I planned to wake up early this morning to try and reduce the jet lag I would get in San Francisco. Unfortunately I had a horrid night sleep so decided to ignore the alarm. I had originally planned to do a bungee today off Harbour Bridge but I decided against it. I figured its not worth spending money on something I'm not going to enjoy. I would only be doing it for kudos, and I think I've got enough to be proud of for the time being!
This change of heart meant I had plenty of free time today so decided to go see Iron Man 3 in 3D! Really enjoyed myself and it wasn't too expensive either. After my film I ate out at a sushi bar before getting my stuff together and making my way to the airport.
Leaving New Zealand, I had mixed emotions. I wasn't so sad to be leaving Auckland as it isn't my cup of tea, but the country is beautiful! I couldn't have imagined a place more stunning. Not only the landscape but the things I've done here... I've abseiled into a massive cave! I've jumped out of a plane at 15,000ft! I've been in a helicopter! I've been trekking on and in a glacier! I've kayaked mirror lakes! I've ridden a three person bike and I've thrown myself into a valley on the worlds largest swing! But most importantly, I've been lucky enough to do all of that with amazing people!! So to all of our 'Kiwi Family' - Josh, Harry, 'Our Rachel', Laura, Xenia, Lindsey, Pete, Sam and 'Sam's Rachel' - thanks a million, I'm sure ill see you all again soon!
Today is an extra long day because I went back in time on my flight to San Francisco, arriving before I left! Touching down on the tarmac felt very strange. I haven't been on the same continent as my parents for 10 weeks, and now finally we were in the same city. As always in the states going through airport security took a long time, but I spent all of it with a smile on my face! After a long wait I finally saw the sign that read 'Arrivals Lounge'. Turning the corner through the automatic doors and seeing two faces I recognised felt amazing! A warm hug, rather than the, "Hi, I'm Chay" routine was a very welcome change!
We all got to catching up on the train and tram to the hotel and then washed my stinky clothes before attempting to find a barbers. I finally gave in to my body , ditched the hair cut and had a sleep for a few hours before having a lovely meal and an early night to get over my jet lag!