Brisbane

Friday we left early and went to the John Deere in Brisbane. We were spoken to by one of the executives, along with the marketing managers and graduate program students. It was a really interesting program that was given. THe presentation was mainly for the marketing students but it was informational for everyone, and our group had some really great questions for them. The Gators (4 wheeler cars) driver is on the left side when their drivers of cars are on the the right side. They had never thought about it, never needed any legal restrictions nor ever had any problems with it. just thought that was interesting. After the presentation we drove around Brisbane and got some great views of the city and river. We checked into the hotel for a little relaxation time, aka nap time- for me. Then went to Scream World Theme Park. It is only opened at night 4 times a year and is called Scream World, when during the day it is Dream World. We had a lot of fun on some awesome Aussie roller coasters. The park closed by having a DJ at the front and a laser show.

Saturday we went to the Steve Irwin/Australia Zoo. This time we saw the Tiger talk/show, feed the elephants and saw the otter talk/feeding. We had a lot of fun with the group. That night we went out the Brisbane clubs and had a good time.
Sunday consisted of going to the local Brisbane markets, hanging out by the pool by the river/city, and shopping at the Gold Coast outlets.

Great weekend in Brisbane!!

Catching up

The weather has been in the 60s for the past 2 or so weeks, and rained for at least 3/4 of it. Needless to say, we have been spending a lot of time inside, working on homework, watching movies, and some playing cards.
Over the weekend, some of the group did their final Australia traveling- Melbourne (*pronounced Melbin), Uluru, and Cairns. About half the students were gone. On Friday, Jake and I went to use our Free dive from the Open Water scuba diving course. Because of the rain and stinky weather, the waves were so big we could not get the boat out safely. It really made me nervous but we were able to reschedule for Sunday.
Saturday we volunteered for the Lennox Rugby Tourney.
Sunday, we went for the dive and I was able to buy a underwater camera to get some of the marine life in action. AS soon as we got in the water we saw a huge sea turtle, and just sat by him for a few minutes. After a while we swam through a shark area, for about 10 minutes we were passing 1 or 2 sharks everywhere we went. Don't worry, they weren't huge. I got a lot of pictures of the turtle, sharks, fish and coral but my camera ran out JUST before we saw two HUGE sting rays swim by. I will get the camera developed soon.
When we came home there was a great sunset over Lake Ainsworth.
THe guys have really been into fishing out in the ocean, so Jake & Dr Avila go out and fish probably 2 or 3 nights per week. So I got a few pictures of him doing that!
This weekend we are going to Brisbane, we are going to go to John Deer to talk to the marketing department, Steve Irwin/Australia Zoo, Scream World (theme park), and the Gold Coast. We are all pretty excited to go but it just means that out time here is coming to an end...

Lennox Head Rugby Tourney

This past weekend, for the Events Management class we went to the Lennox Head Rugby Tourney. It was with men ranging from ages 35-70ish. It was much more laid back, an family oriented. For the guests, it was $20 entry fee, then all food and drink free. As volunteers, we began raffeling off 5 dishes of prawns (shrimp) to the guests. It really raised a lot of money for the committee. Then, we were handed a big board and plastic shot glasses to hand out shots of "port" (red wine) to the players at half time and at the end of each game. Alcohol is definitely a big part of the Aussie culture, they drink a lot of the time, and a lot. On the sidelines, they had beer cans and only but a few water bottles. The players were really fairly intoxicated and played rugby. When our advisors tell us to get involved in the community, volunteer, and learn the culture they don't expect to be fed large quantities of alcohol. In the States, when you volunteer a person would never dare touch a drop of alcohol. I guess this just shows how laid back and relaxed the Aussies really are.

2011 NSW Country Rugby Tournament

The weekend of the 26th & 27th the Events Management class went to the 2011 NSW Country Rugby Tournament in Lismore, about an hour away from Lennox. We volunteered by selling programs, sweeping out the player changing rooms, and setting up for the Player, employee, and guest dinner. Between doing those duties, we were able to just watch the games. Saturday night we went to the dinner with the 400 rugby players (only being about 15 females in the whole dinner). We have never been starred at so much before in my life. It was an interesting dinner with all of our girls wanting to meet and hang out with so many guys ageing from 18-25. That night the girls all went out to the clubs with the guys. It was an interesting night for them.
On Sunday, we sold the programs again, and also conducted surveys about the event to make the event better in the future. It was hard trying to get people to take a 20 question survey while they are watching the games, especially if their son was playing. Overall, we had a pretty good time watching the games and the girls had a good time meeting rugby players.
It was great coming back to camp though, our home away from home.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Last Friday we went to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. When we first arrived we were allowed to hold a pa of food for the colorful lorikeets. They swarmed us, sat on our heads, shoulders, arms, and all around the pan. It was absolutely amazing! We then watched the eel and pelican feeding. I never knew that eels were blind, and can only smell. The feeder had to stomp on the ground to bring attraction then hold the food in front of them. We were also able to watch an aboriginal song/dance type ceremony. We watched reptile show, then we able to hold a snake take a picture with a possum. We also held a baby salt water crocodile! It is not as fun as i thought it was going to be! So weird! We fed some kangaroo's and walked around before going to be High Rope course called the Green Challenge. There were 3 levels of courses, one after the next but we could get down if we wanted. I couldn't wait for this, and most were pretty surprised that I was. Other students were calling out to make sure I was okay because I am no typically into the outdoor activities, but there were no bugs, water, and I was in control of myself! Jake doesn't do well with heights so he got down after the 2nd course but I did it until the end! I The whole day was sooooo much fun!

Other stuff!

Since spring break..
Two of the students performed at the local pub, one singing and the other drumming. It was a lot of fun to watch and cheer on. We have some really talented people on this trip.
Last license place! We finally captured the Southern Territory license plate! Now have all 5, we'll see if we can find any Tasmania & New Zealand!
Lastly, Jake had his underwater camera developed from when we snorkeled and dove at the Great barrier Reef by Hamilton island. We captured some great pictures of coral, fish, and large clams.