Saturday, September 27, 2008

October 8, 2007- Travel to Ayers Rock aka Uluru, Dinky the singing Dingo (Dog), Sunset over Uluru

We loaded the bus that morning bright and early. The total trip from Alice to Yeotara(sp)(nearest town to Uluru) is about 6hrs. We traveled for about an hour and stopped at a place called “Jim’s Place”. He was known for his singing Dingo Dog names Dinky. This was pretty cool. Jim came out and spoke to the group. We went around back to a room with tables, lots of newspaper articles, and old piano. He brought in Dinky and gave us a warning that whenever he played a note on the piano Dinky would come and sing along. SO he played a note…Dinky began to sing. It sounded like a faint moan that just kept growing. Eventually Dinky got up onto the keys of the piano and started walking back and forth on top of them. He was playing the piano, singin his little Dingo heart out and doing his own thing. Jim stopped him after a while and asked if anyone knew how to play the piano. We all sent Michael Brooker to the front. He(Michael) began to play and Dinky came/went up to Michael real close. Like face-to-face. And Dinky began to sing. Michael and Dinky, The Dynamic Duo, yeah that sounds good. Lol. After this Jim thanked us all for coming and we went on our merry little way. We loaded the bus and then trekked on for about another hour. We stopped and ate lunch then. It was starting to get a little warm on the bus. We loaded back up and struggles through the rest of the ride to Yulara. People were getting sick, crying…it was SO HOT on that bus. It was like we were in an oven that had four wheels traveling through the blazing emptiness of the outback. Later on we were told it got to about 114 degrees F that day. Put yourself in a glass box, then place that glass box outside in the sun, then turn the temperature up to 114. Then you would be in the same conditions we were in on that bus. That last part of the ride was almost four hours long. We arrived at the Outback Pioneer Hotel and had a rest. We then went on to Uluru for our tour. The monolith is breathtaking. You can look at it for hours and not say one word. It contains iron in the rock. So naturally, it is a little red. It was very pretty to look at. We walked around part of the base of the rock. We learned about some of the stories and beliefs of the Aboriginals and the Dreamtime—reflecting over how their ancestors made the rock. I did not belief any of that stuff, but I thought the stories were interesting. We then went to the base of the rock and watched the sunset. Here we had light snacks and enjoyed one another’s company. We watched one of God’s beautiful creations fade off into the night. I took picture here almost with everyone from our group. Hooray for HUA FALL 2007! Then we went back to the hotel and crashed for the night. It was a long day.
A) It made me respect God’s creations even more. The Dingo, The amazing monolith called Uluru, everything…
B) I thoroughly appreciate how they respect nature.
C) There is truly no comparison at home like Uluru.
D) I love Australia’s Beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 7, 2007-Anzac Hill, School of the Air, Shopping Time

We went to Anzac Hill first off that day. It had some type of memorial at the top. I took lots of picture here. It really reminded me of home. The vast emptiness surrounding the town, the rolling country side, everything in general from that view…it all reminded me of being back at home in Borger.
The School of the Air is the largest classroom in the World. They use a radio and some computers and broadcast live to kids in remote areas. It’s quite a different set-up. I’ve never heard of anything quite like it. Then we went shopping.
A) The school of the air shows how they strive to teach children and socialize them to the standards of today.
B) This showed me “To what length” Australia goes to educate their youngsters. The memorial at Anzac shows how they take pride in their past.
C) The School of the Air creates a connection to the students in any situation. Mail, Radio, internet, etc… It shows that Aussies place education with the upmost importance like us in the States.
D) Alice Spring and all the locals are unique.

October 6th, 2007-Flew to Alice Springs, Flying Doctor Service, and Andrew Langford Didgeridoo show.

When we arrived in Alice, I totally felt like I was in Australia. During our landing-All we saw was red, red, red, red, and more red. The outback was screaming hello to us! We gathered our things and left for the The Flying Doctor Service. We had a tour of one of their facilities. The Service is to provide immediate emergency attention to those far from a city or hospital. For the outback, this is your equivalent to an ambulance. I appreciate their work very much, they have saved countless amounts of lives. Afterwards we had lunch on our own in Alice spring outdoor mall/shopping center. Then we went to the hotel. The ac didn’t work very well. But go figure…it was very hot in the outback. After a rest, we went to a didgeridoo show. That’s where I bought my didge case and Dad’s didge. The man was awesome at playing the didge-but he sounded like he was on crack or something. Very laid back when he spoke and acted like he was on some type of high. I ended up purchasing one of his CD’s because I thought he was kinda cool.

A) The primary cultural significance is that
1. The flying Doctors save lives over a vast empty area and
2. The didgeridoo show tied in with Australia’s native people and their beliefs in the Dreamtime, the Aboriginals.
B) This show did not enhance my understanding of the local culture. However, it did make me appreciate those who can play the didgeridoo.
C) The Aussies respect & and try to remember their natives just as we do in the states.
D) Cool!

October 5th, 2007-Free day to Pack. We left Brizzy

October 5th, 2007-Free day to Pack. We left Brizzy

October 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2007- Classes all day.

October 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2007- Classes all day.

September 30, 2007-Cleveland Church

September 30, 2007-Cleveland Church

September 29, 2007- Humpback Whale Watching

This event made me appreciate Australians concern and care for animals/species within their own environment. We saw a dead calf that was victim of the food chain, most likely by Killer Whales. We saw many whales that day and a few calves. Every time a whale would come out of the water someone would yell “Breach!”. The breached were cool to see but incredibly hard to catch on camera. Some people got sick, I did not. That was the first time that I experienced that saying “You a look a little green”. I literally saw many people from my group turning green in the face from sea sickness. The ride was rough. I’ll give it that. Some people had issues that afternoon. Most were ready to get off the boat. I enjoyed the ride-A LOT. The whales are huge. They like to scratch their backs on the bottom side of the boat. They are very entertaining. Once the whale(s) feels comfortable around the boat it like to play. They bring their calves up closer. It was very pleasant for those of us who were not sick to watch and experience.

September 26th, 27th, & 28th, 2007- Classes all day

September 26th, 27th, & 28th, 2007- Classes all day

September 25, 2007- Classes and Night Kayaking on Brisbane River

The experience on the river was very relaxing. We had little lamps on the back of the Kayak. We went against the current.-up river and then turned around. We kayaked for about an hour and half.

September 24, 2007- Classes all day

September 24, 2007- Classes all day

September 23, 2007-Cleveland Church

September 23, 2007-Cleveland Church

September 22, 2007- Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin Zoo)

I saw the zoo and all of its inhabitants: the alligators, a tortus, Tasmanian devils, elephants, tigers, etc…along with the famous crocodiles. We watched a show in the World Famous Animal Planet Crocoseum. I ordered my Didgeridoo and sent it home.
A) Once again, to teach us respect for nature.
B) It enhanced my understanding because I now know why everyone fears the Croc. –Along with the Koala Sanct.—be carefull and respect the other creatures in our environment.
C) Reminded me of a zoo again.
D) It was fascinating that one man, Steve Irwin, could accomplish so much.

September 21st , 2007- Classes

September 21st , 2007- Classes

September 20, 2007- Aboriginal Culture Show.

Here we learned about the different tribes, some of their beliefs, and rituals. We got to experience the journey of a peace stick, some dancing (I actually participated), and we painted our own boomerang.
A) The aboriginals are Aussie’s original backbone of society-hence it is very important for their cultural survival.
B) The Aboriginals are fighting to preserve their land. It gave me a new found respect for their ways and traditions.
C) It reminded me of the Native Americans and their struggle to survive.
D) It reminded me of my families past.

September 18th & 19th, 2007- Classes.

September 18th & 19th, 2007- Classes.

September 17, 2007-Brisbane City Tour, Koala Sanctuary, Mt. Cootha

Brisbane is a beautiful little planned out city, especially with the river flowing right through it. The Koala Sanctuary was A to the MAZING! I held a 2 year old koala named “Shessy”. I also saw and pat Kangaroos and a lot of other things. The sanctuary goes to a lot of lengths to save the animals they have. After that we went to Mt. Cootha-it offered a spectacular view of Brisbane from up on high. It was inspiring.
A)It showed me Australia’s view on nature and its inhabitants.
B)It did not enhance my understanding of the local culture.
C)Reminded me of our zoos.
D)The Koalas were definitely a once in a lifetime kind of thing.

September 16, 2007-First Australian Church Service in Cleveland

September 16, 2007-First Australian Church Service in Cleveland

Sept 15, 2007- Grocery Shopping Day

Sept 15, 2007- Grocery Shopping Day

September 14, 2007- Fly to Brisbane, Australia.

We flew to Brisbane and I payed 5 Aussie Dollars on the plane to watch President Bush’s Speech from the States.

September 13, 2007- Science Museum, War Memorial, Parliament House, Embassies.

We woke up and left the formula one, ugg-don’t stay there and went to Parliament. On our way, I guess you could say, we drove through Parliament Alley-We saw the outside of a lot of embassies.—the one that called to me the most of course was Brazil and the good ‘ole USA embassies. The US embassy is the largest one in Aussie. We went to the Science museum for like 2 hours.—then off to Parliament. The roof was very unique. It had huge flagpole in the middle. We sat in on the House of Representatives and saw Prime Minister Howard-fun, fun, fun. Howard could never answer a question. After that we went to the Australian War Memorial-where they commemorated all of their fallen soldiers from all of the wars they have been involved with. Ya know, every war that USA has been involved Aussie has without a doubt jumped right in. They have been in every war that the US has been in. They are one of our number one supporters. The planes were cool—However, the tomb of the unknown soldier was the best. They played a ceremony and closed the tomb at 5 o’clock with a bagpipe.
A)The parliament showed me the Aussie view of politics—super crazy! The Memorial showed me their spirit and pride in their country; especially for those who died for it.
B)It gave me a new appreciation for the military.
C)Reminded me of all our memorials in the states.
D)very cool!

September 12, 2007-Harbour Cruise; Drive to Canberra

September 12, 2007-Harbour Cruise; Drive to Canberra

September 11, 2007. Free Day in Sydney

We went to Luna Park (it was closed), walked over the Sydney Bridge, walked around downtown, went jet-boating and saw the mission impossible 2 house (awesome!), went to the botanical gardens, climbed in the trees like monkeys, and watched the sunset over the harbor at Macquarie’s Chair. The sunset was one of my favorite memories from Sydney. It has the Opera House (the sail as some call it locally) and the Harbor Bridge in background. It was so pretty. Awe, I’m a sucker when it comes to sunsets.

September 10, 2007. –Sydney City Tour, OPERA HOUSE, Barracks, and Sheep Station.

It’s been-no it seems like I’ve always wanted to come to Sydney—pretty much to see the opera house. The tour was interesting. Sydney was a fascinating place. It’s very clean and laid out well. Old Sydney has its own aroma. Elegant, pleasant, welcoming. The Tour was an hour long. Immediately following we went to the S.O.H. I was overwhelmed with the thoughts that I was finally there/here! The roof was supposed to represent a series of Ellipses by a Danish Man Utzon. He won the international design competition. It had 1,055,941 ceramic tiles that do not absorb water. The Concert hall holds 2,679 people. The building as a whole cost 102.5 billion Australian Dollars. The Opera Theatre is 8 months Opera, 3 months ballet, and 3 weeks modern dance every year. The organ had 10, 134 pipes, 5 keyboards, and 131 stops. The ceiling was made of soft drop wood. Seats were made of hard wood to help the sound. The Foyers wad the only location where we could take pictures. No pictures inside the beautiful concert hall. Everything sounded crystal clear inside there. WOW, amazing! Following the S.O.H., we went for lunch at the barracks—for fish and chips, a very popular dish in Australia and most British based societies. The Barracks themselves were very old. They housed convicts originally, then it was basically a looney bin for women like convicts, then it became a government seat, and now it is retired building and is a museum. After the barracks we headed out to the sheep station. We had tea and some type of cake. We saw many farm like animals there. He showed us how to properly throw a boomerang and also taught us some boomerang history. Then the man showed us a herd of sheep –I got to pet a big sheep and hold a baby. He told us how they raised the sheep and sheered them and that entire process. After that we had an Aussie BBQ. Yummm…We had a lot fun dancing with some red-neck Australian band. An example of some of the lyrics were as follows:“ A sheep or two, kangaroo, A clothes line in the back…and an old rocking chair”. That was truly an amazing day.
A) The Sydney Opera House is the second most recognized symbol in the world—It is an Icon for Sydney. The barracks were there when the colony was formed. The sheep station was culturally engaging.
B) It showed me how and why they do some of the things they do.-specifically the sheep station.
C) Their Opera House is like our Statue of Liberty. The sheep station is very much like our ranches at home—except with a few different emphasis and processes.
D) I loved it all!

September 9, 2007. Arrival in Sydney-Pizza Hut

We arrived to Sydney, Australia! We went to Pizza hut. After that Kelsey, Jennifer, and I went to Hard Rock Cafe. That was wicked cool. Then everyone pretty much crashed. The flight was very draining.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

HAPPY BUDDHA!

Ok, I have to explain why I kept saying Happy Buddha. When we were in Guilin and waiting to do to the river boat cruise, there was a little market-like area with a few vendors. Some of the vendors had little kiddos. This little girl came up to me with a little fake flower thing.

*In China you learn how to say No to buying things. Or else it would seem like you buy the whole country.*

So I said No to the little girl. She kept bugging me and bugging me. I said no alot. But I laughed and she knew she had my attention even though I was trying to run away from her.

You see, she kept saying "Pretty flower for Pretty Buddha. Happy Buddha" Everyone around me was getting the biggest laugh out of the whole thing. It was crazy. She kept running after me. Over and over and over again. "Happy Buddha, I see you. You want pretty flower."

She snook up to me and went "Happy Buddha" and pet my stomach. I couldn't help but laugh and once again...the process started all over again.

So I was vendor attacked by a little "Happy Buddha speaking, flower sellin Chinese girl". I never did end up buying the flower. But the phrase 'Happy Buddha" stuck to me. And probable forever will. lol. It is a good story. You have to admit that.

So being Happy Buddha and all I found a small-miniature buddha at the Market in Yangshou. So I have a little Buddha to remind me of that one time in China with the little Flower selling girl. And I am the "Happy Buddha"..

I hope you all get a laugh out of this story. For it brings much joy to me and many others.


Later yall.

September 8th, 2007: Silk/Pearl Market and Fly to Sydney, Australia!!!!!!

This morning we went back to the Silk market. Same 'ole, same 'ole. I enjoyed the bargaining once again for one last time. We headed for the airport and we were off. We flew from Beijing to Shanghai. Shanghai is such a nice airport. Then we left Shanghai and were off to Sydney on the 10.5hour flight.

September 7th, 2007: Moon Hill, Cormorant Fisherman, Flight back to Beijing

First off, we went to a local river where we saw bamboo rafts and other things. We got on the rafts --on mine it was Dr. "B" and his family, Mrs. Pam, Julianne, and Jennifer, and Michael B. Our raft was like the Chinese version of the Titanic. We kept taking on water. We saw the cormorant fisherman that use birds to fetch fish and bring them back. Def. a cool way to go fishing. A better to fish if you ask me. I'm assuming it was their profession and living. We had our pictures taken with the birds on our arm.




Following our Chinese Titanic Fishing Experience we started our way back to the Guilin airport. On our way back we stopped at Moon Hill, which is exactly what it sounds like. It was a large cut in a Hill that was/is in the shape of a moon. Then we saw some rice fields. They were not that impressive. We made it to the airport and for the first time I flew with someone. Ya see...with all my flight issues getting to China, it naturally screwed up my tickets for the whole trip within China. We used paper tickets and all of my tickets basically had to be reissued. Haha, on the trip from Beijing to Xian I didnt even have a seat. They put me on the seat where the extra stuartesses sit. Yeah, this is were mu famous phrase came in. IT WAS NOT PLEASANT! lol. So anyways, after guilin everything was back in order and I was able to sit with people from our group. We arrive in Beijing.

A) The amount of creativity the Chinese put into making their living--having birds fetch your fish for you.

B)How they take the most simple, natural thing and turn it into a hobby or profession. The take and engage in everything that surrounds them .

C)We fish and it takes a tremendous amount of patience.(sp). They send the birds out to do our job in a matter of seconds. This doesn't relate much towards my values but I admire their resourcefulness even more now.

D)The raft and the entire raft trip was relaxing, enjoyable, and peaceful.

September 6th, 2007: River Boat Cruise to Yangshou, River Show, Market Place, Spades, Hard "seat" cafe

Today we got up at 6 in the morning, ugh, to prepare for our cruise to Yangshou on the Lee River. Many famous people of cruised this river. The beauty with all of the mountains are well known throughout all of China and the world. Its beauty was put on the 20 Yuan(Chinese Currency) bill. Though it had beautiful scenery and I enjoyed it thoroughly...myself and others became a little bored. So we had the FAMOUS LEE RIVER SPADES TOURNAMENT! Whoot Whoot. The cruise took 4hrs. If we would have driven it would had taken us about 30 minutes.
*interesting fact- the area that we cruise was the main location where the Survivor China show was filmed*



We arrived at Yangshou and walled through yet another market to our hotel. There we were set free unitl 6:30 that night, the time to go the cultural river show (Which was SO cool!).I wondered about in the market and found myself my own little "Happy Buddha". I also found a Hard "seat" cafe. Obviosuly a mock of Hard Rock Cafe-Lunch was great there was great. It was the best burger I had throughout my whole stay in China. The Banana Milshake was different but pleasant.



Following on through the day was the River show, which was fantastic. The cultural music, the story I did not understand, the lights. Oh, there were lights that lit up the mountains, fog on the lake, people with flames, and people with dresses that lit up. It was 70 min well spent. This show was/is held in the largest outdoor theatre in the world.! I would highyl recommend this River show to anyone.





A)Boat Ride- to respect and honor China's natural beauty.
River show- to reflect on China's taste for the performing arts by reflecting the culture as a whole.

B)Make me remember that nature should not be underestimated, forgot or abused.

C) We do the same thing in the States to honor beauty--Yellowstone, Texas Outdoor Musical Drama, etc...

D)The rivershow gave me goosbumps. I learned its not always about ourselves.

September 5th, 2007: Buddah Palace Hill, Free Day, Prince's Palace/Office in Guilin

That morning we were able to sleep in if we wanted. Breakfast was at the normal time. The The Four of us went to get my families pearls. That was a long AM--it took us and hour and half to get the price down. We were lat getting back to the hotel and the group left us. Vince, the tour guide, left waited for us and took us to meet up with the group at Buddha Hill. Everything at the hill was carved into the stone. Yes, we saw a "happy Buddha"-I had my picture taken with him. After that we went to the location of prince office. We the saw the walkways were the princes and princesses walked. We saw the unique drawings/carvings on the stairway.-they were similar to the ones at the Forbidden City. We saw a cultural dance and scrolls within the office. The tree of Yin and Yang (2 trees that merged into one), a well, and the mountain that overlooked all of Guilin with the palace of Longevity on top. I thought the palace looked more like a hut..but whatever.

A)Buddha cave, it showed their dedication to religion. Prince Palace provided a glimpse of the princes duties-which we were directly under the emperor.

B)Buddha Cave-it shows hows the culture ties individual uniqueness into all their work. Guilin is made and known for it stone.

C)I think it shows that they (the chinese) place their religion above all things, like we do for the most part in the states.

D)It made me respect the beauty of Chinese Culture even more.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

September 4th, 2007: Seven Star Park, Elephant Hill, Cave, River Cruise, Pearl Musuem.

This morning we went to the Seven Star Park and saw Camel Hill, a better view of a panda, and an absolutely beautiful waterfall. (many photos were taken).

Then on to Elephant Hill were we took a group shot and our names written on fancy scrolls in Chinese;
Then on to the Reed Flute Cave that had many fascinating similarities to common objects-like a snowman, lady liberty, a girl sleeping, etc... Everything was lit up by neon lights inside. This place reminded me so much of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.

The River Cruise was once in a lifetime. The City of Guilin all lit up from the view of the 2rivers and 4 lakes that flow through the city.




Guilin was my favorite city in China--just for its sheer beauty. We also visited the Pearl Museum where they taught us that Seawater pearls only contain one perfectly round pearl per oyster. Just a little b.t.w., I can tell you if a pearl is fake or real now. I'm like a pro. Freshwater oysters contain up to 10 pearls but there are a random mix, usually they are not perfectly round.


Clinton gave his famous speech at Camel Hill. Elephant Hill is a major attraction in Guilin, for everything made of stone is very popular. The numbers 6 & 8 mean wealth and good fortune will come to you.

A) I learned that China uses its unique environment and natural surroundings to represent itself in a political, national, and global stage--hence why Clinton chose Camel Hill for his speech location.

B)China does alot to show off their uniqueness to everyone; therefore, that in itself shows that China is proud of there natural wonders and are willing to show/share it with others.

C) The caves trully reminded me of Carlsbad Caverns patterns and such. They enjoy beautiful scenary just as we do. The lights of Guilin. They respect everything.

D)I learned to appreciate how much work, time, and effort it takes to preserve something of historical importance or natural beauty.

September 4th, 2007; Pearls

Order Form:
Mom- Pink Freshwater Dangly Pearl Earrings
Pink Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Black Seawater Pearl Dangly Earrings
Black Seawater Pearl Necklace
Mema-Pink Freshwater Stud Pearl Earrings
Pink Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Black Freshwater Stud Earrings
Black Freshwater Stud Necklace


Laura Jean, Mark, Julianne, and I went one morning. We bargained so much that we got the pearls 40% off from the original price. It was a blast. We did this by special request from my mother and mema.

September 3rd, 2007:Pandas, Fly to Guilin

Today we saw the Panda Conservation Center. We had an Irish guide. The majority of the animals had been "rescued" and will be there permanently. There was one panda up in the tree that walked down in front of us. The panda was adorable and I want one! lol


After the conservation center, we took a hike up a mountain to a temple-like area. The hike was fascinating and exhilarating! The view of the mountains. The clear view from the top by the old Chinese temple. It all makes me think how much God truly blesses us.



A)The panda is distinct to China and in turn is a major specimen of there culture.

B) At that time, I wanted to go back and volunteer.

C)The well being of this center compared to the center in the US are no where close to each other.

D)I learned that Pandas are very endangered. I thought their care needed major improvements. I observed, what I believed to be cruelty. There were cages that were WAY to small. I was very irritated by this.