HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So we thought you guys might like to hear how we celebrated coming into 2009. In the early afternoon we scoped out what Lonley Planet (the travel book we purchaced) told us was a fun strip of bars. It looked a little different than home, but we still figured it would be fun considering there were bars and clubs lining the street. After a few beers in the hostel (trying to stay on a budget) we strolled up to the main street and hit up the bar that seemed to have the biggest crowd. At first the completely decked out drag queens checking out our ID's seemed all in the New Year's spirit, but on further glance we realized we may be the only straight people trying to enter the bar. Realizing this we took off to find another bar....same situation. The guy at this door asked us if we were here for "the show", looking at him confused we asked "what show?" He looked at us like we were from another planet and then pointed to a poster. We realized it was a lip syncing talent show preformed by drag queens. Turns out we were at the wrong part of town for 2 straight girls. (Well I guess we looked like a pretty cute couple!!!) We decided "what the heck" lets just stay! It was too late to try and get anywhere else. We stayed and watched what was like watching a Britney Spears music video. Lights...cameras...disco balls....fans...perfect choreography and of course lip syncing. Needless to say, it was one of the most memorable, and unexpected nights we have ever had. It turned out to be a great time and a great way to bring in 2009!

Almost a full day later, we recovered at Mission Bay, a beautiful beach! It reminded us a lot of Laguna Beach in CA. Hope you guys have as much fun celebrating New Year's Eve tonight as we did last night! Miss you all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Auckland, New Zealand

After countless hours in airports and airplanes we finally arrived in Auckland, NZ late on the Dec. 28th. Sadly, we woke up to a horrible phone call that Hannah would have to be leaving us for a family emergency. So it's just the two of us (Britt and Shanna) starting this journey...hoping to possibly to meet up with Hannah along the way. Hannah, we love you and it won't be the same without you!



While aimlessly wandering around the city we stumbled upon a ferry to an island off the coast. We decided to hop on and ended up at Waiheke, one of the most beautiful islands we have ever seen. It resembled Hawaii but even more beautiful if you can imagine. However, we learned a few things quickly. After a ferrry ride and a short hike to the beach we were already completely sunburnt before we even got down to our swimsuits with perfect T-shirt outlines! We also realized how out of shape we are b/c we could barely walk by the end of the day from all the hiking around (not to mention our hostel sits on top of a rediculously steep hill). By the end of this trip we are hoping to be really tan, not burnt and buff and strong, not sore!




We're about to get ready to go out and celebrate New Years (almost a full day before anyone reading this will)! Happy New Year and we love you and miss you all!