvenir shops and a Starbucks!!
As we drove through Route 5 heading towards Auckland, we made one last stop to the Skyline. The Skyline is an action park where one may ride a Gondola to the top of the mountain, Sky Swing off a cliff, and luge down fast tracks!! We did all three and had a blast!!!
As we headed up the Gondola, we had an amazing view of Lake Rotorua and the village. At the top of the mountain, we decided to try the Sky Swing first. The Sky Swing is a 3 seat contraption that reels you along a super high cliff. At the top, I had to pull the cord to release the contraption!! I pulled the cord and we were released 150m high and off towards the cliff!! It was so much fun and scary!! If you could see Stephen's face....actually you can...watch the video
DVD we purchased (sorry for poor quality, I had to re-film from my computer). The video is hilarious!!
After Sky Swinging, we headed to the luge tracks and rolled down the track 2 times. The first route was a scenic route followed by an advanced track which was super hilly and curvy!! (Check out video of me luging).
After our luge expedition, we started our drive back to Auckland. Earlier that morning, we planned a good-bye meeting with Nephi at his work in Hamilton. Stephen and I got a VIP tour of the NZ Blood Donor Center!! We saw patients donating blood, plasma pheresis machines, cryo machines, endless stores of Albumin, serum for the eyes, and endless blood products!!
Nephi brought us to several areas of the Center to check out many freezers; and experience first hand how organized and thorough New Zealand does with its blood supply. It was a fun experience, even though Stephen looked like he was going to get sick! We also met Nephi's co-workers and said our final good-bye before returning to Auckland. Nephi, thank you for the water bottles and pens!! xx
You must be wondering how much we pack
into a day?
Well the answer is: As much as we can!!!
We finally reached Auckland and ran into some after work traffic. By now it was around 5:30 pm, so we quickly checked into The Westin before meeting my friend Nicola for dinner.
Nicola is a nurse I met over 8 years ago in Palestine. We were on a medical mission in Ramallah and the Gaza Strip on September 11, 2001. The last time I saw Nici was 5 years ago in Boston during the World Congress. Tonight, Stephen and I had dinner with Nici in downtown Auckland at the Waterfront. It was great to see Nici (you look amazing) and catch up with her!!
I was so impressed that she has completed 3 more medical missions in Jerusalem/ Palestine since the last one. When I remember my times with Nici, I think about the night shift, meeting Yasir Arafat at his Palace and the love Nici projects for the people we cared for. Nici, I am so proud of all your accomplishments and continue representing Nursing around the World.
After dinner, we dropped Jared's car off and ended with a Night Cap!! Tonight ended
with some drinks at Bonita with Jared's friends, Haley & Janice. We had awesome Ginger Beer Mojitos by MarK and some great laughs!!!
As promised, here are the pics of us with Janice and Haley...Choice!!! But at las, it was time to say goodbye to my buddy Jared...I really hate goodbyes. Jared, we appreciate you making this leg of the trip by far one of my fondest memories of New Zealand. Thank you again for everything and hopefully we will see you next June!! xx
Enjoy all the pics and videos...we are flying to South Island in the morning!!!!
TOO MEKE!!! TOO MEKE!!!
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Ann Ben and Jake
non-member comment
Love your updates/pictures and videos!...The boys and I sit and watch them before they have to go to school and we are laughing our buts off! Miss you! Ann