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 :)
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
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!
I'll fill you in on our day later tonight!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
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...
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...
Monday, July 4, 2011
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
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
Saturday, July 2, 2011
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
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
Saturday, June 4, 2011
New Zealand, Australia, and...LA??
It's official...less than a month until departure!
The travel Gods have been extremely good to us...first, an extra day in Sydney (free of charge) and now, the city of Los Angeles. Because our flights have worked out the way they have, we fly into LAX, and are supposed to have a 10 hour layover. EF (being the wonderful company they are) said, "this just won't do," and have booked us on a sightseeing tour of LA. We will also get to eat dinner there instead of in the airport. Cannot tell you how excited I am for this, and hopefully, you all are as well. Think of it as a third destination for free!!
So, I now have in my possession the flight itinerary for our trip. It is as follows:
DEPART
Sunday, July 3rd: Depart Grande Prairie at 9:00am, arrive in Calgary at 10:32 am
Depart Calgary at 12:00pm, arrive in LA at 2:10pm
Depart LA at 11:40pm, arrive in Auckland, NZ at 8:10am on the 5th
(remember that we cross the international date line, so we
lose a day. Actual air time from LA to NZ is about 12-14 hours)
RETURN
Monday, July 18th: Depart Sydney, AU at 1:05pm, arrive in LA at 9:45am
Depart LA at 3:00pm, arrive in Calgary at 6:54pm
Depart Calgary at 8:30pm,arrive in Grande Prairie at 11:05pm
**Reminders**
~ Tip money was due on June 1st, anyone who has yet to pay, please do so ASAP!
~ I am missing visa information, and documents for some people. If you are unsure if you have provided everything, send me an email, or call!
~ Final MANDATORY meeting on June 22nd at 7pm.
Thanks, and see you soon!
~lori
The travel Gods have been extremely good to us...first, an extra day in Sydney (free of charge) and now, the city of Los Angeles. Because our flights have worked out the way they have, we fly into LAX, and are supposed to have a 10 hour layover. EF (being the wonderful company they are) said, "this just won't do," and have booked us on a sightseeing tour of LA. We will also get to eat dinner there instead of in the airport. Cannot tell you how excited I am for this, and hopefully, you all are as well. Think of it as a third destination for free!!
So, I now have in my possession the flight itinerary for our trip. It is as follows:
DEPART
Sunday, July 3rd: Depart Grande Prairie at 9:00am, arrive in Calgary at 10:32 am
Depart Calgary at 12:00pm, arrive in LA at 2:10pm
Depart LA at 11:40pm, arrive in Auckland, NZ at 8:10am on the 5th
(remember that we cross the international date line, so we
lose a day. Actual air time from LA to NZ is about 12-14 hours)
RETURN
Monday, July 18th: Depart Sydney, AU at 1:05pm, arrive in LA at 9:45am
Depart LA at 3:00pm, arrive in Calgary at 6:54pm
Depart Calgary at 8:30pm,arrive in Grande Prairie at 11:05pm
**Reminders**
~ Tip money was due on June 1st, anyone who has yet to pay, please do so ASAP!
~ I am missing visa information, and documents for some people. If you are unsure if you have provided everything, send me an email, or call!
~ Final MANDATORY meeting on June 22nd at 7pm.
Thanks, and see you soon!
~lori
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