In late December, 2008, I challenged Lou to a race around the world – possibly the coolest idea I’ve ever had.

I was working at the Marlin bar in Raglan, NZ when Nick made an offhanded Family Guy reference, something about a hot air balloon race around the world.  Just then, Lou walked in the door and ordered a Waikato Shandy.  And right at that moment, all at once, the seed was planted, the idea was formed,  it blossomed, and came blurting out of my mouth.

“Lou,” I said, as I poured her beer, “I challenge you to a race around the world.”

And she accepted.

And together, over the next few weeks, aided by plenty of jagermeister and Waikato Draught, we came up with the following list of locations and tasks.  There is no order, and no time limit – I reckon it will take us years .  The first to complete all 5 tasks wins, and the loser must buy the winner a plane ticket to wherever we decide to meet up.

Oh, and I’ve already completed the Sydney mission, so I’m winning!  Check out the Race Around the World page to see the uncensored photo!

Location: Sydney, Australia
Mission: Get a photo of yourself in front of the Sydney Opera House, naked.

Location: China
Mission: Skateboard on the Great Wall – just part of it… and get a picture.

Location: Peru
Mission: Hallucinate by drinking Ayahuasca (“The Spirit vine”).

Location: Sweden
Mission: Have sex with a Swede (tall, blond).  Must provide post-coital photographic evidence.

Location: Madagascar
Mission: Volunteer.

Location: Bombay, India
Mission: Go to Leopolds in Bombay and have a drink for Linbaba.