Adventuring abroad with Strike

Hello Strike family! Here lies my first blog from abroad! This semester, I write to you from a journey through the South Pacific: from Hawaii, to New Zealand, then Australia and finally, Fiji. Along the way, we learn about sustainability and the issues relevant to each of the environments we visit. As I pack up my suitcase every two to three nights during this travel-intensive program, I also attempt to use coach rides and travel days as time to reflect on my lived experiences in an entirely new region of the world.

Nestled in a noodle shop booth in the Melbourne airport, I write on my way to Bali, Indonesia for spring break, marking the halfway point of the program. Maddy, a friend traveling with me on my flight, asked me what my top three moments are from the trip thus far. I thought I’d outline them here:

#1 - Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Coming in at number one… witnessing the eruption of Kilauea had to be the single coolest day of my life. Following an eight mile hike through a crater next to the then-quiet volcano, the group and I had just finished hiking back up into the forest when the most astonishing thing happened. It started raining rocks. Not hail, but actual rocks. Ranging anywhere from the size of a coin to the size of a grapefruit, volcanic tephra began to spew out of Kilauea straight into the sky, only to rain down on our backs. Although a tad painful, these rocks were crumbling, lightweight and sparkly, giving them an otherworldly look as they came down faster and harder with every passing moment. Suited up in rain jackets for protection, we immediately rushed to the trail nearest to the volcano and began running, fueled by nothing but adrenaline and the rumbling reverberating through the atmosphere. The lava flowed explosively, at first shrouded in black smoke, but then clearly in an angry blaze. My head was empty of all but awe. It erupted in a way locals had maybe seen once in their lives. There was truly nothing like it: I feel the utmost gratitude for having been in Volcanoes National Park on the right day, at the right time.

#2 Dolphin Swim, Kaikoura, New Zealand

As a lifelong dolphin enthusiast (I told my parents as a child that I wanted to be a dolphin trainer when I grew up), the opportunity to swim with wild Dusky dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealand, was the most exciting thing on our itinerary for me. While the boat ride out to find the wild animals was rough and rocky, I survived the threat of motion sickness in order to experience an AMAZING encounter with my favorite animal! In our wetsuits from head to toe, we snorkeled five times with a large pod of these small, athletic dolphins. Because the cold, bright blue water had low visibility, the dolphins would appear inches from our faces suddenly, swimming around us and sometimes even circling individuals. After the swim, the dolphins followed the boat and put on a show for us, leaping out of the water and sometimes doing flips! I wish I could relive that experience over and over!

#3 Canyoning, Queenstown, New Zealand

On our free day in Queenstown, the city branded as the “adventure capital of the world,” I embarked on an activity far outside of my comfort zone. Canyoning was something that, honestly, I went into completely blind. The endeavor was an experience I am definitely going to seek out again. Five of us took a tour through Gibbston Valley canyons, wearing wetsuits, helmets and harnesses that clip onto the various ropes lining the canyons. One after the other, we climbed, slid and leaped across slippery rocks. Interspersed, our guide pushed us down waterfalls into pools and taught us how to rappel down the waterfall rocks as our final challenge. Although the water was freezing and I felt a healthy amount of fear, I am so glad I signed up for the perfect thrill.

If you ever get the chance, I urge you to explore what the Pacific corner of the world has to offer. By saying yes to everything, I am learning to push myself to grow and have the adventure of a lifetime along the way.

Next up, Australia! Until then…

Strike Out,

Anna Kadet

Editor: Meghan Bosman

Adventuring abroad with Strike

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