My friends learned how to tie knots and built their own rafts out of bamboo rods, inner tubes, and rope. My entire class had to get on the raft, but I didn't want to get my fur wet. The other team's raft sunk but ours floated! We won the race!!
We also learned camp cooking skills. I learned how to make chocolate chip pancakes on a skillet, yum yum!
The next day, my Year 3 friends and I went to the Birkenhead Leisure Center where they learned to rock climb indoors, build "Bush Bivvies" or camping shelters, and kayak in the pool. Jason and Lucy were good kayakers, I couldn't find a life jacket small enough for me so I watched from the side.
I helped my group build a "Bush Bivvy" out of rope, tarp, sticks, leaves, and anything else we could find. King Kong also joined us in our shelter.
My class is being taught by two teachers, just like your class was when Ms. Fred was there. My other teacher is Mrs. Rivett and her husband is in the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army helps people who are in trouble or are involved in a disaster. Mr. Rivett went to Christchurch after the earthquake occurred and handed out clean water, food, blankets, and toys to people who lost their homes. When he got back, he came to talk to my class about his experiences. He is a real life hero!
On Saturday, Ms. Fred and I traveled to Matamata to visit Hobbiton. This is where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed and the upcoming movie the Hobbit is about to start filming. The movies are based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkein and they were all filmed here in New Zealand. I took a picture in front of the Hobbiton sign but no other pictures were allowed because the movie set is Top Secret.
I stopped for some tea and a biscuit, which is what they call a cookie.
I also tried the favorite soda of New Zealand called L&P, it was very lemony-tasting. I did not like it very much.
On Sunday I visited the world-famous Sky Tower, New Zealand's tallest building...
And watched Ms. Fred bungy jump off of it. Twice! She must be very brave. At the observation deck at the top I could see all of Auckland.
I tried to find my school from the top, but it was a little too far away.
As you can see, I've been quite the busy kangaroo. You will love all of the adventures I have planned next. Ms. Fred told me she has sent something your way, Kangaroos, so tell Mrs. Herlihy to check her mailbox sometime soon. I also want to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ashton and send my (and Ms. Fred's) hugs all the way from New Zealand.
-Rooney
