Last Update from "Home"

Hello All!

Hope all of your holidays were enjoyable! I want to fill you in on my holidays from Down Under. On Christmas Eve, I went to the St. Patrick’s children’s mass with Michael’s sister, Linda, and their father Conway. It was great being able to see some of the children I use to teach and the children’s nativity play accompanying the gospel was adorable. After mass we met the rest of the family, extended family, and friends at the Gosford Sailing Club just down the road for some drinks. It was beautiful to be able to sit outside at sunset along the waterfront with great company. The lot of us returned back to the Goodways for an amazing dinner outside on the veranda listening to Christmas music and enjoying our time together. Here is a photo of Emily’s friend Mel, Emily, Me, Emily’s friend Emma, and their cousin Sally.

Christmas morning we all opened our Santa stockings at the Goodways. Don’t worry, Santa did not forget me all the way around the world as I received my own stocking full of goodies too. The family then loaded up the yute, hauling up heaps of prezzies to Michael’s Mum’s house where family Christmas was held. We all enjoyed opening presents together and I was able to give my special presents I had gotten for the Goodways. Then, we made brekky outside on the veranda enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. It was in the high 70’s and not a cloud in the sky. This allowed for an afternoon of lunch where I was able to try for my first time Australian trifle, a desert of jelly rolls, red and green Jello cubes (called jelly here), and vanilla custard. I hope to make it with the family once back home as I have gotten the recipe from Cherie. Delicious! There was also a lot of swimming in the pool and taking a scenic walk along the ocean that afternoon. Swimming in the ocean on Christmas was definitely a first! We then all sat down for a dinner together outside where people enjoyed a variety of meats from the barbie and I had a delicious salmon.

Four Generations of Family

Elvis and I, aka Uncle Cruizy

I'm at the ocean on Christmas!!

Cherie and I

The next day, 26^th, is Boxing Day in Australia. It is a public holiday for those members of the Commonwealth of Nations where traditionally wealthy people would give a box containing a gift to their servants. This obviously has since changed in meaning, but workers today have this day off and still receive pay. Many important sports events are held on Boxing Day, with the Boxing Day test match of cricket held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground being what most sport-loving Aussies would find themselves watching all day. This involved the national cricket team of Australia playing India and the match lasts for five entire days! Can you believe it? As a sport cricket is very similar to our American past time of baseball. There was also the Sydney to Hobart yacht race where competing yachts sail a distance of 630 miles from Sydney to Hobart over the course of about 2 days. Family watched both events periodically on the television. Other Australians find themselves on Boxing Day hitting the shopping malls and stores, as there are gigantic sales and discounts on items and the shopping atmosphere is very similar to that of our Black Friday traditionally after Thanksgiving. I did go shopping for a bit with some of the girls, but quickly decided it was time to leave after experiencing all the shopping madness! We then returned to Michael’s Mum’s house for a prawn and oyster lunch outside on the veranda. It was sure a day filled of Australian traditions.

The following day my friend Elizabeth, who was also over from Indiana University teaching in Mosman, and her family traveled up to the Goodways for an adventure to the Hunter Valley. Elizabeth’s family had come over a few weeks ago to spend the Christmas holidays with her and we were fortunate enough to have an adventure together! Michael was our excellent authentic tour guide for the day and Elizabeth’s family got on great with the Goodways! The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region, encompassing selective and discerning wine styles from fifth generation winemaking families as well as up and coming young winemakers. Consider this the Napa Valley of Australia people! For you wine connoisseurs out there, the Hunter Valley produces the world benchmark for Semillon and it is something not replicated in any other wine region. Other impressive varieties included Chardonnays, Verdelhos, Shirazes, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Merlots. The first winery we went to was Lake’s Folly Vineyard, Australia’s first boutique winery where only two wines are made- a Cabernet blend and a Chardonnay in limited quantity. We were lucky enough to taste the 2009 Cabernet and bring home a bottle upping $125. (Yours truly did not buy this obviously.)

Our next stop was to Scarborough Wine Co., which is established as a leading Hunter Valley Wine producer. The cellar door here invites your party in for a classy wine tasting with a delicious cheese and cracker platter at a dining room table overlooking the vineyard. It was great to be able to have the wine scholars there educate you on the varieties of grapes grown on site in order to produce the wines.

Michael and I

Mr. & Mrs. Walsh, Michael, Elizabeth, and I

Next, we went to Brookenwood Wines, established in 1970 and located on an iconic Graveyard Vineyard. Its mission was, “to make great wine and have fun.” Sounds like a brilliant motto to me! This was my favorite place as the cellar door had such authentic Australian character and it is home to the Cricket Pitch vineyard. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. I had bought a bottle of this as well as a Cab Sav in order to ship home in my boxes as gifts for my wine-loving fam, but came to realize today at the post office this was not allowed! So sorry family :(

We all then had lunch at Harrigan’s Irish Pub before ending our afternoon in the Hunter at Krinklewood Vineyard. This winery was beautiful and WOW’ed me by being a family owned Biodynamic vineyard and farm valuing sustainability and viticulture. What was also interesting about this winery was that there were wild peacocks that had flown in two years ago and loved it so much, they never left.

Next, we began out drive home to the Goodways and stopped at a bar in Wollombi that had a lot of… how do I put it? Unique Character, as it was sort of off the beaten path and full of interesting individuals with few teeth.

We had a lovely barbie and dinner outside on the Goodway’s veranda and Emily joined us for the meal and games afterwards. Elizabeth’s parents and the Goodways had a blast together and I was pleased at the new friendships formed. It was a great day by all.

On Wednesday I had lunch with my teacher Fiona from St. Patrick’s. We went to a vegetarian café and then had a nice walk at Pearl Beach together. It was a lovely day just chatting back and forth about our time together and what my future my hold. She has inspired me in so many ways, and encouraged me to keep traveling and teaching in new places. I thanked her again for welcoming me so warmly to Australia and I know we will keep in touch.

Today has been busy packing up my room and shipping things back home to the USA that I will no longer need on my future excursions. I am having a “Last Supper” with Michael and Cherie tonight, as I told them I owe them a nice dinner out! They will take me to the airport tomorrow where I will say goodbye to them and Emily. I hope this will only be a “see ya later,” rather than goodbye because they have become family to me. I would have been absolutely lost without them in first coming over to Australia. They not only shared their home with me, but their family, friends, and traditions as well. I could not have asked for a more suitable host family and I know that one day I will want to open my home to students from other countries to give someone else the opportunity for such a life-changing opportunity.

I will fly from Sydney to Alice Springs where my Outback excursion will begin. I will be seeing the heart of Australia’s Red Centre including Uluru, where Aryes Rock is located, Kata Tjuta, Palm Valley, the West MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon. I will be having quite the authentic experience in the outback by bushcamping at remote campsites, driving on bush tracks through old cattle station, and visiting the Oak Valley Aboriginal community. It will sure be an interesting New Years Eve in the Outback! Then on the 5^th of January I will say farewell to Australia and fly from Alice Springs to Auckland, New Zealand. I will do a 9-day tour around the north island including a meaningful volunteer project working directly with critically endangered Kiwi; New Zealand’s most famous native animal and national icon. I will be involved in a hands-on conservation project designed to aid in breeding programs and habitat rejuvenation in order to ensure the Kiwi’s long-term survival. The conservation project will include working along side the native Maori people of New Zealand as well. This adventure will also highlight my highly anticipated Waitomo Glowworm Caves!!!!!!!!! Then on the 15^th of January I will fly from Auckland to Nelson, in the Southern Island to begin my next excursion around the Bay of Islands, Coromandel, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Christchurch, Lake Ohau, an overnight cruise around the Milford Sound, Queenstown, Fox Glacier, and Greymouth. WOW!

On Tuesday, January 24^th I will fly from Christchurch to Auckland, Auckland to LAX, then LAX to ORD and finally be home in Chicago! I believe I leave Auckland that day at 3:05 pm and arrive into Chicago that same “day” at 3:30 p.m. WEIRD! Grace and Biff- I'll see YOU then!

I wanted to give you all this big update now, as I am not sure how much internet access I will be able to utilize in the future on my excursions. I will be staying in hostels and camping so my blog updates will not be nearly as much or as frequent by any means, but I will try to send you news when feasible. Thank you all so very much for following along with me throughout this experience thus far, and I look forward to sharing more of my upcoming adventures with you in the future.

The adventure of living out of a backpack for about the next month begins NOW!

Love,

Jules

Great Barrier Reef & Kuranda Rainforest

Merry Christmas week everyone!

I have returned safely in one piece back to the Goodways and so very excited to share with you about my most recent adventure! The St. Patrick's holiday staff party was very lovely and I had a blast with the teachers chatting and dancing the night away. Check out the view from our venue!

The Goodways so kindly offered to drop me at the Sydney airport on Sunday where I caught my flight to Cairns early afternoon. I took a shuttle service from the airport to my hostel and was able to check in no problem. Then I thought, well now what do I do? I decided to take the bus into the city of Cairns so explore. While waiting for the bus, I ended up meeting a fellow teacher who was from Great Britain but is teaching in Beijing, China. Her name was Shona and she was 26. We got along great and ended up spending the entire day walking about the city, shopping, and going to pubs. At night we saw the New Years Eve movie, which ended up to be quite good but made me miss the snow, the holidays, family, and friends a bit I won’t lie. The city was full of backpackers from around the world as many different languages, mannerisms, and interesting styles of dress could be observed everywhere we went.

Monday I woke up quite early to catch a shuttle down to the lagoon in order to begin my Great Barrier Reef adventure! The GBR is the largest reef in the world and has come of the world’s highest marine life diversity, with over 450 types of coral, 1500 fish and 4000 mollusks (or shells, clams, octopus, and squid). All of these fish, coral, and shells are protected by law. The Great Island is unique in the fact that is the only sand cay on the GBR with a rainforest growing on it! (AWESOME!) A large cruise liner called, “The Big Cat” transferred us to The Green Island where the excursion began. It took about an hour and fifteen minutes by boat to arrive at the island resort but the view along the way was breathtaking. The water went from dark shades of blue and grey by the lagoon, to vibrant waves of bright blue, teal, and green.

I was required to watch a snorkeling demonstration and safety brief in order to be able to use the equipment provided on the island. It was not mandatory to snorkel in the ocean with an instructor per say, but ones were available for those less confident participants. It is currently the wet season of summer up in Queensland, Australia and thus jellyfish, commonly called marine stingers, can be found in the waters of northern Australia. Most are harmless to humans, but certain types can cause adverse reactions and so snorkelers and divers are advised to wear a full-length lycra suit to reduce the possibility of stings and irritation and to protect our skin from the intense sun. So, I grabbed my lycra suit, fins, mask, and snorkel and set out for the beach! (I did however stop and chat with a few of the very nice male Aussie lifeguards who offered their advice about where to swim to in order to see the most exciting fish, turtles, and marine coral life.) I also had them be my picture takers on shore, but had bought an additional waterproof disposable camera to snap my own shots while snorkeling.

It had been quite a while since I had swam in the salt water, so I had a few accidental refreshers of how awful it tasted and burned your nose! It was absolutely amazing being so close to so many tropical fish with brilliant colors and appearances. At first when I came close to fish that appeared to be the length of my arm, I got nervous but then realized they probably were just as afraid of my scary underwater self as I was of them! We had a delicious seafood buffet lunch back on the boat before I took a semi-submersible tour. This tour allowed individuals to explore the underwater world of the reef in air-conditioned comfort (so nice) without getting wet. We were seated below water level and treated to a diver’s view of the coral reef and marine life with an informative commentary given by the crew educating us on the fish and their underwater habitat. There was an awesome fish feeding where huge fish were chomping at food right against the glass I was sitting next to in the semi-submarine.

After my buffet lunch digested I set back out toward the beach for a few more hours of snorkeling before the cruise liner departed the Green Island and returned back to Cairns. That evening Shona and I met back up at our hostel and went out for dinner and drinks in the city. People watching was absolutely hilarious! It was also very interesting to chat with her about schools in Beijing, as she taught P.E. at a British private secondary school there where most of the students were in fact British. That night after returning to the hostel from our evening out, I discovered a large, hairy, European man had moved into what I thought was our female quad-share room… I had to tell myself to not have a slight freak-out and to just go to sleep and not worry about it. FAIL. This dude snored worse than almost anyone I have ever heard in my life, and that says a lot! Needless to say I did not sleep much, got up at 4 am to start drinking coffee and reading my book until my next excursion picked me up at 7 am.

Day two was my excursion to Kuranda and Rainforestation! The coach picked up the participants and I ended up meeting an awesome family from Toronto, Canada who were over here on holiday. They had two kids who were I believe in 5^th and 8^th grade, a girl and a boy. The bus first allowed us to wonder through Kuranda village, a picturesque village in the Rainforest. I browsed through shops and local markets talking with the vendors and artists who offered a full range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts. The market vendors were my favorite as they were all fascinated by my experience in Australia and insisted on giving me free samples and trinkets to remember my trip by. The hand-made Aboriginal paintings, jewelry, and didgeridoos all told such interesting tribal stories. If I were made of money I would be bringing back as many paintings as I possibly could to fill my walls and give to others!

Our next stop was at the Rainforestation Nature Park where I passed on the BBQ buffet and enjoyed a nice fish fillet instead, before cuddling with a koala named Kip! Kip was a 10-year-old male and one of the last in his generation to be living due to a certain disease. Kip clung onto me like a little baby just hanging out in my arms! His fur was so soft and I could have sat there for hours just holding him. I then met back up with the Canadians and we went on an Army Duck Rainforest Tour with a tropical fruit orchard. Here we traveled deep into the rainforest on both land and water as a guide explained to us different species of Australian flora and fauna. The rainforest has more species of moths and beetles alone than all the species of life forms on the GBR! We also learned that the rainforest was home to Giant Amethystine Pythons growing more than 25 feet and Giant Tree Frogs up to 6 inches long.

Up next was the highlight of my day! I had the great honor of watching the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers perform a powerful, exciting show of eight traditional tribal dances. The Pamagirri tribe has its roots in several areas of far north Queensland, Australia. There were four male dancers, and two musicians who played the didgeridoo and who did vocals.

At the end of their show, the Pamagirri dancers said they had a special surprise and needed the help of three members from the audience. Without even raising my hand, one of the men pointed right at me in the front to get up on stage and dance with them. Of course I jumped at the opportunity and had the Canadian boy come up with me as well, and the dancers also selected an Indian man to join them. They taught us the “Warran-Jarra,” or “Shake-a-Leg” dance. Sounds like it could be an American hip-hop dance already. By no surprise, the Pamagirri had me go first learning the 3 step dance before all participants danced together on stage. The Canadian mom took a photo for me on my camera and the dad promised to send the video to my email he took of our unique tribal experience. I wish I was able to get more photos, but this experience is something I will never forget. How awesome to have been a part of such a special tribal ritual with Australian Aborigines.

Afterwards, we took a Dreamtime walk with one of the dancers who taught us how one would play the didgeridoo, throw a spear, and throw a boomerang. The Pamagirri guide was very friendly, informative, and had no problems posing for pictures!

Look, Flat Stanley found a penguin friend with the Canadian kiddos!

Finally, we had the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour through the Koala and Wildlife Park where I got to feed kangaroos, see crocodiles, wombats, snakes, dingoes, a cassowary, and wallabies.

Our day ended by taking the Kuranda scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway 7.5 km down from the mountains back to the village. The Skyrail took us over and through the Barron Gorge National Park established in 1940 and is considered to be one of Queensland’s most picturesque national parks. Here the steep ravines and rich rainforest flora and fauna set a picture perfect view of the Barron Falls.

I am blessed enough to be able to spend Christmas with the Goodways, as they have family fun-filled festivities that I am lucky enough to be a part of while overseas during the holidays. Apparently it involves a barbie, swimming, and outdoor game playing. Guess I need to buy my pool raft and shrimps for the barbie.

My xext adventure begins December 30th, where I will say goodbye to the Goodways and fly from Sydney to Alice Springs . Here I will embark on an Outback Adventure in Alice Springs, Uluru to see Aryes Rock, and Kings Canyon. Then, it will be goodbye Australia, HELLO New Zealand... but more on that later.

I will miss you all this Christmas, but will be seeing you in no time at all. Thank you so much for reading and following me along my adventures. Merry Christmas!!!

Love,
Jules

The end of teaching, the beginning of exploring!

Hello All!!!

I want to apologize again for making such a delayed blog entry. Things have been very busy around these parts and I have had limited internet, but I want to give you all one big update before traveling begins!

Last week at school (December 5-9th) was a great one and my last week actually teaching the class lessons. My vice principal needed to complete an evaluation of my teaching and participation at St. Patrick's to submit to Indiana University. I invited her to come in to watch and participate in a special science lesson I planned for the students involving fake snow. Now, snow you say in Australia, during the summer? YES. I had brought over from the States "Insta-Snow" powder that I had bought from the teacher education store. It is actually a super absorbent polymer that swells when water is added to it. This swelling process is also known as osmosis. The students were amazed watching the little white crystalize powder transform like magic into what appeared to be snow. I then explained to them how real snow is made and what December in Indiana can look like. I sent them all home with really nerdy pencils explaining the scientific process of how snowflakes were made. :)

I also had the opportunity that week to visit my host sister, Emily's school. She teaches year three students at a Catholic school near by in a city called Woy Woy. I planned a literacy lesson where I read the students the famous "T'was the Night Before Christmas," did a lesson on rhyming couplets, and had them make an acrostic poem using the word "Santa." It was a wonderful experience being able to observe and teach in another Catholic school here in Australia. It is amazing how intrigued young people are by the sound of the American accent.

Last Friday the Goodways had their company holiday party and I was able to capture this lovely family photo of us!

Cherie, Jake, Michael, Me, Emily

On Sunday I had the privilege of submitting my LAST assignment ever to Indiana University! It was the final field report in which was needed to complete the overseas component of the student teaching course. I will now officially be an IU graduate at the upcoming December ceremony in Bloomington. However, rather than walking across the commencement stage I will be doing bush walking in the Outback instead! Seems like a super awesome trade to me! But, being able to "walk" back in May with all of my friends was the perfect way to celebrate my time in at IU.

Now up to this past school week, it was full of dance concert practice all day Monday for the students as each year rehearsed their routine they had been working on for over a month. The theme of the holiday concert was "a child's bedroom." This was rather clever as the performances included super heroes, Barbies, The Jungle Book, picture frames, Super Mario Brothers, board games, and Ipods. The teachers even got crafty and threw together a performance impersonating Lady Gaga, The Beegees, The Spice Girls, Justin Bieber, and Abba. They kids loved it! I was a "Gagaette." We had a blast!

My lovely year 6 dancers

Can you find me?

On Tuesday the year six students went on their “Fun Day” where the students were bused to an indoor sport facility in a near by town. Here students were able to participate in 9 physical activities ranging from: wheelchair basketball, soccer, field hockey, table tennis, air hockey, basketball, trampoline jumping, and jumping into a huge foam pit. The foam pit was very similar in concept to a ball pit one would find in McDonalds. The kids wanted me to run and jump into it, but I took one smell of it and decided to pass. I participated in the rest of the activities though and wheelchair basketball gave my arms a workout let me tell you!

YAY INDIANA SHIRTS!

Fiona and I

The foam pit!

Wednesday the weather was just perfect allowing for our year six students to finally have their Surf Day at Terrigal Beach. It was meant to be on our Thanksgiving but was unfortunately rained out. So the kids were extra excited that it was a green light this time! The year six students were lead through six various activities by surf certified instructors, making the teachers’ job of supervising along the beach easy! It is such an awesome opportunity for kids to learn beach and surf safety along with teaching students basic boogie boarding skills. It almost seemed surreal to be “at school,” and having an absolute blast on the beach with such a beautiful group of students. What a rough life!

Beach Cricket

Thursday involved the students packing up their belongings and cleaning out their cubbies. I was also able to attend a special fish and chips lunch at a local beachfront establishment that donates lunch to two students from each year at St. Patrick’s at the end of every school year. It was great fun getting to talk to some of the students from the infant’s side (Kindie, 1, and 2) whom I have never seen before. I was guessed to be from America or South Africa; they claimed they couldn’t remember how to tell the difference between the two. How cute. Upon arriving back at school the entire year six students and teachers tricked me by saying they were setting up a party to have with their kinder buddies, but it was really a surprise for me! The kids had all brought it cupcakes, lollies, chips, watermelon, mangos, and a dad made a vanilla cake with caramel filling that was absolutely delicious. I was given such thoughtful and sweet cards and gifts by my students thanking me for teaching them so many cool things about America and making my lessons I taught them so fun. Music to my ears. Today was the last day and it was filled by gift giving and receiving all day. I left school with bag fulls of chocolates, wine, mugs, books, and a precious stuffed animal koala bear to be my "travel buddy." :) My students were so thoughtful in their notes and actions. It has not yet set in that I will no longer be their teacher. The day ended with a lovely mass and as some students started to cry, others jumped for joy, and yours truly was dodging the massive water balloon fight started by the obnoxious year 6 boys. I made it out OK, others... not so much.

I am going to St. Patrick’s holiday staff party Saturday evening along the beachfront at Terrigal, about 15 minutes away. It will be the last time I will spend with the teachers who have welcomed me with open arms since day one of my arrival in Australia. I will miss my teacher Fiona so very much as she not only was an excellent cooperating teacher, but also became a very close friend and mom-like figure while abroad. It is so amazing the relationships you can form with someone you spend so much time with each day. It seems like just yesterday I was saying goodbye to my first graders at Monon Trail in Westfield, saying goodbye to my teacher Jennifer and Kathryn next door to us. I have wondered so very often how each of those little kiddos have been doing throughout the time I have been away and I am so very excited to go back and visit them upon return. So many students have touched my life since August and I have been so very lucky to be given the opportunity to become a part of their lives. I hope they will remember me for the things I have taught them, as I will remember them all forever.

This Sunday I will be flying from Sydney to Cairns, located at the very top of Australia. Here I will be embarking on a snorkel adventure in the Great Barrier Reef and a rainforest excursion in the Daintree Rainforest. I will return back to Sydney Wednesday evening, in time to celebrate Christmas with the Goodways.

I cannot wait to share my stories with you all from the upcoming adventures. Sending you my very best and wishing you were all here with me each day!

Love,

Jules