Adventure Essay Outline The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Setting Ø Where: New Zealand, a vacation I took after completion of studying abroad during college Ø When: November through December, 2001, during my junior year in college and right after the events of 9/11.

Major Characters Ø Myself (having just lived in Australia for 11 months) Ø My boyfriend Will (having just lived in Australia with me for the past 5 months) Ø Importance: Will is my significant other, whom I had been with for a year and a half at that point.

Minor Characters Ø Skydiving instructor Ø Skydiving photographer Ø Bungee-jumping operator Ø Bungee-jumping assistants Ø Kiwi Experience tour bus driver Ø Kaikoura boat captain and crew Ø Dolphins

Before the Journey… I embarked on this adventure with Will because we wanted to see more of the world and travel to yet another country before heading home. Ø Our choice of destinations was limited due to strict instructions by the U. S. Embassy not to go to Bali, Fiji, or any other neighboring islands. Ø I felt: Ø l l l Excited- because I knew I would have a wonderful and eventful vacation Cautious- because of recent warnings about the safety of traveling as Americans Sad- because I knew this would mark the end of my year-long odyssey overseas.

Event 1 Sky-diving: we decided to embrace the adventurous culture of New Zealand sky-dive over beautiful and scenic Lake Wanaka. Ø We did so impulsively, knowing that any hesitation would likely assist in talking us out of it, as we are both extremely afraid of heights. Ø I figured if I was ever going to jump out of a plane, it should be in a place that will take my breath away with its views, while taking my breath away in my descent. Ø I also knew that I wanted to face my fears, do something bold, and share the exhilarating experience with Will. Ø

Event 2 Bungee-jumping: After taking a plunge from 12, 000 feet, I wanted to face my fears further, and experience another thrilling adventure. I decided to bungee-jump in Taupo, NZ, overlooking a clear -blue river and lush countryside. Ø Bungee-jumping was invented in NZ, and I knew my vacation would not be complete until I had conquered my fear of jumping off a cliff or ledge. Ø Unlike skydiving, I had to will myself to jump on my own, rather than rely on the surreal surroundings and urgings from a man strapped to my back. This was the ultimate test and the result would be empowering. Ø

Event 3 Swimming with dolphins: After some of the adrenaline rushes I had gone through, I wanted to experience the sublime. I knew swimming with dolphins in the open ocean would be a once-in-alifetime opportunity. Ø I learned that we would have to swim above one of the largest ocean drop-offs in the world in order to do it, but I realized that I had to face yet another of my fears- my biggest fear of all- large bodies of water. Ø I did not expect it would be just as much of a challenge to my fears and insecurities as the other two, yet, at the same time, be such a humbling and spiritual experience. Ø

Outcome Ø By the end of my journey in New Zealand, I felt like an adult as well as a child. My excitement and sense of wonder about the world felt as powerful as it did in my youth, yet I had matured and become less fearful of challenging situations or new experiences. It gave me the confidence, clarity and strength that I now could carry with me throughout my lifetime. I felt independent, selfsufficient and resilient- qualities I hadn’t fully embodied, or appreciated, before starting this adventure.