Sydney in a whirlwind

Morning started quite early today, and it was lightly raining. We got on a motorcoach and headed into the heart of the city.

We went to McQuarie's (sp?) point and chair, which had a beautiful view of the brige and the opera house. Then, we took a short walk around the Gap (not to be confused with the store). It is the point where the Pacific ocean meets with the harbour. Quite high up, and reminded me a bit of the cliffs in ireland.

We then went to Bondi beach (famous for being the first beach with the "sydney lifeguard flags" and the beach volleyball at the olympics. The beach was huge, incredible, and pretty windy/rainy/cold. The water was actually pretty warm though, and the hot chocolate amazing.

We then moved on to the Sydney tower, where we went up for pretty great views - although it felt like we were on quite a slant. When we had finished there, we went for lunch at the biggest food court I've ever seen...it had every kind of food you could imagine in one place - vietemese, japanese, thai, indian, mexican, american, and of course, the staples: McDonalds, KFC, Subway etc.

After lunch we went to the National Opal Museum, where we learned about all the different kinds and how it is mined. Aparently, there are so many other kinds than the one we get in our rings. They were quite pricy, but really beautiful and many people bought some unique pieces of jewelry here.

Sydney Harbour Cruise was next, and though it was still rainy and wet, it was a nice way to see the harbour. We finished off at Wildlife world, where we saw many of the world's most dangerous spiders and snakes, as well as a supercroc, bats, kookaburras, and other native Australian animals. Since it was still raining, we put off the walk through the rocks 'til tomorrow. Instead, many of us are going to see Part II of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (which we are quite excited about).

Tomorrow and Sunday are free days, so everyone's schedule's will be different. Many of us are hitting up the markets, especially since it is Saturday - when the best stuff is out. From there, we'll see where the day takes us. On Sunday, Morgan, Payton, Kara, Dustyn, Corrina and I are doing the Sydney Bridge climb. Others are going to beaches, some shopping, and whereever else they decide.

Because we only have free days left, this will be my last post, except maybe to say we made it in LA. Thanks for reading, hope it has been helpful and that you've all enjoyed it. It's been a blast!

Goodbye from Australia,
Lori

officially in sydney!

Still sore.

7 hours of travelling on the bus.

Reached Sydney.

Beautiful.

Free evening.

BUSY day tomorrow...will fill you in then!

koalas, roos and catching a wave!

We left Surfers Paradise early this morning, on our way to a wildlife conservation place (the name has escaped me). This did cost extra to do, so not everyone went in, but almost everyone did. In here, we were able to hold a koala, and have our picture taken (which was included in the price). Then, we saw a massive croc, some dingoes, native birds, and got to walk among the kangaroos. We were able to pat, and feed them...and of course, they were very photogenic for the camera.

Then, we headed to Byron Bay, where some went shopping, and some (10) tried surfing. I did try this, and it was very difficult and exhausting! The waves were absolutely huge - and we were only trying to surf on the shore waves. I'm sure the pictures are quite amusing. Many did manage to stand up on their board, some caught a wave all the way through, and we all swallowed a heap of salt water. There were a few injuries that came from our adventure though - Adrian has re-injured her ankle a bit (not seriously), and there were a few cuts and scrapes. But par for the course. At least we can now say that we tried surfing on Australian waters!

After the surf excursion, we continued to head south for Sydney, stopping in Coff's Harbour for the night. The resort is beautiful, but it was dark when we arrived at about quarter past six this evening. We will have supper, maybe a swim in the pool, some much needed sleep and back on the road tomorrow morning.

'Til then...

Now that's what I call a 4x4 trip!

Hello all from the beautiful Surfer's Paradise. The weather has been gorgeous so far...

Today we started the day by going on a hunt for kangaroos. We saw upwards of 50 or so out in their wild environment, eating and hopping away. There was also a koala up in a tree, which they said was pretty unusual for this time of year.

Then we took 4x4 vehicles up one of the steepest, hilliest mountains I've ever been on. We bottomed out a couple of times, and there were more than a few who felt sick afterwards. However, we took a walk through a magestic rainforest, and stood by a waterfall. Then, we had an Australian BBQ of chicken or steak and learned how to crack a whip and throw a boomerang. This was so much fun and enjoyed by all!

Finally, we went on the tree top walk (a few went even farther up, so high that it physically made you shake) and stopped to feed some parrots afterwards.

There was plenty of photos taken over the course of the day, and I must say, in my opinion, it was one of the best we've had so far!

The Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise

Well, we started our journey back from Frasers Island early yesterday morning. Poor Luke got food poisoning and was sick all day yesterday.

After the ferry, we got on the road. A beautiful drive all the way to Mooloola(?)where we went to the underwater oceanariam. This was extremely neat as we walked under huge tanks filled with sharks, fish, and other underwater creatures. We got to see turtles and crabs, and so many others. We had lunch in this town, and then took the two and a half hour drive to Surfers Paradise on the Gold coast.

We arrived at about 5pm, and everyone had a chance to walk around a bit. There is 70km of beach here, and it is a quite urban area. Lots of skyscrapers and shops! We had dinner as a group at the hotel, and then some went swimming and others right to bed :)

Today is our rainforest excursion where we will get to walk on top of the rainforest, see trees, birds, insects and get to throw a boomerang and play with whips! The sun is supposed to be shining, so it's definitely a great day to be here!

Finally, some sun!

We left the hotel early yesterday morning and arrived in Noosa Heads, Queensland. It was a small town, but the weather was beautiful - sunny and about 21 degrees. We had two hours here, and the first thing almost everyone did was head to the beach. It was an amazing white sandy beach, and the Pacific ocean. Some of our group members were touching the ocean for the first time, which was great to watch. While we were swimming, we had fish that were quite big swimming around our feet - which made some of them a little nervous. Then, after everyone had changed, we did a bit of shopping and back on the bus.

We arrived in the town to catch the boat to fraser's island at about 3pm and then boarded. There were a couple of dolphins swimming by as the boat took it's 45 minute journey across the water. The resort here is incredible. Really big and very pretty. It's actually built right in the middle of all the trees. We went for supper, which was fantastic, and then a bunch of kids went with a ranger for a night walk. We were able to see Squirel and Sugar gliders, a massive bat (which was hanging on a tree, and then decided to fly away), and a spider. It was pretty cool, and a nice night for a walk. Some decided to go for a late night swim, or in the hot tub. Then, it was off to bed for most of us, after a long day.

Today,is Kara and Desire's 17th birthday. We are heading on a 4x4 drive today around the island. It is only half of the day, but should be quite nice. They expect us to see wild dingoes, and many other animals. Plus we get to swim...only not in the ocean because apparently, it's a breeding ground for sharks. We'll try to avoid the ocean while we're here :)

Arrival in the Land down under!

So, after a long day of travelling, late flights and cranky students, we arrived in Australia. Not much to say other than that. We got to the hotel at 11 last night, and up early this morning to start the day...

I'll fill you in on our day later tonight!

Ducks and Hobbits

Well, another day, another huge amount of rain here in NZ. BUT, it was a great day.

We went on an authentic WWII duck vehicle, where we drove around town and went into two lakes. Mishaela, Dustyn and Mia all got to drive the boat while in the water, and we all survived. Then we went into a small jade factory, where alot of shopping was completed.

Next we headed to Auckland, and Luke granted my wish and took us to Hobbiton, the village from Lord of the Rings for lunch. It was quite amazing. Then back on the road.

We went to Mt. Eden, which is a dormant crater volcano and walked around it. Stopped in Auckland for some more shopping, walking around the harbour and supper. We then headed to the hotel, which is gorgeous. And will head for Australia tomorrow. NZ was fantastic, and everyone has certainly enjoyed being here.

We have a quick morning in town tomorrow, and then a whole day of travel because of the change of flight. Because of this, I will not post tomorrow...But expect more on Saturday (for us), Friday (for you).

Night

Adventures abroad...

So, today started with a bit of rain, and then a little more rain.

We headed out to the agrodome where we were able to see 19 different types of sheep, them being sheared, cows milked, and we got to hold baby lambs. Then we went to an adventurepark where kids were able to go on the fastest speed boat in New Zealand, a huge drop (sortof like a bungeejump but in sleeping bagesque holders), free fall like skydiving, or an upside down peddle race track. Many took part, and it was great fun. Finally, we went to OGO, which was the opportunity to get in a huge plastic bubble type contraption, and roll down a hill whilst being soaked with water. Pictures are necessary to fully understand it all...BUT, it was super fun for all who took part, and all who watched.

This afternoon was free time in Rotorua. Most walked around, went to a polynesian spa, shopped, or ate. It's been a great day!

Tomorrow, we take part in the Duck Boat Tour, go to a Jade Factory, and then head into Auckland where we will go up Mt. Eden.

More tomorrow...

la la land, and kiwi island

First, just wanted to say sorry it took so long to post. The long flight, and then the busy days have not given me a chance until now. But...Here it is, 5:25pm on Tuesday, and it is 3am for you guys (I think!).

Flights were all good, bit close of a connection to LA, but we made it. Had a beautiful tour of LA...the walk of fame, the hollywood sign, The Chinese Theatre, the Kodak theatre, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive (and the store that Julia Roberts was turned away from in Pretty Woman), Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier. It was beautiful, hot weather, and it was a lot of fun. There were quite a few stops along the way, and many of the kids got to try some really great Mexican food on the Walk of Fame.

Then, onto the airport. Where we waited. And waited. And waited some more. And then the flight was delayed, and then we waited some more. There was an incident where Skye and Adrian and myself were trying to help a woman who fell and hit her head pretty hard in the bathroom. Everyone was walking by, or even worse, walking over her...it was incredible. I know they say that people in the US don't really help, but we saw it first hand. They took the lady out by ambulance, and I hope she was ok.

Finally, we boarded the plane, and it left LA at 12:14am. Small, small cramped seats, but, it didn't really matter as most of us tried to (and some succeeded) sleep. The flight was extremely long, and the food had mixed reviews, but we landed in New Zealand on time, with all of our luggage, so no real complaints.

We met Luke, our tour director this morning. He is very knowledgable, and is making things both easy and great for us. We drove into Rotorua (pronounced Rota-rooa) and visited the Maori Village which had the hot geothermal activity. It smelled really bad, but was amazing, and everyone really enjoyed it. We were able to see the gueyser go a couple of times, and I was able to put my injured knee into some theraputic, but scalding water. Afterwards, we went on the skyline gondola, where some students went luging. Payton, Kara and myself went on a skyswing which was terrifying and incredible and has to be seen to be believed.

We just checked into the hotel, and after some much needed showering, we will go and eat our traditional feast, and watch the Maori people do a dance demonstration...

Everything has been fantastic so far, and I will fill you in on more tomorrow.

~Lori

Finally, tomorrow has arrived!!

Well everyone, less than 12 hours and we will officially be on a plane, beginning our journey.

Just wanted to make sure that everyone remembered two things:
1)PASSPORT
2)MONEY
You can get by so long as these two things are not forgotten!

Rooming has changed a bit - they told me three to a room, which kind made the rooming that I had previously made irrelevant. Now, don't panic...they are mostly still pretty close to the original ones. Hopefully everyone will understand how difficult it is trying to make everyone happy, and will be OK with what has been decided. I will go over these in the airport.

Also, there has been a small change in the itinerary. We will miss out a bit in Brisbane, but ultimately, we don't miss out on any particular event. Again, I will fill you in more at the airport.

To the parents, if you need anything...my mobile number is 780-978-8025. It will be on at all times. I will update this blog as much as I possibly can - ideally, everyday, but realistically, when there is time.

Thanks so much for your patience and help. We'll see you in the morning!

~Lori