I'm Alive and Still in New Zealand

Hi, this will be a quick update (I hope) so that know you know that I'm still alive in New Zealand. Unfortunately you'll have to wait for photos though as I don't have the cable with me to download.

New Zealand

I arrived into Auckland on Sunday evening. Most things were closed for the night so I just walked around taking in what I could. Early Monday morning I was picked up by the "Kiwi Experience" bus and whizzed off to the Bay of Islands and the town of Paihai. WOW, what a beautiful place. Upon arrival I quickly booked a boat tour and got to see many of the islands up close and personal. New Zealand is a lot more like BC than anything I've seen in Australia and I'm loving it. I can't believe how much I miss GREEN GRASS, mountains, and water.

During my second day in the Bay of Islands I did a day tour to Cape Reinga via the 90 mile beach. We made several stops along the way but you'll have to wait for photos to find out about them. What I can tell you is that we were really lucky because typically you can only drive along 90 mile beach in one direction (yes, you actually drive ON the beach right beside the ocean) but because of the tides on the day that I was traveling we were able to drive in BOTH directions. Cape Reinga was also beautiful spot. It was an excellent travel day with the exception of me getting sick on the bus.

On my third day in the Bay of Islands I headed to the town of Russel via boat before heading back to Auckland. I spent Thursday in Auckland exploring downtown and the marina area, the Museum of Auckland where I caught a Maori Cultural Show, and the suburb of Devonport (you get there by boat). I had every intention of going up the Auckland tower to get photos before sunset, during sunset, and of the night sky. I was pretty disappointed when I showed up to find out it was closed for a private function.

Friday morning I boarded a tiny plane (you know the kind a bit wider than a pencil) and headed to Tauranga. Donna and her husband Guy were at the airport waiting for me. It was so nice to see another Canadian. Donna and I (as well as some of her new friends) headed over to Kiwi 360 to learn about Kiwi fruit farming (Kiwi that we know is called Kiwi Fruit here in NZ. Kiwi refers to either the bird or a New Zealander - Kiwi Fruit refers to the fruit.) I've never seen so many Kiwis at one time. It was pretty cool. Donna and I then headed home and picked up Guy. We headed to Mt. Maunganui and walked up as the sun was setting. The views along the route up were incredible and I'm so glad we took the time to hike up. (I have done more up hill walking here in NZ in a week than I have my entire time in Australia).

Saturday morning we packed up the car and headed to Kinloch, a small town near Taupo. Along the way we stopped at a geothermal park which was pretty incredible to see. When we finally arrived in Kinloch I was greeted by Guy's parents who were super friendly. After a bit of visiting we headed to the hot pools in Taupo for some relaxing. We spent a bit of time wondering around Taupo too. Taupo is home of Ironman New Zealand so it was really cool for me to be there. I'd love to do the Ironman there. It reminded me a lot of Penticton.

Sunday we did a 14 km hike up and along a ridge that followed Lake Taupo. The views were breath taking. In the afternoon we went out on the boat to see the Maori carvings, and we attempted a bit of fishing (which weren't interested in being fished).

This morning we packed up and head back to Tauranga. We spent the morning back in Taupo (I was hoping to find SOMETHING with IM NZ on it - no luck) before heading out towards Waitomo. We stopped a few times along the way but again you'll have to wait for photos for details. Once in Waitomo I went into the glow worm caves which was an experience. It was pretty cool to see them but after my tour guide on the day I went to Cape Reinga all I could think about was what he called them. It's not approriate to post here so you'll have to e-mail me directly to hear what he said.

We are now back in Tauranga and Donna is making dinner (and it smells great). Tomorrow Donna and I are off to Routarua. I'm not sure if I'll get another chance to post a blog while I'm here but I will do my best to write one when I get back to Melbourne this coming weekend.

Okay, this is a bit longer than I expected but hopefully it lets you in on what I've been up to. Keep in touch. Photos to come! K

It's Time to Fall Back

Just when you (my Vancouver friends and family) figured out our new time difference with your daylight savings time, we are now switching off daylight savings time.  So as of 3 am tomorrow morning (Sunday, April 5) I will be seven hours behind, but one day ahead.  That means when it's 7 pm for you, it's 12 noon for me but the next day.  It will make verbal communication with the mother country that much harder.  Thankfully e-mail knows no time zones.

It's a good thing I know about the time switch though because I have a flight to catch tomorrow at 12 noon, which is the old (or will be soon enough)  1 pm.  I don't really care what time it is as long as I'm at the airport in order to I catch my flight to New Zealand.  It's going to be another great adventure, including an awesome five day visit with my friend Donna from back home.  I'm not sure how much (if any) blogging I'll do while I'm in NZ but there will be a full update when I get back.  Remember when I land back in Melbourne after this adventure my DAD will be waiting at the airport for me.  So many great things to look forward to...

Term One DONE!!

I'd be lying if I said that this first term has been all roses.  To be perfectly honest it hasn't been all that wonderful.  For the first time in my teaching career I actually didn't enjoy going to work.  Many little things went wrong although individually nothing was all that major.  I've adjusted to planning the Australian way and I'm surviving with very few resources.   But I think that even with a couple of attitude adjustments  I got tired of pushing the little things to the side and they started to affect me.  From a professional stand point I'm trying to take in all that I can educationally here in Melbourne.  Like the system I've left behind for the year this one has many positives and negatives.  But I'm observing and learning (and trying my best to keep my mouth shut even though at times it practically kills me) so I can share when I return.  

The plus of this term is the staff members that I've met and clicked with.  People have been very kind to me and I appreciate that a lot.  The friendships will only continue to get stronger.  My class has also jelled nicely and my  more challenging students realize I'm on their side so dealing with their personal issues is a lot easier.  Obviously there are still challenges as there are in any classroom but the ones in my class  keep me challenged in a positive way. How boring the day would be if everyone did the right things all the time.

I look forward to a better term two.  But first things first... look out New Zealand HERE I COME!!!!

36 Hours in Canberra, March 28-29, 2009

A couple of months back I decided I was going to visit Canberra (pronounced Can-bra) the Capital of Australia.   When I told people I was going there the response was either - "why there?" or "cool it's a great little city".  Anyhow having just returned I'm really glad I went. I actually wish I had MORE time 

On Saturday I left on an 8 am flight.  It was an early start but things went smoothly getting to the airport, and flying to Canberra.  By nine am I was in Canberra.  I tried to see if I could get my bed early at the hostel I was staying at but no luck.  So I set out by foot to visit some of the attractions.

Canberra is situated approximately half way between Melbourne and Sydney and it's a territory on land that used to be a part of New South Whales.  It was a totally planned out city.  My first impression of Canberra was a positive one. It seemed so clean , orderly and green.  It didn't hurt that it was warm and sunny too.  

The walk from the Civic Centre to the Parliament area was about 45 min.  Along the way I crossed a bridge.  You see, Canberra is build around Lake Burley Griffin.  There is an incredible serious of paths for cyclist all over the city.  I also saw a ton of road bikers out riding.

Lake Burley Griffin

My first sight seeing stop was at Parliament House.  The present Parliament house opened in 1988.  Apparently it's  joked to be the most expensive building in Australia (it was actually build into a hillside).  Entrance was free (as it was for most places I visited in Canberra) and I snooped around the building.  It was quite impressive. I even learned a bit about Australian government.

Parliament House in the Distance 

Parliament House

One of many pieces of art in Parliament House

Senate Room

View from the Roof (looking out towards Old Parliament house and across the lake to the Australian War Memorial)

From Parliament it was a short walk to Old Parliament House.  It was really cool to be able to wonder through there.  Because it is no longer in operation I was able to snoop in and out of several different rooms in the building - places that would other wise be under tight security.

Old Parliament House

From Old Parliament House I walked passed the Aboriginal Tent Assembly, to the National Gallery of Australia.  I then walked around some more, past the National Portrait Gallery, Questacon (Canberra's Science World but apparently much bigger and better), the National Library, and the Reconciliation Place.  Then I made my way back to the Hostel to check in and drop off my bag.

I then headed (again by foot) to the National Museum of Australia.  I learned a lot in this Museum about the history of Australia.  It's too bad I couldn't take pictures as I saw many interesting things. I even bought a book called Aussie English for Beginners and so I now have a clearer understanding of words like Dinkum, Bunyip, Ocker,  and Larrikin.

View of National Museum of Australia from a bridge

An outside exhibit titled "The Garden of Australian Dreams"

After being very exhausted from being on my feet all day, and walking several kms I headed back to the hostel.  Along the was I walked through the Civic Centre.  In the evening it was packed with people and there was actually an outdoor movie playing.  I was impressed by how alive the city seemed.

Civic Centre (late afternoon) 

 It came to life in the evening with many restaurants with outside seating.

The next morning I was up early (remember I don't really sleep here in Australia) and took myself for breakfast.  I returned to the hostel, checked out and headed for another long walk.  I walked from the Civic Centre to the Kingston area of town to check out the Old Bus Depot Market.  I walked along the lake for a long time, crossed a different bridge than Saturday, and made my way to the market.  I was impressed with what was for sale and I even bought a couple of things (I've been to several markets in Melbourne but I haven't bought anything yet).  At the entrance to the market there was a small band and I listened to a man play the didgeridoo.  From there I walked around Kingston (I found a great cafe area) before heading to the Australian War Memorial.

A clock tower (I didn't actually see a clock face but I did hear it go off)

The small band at the market. Can you see the  the didgeridoo?

From Kingston I made my way back towards the Australian War Memorial.  I was told that it was impressive and required a lot of time.  Needless to say I wasn't disappointed.   I'm really not much of a history buff but this memorial was incredible.  The photos below don't even remotely do it justice.

View looking up the special Anzac Pde towards the War Memorial

(there are even  monuments along Anzac Pde)

The Outside Courtyard leading to the Hall of Memory

There is an eternal flame burning in the water.

The Roll of Honour 

(It lists the Australian soldiers that fought in both the first and second world wars)

The view from the museum looking out across the lake towards the old and new Parliament buildings.

A tiny sample of one of the displays inside the building.

In the end I'm really glad I went to Canberra.  I did have a bit of knowledge over load, and maybe I walked just a bit too much (my toes are sore) but it's a beautiful little city with a lot to offer.  It's too bad it has such a bummed reputation.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has been taking place in Melbourne since the 7th of March.  Unfortunately most of the meals are held over the lunch hour and as a teacher it isn't really anything I can get to.  In addition I've been away the last two weekends so I haven't been able to take part in any weekend events.  This weekend I'm in Melbourne.  

A few weeks back I noticed that there was Cellar Door at South Gate . It is part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and for a $25 fee you can  taste wines from over 60 of Victoria's finest boutique wineries.  Any one who has ever been with me on a "training" or "racing" weekend in the Okanagan  knows that wineries are part of the training and racing experience.  Although I'm not really training or racing these days I couldn't possibly pass up a chance to try out some wines.

I arrived a few minutes before the noon opening, paid my entrance fee and was handed my wine glass.  That's where the fun began.  It was incredible to see so many different Victorian wineries  represented.  

This is a view looking down the line of tables of wineries.  

I soon discovered that there were a lot of tables each sampling wines from their wineries.  I also quickly learned that the tables were set up in regions.  It was cool to be able to walk past a few of the wineries since I had already been to their actual winery on one of my weekend adventures.

At each table I picked up a business card or brochure and wrote down which wines I tasted and what I thought of them.  I'm no expert wine taster but a wine typically received a "not my thing", a "so so", a "not bad" or a "good" rating.  I tried a lot of wine I didn't like and I tried a lot of wine that I did like.  

Part way through the day I had to stop to eat.  There were a couple of food vendors  and I was able to pick up an excellent pasta .  It was also hot and sunny in Melbourne today - low 30's which is such a nice change to the cooler weather we've been having.  

All those little white tents were wine tasting tents.

(Oh, did I mention it all took place outside on the South Bank of the Yarra River)

I now have to spend the next little while trying to figure out what I wrote about each of the wines I tried.  I figure if there were 60 wineries I tried wine at least 45 of them and at each winery I probably sampled on average 2-3 wines.  That's a lot of wine to figure out.  I guess I have my work cut out for me.

While my teaching buddies back at home are enjoying their Spring Break, I'm here in warm and sunny Melbourne (or at least today) sampling heaps*  of wine.  I guess things could be worse.  

There are two more weeks of school this term and then I'm off to New Zealand for two weeks.  I can't wait.  Next weekend I'm heading to Canberra for about 36 hours.  I also booked a weekend in Adelaide over the long weekend in June.  I may be heading to Kangaroo Island that weekend which means I won't really see Adelaide.  Obviously I'll keep you posted when those plans are finalized.  I have a few trips to the airport between now and early June - Canberra, New Zealand, Sydney, and Adelaide.  I also think the exchange people have an Aussie Rules Football day for us planned and a weekend in the Grampians.  Stay tuned for more updates.

*heaps is word I hear fairly often here in Melbourne

Family Picnic Night

Tonight my school hosted a family picnic.  The school community was invited to bring their evening meal to eat on the oval (the field).  In addition this week is Harmony Week - a celebration of Australia's cultural diversity.  The families were invited to come to the picnic dressed in their national costumes.  Fourteen of my twenty two students turned up and it was great to see them with their families. 

One student in another 1/2 class decided that he was going to dress as a Canadian.  I was shocked when I saw him because he was wearing a CANUCKS jersey and a Montreal Canadian's hat.  His father had been on a business trip to North America and these were two of his souvenirs.  I don't think he knows how lucky he is to have that amazing jersey.  Apparently he has one from Toronto too but I said that he choose the better jersey!  Anyhow I had to take a photo.  

Unfortunately I was slow to get my camera out and so I only took a few pictures of my students.  With the permission of their parents here are some of my students.  You'll notice that some are dressed in their national costumes.

Maggie (grade 1)

Ridwan (grade 1) and Farrel (grade 1)

Arsyi (grade 2)

Alya (grade 1)

Praniv (grade 2) and his mom

The picnic was a great idea and it didn't take much to organize it.  The children were happy to be there and I think the parents enjoyed it too.  For me although it made for a long day (I didn't leave school until after 8 pm and I rode home for the first time in the dark) it was nice to chat with my students and their parents in a casual environment.   

Ballarat, Victoria March 13 - 15, 2009

This past weekend was our second International Teaching Fellow (ITF) weekend away.  Although there are several of us in the state of  Victoria, we all live quite far from one another so it's nice when we get together for these organized weekends.  This weekend we met up in Ballarat.

Although I still don't have a car it was easy for me to get to get to Ballarat via the VLine train. I actually walked to the train station from work on Friday.  Because I had a bit of time to kill between when I left work and when the train left Footscray Station I walked around Footscray and the Footscray market.  I wish I had taken some photos because it's quite different then any where else I've been in Melbourne.  It has a very large asian influence and there were some great food deals at the market.  I'll have to try to get back there for some grocery shopping in the near future and maybe take some pictures too.

Anyhow, the train arrived on time and while I had a ticket it is more of a commuter train for the first little while so I stood until we arrived at our first stop.  Thankfully enough people got off so I quickly got a seat.  The rest of the ride was uneventful.  I arrived at the Ballarat Train station about 1 hr and 7 min after I left Footscray.  I was greeted by Yvonne H from my host family.  The one thing that's so great about these ITF exchange weekends is that we are hosted by families that have been on exchange themselves.  Yvonne took me back to her home where I met her husband Barry.  Yvonne and Barry were great hosts and I was very comfortable in their home.  We chatted for a few hours over wine as we watched some Australian Rules Football.  I still don't have the game figured out but it was nice to learn a bit more about it from them.  I also think I vented a bit about what I've been going through at work.  It was a really nice evening for me because as a single person here in Australia I don't have much of an opportunity for real conversations with people.

On Saturday morning after a great breakfast Yvonne drove me down to Sovereign Hill to meet the group.  Ballarat is a gold mining town and Sovereign Hill represents conditions on Ballarat's early goldfields.  We were given an informative talk about what happened when gold was first discovered in the 1850s.  I learned that the gold is still being mined and there is actually more gold still under Ballarat today than what has been removed in the past fifty years.  After the information session we were free to roam the grounds.

Sovereign Hill

My first stop was at a gold pour demonstration.  The gold was heated (melted) to an extremely hot temperature and then poured into a block.  At today's prices there was close to $150,000 Australian  worth of gold being poured right in front of my eyes.

The pouring of the gold.

A few of the kids were allowed to hold the gold but none of the adults could touch it.  From the demonstration we went into a little store that had gold items for sale.  Jenn (from Ontario) bought a gold chain and told the man it was her birthday.  He then brought her back into the room and let her hold the gold.  I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time and I also went with her and her husband Chris.  Below is a picture of me holding over 3 kg  of gold with value of over $140,000 AUD.  (What I could have done with that if I could have snuck it out!)

Me holding a 3+kg gold brick with the demonstration guy from Sovereign Hill

(Like the plastic rain coat - it poured while we were there and I didn't have a coat with me)

From the gold pouring I headed to another presentation.  I then had a "Diggings" tour and learned a lot more about the times of the past.  The weather wasn't great but my tour guide was full of information so I'm glad I stayed out in the rain to listen to him.  I then wandered around the town for a bit.

I ran into some of the other ITFs and decided to get a ticket for the 12:40 Gold Mine Tour. While waiting for the tour I did a quick school lesson in the school and practiced writing with ink.  I wasn't that good at it but the teacher still gave me an A+!  I then headed to the mine tour.

Being claustrophobic I was a bit worried about what may happen when I travelled deep under group.  My heart started to race but in the end it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I learned more about gold digging, what life was like for the diggers and the children, and how their fortunes were made.  We were underground for close to 45 minutes but it was money well spent.

When I finally got back up from the mine I watched the tail end of the Red Coat Soliders presentation.  I then wandered around some more.  I checked out the bowling saloon, candle dipping, and sweet making.  I successfully panned for gold in the river and I went in and out of the stores on Main Street.  I enjoyed a lamb stew Aussie pie from the bakery.  I then went across the street to check out the Gold Museum.  It too was very interesting.

After I was done with the museum I headed back to Sovereign Hill.  This time I checked out the self guided mine tour.  I went down on my own and it was pretty spooky.  Again though there was more information to learn so I'm glad I went.  I saw a few more presentations on sight and then it was time to meet up with Monica (a teacher from Port Coquitlam) and Ake (her husband)  as they were taking me to the BBQ.

Inside Red Hill Mine

We left Sovereign Hill around 5 pm and made our way to our gourmet BBQ at the home of Helen and Brian.  We were given BBQ kangaroo and crocodile to try and then enjoyed a full feast of salads (over ten varieties) and bbq meats (chicken, sausages, and kangaroo steaks).  The Kangaroo tasted a lot like  lean beef and the crocodile had the texture of chicken and the taste of chicken and fish combined.  It was a great spread.

At the BBQ we met many other Ballarat teachers and families that had been on exchange.  We also had to share with the group one good thing we liked about our experiences so far.  I talked about how much I enjoy these weekends away because as a single I look forward to having the opportunity to talk and visit with people.  As independent as I am it's been really tough being on my own almost all the time.  Having the company was such a treat.

After the ITFs spoke a ton of desserts were served.  Of course to not hurt anyones feelings I tried them ALL!!  

Over all it was a very successful day.  I stuck around for a bit longer talking with present teaching fellows and former teaching fellows.  By around 10:30 Yvonne drove me back to her home where I had a great sleep.

This morning Barry and Yvonne took me on a driving tour of Ballarat as we headed to meet up with the group at the Wild Life park.  I took a couple of pictures at the lake in Ballarat (Lake Wendouree) and as you can see in the photo below there is no water in the lake -yet another sign of how dry it is here in Victoria, Australia.  They also took me to a look out point.

Ballarat Lake (with out any water in it)

A shot of Ballarat from the look out on the hill.

We then continued our journey to the Wildlife Park.  Because this weekend was arranged by the Ballarat Exchange teachers we did not have to pay an entrance fee for Sovereign Hill or the Wild Life Park.

The Wild Life Park was a great way to spend the morning.  I saw kangaroos, wombats, emus, koalas, and many other animals up close and personal.  I was able to pet and feed kangaroos.  In addition has was able to touch wombats, emus, and koalas.  Below are a few of the pictures I took today.

Some of many of the kangaroos walking freely in the park.

Me feeding a kangaroo.

The Koalas up in a tree but not too far away.  I had a Koala up close to me too and I was able to pet it.  Apparently it's against the law to hold one here in Victoria.

A happily sleeping wombat.

The most poisonus land snake in the world. Thank goodness it was behind glass.

After I was done exploring the Wild Life Park Jenn and Chris were kind enough to drive me right back to my place in Melbourne.  It was another great weekend and once again I'm so glad that I was able to take part in the fun.  As I type this blog I plan to be in town next weekend and I hope to catch some more of the sight around Melbourne.  The following weekend I'm off to Canberra, Australian Territority and then it's FINALLY school holidays and I'll off to New Zealand for almost two weeks.  When I land back in Melbourne after being in New Zealand my DAD will be waiting for me at the airport.  I can't wait to see him!

In the mean time have a great week everyone.  This week we have our school picnic.  The weather isn't as nice as it once was (we are finally seeing some much needed rain) but then again it may end up being warm enough for shorts.  The weather here really is nuts and you just don't know what you're going to get.

Keep in touch.  It's tough being here on my own when school isn't as much fun as I'd like it to be.  I'm surviving of course but it isn't all that it's cracked up to be.