Zorbing, 2002, by Nick Banovetz

From MemoryArchive

Who: Nick Banovetz
What: Zorbing 
When: Spring 2002
Where: Rotorua, New Zealand

At one point or another we've all witnessed the hamster in the ball; scurrying around without direction, yet frantic that it needs to get somewhere.

I was able to experience this while Zorbing in Rotorua, New Zealand while studying abroad in Australia spring semester of my junior year. My friend Kathryn and I arrived at the top of the hill, and under the direction of the guide, we climbed through a small hole and entered a large, padded bubble. Once Kathryn and I got situated, the guide asked if we wanted some water in the bubble. Being in the upper 70s outside, we thought what the heck. SPLASH! As it turns out the bucket of water thrown in by the guide was actually ice cold. And without hesitation, the guide merely flicked our bubble and we were off, Zorbing down the hilly landscape of Rotorua.

Kathryn and I spent a few minutes tumbling around, hitting one another as we avoided -- or at least attempted to avoid -- the ice cold water traveling with us in the bubble.

It was 20 bucks well spent and I highly recommend it to anyone traveling through Rotorua. (Rotorua also offers one heck of a sheep show.)