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Blake Down Unda: Shock Advised Tour in Australia + New Zealand
Performing at the Sydney Opera House in February was an experience so epic, it still gives me chills.
IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO AUSTRALIA and New Zealand yet, add a trip to your bucket list because you will NOT be disappointed. I was so excited to go back to Australia and to New Zealand for the first time. Performing at the Sydney Opera House in February was an experience so epic, it still gives me chills.
CUDDLY KOALAS, KANGAROOS & AMAZING PEOPLE
I was fortunate to experience Australia for the first time during my PTO Comedy Tour in 2023. I had no idea what to expect, but my experience far exceeded any expectations. One of the highlights from that first trip was being able to hold a koala and hang out with kangaroos, which I think is everybody’s dream when they think of Australia. They were so adorable. Everyone needs to hold a koala at least once in their lifetime!
Sydney reminds me somewhat of America but with a sexy accent! The people there are so fun and laid back. They have the coolest words and phrases for things, like ‘chuck a sickie,’ which basically means you call in for being sick, but you’re actually faking it. I love how the people there are a little more sarcastic. It creates a fun, chill vibe. The audience there definitely appreciated my dark jokes.
PERFORMING AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
The Sydney Opera House was an incredible experience. It is one of the most iconic places in the world, and I was so looking forward to seeing it and doing a show there. It’s unlike any other venue where I’ve performed. I was honored to be on a stage where so many famous and iconic people have been. It definitely still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
The Sydney Opera House is a seriously impressive structure. In 2007, it was added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It covers about 4.4 acres of land, is around 22 stories high, and has 5,738 seats. Its massive windows provide panoramic views of the harbor, bridge, and Sydney skyline. It is truly a breathtaking place.
That feeling of free falling was so awesome! It’s something I’ll never forget, and I definitely plan on doing it again someday.
ADVENTURES IN AUCKLAND
I had never been to New Zealand before. It’s honestly a really unique place. I was only able to visit Auckland, so I hope to go back someday and see more of the country. New Zealanders are like Australians in that they are so fun, nice, and super welcoming.
When I was in Auckland, I wanted to create a lasting memory, so I took my lesbian cousin Mandi bungee jumping off the AJ Hackett Auckland bridge. Mandi is afraid of heights, but like the wonderful cousin that she is, she reluctantly agreed.
Bungee jumping is crazy! So first, you basically have to sign your life away, which makes you even more nervous. Then they weigh you and take your height, followed by tying your feet together and putting a harness on you. You have to walk this plank and look down to make sure there isn’t a boat coming. Can you imagine bungee jumping and banging into a boat? Oops! That feeling of free falling was so awesome! It’s something I’ll never forget, and I definitely plan on doing it again someday.
I CAN’T WAIT TO GO BACK!
The food is so much better down unda! They say the soil is different there, especially in New Zealand, so it makes the fruits and vegetables so fresh and flavorful. It was some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life.
I highly recommend seeing Australia and New Zealand. They are both beautiful countries full of wonderful people, delicious food, and plenty of amazing adventures and activities. I really hope I can go back someday soon. Take my word for it: You gotta go there; you won’t regret it.
References:
www.sydneyoperahouse.com
