Caitlyn Gullatte

Saturday, February 4, 2012

38.

After 19 hours in flight and about 10 more in the airport, I. AM. HOME.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Time is running out.....fast. Our final days in Australia are coming to a close. Yesterday, we went back to Manly Beach and hung out for the day. Unfortunately, it was rainy and dreary so I wasn't able to enjoy the Australian sun too much. Last night the crew went out for the most delicious pizza in the world and we all hung out at Hogwarts. I woke up yesterday morning with so many mosquito bites. So. Many. I am not exaggerating, I counted. 24 on my legs. 16 on my arms. 5 on my face. Time to go back to America.

34.

in case you forgot what it looks like :)

view at night

Back in Sydney at last! We are staying again at Wesley College (Hogwarts). Monday we spent the morning catching up on much needed sleep and then we headed out to the Sydney Opera House for a tour. We learned of the history, architecture, construction process, and the problems that have arose over the years in designing and building one of the most structurally complex buildings in the world. The Sydney Opera House is easily one of the most unique and incredible structures I have ever been in. Unlike anything else. I am SO glad we were able to see a concert in there a few weeks ago, one of my favorite memories from the trip.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

33.

Well, day 33 shouldn't even count as a day.
We spent Saturday night in the Christchurch airport.
I don't necessarily recommend that.
Sunday was spent in the Auckland airport in a sort of sleepless daze.
We finally arrived back in Sydney late Sunday afternoon.

Hallelujah.

I'll miss you, New Zealand.

32.

The following two posts are going to be short and sweet. This is due to the fact that we were in transition both Saturday and Sunday, traveling from Queenstown to Christchurch and then flying from Christchurch to Auckland and then from Auckland to Sydney. Lots of time in an airport! We rented a bus for the 6 hour drive through New Zealand which was really quite beautiful. Unfortunately, I kept falling asleep. No surprise there. Then we explored Christchurch and the earthquake damage. Christchurch was eerily quiet. It was unnerving, as though there was no one left in the city. It has been a year since the first major earthquake but there were two other large aftershocks in June and then again in December. Around 200 people died in the Christchurch earthquake, making it New Zealand's greatest natural disaster in history. Glad I got to see it all, glad I didn't have to stay more than a few hours.

the city was closed down

a church used to be at this spot

Monday, January 30, 2012

31.

Day 31 was spent in Queenstown exploring and enjoying the scenery. But, most importantly day 31 was spent BUNGY JUMPING!!!! Most incredible, indescribable experience of my life. The Nevis Bungy Jump was situated in the mountains of Queenstown and is 134 meters high. We took a 45 minute bus ride to the site and 8 of us jumped. It was insane. I loved every minute of it.

That's the buggy jump in the background

obviously, this picture doesn't give the full effect...

right before I jump!

30.

Hard to believe it is day 30 already. Bittersweet. Wait, no. Mostly bitter. I don't want to leave to go home just yet and I especially don't want to leave New Zealand. Day 30 was spent in Queenstown, New Zealand. We spent the first part of the morning headed on a two hour flight to the south island and the beautiful lake town of Queenstown. I have been all over the world and I thought I would never see anything more beautiful than some of the coastlands of Italy but Queenstown, New Zealand gives anywhere in Italy a run for its money. It is easily the most beautiful and charming place I have ever traveled to. I guess it is like comparing apples to oranges, too different to truly pick a winner. Queenstown is a small community right on the water situated in between massive mountains green lands. I am in love. I would write more, but I think the pictures tell the story best.