Shoelhaven update

We have some more pictures for you. Our laptop will certainly be full by the time we head home.

We went to another ETL event last weekend to the region of Shoelhaven. We stayed at a field centre in Jervis Bay. Our rooms were like hostel like rooms with one big common kitchen for all of us. We're not sure of how many exchangees exactly, but around 15. It was so fun being in the company of teachers and their families from all over the world.... well okay... not quite all of the world... Canada...US, England, Scotland, New Zealand and Australia. The coordinator of the event said that we were the largest "family' group that he has ever had.



We especially enjoyed the beaches. Cave beach was a wonderful beach for children...no rips.

On the Saturday night we had a talk presented by some aboriginal leaders. They gave us a talk about what was traditionally "men's business" and "woman's business". They showed us some of the tools and instruments that men used such as a boomerang and a didgeridoo.



Avery and Tom had a bit of a challenge trying to blow in the didgeridoos. You have to stick your lips inside and blow raspberries. They sounded like sick frogs. Here is the video, but there is a lot of noise in the room (too many teachers in one area) so it is hard to hear. The didgeridoo is a sacred instrument for men and they asked that the women not use it.

Okay... so I'm not so tech savvy after all. I took this video with the camera sideways and now I cannot figure out how to show it upright.



Actually, this is how the pros play it. We caught this video when we were down at Circular Quay.



Women's business involved showing us about the many plants that a women would gather for food and medicine. They collect most of the food that the tribe would eat. We got to taste some interesting stuff. We also saw some boys dance some traditional dances.

Later, we enjoyed painting boomerangs. Everyones unique design was admired.


On the way home on Sunday we were able to stop in Hutchinson. The museum there had many works of art by the artists that painted the stuff for the 2000 Olympic games.

We also were able to stop at the Buhddist Temple in Wollagong... a little world religion for us... it is the largest in the southern hemisphere. The grounds were beautiful to walk through... quite serene.

This past Saturday in the afternoon we headed to Manly dam to watch a native animal presentation. The kids enjoyed looking at the many animals. They especially enjoyed the bat and the possum with the baby on the back.

Then in the evening between 7:30 and 8:30 was Earth hour. For this hour we were asked to turn off lights and only use essential electricity. We headed to Manly beach and participated in the candle light activity with a musical band.

We are thinking of you as your spring crocuses and tulips are emerging. It is getting cold as we head into winter. Enjoy the Easter holiday and we will be in touch soon.

Take care,

Ginette, Tom, Avery and Jocelyn

Koalas at Port Macquarie

We thought you might enjoy these videos!! They were actually taken weeks ago but I have only figured out how to download video recently... Boy I am becoming computer savvy... what next?

The first one is a Koala walking around. I found their walk so interesting. They did not look like a bear at all. Then one of the locals said well that is because they are not a bear? It was only nicknamed the Koala bear because they look cute and cuddly like Teddy bears. Well... we've learned something else.



The next one is a close up of a young Koala. We were able to pet her. They told us not to touch her near the face. Firstly, because this might scare or alarm her, but also because we could introduce an infection to her or to us from her.



Enjoy the videos. Coming soon our pictures of our trip to Shoelhaven.

Ta ta
Ginette and gang

Autumn is here?!

The hot and humid weather seems to have left us.... the humidity anyway, as fall is here. The days are still hot, but the nights and mornings cool. Nice to sleep.

Jocelyn's band camp was a success. She is in the school band and plays the clarinet. She first started out with a whole lot of squeaking, but now she can play a few songs. She has band practice on Tuesday mornings and then meets with her clarinet tutor on Thursdays.



While Jocelyn was at band camp, we went for a 10 km hike from Maroubra to Bondi beach. On these Sydney hills it was quite a work out.



Avery has been having problems with a few outer ear infections. Probably too much swimming. The locals say it is actually not a good idea to swim at the beach just after a big rain. Too much run off of pollutants? Things are okay now, he has not been swimming for a week or so. It is really difficult to keep him out of the water though. He is really enjoying body boarding. Kind of like tobogganing... on water. The waves can be quite challenging but he keeps going back for more.


Tom coached volleyball at the Catholic Girls Championship, at the training grounds of the Olympic stadium. What a treat for him! The girls did well. They won silver .

And me...? I have been organizing our travel plans, volunteering at the school canteen , and getting in some supply work... yippee! But the best part is that last weekend I trained to be a certified laughing yoga leader. I am looking forward to laughing along with you to good health!


This weekend we are heading out to Shoelhaven with the ETL group. We are told the area has great beaches and lots to see.

Hope all is well with you. You are in our thought often. As time is flying we cannot believe 2 months have past.

Take care,
Namaste,

Ginette, Tom, Avery and Jocelyn