On Friday, about 50 students hopped on a bus to drive the four hours south to Byron Bay, an adorable hippy city on the coast. On the bus it was decided that our group of three girls would take the 8 person room in the hostel, the Holiday Village, with five guys. After reaching the hostel, we unpacked and headed to the bar/club across the street for a paint party. Lathered in paint, the tables of the restaurant were turned into a dance floor and the night flew by.
The following morning, a majority of the group drug themselves out of bed to hike to the local lighthouse, located at the most easterly point of Australia. Gosh was it beautiful! From the lighthouse you could see multiple whales and dolphins swimming out in the ocean. Still feeling the night before, and the humidity from the hike, we cooled off with some food by the ocean and a walk through some of the shops. Considering a small part of me secretly wants to be a hippy flower child some day, these were amazing. Enough tie die and crop tops and leather vests and high waisted denim shorts to last a lifetime and they. were. all. awesome. The night got started a bit earlier than the last, playing games at the hostel and getting to know the other internationals staying with us. Although we had to get up at 5:30 the following morning, the night didn't end early. But bar close came soon enough and we managed to get a few hours in before the early morning.
Okay so the best most greatest part of my entire trip, year, existence, whatever you find most fitting. A bus picked us up at 6 am and took us to Skydive Byron Bay, Australia's highest tandem skydive at a breathtaking 14,000 feet (!!!) After signing our lives away (seriously it helps the nerves if you just don't read a word on that release form) the shoved us into harnesses and prepped us on how to properly jump out of the plane. We met the guys who'd be (hopefully) helping us get to the ground safe and sound and filmed some before jump interviews. My guy was Jose, former lawyer turned adrenaline junky, who was one of the most upbeat, most awesome people I've ever met. Though I think the excitement overpowered any potential nerves the entire time, he did an awesome job making making sure I knew what was going to happen and putting me at ease. We were the second group to load up and before I knew it, the plane was pulling up and we were being crammed into the rickety plane like sardines. You sit on a bench, leaning back against your skydiver. They managed to fit nearly 15 of us in a space that comfortably seats like three. We kept climbing, over the ocean (where we got to see more whales!!) up into clouds, and finally on top of them. Soon the door was open and we were being shuffled toward the opening. There were two in front of Jose and I and I watched with excitement as the wind pulled them from view, one at a time. Then it was our turn. We slid over to the opening in the plane, and tucking my legs under the plane, holding onto my harness and tipping my head back, we were sucked outside.
And we fell. And fell. And fell.
There was no stomach in your throat feeling, just pure excitement. Three taps on the shoulder by Jose and my arms were out and I was flying. The clouds were coming straight for us and soon we were rushing through them (You actually can't do this in the US, skydive through clouds I mean. Apparently it's illegal but Australia plays by its own set of rules (not surprised at all)). After free falling for around a minute, the ground came into view and Jose pulled the parachute. And holy crap what a view! Ocean and beach met mountains and countryside and you could see it all! Jose even let me drive (drive?) the parachute and turn us in a few circles to get a full 360 degree view of the beautiful Byron Bay and Pacific Ocean. After soaring around for not nearly long enough, it was time for the landing. Back on solid ground, the adrenaline rush hits you even harder. Not only did I smile the entire time from lift off in the plane to landing on the air strip (actually if you see the video there isn't 1 second I look anything but obnoxiously happy), but it didn't leave my face for hours after. A hug for Jose (thanks for not killing me dude!!) and some screams from my friends, the time of my life had come to an end. Needless to say, if anyone is looking for a rush or good time, sky diving is definitely for you. And if you're looking for someone crazy enough to go with you, my schedule will be clear.
After unwinding with some soccer on the beach and swimming in the ocean, the bus took us back to school and reality. Moral of the story, take the time to visit that hippy town a bit off the beaten path, but mostly the lesson is to go skydiving. Seriously you won't die probably and it. is. indescribable. and. awesome. It's days later and a think my dad is still prepared to kill me for jumping out of a plane but the memory still brings a smile to my face.
Well it's back to school for me. The FaceTime conversations with friends back home are piling up and I can't wait to tackle them all soon. As always, thanks for the endless texts of love guys and can't wait to see you all in a short three months.
Theta & NoDak love from Sippy Downs
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