May 20, 2005

In a time not too distant and not too recent, a group of twelve striking women with muscular but yet womanly physiques conquered Australia. We arrived on May 9th and by May 20th we strolled through the Cairns (pronounced cans) airport with our heads high and our chest out. Many conquered if not one, many of their fears and looked danger in the eye while still maintaining their graceful manner.

Our trip began with a 15-hour non-stop flight from LAX to Sydney. Although we completely lost Monday, once we arrived we were ready to explore all that Australia had to offer. In Sydney we were meet with our first obstacle, we came within inches, (I mean two inches max) of lions and gorillas and not only made it out alive but made it out dry as well. We even managed to get video of the whole ordeal. It was part one of our close encounters with the animals of Australia.

While taking a break from our adventured filled trip, we managed to visit a few museum and landmarks in Sydney, including the Opera House, which had magnificent architecture and was amazing. Soon sight seeing became a bit too dull for the high intensity lifestyle we live; it was time for another life defying adventure. After a quick deliberation, it was unanimous that the Harbour Bridge overlooking all of Sydney was our next mission. Up for a challenge, my teammates and I took the treacherous three-hour climb to the top of a 426-foot bridge. Exhausted from our long day we grabbed a bite to eat and called it a night, the morning would bring a new adventure.

The next day we said our farewells and headed north to slow but yet relaxing city of Brisbane. With so many challenges already conquered, we agreed it was time for a change of pace. So we focused on playing basketball and soaking up the Australian sun and culture. After a tan and a little shopping it was time to head to our final destination, CAIRNS. Well we had all been looking forward to the beautiful water and the great weather that Cairns had to offer, but we have also been a little apprehensive. For some of us, Cairns represented our greatest fears. From bungee jumping to swimming in the shark infested ocean off Australia.

Our first mission was to leap off of a make shift bridge that stood 150 feet above a man-made pond, or be slingshot into the mysterious forest. Regardless of our choices, nearly every member of the team stepped out of their comfort zone into the unknown. While looking back it seems ridiculous to place your life in the hands of a complete stranger, but at the time it seemed right. After cheating death once, we were ready for a second go at it.

Up next, taking a dive in the middle of the ocean with sharks, piranhas, giant clams, octopuses and many more. It seemed a little scary at first but if you over look the deadly possibilities, it is worth it. Swimming with the oceanic life was part two of our close encounters and allowed us to depart Australia on a magnificent high. The best part of the trip was being able to share this experience with some of my closest friends, my teammates.

Warning: some of this information might be fabricated for the viewer's pleasure.

-Jevay