As I went to post a new entry I discovered this unpublished draft of a brief adventure in New Zealand. It might be two years late, but here ya go!
12.18.2007
Waiheke Island and Devonport, New Zealand
Waitakere National Park, Auckland, New Zealand
We left Australia the other day. It was a tearful goodbye, mostly because I left great friends, some of whom I may never see again. But never the less I carry with me great memories. My time in Australia was nothing but memorable. I am riveted by the amazing things I saw and experienced. I am educated in new ways by different professors. I was stretched and challenged only to be grown and strengthened. I can only hope I will be able to express in words what the experience was for me. But for now, I'll tell you about our holiday in New Zealand.
Our first day n Auckland we went canyoning in Waitakere Nationonal Park. We started the day by suiting up in full on wet suits, harnesses and helmets. Then we hiked for about 30 minutes up the mountainside until we reached the falls. From there we repelled down three waterfalls, and swam in ice cold pools of fresh water.
We dove through caves, and jumped off cliffs and we even fed and pet an eel named "puppy"!
The day proved to be exhausting, but magical.
Our first day n Auckland we went canyoning in Waitakere Nationonal Park. We started the day by suiting up in full on wet suits, harnesses and helmets. Then we hiked for about 30 minutes up the mountainside until we reached the falls. From there we repelled down three waterfalls, and swam in ice cold pools of fresh water.
We dove through caves, and jumped off cliffs and we even fed and pet an eel named "puppy"!
The day proved to be exhausting, but magical.
11.15.2007
Even More Sydney, Baby!
Day 3
On Sunday, Nova, Elizabeth and I woke up to go on a Blue Mountains Tour. We first stopped at a Wildlife park where we could once again pet Koalas and Kangaroos and see Dingos and Wombats.
On our way from the Wildlife park to Scenic World, we stopped at a lookout point with a spectacular view of the blue mountains, named for the blueish haze that lingers over the scenery. From Echo Point we had a phenomenal view of the Three Sisters, rock formations with a legend. The legend is that three aboriginal sisters fell in love with three men from a neighboring tribe, but were forbidden to marry due to tribal law. A battle ensued, and in an effort to protect the three sisters, they were turned into stone by a witch doctor. The witch doctor was killed in battle and was the only one who could turn them back, thus the sisters remain forever as stone.
After spending some time there, we bussed our way up to Scenic World. Seeing the Blue Mountains the way tourists were intended to see them. We took the steepest railway in the world down a mountainside to get to a trail, then we walked through the forest and found our way to the cable car to go slowly up the mountainside taking in the view, with our camera lenses pressed up against the glass walls with 35 other tourists.
On Sunday, Nova, Elizabeth and I woke up to go on a Blue Mountains Tour. We first stopped at a Wildlife park where we could once again pet Koalas and Kangaroos and see Dingos and Wombats.
On our way from the Wildlife park to Scenic World, we stopped at a lookout point with a spectacular view of the blue mountains, named for the blueish haze that lingers over the scenery. From Echo Point we had a phenomenal view of the Three Sisters, rock formations with a legend. The legend is that three aboriginal sisters fell in love with three men from a neighboring tribe, but were forbidden to marry due to tribal law. A battle ensued, and in an effort to protect the three sisters, they were turned into stone by a witch doctor. The witch doctor was killed in battle and was the only one who could turn them back, thus the sisters remain forever as stone.
After spending some time there, we bussed our way up to Scenic World. Seeing the Blue Mountains the way tourists were intended to see them. We took the steepest railway in the world down a mountainside to get to a trail, then we walked through the forest and found our way to the cable car to go slowly up the mountainside taking in the view, with our camera lenses pressed up against the glass walls with 35 other tourists.
More Sydney, Baby!
Day 2
Saturday morning we woke up early to walk over to Sydney's famous Paddington Markets. It's basically a gigantic market with a ton of stands set up selling everything from food to clothing to your regular old wigs! They had at least a hundred stands, with more junk (and some really good stuff) than I have ever seen! It was wonderful!
After we spent some time at the markets we walked over to Darling Harbour and caught a tour ferry to the Opera House. From the water we were able to see the beautiful view of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. It was the reason we were there, the iconic view, it was Sydney, to the eye of a traveller. We all took at least 30 pictures of the bridge and the Opera house from about 5 slightly different angles, thus categorizing us as the typical tourist.
Then we went to lunch. A few of us had lunch at a cute little sandwich shop and then we all split ways. Nova, Joanna and I took another ferry to a point further down the harbour giving us yet another view of the Opera house as well as allowing us to see the Prime Minister's house (comparable to our White House) and giving us a fantastic view of the Sydney skyline on a sunny day.
Then Nova and I walked across the bridge, a breathtaking view of the city (including the Opera House), and walked around a theme park known as Luna Park. After we walked back we took a nice short break before getting ready for dinner and drinks for Claire's birthday.
Saturday was warmer, busier, and more tiring, but all in all it was worth the exhaustion.
Saturday morning we woke up early to walk over to Sydney's famous Paddington Markets. It's basically a gigantic market with a ton of stands set up selling everything from food to clothing to your regular old wigs! They had at least a hundred stands, with more junk (and some really good stuff) than I have ever seen! It was wonderful!
After we spent some time at the markets we walked over to Darling Harbour and caught a tour ferry to the Opera House. From the water we were able to see the beautiful view of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. It was the reason we were there, the iconic view, it was Sydney, to the eye of a traveller. We all took at least 30 pictures of the bridge and the Opera house from about 5 slightly different angles, thus categorizing us as the typical tourist.
Then we went to lunch. A few of us had lunch at a cute little sandwich shop and then we all split ways. Nova, Joanna and I took another ferry to a point further down the harbour giving us yet another view of the Opera house as well as allowing us to see the Prime Minister's house (comparable to our White House) and giving us a fantastic view of the Sydney skyline on a sunny day.
Then Nova and I walked across the bridge, a breathtaking view of the city (including the Opera House), and walked around a theme park known as Luna Park. After we walked back we took a nice short break before getting ready for dinner and drinks for Claire's birthday.
Saturday was warmer, busier, and more tiring, but all in all it was worth the exhaustion.
11.12.2007
Sydney, Baby! NSW, Australia
Day 1
On Friday November 9th at 3:00 am, my roommate and our friends Matt and Jordan were brutally awaken by our alarm clocks to get ready for our 6:20 am flight to Sydney, the most well known city in Australia. We called a cab on a rainy morning and rode to the airport. As we were boarding the plane, a rainbow reassured us of the weather and we smiled as we set off for our adventure in Sydney.
After an hour long flight to Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, we arrived in the airport. We caught a shuttle bus to our Hostel, Harbour City Backpackers, and checked in. After receiving our keys and heading up the stairs, I opened the door to our room, looked in, paused, and closed the door. My friends, confused by my actions, looked at me quizzically as I explained that there was someone sleeping in my bed! So, I went down to the front desk and had the following conversation:
After Dave left, we settled into our room, and headed out to the city. Friday was a cool, cloudy day, but the rain held off while we explored. We first had lunch at a restaurant that our cohorts raved about, called "Pancakes on the Rocks." "The Rocks" is a historical village in Sydney, which was the site of the first European Settlement in 1788. It was originally the first Convict town, but is now a Port City housing many shops, galleries, restaurants, and even weekly markets.
On Friday November 9th at 3:00 am, my roommate and our friends Matt and Jordan were brutally awaken by our alarm clocks to get ready for our 6:20 am flight to Sydney, the most well known city in Australia. We called a cab on a rainy morning and rode to the airport. As we were boarding the plane, a rainbow reassured us of the weather and we smiled as we set off for our adventure in Sydney.
After an hour long flight to Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, we arrived in the airport. We caught a shuttle bus to our Hostel, Harbour City Backpackers, and checked in. After receiving our keys and heading up the stairs, I opened the door to our room, looked in, paused, and closed the door. My friends, confused by my actions, looked at me quizzically as I explained that there was someone sleeping in my bed! So, I went down to the front desk and had the following conversation:
Me: Ummm, there's a strange man sleeping in our room.
Girl at Desk: (not remotely shocked about this finding) Really? what room are you in?
Me: 202
Girl: hmm, 202.....Ooooh It's just Dave.
Me: just Dave!?
Girl (picks up phone): Hi, can you get Dave out of 202, I've booked some people in that room.
Girl (to me): OK, you should be all set!
Moral of the story, it's JUST Dave sleeping in my bed, and, well, I guess it's better to know that it was just Dave than to not know who was there before!!!
Girl at Desk: (not remotely shocked about this finding) Really? what room are you in?
Me: 202
Girl: hmm, 202.....Ooooh It's just Dave.
Me: just Dave!?
Girl (picks up phone): Hi, can you get Dave out of 202, I've booked some people in that room.
Girl (to me): OK, you should be all set!
Moral of the story, it's JUST Dave sleeping in my bed, and, well, I guess it's better to know that it was just Dave than to not know who was there before!!!
After Dave left, we settled into our room, and headed out to the city. Friday was a cool, cloudy day, but the rain held off while we explored. We first had lunch at a restaurant that our cohorts raved about, called "Pancakes on the Rocks." "The Rocks" is a historical village in Sydney, which was the site of the first European Settlement in 1788. It was originally the first Convict town, but is now a Port City housing many shops, galleries, restaurants, and even weekly markets.
After finishing our pancake lunch, we hopped a train to Sydney's Olympic Park. What we envisioned to be a bustling tourist activity was quite the contrary. The park was nearly empty, almost like the feeling of a theme park in the off season. We wandered through the entrance finding a monument area with pillars naming events and athletes from the 200 Olympics. To go into the main stadium, you have to book a tour, so instead we visited the gift shop. We then walked over to the Athletic Center. The Athletic Center is what used to be the warm up arena. The track from the main stadium was relayed into the Athletic center after the Olympics to allow for a more purposeful stadium. The warm up track was then relayed in a stadium for the junior Olympics. It was exciting for my roommate and I to run a lap on the 2000 Olympic track!!
We also visited the Aquatic center where our other friend swam in the Olympic pool. Although it was disappointing to not find a crowded, magical tourist hot spot, it wasn't until after we learned more about the stadium that we felt content. We discovered that after the Olympics memorabilia was only manufactured for a short while longer and tends to sell out almost immediately, thus explaining the lack of souvenirs. We also learned that, of course, they cannot only use the site as a tourist attraction. Because of the millions of dollars that went into building the stadium, they now use it for other activities and events. Seating was removed, and buildings were changed and renamed. The area is known as "Olympic Park", but the buildings are only the "Athletic Center", "Aquatic Center", "Telstra Stadium", and others. The official "Olympic Stadium" is now in Bejiing, and will be wherever the most current Olympics are after that. It has changed drastically, but was none-the-less an educational experience.
We also visited the Aquatic center where our other friend swam in the Olympic pool. Although it was disappointing to not find a crowded, magical tourist hot spot, it wasn't until after we learned more about the stadium that we felt content. We discovered that after the Olympics memorabilia was only manufactured for a short while longer and tends to sell out almost immediately, thus explaining the lack of souvenirs. We also learned that, of course, they cannot only use the site as a tourist attraction. Because of the millions of dollars that went into building the stadium, they now use it for other activities and events. Seating was removed, and buildings were changed and renamed. The area is known as "Olympic Park", but the buildings are only the "Athletic Center", "Aquatic Center", "Telstra Stadium", and others. The official "Olympic Stadium" is now in Bejiing, and will be wherever the most current Olympics are after that. It has changed drastically, but was none-the-less an educational experience.
Following our self-guided tour of Olympic Park, we took the train back to Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour is parallel to Sydney Harbour and is the home of the Sydney Aquariam, Wildlife World, Convention Center, and Chinese Friendship Gardens. It is also the home of ferries, restaurants and shops, it is basically a suburb of Sydney. When we got to Darling Harbour, we went into the Aquarium and saw hundreds of water creatures. We found Nemo (and Dori, and Marlin too!) , stared at a crocodile, and walked under the famous tunnel while watching turtles and sharks swim over head. We even saw penguins!!!
After the Aquarium we walked back to Wooloomooloo, the suburb where our Hostel was, and had dinner at a small Italian restaurant before retiring to the Hostel for some much needed rest.
11.05.2007
Brisbane, QLD, Australia: BCC Brissy Trip!
This Saturday a group of people from the Bond Christian Connection group, got together and drove up to Brisbane to spend the day. We started by walking through the Botanical Gardens, and going up to the Mt. Coot-tha lookout where we could see the whole city! It was beautiful!
The Girls
The Guys
We then drove to Jono's Church, parked the cars , and walked to the Museum of Brisbane to go up into the clock tower.
Another excellent view!
Afterwards we walked around Queen St. and did some shopping. We also took the CityCat which is the "bus" for the Brisbane river. We spent some time on Southbank walking around, and then we went back to the cars to drive to a Vegetarian restaurant for dinner! I think it's safe to say that I am in love with Brisbane.
10.31.2007
Surfer's Paradise and Currumbin, QLD, Australia
This weekend was good. I took some time to myself and was refreshed. I also had some fun!
Friday night I went out with a friend to a bar in Surfer's Paradise called "minus 5". It's one of 6 in the world. (all in Australia and New Zealand.) Everything in the bar is made of ice. From the glasses to the furniture! It's phenomenal! An art form, really. You can order only Absolut Vodka drinks, because Absolut is a sponsor, and because the Vodka won't freeze. They keep the juice and other non-vodka ingredients in a cooler, which ironically acts as a heat insulator, keeping them from freezing. You are given booties, two pair of gloves, and a parka on arrival and are allowed to stay in for only 30 minutes. It was the essence of a Michigan winter, and a fun experience!!
Saturday, my roommate and I took a bus to Currumbin Beach and rented surfboards from a man in a van! We spent the day surfing and hanging out on the beach, and walking over to Elephant rock. It was sunny and beautiful! Despite my efforts to apply and re-apply sunscreen all day, I got a little bit sunburnt, but not bad, and my first one in the "Sunburnt Country!"
Sunday, after church, my friend Jennifer and I went to my favorite restaurant in Australia, "Pancakes in Paradise." Under challenge from a guy friend we set out to eat 6 pancakes each. The record there is one 19 year old girl who ate 24 pancakes in an hour! We ordered the all you can eat special and got to work. It took us two hours (we did play with our food a bit) to finish our six pancakes each, but we did it, and we felt miserably full for it!! It was a days adventure none the less!!!!
Friday night I went out with a friend to a bar in Surfer's Paradise called "minus 5". It's one of 6 in the world. (all in Australia and New Zealand.) Everything in the bar is made of ice. From the glasses to the furniture! It's phenomenal! An art form, really. You can order only Absolut Vodka drinks, because Absolut is a sponsor, and because the Vodka won't freeze. They keep the juice and other non-vodka ingredients in a cooler, which ironically acts as a heat insulator, keeping them from freezing. You are given booties, two pair of gloves, and a parka on arrival and are allowed to stay in for only 30 minutes. It was the essence of a Michigan winter, and a fun experience!!
Saturday, my roommate and I took a bus to Currumbin Beach and rented surfboards from a man in a van! We spent the day surfing and hanging out on the beach, and walking over to Elephant rock. It was sunny and beautiful! Despite my efforts to apply and re-apply sunscreen all day, I got a little bit sunburnt, but not bad, and my first one in the "Sunburnt Country!"
Sunday, after church, my friend Jennifer and I went to my favorite restaurant in Australia, "Pancakes in Paradise." Under challenge from a guy friend we set out to eat 6 pancakes each. The record there is one 19 year old girl who ate 24 pancakes in an hour! We ordered the all you can eat special and got to work. It took us two hours (we did play with our food a bit) to finish our six pancakes each, but we did it, and we felt miserably full for it!! It was a days adventure none the less!!!!
10.29.2007
Burleigh Heads (QLD) and Mt. Warning (NSW), Australia
Here are some pictures from the sunrise run to Burleigh Heads beach and the Mt. Warning sunset.
Alex, Me, and Nova upon our arrival.
The Sunrise
Mt. Warning in the distance. This is the first place in Australia to see the sun every morning.
Almost there. The view from our resting point.
The last 150 meters is a steep rock face that you get up by using a chain railing.
Sunset at the Summit!
Me, Lucy, Alex, Nova
Sunset Shots.
Alex, Me, and Nova upon our arrival.
The Sunrise
Mt. Warning in the distance. This is the first place in Australia to see the sun every morning.
Almost there. The view from our resting point.
The last 150 meters is a steep rock face that you get up by using a chain railing.
Sunset at the Summit!
Me, Lucy, Alex, Nova
Sunset Shots.
10.18.2007
Power and Restoration
Friends, I have two pictures to paint for you, in hopes that you will be encouraged and strengthened.
"...He is like the light of morning at sunrise.." 2 Samuel 23:4
Last Friday, the weekend before midterms began, my roommate, two friends, and I broke a restless sleep at 4:00 am to run to the beach at Burleigh Heads and watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. The run was a perfect length to get us there feeling exercised but not exhausted. As we stood in the crashing waves watching the sunrise on a somewhat cloudy morning, I couldn't help but feel blessed to be in such a beautiful country with such amazing friends. When the sun had risen and the day began to warm up we ran back to Bond and sat by the lake an reflected on the morning. Somewhere in the midst of our conversation, Alex mentioned that we should climb Mt. Warning that afternoon. Her suggestion was met with my giddy and excited, "yes!" So we all went back to our respective homes and prepared by napping and having a late lunch.
We met up again at 2:00 that afternoon feeling rested and looking forward to our second adventure of the day. As we made our way (somewhat unconfidently) to the trail head we discussed our plans for a quick hike in order to catch the sunset at the top of the mountain. Upon reaching the trailhead, we made the 4K hike/climb in about one and a half hours, reaching the top in time for a light snack before the sun began to set. In God's unfailing glory, the sunset was magnificent and we all were pleased that we had had the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset in the same day. While the sun was setting we made our way down, to avoid being stuck in the dark. Inevitably the sun set faster than expected and we traversed at least half of the trail in darkness, carrying only a small flashlight for the four of us. Being terrified of the dark, I was the most difficult on the hike. However with the encouragement and guidance of my friends I not only made it down the mountain, but felt a confidence that in darkness God gives light. My light was the friends I had, literally, holding my hand down the mountain.
After an adventurous Friday, and a long weekend of studying and preparing a presentation, the week began. Midterm week proved to be overwhelming and stressful. The pressure of the week made me more and more homesick. I began missing the little things of home and hope. I longed for the hugs and laughter so common at Hope and the reassurance and support of my family and friends. In my longing, I failed to find the blessings of Bond and the friends I have here.
Skip to this Friday. Long before midterms started, I promised myself a refreshing weekend, with minimal adventure. Throughout the week the plan materialized as the opportunity to spend a day completely to myself.
"The Lord replied, 'my presence will go with you and I will give you rest.'" Exodus 33:14
One of the greatest lessons I learned this summer in Colorado was to take a day off. When we were in full time ministry, spending our days at the office and our nights with kids, we were quickly exhausted. Given one day a week off, we were expected to use that day to spend a little extra time with God, resting not only our bodies and minds, but restoring our spirits. At a certain point in the summer, I remember our boss giving us a mandatory day off with the stipulations that we were not to spend time with kids, or anyone for that matter. But to spend as much time as possible with God and doing whatever it was that rested and refreshed us. We had begun to burn out and it was becoming obvious. Me being a social person, I took this lesson to heart but found it difficult to put into practice. But this week I reaped the rewards of offering my day to God and choosing to rest in Him.
After a long and draining week, I needed a break. I needed a release of frustration, time alone, and a fresh perspective. I went to bed earlier than usual and slept for a full 9 hours. Feeling rested and awake this morning, I enjoyed a light breakfast in the dark while my roommate slept. Then, I changed my clothes, caught a bus and spent a few hours at Pacific Fair, an outdoor mall of sorts. I had wanted to explore but hadn't found the time. I spent most of my time wandering in and out of shops, watching and listening to those around me and enjoying the warm sunshine. I concluded the morning with an iced coffee at a small, virtually unoccupied cafe.
When I returned to campus, my roommate was gone, leaving the room to myself. I sat on our balcony and read a magazine in the warmth of the sun and the reflection of the lake. When it began to thunder I moved inside, disappointed that the storm was spoiling my sunny afternoon and would make for a dreary workout in the gym. But the rain was short and light, and the sun shone through. I took advantage of the cool but sunny afternoon to go on a refreshing an idilic (albeit slightly humid) afternoon run. I felt exceptionally well after the run and took my time showering and changing clothes.
Highlights from the day include:
-A good nights rest
-Crazy Clarks everything discounted store.
-sunshine
-iced coffee and people watching
-the November/December issue of Runner's World that says "Run Better this SUMMMER." (I love Australia)
-an exceptional run
-the afternoon rain
-quiet time
I hope that you have made this far and have found encouragement, or refreshment in my stories.
"...He is like the light of morning at sunrise.." 2 Samuel 23:4
Last Friday, the weekend before midterms began, my roommate, two friends, and I broke a restless sleep at 4:00 am to run to the beach at Burleigh Heads and watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. The run was a perfect length to get us there feeling exercised but not exhausted. As we stood in the crashing waves watching the sunrise on a somewhat cloudy morning, I couldn't help but feel blessed to be in such a beautiful country with such amazing friends. When the sun had risen and the day began to warm up we ran back to Bond and sat by the lake an reflected on the morning. Somewhere in the midst of our conversation, Alex mentioned that we should climb Mt. Warning that afternoon. Her suggestion was met with my giddy and excited, "yes!" So we all went back to our respective homes and prepared by napping and having a late lunch.
We met up again at 2:00 that afternoon feeling rested and looking forward to our second adventure of the day. As we made our way (somewhat unconfidently) to the trail head we discussed our plans for a quick hike in order to catch the sunset at the top of the mountain. Upon reaching the trailhead, we made the 4K hike/climb in about one and a half hours, reaching the top in time for a light snack before the sun began to set. In God's unfailing glory, the sunset was magnificent and we all were pleased that we had had the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset in the same day. While the sun was setting we made our way down, to avoid being stuck in the dark. Inevitably the sun set faster than expected and we traversed at least half of the trail in darkness, carrying only a small flashlight for the four of us. Being terrified of the dark, I was the most difficult on the hike. However with the encouragement and guidance of my friends I not only made it down the mountain, but felt a confidence that in darkness God gives light. My light was the friends I had, literally, holding my hand down the mountain.
After an adventurous Friday, and a long weekend of studying and preparing a presentation, the week began. Midterm week proved to be overwhelming and stressful. The pressure of the week made me more and more homesick. I began missing the little things of home and hope. I longed for the hugs and laughter so common at Hope and the reassurance and support of my family and friends. In my longing, I failed to find the blessings of Bond and the friends I have here.
Skip to this Friday. Long before midterms started, I promised myself a refreshing weekend, with minimal adventure. Throughout the week the plan materialized as the opportunity to spend a day completely to myself.
"The Lord replied, 'my presence will go with you and I will give you rest.'" Exodus 33:14
One of the greatest lessons I learned this summer in Colorado was to take a day off. When we were in full time ministry, spending our days at the office and our nights with kids, we were quickly exhausted. Given one day a week off, we were expected to use that day to spend a little extra time with God, resting not only our bodies and minds, but restoring our spirits. At a certain point in the summer, I remember our boss giving us a mandatory day off with the stipulations that we were not to spend time with kids, or anyone for that matter. But to spend as much time as possible with God and doing whatever it was that rested and refreshed us. We had begun to burn out and it was becoming obvious. Me being a social person, I took this lesson to heart but found it difficult to put into practice. But this week I reaped the rewards of offering my day to God and choosing to rest in Him.
After a long and draining week, I needed a break. I needed a release of frustration, time alone, and a fresh perspective. I went to bed earlier than usual and slept for a full 9 hours. Feeling rested and awake this morning, I enjoyed a light breakfast in the dark while my roommate slept. Then, I changed my clothes, caught a bus and spent a few hours at Pacific Fair, an outdoor mall of sorts. I had wanted to explore but hadn't found the time. I spent most of my time wandering in and out of shops, watching and listening to those around me and enjoying the warm sunshine. I concluded the morning with an iced coffee at a small, virtually unoccupied cafe.
When I returned to campus, my roommate was gone, leaving the room to myself. I sat on our balcony and read a magazine in the warmth of the sun and the reflection of the lake. When it began to thunder I moved inside, disappointed that the storm was spoiling my sunny afternoon and would make for a dreary workout in the gym. But the rain was short and light, and the sun shone through. I took advantage of the cool but sunny afternoon to go on a refreshing an idilic (albeit slightly humid) afternoon run. I felt exceptionally well after the run and took my time showering and changing clothes.
Highlights from the day include:
-A good nights rest
-Crazy Clarks everything discounted store.
-sunshine
-iced coffee and people watching
-the November/December issue of Runner's World that says "Run Better this SUMMMER." (I love Australia)
-an exceptional run
-the afternoon rain
-quiet time
I hope that you have made this far and have found encouragement, or refreshment in my stories.
10.12.2007
Brisbane and Surfer's Paradise,QLD, Australia
It was my roommates 21st Birthday, and as part of the Birthday Hoopla, we went to Brisbane on Friday. We reserved a day with a place called River Life Adventure Company to go Kayaking on the Brisbane River, and then Rock Climbing on Kangaroo Point. After our bus was late, we missed our train and had to call a Taxi, we made it to the city a little later then expected. But in true Aussie fashion our guide said "no wah-ries" and suited us up in life jackets for a sunny, relaxing kayak on the river.
After our kayak, Nova and Molly jumped in for a swim, and then we had some lunch together. When we returned to River Life we grabbed a helmet and a harness and had a lesson in rock climbing.
We climbed until dusk, and then hopped a ferry back to where we would find the train station. It was a long day, and it ended in blisters and bruises, but it was fun!
Then on Saturday night, we had cake and ice cream with the gang
and headed to Surfer's Paradise for dinner and the night life! We started at a lovely italian restaurant, where we had a great meal and confused waitresses.
Then we spent the evening in Melba's bar, and an Irish Pub celebrating Nova's 21st year of life! All in all it was an excellent evening with wonderful people and lot's of dancing!!
After our kayak, Nova and Molly jumped in for a swim, and then we had some lunch together. When we returned to River Life we grabbed a helmet and a harness and had a lesson in rock climbing.
We climbed until dusk, and then hopped a ferry back to where we would find the train station. It was a long day, and it ended in blisters and bruises, but it was fun!
Then on Saturday night, we had cake and ice cream with the gang
and headed to Surfer's Paradise for dinner and the night life! We started at a lovely italian restaurant, where we had a great meal and confused waitresses.
Then we spent the evening in Melba's bar, and an Irish Pub celebrating Nova's 21st year of life! All in all it was an excellent evening with wonderful people and lot's of dancing!!
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