Blue Mountains- Not so blue

Hey guys! Sorry I have not written in a couple of weeks but let me tell you- school was taking over my life! I had so many papers to write it is unbelievable! But I just finished my nursing portfolio about 10 minutes ago and that was my last thing I needed to get done- sweet life.

So I went to the Blue Mountains in Katumba the weekend of May 22-24. Kristina, Jolina, Krissy, and I all jumped on the train to head North for the weekend! Just as we started walking it started to rain and then did not stop. Oh well, we were excited that the four of us were taking a weekend trip together. We rode on the train for 4 hours and it was LONG. We all did homework and slept on our way there. When we arrived, there were massive puddles of water and I swore I was in Minnesota winter- BRRRR!! I had on a winter jacket and was freezing! We went to our YHA hostel to check in and it was such a nice place to stay. A lot of Keiraview residents came along so we had 2 rooms booked for all 14 of us. We were all hungry and ventured out in the rain to get some grub. Kristina, Ross, Krystle and I found this cute little Italian place where we enjoyed vegetable crepes and pizza.

That night everyone went to bed early except for me. I could not sleep! Kristina was laying next to me and talked in her sleep pretty much every hour and would scare the crap out of me! The first time she sat up and yelled, "YEP, YEP OH ABSOLUTELY. EXCELLENT." If you knew here, she says absolutely and excellent all the time. It was funny the first time cause everyone was just getting into bed when she fell asleep. But the next time she talked she said, "YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!!! YOU GUYS ARE CRAZY!!!!" I had just about fell asleep at 2 am when she yelled that one out. Then she mumbled every so often and I just could not get to sleep.
I finally passed out at about 4am and woke up at 8... it was the start of a very long day.

Saturday we got up and bought passes for this hop on hop off bus that would take us all over for sight seeing. We were excited, minus the fact that it was about 35 degrees outside and still pouring down rain. We walked to a little place for breakfast and I got banana bread- this piece of banana bread was as big as my fist- and there was only one and it was 7.50. RIDICULOUS. I could have made my own 3 loaves of bread for that cost. Anyway we stopped at a store and bought hats, gloves, scarves, and ponchos for the rain and headed to the bus. Our first stop was the cascades which is supposed to be a beautiful waterfall. Well we had to trek through water up to our ankles in tennis shoes to get there and because of how much is was raining it looked like a gush of water coming around the corner in Titanic. I decided to put my poncho on because of how wet I was getting, but unfortunately there was only a rubber band for the sleeve holes and it was ripped when I opened it. So I was not pleased seeing that it only covered a third of my body...

Next we went to scenic world- it was so foggy so we decided that it would not be worth while to try to see anything the cable cars went over. So we moved onto the chocolate factory! We each decided to get some truffles to try and they had samples. Just what I love FREE food, bonus that is was chocolate. I didn't read what kind the first one was and just saw there was a really big piece- of course I ate it. Once my mouth was on fire and I was sweating I saw that it was Chili flavor. What the heck?! I had no milk, and a mouthful of chocolate I had to suck it up. I was sweating profusely and my mouth was on fire... Whoops.

Last stop for that say was the three sisters. Well, we didn't even see one sister. It was so foggy it looked like I was in the middle of no where with just white around me as you can see what I saw above.

That night we hung out in the main room by the fire place and played SORRY!, and Jenga it was great fun. There was a pregnant woman sitting across from us who was drunk off wine- did I mention she was pregnant?? Yes I was quite angry sitting there and kept making marks about it hoping she would stop hurting her baby inside and put the bottle down. UGH she made me mad.

The next morning we headed home early due to the same rainy cold weather conditions. Overall successful weekend with KV crew. But because we didn't get to see the Jenolan caves or any of the scenery we thought we could take a day and do it another time.

New Zealand Itenerary!!

My itinerary just came out for my trip in two weeks!! I can not wait to go :) I have lots of school work to finish before than so these next 14 days are going to be difficult... I will write about my last weekend when I take a break here in the next few days :) But I wanted to share my trip with you!


New Zealand - home to awesome landscapes, lush forests, diverse physical, cultural, and unique experiences – and all so close to each other making it the perfect holiday destination! With some meals included, quality budget accommodation already sorted and heaps to keep you busy – this is the perfect travel option if you want to kick back and relax and enjoy the ride!

June 12th DAY 1: AUCKLAND TO PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Our journey begins in Auckland, which in the Maori language means Tamaki-Makau-Rau – ‘the maiden with a hundred lovers’. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes. We head across Auckland’s scenic harbour and travel north. Our first stop today is at Parry’s Kauri Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree, whose ancestors once covered the island. Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Once settled into our motel, we’ll get to know our fellow travelers over refreshment around the pool.
OVERNIGHT Meals: N/A
Waitangi Motel
Paihia, Bay of Islands

June 13th DAY 2: PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Today is yours to explore this fascinating region by way of a range of optional activities – you’ll be spoiled for choice! Try a drive along 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga* where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea and board down the Te Paki sand dunes. Relax as you sail the inner Bay on a catamaran and look for dolphins*, take a paddle through mangrove forest to Haruru Falls*. Alternatively you can explore the town or take a step back in time and learn a little of the history of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty House*. There’s also time, if you wish, to visit Russell, the oldest settlement in New Zealand or hike to the Haruru falls through native bush. Maybe take a boat to swim with the local dolphins* or a fast boat out to, and through, the “Hole in the Rock”. If chilling on the beach is your scene, then relax - the day is yours!! We’ll gather for dinner and swap stories at the end of our day in the Bay!
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Waitangi Motel
Paihia, Bay of Islands

June 14th DAY 3: PAIHIA TO ROTORUA MARAE STAY
This morning we start our journey southwards. If the weather is in our favour today we’ll enjoy the local scenery with a walk to view Whangarei Falls. It is then onto Auckland - “the city of sails”. There is time to grab some lunch in the city before we meet additional fellow passengers and head to Rotorua – the cultural heart of NZ. You’ll see that Rotorua is truly alive as we drive through it on our way to our night’s accommodation. Tonight we will be staying in a traditional Maori Marae and on arrival; we will be welcomed onto the Marae by the elders in traditional style. If you wish you can take a walk to the Okere Falls or an afternoon swim in the lake. Tonight is yours to enjoy the company of your friends, learn Maori history and folklore or star gaze when the lights go down.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Traditional Maori Marae Stay – open plan multi-share accommodation
Rotorua

June 15th DAY 4: ROTORUA
After breakfast we will depart the Marae and head to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve. Learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour and concert in this unique village. See displays about traditional weapons, instruments and learn the intricate details of woodcarving. The afternoon is yours to explore Rotorua or you have time for an optional tour*, mud baths and massages might be for you, or if you feel a bit more active hire a mountain bike and explore the fantastic Redwood Forest or try white water rafting. After dinner you might want to relax under the stars as you soak in the natural thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast
Alpin Motel
Rotorua

June 16th DAY 5: ROTORUA TO WELLINGTON
We’ll journey past Wairakei Geo-thermal area and visit the raging waters of Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Take a plunge toward the clear waters of the Waikato River at the Taupo bungy site* if you are game. On the road again, we head around the beautiful Lake Taupo and travel past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe – the classical conical volcano most commonly recognized as Mt Doom from the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. We reach the nation’s capital late this afternoon where it’s time to hang up our travellin’ shoes and explore the many cosmopolitan cafes of the capital, or perhaps you’d prefer to “shop til’ you drop” or catch up on your e-mails. Otherwise, try out the scenic cable car up to the Botanic Gardens above the city*. You can grab a meal out at one of the many nearby great value, local restaurants tonight and check out the nightlife as the evening is still young!
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast
Nomads Capital
Wellington

June 17th DAY 6: WELLINGTON TO NELSON
This morning check out Te Papa the National Museum of New Zealand, not your ordinary museum – very ”hands-on” and full of interesting displays; before we farewell the North Island and make our way to the Interislander ferry for our journey across Cook Strait. Enjoy the beauty of the serene blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds from the outer viewing decks as we cruise into the little town of Picton. You’ll immediately notice the change as we arrive in the South Island, home to mountains, lakes and breathtaking coastline. After disembarking in Picton we will travel through the Marlborough region famous for its wines. It's then onwards to Nelson to check into our “home-away-from-home” for the next two nights by Tahunanui Beach.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Aloha Lodge (Motel)
Tahunanui, Nelson

June 18th DAY 7: NELSON
Awake to Nelson with the highest recorded days of sunshine in all of New Zealand and the day is yours to explore this amazing area. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters. Explore the park by boat*, the ever-popular walking tracks or from the water as you paddle in your ocean kayaks* along the incredible shoreline. For a different look at the park try jumping out of a perfectly good plane and take in the incredible views as you skydive back to base on a tandem skydive*. There’s always horse riding* and quad biking* with ocean views for those who prefer to remain grounded! Tonight we’ll gather for a meal and reflect on the day.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast
Aloha Lodge (Motel)
Tahunanui, Nelson

June 19th DAY 8: NELSON TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA KAIKOURA
Today we head back across the ranges through the Marlborough region, continuing south we stop at Ohau Point to spy out some NZ Fur Seals before reaching our destination of Kaikoura. This small town nestles at the foothills of the Kaikoura ranges and the pale blue waters of the Pacific lap at its grey pebbly shore and is a picturesque lunch stop. In summer you have the chance to get up close and personal with some of our marine mammals while in winter you have the chance to visit a local winery to sample some of NZ’s finest wines. Later we trek southwards to Christchurch and have the chance to do some exploring around the city before heading out to enjoy a meal out at a local hotspot.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast
Cathedral Camelot Hotel (Hotel)
Christchurch

June 20th DAY 9: CHRISTCHURCH TO THE HIGH COUNTRY EXPERIENCE
The scenery will totally amaze you today as we head off across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps. Today we get to experience some real authentic Kiwi hospitality in the heart of NZ’s High Country at Flock Hill Station. Flock Hill is a 14,000 hectare working station farming fine wool sheep, beef cattle and red deer all set on a picturesque backdrop that regardless of the time of year you’ll be blown away! Plus if you’ve seen the movie Narnia, things are going to look a little familiar! Once you’re settled in and enjoyed afternoon tea at the property you get to explore further a field. Learn about the colourful local history and farming practices of this remote area as well as hearing accounts from the early pioneering days in New Zealand. Watch the art of sheep shearing (seasonal) and see sheepdogs work the cattle and sheep. Choose from a range of activities*, such as walking, mountain biking, horse riding, or just relax and stroll the property before you sit down to a true ‘kiwi meal’.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Flock Hill Lodge (Lodge)
Great Alpine Highway, Cass

June 21st DAY 10: FLOCK HILL STATION TO FOX GLACIER
An early start today, as travel through well known Arthur’s Pass on to the Otira Gorge with waterfalls cascading overhead. Welcome to the wild West Coast as we head into the town of Hokitika, we’ll stop at the Jade factory and see the carvers skilfully creating works of art from the greenstone, known as jade, and have the chance to purchase a souvenir pendant. It’s then onwards to Fox Glacier, where we will grab a quick lunch before our afternoon adventures. Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and today we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice! A half day guided hike* is an excellent way to take a closer look at Fox Glacier as your guides take you alongside the glacier through rejuvenating temperate rainforest and onto the lower icefall. If you prefer to search higher on the glacier for stunning ice caves and formations take a heli-hike* onto the upper icefall and enjoy a more sedate walking pace as you explore with your guides and await the return of your helicopter.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Fox Glacier Hotel
Fox Glacier

June 22nd DAY 11: FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN
Make sure you have your camera out today as the scenery in breath-taking. Let’s hope Lake
Matheson’s waters are still and the skies are clear so that we can get that famous reflection of New Zealand’s two tallest mountain peaks in it’s waters as we stretch our legs with an early morning walk. We will make several stops for photos and short walks today. A stop at Thunder Creek Falls, which flows into the Haast River amidst rainforest, shows the beauty of this World Heritage area. We’ll break at Makarora for lunch then journey past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and onto our destination, the adrenalin mecca of the southern hemisphere - Queenstown!!
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast
Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
Queenstown

June 23rd DAY 12: QUEENSTOWN
Today is time to play and adventure waits at every turn! Queenstown is perfect for everyone from the adrenaline junkies to the leisure seekers, there is so much to do. Try a bungy jump* (or three!) at the home of commercial bungy jumping. A shot of adrenalin up the Shotover Jet* as you skim past the canyon walls, or the breathtaking scenery of the Dart River on a jetboat safari* or by horseback*. If adrenalin is not your cup of tea, enjoy the mountains and views from a bike* or hike to Ben Lomond for 360 degree views. Admire the view from the skyline gondola or any of the fantastic walks Queenstown has to offer. Or just chill out in any of the restaurants, cafes or bars Queenstown is famous for.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast
Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
Queenstown

June 24th DAY 13: FIORDLAND EXPERIENCE
After a leisurely morning in Queenstown we farewell this adventure playground and head to the Fiords. We’ll visit the township of Te Anau on the shores of one of New Zealand’s many large glacial carved lakes. There will be time to stop and admire the reflection in Mirror Lake, the views down the Hollyford Valley, and a short walk at the Chasm before we literally drive through the mountain via the Homer Tunnel and emerge back into a landscape of spectacular mountains and waterfalls. Our cruise tonight in the Tasman Sea is a real highlight! There will be plenty of time on your overnight cruise to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden arms of the Sound. Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are often seen and at times, rare penguins can be observed. There is also time for you to kayak around the shoreline or go exploring in the tender craft with the nature guide. As the shadows lengthen we’ll drop anchor at a favourite mooring for the night. After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening buffet meal in the dining saloon.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Real Journeys overnight cruise (Quad bunks – share facilities)

June 25th DAY 14: FIORDLAND TO LAKE OHAU
There is time for additional cruising this morning before returning to the wharf. We make our way back through Te Anau and onwards along the Kawarau River this afternoon, with its familiar “Lord of the Rings” scenery, and home to AJ Hackett’s original Bridge Bungy site – the first commercial bungy jump in the world. Continuing through the Cromwell district, we take the chance to stop and stretch and sample the famous fresh and dried fruits grown in the region. We journey over the Lindis Pass and wonder at the dramatic variation in scenery of these ranges to those we’ve encountered in the west. Our home tonight is nestled on the shores of Lake Ohau. You will have time for an evening stroll or quiet drink on the deck as we watch the sunset silhouette Mt Cook as it sets to the west.
OVERNIGHT Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Lake Ohau Lodge (lodge)
Twizel

June 26th DAY 15: LAKE OHAU TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA MT COOK VILLAGE
Awake to magnificent views. Today we make tracks and follow the Southern Lakes hydroelectricity scheme around impressive blue water lakes and the ever-present Southern Alps as a backdrop. We’ll head to Mt Cook village and, if the weather is right, there is the opportunity to take a walk in the National Park, or simply sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery. Next stop, Lake Pukaki, and a chance for some amazing photos as we gaze across the clear blue waters back to Mt Cook – known to the Maori people as Aoraki or “cloud piercer” – hopefully no clouds in sight to obscure our view! The blue waters of Lake Tekapo greet us as we make a scenic stop at the “Church of the Good Shepard” . You may choose to do the breathtaking 40 minute fixed wing flight* over the lakes, Southern Alps and glaciers. After lunch we make our way to the town of Geraldine – situated smack in the heart of rugby country. From here it’s flat going as we once again enter the Canterbury Plains and reach our final destination. We make our farewells, say our goodbye’s and reflect on our time in the grandeur of New Zealand or “middle earth”, as it is known to some!
Meals: Breakfast


LOVE Nikki

Sydney- Bridge climb, Darling Harbour, Kristina's Birthday!

This weekend was a very busy weekend! Thursday I decided that it was time to do something with my hair, I went to the salon and got a perm! I am loving my new curly hair :) I find that I need to learn how to manage it, but overall its been really fun so far! Thursday night we celebrated Kristina's birthday with the Keiraview crew and went to hotel Illawara to celebrate. It was retro night so one of our friends decided to wear tight red leather pants and with that he had on a goofy tie dye beater. He did a strip tease for Kristina and then got kicked out my the bouncer for taking his shirt off. It was pretty funny while it lasted though.

On Friday morning I got up to pack and get ready for Kristina's birthday weekend in Sydney. Krissy, Jolina, Kristina and I took the train in the morning and then Kristina and I met up with Myka while Jolina and Krissy went shopping. Kristina, Myka and I were on our way to climb the Sydney Harbour bridge. We got strapped up in climbing gear and headed up onto the bridge. The view at the top was fabulous though it was really windy and the zipper tag on the back of my suit kept whipping me in the face! Our tour guide who climbed with us was a bit odd and his name was actually ROMEO. I started laughing because he tried to learn all of our names and get to know us really well in the two hours that we were with him. He was a bit on the strange side but none the less got back on land safely :) After that we went to an italian restaurant where the manager was real interested in Myka. He had one of the waiters give her a card that said on the back that he wanted to take her out for lunch. What was hysterical about this was the fact that he gave her a business card with no business on it! WHO does that?! It had on it his email, home phone, fax number, and two cell phone numbers from different carriers. We about died laughing because we have never seen that before. CLEARLY he just gives this card out to ladies he wants to pick up. Since then he has called her like 100 times, and is constantly texting her. She has told him that she has a boyfriend but he doesnt get it...

Saturday morning we went to breakfast at a cute little brekky place were I got french toast :) We all headed to Darling Harbour and went to the Aquarium and wild life world where we saw lots of interesting animals. We did a lot of walking around and were really tired when we were through. Eventually we made our way to gelatissimo which has yummy gelato :) That night was the female only cruise for Kristina’s 24th birthday! Why only ladies?? WELL it is a dinner cruise with a three course meal, open bar, and sexy chip and dale dancers. We got on the boat and there were only the 18 of us!! We had a 3 story boat all to ourselves and got a private showing! I was dying laughing- they were pretty crazy. One dressed up, or down I should say as a cowboy, and the other was a sailor. The men were quite good looking and were very interactive with us girls.

This morning we woke up and went to Pancakes on the rocks- let me tell you- the pancakes and crepes are deserts. There is no such thing as breakfast. I got a strawberry one that had ice cream on it :) DELICIOUS!! Krissy and I went home from Sydney early and now I am just about to start on some homework and get to bed. I am pretty tired and really needing a goodnight sleep!

Anyway there is about six weeks left until I get home. Next weekend I will be in the Blue Mountains, and then the weekend after is going to be hard core school work along with every day during the week… I am swamped with school and not enjoying it. It wouldn’t be an issue if I didn’t have so much due for Psych on top of everything else. OH WELL. Gotta do what you gotta do. Then, the 11th I am off to New Zealand for three weeks!! I am excited for that but will be traveling alone. Hopefully I make some new friends!

Love, Nikki

I hope everyone is surviving their last week of finals and enjoying the start of summer. I miss Minnesota summer… 45 days until I am home.

Casino Royale, Mt. Keira, Skydiving

I know its been awhile since I have written, I have been so busy these last two weeks with school. This past week I started my online psychology class and boy is it a lot of work. It is not hard it just is a lot of reading and writing. This past weekend was awesome. My weekends start on Thursdays so Jolina, Kristina, Krissy and I went out for dinner at a cute little Italian restaurant then went for ice cream after to celebrate our long week of hard school work. Well I was wearing leggings that had a funky tag on the butt and if you know me when tags bother me I have to rip them off (my mother would know for sure). You know those tags that are on new pillows that when you pull them they make a nice clean rip and come right off? HA well thats what the noise was when I ripped this tag off my pants as we were walking to the ice cream place. The tag was right in between my cheeks so it was a must it needed to come off, as I pulled it off my hand went through the now large hole that was down the crack of my pants... EMBARRASSING right?! Yeah my friends about died laughing cause we were in town where people were eating and this girl is walking past them with her butt exposed attempting to make it not so noticeable. Looking back on it and the pictures I probably wont put up for the world to see it is quite funny. But really... it WOULD happen to me!

We had a Uni Ball on Friday night so we all got dressed up and went to school for the theme “Casino Royale.” We had a really yummy dinner of steak, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans and for desert, crème brule. All of us from Keiraview danced for 2 hours straight and the bouncers yelled at you if you took your shoes off- so you can imagine dancing in high heels for that long… my feet were broken when I got done. Saturday we went to lunch at tease me which is a tea place with really yummy food. Then we went on a climb to hike up Mt. Keira! It is a 5 km round trip hike, but before that we walked to it, so that was another 3.5 km. I was exhausted that night but the view was beautiful. Right when we started the hike, the incline was about 75 degrees and there were 17 thousand stairs, okay well not really but when you are climbing it is seemed like it! When we got through that I was about to turn right around and go back home. But I kept going and am happy that I did!

Sunday (mother's day), I went skydiving again!!! I think I am addicted, it is the coolest thing I have ever done. We got to go the full 14,000 feet and my free fall was about a minute long and I was falling at over 200km/second! I brought four people with me so I got to jump free! The second time going was heaps better than the first. My instructor was crazy and we did flips out of the plane, again I screamed the whole way down. My video for this one was pretty funny- I will do my best to post it when I get some time! We got to land on the beach this time and it was amazing, I LOVE IT. When Krissy landed she accidentally dug her feet into the sand and her instructor (250 pound man) toppled on top of her and the parachute went over the two of them. It was like a scene from the movies, I about died laughing. She pretty much catapulted the man over her!

Anyway I am going to write about my weekend in Sydney next!

LOVE Nikki :)

Skydiving the Beach in Wollongong!

So I went skydiving!!!! Myka came to stay with my last night and then we jumped at about 7:45 this morning. We were the third group to go and had to sit around and wait for what seemed like forever. We got up at 5:30 this morning and went for a looong walk down towards the beach- So it was an anticipated wait this morning, but we eventually got up to the small little plane and they asked which one of us wanted to go first out of the two of us. Well Myka said she would go first but didn’t want to be the first to jump of our entire group... That was a misunderstanding because she was first out of the plane and I was second! I was starting to panic as we got higher and higher but we stopped at 8,000 feet. There was a plane above us so we couldn’t go to 14,000 feet. I was a little bummed but I wouldn’t know any different because I have never experienced anything like it! As the door was being opened Myka was screaming bloody murder and was hanging out of the plane she kept saying I’m not ready, I’m not ready!! So that got me even more scared and I was just waiting for it to happen. The lady who was tandem with Myka just jumped out and after that I don’t remember screaming but apparently I was screaming pretty loudly when I got to the door. I am unable to scream really so the noise that came out I have no idea where it actually came from- Myka and I together scared the rest of the people jumping out after us haha. In everyone else’s videos you can hear us screaming as we were about to jump out, I thought it was hysterical. As my guy Kevin pulled the parachute- I about had a non-scalpel plastic surgery. My groin literally felt like it went into my stomach and I am pretty sure he broke my baby-maker because I was so tightly strapped in around my legs that when the shoot opened that caught all of my weight into my groin PLUS the weight of gravity. When I landed I just burst into tears and I really have no idea why. I couldn’t stop crying for about 5 minutes and I tried to just get up and walk away as Kevin was trying to un-strap me. But anyway it was a really really cool experience and I am hoping I can find four friends to bring with me so I can jump for free and do it all over again! I LOVED IT!!