Checking off my bucket list

Everyone has a bucket list or at least can come up with a few things they would absolutely want to experience within their lifetime. Thought I'd share a few things that I've been so fortunate to be able to tick off my list.

Fly Like a Bird (2008)
I was flying before I could walk so riding in airplanes has been the norm for as long as I can remember. I think my interest in riding in a chopper developed when I'd listen to my dad's stories about his survival courses and jumping out of helicopters when I was a kid. Never really thought I'd get the chance to ride in a helicopter until I joined Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) a year out of university. I got to go an EC130 (now H130) - a lightweight single-engine rotorcraft - and got to see the city and Manila Bay from a bird's eye view. Really different experience from flying in a jumbo jet because you're able to see so much more of the land and sea beneath you. What a great experience! (Unfortunately I don't have any photos of me in the EC130, but here are some photos from an exhibit we did while I was working for Eurocopter)

Be a Tomb Raider (2010)
Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world. I'd read about it in school and was fascinated by the photographs and its history. This amazing piece of architecture was built in the 12th century; if you've ever visited Angkor then you'll appreciate just how talented the builders were in the beautiful intricacies of its design, and all of it done without modern day technology. The famous Ta Prohm is the temple within the Angkor Wat complex where the trees and jungle have grown out of its ruins. It's mesmerising to see the interaction between nature and man. So glad I can check this off my list.

Witness the Fairies (2015)
The foot of the Black Cuillins on the Isle of Skye is where you'll find the Fairy Pools. I had first read about the Fairy Pools from an article online - way before I'd met my Scotsman - and was immediately enamoured by the enchanting beauty of the crystal clear natural pools and waterfalls. Ross and I visited the Pools during our Scotland trip in January. It was our last day on Skye and the Fairy Pools were our final stop before continuing the drive home. I was suffering from a horrendous hangover from one too many drams the night before but as soon as I got my hike on and saw Mother's Nature's amazing creation, I felt awesome. The freezing cold temperatures also probably helped to alleviate the pounding in my head. Because it was that - COLD - and we didn't have any wet suits with us, we didn't get to jump in. So I'm definitely going back next time (most likely in the summer!) and making sure I've packed the right gear and jumping in!

Cheers,

J xxx