Snowboarding time

I have finally tried to snowboard. Unfortunately, it didn't go as well as I planned, however it was still a lot of fun. 

I have been to the snow a few times with friends and family, and have always been the only one to ski, as everyone else can snowboard. So, I finally decided to learn, and let me just say, it is so much harder than people make out. I had two lessons with an instructor, and fell several times on my face, on my stomach and on my back, before I then decided to switch back to skiing, so that I could get at least three full days on my feet!

All in all, besides the near accidents, the entire ski trip was phenomenal, and I had a blast. I spent two days at Threadbo and three days at Perisher, completing all different sorts of runs. It is always a great vacation to road trip with your good friends and family, and spend a few days rugged up with beautiful cups of hot chocolate.

I can officially say, although I didnt successfully snowboard, I am happy that I have given it a try, rather than sitting around at home, wondering, "what if"? 

- Tayla

Snorkelling

Not too long after I experienced climbing Diamond Head volcano, I headed over to the complete opposite side of the island, hired some snorkelling gear and snorkelled through Waimea Bay. It was a beautiful day which made the water look incredibly nice. It took about 20 minutes to walk from the top of the mountain where the car park was, down into the bay itself. 

This was the view from the top, looking down into the bay. 

It is a very popular snorkelling location, as you can see.

We equipped ourselves with the snorkelling gear, and headed into the water. It was so clear, you could see everything. There was not as much sea life as I expected, but some of the fish were very pretty - although they were quite camera shy!

Snorkelling in a reef was an incredible experience and I would love to do it again.

I am very pleased I was able to tick this off the bucket list!

- Jessica

Volcano Time

So after completing the first adventure on the bucket list, I thought that I had better get to fulfilling the next one. Travelling just looks all too exciting and I need to be a part of it!

I have just been on an amazing holiday to the island of Oʻahu in the state of Hawai'i.
While I was there I did some awesome activities like going to a professional baseball game, I went and visited Pearl Harbour, did lots and lots of shopping and many other things, but the most important thing that stands out the most to me is the fact that I climbed up Diamond Head volcano.

This was an awesome experience and I'm definitely glad that I did it. The view was spectacular- I just did not want to go back down, ha ha.

I'm very satisfied that I now have that ticked off the list!
Here are a few photos that I managed to take of the volcano…

That is the volcano

This is the view of the crater from the top of the volcano

And this is the view of Waikiki from the top

- Jessica

Cruising Around

I finally completed something on my bucket list!

I just got back from a 12night cruise on the Pacific Jewel, with 23 other friends, and had the time of my life. We travelled to New Caledonia and the islands around Vanuatu, which gave me a new appreciation for the life I have. Seeing young children living on the streets, and hearing stories from parents who had not seen their children in 8months, due to work circumstances, was heart breaking. However, having a small conversation and playing with them, really made their day.

The islands themselves were breathtaking. The water was crystal clear and the tropical scenery was something you would see on a postcard. 

On the ship, the crew were so friendly, and there was always something to do. Whether it be, playing bingo, wine tasting and having a game of water polo, we were constantly entertained.

All in all, I can honestly say it was the most relaxing holiday I have ever been on and recommend it to everyone. I am so glad, I have crossed that off my bucket list.

- Tayla

Bungee Jumping

I'll start by declaring that I'm massively scared of heights. Always have been, and I probably always will be. So you can imagine my joy when my friends decided that bungee jumping was a good idea.

We were in Taupo (New Zealand), which conveniently has a bungee jump company near the town. After watching a number of people - young and old alike - throw themselves of the edge, we decided it was about time we joined them, so it was with great trepidation that I agreed to face one of my greatest fears.

Before we could jump, we had to wait about 20 minutes in the cue on a narrow platform sticking out from the top off the cliff above the water below. For me, this was torture. I couldn't bare to look anywhere below the horizon in fear of what lay below.

Narrow Waiting Platform Towering over the River below

(Source: http://www.taupobungy.co.nz)

Eventually, it was my turn to jump. I remember psyching myself up to stand on the edge and gracefully jump off the platform into the air below. In reality, it was anything but graceful. In fact, it was barely even a jump. More of a person crumbling over the edge in fear of what lay below.

Bungee Jumping in Taupo (a jump similar to what I had envisioned for myself)

(Source: http://www.taupobungy.co.nz)

Before I knew it, I was lying on a boat on the water, and I WAS ALIVE! Adrenaline pumping through my body like never before.

Looking back on it, I can safely say it was the most alive I've ever felt in my life. It is a rare feeling to confront your fears head-on, and to this day I still don't know what convinced me to do it, but I'm very happy to have crossed something off my Bucket List.

- Phillip

A video for our blog

This is a video we made about our bucket list.

We hope you enjoy it!

About The Bucket List

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." - Mae West

Inspired by the 2007 film 'The Bucket List', we decided to put together a list of things that we wanted to do and experience before we die. Some activities you can do at home, whilst some require treks to all corners of the globe. This blog is a compilation of things that we have already crossed off our bucket lists, as well as activities and experiences that we dream about. 

Who are we? Phillip, Tayla, Jessica and Marien. We are 4 university students with big goals, and even bigger dreams. We are just at the start of our life's journey, and have many things that we want to do and achieve.

Our Bucket List ranges from the ordinary to the extraordinary, and everything in between. This is a small preview of some of the things on each of our bucket lists that we will post about over the coming months:

• Snorkel on a reef
• Visit a rainforest
• Visit the 7 Wonders of the World
• Sky-dive
• Go on a cruise
• Learn to surf
• Learn to snowboard
• Learn to play the guitar
• Take a photography course
• Go whale watching
• Ride in a hot air balloon
• Go to the Olympics
• Ride a camel
• Touch snow for the first time
• Climb up a volcano
• Fire a pistol
• Visit the Grand  Canyon

We hope that you find our blog interesting, and that our blog might inspire others to create their own bucket list and - more importantly - cross experiences off their bucket list!

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