SKYDIVING!!!!

Well hello everybody! This morning I jumped out of an airplane at 14,000 feet above ground! What did you guys do? Ha, kidding. But seriously- skydiving today was INCREDIBLE!!! Just to answer the uniform question of "Hey Lauren, were you scared?" - yes! I was freaking out, but it was pure adrenaline, not terror. Bungy jumping is something I never plan to do again, but skydiving was amazing! Once the parachute opened up it was a calm, beautiful ride to the ground! And being strapped to an trained instructor helps too (even if, like in my case, they're 65+ years old).....

It started off with about 20 people crammed into that tiny airplane (seen above) like sardines. Your guide basically straddles you from behind until there's only 3 minutes left. Once we were at 14 THOUSAND feet, the door of the airplane just flew open, and here was my reaction:
Us watching the first few people jump! Literally hanging outside of an open airplane window...it was so loud and windy (OBVIOUSLY haha!)

When we first fell out, we did a couple back flips in the air!!

Free falling at a rate of 300 kph (...nearly 180 miles per hour!)

Sooooo much fun!

Somebody, please tell me that these next 3 pictures aren't the funniest things you've ever seen! I spent a good HOUR laughing at these after they were printed- such a crack up! This is what happens when you try to scream:

Once the parachute deployed he let me steer! It was really cool! We went right over the highway and nearly skimmed a lake near the landing pad!
Back to the ground safe and sound!
I had the BEST time skydiving today in Sydney! I can't wait to make a second jump sometime!

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Well, as of right now I'm at my friend Claudie's house! I love it! I'm spending my last 2 nights in Australia with her and her family. In less than 48 hours from now I'll be on my way back to the United States!!!!!!!! Bitter-sweet, can't believe it. What a journey it's been.

Love and miss you all dearly, and can't wait to see (most) of you in a couple days.

--LP--