Australia - From Spears to Cuddles

What a great last day in Australia we had.

First thing this morning we headed off to Port Douglas and Kubirri Warra to learn about coastal Aboriginal life.  Once there, we met our guide for the day, Link, and off to the beach we headed, where we were instructed to take our shoes off for the activities.

Our first activity was learning how to throw a spear in order to fish or catch crabs.  He explained how the Aboriginal people in this coastal area all hunt/fish for their meals.  After our practice was over, it was off into the mud flats to hunt for crabs with spears in hand.  We walked about 4 miles in the water looking for dinner.  While some were successful in catching a crab, I don't think we have any budding spear fishermen in the group.  Some of the students even saw a stingray.

Once back on land, Link's mom had baked us some delicious Damper and vanilla and chocolate cakes and also cooked the crab we had just caught.  She is quite the cook!!

After we said goodbye to our hosts for the morning, we headed to the Port Douglas Wildlife Sanctuary where we had lunch with the lorikeets.  After lunch, we cuddle koala bears and feed the kangaroos and wallabies and saw many other indigenous animals, including the salt water crocodile.  Everyone really enjoyed the interaction with the animals.

This evening, we went to a really nice restaurant for our last meal in Australia and went to a local grocery store for the last minute treats to bring home - particularly the Tim Tams.  It is sad that our South Pacific Adventure is coming to an end, but we are looking forward to starting our journey home tomorrow.

Australia - Out in the Bush

Today was an early start for breakfast with a departure from the hotel at 8 a.m., to head into the rain forest.  We made our way to Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway.  We went for about a 1-1/2 mile walk through the forest learning about the different types of plants while walking on a regular path, and elevated walkway and up into a tower which rose about 37 meters high, where we had a great view of our surroundings.  One of the most interesting plants was the Gympie Gympie plant (bad, bad plant in English).  This plant was hair-like barbs that go into your skin that emit neurotoxins and could take years before you can get rid of the side effects.  Needless to say, we steered clear from those.  

After the walk, we made our way a little further into the rainforest to Mangolli Falls, where they students learned how to make "Damper" a traditional bush bread eaten with butter and golden syrup (which was somewhat like a honey).  They learned how to crack whips and also make billy tea.  Unfortunately, it was rather rainy, which made some of the activities rather difficult.  They learned a small bit about the way of life of people of the outback - particularly the cowboys - or jillaroos and jackaroos - or ringers.  We had a little bit of time with one of the horses where the students who wanted to could get their picture taken with the horse near the waterfall.  

From there it was back to the hotel - but only after watching one of the people we met at the falls was taking the horse back to his house when she broke loose and took off running down the road.  The kids were a bit concerned that the horse was getting away, but she finally stopped and went back home. 

From dinner - we were hosted by local Girl Guides.  They made us a Mexican dinner with watermelon (which was cantaloupe) and ice cream.  After dinner - they put on a quiz for us, breaking into 5 teams.  A good time was had by all.  

Now back at the hotel, we are getting ready for our final day in Australia - our up close and personal experience with koalas.

 

Australia - Reef Bound

Today was a rather relaxing day.  We left the hotel around 8 this morning to catch our boat out to the reef.  It was a tad bit rainy on the way to the boat and then on the way to the reef, but it cleared up just in time for us to jump in the water and get our snorkeling on.  

Our time on the reef started with a semi-submerged submarine tour of the surrounding, where one of the biologists on board talked to us about the different types of coral, how it forms, and its life cycle and symbiotic relationship with the environment.  The kids were impressed how quickly they caught on to naming coral - i.e. it is named by how it looks, spaghetti coral, fan coral, branch coral, brain coral, boulder coral, etc.  On the ride, we spotted both a sea turtle and a shark (not a big one).  

Once back to our pontoon, we were ready to get into the water.  All the kids got in and snorkeled around.  We were lucky that there were a lot of fish to look at - and I'm sure everyone found Nemo!  After a couple of hours in the water, it was time to head back to shore - which was about a 1-1/2 hour ride.  The weather started acting up again and it was a bit of a rough, wet ride (try to say that 10 times fast) back to dock.  

We have just finished dinner.  Kids are playing in the game - killer game of ping pong.  I'm sure the stakes are high - possible an ice cream on the line.  Tomorrow we are off to the rainforest and some traditional Aussie activities.  Still having fun, but looking forward to coming in a few days.

Australia - Day 15 - Blue Mountains

It was an early start this morning to get to the Blue Mountains before bad weather hit as they were expecting snow later this afternoon.  After a 2 hour drive to get to the Blue Mountains, it was off the bus into the crisp 44 degree weather and an extremely picturesque view.

We met our Blue Mountain guide, Eric, who was going to be with us during our train ride and walk in the rainforest.  To get down to the beginning of the hike, we took the scenic railway - which was established in 1800's, although the one we rode on was much more modernized than the original version.  This railway is the steepest passenger train in the world with an incline of 52 degrees.  Originally, this railway was used to bring coal miners up an down the mountain.  Once inside the rail cars, each seat was able to select their own position for the ride down - ranging from lying back to normal to "cliffhanger."

Once down at the bottom, we started our walk into the rainforest where we learned about coal mining in this particular area, including the fact that boys worked in the mines once they reached 13 years of age.  None of our boys were ready to sign on to do that type of work, so they are all coming home with us.

We learned about some of the plants in the area, including an ancient species of tree fern with many of them being quite old, out dating people living in the area.  There were also some Eucylptus trees and vines strong and thick enough to hold cars.

We also learned the story of the Three Sisters - and the dream time story of three sisters that were in love with 3 brothers from another tribe.  The brothers were going to kidnap them because they were forbidden to marry and to save them, they were encased in the stone for all time.   While there are other versions of the story, this is the one we are going with.

For lunch, the kids were given vouchers and were able to buy their own lunches at the cafe which everyone seemed to enjoy.

After lunch, we headed to the Waraoah Aboriginal Culture Center where they learned a little bit about the Aboriginal culture and watch a short program with some "ceremonies" or "dances."  They also did a little shopping at the aboriginal store for some authentic souvenirs.

We are now headed back to Sydney for a little bit of free time and dinner again down on Darling Harbor.  Tomorrow we are off to Cairns.  Everyone is having a great time, but looking forward to coming home soon.

Australia - Day ? - Surf's up!!

Today started out with a quick bus ride to Bondi Beach where we were met by our surf instructors.  We quickly changed into wet suits, split into 2 groups, grabbed our surf boards and began our lessons.

On land, we learned how to get on the surf board and then how to get up, as well as how to fall gracefully without hurting ourselves in the process.  Then it was into the ocean for some surfing (I use the term loosely) fun.  All the kids seemed to have a blast and enjoyed their time learning.  Our instructors were awesome working with the kids and very positive, cheering us on.

Lunch was at the Bondi Surf Club where we looked at pictures that they took of us during the day and also learned about the Surf Club's history - including the fact that prior to 1905, swimming was only to be done at night and only by men.  Then it changed to daytime swimming, but had to have bathing suits that went from shoulder to knees and then finally to co-ed swimming/surfing like today.  They explained that most of the life-savers (lifeguards) are volunteers of local surf clubs and that you have to be at least 16.  They learned about some safety tips when swimming in the ocean, including how to go with a riptide until it releases you - and not to panic.

From there, we headed over to the Sydney Opera House for a guided tour and learned about the history of it, how it was built, and some of the back story of the in-fighting between the Aussie engineers and the Danish architect.  Right before entering the Concert Hall, our tour guide went it to see if it was okay for us to enter and we could hear someone rehearsing for an upcoming performance.

Once leaving the Opera House, we headed to Altmann and Cherney Opals where we learned about the different types of opals and what regions they come from, as well as how they are mined and the way they are traded.  We also were able to see the largest opal in the world!

Dinner was down on Darling Harbor where most of the kids tried kangaroo steaks, which most said it tasted like regular steak.

Back at the hotel now getting ready for an early morning into the Blue Mountains tomorrow.

Day 13 - Welcome to Australia

It was bright and early this morning, leaving the hotel at 6 to get to the airport for a 9 a..m. Flight to Sydney.  There were sad goodbyes to our Kiwi DM, Kevin, but are excited for our adventure in Australia to start.

We had an interesting approach into Sydney with a touch and go landing as something was on the runway and we had to go back up for another circle around the airport before landing.  Once all through immigration, we hit the ground running, heading to a local park where we were met by staff from Ultimate Sport to learn some traditional Aussie sport - cricket and Aussie Rules Football.  They all had a blast and got out a lot of energy after our 3-1/2 hour flight.

After completing our sporting, we headed to Paddy's Market for some shopping before heading to the hotel to check in and clean up for our dinner cruise around Syndey Harbor.  The kids really enjoyed going up to the sky deck to take in the view of Sydney at night after our delicious dinner.

We are headed back to the dock now and then back to the hotel for some much needed sleep and then tomorrow we head to Bondi Beach for surf lessons.

Day 12 - Hobbiton - Goodbye New Zealand

Our last day in New Zealand was a much anticipated day for the students - a visit to Hobbiton - also known as Matamata, New Zealand.

When we arrived to Hobbiton, we received a guided tour around the entire movie set - learning about how Peter Jackson choose this particular farm to transform into Hobbiton, where they kept the animals for the movie and then the Hobbit Holes themselves.

After the bus tour, we hopped off the bus and took a walking tour through Hobbiton while learning more fun facts about the movie and the books.  We even had lunch at the Green Dragon.

From there it was back to Auckland for some packing and getting ready for an early morning to catch our flight to Sydney, Australia first thing in the morning.

New Zealand - Day 10 and 11 - Maori Experience and Full On!!

What a couple of days we have had!!

Yesterday we started the day off by going to the Historical Rotorua Museum of Art and History.  The building that houses the museum has had several different uses over the years including a hospital for people with rheumatalogic disorders and arthritis as the local waters supposedly had healing powers.  It also was a nightclub and now a the museum.  They learned about how the building was built  - using a combination of cement and pumice and that the stairs used no nails.  There was also a wing in the building that was devoted to the Mauri people and their legends.

From there it was off to the Polynesian Spa for a soak in the hot mineral waters, which the kids seemed to enjoy.  They had 3 different pools to choose from ranging from 32 C to 40 C.  Then it was off to high tea and a bit of shopping followed by a hike in the Redwood forest - that was started with trees donated from California.

After our walk we headed to the Whakarewarewa Living Village where we were led by our Chief, Travis, and greeted by the local Maori.  They welcomed us with a performance which was amazing along with Poi Dance for the girls and the Haka for the boys.  We also had a Hangi (traditional Maori cookout).  Everyone enjoyed the evening and were ready for bed.

This morning we were up early and headed toward Tui Ridge and our day with Full On.  We spent the morning talking about goals and how we can attain them and what is holding us back.  This included several different team building type activities intermixed with discussions.  They day concluded with time on the high rope course, breaking boards and glass walking!  They kids were very impressed with what they learned today.  

All the kids are now winding down for the evening and getting ready for our day in Hobbiton tomorrow.