Written by Sarah Coffman, Sarah Popek, and Kiley Kramer
Today, we had a flight from Brisbane to Sydney, met our bus driver John, cruised around the Sydney Harbor, and dressed up as convicts and soldiers to reenact the time of colonial settling in Australia.
Our flight from Brisbane to Sydney was about an hour and fifteen minutes long. Most of us slept, but others watched the clouds fly by. Our new bus driver, John, welcomed us to Sydney by having his bus ready and waiting for us at the airport. Then John took us to Downtown Sydney where we cruised around the Sydney Harbor and dressed up as convicts and soldiers to see what it was like to be the people of that time. After that we finally got to cruise around Sydney Harbor. Our tour guide, Janet, pointed out many sights to see along the coast of Sydney, like the Opera House, the zoo, the lighthouses, and the mountains.
Sarah P.: Today was a very exciting day. It was our first time seeing the Opera House in person. What a day!
Sarah C.: I thought seeing Sydney for the first time was awesome! It reminded me of Chicago and I can't wait to get a better look at Sydney tomorrow!
7.16.2011
July 15, 2011
Written by: Olivia, Cailyn and Jessica
Today we went horseback riding on the trails. We saw lots of scenery and we also went through the drop bear habitat! We even had to go through water on the trails. After dinner, all of us went bush dancing. We learned a couple of dances and then had a mini-dance off!! Before dinner, a man named Barry took us bush walking through the mountains. The mountains were steep and some people slipped, but we all made it to the top anyway!
Olivia: I enjoyed horseback riding and bush dancing the most. Bushwalking was tiring though. While I was with my horse, Snip on the trails, we saw wild baby kittens and they were adorable! Bush dancing was really exciting too. I can't wait to show off at home!
Cailyn Bass: I enjoyed horseback riding and hiking the best. The horses name was Nikko but he was really slow. The hike was fun but there were steep hills to walk up. I loved climbing over and on the rocks.
Jessica: I really enjoyed going horseback riding it was really fun and the horse that I got was named Rusty. Rusty is 15 years old but he is kind of slow but I really enjoyed myself.
Today we went horseback riding on the trails. We saw lots of scenery and we also went through the drop bear habitat! We even had to go through water on the trails. After dinner, all of us went bush dancing. We learned a couple of dances and then had a mini-dance off!! Before dinner, a man named Barry took us bush walking through the mountains. The mountains were steep and some people slipped, but we all made it to the top anyway!
Olivia: I enjoyed horseback riding and bush dancing the most. Bushwalking was tiring though. While I was with my horse, Snip on the trails, we saw wild baby kittens and they were adorable! Bush dancing was really exciting too. I can't wait to show off at home!
Cailyn Bass: I enjoyed horseback riding and hiking the best. The horses name was Nikko but he was really slow. The hike was fun but there were steep hills to walk up. I loved climbing over and on the rocks.
Jessica: I really enjoyed going horseback riding it was really fun and the horse that I got was named Rusty. Rusty is 15 years old but he is kind of slow but I really enjoyed myself.
July 14, 2011
After another travel day we arrived very ready for a few days in the "bush". We started with a great home cooked meal. All of our food was cooked over an open campfire. We enjoyed a good glass of hot chocolate and some discussion of the area. Our group then traveled over to a large campfire where we sang some Aussie songs and roasted marshmallows. It was an early night for all in our little bunkhouses. We needed to rest up for a big day ahead.
7.12.2011
ATTENTION PARENTS
THERE WILL BE NO INTERNET OR PHONE ACCESS WHILE AT THE FARM. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. WE WILL BE BACK IN TOUCH WHEN ARRIVING BACK IN BRISBANE.
MORE PICTURES WHEN WE RETURN BACK HOME TO THE USA. THERE IS JUST NOT ENOUGHTTIME IN THE DAY!
MORE PICTURES WHEN WE RETURN BACK HOME TO THE USA. THERE IS JUST NOT ENOUGHTTIME IN THE DAY!
July 12, 2011
Written by: Emily Liesch, Grace Kaim, Kaitlyn Bowe, and Anna Wight
Date of our journey: Wednesday, July 11, 2011
Location: The Great Barrier Reef
Weather: Sunny with a slight breeze
Our activities
After breakfast we boarded our ferry to the pontoon at 8:00
We went into a submarine and learned about the fish and corals we would be seeing.
Then we split into 2 different groups, group 1 went snorkeling, while the other group went on the glass bottom boat. Then we switched.
After that we had free time for about a two hours, and then we headed back for Daydream Island.
Now our day in better detail:
G'day mates and welcome to our adventure to the Great Barrier Reef. As we wake up and walk down for breakfast, we were all pumped I could just feel it in the air. We went for breakfast but we had very strict orders on what we could eat, we could not eat any dairy because in the boat you might have your dairy in a bag, how nasty would that be. Anyway we got on our boat after breakfast and took about a 45 min. ride to the pontoon where we would spend the next 4 hours of our lives. As we were relaxing and enjoying the ride we saw some jumbo size whales, it was pretty neat. As we crossed the channel some people got very sick. :( I felt so bad for them. So I decided so I would not get sick I went to the top of the boat to get some fresh air. It was super duper windy up there. Then out in the distance we saw our pontoon, and I got really excited. Then the time went winding down super fast and next thing I knew we were docked at our pontoon!
By: Emily Liesch
In the reef I saw a lot of cool fish and drank some salt water and it did not taste good. We learned some different hand signs and saw many different types of coral. After being in the water my hands were sticky, but I had a good time.
By: Grace Kaim
During our free time there where many things to do such as going on the water slide.The water slide was large and blue and it ended in the Great Barrier Reef. At first I was very nervous to get on the slide but then my friends Kiley and Sarah convinced me that it was a lot of fun. The waterslide had swirls that .caused me to go faster at every corner. Once I got to the end I realized it was alot of fun. After the first time I kept wanting to go on again. The waterslide was a lot of fun and so was visiting the Great Barrier Reef.
By: Kaitlyn Bowe
On the ferry home we left at quarter to 3:00. In the beginning Emily, Grace, Kaitlyn and I were working on the first part of the blog. We worked on it for 15 minutes, then we split off to work on our own parts. The ride was really choppy and it rocked side to side. Some kids even got sick! When I was done writing we got to type on the iPad. It didn't take long. They showed pictures of people in the wetsuits but I didn't see one of myself. I thought it was really fun even though the water was cold. The fish and coral were amazing and I feel bad for anyone who did not have a camera. I can't wait to show my family all the picture I took.
By: Anna Wight
Date of our journey: Wednesday, July 11, 2011
Location: The Great Barrier Reef
Weather: Sunny with a slight breeze
Our activities
After breakfast we boarded our ferry to the pontoon at 8:00
We went into a submarine and learned about the fish and corals we would be seeing.
Then we split into 2 different groups, group 1 went snorkeling, while the other group went on the glass bottom boat. Then we switched.
After that we had free time for about a two hours, and then we headed back for Daydream Island.
Now our day in better detail:
G'day mates and welcome to our adventure to the Great Barrier Reef. As we wake up and walk down for breakfast, we were all pumped I could just feel it in the air. We went for breakfast but we had very strict orders on what we could eat, we could not eat any dairy because in the boat you might have your dairy in a bag, how nasty would that be. Anyway we got on our boat after breakfast and took about a 45 min. ride to the pontoon where we would spend the next 4 hours of our lives. As we were relaxing and enjoying the ride we saw some jumbo size whales, it was pretty neat. As we crossed the channel some people got very sick. :( I felt so bad for them. So I decided so I would not get sick I went to the top of the boat to get some fresh air. It was super duper windy up there. Then out in the distance we saw our pontoon, and I got really excited. Then the time went winding down super fast and next thing I knew we were docked at our pontoon!
By: Emily Liesch
In the reef I saw a lot of cool fish and drank some salt water and it did not taste good. We learned some different hand signs and saw many different types of coral. After being in the water my hands were sticky, but I had a good time.
By: Grace Kaim
During our free time there where many things to do such as going on the water slide.The water slide was large and blue and it ended in the Great Barrier Reef. At first I was very nervous to get on the slide but then my friends Kiley and Sarah convinced me that it was a lot of fun. The waterslide had swirls that .caused me to go faster at every corner. Once I got to the end I realized it was alot of fun. After the first time I kept wanting to go on again. The waterslide was a lot of fun and so was visiting the Great Barrier Reef.
By: Kaitlyn Bowe
On the ferry home we left at quarter to 3:00. In the beginning Emily, Grace, Kaitlyn and I were working on the first part of the blog. We worked on it for 15 minutes, then we split off to work on our own parts. The ride was really choppy and it rocked side to side. Some kids even got sick! When I was done writing we got to type on the iPad. It didn't take long. They showed pictures of people in the wetsuits but I didn't see one of myself. I thought it was really fun even though the water was cold. The fish and coral were amazing and I feel bad for anyone who did not have a camera. I can't wait to show my family all the picture I took.
By: Anna Wight
July 11, 2011
Written by: Jacob B., Cole, Jules and Devyn
Today we got on the bus and headed to Daydream Island. We stopped at Fish D'vyne for lunch then we went to a reef protection organization called O.U.C.H. There we learned about the reef and it's animals. Then we went to the ferry boat to get to Daydream Island. It was a short ride to the island, when we arrived, there were people waiting to greet us with shell necklace lei's. We settled into our room and had dinner. Afterwards we watched a movie, Toy Story 3, under the stars. On our walk back to our rooms we saw a few wallabies.
Cole's Thoughts: There was not much to do but we made the most of it. The O.U.C.H. presentation was very cool and the movie was nice outside. There was a good Italian buffet for dinner.
Devyn's Thoughts: Today. Was fun because of the O.U.C.H. Presentation. I also liked lunch. On the traveling days you can hang out with your friends and even make new friends. The outdoor movie was AMAZING because we could see the movie and watch the magnificent stars at the same time.
Jake's Thoughts: I really enjoyed the outside movie. Watching a movie under the stars is amazing.
Jules' Thoughts: I liked getting off the bus! I enjoyed it because we finally got to our awesome stop!
Today we got on the bus and headed to Daydream Island. We stopped at Fish D'vyne for lunch then we went to a reef protection organization called O.U.C.H. There we learned about the reef and it's animals. Then we went to the ferry boat to get to Daydream Island. It was a short ride to the island, when we arrived, there were people waiting to greet us with shell necklace lei's. We settled into our room and had dinner. Afterwards we watched a movie, Toy Story 3, under the stars. On our walk back to our rooms we saw a few wallabies.
Cole's Thoughts: There was not much to do but we made the most of it. The O.U.C.H. presentation was very cool and the movie was nice outside. There was a good Italian buffet for dinner.
Devyn's Thoughts: Today. Was fun because of the O.U.C.H. Presentation. I also liked lunch. On the traveling days you can hang out with your friends and even make new friends. The outdoor movie was AMAZING because we could see the movie and watch the magnificent stars at the same time.
Jake's Thoughts: I really enjoyed the outside movie. Watching a movie under the stars is amazing.
Jules' Thoughts: I liked getting off the bus! I enjoyed it because we finally got to our awesome stop!
7.11.2011
July 10, 2011
Written by: Sarah C., Amber and Kayla
Today we visited the Olsen's Capricorn Caves and Dreamtime Aboriginal culture center. When we went to the caves we learned that they are made of limestone and they got their designs from water. After our tour we got to choose a challenge course, easy, medium or hard. The courses made you crawl through caves and across suspension bridges. There was one cave where the acoustics are the same or better than the Sydney Opera House. Some people even have weddings in the caves!
After the caves we headed to the Aboriginal culture center. There we learned about the people who have been living in Australia for over 40,000 years. Each delegate and teacher got to try throwing a boomerang. We watched original dances and learned all about the didgeridoo. We got to try kangaroo and crocodile as well! It was an experience of a lifetime.
Amber's Thoughts: Today was a fun day! I really liked learning how to throw a boomerang.
Sarah's Thoughts: I think the two best parts if the day were when we through a boomerang and got to do a challenge in the cave. I think going through the cave that day was so cool! I also loved the feeling of holding a boomerang.
Kayla's Thoughts: When we saw Aboriginal dancing we really got to feel the culture of these people. It was an experience of a lifetime eating kangaroo and crocodile for dinner.
Today we visited the Olsen's Capricorn Caves and Dreamtime Aboriginal culture center. When we went to the caves we learned that they are made of limestone and they got their designs from water. After our tour we got to choose a challenge course, easy, medium or hard. The courses made you crawl through caves and across suspension bridges. There was one cave where the acoustics are the same or better than the Sydney Opera House. Some people even have weddings in the caves!
After the caves we headed to the Aboriginal culture center. There we learned about the people who have been living in Australia for over 40,000 years. Each delegate and teacher got to try throwing a boomerang. We watched original dances and learned all about the didgeridoo. We got to try kangaroo and crocodile as well! It was an experience of a lifetime.
Amber's Thoughts: Today was a fun day! I really liked learning how to throw a boomerang.
Sarah's Thoughts: I think the two best parts if the day were when we through a boomerang and got to do a challenge in the cave. I think going through the cave that day was so cool! I also loved the feeling of holding a boomerang.
Kayla's Thoughts: When we saw Aboriginal dancing we really got to feel the culture of these people. It was an experience of a lifetime eating kangaroo and crocodile for dinner.
July 9, 2011
Written by: Robert, Maddie W. and Chloe
Good morning delegates:
"Give me a house among the gum trees
With lots of plum trees
A sheep or two, a kangaroo
A clothesline in the back
Verandah out the front
And an old rocking chair."
Today was a long driving day. We were on the bus for about 8 hours. We stopped at Gin Gin state school to have lunch. By hosting people there, they raise money for computers. We got back on the bus and drove for 2 more hours. We stopped at a park and then finished driving. When our group finally arrived at our hotel, Capricorn Resort Yeppoon, we were all glad to be off the bus.
Robert's Thoughts: I feel happy to be in Australia. I think that all the other student ambassadors are nice and trustworthy.
Chloe's Thoughts: I feel good about being in Australia. I am looking forward to meeting many new people.
Maddie's Thoughts: The Gin Gin State School was very different from my school back in America. Gin Gin had different buildings for each class and the water used to wash hands and water flowers was recycled rain water.
Good morning delegates:
"Give me a house among the gum trees
With lots of plum trees
A sheep or two, a kangaroo
A clothesline in the back
Verandah out the front
And an old rocking chair."
Today was a long driving day. We were on the bus for about 8 hours. We stopped at Gin Gin state school to have lunch. By hosting people there, they raise money for computers. We got back on the bus and drove for 2 more hours. We stopped at a park and then finished driving. When our group finally arrived at our hotel, Capricorn Resort Yeppoon, we were all glad to be off the bus.
Robert's Thoughts: I feel happy to be in Australia. I think that all the other student ambassadors are nice and trustworthy.
Chloe's Thoughts: I feel good about being in Australia. I am looking forward to meeting many new people.
Maddie's Thoughts: The Gin Gin State School was very different from my school back in America. Gin Gin had different buildings for each class and the water used to wash hands and water flowers was recycled rain water.
Hanging by the hotel
The Gin Gin state school for lunch
July 8, 2011
Written by: Frankie, Sarah, Annalee, Kayla
Today we went to an amazing aquarium and the glorious beach. The aquarium was called "Underwater World". The entire group learned a lot about fish, seals, sharks, crustaceans and sea turtles. We also saw a seal show. After the show we went behind the scenes to learn about things beyond the public eye. The group saw sea turtles that were being rescued from Floatation Syndrome. We then left the aquarium and headed for the beach, where we enjoyed the cold water and sand on our feet. There was a friendly competition of making sand castles. The entire delegation was split into 6 groups and had 30 minutes to construct the best sand castle EVER! At the end of the day we watched a beautiful sunset over the South Pacific Ocean with our friends and competitors.
Frankie's Final Thoughts: "I thought it cool to see the sharks in the underwater tunnel. I also liked the quarantine section and the beach competition."
Kayla's Kaptions: "I thought it was amazing to see the beautiful sea otters sleeping, and the seal show. At the beach, the sand castles we all made were awesome! That's my Kaptions."
Annalee's Analysis: "I liked looking at the lionfish and making sand castles. I put my new Australia bracelet on one of the castles. I also liked the sea horses. They were so cute!"
Sarah's Sayings: "I enjoyed pretty much everything today. Plenty of the animals we saw at Underwater World will be at the reef - and I'll be looking for them."
**** SORRY FOR THE DELAY. THERE IS LIMITED COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT OUR HOTELS. WE WILL TRY TO POST AS MUCH AS WE CAN. DURING OUR FARM STAY WE WILL HAVE NO PHONE OR INTERNET ACCESS.
Today we went to an amazing aquarium and the glorious beach. The aquarium was called "Underwater World". The entire group learned a lot about fish, seals, sharks, crustaceans and sea turtles. We also saw a seal show. After the show we went behind the scenes to learn about things beyond the public eye. The group saw sea turtles that were being rescued from Floatation Syndrome. We then left the aquarium and headed for the beach, where we enjoyed the cold water and sand on our feet. There was a friendly competition of making sand castles. The entire delegation was split into 6 groups and had 30 minutes to construct the best sand castle EVER! At the end of the day we watched a beautiful sunset over the South Pacific Ocean with our friends and competitors.
Frankie's Final Thoughts: "I thought it cool to see the sharks in the underwater tunnel. I also liked the quarantine section and the beach competition."
Kayla's Kaptions: "I thought it was amazing to see the beautiful sea otters sleeping, and the seal show. At the beach, the sand castles we all made were awesome! That's my Kaptions."
Annalee's Analysis: "I liked looking at the lionfish and making sand castles. I put my new Australia bracelet on one of the castles. I also liked the sea horses. They were so cute!"
Sarah's Sayings: "I enjoyed pretty much everything today. Plenty of the animals we saw at Underwater World will be at the reef - and I'll be looking for them."
Sand Castle Competition
DAY ONE IN AUSTRALIA - pictures
Aaron and his friend
Koala friends
Fresh off the plane and onto the koala sanctuary
Olivia and a friend
**** SORRY FOR THE DELAY. THERE IS LIMITED COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT OUR HOTELS. WE WILL TRY TO POST AS MUCH AS WE CAN. DURING OUR FARM STAY WE WILL HAVE NO PHONE OR INTERNET ACCESS.
7.07.2011
G'day Mate - Day One
After a long flight and many sleepy students we finally arrived in Brisbane. Many of the delegates got a few good hours of sleep and some yummy airplane food during the 13 hours on the plane. Many of the delegates watched movies and got to know each other a little better while on the plane. We have a jam packed day ahead of us with no room for sleepy students. We are off to meet some koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. Hopefully we can post a few pictures shortly of our journey.
Later that day:
After a LONG day of feeding kangaroos and getting a "cuddle" from a koala we are all beat. We settled into our hotel and had a nice dinner. Everyone should sleep well tonight. We will add more as we get some free time tomorrow!! Off to Underwater World and a sand castle building competition on the beach. Hi to all the parents from some very sleepy students.
Later that day:
After a LONG day of feeding kangaroos and getting a "cuddle" from a koala we are all beat. We settled into our hotel and had a nice dinner. Everyone should sleep well tonight. We will add more as we get some free time tomorrow!! Off to Underwater World and a sand castle building competition on the beach. Hi to all the parents from some very sleepy students.
7.05.2011
Arrived at LAX
We made it through the first leg of the journey and are enjoying a bite to eat at LAX. We have a 3 hour layover until we board our flight to Brisbane!
7.01.2011
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