Girls just wanna have fun

Bucks and Hens.

No not deer and chickens. Bachelor and Bachelorettes.

The typical  hens night could include topless waiters, pink stretch hummers, and even trips to Vegas. From Australia. These things can get pretty wild. Luckily I have a classy friend. Her name is Kyla, you might have heard of her. She had a fiesta themed hen's and it was the first hen's night I've been to in this celebratory country.

Kyla likes food (as a bit of a foodie). I like food. Pulled pork tacos and queso?! Am I back in America? Heaven!

We had our own personal non-topless bartenders serving mojitos, mexican mules and margaritas.

 
We played pass the parcel with a dare or challenge in each layer unwrapped. Who knew it was possible to tie a gummy snake in your mouth in less than 10 seconds. I don't think I could tie it with my hands that quickly.

We learned what it takes to be a good wife (circa 1955). Here's a few tips:

• Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
• Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
• A good wife always knows her place.

And it wouldn't be a fiesta without a pinata. Kyla played softball and their team had grey pants. But those softball skills didn't help her here.

There was even pinata cake full of freckles chocolates and Kyla got to practice her cake cutting for the big day.

And Kyla was forced to complete quiz about her fiance. She lost that one. But hey, they were tough questions.

But there was a juke box full of great 90s hits, plus a few of those UK Brit pop or Australia songs that never made it big enough to be known in the US.

 A private dance party where no one else can see you, 'cause in the end, girls just wanna have fun.

That's Why I'm Walkin'

What does one do when barely able to jog 5 kilometers after recovering from knee surgery and a year of not running?

Sign up to walk 100 kilometers. 

Straight. 

With three other girls. 

No it's not a relay, we are ALL walking 100 kilometers. 

That's 62.1 miles. 

In the hills of Perth. 

On trails. 

In the dark! 

 I've ticked of long distances before:

42 kilometers (26.2 miles) x 3 

50 kilometers (31 miles)

113.1 kilometers (70.3) miles swan, biked, and ran

321.9+ kilometers (200+ miles) across 30 hours running in the backwoods of South Carolina in a running relay.

But I think this 100 kilometers might be one of my biggest challenges. Never have I been on my feet for 30 hours of activity straight. And I'm scared of the dark...

I'm one quarter of #123, Team Americanas. In case you couldn't guess, we're all transplants, but you can read about us on our team page. I've never trained to hike. Walking takes a long time. Ashley, Amanda, Bea and I are logging our miles...

 ...in the dark and in the "cold"...

...crossing rivers ...

 ...climbing hills...

...but luckily we have had some amazing views out in the bush.

But the important thing, beyond the physical challenge, is that it's for a good cause. Oxfam is an organization helping people to help themselves out of poverty. If I've learned anything in Australia, it's how fortunate I am to be able to travel and live a life not having to worry where my next meal is coming from. Or if the only water I have to drink will kill me. We're hoping to raise $2,000. If you have a few spare dollars, feel free to donate to our team here https://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/team/home/22051. But please don't feel obligated. Positive thoughts and motivation are needed just as much!

October 9th the challenge begins. I hope the kangaroos and bandicoots don't get us!