tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17785767749897271292024-02-07T00:39:13.316-08:00Rick and Gail Australia 20102010 Trip to AustraliaRick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-37588019542179286352010-12-19T18:37:00.000-08:002010-12-19T20:28:35.356-08:00Goodbye from Kadina<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>On December 26th we depart for Canada from Sydney. Our one year adventure of working and vacationing in Australia will have come to an end. We left Kadina on December 11th and plan on spending our last few days in Perth and Bali before heading home. So this will be our last blog entry. We hope you have enjoyed reading about our experiences while living in Australia and have learned something about this most beautiful country.<br /><br />We left Kadina with mixed emotions. On the one hand we are anxious to get home to see family and friends. For example, we haven’t seen our daughter Fran’s engagement ring; let alone Fran! On the other hand, Kadina has been our home for one year and we have left new life-long friends who we know we will see again sometime in the future. If our paths do not cross in Canada, they will cross again in Australia; or perhaps at another destination equal distance between the two.<br /><br />It is hard to express in words what this year has meant to us. Consequently, we elected to put together a collection of miscellaneous photos to help capture this most incredible year. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UuVMLNdnmXg_RIxgk9HF_iJ65yMd5C_60NEGX6eIQRGXnNAZXUSoFivb7iQIMqvK4bhKEY0TzLalndMTljR-6wfMgDlzGduYOvOCo6GMDtZDyv1Xt3hm0Ndk7CRRWYkx-WJv2xbA-Ig/s1600/m_Rocking+Horse+Petting+Zoo+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552612223412285426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UuVMLNdnmXg_RIxgk9HF_iJ65yMd5C_60NEGX6eIQRGXnNAZXUSoFivb7iQIMqvK4bhKEY0TzLalndMTljR-6wfMgDlzGduYOvOCo6GMDtZDyv1Xt3hm0Ndk7CRRWYkx-WJv2xbA-Ig/s400/m_Rocking+Horse+Petting+Zoo+2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Skippy, Rick and Gail sharing a moment. Of course no trip to Australia is complete without seeing a Kangaroo.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLAXF4BIL4UQWcTaRqh2CX4_QhQOWs7rzDwQmHPgRF9ZqRocQEovKwZWk-psbqBKN-0zToYfs2KtRUmeGqMo5puJ6FiCi8Fan56xy2J7USMr2z_6r74KtAfld5bscOFdvbKVy4P9uwhE/s1600/m_Jacob%2527s+Creek+Vineyard+5+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552611700196208546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLAXF4BIL4UQWcTaRqh2CX4_QhQOWs7rzDwQmHPgRF9ZqRocQEovKwZWk-psbqBKN-0zToYfs2KtRUmeGqMo5puJ6FiCi8Fan56xy2J7USMr2z_6r74KtAfld5bscOFdvbKVy4P9uwhE/s400/m_Jacob%2527s+Creek+Vineyard+5+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">A year of wine, wine, and more wine. Before we came to South Australia, our understanding of wine was that there are “Reds” and “Whites”. Never before had we bought wine by the case! Now we know a little more about the subject and won’t hesitate to purchase the occasional bottle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jtGCG4BltGCcTz8nMwm180ARgcEdfwUHS6V2JAxB6XL6gJN_1548jPCxaPC5nOkeo_XREiLq1vDiIvcTeFhqXXlEo2ypxK3CzQJg8aoNkKmatXeS-8ptrYSO00fNZ-CkwnlLpN7DJNs/s1600/m_At+the+Beer+Zoo+1+-+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552611233505584290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jtGCG4BltGCcTz8nMwm180ARgcEdfwUHS6V2JAxB6XL6gJN_1548jPCxaPC5nOkeo_XREiLq1vDiIvcTeFhqXXlEo2ypxK3CzQJg8aoNkKmatXeS-8ptrYSO00fNZ-CkwnlLpN7DJNs/s400/m_At+the+Beer+Zoo+1+-+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a> </p><p align="center">We experienced our warmest day at the Cricket match. Temperatures reached 44oC. Within a three month period, between living in Canada and Australia, we had experienced temperatures from minus 40 to plus 40. For those Australians reading this blog is minus 40 cold enough for you? Your freezer is outside. For those Canadians, is plus 40 hot enough? You can fry an egg on the hood of your car. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTv0PKbZN8H1xxJ-9v8Qtbqw7Rt2Uc_sSMdFKhr5sCqPZgCrviSLbeUzl_Q5uiw8UGDQhl2QtM3BsYYgOHbCm1oFYD1_n3FG_QMKp4scqtSwD-mVPaInOXSUhVyMqDLjv8zEEe-tRNvU/s1600/m_Desi%2527s+Butcher+Shop+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552610740358692322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTv0PKbZN8H1xxJ-9v8Qtbqw7Rt2Uc_sSMdFKhr5sCqPZgCrviSLbeUzl_Q5uiw8UGDQhl2QtM3BsYYgOHbCm1oFYD1_n3FG_QMKp4scqtSwD-mVPaInOXSUhVyMqDLjv8zEEe-tRNvU/s400/m_Desi%2527s+Butcher+Shop+1.jpg" /></a> </p><p align="center">One day a week Rick worked with Leon and Doug at Desi’s, the local butcher shop. In Kadina, no one was familiar with Kolbassa, so Gail contacted Stawnitchy’s in Mundare to get the scoop on making this Alberta famous meat. Stawnitchy’s would not provide their secret recipe, but they did provide the process. After a couple of trials, Desi came up with “Ricky Boy’s Furster Wurster”. The sausage is a hit, is gaining in popularity and is now a regular on the shelf. The Three Amigos below look happy as the recipe for the Furster Wurster has been finalized.</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_1OG5LcN6gBPJsJVn7bxrDQy_iSwl54wumT0OStRqxRZ49kTjifOU4-2_MHWM2M8zjNSsIX1Om8Tr8uvsoR2Aik6onqoL67jVN8LUjBY7Swwz31bpO92bwgvWRcVwwXXC-SV3ue8mic/s1600/m_Desi%2527s+Butcher+Shop+17.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552610430121625778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_1OG5LcN6gBPJsJVn7bxrDQy_iSwl54wumT0OStRqxRZ49kTjifOU4-2_MHWM2M8zjNSsIX1Om8Tr8uvsoR2Aik6onqoL67jVN8LUjBY7Swwz31bpO92bwgvWRcVwwXXC-SV3ue8mic/s400/m_Desi%2527s+Butcher+Shop+17.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6UqZ56KfCLJGKYjHwtS3AYQlvaRMFn-kNdCJ3EyGvOnsx3j7YkpVTerjZnfDCylR5Sky4fIv-_VmtMNItj5BW_ewFYafiOjPVkh2YaNOgTpktzsUNYp-Cm1aTQHJ6Ub-JCZQizrAUbg/s1600/m_Gail%2527s+51+Birthday+Kadina+Backyard+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552609937188041826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6UqZ56KfCLJGKYjHwtS3AYQlvaRMFn-kNdCJ3EyGvOnsx3j7YkpVTerjZnfDCylR5Sky4fIv-_VmtMNItj5BW_ewFYafiOjPVkh2YaNOgTpktzsUNYp-Cm1aTQHJ6Ub-JCZQizrAUbg/s400/m_Gail%2527s+51+Birthday+Kadina+Backyard+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We enjoyed many outdoor get togethers. For example, we had the “Burger OFF” at Jane and Andrew’s place for Andrew’s birthday. The South African burger vs. the Australian Burger vs. the Canadian Burger. What better <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7F_OMmQQCaqA5uUQEIQqt6dF4tEZVZIWPzBUGecMjIo_eSxUHeid7pNlQB_s0wMCWILiV0iWQRvxlUfi6t50a_eGD4USEVvDENsR6pZQnKVvXEmn_jVDkV5IDmHs0mk2JhUtS6zUqU-M/s1600/Picnic+11.JPG"></a>way to compare international cuisine! After considerable schmoozing with the birthday boy AKA Judge…it was no contest. We had him at Hello! Then again who would want to eat an Aussie burger complete with a soft egg and a slice of beet and pineapple? The South African burger was meat, meat and more meat. Sooooo plain! So when the Judge bit into tomato, lettuce, cheese, mustard all on a sesame seed bun….it was no contest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKL_LiOAru_pXpI86QBeCrJYub5P1SSbIgUGwX-Z8AWvLGVAZsA7b_VpqKQNcewtCtE7M1vRtE5XF-KPVrxVPTdC6DU3aNVyx6hLx12arQEYSi_qfg4h_RJyaMEBy1-qe3syqiCQznws/s1600/m_Moving+Night+at+Leon%2527s.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552609387139732514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKL_LiOAru_pXpI86QBeCrJYub5P1SSbIgUGwX-Z8AWvLGVAZsA7b_VpqKQNcewtCtE7M1vRtE5XF-KPVrxVPTdC6DU3aNVyx6hLx12arQEYSi_qfg4h_RJyaMEBy1-qe3syqiCQznws/s400/m_Moving+Night+at+Leon%2527s.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Every Thursday was “Movie Night” at Leon’s. We had rules – the movie had to be either made in Australia, have Australian actors (M<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoU3XHpUs-scz6HzjdAM-2svxY3IdO8RkHCx1EeyObsZHTTfhvDZPaXpRt_xXRtJ3u8g9-BqHgoHY8bKXDEzZeRkQAJRkGnRWVr1qdJxqJ-FWFOqiVxXwmQfQPg1iURZFUN0Ni45mDwYY/s1600/Outback+Country+21.JPG"></a>el Gibson still counts!) or be directed/written/produced by an Australian. We are not movie goers so movie night was a real change for us. We learned a lot of Australian colloquialisms, and a lot about the country’s culture. Leon – those nights are going “Straight to the Pool Room”. We enjoyed movie night so much that we look forward to keeping up the new practice when we return to Canada…..Are you reading this Bill?</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYb6C1IK8GcLdGR7fW1rR0jmxNeVpA5OxntYBC0Peoksgy4jA80Xosj85UyDJMwjrIyK8SUo_KvjtoeV3R3qbZt24RbR_XAU-OV1ic7GSjAOCyzJ-bIjU_XUon88__oW-2V0Ft-a0D4U/s1600/m_Ruby%2527s+Christening+9.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552608728859846162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYb6C1IK8GcLdGR7fW1rR0jmxNeVpA5OxntYBC0Peoksgy4jA80Xosj85UyDJMwjrIyK8SUo_KvjtoeV3R3qbZt24RbR_XAU-OV1ic7GSjAOCyzJ-bIjU_XUon88__oW-2V0Ft-a0D4U/s400/m_Ruby%2527s+Christening+9.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Doug and Dawn took us in as part of their family. Attending their granddaugther’s baptism was a special moment and we were thrilled to be invited. Gail was so pathetic and wept through the whole thing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R7mdk4G2uoSCsUygH6Ijta8YGxmJ3sGsGLJzAhqBq9aPIQcrgDn6WA__qBK0DvMr0-uikTmyQ4BDxNYEd8j_9sBSInHmNpz_0_mvGRQzUxN-lxKZMX1oPTO-zC1cEzYFNd5GjXXnGuQ/s1600/m_Jackeranda+Tree+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552608217425790402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R7mdk4G2uoSCsUygH6Ijta8YGxmJ3sGsGLJzAhqBq9aPIQcrgDn6WA__qBK0DvMr0-uikTmyQ4BDxNYEd8j_9sBSInHmNpz_0_mvGRQzUxN-lxKZMX1oPTO-zC1cEzYFNd5GjXXnGuQ/s400/m_Jackeranda+Tree+2.jpg" /></a><br />In late November – December the purple flowers on the Jackeranda tree blossom and are spectacular. We will miss the Australian flora as it is all so uniquely different and often so stunningly beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Tsc_A9ASh1tBUvNpemUpiQHZcGilvNthzvAhx26s8YxHgwT_r6vUgZyuYqYIBTmbFUaCQXOzazukN-MpnEvflIMO3OKUblobIpGDzoSvm7ckKPwfMaJS2XsK1w-wG1byIpogaKe8xU/s1600/m_Picnic+11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552607902344514306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Tsc_A9ASh1tBUvNpemUpiQHZcGilvNthzvAhx26s8YxHgwT_r6vUgZyuYqYIBTmbFUaCQXOzazukN-MpnEvflIMO3OKUblobIpGDzoSvm7ckKPwfMaJS2XsK1w-wG1byIpogaKe8xU/s400/m_Picnic+11.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We first met Jill and her son Micheal while they were on exchange in Edmonton in 2003. Jill became our exchange buddy and took us under her wing to show us the ropes. She recognized that when people first arrive in a new country they can easily become lost, overwhelmed and confused over simple things like grocery shopping, and coping with day to day living. Jill and others like Leon helped to explainto us many of Australia’s customs and traditions.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngjMzJijgCx6cjhR_3uVkvw4O6e8ahohhwIH5edNXCEbTMzhReO7WHVHzwDAHF9ZxXiccDB521lAk8CtoTPHGO6T9V1ApQyvRxarB3TJj587LEk-7KeVz2L4VqlVdNmncw3KeipfWukc/s1600/m_Wombat+Presentation+1+Brad%2527s+Photo.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552606696088259666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngjMzJijgCx6cjhR_3uVkvw4O6e8ahohhwIH5edNXCEbTMzhReO7WHVHzwDAHF9ZxXiccDB521lAk8CtoTPHGO6T9V1ApQyvRxarB3TJj587LEk-7KeVz2L4VqlVdNmncw3KeipfWukc/s400/m_Wombat+Presentation+1+Brad%2527s+Photo.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This picture depicts the number of teachers on exchange in South Australia in 2010. They came from Canada, Great Britain, United States, New Caledonia, Germany, and France. There will be almost the same number of participants for the 2011 school term. In 2010 South Australia celebrated its 90th year of exchange while Alberta celebrated its 30th. It was cool to be part of that!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcBcPHJDbzfOT1ObJpnth2r5TbOIl7HXT8r5BMO3IuCxi-kLmfUYL4a6c59g3kMOBKoZeCdFBuy2cEMPa2EuH5YfbU4UjzHA-rOKkAv5FywZk4zGZS4yPy9mBI1iPssT6SjSZ-bLeJDs/s1600/m_School+Staff+Picnic+1+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552606083395522514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcBcPHJDbzfOT1ObJpnth2r5TbOIl7HXT8r5BMO3IuCxi-kLmfUYL4a6c59g3kMOBKoZeCdFBuy2cEMPa2EuH5YfbU4UjzHA-rOKkAv5FywZk4zGZS4yPy9mBI1iPssT6SjSZ-bLeJDs/s400/m_School+Staff+Picnic+1+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here’s the usual Aussie barbecue and fare of snags and chooks (sausages and chicken) for a large outdoor event like the teacher’s opening school picnic.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJN2g-UzEcuXElXws4uB9hCfi7puPqyQQjxhU3-qZoWR2HlweXsGAFXa8XGvLjiOUKpB9lpwefx1cCx6SlMcLIcjs7RoNm7XAFD5e0bDCW8CF3F2EvGLz-BYP07mllOpnMyT5aU2ICJo/s1600/m_Galah%2527s+2+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552605534024299090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJN2g-UzEcuXElXws4uB9hCfi7puPqyQQjxhU3-qZoWR2HlweXsGAFXa8XGvLjiOUKpB9lpwefx1cCx6SlMcLIcjs7RoNm7XAFD5e0bDCW8CF3F2EvGLz-BYP07mllOpnMyT5aU2ICJo/s400/m_Galah%2527s+2+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Galahs are a type of parrot. We learned to love listening to their cheerful squawk as we felt it to be uniquely Australian. They fly in such unusual and unpredictable patterns that the Australians have an expression about people’s behaviour being like a “silly galah”.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7NQXyOY6Lxh4i2F-qfccCIfZdpE2Zkr7jSGAyo4OjDBPwR9X6RGMxF79aDK3uo773G12HoCEUJ0_0DqI7XqyUKT5Ng5XZW_hkfTffQ2qlsXaQXTWKMWP4uRm8Y8oJ1FvC_MqsQPYz6A/s1600/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552604895861709634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7NQXyOY6Lxh4i2F-qfccCIfZdpE2Zkr7jSGAyo4OjDBPwR9X6RGMxF79aDK3uo773G12HoCEUJ0_0DqI7XqyUKT5Ng5XZW_hkfTffQ2qlsXaQXTWKMWP4uRm8Y8oJ1FvC_MqsQPYz6A/s400/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+5.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Uluru was spectacular at sunrise. It was truly a moving moment to be at this iconic spot during day break. We also enjoyed our evening cuisine experience titled “Dinner Under the Stars”. It was an open air dining experience we will never forget. Our table was full of guests from around the world. What a night of conversation!</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBbJzzb33FwL5LvEms4frC3Eexw9a4ZsNB3_LlA_TDgg-4iPlNHglizdQf06h28ig-js3nSsd1b0siJOmqR4eQoT7S1C3q_8zm4a-jDHMSSn4CbbmqMPsIZrFdEyH0BVxDQIhd_koBW4/s1600/m_War+Memorial+16.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552604238031094114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBbJzzb33FwL5LvEms4frC3Eexw9a4ZsNB3_LlA_TDgg-4iPlNHglizdQf06h28ig-js3nSsd1b0siJOmqR4eQoT7S1C3q_8zm4a-jDHMSSn4CbbmqMPsIZrFdEyH0BVxDQIhd_koBW4/s400/m_War+Memorial+16.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The War Memorial has been described by some Australians as being the “Soul of Australia”. We found it to be an interesting description and wondered what we would consider to be the soul of Canada?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsIFczqpvkslDl-HgDn-vnoSerTcwxII_Qa-GX2MqGoHHzHrUQmrhibaDZ06kwKaNBC1nKHlWIgaeSiip_xgd61ZgnjEOBcmnBcXoJkB8fQgo6LTr_n3qu6mXzUkY4dTnnQNwIu-9tc0/s1600/m_Reisling+Bike+Trail+13.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552603527105389330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsIFczqpvkslDl-HgDn-vnoSerTcwxII_Qa-GX2MqGoHHzHrUQmrhibaDZ06kwKaNBC1nKHlWIgaeSiip_xgd61ZgnjEOBcmnBcXoJkB8fQgo6LTr_n3qu6mXzUkY4dTnnQNwIu-9tc0/s400/m_Reisling+Bike+Trail+13.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Meet our good friends Jan and Hanlie. They are either wincing from their sore butts or they are genuinely happy to be bike riding the Clare Wine Valley. See the dormant grape vines in the background? It was stunning countryside. Along with Doug and Dawn, we rented 3 beautiful one bedroom cottages and ate and drank the night away before we realized how sore our bum bones really got!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwywYJ6uWVoFC8ZtfmLQi967VPRxrXecL1Qfmnj65HaCIaaCyVUmLZCdUN5hChYFHmgifXSrQSF4CWZ8elzWgCPX_iN8uRPs77QBl3aZDfcevWKqGTU9ITavpnJ-_7m28mhWl_0sFSwqM/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Oeanside+Cafe+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552602753111548194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwywYJ6uWVoFC8ZtfmLQi967VPRxrXecL1Qfmnj65HaCIaaCyVUmLZCdUN5hChYFHmgifXSrQSF4CWZ8elzWgCPX_iN8uRPs77QBl3aZDfcevWKqGTU9ITavpnJ-_7m28mhWl_0sFSwqM/s400/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Oeanside+Cafe+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Fiji; a tropical paradise. If you ever go, go on an all inclusive.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5573xdCD5GtxdHGOSceWxgVi0FaoJ6jkm3kNUmPR1uBVJJSR5xZ2N1FQl_gPlq8KDk3-SEJNBnUN3j95bPQRGg4mBXCe9WopNz5iM-p1xdMafec9yfVNewhkPFoPsjmmjCWtvspMLTw/s1600/m_Coast+Line+5+-+Leon%2527s+Photo.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552601979541580578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5573xdCD5GtxdHGOSceWxgVi0FaoJ6jkm3kNUmPR1uBVJJSR5xZ2N1FQl_gPlq8KDk3-SEJNBnUN3j95bPQRGg4mBXCe9WopNz5iM-p1xdMafec9yfVNewhkPFoPsjmmjCWtvspMLTw/s400/m_Coast+Line+5+-+Leon%2527s+Photo.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It’s not unusual to have miles of empty coastline. Australia is famous for its beautiful soft beaches.</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRD2NOLyR-DbAum2gn8rp4BmXkomzR5EN17OOa4Acz-jmSTPX2BlnMWNr06LyGtEaM7P4ADoLsF4rjA71oK8qv5bg9hU89JpsuaOUwenzmRNlMfvXX6u_Vooh0n8XMzqcMDARykYc3_xI/s1600/m_023.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552600452300132290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRD2NOLyR-DbAum2gn8rp4BmXkomzR5EN17OOa4Acz-jmSTPX2BlnMWNr06LyGtEaM7P4ADoLsF4rjA71oK8qv5bg9hU89JpsuaOUwenzmRNlMfvXX6u_Vooh0n8XMzqcMDARykYc3_xI/s400/m_023.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ9rhzHSYrADYeHV1tVycFS-PnIJ-b7Hqd5qrWOpAP-xyJ6M4rnFNx_xo8j9mk5AX09sTS03CbcTmIS_JEwQVY9HeSstflwXEB2R4ENtnKpfyrCtIUsKbLca7qVMavnKBINy8Ac_Obwc/s1600/m_029.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552600653202134498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ9rhzHSYrADYeHV1tVycFS-PnIJ-b7Hqd5qrWOpAP-xyJ6M4rnFNx_xo8j9mk5AX09sTS03CbcTmIS_JEwQVY9HeSstflwXEB2R4ENtnKpfyrCtIUsKbLca7qVMavnKBINy8Ac_Obwc/s400/m_029.jpg" /></a><br /><br />No, there is nothing wrong with this beach. This is our 6’5” friend Jan looking very tiny on this gorgeous EMPTY beach. It was a heavenly day to have the whole beach to ourselves as we exfoliated our feet walking the dunes and beach.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH6rysjCvA8zZg44do39KwFUtVOD_IoMO_9msLWPbWYPj_RBbw54v85lc_N5g2fWOQ9I7eC2d_pzoq10TXU5VyV_f9jZaQOONXENb8E5flty5Iw-p7nb1vjS1dcV5X3QWN98Mn0j5iPo/s1600/m_028.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552599887164309858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH6rysjCvA8zZg44do39KwFUtVOD_IoMO_9msLWPbWYPj_RBbw54v85lc_N5g2fWOQ9I7eC2d_pzoq10TXU5VyV_f9jZaQOONXENb8E5flty5Iw-p7nb1vjS1dcV5X3QWN98Mn0j5iPo/s400/m_028.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Randy fishing. We love the bit where his shoes sit waiting for him on shore.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Xz-NpSaUItt5uKQW7Yq7WNAdovCpi7KL8L8QZuGe3y5uKjS8HOVIXZI5Sjt7rclVK79ptlviCcqQU5xTxPFiutuDtnln-PLs3siJzR0Wu9GQDEDbjjW-s9mmGSfGEbvlM7-Oixw0-z8/s1600/m_004.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552599309367693938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Xz-NpSaUItt5uKQW7Yq7WNAdovCpi7KL8L8QZuGe3y5uKjS8HOVIXZI5Sjt7rclVK79ptlviCcqQU5xTxPFiutuDtnln-PLs3siJzR0Wu9GQDEDbjjW-s9mmGSfGEbvlM7-Oixw0-z8/s400/m_004.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We loved the casual way we paid for our green fees at local golf courses. The course located in the background was well worth the whole fee.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikV3je8hBPuHE5vOpHztsMMxoC_TZ6tx525vRZ1yHf2XfYvOaKQsIxoB4Mq2vOiL0ec3IYSoxJoI2lhRRQNtL0OmCJsIb3vkZrUOXBY7yTGvLf73DEh7wiKxeIvRsjYTrn4lBo1YIY5zY/s1600/m_012.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552598847618039986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikV3je8hBPuHE5vOpHztsMMxoC_TZ6tx525vRZ1yHf2XfYvOaKQsIxoB4Mq2vOiL0ec3IYSoxJoI2lhRRQNtL0OmCJsIb3vkZrUOXBY7yTGvLf73DEh7wiKxeIvRsjYTrn4lBo1YIY5zY/s400/m_012.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In Australia drinking in a vehicle is permitted, even for the driver. The only proviso is that the driver must be under 0.05. Cousin Randy is taking advantage of this legal activity so that he can show his friends back home in Vancouver.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8Z_i1oe18kmohLgus4B-Bse_0YQHrMUtkpYi19SCQtvAtpM_CROFFte2o53DPtM4gzhi5z4afA2d8FTzpOcQI7F1ypRYiQKu0O-zgjH9vr70UR3lZ5ZPumXfwwaSLPoDuZIPY6vGkNg/s1600/m_Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+14.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552598201336067618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8Z_i1oe18kmohLgus4B-Bse_0YQHrMUtkpYi19SCQtvAtpM_CROFFte2o53DPtM4gzhi5z4afA2d8FTzpOcQI7F1ypRYiQKu0O-zgjH9vr70UR3lZ5ZPumXfwwaSLPoDuZIPY6vGkNg/s400/m_Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+14.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island. This was the beginning of Gail’s year as a professional poser. Are you tired of seeing her yet?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkwwXzFazik-MUkkrjpKYl1VLSgn2ken-BJP1strhbppG0py3nlgbLhaF8oYKLH6m0DvzeF-Fn4Kj2d6GtD_E-dDsWf4I2nH5K0PEjbnkvae13Mso5g2Vaq_5XYqU5TnC_RoMNRzTVY0/s1600/m_KL+Elephant+Sanctuary+12.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552597408097218770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkwwXzFazik-MUkkrjpKYl1VLSgn2ken-BJP1strhbppG0py3nlgbLhaF8oYKLH6m0DvzeF-Fn4Kj2d6GtD_E-dDsWf4I2nH5K0PEjbnkvae13Mso5g2Vaq_5XYqU5TnC_RoMNRzTVY0/s400/m_KL+Elephant+Sanctuary+12.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Malaysia - Our friends Gay and Greig were just in front of us in the elephant train. They have pictures of us on their camera and we hope we get them soon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKzgzMdR2cu1VXlS2oE0Yw2-4h9lhFHzUi_oSQtuA4lxaUL9nIfQsnDOTanbEipDSbszBgqXput7UNcgpkNPQbq4ZvtIWPHISuh6woI5LJfc1f2u8QWIa71qU2U6LrPnwPYctBvLQkmE/s1600/m_KL+Petronas+Tower+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552596629346314866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKzgzMdR2cu1VXlS2oE0Yw2-4h9lhFHzUi_oSQtuA4lxaUL9nIfQsnDOTanbEipDSbszBgqXput7UNcgpkNPQbq4ZvtIWPHISuh6woI5LJfc1f2u8QWIa71qU2U6LrPnwPYctBvLQkmE/s400/m_KL+Petronas+Tower+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Petronas Tower in Kuala Lampur. We took this shot from inside a bar on the 32nd floor of our hotel. This is a world iconic building and we were thrilled that the photo of this majestic building turned out so well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGojy_NAjArKK8UYBVRY3pek4TGY42Kf2WI-OKxR9oBxK0EUpcnuLSxKaELNiCAE1uAVeUbpXgxzT1Uw48t6empMrYPMrSBPXqx7KqD_KfnQ5g89mMkjfgqDN0MG2a4sSH7OYeYEUADA/s1600/Copper%2527s+Creek+1.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552596000103611954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGojy_NAjArKK8UYBVRY3pek4TGY42Kf2WI-OKxR9oBxK0EUpcnuLSxKaELNiCAE1uAVeUbpXgxzT1Uw48t6empMrYPMrSBPXqx7KqD_KfnQ5g89mMkjfgqDN0MG2a4sSH7OYeYEUADA/s400/Copper%2527s+Creek+1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Our Ozzie friends couldn’t get over the amount of water in Cooper’s Creek. We just had to take the free punt AKA ferry to share in their excitement. The last time this punt was operational was 1974 when the creek last had water in it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGnLCXnEAuI2JGg2fzqY4VoEntJqB3coe62oOlW7cnAW5QMOTSgldFhtpT8aO8YlFOiFOsvVEJiyasQX3Kmp4T4nACrIB24oxQwh15KlAHuNFg5-3KV4GaCkpRhRtXkJfpLbWPA-cCRk/s1600/Dingo+Proof+Fence+1.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552595219603699394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGnLCXnEAuI2JGg2fzqY4VoEntJqB3coe62oOlW7cnAW5QMOTSgldFhtpT8aO8YlFOiFOsvVEJiyasQX3Kmp4T4nACrIB24oxQwh15KlAHuNFg5-3KV4GaCkpRhRtXkJfpLbWPA-cCRk/s400/Dingo+Proof+Fence+1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Australians are famous for this 5000+ km dingo proof fence. Our Ozzie friends couldn’t believe we wanted our photo with this barren background. As you can see, there are no dingos in the background. The fence is obviously working.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoU3XHpUs-scz6HzjdAM-2svxY3IdO8RkHCx1EeyObsZHTTfhvDZPaXpRt_xXRtJ3u8g9-BqHgoHY8bKXDEzZeRkQAJRkGnRWVr1qdJxqJ-FWFOqiVxXwmQfQPg1iURZFUN0Ni45mDwYY/s1600/Outback+Country+21.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552594545908950674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoU3XHpUs-scz6HzjdAM-2svxY3IdO8RkHCx1EeyObsZHTTfhvDZPaXpRt_xXRtJ3u8g9-BqHgoHY8bKXDEzZeRkQAJRkGnRWVr1qdJxqJ-FWFOqiVxXwmQfQPg1iURZFUN0Ni45mDwYY/s400/Outback+Country+21.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Outback is really out there! As per this sign, there’s nothing else out there other than it is stunningly beautiful!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_JOQuxchiJ65i_8M1KbkUdbOrE9LqcPYG_ZxKsMaphlowXhvzmLKEfvLlv5vkFA3vj9q0uqgUAL03fI96ZjxWTbAQWB0U3kGiUFNJhUrUOExw3c0qrn8CWjl40xkgnmSzbnvxdsN1os/s1600/m_McLaren+Vale+1+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552593538969663458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_JOQuxchiJ65i_8M1KbkUdbOrE9LqcPYG_ZxKsMaphlowXhvzmLKEfvLlv5vkFA3vj9q0uqgUAL03fI96ZjxWTbAQWB0U3kGiUFNJhUrUOExw3c0qrn8CWjl40xkgnmSzbnvxdsN1os/s400/m_McLaren+Vale+1+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Doug and Dawn have become such dear friends and we have had many adventures with them. They’ve already purchased their flight to Edmonton for July 2011. We can’t wait to have more adventures with them but this time it will be on our soil. Here we are at another wine tasting session and we’re barking at Rick to let us get to stop with the photo shoot and get on with the business of sampling wine.</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9YX3kzIm0VcQ428MeapTmL9LttLhiDG8j4uDtsUkz3M8wSaKPhnq1aVTadi3DDKIoOwo6Umg9XGaa6tEARRM9ggf-Fw8L837i8YzBNrwczYfhnhyphenhyphenfJq6l7VvKT1VKrzSxU29LYd_jOA/s1600/m_City+Scape+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552593075366524786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9YX3kzIm0VcQ428MeapTmL9LttLhiDG8j4uDtsUkz3M8wSaKPhnq1aVTadi3DDKIoOwo6Umg9XGaa6tEARRM9ggf-Fw8L837i8YzBNrwczYfhnhyphenhyphenfJq6l7VvKT1VKrzSxU29LYd_jOA/s400/m_City+Scape+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We had fun doing our walking tour of each city we visited. There were no agendas, no hopes; just walking around checking out sites and stopping for coffee to watch the city go by. Gail is in her posing position.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EuxRYrkRDorkV0j-ELON55G2cPJu8u0rP1IEz63xMHg_Opb1CO3cwcSacOyDB0bSxNBg4r5gQNDlsB1f7tPZZQO53l5YbwJqS4zN9-scBZ8jW2zLoKSzNWtqSss3svCjrRD49UtuAHc/s1600/m_MCG+Footy+Game+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552591860602777042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EuxRYrkRDorkV0j-ELON55G2cPJu8u0rP1IEz63xMHg_Opb1CO3cwcSacOyDB0bSxNBg4r5gQNDlsB1f7tPZZQO53l5YbwJqS4zN9-scBZ8jW2zLoKSzNWtqSss3svCjrRD49UtuAHc/s400/m_MCG+Footy+Game+8.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This is it - The Melbourne Cricket Club! This is Australia’s answer to the Maple Leaf Gardens of Canadian Hockey. It is the mecca for Australian Rules Football; 67000 rabid fans cheering for their team. It was very cool; even if we paid $9.00 per beer.</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFxi2NItu6uhTSSqhAYy-Ytm33JLAYDKlBSdJuQC86GZJX1ZZtKdGU155OFQe3cILFasHjgOtC18ybDIo0fughydhgQR8RyS0I2ZmTSZ-r8G0ZmUe56ERTINHyb0gGVGRFKlBBfqzk10/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Great+Barrier+Reef+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552591073373434450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFxi2NItu6uhTSSqhAYy-Ytm33JLAYDKlBSdJuQC86GZJX1ZZtKdGU155OFQe3cILFasHjgOtC18ybDIo0fughydhgQR8RyS0I2ZmTSZ-r8G0ZmUe56ERTINHyb0gGVGRFKlBBfqzk10/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Great+Barrier+Reef+6.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Who knew the Great Barrier Reef was an hour’s boat ride away? It was truly magnificent!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5VVpAI_hp6MmOoHvQGlbbvJH6ygcmnA0agsz32a3JKzdKGIr5mJfPBO-xrZhZU5FNIZaFNebsnvUTC6VC6jGUs3FATOySIFozGa5xAyP284O1zWc7PgE2bcl67QjSOy3fx8v3KSIfaI/s1600/m_Sheep+in+Field+6+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552589547036042898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5VVpAI_hp6MmOoHvQGlbbvJH6ygcmnA0agsz32a3JKzdKGIr5mJfPBO-xrZhZU5FNIZaFNebsnvUTC6VC6jGUs3FATOySIFozGa5xAyP284O1zWc7PgE2bcl67QjSOy3fx8v3KSIfaI/s400/m_Sheep+in+Field+6+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Sheep and Australia are synonymous. Sheep aren’t white! They take on the color of their environment from the dust getting into their absorbent wool. We came to Australia with a preconceived idea that there would be a huge lamb skin leather industry and were so what surprised to discover that there isn’t one. The hides are shipped to Asia for treatment.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCddI-RaMEZn0fpovG_eTLeJsLduV-1R4JpugiHVEHSKEHErGrMd3Yx74jzFqEnFGCbDgqA5gNtaetNnjGhgazJRfeOEe0wAVHLTUq1CTpQeNGK0rL0ILNg0s47_jDt6NQIoETquC5RM/s1600/m_Leon+and+Dawn+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552589221377950562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCddI-RaMEZn0fpovG_eTLeJsLduV-1R4JpugiHVEHSKEHErGrMd3Yx74jzFqEnFGCbDgqA5gNtaetNnjGhgazJRfeOEe0wAVHLTUq1CTpQeNGK0rL0ILNg0s47_jDt6NQIoETquC5RM/s400/m_Leon+and+Dawn+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />What a fitting photo to say “Farewell” Leon said we are not to say Good Bye – only Farewell as we will meet our Aussie friends again soon, either in Canada or back in the land down under. </p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-32796690958601550222010-12-01T17:56:00.000-08:002010-12-01T18:40:32.735-08:00Hello from "Can-bra"Before we tell you about our weekend in Canberra, Australia’s capital city, we need to first give you a short lesson in understanding the Australian accent. MANY, or should we say MOST or should we say ALL Australians do not articulate their “r’s”. Therefore Canberra is pronounced “Can-bra”. Similarly Melbourne is pronounced “Mel-bun” and Cairns is referred to as “Cannes”. Hence the reason for the title of this blog entry.<br /><br />Back in August Greig and Gay, our Canadian exchange friends, had done some sleuthing on the internet. They managed to find a cheap airline seat sale and immediately booked the four of us for a jam-packed November 13th and 14th weekend in Canberra. Is there a better way to spend a weekend other than flying half way across the continent to visit the site of Australia’s parliament and many of the country’s other national treasures? We were quite excited about our trip as we have a strong belief that it is important that everyone visit a nation’s capital. For those of you who have been fortunate enough to have spent some time in Ottawa, we think that you understand the national pride one feels when visiting their capital.<br /><br />Canberra is a most beautiful city. Like Brasilia and Washington D.C., Canberra was designed and built as a planned city. Australia was not recognized as a country until 1901. Prior to then, the states and territories of Australia were separate colonies of the British Empire. At the time of federation, both Melbourne and Sydney, the two largest cities in the country, were competing to become the capital of the country. The western colonies of West Australia, South Australia and Victoria supported the selection of Melbourne as the capital; whereas the other colonies backed Sydney. The nation could not reach agreement on which city should become the capital. Recognizing the deadlock, a sheep station owner whose ranch just happened to be somewhat equal distance between Melbourne and Sydney forfeited his huge land holding with the proviso that it become the capital city of Australia. The sheep station became the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) and an international competition was held to design the nation’s capital within the ACT.<br /><br />Construction of the nation’s capital was finally completed in 1927 and the city is a beauty! A manmade lake is located centrally within the city. Connected to the lake are many gardens as well as a huge area of green space which sprawls throughout the city. Thus as one travels on wide tree-lined boulevards through the city from one suburb to another, one gets a very cosy sense of “community”. In addition, the result is many green-scape vistas; rather than the usual endless city-scape view of concrete, mortar and brick. The city’s main design layout features many geometric motifs such as circles and hexagons which are aligned with surrounding regional landmarks. In accordance with this geometric design, the roadways generally follow a spoke and wheel pattern rather than a typical square grid outline which most of us know. Without our GPS - Garmin Girl - we would have been lost traveling along the wagon wheel road system!<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7KzEhPKvH6tG3WPwRCwfbuSlRblChLVXDcc7VdbVi2yprKXy3q_EfzpstBKLRkpsTTxguPIWkCilrIPT4_xDb3l02ejGlreXWjnqavgdnE1qIkkmdeNtui1762bHc9gYV0Rv67KpAek/s1600/m_Lake+Griffin.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545904351351796706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7KzEhPKvH6tG3WPwRCwfbuSlRblChLVXDcc7VdbVi2yprKXy3q_EfzpstBKLRkpsTTxguPIWkCilrIPT4_xDb3l02ejGlreXWjnqavgdnE1qIkkmdeNtui1762bHc9gYV0Rv67KpAek/s400/m_Lake+Griffin.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Lake Griffin with National Library in the background<br /></p><div align="left">The manmade lake essentially divides the city in half. On one side, Capital Hill, the site of Australia’s Parliament, is the focal building which is prominent from a number of viewpoints. Similarly, the Australian War Memorial which looks directly towards Capital Hill is the central structure on the other sid<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYqAPcTG8wiiqzMPGN-sj94XfI42bszY2WEvyA7ZmoJmR_w8zT4OsU1oh9irl4tIRjEDglzKhrvySAWbUF1pDxBb7v8pUG-4XKWn0lkc9v19kzbKC_oK-40nk73R1fCLsfW7Y5eKza_E/s1600/m_War+Memorial+1.jpg"></a>e of the lake. Scattered throughout the lake area are the nation’s social and cultural landmarks such as the national art gallery, library, and many museums. In some aspects, the design reminded us of Washington D.C.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOLE-pt-x5BcmY5ilFySpcj8TRzGsjYV00ccAOYNQdnB4etf8Obx47MSfmxdgc97MrrSJbIaifHuZBDbNSsrSrNy-Wq36toCuAacr4yFaEy7YjCjvnZVSHemUz7rmZqeAO9mQf9iNKuo/s1600/m_War+Memorial+5.jpg"></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuAF_IZ9PUTsE9TOQkVOGv5Z19idgbkdt4cV2l_oReoP5Xj8rnvY-S-3C-EH7L6LCtlDIOuIj22q2ClrbkOt5e9l1fNC32ydsw0naYpDkFptG7gVfll1YLAOBZutayUnf2cd9RsVgPEc/s1600/m_Parliament+Building+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545903972927126834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuAF_IZ9PUTsE9TOQkVOGv5Z19idgbkdt4cV2l_oReoP5Xj8rnvY-S-3C-EH7L6LCtlDIOuIj22q2ClrbkOt5e9l1fNC32ydsw0naYpDkFptG7gVfll1YLAOBZutayUnf2cd9RsVgPEc/s400/m_Parliament+Building+6.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Australia’s House of Parliament with Coat of Arms shown below<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhr78goLAFVTkpVhkK0zeA6sTpQ-0QNfT0vSjWew8qChWaSeGbFELg5GQJafjbdIGeWshut_0W0R71UBrdST2BsYY15wymu1F22UVxAK0FzFX0w-BnKgWHX7A0mm6X0940HvEOtvAgjU/s1600/m_Parliament+Building+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545903677162799730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhr78goLAFVTkpVhkK0zeA6sTpQ-0QNfT0vSjWew8qChWaSeGbFELg5GQJafjbdIGeWshut_0W0R71UBrdST2BsYY15wymu1F22UVxAK0FzFX0w-BnKgWHX7A0mm6X0940HvEOtvAgjU/s400/m_Parliament+Building+8.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDn5kfB-MhHz9eI2jtkYx8W25OIunfVgRXeXL4rdVt_FkuCL7amxdDRxb57uhY9CQLg6AFSuAzcQoJFuAbkoy3eYoYSBpgGP7LoVjB1auwgM5YeDBgtFoBhHZGk1LRsVz9ING6FfnoeWw/s1600/m_War+Memorial+10.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545903075384635058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDn5kfB-MhHz9eI2jtkYx8W25OIunfVgRXeXL4rdVt_FkuCL7amxdDRxb57uhY9CQLg6AFSuAzcQoJFuAbkoy3eYoYSBpgGP7LoVjB1auwgM5YeDBgtFoBhHZGk1LRsVz9ING6FfnoeWw/s400/m_War+Memorial+10.jpg" /></a><br />Vista of Parliament House from War Memorial. Note Man made Lake Griffin in foreground with “Old Parliament House” (the White Building in the middle of the picture). The new parliament building was built in 1988 as the old building was too small to house the present government. Old parliament is now a museum.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYqAPcTG8wiiqzMPGN-sj94XfI42bszY2WEvyA7ZmoJmR_w8zT4OsU1oh9irl4tIRjEDglzKhrvySAWbUF1pDxBb7v8pUG-4XKWn0lkc9v19kzbKC_oK-40nk73R1fCLsfW7Y5eKza_E/s1600/m_War+Memorial+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545902279685813122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYqAPcTG8wiiqzMPGN-sj94XfI42bszY2WEvyA7ZmoJmR_w8zT4OsU1oh9irl4tIRjEDglzKhrvySAWbUF1pDxBb7v8pUG-4XKWn0lkc9v19kzbKC_oK-40nk73R1fCLsfW7Y5eKza_E/s400/m_War+Memorial+1.jpg" /></a><br />Vista of War Memorial from Old Parliament House</div><div align="left"><br />Of course, no capital is complete without housing a bevy of embassies. We were quite flabbergasted as we stopped at the American Embassy to be politely told by security to “Move Along”. However, given everyone’s heighten awareness with respect to terrorist activities; we concluded that we should not have been that surprised.<br /><br />Our weekend was full of doing the usual tourist activities. Aside from the visits to sights such as parliament, the war memorial, and the art gallery, we still managed time to enjoy a few beverages at the local watering holes.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXavJn_eGxYY39KEoehOW2jSlEhuA1Q4Gdi0LTK3Gsgy5291KWm6S4YEjVGEFLhZPsc0RConGuKS3M99tnJ-7YytHGzxnK9u-CODgTJci24OwW7zjuQHwRrqW48CtfvlAIUL2K1akHHc/s1600/m_War+Memorial+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545901601834514178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXavJn_eGxYY39KEoehOW2jSlEhuA1Q4Gdi0LTK3Gsgy5291KWm6S4YEjVGEFLhZPsc0RConGuKS3M99tnJ-7YytHGzxnK9u-CODgTJci24OwW7zjuQHwRrqW48CtfvlAIUL2K1akHHc/s400/m_War+Memorial+4.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Monuments commemorating the Vietnam and Korean Wars- Part of the Boulevard enroute to the War Memorial</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOLE-pt-x5BcmY5ilFySpcj8TRzGsjYV00ccAOYNQdnB4etf8Obx47MSfmxdgc97MrrSJbIaifHuZBDbNSsrSrNy-Wq36toCuAacr4yFaEy7YjCjvnZVSHemUz7rmZqeAO9mQf9iNKuo/s1600/m_War+Memorial+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545901226122977650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOLE-pt-x5BcmY5ilFySpcj8TRzGsjYV00ccAOYNQdnB4etf8Obx47MSfmxdgc97MrrSJbIaifHuZBDbNSsrSrNy-Wq36toCuAacr4yFaEy7YjCjvnZVSHemUz7rmZqeAO9mQf9iNKuo/s400/m_War+Memorial+5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw2dQEaYInquqNvM2gxn4davG8k4l1JLZ1k5i_NYE7WUmfbsMRSkClY9BZ-Zj3bg9p4dMJHEFAa6cD8st0uFoRX_PWBYI79qJ67vVAZShcWFW9FG5p9XhmQiBjK_y9z4H2us5edxUSJU/s1600/m_War+Memorial+16.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545900858219252274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw2dQEaYInquqNvM2gxn4davG8k4l1JLZ1k5i_NYE7WUmfbsMRSkClY9BZ-Zj3bg9p4dMJHEFAa6cD8st0uFoRX_PWBYI79qJ67vVAZShcWFW9FG5p9XhmQiBjK_y9z4H2us5edxUSJU/s400/m_War+Memorial+16.jpg" /></a><br />Inside War Memorial - Wall commemorating all the soldiers who have died in combat. The red are individual poppies that have been placed along side fallen loved ones by family and friends.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqWztZq4pGGXpGa5VPRO6OszwSG2ttHjJ99lb3X6uAsxBWp7k4JbNOFTiEdVJrLHLcSIG8-ybWxLnafEIRhM9fUfnSTNmnZVuKXRGgcdQUfarleMswhn7ALNdL61JA0KYqWikYm7cRDM/s1600/m_Old+Parliament+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545899865333189522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqWztZq4pGGXpGa5VPRO6OszwSG2ttHjJ99lb3X6uAsxBWp7k4JbNOFTiEdVJrLHLcSIG8-ybWxLnafEIRhM9fUfnSTNmnZVuKXRGgcdQUfarleMswhn7ALNdL61JA0KYqWikYm7cRDM/s400/m_Old+Parliament+2.jpg" /></a><br />Old Parliament House – Now a museum<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgQKjzO56jnnUYVqeF37fo5Ae6vs6pRxSBTi8NWJgN8Azbi5fXRGWTnaATKbHfpjJ4WoWVWryr4rQMnvO-i2Q8Zs-FoPGtdd15Pek6LdYO9Al7EfCxwNIEfFYZWmY6xa4ENPknjVUszM/s1600/m_Old+Parliament+Senate+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545899433926418434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgQKjzO56jnnUYVqeF37fo5Ae6vs6pRxSBTi8NWJgN8Azbi5fXRGWTnaATKbHfpjJ4WoWVWryr4rQMnvO-i2Q8Zs-FoPGtdd15Pek6LdYO9Al7EfCxwNIEfFYZWmY6xa4ENPknjVUszM/s400/m_Old+Parliament+Senate+1.jpg" /></a><br />Old Parliament House – Sitting inside the Senate<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSdtmP0rDVhb8nA3pTYjcSfCk43P7HoBZEp0fwmNsL5FSlVaZlSCWFjFdpFJtxlmOT6bq1U3EdgmqmioA2Gtno_Qp2Sgmd-Xw1O5InKGc0GPwUwe9pgsy3sGEd9NVH_vtrfUYH3PZvN8/s1600/m_National+Art+Gallery+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545899051122574770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSdtmP0rDVhb8nA3pTYjcSfCk43P7HoBZEp0fwmNsL5FSlVaZlSCWFjFdpFJtxlmOT6bq1U3EdgmqmioA2Gtno_Qp2Sgmd-Xw1O5InKGc0GPwUwe9pgsy3sGEd9NVH_vtrfUYH3PZvN8/s400/m_National+Art+Gallery+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />National Art Gallery – Notice the nice collection of pears! </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl1UNdZMcRfqQ_sQ2772MTp_LPv7PnmT_nDhB1EXpZmjTeslSqc50pYl_HeeTm9GSv9fS0DNJb19ozuyLGrDLxIAEE0hRpYMWT6P3x-EbbFmiR9TCULUvihSJOKwg9L03VmVrhI8zCos/s1600/m_National+Art+Gallery+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545898765150100114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl1UNdZMcRfqQ_sQ2772MTp_LPv7PnmT_nDhB1EXpZmjTeslSqc50pYl_HeeTm9GSv9fS0DNJb19ozuyLGrDLxIAEE0hRpYMWT6P3x-EbbFmiR9TCULUvihSJOKwg9L03VmVrhI8zCos/s400/m_National+Art+Gallery+3.jpg" /></a></div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-58347647773981684292010-11-11T17:57:00.000-08:002010-11-11T18:45:51.399-08:00Thanksgiving in AustraliaOn October 16th we promised our Australian friends that we would host a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner. Our Aussie friends had indicated to us that they were very excited about having a Thanksgiving Dinner since they had only witnessed this special event in American movies. Sadly, they do not celebrate the thankful time of harvest. They have told us that they felt that it was a very good idea; especially in Kadina, which is a farming community. So for many, this Thanksgiving would be their first! We recognize that October 11th was officially Thanksgiving Day in Canada. However, because we had just arrived back from our holiday to Malaysia on October 10th, we elected to postpone our Thanksgiving Dinner until the next weekend. What started out as a dinner party for five people quickly expanded into a festive party of more than twenty! We also figured that it wouldn’t matter much whether we had Thanksgiving on the 11th or the 16th considering that this was our Aussie friends' inaugural dinner.<br /><br />Prior to getting started we wanted the dinner to be as traditional as possible. This meant that the dinner had to be “Sit Down Style” rather than “Buffet Style”. As you can imagine, with only one oven to cook the turkey, we had a number of logistical problems to overcome. How would we cook all the vegetables? How would we be able to serve the food piping hot to the table? Where would we get the tables and chairs to seat everyone? Where would we find the room to seat everyone? Where would we get the cranberries to make the sauce? Finally and most importantly, where would we get the turkey, let alone find a bird big enough for twenty people?<br /><br />Well not to worry….when there’s a will, there’s a way. Everyone pitched in, showed how resourceful they could be and as a result, all problems were solved and a good time was had by all. There was an abundance of food, as well as plenty of mirth and merriment. Wait, we are getting ahead of ourselves, so we’ll digress a bit and start at the beginning.<br /><br />Our planning started in August with Rick busy in the kitchen making fourteen dozen perogies and heaps of cabbage rolls. Heaps is an Australian expression meaning LOTS! For example when dining with a number of Aussies, it is not unusual for someone who has enjoyed his meal, to remark that, “The food was heaps yum!” In addition to not having experienced Thanksgiving Dinner, our Australian friends had also never experienced either one of these Ukrainian dishes. Therefore, we felt it necessary that we make heaps of them and make sure that they be included on the menu. Desi, the butcher, offered to store these tasty savouries in his freezer until Thanksgiving, but advised that a storage fee was in order. To waive a rental fee, the sly and crafty Desi stipulated that he and his wife, Anne, be treated to some Ukrainian mouth-watering delectables prior to Thanksgiving. We felt that this was a good trade and it also solved our storage problem!<br /><br />When Desi and Anne showed up for their promised dinner, we were completely astonished as Anne had made a pumpkin pie! We were surprised to learn that most Australians had never had pumpkin pie for dessert, and of course in Canada, pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving Dinner staple. In Australia, pumpkin is considered to be a vegetable that is served with the meal. So you can imagine our astonishment when Anne arrived with pumpkin pie! We had been wondering how we were going to make pumpkin pie as there are so many different varieties to choose from, and you cannot find one can of pumpkin pie filling on any of the grocery store shelves. Anne, bless her heart and in true Thanksgiving spirit, had gone onto the Internet to learn how to make a pumpkin pie. When she arrived for dinner with pumpkin pie in hand, she asked us if this is what the pie should look like and more importantly, did it taste like pumpkin pie? We didn’t hesitate and dove into our “trial” dessert before serving our Ukrainian dinner of perogies and cabbage rolls. The pumpkin pie was a10 out of 10. Another problem had been solved!<br /><br />When it came to sorting out the cooking and dining logistics, everyone came to the rescue. We witnessed Aussie resourcefulness at its best! Desi really wanted to deep fry the turkey even though he had never done one before, let alone have a deep fryer big enough to house a bird to feed a hungry mob of twenty. So he built one out of an old beer keg! Desi, as well as Scott and Leon made sure that we had chairs and tables to seat everyone; a refrigerated storage truck to keep the victuals from going off, two portable ovens and barbeques to cook the feast, and finally a bain marie to ensure that the food would be served all at once and most importantly, hot. Jane made two absolutely gorgeous native flower arrangements as table centers. Doug and Dawn opened their home to host the meal and provided everyone with googled information on the tradition of Thanksgiving. Leon, Alli, Jill, Dawn and Desi went full tilt helping to prepare the food. The list of helpers just goes on and on. All our problems were delightfully solved with the exception of one. We could not keep Scott from stealing and sampling the sausage that accompanied the perogies. By the time dinner was being served, we discovered that there was a noticeable absence of sausage! It was Desi’s first attempt at making kobassa. We understand that it was wholeheartedly enjoyed by those who were fortunate enough to find some hidden in the pile of perogies.<br /><br />A sizeable serving of appetizers, appreciatively and deliciously made by Leon and Desi, kept our guests at bay while the turkey was being cooked. Spring Rolls, Samosas, Raw Oysters and Oysters Kilpatrick were delightfully devoured by all. For the main course, a beautiful ham was also baked to compliment the mouth-watering turkey. In addition to the perogies and cabbage rolls, the usual accoutrements of mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and gravy were also served. Our guest’s were most captivated by Rick’s mother’s dish of sweet potatoes served up with marshmallows.<br /><br />For dessert, our guests had a choice of Blueberry Cake, Banana Bread, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie and/or Quandong Pie. Quandongs are a truly unique native Australian fruit found in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. It is used in making jams, chutneys and pies. Coffee laced with Kahlua and Baileys rounded out the evening.<br /><br />For us, the highlight of the dinner was the moment when everyone had their moment to give Thanks. Prior to coming to dinner, we had informed our guests that in true Thanksgiving spirit, they should be prepared to speak on why they were thankful. We had explained that this was a tradition in our family that usually took place after the main course, but before dessert. The Aussie’s embraced this custom and they were “AWESOME”! It was a true Thanksgiving moment as heartfelt moments were shared amongst friends accompanied with the usual jibes of jocularity that are usually bantered back and forth when good friends get together.<br /><br />It was a very special Thanksgiving and one that we will never forget!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLH8oa5mfwO0r8EA8AR72gSp4OC9uHPUtpfCw6-5b4Vx6zFy1rIeTdaUmPHpocyJbcaeuRdJkSNizPNDCTwfQpsmof-zkDiUPojSUrI1WRKfJ6-0Eia9aLGsWvVeXmKX9TVDoyPk5b4X0/s1600/m_Pumpkin+Pie+Trial+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538482655864840562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLH8oa5mfwO0r8EA8AR72gSp4OC9uHPUtpfCw6-5b4Vx6zFy1rIeTdaUmPHpocyJbcaeuRdJkSNizPNDCTwfQpsmof-zkDiUPojSUrI1WRKfJ6-0Eia9aLGsWvVeXmKX9TVDoyPk5b4X0/s400/m_Pumpkin+Pie+Trial+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Leon and Anne enjoying the “Test” pumpkin pie </div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46nnJItVhQemmwz0481PREZqawnFvA6H0uOfV22vYsTbnTWNDuuYhihdZcpClUS5Ona-Cl2Ry3wBCRKYYY8dEoRIa1HUN9pEGHE1XNI0COHgbX8vKN-IKwpPAy4Bg7dKt8LZlxdV1mQM/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+23.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538482217499648082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46nnJItVhQemmwz0481PREZqawnFvA6H0uOfV22vYsTbnTWNDuuYhihdZcpClUS5Ona-Cl2Ry3wBCRKYYY8dEoRIa1HUN9pEGHE1XNI0COHgbX8vKN-IKwpPAy4Bg7dKt8LZlxdV1mQM/s400/m_Thanksgiving+23.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Leon playing in the kitchen – equipped with ovens, BBQ, bain marie, and coolers </div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1e8a_nDACfljovIfaWPHZC-494vmPmQrFfuVRgWPYL5aG9ZXF8CebJTbVw8kPru9AbllPG8oka8TjBK2_gozb-hCq-Y-ITJgyMIIfcBCoxDmMgTzIwp3X6KV1YBNQNiSx2ryWkeGuQo/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538481772068597090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1e8a_nDACfljovIfaWPHZC-494vmPmQrFfuVRgWPYL5aG9ZXF8CebJTbVw8kPru9AbllPG8oka8TjBK2_gozb-hCq-Y-ITJgyMIIfcBCoxDmMgTzIwp3X6KV1YBNQNiSx2ryWkeGuQo/s400/m_Thanksgiving+8.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Our self-contained fridge </div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybpuI6BdwnOmwTDbYPz-ABpM5aQeb8JhuUTLC8uBdTrUWYdslNHBVxP5SDGIIUi101r0xxGsCl1-8cMXceusvcMbanNvdhSt7ttp4UYt3Ko-mYARGMD_VWqzqH3lqLSj2pi1ZGOjLifU/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538481391604569442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybpuI6BdwnOmwTDbYPz-ABpM5aQeb8JhuUTLC8uBdTrUWYdslNHBVxP5SDGIIUi101r0xxGsCl1-8cMXceusvcMbanNvdhSt7ttp4UYt3Ko-mYARGMD_VWqzqH3lqLSj2pi1ZGOjLifU/s400/m_Thanksgiving+11.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Jane’s beautiful native Australian flower arrangements </div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0Q7R15YrmNKOPaceXL7Sir0lnREGfQohuSljHarnl15rdgcRECdKZ-z5o4PS3EropGE1O956I9vePrSU4fdgX0yK2RHB6_LgEL7ZMbFR8DDjN4nXHCoaVBaOX728XiTDVDwhZlI7XSI/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+16.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538480960474804242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0Q7R15YrmNKOPaceXL7Sir0lnREGfQohuSljHarnl15rdgcRECdKZ-z5o4PS3EropGE1O956I9vePrSU4fdgX0yK2RHB6_LgEL7ZMbFR8DDjN4nXHCoaVBaOX728XiTDVDwhZlI7XSI/s400/m_Thanksgiving+16.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Jill and Cheryl sharing a moment dressed in Canadian red </div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnSt3Z-mi5Ktqz27aPHzReZRYhYBOjw2QFqMEiv2w3pY4mCwFJe8vsn5uVKSd_Ki6bLNRjIyfGHL_C_9TjnqTwdNz68taZD_Z0xh1A-vTQutaeTpbD0B1L1n-7dqJlb-7BP3FIg946R0/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+19.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538480545602069442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnSt3Z-mi5Ktqz27aPHzReZRYhYBOjw2QFqMEiv2w3pY4mCwFJe8vsn5uVKSd_Ki6bLNRjIyfGHL_C_9TjnqTwdNz68taZD_Z0xh1A-vTQutaeTpbD0B1L1n-7dqJlb-7BP3FIg946R0/s400/m_Thanksgiving+19.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">The moment before the cooking of the bird! </div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS1NNcVq5M40sN-ux6yBpz24wvhQx7JBkaGA_IS2HuAIi4WKfxw6aeJyZBxD7VtmliDLiQNJ5ugUWkZNmKJo7Q-V8uW7kQIFAzrh-RxTdJI4xVSrprmAXmY8EJi65gNzdVX6nsINLyHs/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+17.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538479907808763538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS1NNcVq5M40sN-ux6yBpz24wvhQx7JBkaGA_IS2HuAIi4WKfxw6aeJyZBxD7VtmliDLiQNJ5ugUWkZNmKJo7Q-V8uW7kQIFAzrh-RxTdJI4xVSrprmAXmY8EJi65gNzdVX6nsINLyHs/s400/m_Thanksgiving+17.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzZlzXbwf7ik59VGG90b0vMSSKGtbV5JWphLhtwPWgIAqdBm_Fz6qmzgHzS1ileTrpO1MwlRnH9Ht5iE_urrYyMNCCgN4QqbqYad7FJKvUNXBoUv8J0BEayLIl1FIBy4NbckmZDSIakI/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+25.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538479546158241826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzZlzXbwf7ik59VGG90b0vMSSKGtbV5JWphLhtwPWgIAqdBm_Fz6qmzgHzS1ileTrpO1MwlRnH9Ht5iE_urrYyMNCCgN4QqbqYad7FJKvUNXBoUv8J0BEayLIl1FIBy4NbckmZDSIakI/s400/m_Thanksgiving+25.jpg" /></a><br />Into the deep fryer </p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DQ_IbrEoJenbEFlVntUxSpRf_xL5P_3wkDsddRB7lO5bqb9GmnYizK8zhKW17-TI6Ot2DIrst7BnBg6xq8Ukio_e1eOUDEYid92lrzc9fW56LNP8ttMOO8-jkq5_ktIJ125uIB0uU0E/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+36.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538479142900419282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DQ_IbrEoJenbEFlVntUxSpRf_xL5P_3wkDsddRB7lO5bqb9GmnYizK8zhKW17-TI6Ot2DIrst7BnBg6xq8Ukio_e1eOUDEYid92lrzc9fW56LNP8ttMOO8-jkq5_ktIJ125uIB0uU0E/s400/m_Thanksgiving+36.jpg" /></a><br />The end product – Heaps Yum! </p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLBfoU0Seh_s24jYWaRDhrvf7rsXNvuojJus4fo00cKFabAlmSRBPt-YLnTlgjlLg4XfnCrAhGFsc2IGwSltNpkBcVDF8RnxAPY7TNRZ6MugOdIiBRZFuuON-gy4FxYwAd2ptHraAb3g/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+33.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538478652278602130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLBfoU0Seh_s24jYWaRDhrvf7rsXNvuojJus4fo00cKFabAlmSRBPt-YLnTlgjlLg4XfnCrAhGFsc2IGwSltNpkBcVDF8RnxAPY7TNRZ6MugOdIiBRZFuuON-gy4FxYwAd2ptHraAb3g/s400/m_Thanksgiving+33.jpg" /></a><br />Did we forget to mention the Yorkshire Pudding?</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP771qnO-yowvp0LoTucvHCQy2cmO_ohAQyzDZw0vsehnZehwiUjmLx_4b6jZ0vkqjG06gabNINhCm5kBPkHt_qzbIYbdMUJtDh2WSbEVRtTVE4tr19n7tw3RM1LdeVmzCNdNwXlQVbpY/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538478235661324098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP771qnO-yowvp0LoTucvHCQy2cmO_ohAQyzDZw0vsehnZehwiUjmLx_4b6jZ0vkqjG06gabNINhCm5kBPkHt_qzbIYbdMUJtDh2WSbEVRtTVE4tr19n7tw3RM1LdeVmzCNdNwXlQVbpY/s400/m_Thanksgiving+2.jpg" /></a><br />Where are the people?</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH8A1_RnAzhxEA7JLi60LeezDxPBiAbxF5GmoO_h9os9N694nfqRMccH3jJ821iKEGSjLIrd6vwShshyazEDzmugctYxaqFoILnhW6Now8OX-K1_acuI6a1eq_ToEX-PeW8zgiK_3DYY/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+38.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538477818589140578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH8A1_RnAzhxEA7JLi60LeezDxPBiAbxF5GmoO_h9os9N694nfqRMccH3jJ821iKEGSjLIrd6vwShshyazEDzmugctYxaqFoILnhW6Now8OX-K1_acuI6a1eq_ToEX-PeW8zgiK_3DYY/s400/m_Thanksgiving+38.jpg" /></a><br />They showed up at chow time </p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7IYR6REnuahpAuNkCN9rKblTJciEcxjxQeKt6f5rV5fKhoGSFgrcFQGatCbM4DC_qyk2VBnEgX3pSOXLUgzfgVfomw-SHieg34_rCWvaX5ttYsx_V26tDT1VYICMLeAVLLYejUyB5Po/s1600/m_Thanksgiving+39.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538477536152483298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7IYR6REnuahpAuNkCN9rKblTJciEcxjxQeKt6f5rV5fKhoGSFgrcFQGatCbM4DC_qyk2VBnEgX3pSOXLUgzfgVfomw-SHieg34_rCWvaX5ttYsx_V26tDT1VYICMLeAVLLYejUyB5Po/s400/m_Thanksgiving+39.jpg" /></a><br />Scott and Ali enjoying a Thanksgiving moment</p>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-44916926782059281272010-11-01T18:02:00.000-07:002010-11-02T19:00:16.718-07:00Apa Khabar from Malaysia<p>September 25th was the last day of the third term of school, with the fourth and final term of school scheduled to commence October 11. Our much anticipated leisure time was spent holidaying in Malaysia with three other couples. Two of Gail’s teaching colleagues in Kadina - Dawn and Jane - as well as their respective husbands - Doug and Andrew - accompanied us on a most delightful trip. Rounding out the foursome and adding to the mirth and merriment was another Canadian couple, Gay and Greig, who reside in Cold Lake. Gay and Greig are currently on teacher exchange in Keith, South Australia, which is approximately a four and one half hour drive from Kadina. We have gotten to know Gay and Greig during our time in Australia; have enjoyed each others company and know that we will be seeing more of each other once we return to Canada.<br /><br />It has been our experience that when a group of friends travel together there are plenty of experiences that are shared, and you can be guaranteed that someone will have a story to tell. For example as an illustration, while we were in Langkawi, Doug unfortunately came up with a case of “Montezuma’s Revenge” or as it is referred to in Australia as “Bombay Bum” or “Bali Belly”. Doug was enjoying himself poolside when nature’s urge beckoned him to hurry. With head down, he sped off via the patio entrance to his room with only seconds to spare. After Doug was able to pause and focus, he discovered that he had made a bee line to his neighbour’s room rather than his own. Needless to say there was plenty of teasing and chuckling once everyone discovered what Doug had done.<br /><br />Malaysia is a beautiful tropical country only a few degrees north of the Equator. It was our first visit in a Muslim country. We found the experience to be both fascinating and eye-opening. Certain facets of the holiday were helpful in breaking down some of our western prejudicial intolerant biases; while other aspects confirmed what many of us already know in that the truth generally lies below a shallow surficial façade. In other words, what you see is not always what you get. We find it difficult to explain and recognize that perhaps our impressions may be skewed as we only spent a couple of weeks in Malaysia. Nevertheless, a few of our observations are provided below which serve to provide the rationale for our feelings: </p><ul><li>On the way into Kuala Lumpar from the airport, our driver was most pleased to tell us that Malaysia, with a population of approximately 28 million people, is a multi-racial and multi-religious country. It is a blend of a variety of cultures. Approximately 50% of the population is Malay, who are considered to be Muslim under the Malaysian constitution. They practice Islam. Roughly another 25% of the people are of Chinese origin with the majority being Buddhists; although Confucianism and Taoism are also practiced. South Asians comprise the next largest sector of the population and practise Hi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUU-WHHiZIcbgHoMAfcrjpQkANJkj0GmOLroALflBxjUSwEvP6ww2eFz_sZ9iBRW0zNHmhn7qV9vKq05oEOKkoYnEZ_nDkcoM7l2bhxhdWZFP3EHE14XhQHggGkvbgVFiZrxEldzVZ6o/s1600/m_KL+China+Town+8.jpg"></a>ndu. Around 9% of the population base is Christian.<br /><br />The taxi driver’s comments initially left us with an opinion that there is a multi-cultural harmony amongst the people. However our observations concluded quite the opposite. During our travels we saw little evidence of any holy buildings with the exception of Islamic temples. It was strange, yet fascinating and mesmerizing to hear the temple’s loud speakers calling out at various times of the day to remind people of prayer time. Given the diverse origins of the population, we were also surprised to discover that approximately 95% of government positions are held by Muslims. In addition, we were advised that most stores require their female clerks to wear a hijab so that Muslims would be comfortable frequenting their shops.<br /><br /></li><li>We noticed a number of young ladies in full black dress wearing burqas. We were curious as to why we never saw a middle age or elderly lady<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqUxbAe5-uMWolL7NUG2IwR94Khyphenhyphen0Yenv9LWcHrohyphenhyphenEjwWaGzrH6RrbWzIxLomnB_rfSqmrPNezgZ1PjolqnPlDvrya9lHtAMgxOyB66vfcMOU_ERZlB9TnwSZn_HcLA406B1e19bM-M/s1600/m_Langkawi+78.jpg"></a> wearing a burqa. When asked, we were told that the young ladies were predominantly from Saudi Arabia and were either on holidays or on a honeymoon with their husbands. No explanation was provided to us as to why people practicing Islam from Saudi Arab wore burqas, whereas those people from Malaysia practicing Islam did not. One shop keeper of South Asian origin, who was quite outspoken, went so far as to tell us that he felt most Muslims were hypocrites who did not follow their own beliefs.<br /><br /></li><li>One of the strangest moments of the holiday took place on a very hot and muggy sunny day pool side at our hotel. The father of a Muslim family from Saudi Arabia was enjoying himself swimming while his wife, fully covered with a burqa, and their two young daughters sat poolside. The mother watched her husband frolic and splash in the water; while their toddler children, upset and crying, could not comprehend why they couldn’t swim in the pool with their father. To make matters only worst, the children noticed other kids of equal age playfully swimming and enjoying the holiday moment with their parents. As we watched the performance unfold, we did not and still cannot understand the father’s and mother’s rationale for allowing this kind of behaviour. </li></ul><p>In summary we left Malaysia knowing that travel is a good education that makes one mindful that one should be receptive to and aware of other cultures and customs. One needs to understand the rationale for the cultural or religious behaviour before becoming critical of same. Perhaps much of our western society is too quick to make judgement and try to instil their own set of values on other cultures. As one person aptly told us, travel makes you learn to appreciate the good things that you have at home. Enough arm-chair philosophy!<br /><br />Our trip started in Kuala Lumpur, or “KL” as it is commonly called in the Land Down Under. KL is home to the Petronas Towers, once the tallest building in the world. It is now surpassed by a few other structures including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is now the tallest. While in KL, we spent four jam-packed days traveling many miles either by foot, subway, monorail or taxi visiting China Town, Little India, or other shopping meccas within the Golden Triangle. Sometime in between it all, we managed to visit an elephant sanctuary as well as a Hindu Temple at the Batu Caves. We also had to take a brief daily rest stop from the heat and humidity as we waited out the torrential rainfall that everyone associates with tropical countries. Experiencing it is exhilarating! Don’t even think about trying to stay dry if you are caught in the deluge. No question we would go back to KL in a heart beat. Interestingly, its airport is a hub center for many destinations within Asia…so who knows, perhaps future travels may take us there again.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAz8z1LjVB9T163xyfnl9xb-CFe-gVKVeg3RyrcFCZ5SJnk8laciP58tZp33MamMw0Q6UHNps3Y9cobw2LdzkuMa1j7Qpx1nC4Q-KVEonvggRrCtUM8_iTfxUy3fJWjMpzbf12WoUnr4/s1600/m_KL+Petronas+Tower+11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534758497939823922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAz8z1LjVB9T163xyfnl9xb-CFe-gVKVeg3RyrcFCZ5SJnk8laciP58tZp33MamMw0Q6UHNps3Y9cobw2LdzkuMa1j7Qpx1nC4Q-KVEonvggRrCtUM8_iTfxUy3fJWjMpzbf12WoUnr4/s400/m_KL+Petronas+Tower+11.jpg" /></a><br />Day and Night Photos of the Petronas Tower<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhDYCqHbDzbAW3rdM5olFr08KH877cZ7rVw_dDPZ2y3Q0qwBrItbOzqfj83Yb3PjJTntGGJQqp8Fchc6kz9EeFP3rvM_-oe5atgZRSX_4bKL-Rli3jQVoOHG6V8V8HUJ1biue4Aobh2A/s1600/m_KL+Petronas+Tower+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534757713406864946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhDYCqHbDzbAW3rdM5olFr08KH877cZ7rVw_dDPZ2y3Q0qwBrItbOzqfj83Yb3PjJTntGGJQqp8Fchc6kz9EeFP3rvM_-oe5atgZRSX_4bKL-Rli3jQVoOHG6V8V8HUJ1biue4Aobh2A/s400/m_KL+Petronas+Tower+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxQObSQINZJvv-sILrWfnyf3oSdwigwcTQCOanfzpJL5BHf2ZR1Dt51KED7PnQx4qba19tdriLEzjtD9ovjuApASScdoNXBN9ygZRgLTGVwAq6pvelw7PR0l6MVoqZjfV15M3FsIU0w0/s1600/m_KL+Elephant+Sanctuary+15.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534757256354319778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxQObSQINZJvv-sILrWfnyf3oSdwigwcTQCOanfzpJL5BHf2ZR1Dt51KED7PnQx4qba19tdriLEzjtD9ovjuApASScdoNXBN9ygZRgLTGVwAq6pvelw7PR0l6MVoqZjfV15M3FsIU0w0/s400/m_KL+Elephant+Sanctuary+15.jpg" /></a><br />Day at the Elephant Sanctuary<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0y9IsBW2lG3cWNoILIYQ27gbhZzu0DPKTJ5uxRFs656lvRhM3lr8ZvuwVGrpvJfH_VUwRYx7sfjPysVDVHBjkBDTOA4_cTUJCjVC27mXWw_Kf1z8Ge1ZVdTS1KPF7RCjbyAE7H5bIQk/s1600/m_KL+Batu+Caves+Hindu+Temple+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534756895171706066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0y9IsBW2lG3cWNoILIYQ27gbhZzu0DPKTJ5uxRFs656lvRhM3lr8ZvuwVGrpvJfH_VUwRYx7sfjPysVDVHBjkBDTOA4_cTUJCjVC27mXWw_Kf1z8Ge1ZVdTS1KPF7RCjbyAE7H5bIQk/s400/m_KL+Batu+Caves+Hindu+Temple+4.jpg" /></a><br />Doug and Dawn at the Batu Caves<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIz6IWp37CQmu-bnuldsYz_F20ZsWHa6f5aOLklQeTATYxqS0sbWBH_PDaviS-ezsMC8VvU-Ok39oyLwPnBVrNS0JF2GtMYGcPka9oXqbz7ansRmI6LMuOqc8pc0ZbDPWG9JddB2hOko/s1600/m_KL+Batu+Caves+Hindu+Temple+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534756326523136162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIz6IWp37CQmu-bnuldsYz_F20ZsWHa6f5aOLklQeTATYxqS0sbWBH_PDaviS-ezsMC8VvU-Ok39oyLwPnBVrNS0JF2GtMYGcPka9oXqbz7ansRmI6LMuOqc8pc0ZbDPWG9JddB2hOko/s400/m_KL+Batu+Caves+Hindu+Temple+8.jpg" /></a><br />Notice the Monkeys (not Rick!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL-PHCfUHpntzXjH8qikiIx7CHqndHItJGiwZOtnH6fewFMEEH8RlJE0tmXdkak0JmvaidIAPMK_cfMFPbpVUo3iu_hPNK2Z4wQ5yXiTt277hftBU_BuYcB0flyyTRWnAJX8hkb3J6BU/s1600/m_KL+Batu+Caves+Hindu+Temple+9.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534755860706184722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL-PHCfUHpntzXjH8qikiIx7CHqndHItJGiwZOtnH6fewFMEEH8RlJE0tmXdkak0JmvaidIAPMK_cfMFPbpVUo3iu_hPNK2Z4wQ5yXiTt277hftBU_BuYcB0flyyTRWnAJX8hkb3J6BU/s400/m_KL+Batu+Caves+Hindu+Temple+9.jpg" /></a><br />The Monkeys are cheeky like our squirrels and chipmunks<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUU-WHHiZIcbgHoMAfcrjpQkANJkj0GmOLroALflBxjUSwEvP6ww2eFz_sZ9iBRW0zNHmhn7qV9vKq05oEOKkoYnEZ_nDkcoM7l2bhxhdWZFP3EHE14XhQHggGkvbgVFiZrxEldzVZ6o/s1600/m_KL+China+Town+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534755428450360722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUU-WHHiZIcbgHoMAfcrjpQkANJkj0GmOLroALflBxjUSwEvP6ww2eFz_sZ9iBRW0zNHmhn7qV9vKq05oEOKkoYnEZ_nDkcoM7l2bhxhdWZFP3EHE14XhQHggGkvbgVFiZrxEldzVZ6o/s400/m_KL+China+Town+8.jpg" /></a><br />Everyone stops while its raining </p><p align="left">After our stay in KL we said our good-byes to Andrew and Jane. Andrew and Jane had planned to spend the rest of their vacation time in Penang while the rest of us had made arrangement to rest and relax on the island of Langkawi. Langkawi is Malaysia’s answer to Bali. It is very much one of the resort destination areas for amongst others, Australian visitors. While on the island, we certainly did rest and relax. Our biggest concern was wondering where we were going to eat that night or where did we want to go shopping since the island is a “Duty Free” shopping area. The meals were excellent. We filled our bellies with Singapore noodles, curried chicken, beef rendang and other local delights. Walking the night market and browsing at the food stalls was divine! We also did the usual tourist excursions such as taking a boat to island hop, or ride the gondola up the mountain for a breath taking view of the island. In summary, the holiday was a 10 out 10. </p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39iXRpbE2xPR7ttuSKT6go5_qa6TnRuGbK9MR1WKfGDhoNHBrXBrKxlaIjRsW4Dq8ENyQTfxT0YBRxnBk4xzwNP7v_95vqRdiECBetvQXT7mq4R9MYK-fzJQiYo4H4FyJ2sw8sd0RjCw/s1600/m_Langkawi+53.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534754943795970242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39iXRpbE2xPR7ttuSKT6go5_qa6TnRuGbK9MR1WKfGDhoNHBrXBrKxlaIjRsW4Dq8ENyQTfxT0YBRxnBk4xzwNP7v_95vqRdiECBetvQXT7mq4R9MYK-fzJQiYo4H4FyJ2sw8sd0RjCw/s400/m_Langkawi+53.jpg" /></a><br />Island Hopping at Langkawi<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvDw_9vMLVdpBA-PU-D2aSp8CC3l4_Rx9sYBoA83NW7kd08FJGNfql83RIJmKSiHKEqq2Zy5pl8_pi33enVIVRpiYVFidnjlA3BURqSoDgR5ErTPvOiWAXJt9UtJ6pyHgoBwKgczxiPs/s1600/m_Langkawi+30.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534754466812644450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvDw_9vMLVdpBA-PU-D2aSp8CC3l4_Rx9sYBoA83NW7kd08FJGNfql83RIJmKSiHKEqq2Zy5pl8_pi33enVIVRpiYVFidnjlA3BURqSoDgR5ErTPvOiWAXJt9UtJ6pyHgoBwKgczxiPs/s400/m_Langkawi+30.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddSl1rN4gso_ZpoGVmltwJc_RIHL4JeAnPVL_ynmvXcGIooz6S6NIkCA05EmWMGohYvrVaMzzWB5fGzyJVYsfFh9gMHlv07QMKDogmE4SxXdTuUDpUqaGBJP61oJkF8j0tNp4EZeidjY/s1600/m_Langkawi+69.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534753982730244466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddSl1rN4gso_ZpoGVmltwJc_RIHL4JeAnPVL_ynmvXcGIooz6S6NIkCA05EmWMGohYvrVaMzzWB5fGzyJVYsfFh9gMHlv07QMKDogmE4SxXdTuUDpUqaGBJP61oJkF8j0tNp4EZeidjY/s400/m_Langkawi+69.jpg" /></a><br />Cooking up a storm at the night market<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijydUXGYQLvcIUSM90tHsIrAnQDxYoaTOx0Rm6YbbKBAwFNA56VCgC_9menjbTkLGCcBJHP8mFvGgxbibinwli_b8zz_fK7oip-oIzEh74387Xfk7dJb_OBcOUWuL-fX_4AqO3eVzUhtA/s1600/m_Langkawi+71.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534753700104461426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijydUXGYQLvcIUSM90tHsIrAnQDxYoaTOx0Rm6YbbKBAwFNA56VCgC_9menjbTkLGCcBJHP8mFvGgxbibinwli_b8zz_fK7oip-oIzEh74387Xfk7dJb_OBcOUWuL-fX_4AqO3eVzUhtA/s400/m_Langkawi+71.jpg" /></a><br />Satay Anyone?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJABCP1cgvs5kSsyz-ddpOpbEW6GUykjD2nuvh5Ccg7yftNuF23_M97dxoxvof1KS-rgblXl0Kyz-xtAwuTOIcW7zDGPuZLExChVvWhKMyvrFrZjFQFNn7geW5_ejWCoHQETWLa8S2vXk/s1600/m_Langkawi+73.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534752833571938050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJABCP1cgvs5kSsyz-ddpOpbEW6GUykjD2nuvh5Ccg7yftNuF23_M97dxoxvof1KS-rgblXl0Kyz-xtAwuTOIcW7zDGPuZLExChVvWhKMyvrFrZjFQFNn7geW5_ejWCoHQETWLa8S2vXk/s400/m_Langkawi+73.jpg" /></a><br />Sweets Anyone?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqUxbAe5-uMWolL7NUG2IwR94Khyphenhyphen0Yenv9LWcHrohyphenhyphenEjwWaGzrH6RrbWzIxLomnB_rfSqmrPNezgZ1PjolqnPlDvrya9lHtAMgxOyB66vfcMOU_ERZlB9TnwSZn_HcLA406B1e19bM-M/s1600/m_Langkawi+78.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534752358523766082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqUxbAe5-uMWolL7NUG2IwR94Khyphenhyphen0Yenv9LWcHrohyphenhyphenEjwWaGzrH6RrbWzIxLomnB_rfSqmrPNezgZ1PjolqnPlDvrya9lHtAMgxOyB66vfcMOU_ERZlB9TnwSZn_HcLA406B1e19bM-M/s400/m_Langkawi+78.jpg" /></a><br />How about fruits and vegetables?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1nVR2EFEE0DkTKt2NM8s4kYWRNpdsPViMWC6VFCTJRjw9QUKqMykyZiz5S4kLBXkkT04pZjdwYBcGNrJL4XPM1ScaVbAxuh5T8n9WA_L_4l7YGuiGBr0u-4OgGEzR6H8SPc_xzLykew/s1600/m_Langkawi+85.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534752104845541986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1nVR2EFEE0DkTKt2NM8s4kYWRNpdsPViMWC6VFCTJRjw9QUKqMykyZiz5S4kLBXkkT04pZjdwYBcGNrJL4XPM1ScaVbAxuh5T8n9WA_L_4l7YGuiGBr0u-4OgGEzR6H8SPc_xzLykew/s400/m_Langkawi+85.jpg" /></a><br />OK – maybe some seafood? </p>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-73492895256208866652010-10-12T22:33:00.000-07:002010-11-01T18:47:20.461-07:00Fishing, Golfing and Other Miscellaneous Activities<div align="left">We have been counting our time in Australia by weeks because that’s the way they do it here. We presently have approximately 10 weeks left until we return to Canada and have entered panic mode as there are still so many things left to do and see! One of our objectives while on this exchange program was to see as much of the country as possible and be open to new adventures and experiences that may come our way. Interestingly, as a result, we have only been in Kadina a handful of weekends throughout the year. Presently, all of our weekends until the end of November are already booked with activities. Our goal was to look at each other at the end of the year and say, “No regrets with respect to what we’ve seen and done!”<br /><br />What have we been doing with our spare time you ask? Between planning our next holiday vacation to Malaysia, we have enjoyed a number of weekends golfing, fishing and general site seeing and touring in South Australia. For example, we spent one weekend bicycling in the Clare Valley which is approximately a one hour drive from our home away from home. In our view, cycling in the Clare Valley must be similar (or better?) to biking in Italy’s Tuscany region or the Bordeaux in France. The Clare Regional Tourist Board has transformed an old railway bed in the valley into a biking trail that just happens to conveniently intersect a number of vineyards and wine cellars. Say no more as you can imagine the number of holiday seekers pleasantly cycling a graded rail bed without any traffic worries. On a beautiful spring day, what better way to pass the time than by getting plenty of exercise while at the same time stopping for a needed rest and letting your palate savour that magic elixir referred to as the “Nectar of the Gods”. The Clare Valley Rieslings are world renown but you won’t be disappointed with a red either.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmAB6SkTHC89y2N42wi-b_SjvYrFWNHmDXRpDNpUqdXd_HiEESarD-FJifgvSEo7POZP2-8KFLg2OFo3qDGJgHJ81V6XL65J-G1GkItgZNoq5EeNNYZgwQrnVWq-JvWdXU8rWxSAYQ78/s1600/m_Reisling+Bike+Trail+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527407030422662754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmAB6SkTHC89y2N42wi-b_SjvYrFWNHmDXRpDNpUqdXd_HiEESarD-FJifgvSEo7POZP2-8KFLg2OFo3qDGJgHJ81V6XL65J-G1GkItgZNoq5EeNNYZgwQrnVWq-JvWdXU8rWxSAYQ78/s400/m_Reisling+Bike+Trail+1.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">A few of the many holiday travellers on the Riesling Trail<br /></p><p align="left">On October 16th we have promised our Australian friends that we will host a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner. They have indicated to us that they are very excited about this prospect since they have witnessed many Thanksgiving Dinners in movies, but sadly do not celebrate the thankful time of harvest. So this will be their first Thanksgiving feast! What started out as a dinner party for five people has quickly expanded into a festive party of more than twenty! We suspect that we may write a separate blog entry to describe the much anticipated mirth and merriment.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_waUCxhPt_bv3GSyUJKYArzH8hIW6DzMh2hUTqIkkCOR-YqpUzoKxqqgG8sEzPm1c2AZEb-kre9JPT3NlDamp65fbcLz2gq8DulynYaDK7Fyaf_Mtp-BKQjivI2NOUQoPHQqcK59e-JI/s1600/m_Reisling+Bike+Trail+26.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527406811272543922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_waUCxhPt_bv3GSyUJKYArzH8hIW6DzMh2hUTqIkkCOR-YqpUzoKxqqgG8sEzPm1c2AZEb-kre9JPT3NlDamp65fbcLz2gq8DulynYaDK7Fyaf_Mtp-BKQjivI2NOUQoPHQqcK59e-JI/s400/m_Reisling+Bike+Trail+26.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">A bit of mirth and merriment on the trail</p><p align="left"><strong>Fishing</strong></p><p align="left">Coastal fishing in South Australia is a leisurely past time enjoyed by many. The Yorke Peninsula is bounded to the east by the Gulf of St. Vincent and to the west by Spencer’s Gulf. Consequently, the peninsula is a destination spot for the avid fisherman. On weekends, it is not unusual for the local highways to be full of vehicles pulling trailers laden down with a boat. We have been most fortunate to be able to go out a number of times into Spencer’s Gulf with Andrew, one of Gail’s teaching colleagues. Andrew’s idea of an excellent time is to get into his boat after work on a Friday evening, go out to a number of his “special fishing spots”, and catch his limit while the sun slowly slips below the horizon. Squid, Snapper, Prawns, King George Whiting, Blue Crabs and Garfish are only a few of the ocean’s treasures that can be caught and freshly delivered to the dinner table within a couple of hours time. Needless to say, the experience is unforgettable and one of the main reasons why some people love to live in Kadina.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWN6YxrAYrKGQD09sJy-Kqgfed3HTtWiU0qNQopDMlo4TamboFSbXXmmW3l0Fn5G7kcGwq8QCVCKR5J04KPwrXEK85_PDluWfGkvrD95MT6xIE16CZXNQhsPWCQ0fPiCEy4nMTar3UfU/s1600/m_June+fishing+Trip+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527406442243994370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWN6YxrAYrKGQD09sJy-Kqgfed3HTtWiU0qNQopDMlo4TamboFSbXXmmW3l0Fn5G7kcGwq8QCVCKR5J04KPwrXEK85_PDluWfGkvrD95MT6xIE16CZXNQhsPWCQ0fPiCEy4nMTar3UfU/s400/m_June+fishing+Trip+1.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Gail and Andrew enjoying a little leisure time<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr_lh09drRRhyphenhyphen80KDOdOGM0L6CT08JUs9qDN_I7bTJ2OUsiVn4hiYqTXqDW-PfVznSmHcgfUZeQkwcqfzK34ycSrVjG3MV2j5zy1Ba6oD9NuS9eigiOB2ssffllIDj1Ha-W-2tCiwEYE/s1600/m_Saturday+Fishing+with+Andrew+and+Doug+-+Catching+a+Squid+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527405837063675410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr_lh09drRRhyphenhyphen80KDOdOGM0L6CT08JUs9qDN_I7bTJ2OUsiVn4hiYqTXqDW-PfVznSmHcgfUZeQkwcqfzK34ycSrVjG3MV2j5zy1Ba6oD9NuS9eigiOB2ssffllIDj1Ha-W-2tCiwEYE/s400/m_Saturday+Fishing+with+Andrew+and+Doug+-+Catching+a+Squid+4.jpg" /></a><br />Catching a Squid<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2qEgGG1mVca4P0EwC1JGT0lpE53NFRuzzhQoHi0zjolhrkMlykCLSHF2JctD0Z_UeNpdbc3iygv7Ty06wcNm6jgs2Ux-_4OtKd72X7-VjpVqzX3V7K79yTcUghYdGAOBq9ZwMazr3qo/s1600/m_June+fishing+Trip+18.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527406028674497826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2qEgGG1mVca4P0EwC1JGT0lpE53NFRuzzhQoHi0zjolhrkMlykCLSHF2JctD0Z_UeNpdbc3iygv7Ty06wcNm6jgs2Ux-_4OtKd72X7-VjpVqzX3V7K79yTcUghYdGAOBq9ZwMazr3qo/s400/m_June+fishing+Trip+18.jpg" /></a><br />A Kodak moment on the water – Yes the sky really is that colour<br /></p><p align="left"><strong>Golfing<br /></strong><br />For both of us, golfing in South Australia has been rustic and disappointing, yet at the same time charming. We need no convincing to realize that we have been very spoiled when it comes to golfing in Edmonton.<br /><br /><em>Why has golfing been disappointing?</em><br /><br />To be fair, the reason for our disappointment in golfing only pertains to public courses; as we have not had the opportunity to play any private courses.<br /><br />Prior to arriving in South Australia, we foolishly had false expectations that the golfing would be incredible. After all, we were going to the Land Down Under where you can golf 12 months of the year. Many pros on the PGA circuit are from Australia, so golfing must be a major sport with plenty of first class courses! This expectation is certainly true for some areas of Australia such as Queensland, but it indubitably doesn’t apply to the public courses in South Australia.<br /><br />Because of the absence of water sources, the nearest golf course to Kadina that has grass greens is located approximately one hour away. In and around Kadina, the golf courses have greens that are made of a sand–bitumen mix which are called scrapes. They are referred to as scrapes because you rake or “scrape” the sand-bitumen mix prior to putting. Because of the drought conditions that South Australia has been recently exposed to in the last few years, conditions on the golf courses, whether they be grass greens or scrapes, have been marginal. Hence the disappointment. However, we only have ourselves to disparage as we arrived in South Australia with pre-conceived expectations that the golfing would be fantastic.<br /><br /><em>Why has the golf been rustic?</em><br /><br />Firstly, the marginal condition of the courses provides you with the feeling that you are playing on a rustic course that is in need of TLC (tender loving care). Even many of the resort courses need some TLC; no doubt primarily due to the absence of much needed water. Secondly, most of the country courses are maintained on a volunteer basis, so course grooming does not even come close to what one would see or expect at any of the courses around Edmonton.<br /><br /><em>Why has the golfing been charming?</em><br /><br />Once you get your head past the disappointment and rustic feeling while on the course; you find the golf to be rather charming. For example, all the country courses are played on the honour system. You simply place your green fees into an envelope and deposit the envelope into a locked box located at the club house. Green fees for scrapes typically range between $5.00 and $10.00 while grass greens at a country course may cost as much as $20.00. On non competition days, you will be lucky if you share the course with two or three other foursomes. It is quite charming to know that you have the entire course to yourself and it only cost you a pittance when compared to Edmonton area prices. We realize that we shouldn’t be so harsh on criticizing the condition of the courses given the cost of play. After all, you get what you pay for. It’s just that there are no other choices. Sorry if we are sounding like spoiled brats! Excuse us as we help ourselves to a little more cheese with our whine.<br /><br />You may find it hard to believe after our complaining about golf course conditions, but our golf experience this year has been enriching. The real charm has been the joy of taking in all the different sights and sounds that would be foreign to us in Edmonton. For example, many of the locals have converted 50cc motorcycles into golf carts. On competition day, it really has been a treat watching some of the old guys motoring down the fairway chasing after their ball. Some don’t even bother to turn off their motorcycles while they take the next hit of their ball. It has also been a surreal experience to hear the haunting laugh of a Kookaburra cry in your ear as you are in the middle of your back swing. Or watch a Kangaroo watch you while you study your putt on the green. Or just observe the many species of Parrots preening in a tree next to you while they show off their full plumage of pinks, greens, and reds. Oh, did we forget to mention the snakes? One of the first things that the locals teach you is to make sure that you always push your golf cart in front of you rather than pull it. That way the snake has time to move out of the way before you get there. Also, if you happen to venture into the rough, always take out your trusty 3 iron for protection and make sure that you make lots of noise. We have been told, although we find it hard to believe, that the snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. Needless to say, we have left a few balls in the rough rather than venture into snake territory. </p><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAWv9VYig1yebo49a_zp3IGzXf2m07kwm2MkRxYlYj4t5HD7sGDAyQtyrufDFCkaXiaYs6CE4OQAlD8G2xF5KXioTeXWECgA1W8yBEczAwLeAhBE2woBbxq0c_pBHT7wrayQb-W9WHNk/s1600/m_Walleroo+Golf+Course+-+Private+Cart+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527404133069312770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAWv9VYig1yebo49a_zp3IGzXf2m07kwm2MkRxYlYj4t5HD7sGDAyQtyrufDFCkaXiaYs6CE4OQAlD8G2xF5KXioTeXWECgA1W8yBEczAwLeAhBE2woBbxq0c_pBHT7wrayQb-W9WHNk/s400/m_Walleroo+Golf+Course+-+Private+Cart+4.jpg" /></a><br />Private golf cart converted from a 50cc motorcycle<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIvgvlwfIdyogrn0MJ1ML8ytQNiCxTa0ydSebYy2s3ClGwpJSfZZVBX7I9QEiQOo9RxwtwPBBRW1z1DBFdFjz2TSS-yJE2f2jczDs4FJjZKRfxKVyLiuI1zWGBV04Ij-ONAyIEpHk0wg/s1600/m_Wallaroo+Course+5+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527403683986220178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIvgvlwfIdyogrn0MJ1ML8ytQNiCxTa0ydSebYy2s3ClGwpJSfZZVBX7I9QEiQOo9RxwtwPBBRW1z1DBFdFjz2TSS-yJE2f2jczDs4FJjZKRfxKVyLiuI1zWGBV04Ij-ONAyIEpHk0wg/s400/m_Wallaroo+Course+5+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Mid summer (February) rustic conditions – Fairway to the left, rough on the right<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyLUZpI6GSUDJ0jn5O15ZZqDCXuW88FKFZbpqLLwIVLAz3qWZbj5otd_27ajpfkwls9DsPSGrCq26P7uj0xKk9M9RkebS6bmNTa_qYQmrRwnGMJywN_qqAj_OuAmkYIeQ2pzBQM12Ysg/s1600/m_Walleroo+Golf+Course+Green+Hole+18+March+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527403327766863970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyLUZpI6GSUDJ0jn5O15ZZqDCXuW88FKFZbpqLLwIVLAz3qWZbj5otd_27ajpfkwls9DsPSGrCq26P7uj0xKk9M9RkebS6bmNTa_qYQmrRwnGMJywN_qqAj_OuAmkYIeQ2pzBQM12Ysg/s400/m_Walleroo+Golf+Course+Green+Hole+18+March+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Mid winter conditions - July – with scrape in foreground<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhib5GfWGXbzKv2gB2oYFHGz32FmgnYZnzedDFeYhqll3ET6SPlp9HIiuTZz4cKON_Vq6zlfn-4p3w59np2fl27XFK_1yzmt0aWRyXAdcKiTPBHlVvXG33mNsXt8oV613FQsyK-KjXp03c/s1600/m_Galah's+1+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527402686379091426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhib5GfWGXbzKv2gB2oYFHGz32FmgnYZnzedDFeYhqll3ET6SPlp9HIiuTZz4cKON_Vq6zlfn-4p3w59np2fl27XFK_1yzmt0aWRyXAdcKiTPBHlVvXG33mNsXt8oV613FQsyK-KjXp03c/s400/m_Galah's+1+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Galah’s – Most common species of Parrot around Kadina. These birds will mate for life, with a life span up to 70 years<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu6YbedLtvToxcLeS1sjHcR0TFGj7tYH50u6MeEE-pEYXEf4bjUY6PfW7bzxcJbR5d-uILx53t9Lf_tFMRf8bmGgw2GE0gMuLjWnZqj_vkGkrXb2nNKzdB2dOMHlZTkRvdCCwWjVcfpU/s1600/m_Kookaburra+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527401630978203538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu6YbedLtvToxcLeS1sjHcR0TFGj7tYH50u6MeEE-pEYXEf4bjUY6PfW7bzxcJbR5d-uILx53t9Lf_tFMRf8bmGgw2GE0gMuLjWnZqj_vkGkrXb2nNKzdB2dOMHlZTkRvdCCwWjVcfpU/s400/m_Kookaburra+1.jpg" /></a><br />Kookaburra sittin’ in the ole gum tree<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtk4b4z_En4IXPDIyy3GULYKx_znfme-jkzSXxXvdWPdkGg56KtbsciRtkf5gh7efE_r8ZabjunaTlkEj6cpeoSXWg9PI_Fw5v0e2qGVm25fskbLRXvkkGV927p9b3AjwpkqFzG8EU7U8/s1600/m_Kangaroo+by+Green+11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527401112256951026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtk4b4z_En4IXPDIyy3GULYKx_znfme-jkzSXxXvdWPdkGg56KtbsciRtkf5gh7efE_r8ZabjunaTlkEj6cpeoSXWg9PI_Fw5v0e2qGVm25fskbLRXvkkGV927p9b3AjwpkqFzG8EU7U8/s400/m_Kangaroo+by+Green+11.jpg" /></a><br />Two Kangaroos and two “wanna be” golfers<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CX1apbj5WwXrFdkg3iaXeeUpQ-z44WJ0k_3xdUH3oe59UK18MFsEyBUqZnA-qz-LYgK-hRH3-R0TnQZnma4aurhVPjSaB67FRbDDLQDP1YKoMbXRtwXeXO5S8C86F59rJwW8KMgJAjY/s1600/m_Kangaroo+by+Green+13.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527400404378516818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CX1apbj5WwXrFdkg3iaXeeUpQ-z44WJ0k_3xdUH3oe59UK18MFsEyBUqZnA-qz-LYgK-hRH3-R0TnQZnma4aurhVPjSaB67FRbDDLQDP1YKoMbXRtwXeXO5S8C86F59rJwW8KMgJAjY/s400/m_Kangaroo+by+Green+13.jpg" /></a><br />Another Kodak moment? </p>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-37429015717208840862010-08-04T22:28:00.000-07:002010-08-04T23:27:44.060-07:00Bula From Fiji<div align="left">After one week of go, go, go in Port Douglas; we were off for one week of rest and relaxation in Fiji. As you have probably surmised from our earlier blogs, Bula is Fijian for “Welcome” or “Hello”. When one thinks of Fiji, we trust that one will likely think of visions of blue cloudless skies, white sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees, and tropical South Sea Islands. As you feel the warm ocean breeze on your skin, your ears will tune in to melodies of Polynesian music resonating with ukuleles, guitars, mandolins and Lali drums, which are hollowed-out trunks of trees of variable sizes that are played with hands or sticks. If this imagine conjures up dreams of romance in your mind, you are correct as Fiji truly is a tropical paradise. Unfortunately, once one leaves the tourist resorts, the imagines of paradise quickly wanes. While Fijians may live in a paradise setting, the same cannot be said for their lifestyle. Fijians live in a third world country; that has many similar comparisons with Mexico. Let us explain before we tell you about our one week of seventh heaven at the resort.<br /><br /><strong>Fiji – General Observations</strong><br /><br />In the last twenty-five years Fiji, with a population of fewer than one million people, has been through four political coups, with the last government being overthrown by the military in 2006. The coups are largely a result of tensions between Native Fijians and Indo-Fijians who originally emigrated from India. On one end of the scale, ninety percent of the land base is predominantly owned by native Fijian clans with no provision in place for land ownership by Indo-Fijians. On the other end of the scale, Indo-Fijians produce over 90% of the sugar cane crop, a major economic export for the country. The Indo-Fijian population has grown rapidly from the original labour force brought from India in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s to work in the sugarcane fields. Today they form the core of the country’s business class. The Indo-Fijians feel that the lease agreements do not provide adequate security to properly run their sugar cane businesses; with the result being that they have had a number of large boycotts within the cane industry, thus crippling the economy. Indo-Fijians continue to dominate the professions and commerce, while native Fijians dominate government and the military. Discontent between the two factions as well as high unemployment has no doubt been the catalysts behind the coups.<br /><br />In addition to sugar export, tourism is the other half of Fiji’s economic base. Fiji is comprised of over 300 islands, some inhabited; many not. Many of these islands have been developed solely for tourism. The recent coups have severely impacted the tourism industry as many Australians, who are the main source of Fiji’s tourist revenue, are still reluctant to travel to Fiji because of the unstable political climate. Consequently, Fiji is hurting economically and the country is trying hard to convince tourists to visit their tropical islands. While in Fiji we spent a day visiting Suva, the capital city of Fi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyV2ilp0VH6PbJAkauUKEt75er4riNVKL7vxSfNlnZQOdr0990_gz7OSNmK8D0RPwkRIjg_OAUKKlf9cTph_ddlv6SQzCQHoIGiU_qa5sHsiB91NeCFzeog6xVYJxH-qBJjqjh0eS_MQ/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Trip+to+Suva+9.jpg"></a>ji. We were quite surprised to see only a handful of other tourists in a city with a population of approximately 200,000. The absence of tourists leads us to conclude two things: tourists were not willing to leave their resort compounds for whatever reason and/or the number of tourists visiting Fiji is still low.<br /><br />Fiji’s dollar is quite devalued. Sixty-six cents Australian will buy you one Fijian dollar. You would think that as a result, goods would be inexpensive. This was not our experience as we found day to day living needs to be equivalent in price or dearer than the same product purchased in Australia. We wondered how the average Fijian managed as the standard resort jobs paid a meagre $3.50 per hour. Like Mexico, resort jobs are highly sort after by the public because they are considered to be well paying jobs. While travelling through the country side, house yards as well as brief glimpses inside homes left us with the impression that living conditions were spartan.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQq1rgZYgWuK9slNYq6xCfRy3WOYcc7haJuEZ7bhKwNcxdmVomC0Svm08p2VSUS8pJxkjylHYNPbyEXXQeIExlIYlY7_SYgBpxTScsXH7Crq45aIyiRlBD-bfj8iu2t7ILHJVJPjWXKao/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Country+Scence+14.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501801629296270098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQq1rgZYgWuK9slNYq6xCfRy3WOYcc7haJuEZ7bhKwNcxdmVomC0Svm08p2VSUS8pJxkjylHYNPbyEXXQeIExlIYlY7_SYgBpxTScsXH7Crq45aIyiRlBD-bfj8iu2t7ILHJVJPjWXKao/s400/m_Fiji+-+Country+Scence+14.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">A typical home. Do you think the bricks on the roof are sufficient to hold the roof in place in the event of strong winds? </p><div align="left">Services on the other hand were low-cost. A two hour local bus ride into Suva cost us approximately $8.00 Fijian. One of the experiences that we witnessed on the bus sadden us deeply and clearly reminded us that we were in a third world country. As we stopped at a local village, hawkers were outside the bus windows selling plates of food and beverages to the passengers. After many of the passengers bought their food and drink, we commenced on our journey. As the passengers finished their meal, they simply opened the bus windows throwing the styrofoam plates, plastic utensils, saran wrap, paper napkins and beverage bottles out the window. As you can imagine, the roadsides were littered with garbage and empty bottles. In addition to seeing the roadside rubbish, it was not uncommon to observe wild pigs, cows and horses roaming free alongside the road ways; oblivious to the passing vehicles. Does this sound like Mexico to you? We cannot understand how we did not see any animal-vehicle collisions.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyV2ilp0VH6PbJAkauUKEt75er4riNVKL7vxSfNlnZQOdr0990_gz7OSNmK8D0RPwkRIjg_OAUKKlf9cTph_ddlv6SQzCQHoIGiU_qa5sHsiB91NeCFzeog6xVYJxH-qBJjqjh0eS_MQ/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Trip+to+Suva+9.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501801058900880210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyV2ilp0VH6PbJAkauUKEt75er4riNVKL7vxSfNlnZQOdr0990_gz7OSNmK8D0RPwkRIjg_OAUKKlf9cTph_ddlv6SQzCQHoIGiU_qa5sHsiB91NeCFzeog6xVYJxH-qBJjqjh0eS_MQ/s400/m_Fiji+-+Trip+to+Suva+9.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Hawker selling food and drink to passengers on the local bus.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Also like Mexico, the resorts are a large employment sector for Fijians. Employees typically lived in villages located within one hour travel distance; with many of them having been employed by the same resort for their entire w<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaO_mNt0FHuzUCr4Fz0qdikKCiDMsE8-xZppA0oGBFPekpHSQao3elSD4EiBLAx77NjXUH_J7KO6uZ9mEm4ahuVhQ8JSkjzxPhyf65TvL_3qLyHhWyzObVGVhj1cCznJde3eBlxh3IRc/s1600/image002.jpg"></a>ork career. They told us that they typically work eight hours per day, six days per week, with one wee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgi2r4wwz3U8qI_cqXsescY0Bgyap0bwS22S18ilkE7vsyM3qZI33iOXDiWBe4ulsA9TDHDt9Q6ndw9vfBNpNIPloX-Fv8Kem2SjzXDwZ7xKoJ1AKzQeZKtaCGd45KQ9nKaFjaTrdC_4/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+2.jpg"></a>k annual holiday time. When it came to annual leave, their tenure with the company had no special significance. Whether they had been employed for one year or twenty, they still were only eligible for one week of holidays. Even under these work conditions, whether it is at the resorts or in a town/city work environment, the Fijians proved to be happy people; generally with a smile on their face (such perfect teeth!) and a pleasant disposition.<br /><br />Many Fijians we talked to had family either in Canada or Australia. It was evident that the coups had resulted in an emigration of Fijians, particularly Indo-Fijians in search of better economic opportunities. Some of the Fijians told us that the only way they could leave the country was to join the military, marry a foreigner, be good at athletics, or be fortunate enough to be sponsored by a relative already living aboard. One unabashed young handsome worker within our resort openly told us that he was looking for an Australian woman who would fall in love with him so that he could leave the country. However, another worker boasted that he did not need to leave the country since the variability in origin of tourists coming to the resort resulted in the world coming to his doorstep! Most admitted that their life had improved considerably since the last coup. We could only imagine what life must have been like before.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Warwick Resort </strong></div><strong><br /></strong><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaO_mNt0FHuzUCr4Fz0qdikKCiDMsE8-xZppA0oGBFPekpHSQao3elSD4EiBLAx77NjXUH_J7KO6uZ9mEm4ahuVhQ8JSkjzxPhyf65TvL_3qLyHhWyzObVGVhj1cCznJde3eBlxh3IRc/s1600/image002.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501797685299747666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaO_mNt0FHuzUCr4Fz0qdikKCiDMsE8-xZppA0oGBFPekpHSQao3elSD4EiBLAx77NjXUH_J7KO6uZ9mEm4ahuVhQ8JSkjzxPhyf65TvL_3qLyHhWyzObVGVhj1cCznJde3eBlxh3IRc/s400/image002.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left">We stayed at the Warwick Resort, which is located on the coral coast half way between the cities of Nadi and Suva on the main island of Vitu Levu. Along the coral coast it seemed like each cove or bay housed a resort. Each resort appeared to be securely stowed away and distant from local towns and villages. Our nearest town was Sigatoka, which was approximately a ½ hour ride west of the resort. It seemed apparent that the resorts are located so that they remain isolated from local population centers. Consequently, the resorts have captive markets and the prices inside the resorts take full advantage of the situation. Cocktails cost $15.00 Fijian or when converted, $10.00 Australian. Dinners at the resort restaurants, consisting of an appetizer and main course as well as a single drink, typically were in the range of $150.00 Fijian for two people. Fortunately for us, we had made earlier arrangements to go “All Inclusive”. We think that the All Inclusive concept may still be relatively new with Australians as there were very few tourists at the resort who took advantage of this option. Given that the resort clientele are held captive and resort amenities and conveniences are priced accordingly, we thought that there would have been more people taking advantage of the “All Inclusive” option.<br /><br />Does All Inclusive sound like Mexico again? We have had the good fortune to be able to travel to Mexico on the “All Inclusive” package as well as “The Pay As You Go” option. In our opinion, either option you choose has its advantages and disadvantages. If you go All Inclusive, you don’t have to worry about any additional charges as all your costs are covered up front. The disadvantage to the All Inclusive is that you feel you should stay at the resort and not venture far because you have already paid for your meals, drinks and resort services such as the recreational facilities. Hence, you don’t venture far from the resort and don’t have the opportunity to visit local restaurants. Conversely, if you pay as you go, you experience the local environment more, may be more prone to “Montezuma’s Revenge” and should be prepared to pay “tourist” prices at local eateries that are situated near the resorts. Of course, the further you stray from the resorts looking for an eatery, the more reduced the prices become.<br /><br />Since it was our intent, while in Fiji, to just sit back and relax at the resort, we purposely took the All Inclusive package. After having arrived at the Warwick, we were very happy with our choice as we didn’t even have the option of eating at any local eateries without taking ½ hour bus ride into town. Other than our day trips to Suva and Sigatoka, our time at the resort was spent snorkelling in the bay, lazing in the sun, playing mini golf, going to the gym, taking in the nightly entertainment such as fire walking and enjoying the fine dinning in the resort’s three 5 star restaurants. Talk about a week of R&R!<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2L6vmPt8MmZnnKRufBEfaoVD1rVB0htyzk3yN_yhRdsCVNTa3p9LV18dLAq3zzv5E2HAlyT0r8nbFtmHm2JQajjLGdz-9P15hVbz3NmLhbTagUl_fGh9F6uBZyBNNIgCqAB7dAp8B1c/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Firewalking+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501800593034827138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2L6vmPt8MmZnnKRufBEfaoVD1rVB0htyzk3yN_yhRdsCVNTa3p9LV18dLAq3zzv5E2HAlyT0r8nbFtmHm2JQajjLGdz-9P15hVbz3NmLhbTagUl_fGh9F6uBZyBNNIgCqAB7dAp8B1c/s400/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Firewalking+6.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Fire Walking Show. Sorry for the quality of the photo, but it was total darkness after all!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazlJkkitchXSD7muT5gzIDECQkBnJdIA-nc98xiZQrlBqYphMYPBpaP_zwTvZEUkl6PqOfz7kCZXQb0j9sunND-zLvjIP_3MfkFmTofZ-gkvhi1b3oememDtEU_TvMWHmJGRW5qojdGE/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Seafood+Restaurant+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501800323069662722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazlJkkitchXSD7muT5gzIDECQkBnJdIA-nc98xiZQrlBqYphMYPBpaP_zwTvZEUkl6PqOfz7kCZXQb0j9sunND-zLvjIP_3MfkFmTofZ-gkvhi1b3oememDtEU_TvMWHmJGRW5qojdGE/s400/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Seafood+Restaurant+6.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Seafood Restaurant at the resort – One of the three fine dining establishments<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwlTaqaMUSd8ncxg08o4qaNDWrcGaMIWNc0jDFrBNDQ83LtLFeF6hopQQAvrXBfBl0cURqoD7j3H-wUGuMM1XSvnRvb54q_-GdNvvDRNbxSs1wvqu-FDBXrM4zImOmJcSHaWm-j5JQ2M/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Oeanside+Cafe+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501799289072802322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwlTaqaMUSd8ncxg08o4qaNDWrcGaMIWNc0jDFrBNDQ83LtLFeF6hopQQAvrXBfBl0cURqoD7j3H-wUGuMM1XSvnRvb54q_-GdNvvDRNbxSs1wvqu-FDBXrM4zImOmJcSHaWm-j5JQ2M/s400/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Oeanside+Cafe+8.jpg" /></a><br />Sun starting to set over the bay. We certainly enjoyed the view during our daily happy hour which started around 4:00 PM<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgi2r4wwz3U8qI_cqXsescY0Bgyap0bwS22S18ilkE7vsyM3qZI33iOXDiWBe4ulsA9TDHDt9Q6ndw9vfBNpNIPloX-Fv8Kem2SjzXDwZ7xKoJ1AKzQeZKtaCGd45KQ9nKaFjaTrdC_4/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501798977716238770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgi2r4wwz3U8qI_cqXsescY0Bgyap0bwS22S18ilkE7vsyM3qZI33iOXDiWBe4ulsA9TDHDt9Q6ndw9vfBNpNIPloX-Fv8Kem2SjzXDwZ7xKoJ1AKzQeZKtaCGd45KQ9nKaFjaTrdC_4/s400/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+2.jpg" /></a><br />A relaxing moment on our balcony </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3CzlrPQI2vh9guZaeZW4ZWy-lXIiOhPkIncJ-BT3NOsR-puuvJOBoblNheNFHv5GyG4A1a6zVmEbRLQxMuh7FSBAT0gosJx2E_nNYv9f0Jwp9z4XRSzCD2cCmNx1OMk-aNQty4Gw32M/s1600/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Gail%27s+Palm+Tree+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501795411055124466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3CzlrPQI2vh9guZaeZW4ZWy-lXIiOhPkIncJ-BT3NOsR-puuvJOBoblNheNFHv5GyG4A1a6zVmEbRLQxMuh7FSBAT0gosJx2E_nNYv9f0Jwp9z4XRSzCD2cCmNx1OMk-aNQty4Gw32M/s400/m_Fiji+-+Warwick+Resort+Gail%27s+Palm+Tree+4.jpg" /></a><br />More relaxing moments with the coral reef breaking the surf about 500 meters off shore </div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-41048150608228750722010-08-01T23:14:00.000-07:002010-08-02T00:36:15.264-07:00Hello from the Great Barrier Reef - Port Douglas<div align="left">We had two weeks off school and we filled it with frivolity and travel time! Since it was the middle of winter and it was surprisingly cold in Kadina; we decided to take a warm winter vacation with one week in Port Douglas, Queensland (near the north eastern tip of Australia) and the other week in Fiji. However, before we tell you about our travels, we need to explain why we have found the winter season to be uncomfortably chilly. This may sound strange as most of you may not associate “cold” with Australia. We certainly didn’t!<br /><br />In Kadina, the average annual winter temperature is around 15oC, with early morning temperatures in the 3 - 5 oC range. Sometimes the thermometer will dip even lower so that Jack Frost is on the lawn; but certainly nothing that would be considered harsh by Canadian standards. So on average, the winter is a beautiful time of the year and most enjoyable outside. Where the cold issue arises is inside the house.<br /><br />We are living in one of the many original older homes in the town. The house was built around the turn of the century with an extension added on around 1930 – 1940. These homes are something with which we have no familiarity. For example, unlike Canadian homes, there is no central heating or air conditioning system to maintain a constant temperature throughout the house. The walls of the homes are typically 12-18 inches in thickness, are constructed of stone/rock, have slate or steel roofs with each room typically having 12 – 14 foot ceiling heights and a fireplace. Verandas, the entire length of the house are a standard feature and the houses are, where possible, aligned in a north-south exposure. They have been designed and constructed so as to minimize the unbearable heat in the summer. Given the thickness of the walls, it will take the house three or four days to absorb the full effect of +40oC temperatures. If the heat wave lasts longer than that, the heat is absorbed into the rock walls, thus turning the house into an inferno. Conversely in winter, when the temperatures drop outside into single digits (oC), the house cools down considerably. The fireplaces must be in constant daily use to warm the home as the radiant temperature from the winter sun is not intense enough for the stone building to absorb sufficient heat to provide a comfortable living environment. As you may have concluded, the fireplace is the key feature to ensure that these houses are comfortably warm in winter. Unfortunately because of the age of the homes, many of the original stone fireplaces are in need of repair or no longer operational as they are extremely inefficient. To mitigate, the homes are heated by wood burning Franklin Fireplaces or reverse cycle heater-air conditioning units. Regrettably, the reverse cycle systems and Franklin Fireplaces are not in every room, hence you experience extreme cold during the winter season in those rooms without a heat source. The newer homes have been designed to have the reverse cycle air and heat systems distributed to all rooms of the house. Consequently, these homes have a much more comfortable and pleasant living environment in both winter and summer seasons.<br /><br />We have placed a thermometer in our kitchen and have yet to see the mercury rise above 11oC. In the morning, it is typically around 8 – 9oC. In our bedroom, comfort is provided at night by use of a portable electric heating element accompanied by a single bed (on a king-sized bed) electric blanket. When we complain to our Aussie friends about how cold it is in the house, they simply laugh; remind us that we are from the land of ice and snow, suck it up, and just “rug up” by putting on another sweater or “jumper” as it is referred to in Australia. They cannot understand how we can live in an environment in Canada where you constantly have to “rug up” by putting on parkas to go outside for a few brief minutes. As one Aussie stated, how can you Canadians stand it when it takes 5 minutes to rug up to go from one rabbit warren to the next warren; only to strip all your outer clothes off and lounge around in tee shirts? It just goes to show that people are generally more comfortable in those conditions that they grew up in and those environments upon which they have become accustom.<br /><br />When we first arrived in Australia we could not understand why many retired Australians go “north” to the tropics in Queensland and the Northern Territories to escape the winter. Now, we understand why. Unlike Canadians who go south to escape the outside cold, Australians head north to flee from the cold “inside” their homes. Given our unexpected surprise at discovering how cold the homes could be in winter, we were most anxious to arrive at our holiday get-away in Port Douglas, which is located in the Australian tropics. </div><div align="center"><br /><strong>Port Douglas – Where the Tropical Rainforest Meets the Great Barrier Reef </strong></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></div></strong><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Port Douglas is located on the 16th degree latitude south, approximately 70 km north of the tropical city of Cairns. The population of Port Douglas is around 3000 people, but easily fluctuates to around 10,000 people in winter as tourists flock to the site where the tropical rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Initially we had planned on a golfing holiday as the community boasts two excellent resort courses and one enjoyable local public facility. However, upon arriving at our destination, we quickly came to the realization that golfing would become a secondary activity while on our holidays. Port Douglas proved to be a nature lover’s paradise. Within easy daily access one can travel by boat to the Great Barrier Reef, or travel by vehicle to a world heritage tropical rainforest. Don’t misunderstand us, the golfing was great as we managed to get in 3 rounds, but the tour to the reef and rainforest is what we will remember most.</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5W_rluIQrvpgJ-tVaWBsuEGKFETeaFKN9Fe85RZl4d5QeWPTNwJwfRn5w7sJho4mAEDdcEJN8qdRj-OuF-3J7ptrGG_-hQC-sWBtWTZjlJ1yskOdNbFHxgGy6ingHW8hFGCBgE1c1LY/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Cairns+Flying+Foxes+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500703159125399602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5W_rluIQrvpgJ-tVaWBsuEGKFETeaFKN9Fe85RZl4d5QeWPTNwJwfRn5w7sJho4mAEDdcEJN8qdRj-OuF-3J7ptrGG_-hQC-sWBtWTZjlJ1yskOdNbFHxgGy6ingHW8hFGCBgE1c1LY/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Cairns+Flying+Foxes+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left">While in both Port Douglas and Cairns, we literally came across groves of trees that housed thousands and thousands of "Flying Foxes" which we believe are a type of Fruit Bat. The noise was deafening and the smell was "rank"</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Daintree Rainforest</strong> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest is located immediately north of Port Douglas. It is the epitome of ecotourism. Cruise boats will take you up the jungle setting of the Daintree River where you will view crocodiles lazing along the river’s edge and catch glimpses of tree snakes camouflaged with the hanging vines of the trees that make up the mangrove swamp. Colourful birds fly overhead or chirp relentlessly from their tree top perches.<br /><br />The day spent in the Rainforest was truly unforgettable. We rode in a 4X4 vehicle to access remote areas within the rainforest. As we gripped the door handles of our 4X4, we forded a number of raging streams or rivers throughout our journey. Around each bend in the road we were rewarded by either stunning ocean vistas or dense rainforest wilderness. We hiked along rainforest trails, unable to comprehend the botanical biodiversity that was saturating our craniums. Our guide would simply chuckle at us as we struggled to soak it all in. He would then point out another interesting tidbit such as the large Buttress Fig Trees which were once used by Aboriginals to make shields and boomerangs. We visited Bloomfield Falls and marvelled at the volume of water cascading over rock faces and steep precipices on its way to the ocean. Part of our day tour took us to beautiful un-inhabited beaches that awaken all your senses. Your lungs and eyes tried to breathe in and capture the untouched, unspoiled natural beauty. We spent what seemed like eons of time just watching soldier crabs create a landscape painting as they burrowed in the sand and scurried along the beach.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgBPNzmtiSnevJ5uG1MnMPxP7cL-MSENYuLbBvNfluw7GXULWKTPcpDHtcV6JFCVH6nejReonn_7CEthbio9ipIhCIFuq4ypPOH80DeAWorYW_0P4rE_byZH2g0PTyImeOgDELbynqWE/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Daintree+River+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500702428769408290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgBPNzmtiSnevJ5uG1MnMPxP7cL-MSENYuLbBvNfluw7GXULWKTPcpDHtcV6JFCVH6nejReonn_7CEthbio9ipIhCIFuq4ypPOH80DeAWorYW_0P4rE_byZH2g0PTyImeOgDELbynqWE/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Daintree+River+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Daintree River Cruise<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfbgwji80ZPr3nZRlp4EhUN-5bf6G_HokLKd8ZC0oPIqnc42k74ESNksdQHRExPQcWwUx8SufGPPJROkWxNbVb0_dU8QdiCGuHfwliZP9jsVKY8aypuF6nx6qbUjp6G9REPtFx0u-M6M/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Daintree+River+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500702059919827842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfbgwji80ZPr3nZRlp4EhUN-5bf6G_HokLKd8ZC0oPIqnc42k74ESNksdQHRExPQcWwUx8SufGPPJROkWxNbVb0_dU8QdiCGuHfwliZP9jsVKY8aypuF6nx6qbUjp6G9REPtFx0u-M6M/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Daintree+River+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Mangroves growing along the Daintree River<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYX1TYN2p-p2YevOoYNPB6E2Vcg2y3EqkOw-VPLQJVzmQiNxxmRJN5P9H3VsOizZijgXEjZNGcjNDe4WNpv0n4c39RFoi9y8_5_ImlS8IH2V7VcRWVhild2gkSn-8BVquQb6e1IGOppw/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Bloomfield+Track+and+Falls+9.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500701696747709698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYX1TYN2p-p2YevOoYNPB6E2Vcg2y3EqkOw-VPLQJVzmQiNxxmRJN5P9H3VsOizZijgXEjZNGcjNDe4WNpv0n4c39RFoi9y8_5_ImlS8IH2V7VcRWVhild2gkSn-8BVquQb6e1IGOppw/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Bloomfield+Track+and+Falls+9.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Bloomsfield Falls – After coming from arid Kadina, it seemed strange to see “Water, water everywhere”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjY9eHYi3d8AjslkEnRsDROPDccyhl7SjsCIQgf-1QUVuOILMa8U38yiSd0H_G6BwAhANoDVjqEu22x7HeGJ0q69WOgk2nmxodSqSjm7RqgYlw7nHy2WozQE2RvhVMvnGU4QBOeoOtqU/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Daintree+Rainforest+Walk+-+Buttress+Fig+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500701143342092738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjY9eHYi3d8AjslkEnRsDROPDccyhl7SjsCIQgf-1QUVuOILMa8U38yiSd0H_G6BwAhANoDVjqEu22x7HeGJ0q69WOgk2nmxodSqSjm7RqgYlw7nHy2WozQE2RvhVMvnGU4QBOeoOtqU/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Daintree+Rainforest+Walk+-+Buttress+Fig+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Buttress Fig – Aboriginals use to make shields and boomerangs out of the flat (buttress) portion of the above ground root system.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ46waGvGPisir0F_OhtITOrmFrkz0QNwjOUEDnBbT9LG1ePn99MGOQ1B5D8hzbm9df1X65332ZFYuzgBxPvwCfj4QKqvTUuNzhOHdyyFe5Ia-03QTZEQfiTg3ddbnNSZUlsWEJH30fU/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+String+Ray+Beach+10.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500700146388144354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ46waGvGPisir0F_OhtITOrmFrkz0QNwjOUEDnBbT9LG1ePn99MGOQ1B5D8hzbm9df1X65332ZFYuzgBxPvwCfj4QKqvTUuNzhOHdyyFe5Ia-03QTZEQfiTg3ddbnNSZUlsWEJH30fU/s400/m_Port+Douglas+String+Ray+Beach+10.jpg" /></a><br />Beautiful Pristine Beaches<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGCZfSH7qF8DIyWx1SR92GYSMf4jfXdskTpxaO3gA6Ixt5jbEdB4VA66zOIR_l0J-M7bm3TEBFW382_oGJ64hXEfNGs-t1ejqe5I8UEtjIS2X38R3xa44muSeS87TaYrRgovvmx-qB0k/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+String+Ray+Beach+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500699599257311010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGCZfSH7qF8DIyWx1SR92GYSMf4jfXdskTpxaO3gA6Ixt5jbEdB4VA66zOIR_l0J-M7bm3TEBFW382_oGJ64hXEfNGs-t1ejqe5I8UEtjIS2X38R3xa44muSeS87TaYrRgovvmx-qB0k/s400/m_Port+Douglas+String+Ray+Beach+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Soldier Crabs – Nature's Artists on a micro scale and<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxFwjQ03WCX3y1N2QcQ3ETi46QtHRHC_nw4P_CG8vZjpUfBCz57i7ogFlSmtFpxAnruhMmS2HkWoVe68hW8fttWkvrT-mepFj_7uSfeiuzPoiawdHLcudYV4UGtZrQq0iclOW2eqYPx0/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+String+Ray+Beach+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500699168019541250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxFwjQ03WCX3y1N2QcQ3ETi46QtHRHC_nw4P_CG8vZjpUfBCz57i7ogFlSmtFpxAnruhMmS2HkWoVe68hW8fttWkvrT-mepFj_7uSfeiuzPoiawdHLcudYV4UGtZrQq0iclOW2eqYPx0/s400/m_Port+Douglas+String+Ray+Beach+5.jpg" /></a><br />……on a macro scale.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Great Barrier Reef</strong> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">At Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef is located approximately 45 minutes by boat from shore. Being at the reef will meet or exceed your greatest expectation! What more can we say about the world’s largest reef system that stretches over 2600 km in length? Seeing the world’s single biggest structure made by living organisms is more stunning than you can ever imagine even if you have seen it on a number of television documentaries or read about it in books. On our tour, we stopped at three locations along the reef. We were able to experience the thrill of snorkelling amongst sharks (the non threatening kind but don’t tell!), giant clams the size of ½ a bathtub, moray eels and a plethora of tropical fish. Colours! Incredible! Amazing! Awesome! Fantastic! Humbling! Spiritual! On our way back to shore from the reef, we were also entertained with a little whale watching. No wonder approximately 2 million tourists annual flock to see this natural wonder of the world. It is easy to understand how the reef can generate over 1 billion dollars a year in tourism.<br /><br />Our only regret about the trip was the fact that we did not have an underwater camera with us so that we could capture the breath-taking beauty. Then again, we are not convinced that a camera would do it justice. </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp4s9_NkU1lYClzHPbEBr6GBABY9_C6_7-6KoJEfEWMeuqhbFhC5p8jqEFX7o_6lgbhH0mI96VciKmjF94FqZkklhzg5ytV_4Ml74t6RfW2v73NEFc2f5q7fMT0O-xOd2YDPLs1Au1UM/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Great+Barrier+Reef+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500698652554094770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp4s9_NkU1lYClzHPbEBr6GBABY9_C6_7-6KoJEfEWMeuqhbFhC5p8jqEFX7o_6lgbhH0mI96VciKmjF94FqZkklhzg5ytV_4Ml74t6RfW2v73NEFc2f5q7fMT0O-xOd2YDPLs1Au1UM/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Great+Barrier+Reef+2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Gail gearing up for snorkling on the reef.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtzgWEsJeNBGxaRlSsS6xnLr3E8SGVK2JsAzC7cYGoK7t33UuJKHnWXWzvrseH2a02Tcdr2CkLtmtaCX1hyphenhyphen8qB1OpSRt4MRkvOd2lhsJH6IeXGz3242k5rwu86f-hZ43XpzfdtMhB9bA/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Great+Barrier+Reef+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500698141713562850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtzgWEsJeNBGxaRlSsS6xnLr3E8SGVK2JsAzC7cYGoK7t33UuJKHnWXWzvrseH2a02Tcdr2CkLtmtaCX1hyphenhyphen8qB1OpSRt4MRkvOd2lhsJH6IeXGz3242k5rwu86f-hZ43XpzfdtMhB9bA/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Great+Barrier+Reef+6.jpg" /></a><br /><br />At the reef – unfortunately there is nothing at the reef which provides one with scale, or relief. Hence the rather “bland” picture of the reef. However, we felt it imperative that we show you the reef in our blog as it was on our “must see” list prior to coming to Australia. Remember the beauty lies below the surface of the water!<br /><br /><strong>Kuranda<br /></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">One day we decided to take a 7.5 km tram line ride over the rainforest to the small town of Kuranda. It is a picturesque mountain retreat high in the hinterlands just 25 km northwest of Cairns. The town is characterized by up-market restaurants, cafes, bars and artisans. Yes, it is a “Tourist Trap”, but it is well worth a visit. Clearly, the residents live there for the lifestyle since the weather is not as humid as the coastal area. After a day of visiting the numerous shops and enjoying a scrumptious lunch, we traveled back to Cairns via Kuranda’s historic railway. Originally constructed in the 1880’s, the 2 hour journey winds its way through dense rainforest, across steep ravines and pass scenic waterfalls. </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X78W5pRSBPlEeCU0e2UEUzRIfCJYwLGIak1jqiiTifn9Ip4t0cRomAgj37vq26ouWTvE91HLzfFm2JKoUNgi4Aw_nOGdPazuwGo2DYgYI7QmtnRnD0S_5a0BTrjNPXTab_YyU4Q00ww/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Karunda+Sky+Train+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500697694307643874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X78W5pRSBPlEeCU0e2UEUzRIfCJYwLGIak1jqiiTifn9Ip4t0cRomAgj37vq26ouWTvE91HLzfFm2JKoUNgi4Aw_nOGdPazuwGo2DYgYI7QmtnRnD0S_5a0BTrjNPXTab_YyU4Q00ww/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Karunda+Sky+Train+6.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Sky Tram over the rainforest on the way to Karunda.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7oEbQ2ZOp1bPSdk4jwxLjxctMhd2ikwFIuy5w41q9Hx5BGXAsZL9HciEKcSw8gbPyZTQqLBoQRYrSkFewOcmkEvoLea87OqHc7g7hg2OS96RymomrOZlN2UXl1jtnpO48O2oeFAXzjw/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Karunda+Sky+Train+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500696748295665650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7oEbQ2ZOp1bPSdk4jwxLjxctMhd2ikwFIuy5w41q9Hx5BGXAsZL9HciEKcSw8gbPyZTQqLBoQRYrSkFewOcmkEvoLea87OqHc7g7hg2OS96RymomrOZlN2UXl1jtnpO48O2oeFAXzjw/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Karunda+Sky+Train+8.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Canopy Walk in the Karunda Rainforest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jkamk1hww7axq5EO2Rq9tBh0AHyyGQp-ghIORyo28gKJWOTqAeul4dq80ZdFu9-ZeIatIX9YhloebKme3Vjl3lMasexLpmkkBYhUcfTqH13B0rv-6VNYzfghmH0xRUcEYVSyUR9XOFk/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Karunda+Market+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500695937194585986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jkamk1hww7axq5EO2Rq9tBh0AHyyGQp-ghIORyo28gKJWOTqAeul4dq80ZdFu9-ZeIatIX9YhloebKme3Vjl3lMasexLpmkkBYhUcfTqH13B0rv-6VNYzfghmH0xRUcEYVSyUR9XOFk/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Karunda+Market+2.jpg" /></a><br />Karunda Arts and Crafts Shops<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8vF3Kj54PHnvlS6bUtSpQqQgK5s3Zr6w2VdZ2U2mC9TdG7M7MG8jZB-kEdv3uxzQahGNnuyaQFFsrswRMROSp_CH9PWw9Q7YIAzPFUM-uV7XsvAHkcdYtC-qCo6WVdFtxG8jPVFmU9c/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Karunda+Train+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500695403342469794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8vF3Kj54PHnvlS6bUtSpQqQgK5s3Zr6w2VdZ2U2mC9TdG7M7MG8jZB-kEdv3uxzQahGNnuyaQFFsrswRMROSp_CH9PWw9Q7YIAzPFUM-uV7XsvAHkcdYtC-qCo6WVdFtxG8jPVFmU9c/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Karunda+Train+6.jpg" /></a><br />Karunda Historic Train – Pictures Anyone? Seems like a number of passengers had the same idea. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">After our week of go, go, go at Port Douglas, we were looking forward to a week of rest and relaxation on the beach in Fiji. Look for our blog on Fiji in the next week or two.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">We put in a couple of golf photos below just to show you that we did go golfing.</div><div align="right"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBIJn2mBiwOJZFYBIHchTTntOUItM-kENKVtJfm9t_ql1dw0BUVJIObMzMBRWhnIsjdHyOParhT_JolmVQCCH_XiPBP6tbyP4QczfinGAjioQF9bNd4-nS7Egqb-4YT5Vq5-lcEF2omc/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Golf+Sea+Temple+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500694720668746082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBIJn2mBiwOJZFYBIHchTTntOUItM-kENKVtJfm9t_ql1dw0BUVJIObMzMBRWhnIsjdHyOParhT_JolmVQCCH_XiPBP6tbyP4QczfinGAjioQF9bNd4-nS7Egqb-4YT5Vq5-lcEF2omc/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Golf+Sea+Temple+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Beautiful Resort Courses<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp2jB4K9dONrLMqcmlo0Ky0_KifO06QSPn-VvK96HwRF4-R_Db0LrvVSDmeRVhGnhOpbVPlU4gIY3DuJM2UFwUfCE71joXrhO5aExrtLnr7a3NQkRvoGYVOztBaUSqkDQ6owQVq2NywU/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Golf+Mossman+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500694118345468610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp2jB4K9dONrLMqcmlo0Ky0_KifO06QSPn-VvK96HwRF4-R_Db0LrvVSDmeRVhGnhOpbVPlU4gIY3DuJM2UFwUfCE71joXrhO5aExrtLnr7a3NQkRvoGYVOztBaUSqkDQ6owQVq2NywU/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Golf+Mossman+3.jpg" /></a><br />Sugar Cane Fields in the background. Forget about finding your ball if you have an errant shot!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRV5yv-B-eFYjTMEMhZKj-ctmt81uvVIyheYyKjL-KyxfsBzISKl3SQsugCCns8lgJ2_iFU0Z_81a9e6zGk9_dpEMLl3JX-xpb-KXM34Sjfy2ssGazfSeSC1FI4f58xeVjZgx5NweJhw/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Golf+Mossman+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500693377035656338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRV5yv-B-eFYjTMEMhZKj-ctmt81uvVIyheYyKjL-KyxfsBzISKl3SQsugCCns8lgJ2_iFU0Z_81a9e6zGk9_dpEMLl3JX-xpb-KXM34Sjfy2ssGazfSeSC1FI4f58xeVjZgx5NweJhw/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Golf+Mossman+5.jpg" /></a><br />Rainforest Walk between Holes<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNlwtkCgu7XhNIcucxS1lkVG1-PmsUTFLhHDldr-0-H_h9Ce9xNf3cl3tdzGW83dQHq2xVIqZNl_1OJ7_tRZkKE9lUf6D0WVK_WxpIvsKuuV7gjNgP6mJPqN3UoN-kfaxyhRL1LHsBho/s1600/m_Port+Douglas+Golf+Mossman+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500693102140054162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNlwtkCgu7XhNIcucxS1lkVG1-PmsUTFLhHDldr-0-H_h9Ce9xNf3cl3tdzGW83dQHq2xVIqZNl_1OJ7_tRZkKE9lUf6D0WVK_WxpIvsKuuV7gjNgP6mJPqN3UoN-kfaxyhRL1LHsBho/s400/m_Port+Douglas+Golf+Mossman+2.jpg" /></a><br />Gail’s LPGA Pose </div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-11440867893137659712010-07-25T18:01:00.000-07:002010-07-25T23:16:27.995-07:00Food for Thought<div align="left">We are just back from our holidays to the Great Barrier Reef and Fiji. We will be writing a blog entry about our trip in the near future. In the meantime, Gail has been asked to prepare an article for the Alberta Teacher’s Association Magazine on the benefits of going on a Teacher Exchange. It is our understanding that this article may also appear sometime in September in the Edmonton Journal when the newspaper runs a supplemental on “Education”. We are letting you on the “inside scoop” as a copy of the article is provided below: </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>Benefits of Going on a Teacher Exchange</strong> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Are you considering contacting Alberta Learning to apply for a teacher exchange position overseas? If you do go, be advised that you will experience one of four “<strong>ATE</strong>’s” while either on exchange or immediately upon returning to Canada. You may (i) “Reloc<strong>ATE</strong>” because your one year of living aboard has encouraged you to go live your dream; (ii) “Renov<strong>ATE</strong>” because your accommodation while on exchange has provided you with inspiration to remodel your home; (iii) “Separ<strong>ATE</strong>” as you recognize that the one year exchange program was an ill-fated attempt at saving your marriage or relationship; and finally (iv) “Procre<strong>ATE</strong>” because that is what many young couples tend to do when they are happy with their lot in life.<br /><br />I am a Foods Teacher currently on exchange with my husband in South Australia. We feel that there is a fifth “<strong>ATE</strong>” that former exchangees have neglected to identify for us. This is the experience of trying different, wonderfully delicious, and unusual foods. While on exchange, we have certainly <strong>ate</strong> and <strong>ate</strong> and <strong>ate</strong>!<br /><br />One of the things that we have learned on our exchange is that, on average, our South Australian friends are much more knowledgeable about wines and foods than our Canadian friends. Throughout the year, South Australians have the pleasure of being able to harvest a variety of locally grown fruits and nuts (even in their back yards!) such as almonds, olives, passion fruit, pomegranates, quandong, apples, oranges, lemons and limes. South Australians also live either in or adjacent to a world class wine area. A common past time is to go for a drive on the weekend to sample local wines at the numerous cellar doors or partake in an eclectic meal at a local eatery. Hence, through osmosis, they have become very educated about their wines and foods. Based on our social calendar, we have come to realize that South Australians also like to drink a lot of wine. It seems like every time we visit someone, a bottle of vino, and in particular a bottle of South Australian wine is being opened, and snacks of cheese, crackers, olives or other nibbles appear. Given this prelude and generalization with respect to life in South Australia, we suggest that you forget that an exchange is all about travel and testing your vast array of professional skills. Rather concentrate on the foods that you will discover as they alight on your palate and tantalize your taste buds.<br /><br />For starters, how about an appetizer of dukkah - balsamic glaze and Turkish loaf of bread accompanied with a bottle of Barossa Valley shiraz? Bread fresh out of the oven is dipped into a glaze and then coated with dukkah; which is a wonderful blend of nuts and spices. What a beautiful flavour! Dukkah is typically made of crushed toasted almonds and pistachios mixed with a variety of spices and sesame seed. This is the recipe that we enjoy and was designed by googling “dukkah” and tweaking; but don’t hesitate to experiment with your own concoction of herbs and spices.<br /><br />Dukkah<br />1 cup crushed almonds<br />1/2 cup crushed pistachios<br />1 Tablespoon whole cumin seed<br />½ teaspoon thyme<br />1/2 cup sesame seeds (don’t crush these)<br />¼ teaspoon sea salt<br />1 Tablespoon coriander seeds<br />½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes<br />1 Tablespoon black pepper<br /><br />Using either a rolling pin or mortar and pestle crush the nuts to a finely ground powder but leave a few chunkier pieces. Mix the herbs and spices with the ground nuts. Place the concoction on a pie plate or similar flat dish to toast for about 20 minutes at 200 F. Of course, this appetizer is not complete without the balsamic glaze. Take 1 cup castor sugar, 1 cup balsamic vinegar with 2 cups of chicken stock, place over high heat and reduce until the glaze is thick and syrupy. And for the “piece de resistance”, simply uncork a fine bottle of red and let the visiting and conversation with friends begin!<br /><br />For the main course, we suggest that you serve Australian Leg of Lamb; with another bottle of the red magic elixir! When Australians hear that you’ve never eaten a leg of lamb roast they’ll either walk away wondering what’s wrong with you or invite you for Sunday lunch. Luckily for us it was the latter! Our first leg of lamb roast was a knee buckler. The meat melted in our mouth as we savored the rich dark gravy and zesty mint sauce. The lamb was accompanied with roasted potatoes and garden-fresh vegetables. Our host thought it rather amusing that we were taking pictures of her roast!<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lKxjvJTcQTgTiZYNu_aQlST6wS2zuf6QV9blFbPLOz7roGC6RoHEk40gOhQVF7odnCcWGDQnOk5lPFc6X_5Ha8XuZzdXZHvGrMdAen6cNlWJnsU0iIAzlLzmxrLRu9lIs4g7OUK3iDg/s1600/m_Dinner+at+Jane+Nelson%27s+Leg+of+Lamb+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498015530644743586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lKxjvJTcQTgTiZYNu_aQlST6wS2zuf6QV9blFbPLOz7roGC6RoHEk40gOhQVF7odnCcWGDQnOk5lPFc6X_5Ha8XuZzdXZHvGrMdAen6cNlWJnsU0iIAzlLzmxrLRu9lIs4g7OUK3iDg/s400/m_Dinner+at+Jane+Nelson%27s+Leg+of+Lamb+2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Sunday Lunch – Roast Leg of Lamb<br /><br /></div><div align="left">You can be assured that one of the vegetables served with lamb roast in Australia will be pumpkin. Australians are big on pumpkin. We have had it roasted, in soups, in ravioli, in muffins, as well as cold in a sassy pumpkin - spinach salad that is topped with pine nuts in a honey – olive oil dressing! Why don’t Canadians eat pumpkin on a more regular basis, rather than just at Halloween? Aussies cringe when we tell them that pumpkin is usually served from a can and used as the primary ingredient for pumpkin pie. After our experience living in South Australia, we can state with confidence that carving the Jack o’ Lantern has robbed the pumpkin of the culinary respect it deserves.<br /><br />One of our true joys of living in a small town in South Australia is the regular visits to the local butcher. When we told him about our feast of Roast Lamb; he immediately gave us, free of charge, six lamb shanks to try. Yes, you read that last sentence correctly; it was free of charge! Lamb shanks are the elbow and knee joints of the lamb. They need to be slow cooked for four to five hours to capture their full flavourful essence. My mouth is watering now as I recollect that first lamb shank meal. Lamb shanks can be cooked in a number of ways, such as braising, roasting or in casseroles. When we visited Leon, another friend, we were introduced to lamb shank soup, accompanied with another bottle of South Australia red of course! Are you sensing there is a common theme here when you get together to dine with South Australians? Although the appearance of a knee bone served in individual soup bowls can appear daunting, the initial sip of the broth will prove to be divine. The soup was dubbed “Leon’s Come What May Soup” because he really doesn’t have a recipe. The lamb shanks are allowed to simmer all day in a rich soupy broth of grated or chunks of vegetables, rice, barley or noodles or a combination of them all. What goes into the soup is dependent upon what is left over as Leon clears out his fridge. I doubt if he could replicate the soup twice because he makes it up as he goes along – hence the name! However, a bowl of it is to die for!<br /><br />For dessert, don’t be surprised if you are served something light, fluffy and not stuffy! A bowl of sliced bananas bathed in banana-flavoured custard sprinkled with dark chocolate slivers on top will do the trick. Of course it must be served with a bottle of chilled Botrytis Semillon. This dessert wine is very similar in taste and flavour to our Canadian Ice Wines.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxRpOPjoMKJPlFyfxzFBko-hQ2EMw-ff526P1sGuGtSpGfmr4ajbUTUo7KxoyjZspdfU74-zJez1sEcqDvTp6NaJKgr-wOWi7P3_2d4dA84GRlM3z5MfJAKMb61k4ZsQA1wbfSR1YrM0/s1600/m_Central+Market.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498015034131860818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxRpOPjoMKJPlFyfxzFBko-hQ2EMw-ff526P1sGuGtSpGfmr4ajbUTUo7KxoyjZspdfU74-zJez1sEcqDvTp6NaJKgr-wOWi7P3_2d4dA84GRlM3z5MfJAKMb61k4ZsQA1wbfSR1YrM0/s400/m_Central+Market.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Typical Market Setting….<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Ibj3UVfV8_zr7RcZfpoE0uglSJnIRduYbFc_hezRJSttIftE-w0DHWUbc9i3ludC_V1LosLVT8bLZciEt3MMfwiY5aTbKOe0uJUEfCMp7WIgNvJLZVnxzRCiNyDRfsmUBAa5HH6l7c/s1600/m_Central+Market+3+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498014632741227554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Ibj3UVfV8_zr7RcZfpoE0uglSJnIRduYbFc_hezRJSttIftE-w0DHWUbc9i3ludC_V1LosLVT8bLZciEt3MMfwiY5aTbKOe0uJUEfCMp7WIgNvJLZVnxzRCiNyDRfsmUBAa5HH6l7c/s400/m_Central+Market+3+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />With plenty of unusual foods to try! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">As we make our way back to Canada, we already know which “ATE” category will define our year of living and working abroad. No, it will not be “SeparATE” because the mirth and merriment we are having during this year of adventure has brought our relationship closer together. If you are curious what our year on exchange has been like, go to our blog (RickandGail.blogspot.com). We have created this site for the entertainment of our family and friends in both Canada and Australia.<br /><br />While on exchange, as is to be expected, there has been a number of life changing travel and work experiences. Yes, we’ve travelled to Singapore, seen the Sydney Opera House, the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (or Ayer’s Rock for those of you not familiar with the name change), Fiji, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kangaroo Island, and countless weekend trips to South Australia’s Wine regions. However, I still think one of the most stunning things about going on exchange is going over or having your neighbour over for dinner and sharing culture, fabulous food and good times together. Thinking of an exchange? Get in touch with Sara this week for an application form at Sara.coumantaurakis@gov.ab.ca </div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-91894291275464078322010-06-24T22:37:00.000-07:002010-06-26T01:48:12.872-07:00OUTBACK LIFE<div align="center">FROM THE MARREE RACES TO THE BIRDSVILLE TRACK TO COOPER’S CREEK </div><br />Australia celebrates the Queen’s Birthday as a public holiday on the second Monday in June. Back in January Dawn, one of Gail’s teaching colleagues, and her husband Doug had promised to take us along on a camping trip to the Outback for the long weekend holiday in June. Dawn and Doug had advised us that June would be a good time to travel in the Outback because the winter clime would be more bearable than the searing hot summer temperatures. As well, the pesky flies would be much more tolerable to bear during the winter season.<br /><br />In eager anticipation, our bags were packed and we left immediately after school, on Friday of the long weekend. Our destination that night was a Sheep Station located near Craddick which is approximately three hours driving time from Kadina. In Australia, sheep stations can range up to thousands of square kilometres in size with variable sheep stocking rates depending upon pasture conditions. Sheep stations are not like our farms….sheep stations are huge!<br /><br />The Sheep Station we visited is owned and operated by Andrew and Joy, who are dear and life long friends of Doug and Dawn. After a couple of hours of “catch up time”, teasing banters, and fond reminiscences between the two couples, we bedded down in the Shearers’ Quarters. Shearers’ Quarters are temporary living facilities that each Sheep Station provides to house transient sheep shearing teams. Throughout the year, sheep shearing teams travel across Australia from station to station shearing sheep, grading, bundling and baling wool. The shearing team lives a Spartan life as they move from one sheep station to the other. An average sheep shearer will shear 200 sheep in a day making approximately $5.00 per fleece. Extremely good shearers are able to shear 300 sheep in a day. This may sound like good money; however, the work is seasonal and back-break<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF-NHu35dWnxsIndsH_0Rp2GrJAwl3gJGVih4QwDOjgnqlzkaLQ4pvfkmhrZ_fHdJ7PfEf7ypkQggy5bHIF2uaoNF03hSDEE_08UZVOnsrOMdungq_Fn_5HRSRVI5Yvo65EsnJzrcQJI/s1600/m_Outback+Country+21.jpg"></a>ing. It is a special breed of person who makes a living being part of a team as shearing operations will continue throughout the summer; even when temperatures exceed 40oC.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdT_-o-s_dn5IzduR5IJpnnxZSlE-XyRrxeElKAljpFoWl9krpxKkHrCS0dCZFDZRlJdii_FWfMKH6-Lq5eBa30jNDTJN1syNb2XH6WG-9FWBfmz1JKdQgFNJFQAN-m8KToUoEMl-Aok/s1600/m_Sheep+Shearer%27s+Quarters+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486592598804561810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdT_-o-s_dn5IzduR5IJpnnxZSlE-XyRrxeElKAljpFoWl9krpxKkHrCS0dCZFDZRlJdii_FWfMKH6-Lq5eBa30jNDTJN1syNb2XH6WG-9FWBfmz1JKdQgFNJFQAN-m8KToUoEMl-Aok/s400/m_Sheep+Shearer%27s+Quarters+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Outside the Sheep Shearer’s Quarters. Packed and ready to go!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2IFrY8ijcd5UKWy7Mc1-GqgbaZzQhtYXLXKvk32CfdYdEDBdWaAPaqtUrSPbOmrbujU-AbshdmnQ7AsUVZIZg7CkYOGutGX1jyyUgxbnsyrclu2htUQm1WbOm9H1HoaOsgxdq0FJJ9M/s1600/m_Sheep+Shearer%27s+Quarters+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486587596666837794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2IFrY8ijcd5UKWy7Mc1-GqgbaZzQhtYXLXKvk32CfdYdEDBdWaAPaqtUrSPbOmrbujU-AbshdmnQ7AsUVZIZg7CkYOGutGX1jyyUgxbnsyrclu2htUQm1WbOm9H1HoaOsgxdq0FJJ9M/s400/m_Sheep+Shearer%27s+Quarters+2.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Spartan Conditions inside the Sheep Shearer’s Quarters </div><br /><br /><div align="left">By the time we arrived at the station on Friday, the sky was dark. We had no idea what the station would look like in daylight. On a frosty (Yes, there was Frost!) low lying foggy Saturday morning we awoke to a surreal setting. Through a misty morning haze sheep “Baaed” and kangaroos bounced across the sheep paddock which was speckled with an endless expanse of saltbush and various other grazing forbs and grasses. Gail commented that we had waited six months to see kangaroos bouncing in the wild. Prior to now, we had only seen this marsupial in a stationary position as they grazed in fields. We could now check another Aussie Icon off our bucket list.<br /><br />Being naïve, we asked Andrew if we were finally in the Outback. With a slight grin on his face he replied “No – the Outback starts about 15 km down the road. This is still pastoral country because outback country only applies to those areas where you can’t see the lights of your neighbour’s place anywhere on the horizon.” Given that we hadn’t seen any lights on the horizon the night before, we suspected that Andrew was having a yarn at our expense.<br /><br />After checking tire and oil pressures in the 4X4 vehicles, inspecting the rigging on the accompanying tent trailers, and most importantly confirming that the proper UHF radio frequencies between vehicles was operational, the six of us were off on our adventure through the outback. We were advised that it was wise to travel the outback in two vehicles that are well equipped with provisions, lots of water, jerry cans of fuel and extra parts. After our weekend adventure, we now understand why it is important for vehicles to travel in pairs while journeying through the outback. The rocky road surface can play havoc with tires, frequently causing more than one flat. It is also not unusual to see road signs advising that the next fuelling station is more than 400 km away. Hence it is wise to have assistance when there is a vehicle breakdown….particularly in the summer. Andrew nonchalantly told us that the hottest temperature he had recorded on his thermometer gauge at his station was over 50oC.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF-NHu35dWnxsIndsH_0Rp2GrJAwl3gJGVih4QwDOjgnqlzkaLQ4pvfkmhrZ_fHdJ7PfEf7ypkQggy5bHIF2uaoNF03hSDEE_08UZVOnsrOMdungq_Fn_5HRSRVI5Yvo65EsnJzrcQJI/s1600/m_Outback+Country+21.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486587211433001266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF-NHu35dWnxsIndsH_0Rp2GrJAwl3gJGVih4QwDOjgnqlzkaLQ4pvfkmhrZ_fHdJ7PfEf7ypkQggy5bHIF2uaoNF03hSDEE_08UZVOnsrOMdungq_Fn_5HRSRVI5Yvo65EsnJzrcQJI/s400/m_Outback+Country+21.jpg" /></a></p><br /><div align="center">The Signs say it all!<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuNhKodr0wTNo6PWTqy-PsuSyMwfxhxv5yxw89MNgPGBsmBQnDvnN_iGKa-Y9IuBRV76M986R7LogSt2cUXa9u7myXLZrgS90YxDx018IcHwmU_oTLnY-Aq4RRsgoC3WoevlgLPcCrOw/s1600/m_Outback+Country+19.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486586942796134658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuNhKodr0wTNo6PWTqy-PsuSyMwfxhxv5yxw89MNgPGBsmBQnDvnN_iGKa-Y9IuBRV76M986R7LogSt2cUXa9u7myXLZrgS90YxDx018IcHwmU_oTLnY-Aq4RRsgoC3WoevlgLPcCrOw/s400/m_Outback+Country+19.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left">Our Saturday destination was a 5 hour journey to Marree. We were headed to the “Marree Horse Races” which is the annual social highlight of the year for this outback town. Established in 1883, Marree was situated at the head of the rail line. Cattle were driven down from Queensland and the Northern Territory to Marree where they were corralled and transported by rail to Adelaide. At one time, Marree was a thriving community, but after the rail line was relocated 200 km to the west in 1980, the town has subsequently dwindled down to a community of approximately 100 people.<br /><br />On our drive to Marree we passed a number of sheep stations, saw sand dunes in the distance, and travelled through parched desert terrain. We picked our way along both rocky and dusty roads, and made our way through the “Dingo Fence”, another Australian Icon. The Dingo Fence stretches approximately 5500 km across the Australian outback. It was originally built in the 1880’s to keep Dingoes out of Australia’s fertile lands to the south east. Today, government employees travel along the fence making repairs where necessary so as to ensure that sheep herds to the south are protected from Australia’s top predator on the food chain. As we made our way to Marree, our eyes were constantly scanning the terrain in a full 360 degree searching pattern. At times, there was absolutely no relief of any kind on the landscape. Gail commented that the flat topography reminded her of Saskatchewan because you could watch your dog run away for three days. Dawn remarked that they referred to this part of the outback as “Utter Desolation”. Ironically, we all agreed that this utter desolation held a certain subtle beauty and we could understand how the Outback could get into one’s blood.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuA5gDPAU5FOF3_PTd0t2JTSovrQrtYtn7jFr8UYEohUflz0K2tNwLMiLGSpREFY3u9JObeKNfieizny-p8cnE-FONkf5B322saIYY9ohY28BChL0MCVv8ZRrvXL4S6qK0D_rYCliCXM/s1600/m_Dingo+Proof+Fence+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486585714155224658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuA5gDPAU5FOF3_PTd0t2JTSovrQrtYtn7jFr8UYEohUflz0K2tNwLMiLGSpREFY3u9JObeKNfieizny-p8cnE-FONkf5B322saIYY9ohY28BChL0MCVv8ZRrvXL4S6qK0D_rYCliCXM/s400/m_Dingo+Proof+Fence+1.jpg" /></a><br /></p><div align="center">Dingo Proof Fence stretching across most of the Australian Outback<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jLjgzx7pllg_KrFCmskLYo3Tshq5WTqDWGxNIG_CQxJW8eFt7bDmrFCU8lIYJsXfvn1bFRdlSbLTTp-Q6BzBkoehD3tvp3IvjIUh93gXs7AeI-WzgEMLxEa47-P3nE40uKhREwMrnRc/s1600/m_Dingo+Proof+Fence+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486585346196016066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jLjgzx7pllg_KrFCmskLYo3Tshq5WTqDWGxNIG_CQxJW8eFt7bDmrFCU8lIYJsXfvn1bFRdlSbLTTp-Q6BzBkoehD3tvp3IvjIUh93gXs7AeI-WzgEMLxEa47-P3nE40uKhREwMrnRc/s400/m_Dingo+Proof+Fence+2.jpg" /></a></p><br /><div align="center">Utter Desloation<br /></div><div align="left"><br />When we arrived at Marree, the races were well under way. The airstrip was crowded with private planes as people from all across the outback travelled by various modes for a social outing to Marree. Given the opportunity, a professional photographer would have been in his/her element photographing people at the races. There were all kinds of cowboy hats sitting on top of many weathered sun-drenched faces that had spent a life time outdoors. Some hats looked like they were just off the shelf from a fancy clothing store, while others had seen a “lot of hard miles and dust”. Many cowboys or Jackeroos as they are known in Australia were dressed in their “Saturday Night” best shirts, while other Jackeroos appeared dusty and grimy as if they had just come in off the ranch (or station in this case). We were surprised at the amount of money that was exchanging hands as people bet on their favourite race horse. We were told that for some Jackeroos, money was not much of an issue due to the fact that they had not been to town for months and it was simply time to party!<br /><br />Andrew and Joy were in their element talking and getting caught up with friends and acquaintances that they had not seen for a while. One lady was particularly interesting as she talked to Andrew in such a way that she hardly moved her lips. She seemed to talk through her teeth. When we asked about her, we were told that she was Andrew’s and Joy’s neighbour. We found out later that she lived 56 km away from their place! We were subsequently told that many people living in the outback learn to talk through their teeth as a way to cope from flies getting caught in their mouth. After having spent a summer in Kadina, this is something that we understand and can relate too. Flies in South Australia are on par with Canadian mosquitoes. While golfing at our local golf course during the summer, the flies were horrendous. They were unrelenting as they constantly sought any source of moisture such as one’s mouth, nostrils, ears and eyes.<br /><br />At night, the Cabaret at Marree and the party goers were in full swing. Instead of the revelry and carousing, we elected to sit around the camp fire and enjoy the winter skies. And we thought that the night skies in Kadina were incredible! Amongst a few shooting stars, the Milky Way was the main attraction. It was a blur of stars, one indistinguishable from the other. Now we know why it is called “Milky”.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLcRPaeabX50MieBZpOK491gjU6E9TsNmyGvRISs7IlX1yC94bIlYNgg-XXpVHNKU3v-bWbb4frua0bkj-zt2k8hIZAUGoKbX8oI-_QD4pA-OncBdP4YU0iYUHkOYstQgrg1_TlVoago/s1600/m_Marree+Races+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486585023939898770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLcRPaeabX50MieBZpOK491gjU6E9TsNmyGvRISs7IlX1yC94bIlYNgg-XXpVHNKU3v-bWbb4frua0bkj-zt2k8hIZAUGoKbX8oI-_QD4pA-OncBdP4YU0iYUHkOYstQgrg1_TlVoago/s400/m_Marree+Races+3.jpg" /></a><br /></p><div align="center">And They’re Off!</div><div align="left"></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGrCIgQKxaRMjBFa82aSSC_uSoz9jZTL4fEOruDn011r6xOSZWKe_EFTYPGJ2uqWtyLa4OHa7NjQYCsOS2Z6hxjupwrZonqURlURcUl-xrpgvD7RurVHdY-9xKe7_wpx6Me23w7-d9YY/s1600/m_Golfing+at+Balakalava+-+Flies,+Flies,+Everywhere.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486584037570067794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGrCIgQKxaRMjBFa82aSSC_uSoz9jZTL4fEOruDn011r6xOSZWKe_EFTYPGJ2uqWtyLa4OHa7NjQYCsOS2Z6hxjupwrZonqURlURcUl-xrpgvD7RurVHdY-9xKe7_wpx6Me23w7-d9YY/s400/m_Golfing+at+Balakalava+-+Flies,+Flies,+Everywhere.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left"></div><div align="center">End of Fly Season on the Golf Course at home. Can you imagine what the flies must be like during “Fly Season” in the outback? </div><br /><div align="left">On Sunday, we went for about a 150 km drive on the Birdsville Track up to Cooper’s Creek. As far as we can surmise, travelling on the Birdsville Track would be equivalent to driving a portion of the Alaska Highway. It seems that most, if not every, Australian has heard of the Track, but many have not actually travelled it. Our destination was Cooper’s Creek. Cooper’s Creek is normally a non descript dried creek bed. However, this year the creek was filling with water originating hundreds of kilometres to the northeast from unseasonably wet rains occurring in Queensland. The last time that the creek had water in it was in 1974. This phenomenon is considered by many Australians to be a once in a life time occurrence. Once the creek has filled with water, access across is via a ferry or “punt” as it is called here. When not needed, the punt lies abandoned next to the creek. However, once every 30 - 40 years or so, the creek floods and the ferry is put into service for about a 6 – 8 month period. For safety and weight restriction reasons, only one vehicle and a maximum of six passengers are permitted to travel on the punt. Given that there were not a lot of vehicles or passengers waiting to cross on the punt, we took the opportunity to be passengers on the ferry. As we crossed the creek, the punt operator boasted that the last time the ferry was operational, his father had been the captain. He was most proud to be carrying on the tradition. Unfortunately, we couldn’t really appreciate the significance of our Cooper’s Creek experience. In our minds, we were thinking “What’s the big deal? After all, it was only a creek with an operational ferry; something that we had seen in Canada many times before”. However, we were assured by those present that water in Cooper’s Creek was a BIG DEAL. People had driven far and wide to travel on the Copper’s Creek Punt. Doug remarked that maybe 11 million Australians would love the opportunity to ride the punt while maybe only a few thousand will actually ride it while it is in operation. To the slight and humorous chagrin of our Australian partners, they laughed quietly as we were more interested in the flock of wild budgies that had migrated with the water. To us, that was really something! After all, we would never have the opportunity to see budgies in the wild in Canada.<br /><br />Our trip to Cooper’s Creek only confirmed our understanding that everything is relative and is to be enjoyed. For example, a trip to the Outback was merely “Ho Hum” for our Australian friends, but was incredible for us. We know that they took pleasure in our reaction to travelling the outback equally as much as we relished their feedback to travelling the punt at Cooper’s Creek. People’s responses to experiences, no matter how different they may be, should not be dismissed; especially when shared amongst friends.<br /><br />While at the creek, we had to chuckle at another “Outback Experience”. A couple of private planes had flown to the creek and used the road as their airstrip. The travellers only stayed a short while, got out of their planes, viewed the creek, and then took off on their journey.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwD4WlpPNGeLQcTzRPNnxPGmTFwnPQlRAxKT8e7fvkzxK2Ci4m4vniqeqL7NWJjnaRlHNjMSPyBYHQgew3liLBs-ctKf3hIHIfqxXmrbEy3a9G95s7mwFl4M5wr4Q3wLDJaVFiwZIK0A/s1600/m_Copper's+Creek+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486583478554391746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwD4WlpPNGeLQcTzRPNnxPGmTFwnPQlRAxKT8e7fvkzxK2Ci4m4vniqeqL7NWJjnaRlHNjMSPyBYHQgew3liLBs-ctKf3hIHIfqxXmrbEy3a9G95s7mwFl4M5wr4Q3wLDJaVFiwZIK0A/s400/m_Copper's+Creek+4.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center"><br />Cooper’s Creek Ferry</div><div align="left"></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8m-ev7LqJewCUM26eUmvZJaIZVQ4yBGQBM7gt64rvI0Gbz0d9GkOZm-frFz7WH3VEfrKg-fDNPN7_oO5qWNWK5r9Bb4k70P_RbhZDsW8MFfAR3cVJWY11Xvuiekrg2cUjrNRfDDqTs4/s1600/m_Copper's+Creek+11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486582353957079330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8m-ev7LqJewCUM26eUmvZJaIZVQ4yBGQBM7gt64rvI0Gbz0d9GkOZm-frFz7WH3VEfrKg-fDNPN7_oO5qWNWK5r9Bb4k70P_RbhZDsW8MFfAR3cVJWY11Xvuiekrg2cUjrNRfDDqTs4/s400/m_Copper's+Creek+11.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center"><br />Waiting to Cross </div><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXkfEX0NWjDd-jfEYo3y6hALLCAHXW7NXGXjACc33hODjOIb0lrhCqOja6rr_j72nDHjJH6Ki2NAxIFq8PqEvb2nUdMvkrut6lIL0EfJBTLDailXkpBm_VKyG9Bond3pYQM28DKwtFtI/s1600/m_Copper's+Creek+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486581992556390674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXkfEX0NWjDd-jfEYo3y6hALLCAHXW7NXGXjACc33hODjOIb0lrhCqOja6rr_j72nDHjJH6Ki2NAxIFq8PqEvb2nUdMvkrut6lIL0EfJBTLDailXkpBm_VKyG9Bond3pYQM28DKwtFtI/s400/m_Copper's+Creek+3.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Approximately 4 meters of water in Cooper’s Creek<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">On Monday, we left Marree for our return drive back to Kadina. We certainly had a fun-filled weekend packed with memories that only validates that this year of exchange is a most amazing and awesome experience.<br /><br /></div><div align="left">The second term of school holidays is around the corner. We won’t be entering another blog until around the third week of July; once we return from holidays. As this is now summer time in Canada, we hope you take the time to enjoy the warm weather, go golfing, sit outside on the deck or do whatever it is that makes summer so memorable for you. </div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-25373993823794975452010-05-24T00:09:00.000-07:002010-05-24T23:59:14.597-07:00SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WINESThis blog entry is dedicated to “Hornsy”. For those of you who do not know Hornsy, let us introduce him to you. Hornsy is, beyond doubt, a true gentleman. He is one of Rick’s golfing buddies in Edmonton who loves his wines and to say the least, is very knowledgeable about this subject. He is just a joy to behold as he opens another bottle, sniffs the cork, lets the wine breathe, swirls the nectar of the Gods in his glass, then takes that first sip. Once Hornsy has savoured that initial moment of drink, he will then inspect the legs that have formed on the wine goblet and describe the oaken earthy odour that is a prerequisite to a good red wine. His golfing pals will anxiously wait for him to acknowledge that the magic elixir has a most pleasing palate and is suitable to drink. After about the third bottle, Hornsy is willing to discuss sex, religion, and politics with you; or for that matter, any other topic which you may wish/not wish to debate. The conversation will be interrupted periodically as he tells you about the wine region from whence that last glass has come. Prior to coming to Australia, Hornsy made sure to tell us about the great wines that South Australia had to offer. No doubt, if Hornsy was with us here in South Australia, he would have thought he’d died and gone to heaven. As for Hornsy’s golf game, the rest of his golfing pals know that if his game was as good as his knowledge of wine, he would be a scratch golfer. Unfortunately, his golf game is analogous to knowing the difference between a “Red” and “White” and that is the extent of it. Sorry Hornsy, but you know that your golfing chums wouldn’t let you get away without some insulting comment.<br /><br /><strong>Wine Regions of South Australia<br /></strong><br />During the mid 1800’s, a number of settlers moved to South Australia from Germany. They soon recognized that many regions within the state were ideal for viticulture and thus began to apply their vast knowledge on the subject. From these early beginnings over 150 years ago, wine growing in South Australia has evolved into a world class industry.<br /><br />There are four main wine regions in the State of South Australia, all near to our home in Kadina. The nearest region, the Clare Valley, is approximately a 45 minute drive due east. The next is the Barossa Valley which at about one and a half hours of leisure driving through rolling hills and small towns. Further south is McLaren Vale which is probably a two hour drive and finally way down in the southern part of the state is the Coonawarra. No doubt the next time you go to the liquor store to buy a bottle of South Australian red or white, you can be assured that it likely came from one of these world class wine growing regions.<br /><br />In addition to the aforementioned, there are other areas which, although not truly internationally recognized yet, are starting to produce some nice wines. Blended somewhere between the Clare, Barossa and McLaren Vale Regions is the Adelaide Hills area. Other locales further afield include the Fleurieu Peninsula, Mt Gambier and Murray River lands.<br /><br />South Australian wines provide more than one half of all Australian wines exported aboard. The wine regions’ Mediterranean climate and associated variety of soil types produce a wide range of grapes. For example, the cooler climate of the Clare Valley is ideal for producing the Riesling grape whereas the sandy, clay loam soils of the Barossa Valley produce big, full bodied Shiraz wines – Gail’s favourite!<br /><br /><strong>Clare Valley</strong><br /><br />As a broad generalization, Claire Valley wineries are known for their white wines and in particular the Riesling grape. The wineries in the valley are small and boutique. In 2006, the Kilkanoon winery was acknowledged at the International Wine and Spirits Competition for producing the best Riesling in the world. On the “Red” side of the equation, local Cabernet Sauvignon’s and Shiraz’s have also received international recognition.<br /><br />We are planning a weekend at Clare this September as the Valley lays claim to the “Riesling Trail” which is a 35 kilometre bike or hike trail through numerous vineyards with numerous “pit stops” at adjacent cellar doors. As you have probably surmised, the objective is to cycle or walk the trail making periodic stops to sample wines at the cellar doors. Coupled with the cellar doors are eclectic cafes and restaurants. Needless to say, as we wine and dine along the Riesling Trail, we will be thankful to either be hiking or biking or wobbling. The manual energy expended on the trail should also allow us to work off some of those calories.<br /><br />One of the things that we have learned is that, on average, our South Australian friends are much more knowledgeable about wines than our Canadian friends. We think that this is likely due to two reasons: (i) South Australians live either in or adjacent to a world class wine area. A common past time is to go for a drive on the weekend to sample local wines at the numerous cellar doors in one of the many wine regions. Hence, through osmosis, they have become very educated about their wines. (ii) We have come to realize that South Australians also like to drink a lot of wine. It seems like every time we visit someone, a bottle of vino, and in particular a bottle of South Australian wine is being opened, and snacks of cheese, crackers, olives or other nibbles appear. It really is a nice way to visit with friends and enjoy each other’s company. Hence, after years of having consumed the magic elixir, South Australians have become most acquainted with their wines. Given this prelude and generalization with respect to our Aussie friends, they have advised us that if you buy a Riesling from Clare, you won’t go too far wrong. Based on our experience to date, their advice has been on the mark or as the Aussie’s would say, “Spot On!” Hornsy, you’d love it!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdfPCmrPTP_DSTpC6Viq1X1OUxmeFI1vsKZBrK0WEqokT-dCnCkmY8hTUpZfdzPvoKOm0EzdiaMXtq7-PmeLkhxh4xL2yrAiqHRlIRvqlYn2ipuNYf2znYGDpYQPSRjUESeA2x5Ir36w/s1600/m_View+of+Clare+Valley+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474734237400586706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdfPCmrPTP_DSTpC6Viq1X1OUxmeFI1vsKZBrK0WEqokT-dCnCkmY8hTUpZfdzPvoKOm0EzdiaMXtq7-PmeLkhxh4xL2yrAiqHRlIRvqlYn2ipuNYf2znYGDpYQPSRjUESeA2x5Ir36w/s400/m_View+of+Clare+Valley+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">View of Clare Valley</div><div align="left"><br /><br /><strong>Barossa Valley</strong><br /><br />The Barossa, South Australia’s most well known wine producing area, is often referred to as the “Wine Capital of Australia”. As a generalization, the valley is probably best known for its red Shiraz. The region is considered equivalent to the world’s other great wine growing areas such as the Napa Valley in California and the Bordeaux in France. In the Barossa, there are literally over a hundred wineries ranging from the “Mom and Pop” specialty operations to the world famous Jacob’s Creek, Wolf Blass, Peter Lehmann, and Penfold vineyards. The Barossa is the State’s most visited tourist destination and when one has the opportunity to visit the valley, you can easily understand why it is on the “Must Do” list. Set in a fairy-tale like surrounding of rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see, old German heritage buildings dot the landscape. Around and amongst this setting, numerous new buildings have been constructed to mimic the valley’s European origin.<br /><br />While in the Barossa one weekend on a wine sampling expedition, we had the good luck to be present when the vintners celebrated the “Blessing of the Grapes”. On a Sunday in early fall (yes the seasons are reversed Down Under), all the wine owners gather to attend church so that they can pray for and bless the upcoming harvest. After church, the vintners march in a formal parade which congregates at the town square. Once assembled, they announce, to all present, their expectations of the upcoming year’s quality of wine(s). To commence the harvest, a ceremonial barrel of grapes is crushed and “quench wenches” or “juice girls” pass around the crushed juice for all to taste. We have never experienced such a sweet tasting grape juice right off the vine with no sugar added! If the grape juice is any indication of what the 2010 wines will be like, we think that this harvest will produce a stellar wine.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj629bGQr741YhPx__d835MXA860GrZwUKNUThXZZ2dauktoEBavWhYO-eTEHJwG-GsbVBKvMfEtiCAkG_gMnq7SC_2yfa8S_f_SKv2Xnv2L_HvdCVMnPRDSxngvd7UZuumeAIGLspZ56E/s1600/m_Blessing+of+the+Grapes+-+Wine+Girls+1+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474735107863632098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj629bGQr741YhPx__d835MXA860GrZwUKNUThXZZ2dauktoEBavWhYO-eTEHJwG-GsbVBKvMfEtiCAkG_gMnq7SC_2yfa8S_f_SKv2Xnv2L_HvdCVMnPRDSxngvd7UZuumeAIGLspZ56E/s400/m_Blessing+of+the+Grapes+-+Wine+Girls+1+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">The “Quench Wenches” or “Juice Girls” Posing in Front of the Church Prior to the Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG31nhIqoupuLuPpVvfBHElsAk2QHDXKUFSOAwZm58U7FjqIZG4-DYO89MbryLKvaXPdk0gKyhZMRBiv_h5WYwUX1j2hBliJF10JS-vb_hOfjvvW95R6Ws2DfFkY_PhAHSMOvk-S3Cds/s1600/m_Blessing+of+the+Grapes+-+Speeches+1+1+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474735507178520386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG31nhIqoupuLuPpVvfBHElsAk2QHDXKUFSOAwZm58U7FjqIZG4-DYO89MbryLKvaXPdk0gKyhZMRBiv_h5WYwUX1j2hBliJF10JS-vb_hOfjvvW95R6Ws2DfFkY_PhAHSMOvk-S3Cds/s400/m_Blessing+of+the+Grapes+-+Speeches+1+1+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />The Barons (i.e., Wine Owners) of the Barossa Valley declaring whether 2010 will be a Good Year – Based on our sample of the juice - we think so!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUvYcZVkD285aThm19TzwntfSekqwHzf27BYkFWDsSEaMwxxV4ZBbHzEk7y4wnmVdtLDl55O5iDQMhXi0OKvj0LIdoKpbEgMZNi3jRvD6fL_AZjFuQwxiXdVno2q_7tn5U8W3BptlOFg/s1600/m_Blessing+of+the+Grapes+-+Crushing+the+Grapes+2+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474745116787401394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUvYcZVkD285aThm19TzwntfSekqwHzf27BYkFWDsSEaMwxxV4ZBbHzEk7y4wnmVdtLDl55O5iDQMhXi0OKvj0LIdoKpbEgMZNi3jRvD6fL_AZjFuQwxiXdVno2q_7tn5U8W3BptlOFg/s400/m_Blessing+of+the+Grapes+-+Crushing+the+Grapes+2+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Ceremonial Crushing of the Grapes<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xyG0ZcP6ChSsxReB7A-3csRBxwWwaFJwrGRr8malRCudzw8uUdvHP01tUq0rpdjj1nrQdV1ECzOWFhvl37yd0q-dkA5yjeAry-G1lyTy0vcR9UaDBpNW_1GghOrL-5o314_K3piw27c/s1600/m_Blessing+of+the+Grapes+-+Sampling+the+Juice+4+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474744208967064866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xyG0ZcP6ChSsxReB7A-3csRBxwWwaFJwrGRr8malRCudzw8uUdvHP01tUq0rpdjj1nrQdV1ECzOWFhvl37yd0q-dkA5yjeAry-G1lyTy0vcR9UaDBpNW_1GghOrL-5o314_K3piw27c/s400/m_Blessing+of+the+Grapes+-+Sampling+the+Juice+4+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Rick and Greig, who is from Cold Lake and whose wife is on Teacher Exchange in Keith South Australia, posing with their grape juice server<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbJopAEv_sShLDznftSvRqbgD9ob3hVMGlJ6otK2nJ1S3tKbK357yC5Owz1UaQOLJxFKtUAZcMEZfBv8pLodv9KLJVjXK6bTlfttgnnaT-tAm0bgPSb-7JNuTOGtpu6803jbcVOeaVxs/s1600/m_McLaren+Vale+7+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474743452814375762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbJopAEv_sShLDznftSvRqbgD9ob3hVMGlJ6otK2nJ1S3tKbK357yC5Owz1UaQOLJxFKtUAZcMEZfBv8pLodv9KLJVjXK6bTlfttgnnaT-tAm0bgPSb-7JNuTOGtpu6803jbcVOeaVxs/s400/m_McLaren+Vale+7+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Rick's and Gail’s Ceremonial Harvesting of the Grapes<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2ZHyGllH5WXxfZrcJj2qcOANA_yMHGd2_n06oOK5WVdToVkO8vU-LxmnnMtOUn0vsKPGfQKXtO-KTyFhlJFRMbs_YPn8Y18LUC_d-dQb3qJ0QVQpqV1YgMSx1Z-JRzetvoePwETrGWE/s1600/m_Jacob's+Creek+Vineyard+1+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474742914109694946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2ZHyGllH5WXxfZrcJj2qcOANA_yMHGd2_n06oOK5WVdToVkO8vU-LxmnnMtOUn0vsKPGfQKXtO-KTyFhlJFRMbs_YPn8Y18LUC_d-dQb3qJ0QVQpqV1YgMSx1Z-JRzetvoePwETrGWE/s400/m_Jacob's+Creek+Vineyard+1+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Prior to Wine Tasting at Jacob’s Creek Cellar<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnxRDuvLwSQywjUSF5Y2uhxvHMrq_spG3hdQt2XOoiRaKKbNqgHYKppbx9H-g8ruzBbe0nLbmdNjozolNI691L8H3IkioXNeb7C8pgWNX3RdBe-HragGXBAJLigBjTxm1y_CFWiqexug/s1600/m_Penfold's+Vineyard+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474741598785902418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnxRDuvLwSQywjUSF5Y2uhxvHMrq_spG3hdQt2XOoiRaKKbNqgHYKppbx9H-g8ruzBbe0nLbmdNjozolNI691L8H3IkioXNeb7C8pgWNX3RdBe-HragGXBAJLigBjTxm1y_CFWiqexug/s400/m_Penfold's+Vineyard+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br />After Wine Sampling at Penfold’s Cellar<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYatZn-7vWpWBHTawg2k-ytfV_0BBEDAKAZ9VtEt-zzPTJr8BjMlhH2c4e_-X9g51PAwKnTZ28fgfBpmJ3UCXRQzlDxvKpNMdkOcJsmJl2VosV8jhw_sV0J-n4PBgUyvpAA3JrBHFM4o/s1600/m_Peter+Lehmann+1+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474740473873070578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYatZn-7vWpWBHTawg2k-ytfV_0BBEDAKAZ9VtEt-zzPTJr8BjMlhH2c4e_-X9g51PAwKnTZ28fgfBpmJ3UCXRQzlDxvKpNMdkOcJsmJl2VosV8jhw_sV0J-n4PBgUyvpAA3JrBHFM4o/s400/m_Peter+Lehmann+1+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />After Wine Sampling at Peter Lehmann’s – Note as the day becomes longer why are we absent from the picture?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASWPj6XZYtopfW4scbvD4rEvKl5TW96yMfP1SegPKzwHWy6cXXFirNBmAmQWYU105jflGzsDu_f96EN5Lmm15KW3ATeHaDTOZEIUVe6_ziK4-vd2Q9iWe34eL59z2MwXJahB6o3nEmE0/s1600/m_Peter+Lehmann+2+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474739668209470658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASWPj6XZYtopfW4scbvD4rEvKl5TW96yMfP1SegPKzwHWy6cXXFirNBmAmQWYU105jflGzsDu_f96EN5Lmm15KW3ATeHaDTOZEIUVe6_ziK4-vd2Q9iWe34eL59z2MwXJahB6o3nEmE0/s400/m_Peter+Lehmann+2+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Inside Peter Lehmann’s Cellar<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGGzVvAb22Y5ar84sfnt1Rn6BZtMzVBVN1hSSYimhDoziHp_igRS_4_nO1vi7cUklhOWBkLPF1uaasmc7g7tEld692Pb_9mT_ILEj9yrkaOQW3ewQoA9GEL_p-sbQ0BYK6VaXki7_-lc/s1600/m_Wolf+Bass+3+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474738988687165346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGGzVvAb22Y5ar84sfnt1Rn6BZtMzVBVN1hSSYimhDoziHp_igRS_4_nO1vi7cUklhOWBkLPF1uaasmc7g7tEld692Pb_9mT_ILEj9yrkaOQW3ewQoA9GEL_p-sbQ0BYK6VaXki7_-lc/s400/m_Wolf+Bass+3+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Start of another day of wine sampling – Note Different Shirt and Blouse and it's early. Hence we are in the picture!<br /></div><p align="left"><strong>McLaren Vale</strong><br /><br />Given our limited knowledge on the subject, what more can we say about wines? Visiting one cellar door after another became a blur with each wine tasting better than the last. Does this sound like maybe we had one or two more wines than needed? Reds! Whites! They are all good.<br /><br />While visiting McLaren Vale, we learned a few interesting tidbits. </p><ul><li><div align="left">Similar to the use of the canary in the coal mine to detect methane gas, vintners from an earlier era use to plant rose bushes at the end of each row of grapes as an advance indicator of soil moisture. If the roses started to wilt, the vintner knew that he needed to water his grapes. Now the rose bushes have been replaced by a sophisticated series of soil moisture probes and timers to ensure that proper watering regimes are maintained. However, some of the vineyards still have roses growing at the end of each row of grapes. We don’t know if the roses are for “back-up” purposes, or simply to add beauty, or to remind the vintners of their ancestry. Perhaps the roses serve all three purposes.<br /></div></li><li><div align="left">We have become frequent purchasers of the “Clean Skin” wine. A Clean Skin wine is a wine that has been bottled without a label acknowledging the origin of the winery on the bottle. How does this happen you ask? We’re glad that you asked because let us explain! Many of the fine restaurants will commission a winery to exclusively produce a fine wine for the restaurant. For illustration purposes, let’s say that the restaurant commissioned the vineyard to produce 5000 bottles of Shiraz. In order to ensure that the proper quota of 5000 bottles has been attained, the vintner may produce 7500 bottles. Thus there are 2500 bottles that the vintner must sell, but he cannot label the Shiraz as coming from his winery because the restaurant has exclusivity. While you are at the vineyard, you can sample a “Clean Skin” if one is available. If you think that the wine is pleasing to your palate, you can purchase the nectar of the Gods at an incredibly low price. Most Clean Skins are sold by the dozen at the vineyard. Local liquor stores will also sell clean skins, usually by the bottle, but unfortunately one cannot sample the product first. Fortunately, at the liquor store, some brave South Australian will purchase a clean skin - taste unknown. If it is a good one, he tells his friends by word of mouth and before you know it, the shelf is left bare. It’s also a bargain to purchase since there is no label on it. It is not uncommon for the elixir to sell for ¼ of its value or sometimes even less!<br /></div></li><li><div align="left">South Australia produces a very good dessert wine that is comparable to our Canadian Ice wines. The dessert wine is made by allowing the grape to remain on the vine, become infected by a fungus and ferment. The dessert wine is known as a Botrytis, named after the fungus which creates this wonderful sweet wine. A small glass of incredibly cold botrytis with some strawberries and very dark chocolate makes a wonderful dessert after a scrumptious meal. </div></li></ul><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqOsWkG1tBL8TAP91_1ZDQGpo6saG9aj7-mYbsDKbAi4TK9GdYwn44YlmVDzNHdaXBnY945fDsgMDVv86ApO-SDBEaSLQ9NT1GMuhvuxIQ4c4FPLStxxceA-87HE4PdGTE6RMctZ2Tt8/s1600/m_McLaren+Vale+3+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474738333547533106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqOsWkG1tBL8TAP91_1ZDQGpo6saG9aj7-mYbsDKbAi4TK9GdYwn44YlmVDzNHdaXBnY945fDsgMDVv86ApO-SDBEaSLQ9NT1GMuhvuxIQ4c4FPLStxxceA-87HE4PdGTE6RMctZ2Tt8/s400/m_McLaren+Vale+3+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Barrels upon barrels upon barrels of wine<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbKJ6wJMvdAkrgE0pupirDdLHz7fwO4nvir0j6qvWJUqC41SyVM7TsH3apwq9RGUk41ncP4Eibwdfa989Bi8xInLMut4EiuBJlm6TaoShvDYA29BAd7fd8P5thHqvWcTdJPgbIFR-Xao/s1600/m_McLaren+Vale+6+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474738051015437042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbKJ6wJMvdAkrgE0pupirDdLHz7fwO4nvir0j6qvWJUqC41SyVM7TsH3apwq9RGUk41ncP4Eibwdfa989Bi8xInLMut4EiuBJlm6TaoShvDYA29BAd7fd8P5thHqvWcTdJPgbIFR-Xao/s400/m_McLaren+Vale+6+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Inside Wirra Wirra Cellar with Doug and Dawn (see Blog Entry titled “Everyone Needs a Leon or a Jill or a…..”). Sampling has not yet made us that “wirry”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4al_JNtSDhSiR4YC-BBtvkABAi36a3q-mhQ6L8CT9grDxdTEloT9dSCQ8agAug20xf9ghWWa8U4gD9kQiKT2K7ltEFZX41ONlvtGiyrMNks_y4Z93YL0ukoEKN1sN5f-8L_Ow5-i0MLo/s1600/m_McLaren+Vale+11+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474736692372577762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4al_JNtSDhSiR4YC-BBtvkABAi36a3q-mhQ6L8CT9grDxdTEloT9dSCQ8agAug20xf9ghWWa8U4gD9kQiKT2K7ltEFZX41ONlvtGiyrMNks_y4Z93YL0ukoEKN1sN5f-8L_Ow5-i0MLo/s400/m_McLaren+Vale+11+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Rose Bushes planted along each row of Grapes. Roses act as an indicator of soil moisture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwIVCRIDE9o5CwwBh2M212p1S2L3kFXx5fUS-ULa7wCNsJaDc8tqPa1EedHG-lxqMO8Wsyt8h0dbQ8n0iLL4AegBTTKxk9DCPvJvlNMav4PivJWCR45OYuOfDp4zBay-0B3nOT6ViUXE/s1600/m_McLaren+Vale+16+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474736175360161938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwIVCRIDE9o5CwwBh2M212p1S2L3kFXx5fUS-ULa7wCNsJaDc8tqPa1EedHG-lxqMO8Wsyt8h0dbQ8n0iLL4AegBTTKxk9DCPvJvlNMav4PivJWCR45OYuOfDp4zBay-0B3nOT6ViUXE/s400/m_McLaren+Vale+16+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />This picture is for our friend Janet in Edmonton. For some reason, she just loves “Hardy’s” wine.</p><p align="left"><strong>Coonawarra </strong><br /><br />We really can’t tell you much about the Coonawarra because we have yet to visit the region. However, our Australian friends have told us that if you buy a Red from the Coonawarra you won’t go wrong.<br /><br /><br />We hope that you have enjoyed this brief overview of the wine regions of South Australia. Perhaps it will have provoked your interest enough to go to the liquor store (or bottle shop as it is called in Oz) and try a couple of South Australian wines. If you do, we hope for two things: (i) That you take pleasure in discovering the wine(s) as much as we have enjoyed them here, and (ii) You think of us while you take that first sip. If you wish, email us (Rick_Ferster@shaw.ca) and tell us your opinion on your discovery. We are interested to know. </p>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-58350701809839723332010-05-06T19:02:00.000-07:002010-05-06T19:45:14.803-07:00HELLO FROM AYERS ROCKApril 25th is ANZAC Day in Australia. ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corp) Day is a public holiday to commemorate the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli during World War I. The battle of Gallipoli is regarded as being of great significance by the Australians. It is interesting because also during the First World War, the battle of Vimy Ridge is of equal historic importance to Canada. Both battles are considered to be the moment when each country recognized itself as being unified as a nation; where men from across the country came together and fought as a cohesive unit. The image of national unity and achievement is what made each of these battles so important for each country. Australia elected to make ANZAC Day a national holiday, whereas sadly, Canada does not publicly recognize their historic coming of age event.<br /><br />Making the most of this long weekend, we took the opportunity to visit Ayers Rock. This holiday trip left us with mixed emotions. We find it difficult to express these emotions in a logical manner. Hence this blog entry is a bit disjointed, but we hope by the end of it you will understand our feelings with respect to this long weekend trip.<br /><br />Prior to arriving in Australia there were three things on our “Bucket List” that we wanted to see and do while in Australia. We wanted to (i) see the Sydney Opera House and Harbour, (ii) visit Ayers Rock and (iii) go to the Great Barrier Reef. As you can imagine, going to Ayers Rock was high on our list of places to visit. Once we arrived in Australia, the reality of getting to Ayers Rock started to crystallize.<br /><br />Ayers Rock is in the Outback, in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the continent. Getting there by road is at least a three day drive (one way) from Adelaide. You can get there in two days, but the driving is hard and the days are long! Given that our time is short in Australia and we only have 52 weekends, we decided that driving to the “ROCK” was out of the question as it would entirely consume one of our school term holidays. When we investigated our options with respect to flying, we soon learned that QANTAS has a captive market. QANTAS stands for “Queensland and Northern Territory Air Service”. We surmise that QANTAS must have built the airstrip at Ayers Rock and thus can charge whatever the market will bear. Hence, seat sales to the Rock are few and far between and when there are sales, you wonder if the seats were ever put on sale because the prices are still outrageous. Once we started to look at accommodations at Ayers Rock, we soon concluded that the weekend would cost a small fortune. Our Australian friends had advised us that we shouldn’t get too excited about visiting it, because after all, “it is only a rock”. Given the cost, we concluded that for the same amount of money we could enjoy a nice week or two in Bali or some other place. Unhappily, we were virtually at the point of electing not to visit this Australian icon. Finally, we asked ourselves, if we don’t go, will this be something that we regret once we were back in Canada? After considerable deliberation, we decided to bite the bullet, tell ourselves that we only live once, Ayers Rock was on our bucket list and that we should “GO FOR IT”!<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Outback</strong><br /><br />As noted above, Ayers Rock is in the Outback, in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the continent. Are you beginning to get the image that Ayers Rock is a long ways from anywhere? One of our travel books suggests that if you want to see the outback, all you have to do is drive “Out” for one hour and then drive “Back”. You will have seen all you need to see of the outback during this two hour drive, because the outback is a sea of endless desert and arid vegetation. This slightly humorous description of the outback really does not pay it justice.<br /><br />On both a macro and micro scale, there is a subtle beauty to the outback that you can’t help but appreciate. At a macro level, as you fly over the landscape, you see beautiful rock formations that originate from ranges of once tall mountains that have been eroded over millions of years. Scattered between these ranges are miles and miles of sand dunes that were once part of an immense inland sea. Interspersed is a vast network of dry channel river beds and lakes that only fill with water during intense storm events from tropical storms that have periodically strayed further south than their typical normal weather patterns permit. These landforms blend in colour between shades of white, brown, red and ochre. Added to this are hues of green and brown vegetation that struggle for survival in this a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mTkmm_HiVjWAw30pB9FI2_Ob2XpHoVx1Szfbzsssfsl6qRXI8jIdBYj9vuauz5YXp3XOPDGcgmL8_U9LUm3MKRvaHKVu8BBf-YOCgx09OILWTzqes3O6HNR03DApcgjXns6hqAueN7w/s1600/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+24.jpg"></a>rid environment. On a micro scale, as one walks through the outback, you can’t help but notice the blood red colour of the sand that fills your shoes as you step around the tuffs of grasses, shrubs and trees that cover the ground. It appears as if the vegetation has been selected and delicately placed so as to maximize and horde any and all available moisture.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Rock</strong><br /><br />Prior to leaving for the Rock, a few of Gail’s teaching colleagues in Kadina remarked that they thought it rather outlandish, yet exotic, that she was flying half way across the continent for the long weekend. We hadn’t thought about it, but yes it would be the equivalent of flying from Edmonton to Toronto for a long weekend. This is certainly, something that we have never done and likely would not consider doing while residing in Canada. However, we only do have 52 weekends in Australia with 36 remaining.<br /><br />After hours of being in the air and flying over the endless outback, we finally saw the Rock. Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it is know by its aboriginal name, is a huge monolith, majestic in stature, protruding out of nowhere on a flat bed of unending level terrain. The view whether from the air or on foot, is spectacular and leaves one with a feeling of reverence. The size of the Rock is enormous; it doesn’t matter what time of day you view the rock, the shades of light from the sun give the rock a kaleidoscope of colour. Now we know and understand why it is one of the most visited places in Australia.<br /><br />As we disembarked from the plane, we observed a number of flights listed on the arrival and departure boards in the terminal that acknowledge planes coming from and going to virtually every major Australian city. Passengers from all corners of the continent such as Perth, Sydney, Cairns, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Darwin were on a pilgrimage to Uluru. A bus was waiting at the airport to take us to the Ayers Rock resort. While en route to the resort, we discovered that we were essentially a captive market with no place else to go. There is no community at the Rock with the exception of an aboriginal community which houses somewhere around 100 residents. This community is off limits to the tourists and trespass is not permitted. In fact, everyone working and living at Uluru who is not aboriginal is housed at the resort. The resort is comprised of four large hotels plus associated restaurants and bars, a caravan park, campground, a number of trinket shops, coffee shops, tour booths, a grocery store and an employee residence area. It seemed strange to discover that even the QANTAS employees working at the airport also lived at the resort.<br /><br />While at the rock we took a sunrise tour and an evening sunset – dinner under the stars tour. Both tours were stunning. However, we found it a little disconcerting that there was not one aboriginal person present to host or participate in the tours or work in the resort area. For example, even the person playing the didgeridoo which is an aboriginal musical instrument, was not of aboriginal origin. We also thought that it was a little inappropriate to listen to a Caucasian guide tell us about aboriginal folklore, while many of the aboriginals residing in the community are out of work and on relief. In North America when one visits a site of major First Nation’s significance there is typically a representative from the community who is present and proud to show off and explain First Nation’s culture to visitors. In this case, we are at a loss as to explain why aboriginals at Uluru were not doing the same. It is our understanding that the aboriginals, like our First Nations, are a proud people pleased to share their culture and heritage. When we asked around, we were provided with either no explanation, or that aboriginals didn’t have the education to run the businesses, or they were too lazy to work. We think that perhaps a more reasonable explanation may be that the aboriginals are just tired of the number of visitors coming to the area and want nothing to do with the tourists. Aboriginal issues in Australia are very similar to First Nation issues in Canada. This is not surprising as both countries have come from British rule and in the last one hundred years have both addressed aboriginal issues in the same dismal manner.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Tour of the Rock</strong><br /><br />We, as well as about a thousand other tourists, got up at 5:00 AM to watch the sun rise on the rock. If you are traveling this distance, you have to make the most of it and you are raring to go at the crack of dawn. As the sun rose, the rock transformed from a dark mass into a reddish hue of colour. As you can imagine, we have logged this sun rise into our memory bank! We had hoped to climb the Rock in the morning, but unfortunately the walk had been cancelled for the day. We were told that the walk is closed on four different occasions: (i) When temperatures soar above 36oC, (ii) When it is too windy and there is risk of people being blown off the rock, (iii) When it has been raining and there is risk of people sliding off the rock, and (iv) When there has been a death on the rock. In our particular circumstance, a hiker had died of a heart attack the day before while climbing the rock. The aboriginal council closed the hike for the following day to honour the memory of the deceased hiker. In lieu of the climb, we spent the rest of our time at the rock, walking around the base, going to the water hole and looking at aboriginal art that had been painted many generations ago on the rock.<br /><br />In the evening, we had a most memorable experience. As we watched the sun set on the rock we sipped champagne along with about sixty other people who elected to dine under the stars in the desert. On a cloudless night we were pampered to a scrumptious meal of kangaroo, fish, chicken, and many other delectable delights as a musician played the didgeridoo in the background. Once it was dark, we were then entertained as an astronomer told us stories about the stars and constellations. We couldn’t believe the light that was reflected off the desert by the stars and moon. At our dining table there were seven people who had made their pilgrimage to the rock. We had come from Canada via Adelaide. Two couples, one from the United States and the other from Britain, had arrived by way of Melbourne. Our seventh person, who was from Spain, started his journey from Perth. The evening made us realize that Uluru truly was not only an Australian icon, but a global destination.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRJsQb_1M42JdBF05g4XERtFZGOa2ZrRP1xT8v-9Dx3pDnNIfx6LYQAlmO9jjzHMIzIxvwi3kVuyPfMqFv3PhX1ve02nqhN9-nTWQbd5bGoSxnZmqiEOLQvQL6cExwZDBs-mpgRiarmk/s1600/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468347581389737746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRJsQb_1M42JdBF05g4XERtFZGOa2ZrRP1xT8v-9Dx3pDnNIfx6LYQAlmO9jjzHMIzIxvwi3kVuyPfMqFv3PhX1ve02nqhN9-nTWQbd5bGoSxnZmqiEOLQvQL6cExwZDBs-mpgRiarmk/s400/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+3.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Some of the many bus loads of Pilgrims arriving for a sunrise view of Uluru<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR1sCxsQUA4CiOu-_TEARjLw28FUVuhKsf6ry5AmsiriLiW_5_mIVy3AfVCfBwbfWpTM4AigNnScJbuTxactYPEc4Pio3qeyPPE0g3FM7PtAZ7DDjWkrvfUktxPBTagLDnBJxtPQ2UCc/s1600/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468347083534025202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR1sCxsQUA4CiOu-_TEARjLw28FUVuhKsf6ry5AmsiriLiW_5_mIVy3AfVCfBwbfWpTM4AigNnScJbuTxactYPEc4Pio3qeyPPE0g3FM7PtAZ7DDjWkrvfUktxPBTagLDnBJxtPQ2UCc/s400/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+1.jpg" /></a><br />Waiting for the sun rise<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSqnxEnN9k1eSGvX3a1pk4xvK_i15ehOFyg9XIWubO53t14lv1A4IlDOk618r2f3Tt8OvhrF0r9da2Dv92AsochWyshyphenhyphenB_L9oQfXcgd8EZ1YVn8mndGwDV5NTku9dLAVl_jMQDngyJZs/s1600/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468346561886908754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSqnxEnN9k1eSGvX3a1pk4xvK_i15ehOFyg9XIWubO53t14lv1A4IlDOk618r2f3Tt8OvhrF0r9da2Dv92AsochWyshyphenhyphenB_L9oQfXcgd8EZ1YVn8mndGwDV5NTku9dLAVl_jMQDngyJZs/s400/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+8.jpg" /></a><br />Here comes the sun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYXZjh2bw-N6xfF4ofQx_UZGcb3n4A7otlcBMYnPX-41HxXNPsMFHOz8cENaoly6kFvAtmMsE9sTwBfQOXD41Uct6BHPqG_ZTdo87HrFU2VfbBiljF3wBO-GmCkZnqDF8SKeDkQ58Es4/s1600/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+13.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468345900776075410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYXZjh2bw-N6xfF4ofQx_UZGcb3n4A7otlcBMYnPX-41HxXNPsMFHOz8cENaoly6kFvAtmMsE9sTwBfQOXD41Uct6BHPqG_ZTdo87HrFU2VfbBiljF3wBO-GmCkZnqDF8SKeDkQ58Es4/s400/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+13.jpg" /></a><br />Morning at the Rock! </div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mTkmm_HiVjWAw30pB9FI2_Ob2XpHoVx1Szfbzsssfsl6qRXI8jIdBYj9vuauz5YXp3XOPDGcgmL8_U9LUm3MKRvaHKVu8BBf-YOCgx09OILWTzqes3O6HNR03DApcgjXns6hqAueN7w/s1600/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+24.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468345346951981474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mTkmm_HiVjWAw30pB9FI2_Ob2XpHoVx1Szfbzsssfsl6qRXI8jIdBYj9vuauz5YXp3XOPDGcgmL8_U9LUm3MKRvaHKVu8BBf-YOCgx09OILWTzqes3O6HNR03DApcgjXns6hqAueN7w/s400/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+24.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Endless Daytime Beauty<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_-9gxzr8LCtpwu7RQ5FiToy4fHRD6KF6pCr3P8m88AWP4ZR2dlWPJqKjWgQpUtilL1cx8L2I59El6f0lcFlN7ZMsnrfcKJ5eXfojLcvlrDp9J5wy1sbn5PHzjLqtmpJM1zf6ZpSabMk/s1600/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+23.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468344783209506642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_-9gxzr8LCtpwu7RQ5FiToy4fHRD6KF6pCr3P8m88AWP4ZR2dlWPJqKjWgQpUtilL1cx8L2I59El6f0lcFlN7ZMsnrfcKJ5eXfojLcvlrDp9J5wy1sbn5PHzjLqtmpJM1zf6ZpSabMk/s400/m_Here+comes+the+Sun+23.jpg" /></a><br />More Endless Daytime Beauty – The Rock Is Constantly Changing Colour<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa1uQ6z7b2MoK74aDKq9s6gjMhCAyB2VS2Ho2j2-Es7542985XA4B41NzC9qbG976ZIYqte3AvUKyh5aM5w9kf2MGqb4qSYwQyXU_k6Hqg07mJtE9oLSFEVui4jdIEe0EyqNIaNI-ONw/s1600/m_Paintings+on+the+Rock.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468344241496310450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa1uQ6z7b2MoK74aDKq9s6gjMhCAyB2VS2Ho2j2-Es7542985XA4B41NzC9qbG976ZIYqte3AvUKyh5aM5w9kf2MGqb4qSYwQyXU_k6Hqg07mJtE9oLSFEVui4jdIEe0EyqNIaNI-ONw/s400/m_Paintings+on+the+Rock.jpg" /></a><br />Aboriginal Folklore Painted on the Rock<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmTt0U0S9FgLvwcpTYsuo9KSnp1dSXvrQC1hiWGFSob4xdnPceYNZc3Dpse3UZ4KdzH4beEunejOgmLwhJOWtVV9Vg4lMhk_YcJzgbrqoTeBGf5p7pwad9NsexQFO9L8I82TH7KixZIE/s1600/m_Dining+Under+the+Stars+7.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468343699445372162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmTt0U0S9FgLvwcpTYsuo9KSnp1dSXvrQC1hiWGFSob4xdnPceYNZc3Dpse3UZ4KdzH4beEunejOgmLwhJOWtVV9Vg4lMhk_YcJzgbrqoTeBGf5p7pwad9NsexQFO9L8I82TH7KixZIE/s400/m_Dining+Under+the+Stars+7.jpg" /></a><br />Start of Our Dining Under the Stars Experience </div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzus74D5JsZScRYELU4LXHSG97GXf3mCpvwPWeZnC05e0kZj6NUq1xYqHImutXoVm-475qKdmHGBD1Ph9ZC5Fg3amJ4mk3pfyRBcG5l-4EIfkocMASlsvrqEXbmbVW4FIHce3xnHQf54/s1600/m_Dining+Under+the+Stars+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468343447879168978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzus74D5JsZScRYELU4LXHSG97GXf3mCpvwPWeZnC05e0kZj6NUq1xYqHImutXoVm-475qKdmHGBD1Ph9ZC5Fg3amJ4mk3pfyRBcG5l-4EIfkocMASlsvrqEXbmbVW4FIHce3xnHQf54/s400/m_Dining+Under+the+Stars+8.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">The Flash On Our Camera Doesn't Do Justice to the Evening</div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-76028914447159010422010-04-29T02:47:00.000-07:002010-04-29T03:20:52.344-07:00HELLO FROM MELBOURNE<div align="left">On Thursday April 15th, we arrived at 8:00 AM in Adelaide from our holiday in Vietnam. Since the next school term didn’t start until Monday, April 19th, we still had four days of holiday time left. To quote Gail, “We only have 52 weekends in one year, so we need to make our time count!” In true adventurous spirit, we left our Vietnam luggage with a Kadina teaching colleague, packed a weekend bag, took a shower at the Adelaide airport, and booked a plane for Melbourne leaving Thursday, 12:30 PM and returning Sunday evening, April 18th.<br /><br />Melbourne, pronounced “Mel-bun” by Australians, is a large metropolis with a population over 3 million. In lots of aspects we enjoyed our visit to Melbourne more than Sydney (see earlier blog titled “Hello from Sydney”). We think that this is because we were not rushing anywhere to see the next tourist attraction. Rather we took our time in Melbourne and elected to not see the Zoo, Aquarium or other tourist sites. We simply enjoyed the downtown core or CBD. All Australian downtowns are called the CBD or Central Business District. Our tastebuds savoured many kinds of different foods at eclectic restaurants, we sat at the occasional coffee bar watching people go by, and took in the sites and sounds of the city. While sitting at one coffee bar, we must have counted four or five rowing clubs out for an afternoon of exercise sculling along the Yarra River, which is the city’s main water feature. The setting was very peaceful and idyllic. Does it sound to you like we were in need of a little more stimulus than Kadina has to offer? Don’t get us wrong, we enjoy living in Kadina and all that this small town has to offer; it is just nice some times to also embrace the ambience of a large city.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn_NCs01azBfeRwber5YUX7nlWvYTH2Sk-2V3NLtY3HCc5EZw3HCOC0dwO2NetpHrfrwpDAZ-JMa-NI9KpDq0XVIFrf3dR1hVal9zbGwvdsCURzOITDohJ4lgQJAC_7tmF3gG6_-jzQk/s1600/m_City+Scape+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465497260618365554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn_NCs01azBfeRwber5YUX7nlWvYTH2Sk-2V3NLtY3HCc5EZw3HCOC0dwO2NetpHrfrwpDAZ-JMa-NI9KpDq0XVIFrf3dR1hVal9zbGwvdsCURzOITDohJ4lgQJAC_7tmF3gG6_-jzQk/s400/m_City+Scape+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">How can you not help but relax on a blue sky day watching the sculls and tourist boats travel up and down the Yarra River?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPvBWzseKkR_DfvnyVU9CMFco_FrYA8qO1g6hLcNBTuybnQ3c8dOAnJJHQCXJi8bw5rkV5XKCuHZdssCusjWoiuKHQlxRrqmQEmOR9samIv38p-R9TYVSyLrOdboYzEn0NEIGYkJFBVY/s1600/m_Possum+at+Night+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465496984050076434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPvBWzseKkR_DfvnyVU9CMFco_FrYA8qO1g6hLcNBTuybnQ3c8dOAnJJHQCXJi8bw5rkV5XKCuHZdssCusjWoiuKHQlxRrqmQEmOR9samIv38p-R9TYVSyLrOdboYzEn0NEIGYkJFBVY/s400/m_Possum+at+Night+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />One of the many possums that come out at night to forage for fruits and nuts in the city parks</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Melbourne has a great inner city transportation system. A free tram travels around the CBD every ten minutes picking up and dropping off passengers at a number of destinations. It was not long before we became quite adapt at taking the tram, and knowing where we were within the CBD. For example, we took the tram to COSTCO. Melbourne has the first, and at this moment, the only COSTCO in Australia. It is reported that on opening day at COSTCO, the company raked in over a million dollars. We found it funny to be visiting a COSTCO while on holidays! It was also comforting to walk into the building and see that the layout was exactly the same as the stores in Canada. We felt quite at home as we wandered the store. Gail commented that it was probably the first time we have gone into a COSTCO and not spent a penny. We know that some of you will find this particularly hard to believe.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJGlOPAYe1PfFF-KV4khdrPDQplichNdpxdEz9tl2XS3WVMnb10x5jF55cuvUvBu3EkVLVHLkS11JNCaJF2dalpdELw-jTOXkkUCL8V23BhYaUMainD7UIjc5QhLR5XO__6ZVfe7V9Us/s1600/m_Tram+Ride+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465496704972868066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJGlOPAYe1PfFF-KV4khdrPDQplichNdpxdEz9tl2XS3WVMnb10x5jF55cuvUvBu3EkVLVHLkS11JNCaJF2dalpdELw-jTOXkkUCL8V23BhYaUMainD7UIjc5QhLR5XO__6ZVfe7V9Us/s400/m_Tram+Ride+2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Tram lines put into service in the mid 1930’s<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xW-QF82xHFn0ZAbutv88tdlG_3FPIS2ucF0BEDxwSTmnAwYEKq3xI_qCaKfdEhSPYay0xkFeA9_HyWgQ-UxUNq-eaewoXYVLDWIy_IJCT46FFSvUNcUzGVnLwmbh7HPwLUfLuSpvCAU/s1600/m_Costco.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465496384103878882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xW-QF82xHFn0ZAbutv88tdlG_3FPIS2ucF0BEDxwSTmnAwYEKq3xI_qCaKfdEhSPYay0xkFeA9_HyWgQ-UxUNq-eaewoXYVLDWIy_IJCT46FFSvUNcUzGVnLwmbh7HPwLUfLuSpvCAU/s400/m_Costco.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Gail couldn’t help but rejoice when we saw a Costco!</div><div align="left"><br />Melbourne has a great central market and is a must see for tourists. Probably the closest comparison we have to it in Canada is the ByTown Market in Ottawa. On another level it is comparable to the Strathcona Market in Edmonton only about a million times larger. We know that this is a SLIGHT exaggeration, but we think that you get the idea. The market is filled with rows and rows of stalls selling wares ranging from tourist trinkets to daily household staples like fruit and vegetables.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpzDWDDFYKyqM8nC4gavxKLf94mZhMthRJBhwQh4J81ONKosEcEevcu88ZQEzhayck11-ye6fIA4gf8MAMMR2kElz8zMAQFYwTlLPNBoMyMWMUEUoCRWsCA_9MNUfl13U9UNh403HrsA/s1600/m_Central+Market.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465496006771677298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpzDWDDFYKyqM8nC4gavxKLf94mZhMthRJBhwQh4J81ONKosEcEevcu88ZQEzhayck11-ye6fIA4gf8MAMMR2kElz8zMAQFYwTlLPNBoMyMWMUEUoCRWsCA_9MNUfl13U9UNh403HrsA/s400/m_Central+Market.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Melbourne’s Central Market </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Without a doubt, our best experience, and hence most memorable was our outing to an Australian Rules football game. We are not sure if “Footy” as it is lovingly referred to by the Aussies has any rules at all, but we do know that they are as devoted to this game equally as much as Canadians are to hockey. The game appears to be an offshoot between rugby, soccer, and American Football. The athleticism and physical conditioning needed to play the game at a professional level is incredible. Two teams each with a stable of 18 players, battle it out on an oval field that is approximately 150 meters in length along the major axis of the oval. The objective of the game is for each team to kick a football sized and shaped ball between upright goal posts positioned at either end of the field. The players cannot run with the ball more than about 10 meters without bouncing it. To give you an idea of the athleticism, try bouncing a football running at full speed so that it springs back into your hands. To move the ball forward, the players have three options: (i) run and bounce the ball, (ii) punch the ball to a teammate, (iii) kick the ball to their teammate. While all this is going on the players, who do not wear any protective equipment other than a mouth guard and perhaps a jock strap (although we will never know) are permitted to gang tackle any opponent holding the ball. Teams will play either a man to man or zone defence in an attempt to not allow the other team to score.<br /><br />Just as exciting as the game, was the setting. The game was held at the “MCG” or the Melbourne Cricket Grounds. The stadium was built for the 1956 Olympic Games which were hosted by Melbourne. Today the MCG is the site of the annual “Grand Final” for Footy which would be the equivalent of the Super Bowl in American football. From a Canadian perspective going to the MCG would be like going to the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto or the old Forum in Montreal. The Footy Game that we went to was a competition between two Melbourne Teams – the Callingwood Magpies and the Hawthrone Hawks. Given that both teams reside in Melbourne, they have a long standing rivalry. It would be like us watching a Calgary (boo!) versus Edmonton (YEAAAA!!!!) hockey game. The attendance at the game was just under 68,000 people. Naturally watching the rabid fans in the stadium was equally as much fun as the game. We found it interesting to see periodic messages flash on the stadium billboard advising that if you were being harassed by a fan, you were to text message your seat number and the police would come and escort the fan away. In true Aussie fashion, we also had to have a beer and meat pie while at the game. Rick's beer was $6.20 and Gail’s Smirnoff Vodka Cooler was a mere $9.20. It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter where you are or what stadium you go to, the alcohol prices are always a rip.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9suRuMw-Wqhh2IM3ZUToM9Pr0p-3FPieeqTmpLOfk_ARCbAshpVHRnk8qjvd8gkxgm49F3XlXpUUbk6lqxOkdw4dWadUR3Vsaj9IgGMFwmXoz_JGebdQzpYPHGTx49TzIkLc3nRMe2ng/s1600/m_MCG+Footy+Game+7.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465495667128479730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9suRuMw-Wqhh2IM3ZUToM9Pr0p-3FPieeqTmpLOfk_ARCbAshpVHRnk8qjvd8gkxgm49F3XlXpUUbk6lqxOkdw4dWadUR3Vsaj9IgGMFwmXoz_JGebdQzpYPHGTx49TzIkLc3nRMe2ng/s400/m_MCG+Footy+Game+7.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Callingwood Magpies coming onto the Field at the start of the game<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDluUWqv7Jfm3uNM3b_0m3TaeY4AYMVq3SHencbk0iGbrfVMCV_iUr9JCpviF0vXp0FMcxzpjsOcvrok6JakiuYb4wf0oL0X5bF0_8YEGe19s6sRw4wDwSR9uFWXgTApXepPSVbgoRUI/s1600/m_MCG+Footy+Game+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465495313904458178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDluUWqv7Jfm3uNM3b_0m3TaeY4AYMVq3SHencbk0iGbrfVMCV_iUr9JCpviF0vXp0FMcxzpjsOcvrok6JakiuYb4wf0oL0X5bF0_8YEGe19s6sRw4wDwSR9uFWXgTApXepPSVbgoRUI/s400/m_MCG+Footy+Game+8.jpg" /></a><br />Players in the heat of the game under the lights at the MCG<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfVU5W1zWnSfrbM2Kc9OZw717nyyYiD2MGfyFfn4V16lOSyGm_6iXy3bF_n1DW_TbRSdD1-Us4ZEolcg9-l6HGnFV_mSKoXrQhX8J9crsb5TDA_OC8SVEaKlvQL00zH57onzAtz-qIMk/s1600/m_MCG+Footy+Game+11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465495020193907154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfVU5W1zWnSfrbM2Kc9OZw717nyyYiD2MGfyFfn4V16lOSyGm_6iXy3bF_n1DW_TbRSdD1-Us4ZEolcg9-l6HGnFV_mSKoXrQhX8J9crsb5TDA_OC8SVEaKlvQL00zH57onzAtz-qIMk/s400/m_MCG+Footy+Game+11.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A friendly reminder in the event you are being harassed by fans </div><div align="left"><br />As we left Melbourne to return to Kadina we were a little sad as our first term school holiday had finally come to a close. However, as we looked back on the holiday, we felt satisfied that we had crammed in as much travel as we conceivably could have hoped for. One of our goals of the teacher exchange to Australia was to travel as much as possible so that we could absorb and experience the many cultural customs and differences between Canada, Australia and Australia’s neighbouring Asian countries. We are certainly satisfied that our first term school holiday went a long ways towards attaining our goal. </div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-69215836514068059402010-04-26T21:07:00.000-07:002010-04-29T21:21:07.980-07:00XIN CHAO FROM VIETNAMXin Chao is “Hello” in Vietnamese. As you can surmise, this blog entry is about our trip to Vietnam. We had the good fortune to be participants in a Kadina Memorial High School tour to Vietnam during the school’s first term break between April 2nd and April 18th. A total of 30 people went on a fun-filled, education-filled, time-filled, friend-filled and scenic-filled ten day tour of North, Central and South Vietnam. Are you getting the impression that our holiday was “FILLED”? Every day was packed to the brim with things to do, places to visit and people to see! In short, if you ever get the opportunity to visit this most beautiful country, jump at the chance. You won’t regret your decision.<br /><br />Prior to telling you about our holiday, we feel it necessary to provide a brief bit of background information about recent Vietnamese History (i.e., the last 150 years), and in particular, the Vietnam War. During our visit to Vietnam, and after talking to numerous people, it has become very clear to us how the war has left emotional and physical scars on those people who were either directly or indirectly effected in some way by the tragic events that occurred during this time in history.<br /><br /><strong>Brief Background – Vietnamese History – the Last 150 Years<br /></strong><br />Vietnam is located adjacent to China. Consequently the country has a strong cultural and historical connection with China that has being going on for thousands of years. This Chinese influence is very evident today. Politically, Vietnam, like China, is a communist country. Culturally, the Chinese influence is apparent in the architectural style of many of the buildings as well as the numerous shrines, temples and pagodas that have been built to pay respect and tribute to eastern religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism.<br /><br />In the mid 1800’s, France occupied Vietnam. The Vietnamese people will tell you that their country was invaded by France; whereas our western history lessons and accompanying indoctrination of imperial domination has North American culture believe that the French were merely colonizing the country. During the French occupation of Vietnam, many of the country’s citizens were openly opposed to French domination and were subsequently thrown into jail. As you will read later in this blog, one of our tours was a visit to the “Hanoi Hilton Prison” which served as a jail for both Vietnamese resistance forces fighting the French, as well as American Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War. For approximately 100 years up until the Second World War, Vietnam was under French colonization. During this period, European style public squares and tree-lined boulevards became part of the cityscapes. Many of public buildings were also constructed with a strong European architectural influence. Hence as one travels through the country, you will observe many sights having either an Oriental or Occidental architectural style.<br /><br />During the Second World War, Vietnam was over run by the Japanese. Following the war, the French attempted to re-establish colonial occupation. Understandably, the Vietnamese people were opposed, but were of two views as to how to address this “French Problem”. Some sought cooperative resolution through peaceful non-violent actions, whereas others felt that the only resolution was through armed revolt. As a result, two Vietnamese factions evolved. North Vietnam sought resolution through armed conflict and received support of arms and supplies from communist China. South Vietnam sought compromise through peaceful means. Ultimately French colonization failed and in 1954 under the Genera Accord, Vietnam was partitioned into two states with the 17th parallel being the line of division. The State of North Vietnam represented communist political interests whereas the State of South Vietnam embodied democratic interests. It was understood that at some time in the future, elections would be held to re-unite the country. Unfortunately or fortunately depending upon one’s point of view, the North Vietnamese people under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh never signed the Genera Accord and consequently did not recognize South Vietnam as being a separate entity.<br /><br />Rather than a peaceful reunification of Vietnam, the partition of the country led to the Vietnam War. With the backing of the South Vietnam Government, the United States sent troops into Vietnam in 1965. It was feared that if Vietnam became a communist country, then other countries in Southeast Asia would soon follow. Other United States allies, such as Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Thailand also sent troops to South Vietnam. Canada did not officially participate in the war effort, although many young men went south to enlist in the US military.<br /><br />In 1973, the United States suspended their military operations in Vietnam. Under intense public pressure and protest against the war in the United States, combined with the fact that American intervention against the communist forces in Viet Nam was not successful, America suspended their military operations in Vietnam in 1973. The South Vietnamese people continued on with their struggle with the aid of military arms and supplies from the United States. This support was not enough. In 1975, the war ended when North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon and gained control of the entire country. After over a hundred years of struggle and conflict, the country was finally unified once more.<br /><br />Since the end of the Vietnam War, the country has enjoyed substantial economic growth and political stability. Because of a low-cost and hard working labour force, it has become a major manufacturing center for multi-national companies involved in the textile and electronic businesses. Agriculturally, Vietnam is now the second largest exporter of rice in the world. In the early 1990’s, a new and vibrant tourist industry was created as visitors were allowed entry into the country. In 2006, it was reported that tourism contributed approximately $2.4 billion dollars into the Vietnamese economy.<br /><br />We hope that this brief history outline will help you to understand or clarify some of our comments as we describe our observations and our experiences while visiting one of Asia’s gems. Now – let us tell you about our trip!<br /><br /><strong>Hanoi<br /></strong><br />After a night lay over in Singapore, we landed in Hanoi, the capital of Viet Nam. Hanoi, located in the northern part of Vietnam, was our first experience in an Asian city. There were people, people, people everywhere! Cars honked and HONKED either alerting other drivers of their presence or urging the traffic to move. Scooters zoomed in and out of traffic, barely missing each other with only inches to spare! Yet in all this chaos, drivers of bicycle rickshaws pedalled in a manner that seemed oblivious to traffic. We were truly experiencing the Ying and Yang of Asia.<br /><br />Crossing the street was an adventure. The cardinal rule to remember when crossing the street is to keep moving forward and pick your spots as you dart in and between traffic. There is no turning back once you are on the street because traffic swerves behind you so as to avoid hitting you. After a couple of tries, it is not as daunting as it seems or looks and one becomes quite adapt at it. However, a word to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnr7x66nS4t_unshtqHQq79aVamIeWzMhZa61cFevyut0hEVpaQgIDDbc-zfMEmNQfWufqE4hvYcsVaiiRQfUiXUle782TCz-vbHYKZQeuvK3P7VrenckOMAB1DvfmiAjrxbgo-puh2Y/s1600/m_Hanoi+-+Bicycle+Rickshaw+2.jpg"></a>the wise – it is best to wait for a local to cross and make sure that you stick to him or her like fly paper. When the local goes, you go; when the local stops, you stop.<br /><br />It was also interesting to watch people come out of their homes onto the streets in the evening after the stores had closed. The store is the bottom level of their home. While they cooked their meals on small one-burner stoves in the street, they would sit and socialize with their neighbours after a busy day at work. In and amongst all this activity, twice a day, around 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, loud speakers posted on virtually every corner would ring out government messages to the masses. Our guide explained that the messages would address topics ranging anywhere from government propaganda to useful messages that addressed communal health issues such as aids, inoculations, and hygiene.<br /><br />In summary, the entire city was alive and in constant movement. In response, every one of your senses, whether it be sight, smell, touch, or taste, was equally alive and alert to the stimuli. Your sensory responses ranged the entire gamut from extremely pleasurable to ghastly horrible. But one thing was certain; you felt a part of the city and you knew that you were alive.<br /><br />While in Hanoi, some of the highlights of our visit included:<br /><br /><ul><li><div align="left">Visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Memorial Complex<br /><br />Ho Chi Minh is highly revered in Vietnam because he is considered to be the main driving force behind the unification of the country. His body has been embalmed and lies in state at the mausoleum for visitors to pay their respects. Numerous honour guards are present throughout the complex to watch over the body and ensure that the sacredness of the area is respected by everyone. For example, visitors entering the mausoleum must ensure that their knees are covered, headwear is removed, no photographs are taken and there is total silence.<br />Visiting the complex was truly a moving experience as you immediately recognized that you were visiting what could arguably be Vietnam’s most important national treasure.<br /></div></li></ul><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTF_fsjS3csGTRFBlu8lJj26mZYxa1Y9p4zBn7v2nVb75ihKe09-CQ465L2f2Pu29SKQl4Ilz07nDaYbflIGXdwzImByUuASLKkQkxWF9BIOMiyhyphenhyphenYGo3uyJeT6qbtGep1VwppvbgYPM/s1600/m_Hanoi+-+Ho+Chi+Minh+Mausoleum+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464698418268011058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTF_fsjS3csGTRFBlu8lJj26mZYxa1Y9p4zBn7v2nVb75ihKe09-CQ465L2f2Pu29SKQl4Ilz07nDaYbflIGXdwzImByUuASLKkQkxWF9BIOMiyhyphenhyphenYGo3uyJeT6qbtGep1VwppvbgYPM/s400/m_Hanoi+-+Ho+Chi+Minh+Mausoleum+4.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">No Photographs are allowed inside the Mausoleum. Outside guards ensured that visitors could not get close to the building, with the exception of the viewing line. </div><ul><li><div align="left">Visit to the Hanoi Hilton Prison<br /><br />The Hanoi Prison, named “Maison Centrale” by the French was used as a prison for Vietnamese resistance fighters and political prisoners. Later it was used by the North Vietnamese to harbour American Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War. It was during the war that the prison sarcastically became know as the “Hanoi Hilton”, in reference to the luxurious Hilton Hotel chain. In reality, the prison was a hell hole where tortures and beatings were routinely carried out regardless whether it was during times of French incarceration or North Vietnamese imprisonment. Perhaps the most well know westerner who was captive at the prison was Senator John McCain who you all know recently ran against Barrick Obama for presidency of the United States.<br /><br />It was during our visit to the Hanoi Hilton that we experienced our first of many differing viewpoints with respect to the Vietnam War. Of course, one’s perspective on the war comes from a number of things such as what you have been told in history classes, read in books, experienced first hand, or seen through American media such as television and movies. We found some comments interesting and appalling. On the interesting side, we were told that Vietnam does not think of the war as the “Vietnam War”, but rather it is thought of as the “American War”. Similarly the North Vietnamese army is referred to as the “Liberation Army”. On the appalling side all the photographs of the prisoners of wars showed American soldiers well dressed, eating turkey, and happily playing games in the court yard. There were no pictures of emasculated individuals who had been mistreated, beaten, starved, and tortured. Similarly many examples were provided of statements made by American prisoners that criticized the United States’ conduct of war and praised how the North Vietnamese treated them. There was of course no mention that these prisoners had been coerced through torture and other means until they signed the statements. This just goes to show what our friend Bill has told us, “If you win, you can tell the story anyway you want.” </div></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfLOTnUBqhP-_y8YJbAbqE04sz21xgt42qmRSKbAiz5ss5rnoTwNC8ev3YW0y725BOwAMr3uc9MhRV8JJb8ywN7Jd76Xx4xftGxiLnzW5BgDLeug2DUZnUpAu6axXcU_8LhRs4j96BhM/s1600/m_Hanoi+-+Hanoi+Hilton+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464698067664702290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfLOTnUBqhP-_y8YJbAbqE04sz21xgt42qmRSKbAiz5ss5rnoTwNC8ev3YW0y725BOwAMr3uc9MhRV8JJb8ywN7Jd76Xx4xftGxiLnzW5BgDLeug2DUZnUpAu6axXcU_8LhRs4j96BhM/s400/m_Hanoi+-+Hanoi+Hilton+2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Life-size statues showing prisoners shackled in leg irons while sleeping at night. As a mild form of torture, the prison guards would place the prisoners upside down in the shackles and leave them there for days on end. Eventually excrement would flow downhill, with no escape, towards their heads. </div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziC5n3-pVjijaN5VQOeWwjrFihGHGZRroxVN6YebBZlBnu99cV6dsDQO1ZQBDjKiNmuWx9zeg3pgpKTqUSyv1cItT8zxzuChYVQBcewi-CmkOC2u7l_w7SITNaLGLBR8CzMC9BziUxoU/s1600/m_Hanoi+-+Hanoi+Hilton+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464696996802636242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziC5n3-pVjijaN5VQOeWwjrFihGHGZRroxVN6YebBZlBnu99cV6dsDQO1ZQBDjKiNmuWx9zeg3pgpKTqUSyv1cItT8zxzuChYVQBcewi-CmkOC2u7l_w7SITNaLGLBR8CzMC9BziUxoU/s400/m_Hanoi+-+Hanoi+Hilton+6.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">The Killing Machine with bucket at the bottom to collect the head </div><br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Visit to Ha Long Bay and Sung Sot Caves<br /><br />Ha Long Bay is an UNESCO world heritage site and popular destination for tourists. It has been nominated as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The bay features thousands of multi-sized and shaped monolithic limestone islands rising dramatically from the ocean. The islands are a karst formation, whereby erosion and rising and falling sea levels has created a number of islands that have been evolving over millions of years.<br /><br />We had the good fortune to be able to cruise amongst the islands in a traditional wooden boat enjoying both the rugged rocky shoreline and emerald coloured waters. Our tour consisted of a four hour ride and on board lunch. It was a memorable relaxing afternoon that we will not forget.<br /><br />Part of the tour included a stop at the Sung Sot caves. As the pictures show below, the area is a must see for tourists. </li></ul><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_P2InOLQRN4D-QYnb9yowNB2hgD00zyytlahcIdJLMbKOCp69p0e8gILMclHEpLnbDAhj8ERvHM_9oJMldL34sjtTRAlhznUvd6zSiyeG67f7QfW6jF1MOZkbQYDcCIX2RhMsvew0FbA/s1600/m_Hanoi+-+Ha+Long+Bay+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464695361435594242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_P2InOLQRN4D-QYnb9yowNB2hgD00zyytlahcIdJLMbKOCp69p0e8gILMclHEpLnbDAhj8ERvHM_9oJMldL34sjtTRAlhznUvd6zSiyeG67f7QfW6jF1MOZkbQYDcCIX2RhMsvew0FbA/s400/m_Hanoi+-+Ha+Long+Bay+8.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">A couple of photos of Ha Long Bay. Just breath-taking<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYynsN39N7D3FENPaGCNnJHoVD9NWLM9VEGYnbdlI96iY8-mEa7eE0VMK3qchTYSkf0srvHVCdc2Am_ccprwnWtJU44iui-TVpKct5u76HuAAeZITKLIQEP2bW9qgGvM68qWj9SuGqXL8/s1600/m_Hanoi+-+Ha+Long+Bay+7.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464701364117678210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYynsN39N7D3FENPaGCNnJHoVD9NWLM9VEGYnbdlI96iY8-mEa7eE0VMK3qchTYSkf0srvHVCdc2Am_ccprwnWtJU44iui-TVpKct5u76HuAAeZITKLIQEP2bW9qgGvM68qWj9SuGqXL8/s400/m_Hanoi+-+Ha+Long+Bay+7.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTr8GwzC9Z3dYCWS7bA5NlcV4ELskMxAbfMGJ93NwaObRWJehgOaAF87NQhwCVZYNse-favywqWYDFoc_IACWxyOUC_v-CD-MEqCZ8lmrSpokgxcMMH9AnznSEU2XM-_ywpDUJ1RpG7E/s1600/m_Hanoi+-+Ha+Long+Bay+Caves+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464694494101486738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTr8GwzC9Z3dYCWS7bA5NlcV4ELskMxAbfMGJ93NwaObRWJehgOaAF87NQhwCVZYNse-favywqWYDFoc_IACWxyOUC_v-CD-MEqCZ8lmrSpokgxcMMH9AnznSEU2XM-_ywpDUJ1RpG7E/s400/m_Hanoi+-+Ha+Long+Bay+Caves+4.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Hard to believe that we are inside a cave!<br /></div><ul><li>Bicycle Rickshaw Ride Through the Old Quarter of Town<br /><br />We must warn you; a bicycle rickshaw ride is not for the faint at heart. We took a ride through the heart of the old quarter of Hanoi. It was better than any ride at any carnival. You must completely submit and recognize that you are putting your life in the hands of your driver; but WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!<br /><br />As you commence your journey, yours eyes open as wide as saucers as you immediately realize …oh oh…. One moment a car darts in front of you, only to immediately break as the driver squeals to a stop as the light turn’s red. As you wait at the red light, you can reach out and touch the scooter drivers who are positioned on either side of you. You are so close; you can even guess what they had for lunch. Once the light turns green, you immediately smell exhaust. No sooner is that revelation over when next you feel on your leg the exhaust of the scooter that has just cut in front of you and accelerated past you. And we are only describing the beginning of the ride! Once you get accustom to your surroundings and get over the fact that this ride could be hazardous to your health and life, you start to sit back and actually enjoy the experience. You start waving at pedestrians and shop keepers. The shop keepers wave back and try and entice you into their store. You smile at other tourists walking by. You tell your driver that there is an extra $5 if he will catch up to your wife and pass her so that you can ask her if your dust is getting in her eyes. When the ride is over, you are exhilarated and thankful at the same time. Of course, the ride wouldn’t be complete without swapping stories over a beer at the local watering hole.<br /></li></ul><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXbkkwWONhUrvp2VLWoa1Wmm7ShzNgd9yA6qtGZ9wQQhAPXXHHPp6rxCqr88vHmSlZctvXlzLxIpWcGLT_Q_q8Bk_6zb-lULvr7tiY0lYN6w3MsIQ1F_NNIN0NE75cxAllCA18PRyLSc/s1600/m_Hanoi+-+Bicycle+Rickshaw+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464693525456069234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXbkkwWONhUrvp2VLWoa1Wmm7ShzNgd9yA6qtGZ9wQQhAPXXHHPp6rxCqr88vHmSlZctvXlzLxIpWcGLT_Q_q8Bk_6zb-lULvr7tiY0lYN6w3MsIQ1F_NNIN0NE75cxAllCA18PRyLSc/s400/m_Hanoi+-+Bicycle+Rickshaw+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Gail getting set for her ride. At this time she doesn’t know what lays ahead<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnr7x66nS4t_unshtqHQq79aVamIeWzMhZa61cFevyut0hEVpaQgIDDbc-zfMEmNQfWufqE4hvYcsVaiiRQfUiXUle782TCz-vbHYKZQeuvK3P7VrenckOMAB1DvfmiAjrxbgo-puh2Y/s1600/m_Hanoi+-+Bicycle+Rickshaw+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464692457777033906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnr7x66nS4t_unshtqHQq79aVamIeWzMhZa61cFevyut0hEVpaQgIDDbc-zfMEmNQfWufqE4hvYcsVaiiRQfUiXUle782TCz-vbHYKZQeuvK3P7VrenckOMAB1DvfmiAjrxbgo-puh2Y/s400/m_Hanoi+-+Bicycle+Rickshaw+2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Where’s Waldo? We think that Gail is in front of the scooter and car. </div><br /><br /><strong>Da Nang and Hoi An</strong><br /><br />An hour and fifteen minute flight via Vietnam Airlines took us to our next destination – Hoi An. Hoi An was the final destination for this leg of the trip, but because it does not have an airport, we had to land in Da Nang. Da Nang is a city with a population of about 1 million people that is located approximately 30 minutes from Hoi An. While en route, we marvelled at how “slow” and “spacious” Da Nang was compared to Hanoi. It’s funny to think that a city with a population of 1 million will give you that slow, laid back feeling. Da Nang is home to China Beach, the beach made famous in the American TV series of the same name. The beach is several kilometres in length and was used during the Vietnam War (or is it American War?) as a place were American GIs were sent for rest and relaxation. Of course, the Vietnamese people don’t refer to the beach by this name and if you were to ask them where it was, they would have no knowledge of same.<br /><br />As we were driving towards Hoi An, our guide pointed out the derelict remains of the American Air Base at Da Nang. The guide then proceeded to point out a Viet Cong strong hold that was located approximately 3-5 km from the air base. She noted that the Viet Cong lived in tunnels and caves in the area, with the Americans having no knowledge whether the people were actually Viet Cong supporters or South Vietnamese allies. This observation made us immediately think of the situation in both Iraq and Afghanistan. What is different now than what happened during the Vietnam War? Once the military leaves its base, do they know who their enemy is and who is their friend? You can’t win anyone over unless you win their hearts. Are we winning any hearts in Iraq and Afghanistan?<br /><br />We arrived in Hoi An for a couple of days of relaxation and SHOPPING! The old town of Hoi An was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 because it is a well-preserved example of 15th to 19th century commerce. The old town of Hoi An was a joy to visit because no motorized vehicles (including scooters) are allowed on its streets during the day. The town is filled with arts and crafts shops, and most notably a tailor and garment industry that makes made to measure clothes for a fraction of the prices normally charged in Canada. After being measured, fitted, and treated like royalty, we scooped up a number of silk shirts, blouses and shorts which we ordered one day and picked up the next. Talk about service! We also took the opportunity to get a pedicure and manicure. Gail’s toes are still sparkling two weeks later. She noted that she needed a pedicure to go with the new shoes that she had specially fitted and made. While Gail was happily shopping, Rick was content to just sit in an outdoor café, enjoy the local beer, and watch people go by.<br /><br />Hoi An is definitely a place to visit while in Vietnam and if we are ever to return, we will ensure that our stay is much longer.<br /><br />While we were leaving Hoi An to travel to our next destination – Ho Chi Minh City, we experienced a most tragic event. We had left our hotel in the early morning and while travelling en route to the airport, our bus driver hit a pedestrian. To those who saw the event, it appeared as if the pedestrian was inebriated or under some kind of medication as he was completely oblivious to his surroundings as he was crossing the street. The driver took all possible measures to avoid hitting the pedestrian. In what seemed like minutes, the pedestrian, who was seriously injured, was carted off to the hospital and another bus arrived to take us to the airport in time so that we did not miss our flight.<br /><br />Our guide explained what happens in the event of an accident. It doesn’t matter who is at fault, the larger vehicle always pays. So if a bus hits a car, the bus pays. If a car hits a scooter, the car pays. If a scooter hits a bicycle, the scooter pays. If a bicycle hits a pedestrian, the bicycle pays. In our situation, the bus company would have to pay the family of the injured man for the hospital fees, lost time at work, or in the event of a death, the funeral. Not only would the bus company pay, but all the drivers working for the company would chip in and donate money as well. In addition, the driver involved in the accident would be required to pay. In our particular circumstance, all of the passengers on the bus also chipped in and donated money to the bus driver. After we left the accident site, we were informed that the bus company would also have to pay the police to come out and investigate the accident. If not, it was not unusual for the bus to sit at the accident site for days until the company finally capitulated and paid a fee to have the police complete the investigation. When we finally arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, we talked to our new guide about the tragic circumstances. He made two comments that were quite sobering. He observed that it may be better if the pedestrian died because the costs to be paid to the family would be far less than if the person was in hospital for an extended period of time. He also implied that the pedestrian may have been attempting to commit suicide and thereby provide needed money to the family.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSePi4zmRoM_hnp8qQXT7TnByZkYqNIB2RJ03hEgkc2wk4tt79vxFTdBEsBpUViQFmwGZ26jc3nmDaRij0eL3_J2Am5YxNMCbmtEC0LN0reFp2BYb0COHZXVyP632Vd3dgqns2X8JSws/s1600/m_Hoi+An+-+Tailor+Shop+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464690961176224178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSePi4zmRoM_hnp8qQXT7TnByZkYqNIB2RJ03hEgkc2wk4tt79vxFTdBEsBpUViQFmwGZ26jc3nmDaRij0eL3_J2Am5YxNMCbmtEC0LN0reFp2BYb0COHZXVyP632Vd3dgqns2X8JSws/s400/m_Hoi+An+-+Tailor+Shop+2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">One of the many tailor shops ready to make made to measure clothes<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnYdC6rg6UdIumT1iuKkJlnaFR8wcT0fUD5KG9zH3yjJQ0JwkLXpschGCFPPJ1JyoeaQ9FtZHkZ8zwTS2V7Cun32aqHfNP-YpKvdYQOwQp84-hBb8F91tIP3OODum564tlucpiNPbDVk/s1600/m_Hoi+An+-+Ladies+Selling+their+wares.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464688287872362530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnYdC6rg6UdIumT1iuKkJlnaFR8wcT0fUD5KG9zH3yjJQ0JwkLXpschGCFPPJ1JyoeaQ9FtZHkZ8zwTS2V7Cun32aqHfNP-YpKvdYQOwQp84-hBb8F91tIP3OODum564tlucpiNPbDVk/s400/m_Hoi+An+-+Ladies+Selling+their+wares.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Ladies selling their wares on the street</div><br /><br /><strong>Ho Chi Minh City – Formerly Known as Saigon</strong><br /><br />An hour and ten minute flight via Vietnam Airlines took us to our final destination – Ho Chi Minh City which was formerly known as Saigon prior to the North Vietnamese Army (or is it the Liberation Army?) capturing the city in 1975. Many of the local people still refer to the city as Saigon. The communist government has allowed Saigon to retain its commerce with the western world, with the result being that Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant bustling city with an abundance of manufacturing centers surrounding the city core. It is a beautiful modern city, and as we were rapidly learning, typical of Asian cities. This of course means that there is an abundance of scooters, and crossing the street is not recommended unless you travel with a local.<br /><br />In addition to visiting the local market, a number of Pagodas and Temples and European architectural style buildings constructed during the French occupation, our visit to Saigon primarily focused on visiting sites associated with the Vietnam War. Perhaps one could refer to it as the “War Tourism Industry”. For example, we visited the “Reunification Palace” which was formerly the government house for the South Vietnamese Government. For those of you who are old enough, you may recall the famous newsreel that showed this building being stormed by North Vietnamese tanks in 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. We also toured past the former American Embassy, again the site of another famous newsreel that showed Americans evacuating the embassy via helicopter on the roof of the building during the fall of the city. The most interesting and disturbing attraction in Saigon is the “War Remnants Museum”. It is our understanding that the museum had previously been known as the “Museum of American War Crimes”, but has subsequently changed its name. In the museum, you are surrounded and engulfed by a catalogue of horrors shown through photographs that depict the tragedy and heartbreak of war. Photographs illustrate the atrocities that were carried out by American soldiers on the Vietnamese people. Photographs showed people being executed, beheaded, and tortured. Photographs showed deformed people as a result of chemical defoliation (Agent Orange) and napalm bombs. Again we found it ironic that the museum did not show similar carnage that had been carried out by the North Vietnamese Army or Viet Cong. Rather they are viewed as being heroes and patriots. As we left the museum, we knew that war was hell, and it doesn’t matter what side you are on, it brings out the worst in humans.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxzaCBhTRm5QYDRdv3DE_sJgSNSlW1j3ki6GzrIUlEGzluAEyG3Equ4Fw5rVEqV_kZW_DgOwuwZIYjhjATEQkouAeBx5iBDZ0bQDo4PGLYTrFXtCpJz7VwvBa6tXSAp8IdxsNmjBaNkU/s1600/m_Saigon+-+Market+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464689819332758162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxzaCBhTRm5QYDRdv3DE_sJgSNSlW1j3ki6GzrIUlEGzluAEyG3Equ4Fw5rVEqV_kZW_DgOwuwZIYjhjATEQkouAeBx5iBDZ0bQDo4PGLYTrFXtCpJz7VwvBa6tXSAp8IdxsNmjBaNkU/s400/m_Saigon+-+Market+2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Saigon Market - Where's Waldo?</div><div align="center">Hint - Look directly beneath the left side of the sign </div><br /><br />In addition to our tours inside the city, we were fortunate to be able to go on two tours outside Ho Chi Minh City. We visited the Cu Chi Tunnels and Long Tan.<br /><br /><ul><li><div align="left">Cu Chi Tunnels<br /><br />The Cu Chi Tunnels are located approximately 80 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and is the site of some of the most intense fights in the war. The tunnels, dug by hand starting at the time of French occupation, stretch over 200 km in length and are an incredible network of underground command posts, hospitals, shelters, living quarters, weapons factories and caches. The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots and to ambush their enemy. As troops would pass overhead, the Viet Cong would move underground and surround their foes. The tunnels were essential in resisting American forces, extending the war and eventually resulting in American withdrawal.<br /><br />We had the opportunity to travel down one tunnel, view the various types of booby traps that were constructed for jungle warfare and appreciate the daily living conditions of the Viet Cong.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrCLmBXR-AgbPF45f_mw8HJm7pOawXfoqGJUEPNIHIIjKLbb3Jo4BXQGG7ZmJtkvqRZrscikbr-1YgKbnc5Q0UPVJgiJCtfqMpoB1XQGWbbiQUCPvMuq94OGyG9DPbm_Wcqv2MMyopog/s1600/m_Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+4+-+Entrance+to+Tunnels.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464687432736047746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrCLmBXR-AgbPF45f_mw8HJm7pOawXfoqGJUEPNIHIIjKLbb3Jo4BXQGG7ZmJtkvqRZrscikbr-1YgKbnc5Q0UPVJgiJCtfqMpoB1XQGWbbiQUCPvMuq94OGyG9DPbm_Wcqv2MMyopog/s400/m_Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+4+-+Entrance+to+Tunnels.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Entrance to a tunnel<br /></div></li></ul><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLrXFTVi0EJfYXClr-ZnTlVdCjg38BsKcJEJ2ZO6nwM5Qhqd1pm6Ij-kPlAQlTHOcR2CgDXwuGZ0AEfSdD4-bhl_-8tUkWsIx2m9IazyTo8qdj1s64ZpG4GsE5iIN97QPOYbUhqnkoYU/s1600/Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+6+-+Entrance+to+Tunnels.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464686523627299234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLrXFTVi0EJfYXClr-ZnTlVdCjg38BsKcJEJ2ZO6nwM5Qhqd1pm6Ij-kPlAQlTHOcR2CgDXwuGZ0AEfSdD4-bhl_-8tUkWsIx2m9IazyTo8qdj1s64ZpG4GsE5iIN97QPOYbUhqnkoYU/s400/Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+6+-+Entrance+to+Tunnels.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center">Guide about to enter the tunnel and starting to cover his tracks<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt5Al325fH5ArdIMlLE07v5t9pKk4egJse59vQSMOJ2tGxVH4t51AJrVcd-jlKNNJiYOeuVfa5y__96n1iQsXBq-M0vTtihzL1wcAA6qCtzzf0vTQB78pqdxewIKBP35Jq9g8GN_Pnf4/s1600/Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+7+-+Entrance+to+Tunnels.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464685426628439154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt5Al325fH5ArdIMlLE07v5t9pKk4egJse59vQSMOJ2tGxVH4t51AJrVcd-jlKNNJiYOeuVfa5y__96n1iQsXBq-M0vTtihzL1wcAA6qCtzzf0vTQB78pqdxewIKBP35Jq9g8GN_Pnf4/s400/Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+7+-+Entrance+to+Tunnels.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center">Guide holding up the entrance cover<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeMo_i8cvxN_LFEna_oloU4AwA2GgFLdZX3mja0AHjIluc2XOcZtgcHOqk-rnwPC2iEvfElRbQIiQJBAT62UDAirbqbeyVhNnfykS79VoYl0goPj2_5tPTU1U_o-aH1u9MGMRCLIfqhE/s1600/Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+9+-+Entrance+to+Tunnels.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464684224535185026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeMo_i8cvxN_LFEna_oloU4AwA2GgFLdZX3mja0AHjIluc2XOcZtgcHOqk-rnwPC2iEvfElRbQIiQJBAT62UDAirbqbeyVhNnfykS79VoYl0goPj2_5tPTU1U_o-aH1u9MGMRCLIfqhE/s400/Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+9+-+Entrance+to+Tunnels.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Gone – Hope this gives you an appreciation of how difficult it is to also find the Booby traps<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNwbtmm9Zlwy57wRtozTZCQXlVLiBVADVoaF7DnU5yHYAgmUqiK-YeWPO8vsi3C5AZIb7pXijWWch4w5MgoLqDwz38jk9nb7HWRoEkkpbUiURzUc0D4XlJ7LFUhRVfN2wBE121qv61wI/s1600/m_Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+3+-+Booby+Trap+Spikes.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464682286149015266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNwbtmm9Zlwy57wRtozTZCQXlVLiBVADVoaF7DnU5yHYAgmUqiK-YeWPO8vsi3C5AZIb7pXijWWch4w5MgoLqDwz38jk9nb7HWRoEkkpbUiURzUc0D4XlJ7LFUhRVfN2wBE121qv61wI/s400/m_Saigon+-+Trip+to+Cu+Chi+Tunnels+3+-+Booby+Trap+Spikes.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Example of Booby Trap with bamboo spikes<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Long Tan<br /><br />Long Tan is Australia’s most famous battle of the Vietnam War. It is reported that eighteen Australians, one New Zealander and 245 Viet Cong died during the battle, which took place in a rubber plantation. Our tour took us to the battle site and while touring the area we learned the following facts from our travelling colleagues and tour guide:<br /><br />i) Our tour had to receive special permission from the local district because Long Tan is not in one of the well travelled tourist areas. It was feared that an unwelcome bus of Caucasians travelling in the area may stir up undesirable memories of the war amongst some of the older community members.<br />ii) Australia has erected a memorial to its fallen soldiers on the battlefield. An enemy placing a memorial on Vietnam soil is considered to be of major significance. It demonstrates the good relations that have since been formed between the two nations subsequent to the war.<br />iii) Proportional to its population, the Australian Government sent just as many soldiers into Vietnam as the American Government. There was also a similar proportional loss of life.<br />iv) Like the Americans, Australians were conscripted into military service. Every month the government would have a “marble lottery”. The lottery consisted of 31 marbles, each representing a day of the month. In each lottery, a number of marbles were drawn. If your birthday fell on one of the days of a drawn marble, you were drafted for service.<br />v) Like America, the country had numerous war protest marches that proved to be quite divisive amongst the people.<br />vi) The treatment of war veterans returning home mirrored that of the United States. The veterans were abandoned by their people and their government. It wasn’t until 1987, that the veterans received a “welcome home” parade.<br /><br />As part of our trip to Long Tan, we visited the old airstrip that was constructed to provide supplies to the Australian servicemen. A two room school is now housed at the end of the airstrip. An elderly childcare worker there told us that she was a secretary at an American military base during the war. Her husband was an officer in the South Vietnamese Army. When the war ended, her husband was placed in jail for five years because he was an officer in the South Vietnamese military. As a further consequence, her two oldest children received no formal education because they were too poor while the father was in jail. Our guide stated, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat”. He then proceeded to tell us that his father, who was also in the South Vietnamese Army, died during the war. His uncle was much luckier and managed to escape to the United States. He noted that after the war, all the well paying jobs went to those people who were loyal to North Vietnam.<br /><br />It is evident that the country still has scars with respect to the war. Regardless who was right or wrong, people died for the right to defend their beliefs. As humans, we try and put the past out of our minds so that we can enjoy the present. We shouldn’t and won’t forget the past; however, as predicted, our drive through the country side immediately brought us back to the present as we soaked in the beauty of seeing workers and water buffalo in the rice paddies. As our bus drove around the corner, we were stunned to see rice spread and drying on the road. We were even more astonished as the driver just drove over the rice and continued down the road!<br /></li></ul><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tEQmzPrfiN2LfIv_o4EuX0Zg0biljHG_04KkygbDfAhTeYGujZ4mM7CIm9nUT9b6DBFG5I7-BCJE0QLL7eXXxmYKMApCULNU5hnAnxIzUX3ZChztv9P1Ugwd59LqDxcLaNU-ZpKiPXs/s1600/m_Saigon+-+Long+Tan+Trip+Sight+of+Battle+Rubber+Plantation.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464681879288959170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tEQmzPrfiN2LfIv_o4EuX0Zg0biljHG_04KkygbDfAhTeYGujZ4mM7CIm9nUT9b6DBFG5I7-BCJE0QLL7eXXxmYKMApCULNU5hnAnxIzUX3ZChztv9P1Ugwd59LqDxcLaNU-ZpKiPXs/s400/m_Saigon+-+Long+Tan+Trip+Sight+of+Battle+Rubber+Plantation.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Rubber Plantation at the site of the Battle of Long Tan<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPr0BCRFV0N4N1j67fmZ7OOITX2AeQOvNjo4GoJ7xpqcG5KGCFsoAd4Neg3De70zZla_sM3u_mAGLBNfT-whSvX5UeuQHd7X9Ym8qY9M11GLoQTKgZbDH5vCRKXGW4g_xYalWa2V-ijI/s1600/m_Saigon+-+Long+Tan+Trip+Sight+of+Battle+Rubber+Plantation+Collection+of+Rubber.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464680807652130450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPr0BCRFV0N4N1j67fmZ7OOITX2AeQOvNjo4GoJ7xpqcG5KGCFsoAd4Neg3De70zZla_sM3u_mAGLBNfT-whSvX5UeuQHd7X9Ym8qY9M11GLoQTKgZbDH5vCRKXGW4g_xYalWa2V-ijI/s400/m_Saigon+-+Long+Tan+Trip+Sight+of+Battle+Rubber+Plantation+Collection+of+Rubber.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Latex-like sap being collected from a rubber tree<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfT-CAIYUx7pIMcwL_zLp0ZEHmeDT30222XnG5LgeYFvPbe76CPd0CfgMqlP9F1fGjbQRsfbOVFVyLe88TlYSURt-2Vu3Cat5Rz98rKg9DQUNPLfgiDg7pFyte78VtQ-RKLZL9rxdEg9I/s1600/m_Saigon+-+Long+Tan+Trip+Sight+of+Battle++Australian+Memorial+7.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464666495738955874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfT-CAIYUx7pIMcwL_zLp0ZEHmeDT30222XnG5LgeYFvPbe76CPd0CfgMqlP9F1fGjbQRsfbOVFVyLe88TlYSURt-2Vu3Cat5Rz98rKg9DQUNPLfgiDg7pFyte78VtQ-RKLZL9rxdEg9I/s400/m_Saigon+-+Long+Tan+Trip+Sight+of+Battle++Australian+Memorial+7.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Kadina Memorial High School tour participants laying roses at the Australian Memorial for the soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of Long Tan<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sHCyRpSCFHGBhWo8jbdAux5vF4-ixo6jgpUa7mT40nA_rwCKaPQ848YMRIyAhM-W8mNfdUsyU7T5tHwt34p1-PcOpUzbFCop-D_h3pn6k8oNcIr8TQLmykgZwRPMriVFssJPuAaPlEU/s1600/m_Saigon+-+Long+Tan+Trip+Rice+on+Road+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464665755432791234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sHCyRpSCFHGBhWo8jbdAux5vF4-ixo6jgpUa7mT40nA_rwCKaPQ848YMRIyAhM-W8mNfdUsyU7T5tHwt34p1-PcOpUzbFCop-D_h3pn6k8oNcIr8TQLmykgZwRPMriVFssJPuAaPlEU/s400/m_Saigon+-+Long+Tan+Trip+Rice+on+Road+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Bus driving over rice placed on the road to dry<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9MCPIH39RBauav5fm859XJZ2Mxgv8ZFG2UMiIP0RIIKmrxO5bshBynXqNLleCan8qdIWnLSVvEprFu-ebDxBNcLAL5orU50tfCRpCPlRlRa_jAnzZuhlFJTwvcMPNtMlGF1J4urYobc/s1600/m_Saigon+-+Gail+Getting+a+Massage.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464664717945493346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9MCPIH39RBauav5fm859XJZ2Mxgv8ZFG2UMiIP0RIIKmrxO5bshBynXqNLleCan8qdIWnLSVvEprFu-ebDxBNcLAL5orU50tfCRpCPlRlRa_jAnzZuhlFJTwvcMPNtMlGF1J4urYobc/s400/m_Saigon+-+Gail+Getting+a+Massage.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Sorry – We couldn’t help it and had to show you this photograph. Gail enjoying a body massage? </div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-78135091724153671442010-03-29T19:46:00.000-07:002010-03-30T01:56:10.206-07:00THE EUCALYPTUS TREE<div align="left">This blog entry is dedicated to our daughter Fran. Fran, as some of you may or may not know; graduated last year with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and is currently enrolled in a Masters Program in Forestry at the University of Alberta. As you can imagine, Fran likes trees. In our travels and day to day life in Australia, we have found the Eucalyptus Tree to be a most interesting species and know that Fran would equally enjoy what we have learned about this plant. Hence this blog is for Fran. Our apology as some of the information in this blog contains some scientific terminology. For those readers who do not have a biological or scientific background, we have attempted to clarify terminology with the hopes that everyone reading our blog will find this entry interesting and informative. We suspect that you will as the Eucalyptus Tree is one of Australia’s icons.<br /><br />As you may recall from high school biology classes, plants are classified in the following manner: Family, Genus and Species. So in accordance with proper plant classification, the Eucalyptus Tree is in the Myrtaceae Family, which is commonly referred to as the Myrtle Family. Eucalyptus Trees belong to the Genus Eucalyptus. There are reported to be between 700 and 800 species of Eucalyptus in Australia. The exact number of species has yet to be determined. The reasons for not knowing the exact number of species is discussed later in this blog entry.<br /><br />The Genus Eucalyptus is characterized by its distinctive flowers and fruit. Floristically, the stamens (i.e., the male parts of the flower) are enclosed in a cap of fused flower petals that are forced off and drop to the ground as the stamens expand. When discovering this distinctive floristic characteristic, Gail was quick to observe that even male parts of a flower expand. She was even quicker to point out that it is not the size of the stamen that matters; however, we digress. The flowers have no petals, but are decorated by many showy stamens which may be white, cream, yellow, pink or red in colour. The absence of showy flower petals is one of the key features of the genus. As the ovary is pollinated and matures, the fruit forms a woody cone-shaped capsule or “gum-nut”, another key characteristic of the genus. A further striking characteristic of the genus is the eucalyptus odour that is emitted when the leaves are crushed between your fingers. Some species are particularly fragrant and you can smell eucalyptus as you walk by a big old tree. It is an intoxicating experience!<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGGZ1G5Wsu8KLuwy_YqLrj3SI-UacuCF_ytOHYMeAOtrT0k1UM5OITwHKcXDGms4nDp1BTZY3wu-nSLkz03qbbBclgGssy-Y9v3KGZgpShUNbp4lSRLqhddMhqsraAB2YdFqpJyZcg-M/s1600/m_Eucalyptus+Flower+7.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454259469385784322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGGZ1G5Wsu8KLuwy_YqLrj3SI-UacuCF_ytOHYMeAOtrT0k1UM5OITwHKcXDGms4nDp1BTZY3wu-nSLkz03qbbBclgGssy-Y9v3KGZgpShUNbp4lSRLqhddMhqsraAB2YdFqpJyZcg-M/s400/m_Eucalyptus+Flower+7.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Flower and fruiting bodies of a Eucalyptus Tree<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnocr8ytvjM2PZVLT8AwK3aiGyME1DVMrXRoskNRh0aKhB2AqEJtm17FXLgfYv2OtyYL8dToAa_YcrYH_NOkmYxofbWJkvMY_zccPd2p5upfn9l226DOL_Q_Vje6uzPDwqY0G-P-BwZlg/s1600/m_Eucalyptus+Flower+9.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454259212726722626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnocr8ytvjM2PZVLT8AwK3aiGyME1DVMrXRoskNRh0aKhB2AqEJtm17FXLgfYv2OtyYL8dToAa_YcrYH_NOkmYxofbWJkvMY_zccPd2p5upfn9l226DOL_Q_Vje6uzPDwqY0G-P-BwZlg/s400/m_Eucalyptus+Flower+9.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Red Stamens of a Eucalyptus species with fused orange-brown petals below the stamens.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6H6vO6bfcpvA6Qm4NA0Cp87l-Nwat2zjW9QJHzMa6_hNd0rq42JYU_VveG14qx_TEakQdEqNXWHogBuFDrvg1Ghmkp3EvC-z8WfpL2umggSdIvBdAb-iAHN8S__JZ6C-bxfTSzVF-_I/s1600/m_Eucalyptus+Flower+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454258922963604050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6H6vO6bfcpvA6Qm4NA0Cp87l-Nwat2zjW9QJHzMa6_hNd0rq42JYU_VveG14qx_TEakQdEqNXWHogBuFDrvg1Ghmkp3EvC-z8WfpL2umggSdIvBdAb-iAHN8S__JZ6C-bxfTSzVF-_I/s400/m_Eucalyptus+Flower+8.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Characteristic fruit which is a cone-shaped capsule or gum-nut.</div><div align="left"><br />Eucalyptuses or Eucalypti are either commonly called “Gum Trees” or “Stringy-bark Trees”. They are referred to Gum Trees because they profusely ooze sap from any break or deep cut in the tree. Similarly they are often called Stringy-bark Trees because like the Arbutus Tree in British Columbia, they will shed their bark; with the difference being that the Eucalyptus will shed its bark in either long strips or variably-sized flakes. The shedding of the bark results in the trunk of the trees exhibiting remarkable colours and beauty.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW670lDoBdatvZuT-ZDyFcVxdhp08nNCYB1-arsUEmxbbUDKcChXzoxNk5efrpaUginbwH5CWygGncCLschrKfBeJrcpMUgmm3IwjSQbBJeyWTGEZmtHEA5-aBff2aa0XjE_Agvmi7rG4/s1600/m_Eucalyptus+Tree+with+Mulch+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454258403664678962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW670lDoBdatvZuT-ZDyFcVxdhp08nNCYB1-arsUEmxbbUDKcChXzoxNk5efrpaUginbwH5CWygGncCLschrKfBeJrcpMUgmm3IwjSQbBJeyWTGEZmtHEA5-aBff2aa0XjE_Agvmi7rG4/s400/m_Eucalyptus+Tree+with+Mulch+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">In addition to the beautiful colour of the trunk, note the thick mulch layer created by the shedding bark and leaf litter. The purpose of this mulch layer is discussed later.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6KlRjFTZIxSkmxQ5dijOWHR-cSrqEYoIu2FmbdApmO2sjFCGfpWsWUAlFc-GckGU9S_DFEBq_VFaz9ZbkzT8vdNNkKlHKwbfx7qy_2oR-BXcYcQjMQxsJMj9OaJ5eSuRfhGRbxFbDmM/s1600/m_Gum+Tree+Pealing+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454257969162898930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6KlRjFTZIxSkmxQ5dijOWHR-cSrqEYoIu2FmbdApmO2sjFCGfpWsWUAlFc-GckGU9S_DFEBq_VFaz9ZbkzT8vdNNkKlHKwbfx7qy_2oR-BXcYcQjMQxsJMj9OaJ5eSuRfhGRbxFbDmM/s400/m_Gum+Tree+Pealing+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Another natural beauty! </div><div align="left"><br />As you have probably surmised, many of the Eucalyptus species are, botanically speaking, difficult to identify and classify. In addition to the vast number of species, classification of this genus is clouded because the species has evolved both morphologically (i.e., the structure of plants) and physiologically (i.e., plant function) to adapt to the many different environments in which it inhabits. For example, gum trees grow in a diverse range of habitats from extremely harsh locales such as alpine regions and granite rock outcrops to lush rainforest environs. Depending upon the particular environ, they can grow to be hundreds of feet high or merely a few feet in height. In addition, many species have an overlapping geographical distribution range, with gene exchange still occurring. As a result intermediate forms of the two species are common and hence the difficulty in classification. Similarly in Canada, we can experience gene exchange between Engelmann Spruce and White Spruce.<br /><br />In South Australia, it is reported that there are approximately 80 Eucalyptus species. They inhabit all types of climatic regimes in the state from temperate to extremely arid. Given that we presently reside in an environment with an annual rainfall of approximately 15 inches per year; our observations with respect to the Eucalyptus Tree are predominantly related to its growth form in an arid environment. The following series of photographs and descriptions highlight the survival mechanisms that the Eucalyptus Tree has adapted to live in an arid environment.<br /><br />In arid environments, the Eucalyptus Tree typically has a multiple stem growth configuration starting at ground level. This grow form is referred to as “mallee”. A mallee growth configuration is optimal in arid environments because this stem formation allows rainwater to collect along the various branches and funnel its way down to the main trunk system, thus maximizing moisture collection and retention. During times of drought, the tree will literally drop large branches from its trunk so as to enhance its chances for survival. By losing branches, the plant reduces its overall immediate need for water because the plant’s surface mass has dramatically decreased.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMBzAco5KLX5jXCOWzlccjxZd_HLMbbgRYVBzKuM59hoQZoci8JRhFaN1jSGJYwHCKDwCX7R7P36p0vpNydSGzSWKNCyPunisS1UVI61oDMjrddR0s2SUs6ejDqD3gxCEsIwd1F9aKl0/s1600/m_Eucalyptus+Tree+-+By+Roadside+8.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454257362124011426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMBzAco5KLX5jXCOWzlccjxZd_HLMbbgRYVBzKuM59hoQZoci8JRhFaN1jSGJYwHCKDwCX7R7P36p0vpNydSGzSWKNCyPunisS1UVI61oDMjrddR0s2SUs6ejDqD3gxCEsIwd1F9aKl0/s400/m_Eucalyptus+Tree+-+By+Roadside+8.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Mallee growth formation is typical for Eucalyptus Trees growing in arid environments </div><div align="left"><br />Typically the Eucalyptus Tree is an ever green tree meaning that it does not lose its leaves after the growing season. However, the Eucalyptus Tree readily and periodically sheds its bark and leaves to effectively create a mulched surface environment around the base of each tree. This mulch surface serves two purposes: (1) The mulch restricts the germination of other vegetation beneath the tree. Thus, the tree ensures that other vegetative growth is limited so that the much needed soil moisture is not used up by a competing species. (2) The mulch creates a surface layer capable of retaining soil moisture and reducing moisture loss due to evaporation.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGW2iUTjcdkhmZ9us3eMfGJsKqkAM5SXTMF9MoV1SXLKaPElZZMIq2NcZF67UxKSF-HDglDRs2DAN0J8X6qDnxlUB802adK4WOEJOmYtWqCLqJEAaS_Hf7JEoiSISEd14GlFSSEjo3g0Q/s1600/m_Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454256837780604434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGW2iUTjcdkhmZ9us3eMfGJsKqkAM5SXTMF9MoV1SXLKaPElZZMIq2NcZF67UxKSF-HDglDRs2DAN0J8X6qDnxlUB802adK4WOEJOmYtWqCLqJEAaS_Hf7JEoiSISEd14GlFSSEjo3g0Q/s400/m_Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+6.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Note the absence of understory vegetation.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqvwlRXf3LrsF1mxJw8dZyZ3ibjZo393NxFfVDkyNjZZXvLC-vP2CY-CZrJLDhQucltQC_BcZXe3iJHzjotGoFuPyVP4LFGz-rKqHUprAWbP-rUBANt_zXJ634cmgSWT2A-Ekya78VNw/s1600/m_Eucalyptus+Tree+-+By+Roadside+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454255336361378306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqvwlRXf3LrsF1mxJw8dZyZ3ibjZo393NxFfVDkyNjZZXvLC-vP2CY-CZrJLDhQucltQC_BcZXe3iJHzjotGoFuPyVP4LFGz-rKqHUprAWbP-rUBANt_zXJ634cmgSWT2A-Ekya78VNw/s400/m_Eucalyptus+Tree+-+By+Roadside+4.jpg" /></a></p><br />The leaves of Eucalyptus Trees growing in arid environments have also adapted to its environment. The leaves are typically long and narrow with a waxy – oily cover. The leaves are narrow so that there is minimal surface area exposed to the direct sunlight. On the leaf, a eucalyptus smelling oily resin is emitted to form a thick cuticle on the leaf surface to create a protective cover so as to minimize water loss. Essentially the leaves are hydrophobic (i.e., tending to repel and not absorb water) as the oily/waxy surface prevents the leaf from drying out. Also, as the sun shines down on the tree, the long narrow leaf surface will rotate and hang vertically downwards away from the direct rays of the sun. By doing this, the surface area of the leaf that is exposed to the direct sunlight is minimized, thus minimizing water loss due to evapo-transpiration (i.e, water that is evaporated through the leaf tissue).<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SyD-G5pv7rH5qXT4zcby7roVahMyHGJA8rF8bfj8W1Xgwcy_vOamAyDIYAWsj9KtnAmk6NlegQNk8NwcfqCXEVIiQ4YssAs8tZbzldVjhM2ylWFgZRZJGuSequiAvNBZhtg-H8-q4G8/s1600/m_Eucalyptus+Flower+10.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454254876401010466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SyD-G5pv7rH5qXT4zcby7roVahMyHGJA8rF8bfj8W1Xgwcy_vOamAyDIYAWsj9KtnAmk6NlegQNk8NwcfqCXEVIiQ4YssAs8tZbzldVjhM2ylWFgZRZJGuSequiAvNBZhtg-H8-q4G8/s400/m_Eucalyptus+Flower+10.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Long and narrow leaf surface capped with a waxy – oil resin cover</div><div align="left"><br />In an arid environment, forest fires from lightning strikes are common occurrences. Unfortunately those plant survival mechanisms described above that minimize water loss also are ideal sources of fuel for fire. The oily-waxy leaves and mulch litter on the ground surface are highly combustible materials. In response, the tree has also developed a well-established root system that is capable of rapidly regenerating plant shoots after a fire event. The Genus is noted as being extremely fast growing, thus minimizing long term impacts from fire on its ecosystem. </div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9IJjoaANhqV_Qp9m7W-NCMhmT51dzNpf3_y-6fi-zHEfmaKObHcs9W_UuYr_mkFo0m3hCrMT173uHRgRuZxJRGl_muTtliejBnE2oIx09DhCJX7NAFJVyCekz4s4vJKRzc_4AoXrL7M/s1600/m_Kangaroo+Island+Dec+2007+Burn+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454254252063830226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9IJjoaANhqV_Qp9m7W-NCMhmT51dzNpf3_y-6fi-zHEfmaKObHcs9W_UuYr_mkFo0m3hCrMT173uHRgRuZxJRGl_muTtliejBnE2oIx09DhCJX7NAFJVyCekz4s4vJKRzc_4AoXrL7M/s400/m_Kangaroo+Island+Dec+2007+Burn+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Note the rapid generation following a forest fire. Area was burned December 2007 with photo being taken in March 2010. </div><div align="left"><br />Some times when we are driving and scanning the passing landscape, we periodically ask ourselves whether we are in Africa or Australia? This is because the growth form of the Eucalyptus Tree dotted on the landscape appears to be akin to many “Out of Africa” travel photos. The Eucalyptus Tree is an excellent example of a plant species that has adapted to the environmental conditions in which it lives.<br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQOq6raB3WiU3ZSGZrjAIrnisSC_j8ozkpYF72QfyJwrLzE_kq0SGYaSD0iPCuWhjpi8qJ826dug_qHVObT3GV3JJbOdAaQatTAIvS5iPTebNMUk0ZPA66Co8ngnA5ievX425MH9-NRI/s1600/m_Eucalyptus+Tree+-+By+Roadside+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454253614998940258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQOq6raB3WiU3ZSGZrjAIrnisSC_j8ozkpYF72QfyJwrLzE_kq0SGYaSD0iPCuWhjpi8qJ826dug_qHVObT3GV3JJbOdAaQatTAIvS5iPTebNMUk0ZPA66Co8ngnA5ievX425MH9-NRI/s400/m_Eucalyptus+Tree+-+By+Roadside+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">That “Out of Africa” or is it “Out of Australia” feeling? </div><div align="left"><br />Easter is coming, the summer season has gone and the weather is starting to cool. School holidays here in Australia are around the corner. Our blog entries will not be forthcoming until we return from holidays. May you have friends and family close to you over the Easter time and enjoy plenty of delicious meals with your people. HOPPY EASTER! </div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-72084788940952897142010-03-22T01:39:00.000-07:002010-03-22T13:49:30.374-07:00KANGAROO ISLANDMarch 6th to 8th was a long weekend in South Australia. The state has created a public holiday so that its residents can celebrate and watch the Adelaide Cup, which is a horse race. The race which began in 1864, is very much a part of South Australia’s heart and soul of sporting and social events in the state. Taking advantage of this long weekend opportunity, we were fortunate enough to participate in a three day tour of Kangaroo Island. The tour was arranged by the South Australia Teacher’s Exchange League (SATEL). In summary, the trip was fabulous!<br /><br />Kangaroo Island, known locally as KI, is located due south of Kadina and the Yorke Peninsula. KI is Australia’s third largest island being approximately 155 km long and 55 km wide.<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hh8RqeA5sMnCszWkX7xoTHroGQnMmMRLzkJ9Ey002_tZnPJ8JL_Ps-3SXqtKR91eUOSug7ugsVSq2v7C7v9mZXbOMkTy712cggBLFgghPZ1REdfDncxpfSZm3I82UZU-BDowxWcRP2A/s1600-h/m_Map+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 353px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451391385964405490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hh8RqeA5sMnCszWkX7xoTHroGQnMmMRLzkJ9Ey002_tZnPJ8JL_Ps-3SXqtKR91eUOSug7ugsVSq2v7C7v9mZXbOMkTy712cggBLFgghPZ1REdfDncxpfSZm3I82UZU-BDowxWcRP2A/s400/m_Map+3.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Figure showing Kangaroo Island<br /></p><p align="left">It is estimated that one half of Kangaroo Island’s land base is either bush land or National Park. Based on some of the travel journals, KI is considered the best place in Australia to see marsupials in the wild. This may be due to the fact that the island is free of introduced foxes and rabbits. Foxes are predators of some of the marsupials while rabbits forage and destroy native habitat of others. Given the abundance of native wildlife and the many beautiful coastal vistas, Kangaroo Island was ranked, by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine in 2007, as being the Best Island for tourists to visit in the Asia Pacific region.<br /><br />KI is isolated from the mainland and has become an unspoiled haven where wildlife abounds. Probably its equivalent comparison in Canada would be Banff or Jasper National Parks. However, unlike Banff and Jasper, tourist accommodations within the national park are virtually non existent. Our three day visit on the Island was “chockers”. This is Aussie slang for “chocker block full”. While on the island, some of the many sites that we visited are listed below:<br /></p><ul><li><strong>Remarkable Rocks</strong> are a large cluster of naturally sculpted granite rocks that appear to be sitting precariously on a dome that juts out from the ocean. These rocks have been eroded by wind, rain and sea spray over a period of 500 million years. They were not only remarkable; they were incredible, fantastic, awesome, amazing and humbling. To see such large rocks with their scouring tell-tale signs of erosion only reinforces the power of nature. One can only imagine the erosive energy that is needed to crave the rocks into such a picture of beauty. At Remarkable Rocks, you know that time is not told in seconds and hours. Instead time is told in eons. Originally formed as a single granite monolith, these seaside rocks were shaped using the same rock building process as that used to form Uluru (Ayers Rock); with the difference being that they have been subject to constant erosion. </li></ul><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6r8dpvh6ciwwJlGNhB8VZHZYjMszS5BZPCQ4RGPQbeAs_uGHoMgO1SSQhfzwuXwxxZESUdGZTEaSUcBQd2c_5ZOM_Z8n8tjhl9ae7-k-rkSiLQU2ghXWbOu3GS2FD_q1XapwIoZqxi4/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+3.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451391000632480722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6r8dpvh6ciwwJlGNhB8VZHZYjMszS5BZPCQ4RGPQbeAs_uGHoMgO1SSQhfzwuXwxxZESUdGZTEaSUcBQd2c_5ZOM_Z8n8tjhl9ae7-k-rkSiLQU2ghXWbOu3GS2FD_q1XapwIoZqxi4/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+3.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center">Remarkable Rocks </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxovf1NiIB0VbR3_zlgKCi8jxA7MmguIPtOAiQRMuFkRGVxh8ws82n-BzVA1UEpsgqUMjxx1Y932QHeaIXvORL7_H2r2tvgPZrNymevmIRX95ttcliX3tPULh7Ohdqo2jP3wrcJCd730/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+10.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451390360552503266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxovf1NiIB0VbR3_zlgKCi8jxA7MmguIPtOAiQRMuFkRGVxh8ws82n-BzVA1UEpsgqUMjxx1Y932QHeaIXvORL7_H2r2tvgPZrNymevmIRX95ttcliX3tPULh7Ohdqo2jP3wrcJCd730/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+10.JPG" /></a><br />Rick and Greig inside the Remarkable Rocks’ Hatchery!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz38OsRc9SbfCMb60VL9Ju5LVDw9HLfKVMCEzHl_FkxCy_FWTNjq5EJ5jlS2JNzaWdsvwmmFbdAXVqg7XyF1it5opjgkAKEXwFfJzhydeZQOKb5TMF6KuZPvaIdr4ytXQho_htbdXW1AY/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+14.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451389338282766194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz38OsRc9SbfCMb60VL9Ju5LVDw9HLfKVMCEzHl_FkxCy_FWTNjq5EJ5jlS2JNzaWdsvwmmFbdAXVqg7XyF1it5opjgkAKEXwFfJzhydeZQOKb5TMF6KuZPvaIdr4ytXQho_htbdXW1AY/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+14.JPG" /></a><br />Gail by the Arrow Head<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-mdt0fViKD9ur1g_9hPiV-JD5MxvPzNMF6roP9PutGl3oDN6w3huV3gI07zLP7npTiFAmORZStVd5W3Ppbsux9o2HN5WrBhuVTPYCiByT4iVpv1CWAtGDGDwCU8suwJFTZCZQH5RdYc/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+16.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451387664994292418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-mdt0fViKD9ur1g_9hPiV-JD5MxvPzNMF6roP9PutGl3oDN6w3huV3gI07zLP7npTiFAmORZStVd5W3Ppbsux9o2HN5WrBhuVTPYCiByT4iVpv1CWAtGDGDwCU8suwJFTZCZQH5RdYc/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+16.JPG" /></a><br />Gail on the Bench. Note the orange algae.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsORL9xvJh6NvkMrf6zpKn6g_19OLSgrXPCJSFxUChmJK49hvfhMki3LnLw22sG8gAMjZz8gepYGi4XMO0uYi86fA7f992GVuNYBzdU5rvG0EwEUyh9wRphWhyphenhyphenU57VKiqS85sm39CQU54/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+19.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 359px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451386957055022034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsORL9xvJh6NvkMrf6zpKn6g_19OLSgrXPCJSFxUChmJK49hvfhMki3LnLw22sG8gAMjZz8gepYGi4XMO0uYi86fA7f992GVuNYBzdU5rvG0EwEUyh9wRphWhyphenhyphenU57VKiqS85sm39CQU54/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+19.JPG" /></a><br />Rick and Gail at the Altar<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQoYKwJVN4qcqpApLFgzqyhKvxc5pPTI3slUnpRSTgV5nK1ni5EbTjCYhyphenhyphenITkh6ho-MAbfQPCmTQe1KxjlnRejiz6JIOGK32GxMfXW7yGSIeSvKWmn-rzwjxhJr5TFVTq_kW0i0EEiSI/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+23.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451386319219953842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQoYKwJVN4qcqpApLFgzqyhKvxc5pPTI3slUnpRSTgV5nK1ni5EbTjCYhyphenhyphenITkh6ho-MAbfQPCmTQe1KxjlnRejiz6JIOGK32GxMfXW7yGSIeSvKWmn-rzwjxhJr5TFVTq_kW0i0EEiSI/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Remarkable+Rocks+23.JPG" /></a><br />Where’s Waldo?<br /></p><ul><li><div align="left"><strong>Admiral’s Arch</strong> is another spectacular rock formation. Sculpted from thousands of years of erosive weathering, a natural arch has been created.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u3CnuQB8QgQ0f4nMYfTDAzcVJ_8X4n2G3TLJkjsre2eYXG5CRQnX4PtG_F2kjTySENXq9BAt-xhRqcaPoy8YPLoLD9moyWw_fH5Raqf4d5xKAY1gyFPzcF05vVNGdB-mL16cyAIIcOM/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+14.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451385562837145778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u3CnuQB8QgQ0f4nMYfTDAzcVJ_8X4n2G3TLJkjsre2eYXG5CRQnX4PtG_F2kjTySENXq9BAt-xhRqcaPoy8YPLoLD9moyWw_fH5Raqf4d5xKAY1gyFPzcF05vVNGdB-mL16cyAIIcOM/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+14.JPG" /></a></p></li></ul><p align="center">Looking through Admiral’s Arch<br /></p><p align="left">Added to this nature beauty is a colony of New Zealand fur seals that feed, laze and cavort in and along the shoreline adjacent to Admiral’s Arch. While visiting the arch we had a “special moment”. To see the seals from the first view point was something in itself. Then to continually wind your way down to the arch with each viewpoint being more spectacular than the previous was unbelievable. And then to arrive at the arch, take in the scenery, listen to the surf crashing against the rocks and watch the seals frolic in the water was a “special moment”. We knew that we were witnessing and feeling something that cannot be properly described. You had to be there to take it in.<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EnA84HjEI_STTqXOvkvPw2dJ1KHyiXChJOvp0tuQ-p7Zz6DAgy7jhYxWZhgJfTCvfduvB-mtHuOimtB-coJe968lZNsjgzRIs3lzE9sMLTXTc12ym2ZCMNw9SOkrsEQkeZla9vgKyTA/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+11.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451384904961071554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EnA84HjEI_STTqXOvkvPw2dJ1KHyiXChJOvp0tuQ-p7Zz6DAgy7jhYxWZhgJfTCvfduvB-mtHuOimtB-coJe968lZNsjgzRIs3lzE9sMLTXTc12ym2ZCMNw9SOkrsEQkeZla9vgKyTA/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+11.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">Top of Admiral’s Arch – Seal’s are the little brown specs (look hard to see them)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5kViHBveW8ou1R4j3Ky1UiI5PIaF8NK7w9H1VvKTSer5pwNxlHanjMESeoW3iOWzflOxy4-Nhvxo61aO2fdzYS86TDU2OaFVJEfuzNOmVu3z6HMPU-UVWXnyfoDRGmw1fBzckh8VOD4/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+9.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451384033174582818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5kViHBveW8ou1R4j3Ky1UiI5PIaF8NK7w9H1VvKTSer5pwNxlHanjMESeoW3iOWzflOxy4-Nhvxo61aO2fdzYS86TDU2OaFVJEfuzNOmVu3z6HMPU-UVWXnyfoDRGmw1fBzckh8VOD4/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+9.JPG" /></a><br />Getting Closer to the seals<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OS-RUKcrv7lwF3zJtmAuITb2JbtNqdn5jZbfAbECXvstfklz5eNhQjEr295JnefvtzAiG1UzGrf2-lZnSkjpawNrJl_angOyQQd9ZwfK3cnavmlWMyhB4dP0iFOV8AOcIs2BzL3dXac/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+10.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451377311773684978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OS-RUKcrv7lwF3zJtmAuITb2JbtNqdn5jZbfAbECXvstfklz5eNhQjEr295JnefvtzAiG1UzGrf2-lZnSkjpawNrJl_angOyQQd9ZwfK3cnavmlWMyhB4dP0iFOV8AOcIs2BzL3dXac/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+10.JPG" /></a><br />Closer<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlXV-S8U_Ui4ePPCjOuLXhZkAI9bxltwT7oCFR7jJgyqnAqG38eXandj8Mju1FvN3C6JZfYLkchM7NgaOsplGy9JnnpJouIcOBCLqanAWqob76N8j762zwCUaoHVyPsHdUfaxMfhPnKY/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+13.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451383246271945858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlXV-S8U_Ui4ePPCjOuLXhZkAI9bxltwT7oCFR7jJgyqnAqG38eXandj8Mju1FvN3C6JZfYLkchM7NgaOsplGy9JnnpJouIcOBCLqanAWqob76N8j762zwCUaoHVyPsHdUfaxMfhPnKY/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Armirals+Arch+13.JPG" /></a><br />The Poser was ready and waiting for us!<br /><strong></strong></p><ul><li><div align="left"><strong>Hike from Hanson Bay to Kelly Hill Caves: </strong>We know very little about Australia’s vegetation or wildlife. Eighty percent of the native vegetation in Australia appears no where else in the world. What we know is from what we have seen on television or read in books. We went on a two and a half hour walk that brought all of this to life. To walk from the coastal sand dunes, into a dense shrub environment and then into a eucalyptus forest was a perfect illustration of the transition of plant communities living in harmony with their conditions. To see kangaroos and then an echidna just as we were finishing our walk was icing on the cake. We think that maybe one of the SAETL people rushed ahead to put one there for our viewing and photographic pleasure.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvhFJ7Csl-wJkTCk0Vkb5fQSBx3RUA1mzQx1BJk3FsigxHJkQJjp5zxq1-fJXjb6iZuWmx6GVo91n1zANcMGjD9Hatw5u-9m-vKy_BiMlBKOH7Q6Lovo0rqdliS5Rp664rf2LSH9JcSQ/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+1.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451382516894597202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvhFJ7Csl-wJkTCk0Vkb5fQSBx3RUA1mzQx1BJk3FsigxHJkQJjp5zxq1-fJXjb6iZuWmx6GVo91n1zANcMGjD9Hatw5u-9m-vKy_BiMlBKOH7Q6Lovo0rqdliS5Rp664rf2LSH9JcSQ/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+1.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center">Start of Hansen Bay Hike<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNK1ifMTT7Tf3c1dyv6kVOpIAnydQAqLYs5GXdFuUYi43a2XEEz2599arm2Rt0qoWXS2UogQD73bCrVyvRGk1Xxpq0Q83SCs1-TvI56zN5qWRRPcbJZKDp0X5XibrnOBaUt-gzbr23xs/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+7.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451381632947554050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNK1ifMTT7Tf3c1dyv6kVOpIAnydQAqLYs5GXdFuUYi43a2XEEz2599arm2Rt0qoWXS2UogQD73bCrVyvRGk1Xxpq0Q83SCs1-TvI56zN5qWRRPcbJZKDp0X5XibrnOBaUt-gzbr23xs/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+7.JPG" /></a><br />One of many scenic vistas<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wQXcJ43X1k25f3eg2zyDK9LJuVFsYonWZM4l5WxgwYInWOn58PLz3n6aPtts7L3vt9_fum70WRW1mXM9V0LSDOg5lns6j6eZpo27msQtIOpJms7Y_JKAReIkO3UA4FOSs7UthQIp7IQ/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+9.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451380564867948002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wQXcJ43X1k25f3eg2zyDK9LJuVFsYonWZM4l5WxgwYInWOn58PLz3n6aPtts7L3vt9_fum70WRW1mXM9V0LSDOg5lns6j6eZpo27msQtIOpJms7Y_JKAReIkO3UA4FOSs7UthQIp7IQ/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+9.JPG" /></a><br />Echidna – a spiny anteater!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6cn5pe0rY0B3aD4EUPVbONC3cWkbbvoU9Eo_PvpvfVoYbVvD-oOtrPKmO4yR_VTK1u0GUgbQh8P8J24dDNyiXx59Jj4tubAbSGzVcF3jTzY38QMJqU-BElRkNryZeeBQJG81oFxBmik/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+17.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451379813262902466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6cn5pe0rY0B3aD4EUPVbONC3cWkbbvoU9Eo_PvpvfVoYbVvD-oOtrPKmO4yR_VTK1u0GUgbQh8P8J24dDNyiXx59Jj4tubAbSGzVcF3jTzY38QMJqU-BElRkNryZeeBQJG81oFxBmik/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Hansen+Bay+Hike+17.JPG" /></a><br />Up close and personal<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpx8AzOeEISl7obGTPMIDYQXpm6K2aaKI3sZUAVr0UfMLyjUzX34_VxONQfVeej-zZEWwni_ZCD4ZAsNTSw44DHsNLBwrYAFo8HPuu6uHQOya0IxkRns_XOn0js71KMsMO-E4pCnecjo/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Koala+1.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451379192009024834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpx8AzOeEISl7obGTPMIDYQXpm6K2aaKI3sZUAVr0UfMLyjUzX34_VxONQfVeej-zZEWwni_ZCD4ZAsNTSw44DHsNLBwrYAFo8HPuu6uHQOya0IxkRns_XOn0js71KMsMO-E4pCnecjo/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Koala+1.JPG" /></a><br />Koala. Yes, we know. It looks like a toy stuffed into a tree, but no – it’s the real thing!<br /></div></li></ul><ul><li><div align="left"><strong>Kelly Hill Caves</strong> is a huge labyrinth within the limestone formation lying beneath the surface near the area encompassing our hike. Inside the caves are impressive displays of stalagmites and stalactites.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFHW9fQguSLhcIA3Xxe9q7K-KXBJRDXSQR-tr980SoVodC55iz1fLJqLaSQR4maKiqhMqR27INzy2nFFkP21SIrrKKOdiYAG9YplLybUbuC6sj0ah-cBT2Epo86zOqiqu120Zjqb_x98/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Kelly+Hill+Caves+10.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451378483434892226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFHW9fQguSLhcIA3Xxe9q7K-KXBJRDXSQR-tr980SoVodC55iz1fLJqLaSQR4maKiqhMqR27INzy2nFFkP21SIrrKKOdiYAG9YplLybUbuC6sj0ah-cBT2Epo86zOqiqu120Zjqb_x98/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Kelly+Hill+Caves+10.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center">Stalactites or rock icicles<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuwAtZYf0tmTX2L4-Z6gVg-evMaH44e3vkX3SQlLXc4lgkOcp3EIeqiDZaIJ6cF0m_bCN_53IMkrQPnZAKUODFcjj_QNrBJcETL3NsxiYU9G1tNIGelKOr5qXQMSpwhlmINeF_hZ-Li8/s1600-h/Kangaroo+Island+Kelly+Hill+Caves+5.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451376743291696930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuwAtZYf0tmTX2L4-Z6gVg-evMaH44e3vkX3SQlLXc4lgkOcp3EIeqiDZaIJ6cF0m_bCN_53IMkrQPnZAKUODFcjj_QNrBJcETL3NsxiYU9G1tNIGelKOr5qXQMSpwhlmINeF_hZ-Li8/s400/Kangaroo+Island+Kelly+Hill+Caves+5.JPG" /></a><br />Into the Jaws of ???<br /></div></li></ul><p align="left">Our Kangaroo Island trip was truly a memorable experience. We are most thankful to the SATEL volunteers who planned and organized this tour. Many of the Canadian Exchange Teachers living in South Australia this year were with us on this tour and we know they too share our appreciation towards SATEL. </p>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-23983355818674201842010-03-13T17:11:00.000-08:002010-03-13T18:00:18.139-08:00EVERY EXCHANGE NEEDS A LEON OR A JILL OR A ......This blog is about people. Leon’s or Jill’s name could easily be replaced by a Doug or a Dawn, or a Scott, or a Hanlie, or a ………<br /><br />Relationships are all about people. Relationships are typically either good or bad; rarely are they ambivalent. As such, people and the relationships that are formed have the ability to make an exchange experience remarkable or just run of the mill and easily forgotten. Based on our experience to date, after having been the recipients of Australian generosity and kindness, we can unequivocally state that our exchange has been incredible. We first experienced Australian geniality when we arrived in Sydney. As you may recall from the second blog entry, we were at a loss as to what we would do with our excess luggage and how would we be able to transport it to Kadina. “Peter” came to our rescue and soon sorted out the logistics of ensuring that our luggage would be delivered safety at its destination. Consequently our holiday time in Sydney didn’t miss a beat.<br /><br />Next, our “Exchange Buddy – Jill” met us at the airport upon our arrival in Adelaide. We first met Jill, while she and her son Michael were on a teacher exchange to Edmonton in 2003. As part of the teacher exchange program, incoming teachers are matched up with an exchange buddy. The exchange buddy is assigned with the task of assisting the incoming teacher (i.e.; Gail and by default Rick) to adapt to their new and unfamiliar surroundings. The fact that we have already met Jill in her previous life as a newbie exchange teacher while in Canada made our welcome in Australia a re-acquaintance with an old friend. Subsequently, we have spent a number of weekends with Jill touring the wine valleys, shopping, visiting restaurants, and familiarizing ourselves with Adelaide.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bFar7aABMxkv_PIWnus8mzDL9mhw-Gpg3GhV5D6dH0ExIQ8CwUSWXsF4v2Lhoi9_NuQfD3TBhrbEYIe6CsK_j6tJpgepraaBU7j9LE83Ha7G9se5FP8ZhHx3ZjBM2ro40_pcdBln6HY/s1600-h/m_Jill+mists+Rick+to+keep+him+cool+in+%2B43+degrees+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448294529067406962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bFar7aABMxkv_PIWnus8mzDL9mhw-Gpg3GhV5D6dH0ExIQ8CwUSWXsF4v2Lhoi9_NuQfD3TBhrbEYIe6CsK_j6tJpgepraaBU7j9LE83Ha7G9se5FP8ZhHx3ZjBM2ro40_pcdBln6HY/s400/m_Jill+mists+Rick+to+keep+him+cool+in+%2B43+degrees+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Jill misting Rick to cool him off when temperatures reached +43oC<br /><br /><br />“Leon” who has the patience of Job has been a God send for us. If we are ever in doubt about anything, Leon is there to steer us in the right direction and not lead us astray. Leon already had a car picked out for us prior to our arrival in Kadina. Given the fact that he has built a “Hot Rod” from the ground up, we had nothing but confidence in his securing a vehicle for us. Leon has also cooked, and has promised to cook, a number of curry meals for us. We are quite excited about this as we have limited experience with cooking curry dishes. On the other hand, Leon is starting to enjoy our “drip coffee” rather than the instant coffee that is commonly served in Australia.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NCywYQV8pAkmf-gzS7NCJFPBzzByeHdwO5e4ZtFTuqhk_HpIS-9LcBY8x7_Z0vcfNd4d7gHHFvBt2Yf0BgNkcogHVjMevz0Nhsj-URM3oNamFUr0j9dQMwu20ME4NzhXw4E31WqSL6w/s1600-h/m_Friday+Night+Beach+Picnic+15+February+19+(2).jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448293938796877730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NCywYQV8pAkmf-gzS7NCJFPBzzByeHdwO5e4ZtFTuqhk_HpIS-9LcBY8x7_Z0vcfNd4d7gHHFvBt2Yf0BgNkcogHVjMevz0Nhsj-URM3oNamFUr0j9dQMwu20ME4NzhXw4E31WqSL6w/s400/m_Friday+Night+Beach+Picnic+15+February+19+(2).jpg" /></a><br />Leon sitting beside his Hot Rod while enjoying the sunset at North Beach<br /><br /><br />“Doug and Dawn” have taken us under their wing and are showing us everything they can that is “Australian”. For example, arrangements are being made so that we can tour a sheep “station” and perhaps sheer a couple of sheep. In addition to touring a number of wineries with them, we are also scheduled to go on a camping trip to the Outback in June. With Dawn and Doug, it is starting to become a routine thing to go down to the beach on a Friday night to swim, sit and enjoy a bottle of red as the sunset disappears below the ocean and washes the weekly woes away.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXSuNyJpEio7sRBAj1aEZilbdd8qFxwYRwX_ydB-uYm7YCUAJ9y07S5lko71OB1vu11x_ns7N1eX7q8uc24XkD4kNJsh611mhgB9t15e_jnwBtrbpcusxiq4-ie1BeM912y-Xe1Rfs9U/s1600-h/m_attach%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448293609233505074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXSuNyJpEio7sRBAj1aEZilbdd8qFxwYRwX_ydB-uYm7YCUAJ9y07S5lko71OB1vu11x_ns7N1eX7q8uc24XkD4kNJsh611mhgB9t15e_jnwBtrbpcusxiq4-ie1BeM912y-Xe1Rfs9U/s400/m_attach%5B5%5D.jpg" /></a><br />The "Boys" getting ready to go Crab Raking. Doug is applying Sun Screen while Rick and Leon are ready to go.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04GYFv-wG39wAvNb10hCJAayJ-u0CNHrOBiETn1NdVD9ahjLkW3iRhsCXUtd3OO5tzKyohaJrJJ3wyEOKdZhVwOJM8kBMUz5wGsaViIXqYtEFYYKuIfOTQ_o96lQZLdNta3DM1koxO6I/s1600-h/m_attachCAAOBPTA.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448293276570518034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04GYFv-wG39wAvNb10hCJAayJ-u0CNHrOBiETn1NdVD9ahjLkW3iRhsCXUtd3OO5tzKyohaJrJJ3wyEOKdZhVwOJM8kBMUz5wGsaViIXqYtEFYYKuIfOTQ_o96lQZLdNta3DM1koxO6I/s400/m_attachCAAOBPTA.jpg" /></a><br />The Boys walking out to get their catch. Unfortunately we got skunked that day as only two crabs were caught. "No worries Mate" because the journey was more enjoyable than the conquest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MfYKexiLzEhoIlCROC4cdyeEkTtyj0ZNOomwivSEiIRM-xPKH0WxzxtkyFxNmAnJjsfiAJGYfzwRENFF3gdDW6Cd1GzkBhhc_B64tLVZUblOgLxbHg6yTu9xut1EqmpXul6gxGXMrP4/s1600-h/m_Friday+Night+Beach+Picnic+13+February+19.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448292798681379506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MfYKexiLzEhoIlCROC4cdyeEkTtyj0ZNOomwivSEiIRM-xPKH0WxzxtkyFxNmAnJjsfiAJGYfzwRENFF3gdDW6Cd1GzkBhhc_B64tLVZUblOgLxbHg6yTu9xut1EqmpXul6gxGXMrP4/s400/m_Friday+Night+Beach+Picnic+13+February+19.jpg" /></a><br />Leon taking a picture of Gail posing for the camera. Doug and Dawn are more interested in the ice cold Corona with a slice of lime.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nQcKup6OnRTE3Mf_UgBP3dQGUTciv8PvETQTliGMvSEYZjrMm-kUtBmI_4utAmAIEE5eDAScSUWt7iaww66kFx6JbeTX2R8b2PFbdjqKHduNReDSLJ-euwAp0te8IAekZ3nX9akYV38/s1600-h/m_Friday+Night+Beach+Picnic+22+February+19.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448292442949093298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nQcKup6OnRTE3Mf_UgBP3dQGUTciv8PvETQTliGMvSEYZjrMm-kUtBmI_4utAmAIEE5eDAScSUWt7iaww66kFx6JbeTX2R8b2PFbdjqKHduNReDSLJ-euwAp0te8IAekZ3nX9akYV38/s400/m_Friday+Night+Beach+Picnic+22+February+19.jpg" /></a><br />Rick and Dawn savouring that sunset Kodak moment<br /><br /><br />“Scott and Allie”, like the others mentioned above, have opened their homes and hearts to us. They have been so warm and friendly to include us in their day to day lives. Scott has taken Rick on a number of “road trips” to various towns located within a 2 – 3 hour driving distance from Kadina. Scott is in the business of erecting portable fencing and has taken Rick on the odd job as his “lackey” or “grunt”. Rick is of the view that Scott is quite comfortable with the arrangement because Rick has noticed that Scott now has no problem sitting in an air conditioned truck talking to the site foreman while his “lackey” is outside in +36oC putting up the fence. On the other hand, Rick is quite comfortable going down to Scott’s wine cellar and picking out a couple of bottles of red which is shared over an excellent BBQ meal that Scott has prepared. It seems like both of us think we have the better part of the deal. Are you getting the sense that part of the South Australian culture is to open and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTICnSUU1ZzVmjAGhfWu9MlGtmVqrrzRwvwsYI4sYoxykcuMbZiVY0tqU1d6D_H6GCW_cmIjdfSyyc6ssGsvxA9Fr9Ne6qMUXzU94AC5Tqg20k3G_V3Ym_WIHO1zW0-13XYlKjGBWRmps/s1600-h/m_Fence+Construction+1+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448291695399510418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTICnSUU1ZzVmjAGhfWu9MlGtmVqrrzRwvwsYI4sYoxykcuMbZiVY0tqU1d6D_H6GCW_cmIjdfSyyc6ssGsvxA9Fr9Ne6qMUXzU94AC5Tqg20k3G_V3Ym_WIHO1zW0-13XYlKjGBWRmps/s400/m_Fence+Construction+1+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Rick putting up the portable fence. Where's Scott?<br /><br /><br />At work, the teachers at Gail’s school have been extremely accommodating and helpful. In Canada, Gail is solely responsible for teaching foods. In Australia, the teaching of foods is shared between three teachers. Consequently Gail’s teaching assignment also includes teaching classes in English and Social Studies. Without the able assistance of the other English and Social Studies teachers helping Gail with the curriculum, Gail’s preparation time would be exceedingly onerous.<br />The parents of our exchange partners have also been warm, kind and very generous. While in Adelaide, we have been invited to stay with them, as well as park our car at their place rather than at the airport, while on extended holidays. We have been made to feel very much a part of the “family”. The list of Australian hospitality could go on and on. We think you get the gist how relationships make a successful and memorable exchange.Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-51689592437936144892010-02-28T19:55:00.000-08:002010-02-28T21:40:40.915-08:00MISCELLANEOUS - BUT INTERESTING INFORMATION<div align="center">OR IS IT USELESS BITS OF TRIVIA? </div><br /><div align="left">This blog segment has no central theme other than random observations that we have found interesting. We hope that you enjoy these useless bits of trivia. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>What time is it in Kadina? What time is it in Edmonton?</strong> </div><br /><div align="left"></div><ul><li><div align="left">To determine the time in Kadina, South Australia, you need a watch which has both the hour and minute hands. Look at the watch. For example in Edmonton, the ti<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUa8K63GpnwzlW1rcGCFEnKyyNwHsono9RKUVqWkcpj76lSis71xYrUhYCYrGxpre2vKwuvyF6J0CuVeEzALGdoOp9KWOIU2mHf0e20vImFE0Gax_li5Yiz4FNrVqPyOOjSAPocaK178/s1600-h/m_Jetty+1+Jan+2010.jpg"></a>me on your watch says that it is Thursday, 12:55 PM (i.e. the minute hand is on the eleven and the hour hand is on the one). Simply turn the watch upside down. The minute hand is now in the five position and the hour hand is in the seven position. The time in Kadina is Friday morning at 7:25 AM. Yes it was an Engineer who told us about this one. How do those guys figure out stuff like this? </div></li></ul><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0_iRIoKP5QONgqTYbQNAOcfn-HmfQcVeRD25ZUBeCQ0lCbs8aAhEfu4vE3LiPYHZSV34VzqeKxr3VyGgl2id73zn6npTKvIgqkrrx_3YmxcgEXy1hQAn1TGGgt4w5Mro9HWYrr2HVIs/s1600-h/m_Five+to+One+Thursday+PM++Edmonton+Time.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443520485087480226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0_iRIoKP5QONgqTYbQNAOcfn-HmfQcVeRD25ZUBeCQ0lCbs8aAhEfu4vE3LiPYHZSV34VzqeKxr3VyGgl2id73zn6npTKvIgqkrrx_3YmxcgEXy1hQAn1TGGgt4w5Mro9HWYrr2HVIs/s400/m_Five+to+One+Thursday+PM++Edmonton+Time.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Photo above shows the time in Edmonton as Thursday Afternoon 12:55 PM. Photo below shows time in Kadina as Friday Morning 7:25 AM<br /></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8girxNoP46vUatnJCVtjyLdRpP1E_5mtuP987QW83QHiAk1T786jFwKpLi8Pjea_brOYc6zJiKpYmS6qX-qZHoh4KuOeInJ1PHIUN1zn1Bd5mbYP4xRItngzyvjbFYaeRUqmp_USQtH0/s1600-h/m_Twenty-Five+after+Seven+Friday+AM+Kadina+Time.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443520193436536706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8girxNoP46vUatnJCVtjyLdRpP1E_5mtuP987QW83QHiAk1T786jFwKpLi8Pjea_brOYc6zJiKpYmS6qX-qZHoh4KuOeInJ1PHIUN1zn1Bd5mbYP4xRItngzyvjbFYaeRUqmp_USQtH0/s400/m_Twenty-Five+after+Seven+Friday+AM+Kadina+Time.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Water flows counterclockwise down the drain in the Southern Hemisphere<br /></p></strong><ul><li><div align="left">Moving objects such as water flowing down a drain veers to the right (clockwise) in the northern hemisphere and to the left (counterclockwise) in the southern hemisphere. This is due to a phenomenon known as the Coriolis Effect. The Coriolis Effect is the apparent deflection of a moving object when it is viewed from a rotating reference point such as the earth. However, there is a word of caution. One may not always observe this phenomenon when looking for it in a small sink or toilet. The Coriolis Effect is generally too weak to affect small bodies of water; consequently one can observe both clockwise and couterclockwise flowing drains in both hemispheres. For small flowing basins, the direction that the water drains is usually determined by a number of factors such as the shape of the basin, whether the drain is offset, and most importantly, the way the water was moving when it commenced draining from the basin.<br /></div></li></ul><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Australian Coat of Arms</strong> </p><ul><li><div align="left">Two animals are present on the Australian Coat of Arms: the Kangaroo and the Emu. Strangely these animals have one thing in common which is why they are on the coat of arms. Both of these animals cannot walk backwards. Hence the reason for their presence on the coat of arms because one of Australia’s maxims is to always move forward, - never go back.<br /></div></li></ul><br /><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlWivafsnknm3oAY6Lino-wuFh-7efpbCUFB-7EF7mcSkP5P-ICOqM7cO2r76u5mych7voqJE8Csf1wd94ZH1uVZ4b8L5SdS378UdfhiS9PuR81NK6zP0c5RMRrumUgsRDdmsS0vhXgo/s1600-h/777px-Australian_Coat_of_Arms%5B1%5D.png"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 309px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443519289008562242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlWivafsnknm3oAY6Lino-wuFh-7efpbCUFB-7EF7mcSkP5P-ICOqM7cO2r76u5mych7voqJE8Csf1wd94ZH1uVZ4b8L5SdS378UdfhiS9PuR81NK6zP0c5RMRrumUgsRDdmsS0vhXgo/s400/777px-Australian_Coat_of_Arms%5B1%5D.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Coins of Australia</strong><br /></p><ul><li><div align="left">Australia has coins in the following denominations: five cents, ten cents, twenty cents, fifty cents, one dollar and two dollars. Unlike Canada, they do not use any colloquial jargon such as a “loonie” or “twoonie” to describe any of their coins. When we have asked to borrow a nickel, or dime they have no idea that we are respectively referring to a five cent and ten cent piece.<br /></div></li><br /><li><div align="left">We also find it interesting, since they have no one cent coin, that prices in the store are still marked to the cent. For example if the price of a product is marked $7.97 cents, the charge at the till is rounded off to the nearest 5 cents. In this example, the fee paid at the till would be $7.95. </div></li></ul><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Adelaide’s Rapid Transit – the “O-Bahn”</strong> </p><ul><li><div align="left">As part of it’s public transit system, Adelaide has the “O-Bahn”. The O-Bahn is a guided busway system that uses elements of both a bus and rail transit system. The O-Bahn transit concept is similar to the CN vehicles that we see in Canada that are able to drive on both road and rail. The O-Bahn buses travel on roads along residential designated bus routes picking up passengers. The bus then transfers seamlessly onto a guided track system made of cement with a high rim from which special wheels attached to the bus guide the vehicle downtown at speeds up to 100 km/hr. While on the tracks, the driver is not responsible for steering the vehicle. Once downtown, the bus transfers effortlessly back onto the roadways to off load passengers. The system was designed by Daimler-Benz from Germany and hence the origin of the name.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRW8p0AahknC79VDMU1ekmYwPFO_DhA2_NUM7AFT-mrWpXnz9YS-JkpcIhAZaskzceoc7o4Tf-aqKr22N6kfFUXEQ0DR64_NhKF9VBrrvgN5g-jGjQz-MCciXVWd6KjftL8yjWWBBr80/s1600-h/m_O-Bahn+6+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443518143030407234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRW8p0AahknC79VDMU1ekmYwPFO_DhA2_NUM7AFT-mrWpXnz9YS-JkpcIhAZaskzceoc7o4Tf-aqKr22N6kfFUXEQ0DR64_NhKF9VBrrvgN5g-jGjQz-MCciXVWd6KjftL8yjWWBBr80/s400/m_O-Bahn+6+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />• The O-Bahn appears to be a smart innovative mode of transportation. Buses are able to travel in residential areas and then transfer onto a track system that enables the vehicle to avoid traffic congestion while travelling to and from the downtown core. Passengers have the luxury of not having to disembark and embark and wait at transfer stations while traveling to and from work.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSNWIuCGiMxOH4KqiR_grrTu0cDvuEzg750NUI_PYteXoPuuc8VuRvNHml3K8kyBlcg743st5SCkS0edUf62bWlXsFmrQImGIrqxxBeeX2KaSzIOdUFL3ihmLzaXq_Eu41v-LnlwXQ8U/s1600-h/m_O-Bahn+5+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443517571922063906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSNWIuCGiMxOH4KqiR_grrTu0cDvuEzg750NUI_PYteXoPuuc8VuRvNHml3K8kyBlcg743st5SCkS0edUf62bWlXsFmrQImGIrqxxBeeX2KaSzIOdUFL3ihmLzaXq_Eu41v-LnlwXQ8U/s400/m_O-Bahn+5+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br /></div></li></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul><ul><br /><li><br /><div align="left"></div></li><br /><li><br /><div align="left"></div></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) </strong></p><br /><p><strong></strong></p><ul><li><div align="left">Throughout our travels in Australia we have enjoyed the massive presence of the Moreton Bay Fig. This tree is similar and equivalent to our grand old maple and oak trees; only larger.</div></li><br /></ul><p></p><ul><li><div align="left">Moreton Bay Figs have been planted in Botanical Gardens, city parks, school yards and virtually every other area where people will tend to congregate. One tree can provide shade for well over a hundred people. While watching a seven hour cricket match between Australia and the West Indies, we were most appreciative to be able to sit in the shade of a number of Moreton Bay Figs while the daily temperature peaked at plus 44oC.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeRlurTD19lZzHWjP-4URoH4Rsww6vpD70EtLfevRhmdink9SYXQ0ZDt57LqXDRVXqhyVrqaqGWDVHuFLiPDslor8j5VhXjVAq8eODDmARG7xRV_kJGUPnPvj44Oklag3E0P15aqaCqY/s1600-h/m_Botanical+Garden+-+big+ol%27+fig+tree+Morton+Bay+Fig+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443516303859065138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeRlurTD19lZzHWjP-4URoH4Rsww6vpD70EtLfevRhmdink9SYXQ0ZDt57LqXDRVXqhyVrqaqGWDVHuFLiPDslor8j5VhXjVAq8eODDmARG7xRV_kJGUPnPvj44Oklag3E0P15aqaCqY/s400/m_Botanical+Garden+-+big+ol%27+fig+tree+Morton+Bay+Fig+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a>Above photos shows Moreton Bay Fig in Sydney Botanical Gardens. Bottom photos shows one tree providing shade to over 75 people at the South Australia Teacher Exchange Picnic<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Uhx9LIE9wPGuJ5cNBhNuSuVCWk9P5yxOR2QlEwNJtGPWllVDpei_grAwONH122l3C1hipwlMSCiEwPk2sHKk3g8cTixhMbsSMbMVBGtzX5PXoKcE-mgG7wx9US4wXBUhv0fAfoXZ634/s1600-h/m_Under+the+Moreton+Bay+Fig+2+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443525303325454546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Uhx9LIE9wPGuJ5cNBhNuSuVCWk9P5yxOR2QlEwNJtGPWllVDpei_grAwONH122l3C1hipwlMSCiEwPk2sHKk3g8cTixhMbsSMbMVBGtzX5PXoKcE-mgG7wx9US4wXBUhv0fAfoXZ634/s400/m_Under+the+Moreton+Bay+Fig+2+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br /></div></li></ul><p align="center"><br /><strong>Cricket Game<br /></strong></p><ul><li><div align="left">A couple of weeks ago, Rick had the pleasure of attending a cricket match in Adelaide. Australia was playing the West Indies. The match lasted seven hours, with tickets costing $25.00. It was excellent dollar value for a day’s enjoyment of sport. The game and experience is very similar to going to a baseball game. You sit in the stands, watch people, drink beverages and eat food from one of the many concession booths. The athleticism of the players was obvious as they competed for seven hours in the hot scorching afternoon and early evening heat. Even for spectators, the heat of the day was very draining.<br /><br />• The Oval Cricket park was beautiful. There was a very intimate feeling while we sat in lawn chairs on the crest of a hill watching the game under the shade of some very large Moreton Bay Figs. The scoreboard is believed to be one of the last actually working manual scoreboards. Apparently the people of Adelaide have resisted all attempts to replace the scoreboard with a modern electronic kind. It seemed to us that the presence of the old scoreboard added to the intimacy of the park and folklore of legendary cricketers having played in a bygone era. </div></li></ul><p align="left"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQToD3uZiG3XhRxivRWa1xEXLtT_yjz1sBKlag1jXenrZ-hZs156rOBH7y8pOKEo3cpq1SY3qJmO3SM6vQznvZWcDRPy_OmNoA1xsB9aIkQM5Ev0DRsrUtvBRK1y3mzoitt8tMszsz5W0/s1600-h/m_Manual+Scoreboard+2+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443515110691858946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQToD3uZiG3XhRxivRWa1xEXLtT_yjz1sBKlag1jXenrZ-hZs156rOBH7y8pOKEo3cpq1SY3qJmO3SM6vQznvZWcDRPy_OmNoA1xsB9aIkQM5Ev0DRsrUtvBRK1y3mzoitt8tMszsz5W0/s400/m_Manual+Scoreboard+2+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a> </p><p align="left">Manual Score Board and fans at game time.</p><p align="left">Boys enjoying the shade of the Moreton Bay Figs before the start of the contest. We had to get there early to get a good spot and stake out our turf.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS1PaGc6XBJB2u06HKv0maifxfp3XZio0GSFh-814fHSG_W0agJBvwj8H_aGtJSZr8QQGHmfrBgHIZuOJK0a2eyKbRx5fOrzcqz9BBmaZzAR0F5JATse13S1xJp12onFTtzyM9iPWmMY/s1600-h/Seats+under+the+Moreton+Bay+Fig+Feb+2010.JPG"></a><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnvRuorX0QMttEjl1VkB4RczJ9_U27ffVtmfN6t9meHwSxFet4dPWVXsNSCN_TVbCsh5piLGnWIKX54xSdITkF5hUJaHZEGCKJbP_gVetGzydF9CUNJMTNZqB4lrzcc5vvKxpOVHmhnM/s1600-h/m_Seats+under+the+Moreton+Bay+Fig+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443514637969766482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnvRuorX0QMttEjl1VkB4RczJ9_U27ffVtmfN6t9meHwSxFet4dPWVXsNSCN_TVbCsh5piLGnWIKX54xSdITkF5hUJaHZEGCKJbP_gVetGzydF9CUNJMTNZqB4lrzcc5vvKxpOVHmhnM/s400/m_Seats+under+the+Moreton+Bay+Fig+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a>Game at dusk - about 5 hours into the contest<br /><br /></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUFp64rQMNzjXC7NJ9fytitIu7wvL2RgkLHpw-XhGphnp2OUaYtUesIyZerq-Jmp4aaXD5-nkOzHU2uXny4aIJ16biPBQINn-NRzQClOzK8cVuVJcW0Y5QuoGmi48Uy_Tsl_W35TD5gQ/s1600-h/m_Adelaide+Cricket+Oval+3+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443514198400308866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUFp64rQMNzjXC7NJ9fytitIu7wvL2RgkLHpw-XhGphnp2OUaYtUesIyZerq-Jmp4aaXD5-nkOzHU2uXny4aIJ16biPBQINn-NRzQClOzK8cVuVJcW0Y5QuoGmi48Uy_Tsl_W35TD5gQ/s400/m_Adelaide+Cricket+Oval+3+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Stobie Poles</strong> </p><ul><li><div align="left">A “Stobie Pole” is the name given to the utility poles that dot the South Australian landscape. It is a pole made of two steel “I beam-like” joists held together by tie bolts and a slab of concrete in the middle. They are quite ingenious as they are made from easy to obtain materials since much of South Australia is void of any tall timbers that are suitable to use as telephone or power poles. Their steel and concrete frame make them resistant to hazards such as wild fire. We cannot understand why this design has not caught on in other arid areas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjgtR0_K8qJGtZSlGScPkVKBPJH8_QGzlbC244Q1zyBjrpTIvqx5lONGiL0pK3JsokA38oPEB2Z8uDZXlhAJjvxvCbOVsAjkV4_KFzW9xGYfG1AXXUVipmX1B1QMsSeudjGuHbJgRSQg/s1600-h/m_Stobie+Pole+2+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443512143115795346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjgtR0_K8qJGtZSlGScPkVKBPJH8_QGzlbC244Q1zyBjrpTIvqx5lONGiL0pK3JsokA38oPEB2Z8uDZXlhAJjvxvCbOVsAjkV4_KFzW9xGYfG1AXXUVipmX1B1QMsSeudjGuHbJgRSQg/s400/m_Stobie+Pole+2+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkLF8QtLdrAJviPNjIlYLysQ65iqA-sL3Uexw4BzXgDNcimQd40ypEZZk1OeOomAtETqwm4oPOiAxJ6nvYlR_tooCwOoJWJZiA3hwpeD-52iuv2L7VodQJxKuzSIfeR4BfkB3_uq5v4c/s1600-h/m_Stobie+Pole+1+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443511711913033346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkLF8QtLdrAJviPNjIlYLysQ65iqA-sL3Uexw4BzXgDNcimQd40ypEZZk1OeOomAtETqwm4oPOiAxJ6nvYlR_tooCwOoJWJZiA3hwpeD-52iuv2L7VodQJxKuzSIfeR4BfkB3_uq5v4c/s400/m_Stobie+Pole+1+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Stobie poles appear to be unique to South Australia - yet don't know why as the concept appears sound for areas lacking in timber resources </div></li></ul><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Shark Nets</strong> </p><ul><li><div align="left">You will recall from the last blog entry titled “Kadina and the Yorke Peninsula” that there are many jetties up and down the peninsula. It is not uncommon to see shark nets associated with these jetties so that people can swim in comfort without the worry of a shark attack. If we are not swimming inside the shark net, we have made it a point to ensure that when we swim there are people further out in the ocean. Our Australian friends have jokingly said that sharks can sense fear, and will by pass an Aussie completely in order to stalk it’s cowardly and lily-livered foreign prey. </div></li></ul><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvLuSOKqROLodwINp9mLElt6upBCxmgvibBzy9fICKl5KManLtFix0Rh3DjxaCzqWfSs0JZcEuIwHLeHUebXoYOrZJjzam1HqbWWUVoPSwed5m4juL8e_YS9qk0_i3pWWDO73KNfqK14/s1600-h/m_Swimming+off+Jetty+3+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443511161529988754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvLuSOKqROLodwINp9mLElt6upBCxmgvibBzy9fICKl5KManLtFix0Rh3DjxaCzqWfSs0JZcEuIwHLeHUebXoYOrZJjzam1HqbWWUVoPSwed5m4juL8e_YS9qk0_i3pWWDO73KNfqK14/s400/m_Swimming+off+Jetty+3+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Netting provides a needed feeling of comfort so as to enjoy one's swim<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYZpfjxF68FMapGo2NZyWvEMQ54kqhzOj1eb4Yy-1cTcwaRWPZCjilgZx_3bQRCGPFxA4YjUxSn-P_TQnG_IcsPDuAmsTFVAUr__1l34EKDqeYYKOLyVnGhfOL0oj-3aIO8pYqsjHxJg/s1600-h/m_Swimming+off+Jetty+1+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443510709425584866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYZpfjxF68FMapGo2NZyWvEMQ54kqhzOj1eb4Yy-1cTcwaRWPZCjilgZx_3bQRCGPFxA4YjUxSn-P_TQnG_IcsPDuAmsTFVAUr__1l34EKDqeYYKOLyVnGhfOL0oj-3aIO8pYqsjHxJg/s400/m_Swimming+off+Jetty+1+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a></div>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-85441443059701316612010-02-11T19:11:00.000-08:002010-03-12T02:31:38.866-08:00Kadina and The Yorke Peninsula - Our Australian Home for One Year!<div align="left">As you no doubt are aware by now, our teacher exchange home for 2010 is Kadina, South Australia. Kadina is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “Lizard Plain”; however we have yet to see a lizard in Kadina. We are either not looking in the right spots or else the lizards have disappeared as the area has become more populated and habitats have changed as a result.<br /><br />Kadina is a town of approximately 4,000 people situated at the north end of the Yorke Peninsula approximately 1½ hour drive northwest from Adelaide. It is the largest town on the Peninsula and serves as the retail and local government hub for the west side of the Peninsula.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MrKuQ9pGJdw2QKN7aZ9IqQRL8SZFIZIEB39p0ATXQaoPnGqp19mgNnEEixlkLKNU8Jjj3etl9c_pNa_2bD_iTLag8fNm1eJ5qREkX4nY2KVpVnt1q8UErk173CKJQ_aTPJH0fa3PTbU/s1600-h/Map+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 287px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437214515675744082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MrKuQ9pGJdw2QKN7aZ9IqQRL8SZFIZIEB39p0ATXQaoPnGqp19mgNnEEixlkLKNU8Jjj3etl9c_pNa_2bD_iTLag8fNm1eJ5qREkX4nY2KVpVnt1q8UErk173CKJQ_aTPJH0fa3PTbU/s400/Map+1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left">Observations about the Town of Kadina and the Yorke Peninsula are highlighted below through a number of photographs and miscellaneous comments.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><strong>The Town of Kadina and the Copper</strong> <strong>Triangle</strong> </p><ul><li><div align="left">Kadina as well as most communities on the peninsula have numerous examples of buildings constructed at the turn of the century. The architecture of these buildings is typical of the era and times. For example, the buildings are made of stone or brick and are only a maximum of three to four floors in height. The buildings have amazing ornamental highlights, facades and verandas. Kadina’s Town Hall Clock Tower and its central park area remind us very much of the “Back to the Future” movie. The only exception being that Kadina’s clock keeps excellent time. </div></li></ul><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX04jPg4U7aKQ9qgdD64jPo8K8GFtUARGvmCs7xMEGulLYL6UysVdB03Wbp0tagzSdVUZ-85NMf-q3BDSoxvlQkpNAf8-2aTd1qM93Zs0S1Lz6VlJDYo_4Uy6dkCCPt_eBqmUQnd04b_A/s1600-h/m_Clock+Tower+-+Town+Hall+4+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439469349289400562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX04jPg4U7aKQ9qgdD64jPo8K8GFtUARGvmCs7xMEGulLYL6UysVdB03Wbp0tagzSdVUZ-85NMf-q3BDSoxvlQkpNAf8-2aTd1qM93Zs0S1Lz6VlJDYo_4Uy6dkCCPt_eBqmUQnd04b_A/s400/m_Clock+Tower+-+Town+Hall+4+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a></p><div align="center">Clock Tower of Kadina's Town Hall Building</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxJWp0Z-27MIkqF5pBLGNRjy4aBg0zI4dc5-3GYH3RgkTMzYNcwaQTxoShZcUV7qV6EC2cYXfIxjq9U4Hv7wPk6mXCzSmAA24BtEX7gBbor2S2F9RgEhpgjYxkWJh32vYKBSJHCaqx2c/s1600-h/m_Excelsior+Hotel+1+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439462980867297586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxJWp0Z-27MIkqF5pBLGNRjy4aBg0zI4dc5-3GYH3RgkTMzYNcwaQTxoShZcUV7qV6EC2cYXfIxjq9U4Hv7wPk6mXCzSmAA24BtEX7gBbor2S2F9RgEhpgjYxkWJh32vYKBSJHCaqx2c/s400/m_Excelsior+Hotel+1+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center">Kadina's Royal Exchange Hotel<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnPxY4aF1CBzktOD3yCq_3y6nTWyVpBb45_r61bvV1raSBb_-_CDcRaKz_7OUc0ccjw9rUkhskD7Sz4Clok2nu-g8CsUzqIdSfWWh9NhOMCtH_-AJEwx4c4xdSMYnXswYT0PMwZZHkOI/s1600-h/m_Main+Street+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439462265641715474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnPxY4aF1CBzktOD3yCq_3y6nTWyVpBb45_r61bvV1raSBb_-_CDcRaKz_7OUc0ccjw9rUkhskD7Sz4Clok2nu-g8CsUzqIdSfWWh9NhOMCtH_-AJEwx4c4xdSMYnXswYT0PMwZZHkOI/s400/m_Main+Street+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Main Street Kadina<br /></p><ul><li><div align="left">Kadina can boast of having the oldest continuous operating General Motors outlet in Australia. In fact, the proprietor thinks it may be the oldest GM dealership in the world. Rosewarnes started business in 1882 selling and manufacturing horse-drawn wagons and has not relocated its business from the original site. By 1902 the company was selling Oldsmobiles and has never looked back. It is our understanding that both the fifth and sixth generation of the family are presently working at the dealership.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67aRTQKKW27umF1Qwe8GEZ6H967_77Dt5jXk3bst2fcr3YrrWi1rx-QTbwy2fvh5DLvWJA5zBQVqEx051D2-ncWNnUXntH__9Qo8sCAThxpb9Xjdr-CwThGPfkWEbRfSgH8SbCgipdKw/s1600-h/m_Rosewarne's+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439461419199411778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67aRTQKKW27umF1Qwe8GEZ6H967_77Dt5jXk3bst2fcr3YrrWi1rx-QTbwy2fvh5DLvWJA5zBQVqEx051D2-ncWNnUXntH__9Qo8sCAThxpb9Xjdr-CwThGPfkWEbRfSgH8SbCgipdKw/s400/m_Rosewarne's+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br /></div></li></ul><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQ_i6qihxwZnKSlzjMo249Tcp8WeLBisbVFj6jhsgMnuM2PIIY_CL4xwaevgs9eK3VX859vJKTW78-IhPy1VY55Jb14pFIZU1E6C4metKtMHYiLTVbj9IL_4_Ttr2ad_SrpAE4qItEJU/s1600-h/Rosewarne's+Feb+2010.JPG"></a>Rosewarne's - Established 1882<br /></p><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvsqf0uyMVQqq8hyphenhyphenIIB_38chzqz4XGQeFwlcZLltIJR085fMimudYrRgCo-Q87Ur6zpmhLei0F810cuiix6qgBl938OcYTCK0DHd-Gfevdj1VrnGQtLU3WhrDYTs4pMqxCPwnsZ4z6Xg/s1600-h/m_Rosewarne's+Horse+Drawn+Carriage+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439460851514991154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvsqf0uyMVQqq8hyphenhyphenIIB_38chzqz4XGQeFwlcZLltIJR085fMimudYrRgCo-Q87Ur6zpmhLei0F810cuiix6qgBl938OcYTCK0DHd-Gfevdj1VrnGQtLU3WhrDYTs4pMqxCPwnsZ4z6Xg/s400/m_Rosewarne's+Horse+Drawn+Carriage+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="left"></p><p align="left">Kadina is one of three towns that make up the “Copper Triangle”, with the other two towns being Wallaroo and Moonta. At the turn of the century, these three communities were bustling with approximately 20,000 people supporting copper mining and smelting. Today remnants of the mining activities can be seen on the landscape. </p><p align="center"></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439459774592498482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uYfUbwXBd1iCxf75s8GMhNzVfkX6DUwO9LyjIB0JA9MBr3nH0HHhB3Kxnah5lfbVRDRMxp5_EZ2xbTy9749W0X2QBPzXOSMQjILJRs77KsE51OK0ww_YDQYJWP-pjL222WLLlQzZ3ug/s400/m_Walleroo+Mines+-+Pump+House+4+Feb+2010.jpg" /> <p align="center">Wallaroo Mines - Old Pump House<br /><br /></p><ul><li>Walleroo which is located 8 km from Kadina is home to the “North Beach”, one of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula and perhaps all of South Australia. Walks along the beach at sunset; as well as wading in cooling waters when temperatures are in the 30’s or 40’s has a way of calming one’s inner soul and re-igniting feelings of passion with those you love. Fishermen cast their lines off the jetty in hopes of catching garfish or other local treats. Anticipation is seen on the faces of both young and old as they raise their nets in hopes of catching Blue Crabs. We frequently pinch ourselves to remind us of how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to witness and experience such a wonderful setting.</li></ul><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvjn8JFIyUY-MTV3hM3NJS0zPjdH9ME1tECP0PO4oup_LG4ged5PHkjcDVEWgHcqCj3XNZLrwIxWpyLW98DfMiPe2uxds-gUO3x4laZVcYocH2O65vhyhuRNULjFNHiAwUDXK0R_KMc0/s1600-h/m_North+Beach+1+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439458124126810418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvjn8JFIyUY-MTV3hM3NJS0zPjdH9ME1tECP0PO4oup_LG4ged5PHkjcDVEWgHcqCj3XNZLrwIxWpyLW98DfMiPe2uxds-gUO3x4laZVcYocH2O65vhyhuRNULjFNHiAwUDXK0R_KMc0/s400/m_North+Beach+1+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439457467095661426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XyMt7vhhE0FfqP2n-0b0w8UxBLFFfmBRHeoRV50etXDxrIY0q_UAUrJ1Z6cmezrEBdftfs8YSAA16qriiMNoP1YOj1ID6nQ0veA6A1hKvIHidAzv4pmIYDm4XRUzoYETmgmR5aQMCSg/s400/m_North+Beach+-+Sunset+5+Feb+2010.jpg" /></p><ul><li><div align="left">We sometimes wonder if people living in Kadina know how lucky they are to be living in such an incredible place? They live in a beautiful peaceful town where they can walk the streets at night without fear and gaze upon a starlit sky. They are only minutes away, without the bother of any traffic irritations, to all the day to day living amenities that are needed to sustain their being. Should they wish to immerse themselves in a foreign environment, they are only a two hour drive away from an international airport that will jet them away to anywhere they may want to go. The world famous Clare and Barossa wine valleys are only a Sunday’s drive away. In addition, Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city with a lively sport and arts community and a bevy of activities that could keep one busy for a life time.<br /></div></li></ul><p align="center"><strong>The Yorke Peninsula </strong><strong><br /></strong></p><br /><ul><li><div align="left">The Yorke Peninsula offers more than 600 km of coastal shoreline. Like Italy, the Peninsula is frequently described as being “boot shaped”, with its toe punting into Spencer Gulf and its heel in Gulf St. Vincent. It has been stated that it is the “Leg” upon which South Australia stands. The peninsula is approximately 260 km (160 miles) long and 40 km (25 miles) wide. One of the things we find amazing is that we have not seen any evidence of a river or creek on the peninsula. This phenomenon only goes to illustrate the importance of water in the region and how the residents have adapted accordingly (see earlier Blog – Water and the Desert).<br /><br /></div></li><li>The Peninsula is noted for its agricultural industry. It has been interesting to discover that the peninsula has no rail line. As a result, cereal crops such as wheat and barley are shipped out from a number of ports. Historically, ketches, schooners and later steamships were used to collect the crops in bags from jetties or piers that were constructed at nearly every ocean-side port on the boot. Many of these ports have since become obsolete as roads improved, freight-handling systems shifted from bags to bulk, and grain carrying ships became larger. Today, grain is only shipped from three ports: (i) Wallaroo located on the north-west side of the peninsula, (ii) Ardrossan at the top of the Gulf of St. Vincent and (iii) Port Giles near the south-eastern tip of the boot. There are many similarities between western Canadian farming practices and those on the Yorke Peninsula. For example, we have been told that on the Peninsula, no-till drilling is strongly encouraged to retain soil moisture. Similarly a crop rotation of wheat, barley, lentils or wheat, wheat, lentils is practiced. The lentils are nitrogen fixers, thus adding needed fertilizer into the soil. Barley is used to abate wheat pathogens.<br /><br /></li><li>One thing that we have noted that is different in agricultural practices is the absence of grain storage bins on the Peninsula. In our travels throughout the peninsula, there are very few farms with storage bins. This may be due to the different grain handling facilities located at the ports. Because of the dry climate, most of the grain is stored outside in contained areas and covered with tarps. Moisture or mould to reduce the quality of the grain is not an issue here due to the absence of rain and the high ambient temperatures in the summer. Hence, the reason for outside storage. By fall/winter the stored grain has been shipped from the terminals. This may also explain the absence of storage bins on the landscape.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9O_K6MN2EU7YVBAkAIs5q9d_fofeBEKB8OaGA2-S8qNsoBkWPGcHIWJGZmrbX9rp4Y_R39MMNG2PJ73pF-r0I8A0vQ0AxpTkAcCTQE-Oen-ZyhNBJVGapEGq5gvJv3eO1UkxDhSTHOk/s1600-h/m_Jetty+1+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439466180236431106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9O_K6MN2EU7YVBAkAIs5q9d_fofeBEKB8OaGA2-S8qNsoBkWPGcHIWJGZmrbX9rp4Y_R39MMNG2PJ73pF-r0I8A0vQ0AxpTkAcCTQE-Oen-ZyhNBJVGapEGq5gvJv3eO1UkxDhSTHOk/s400/m_Jetty+1+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a></li></ul><br /><br /><p><br />Walleroo Jetty and Grain Loading Terminal <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB26HT1x1IoHnfeX7zgLHEJhtSYxcwvI5iQ2nnFUM69g9-0E93llWJafSIPR-xFjUt9rb_RySlbUfFuTTuOjOd4t9afHtxAVSsNuZ0vidnDEqureANoutPnUSnTlP5DZiMjSdlW4Gl44/s1600-h/m_Grain+Terminal+3+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439455107734770290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB26HT1x1IoHnfeX7zgLHEJhtSYxcwvI5iQ2nnFUM69g9-0E93llWJafSIPR-xFjUt9rb_RySlbUfFuTTuOjOd4t9afHtxAVSsNuZ0vidnDEqureANoutPnUSnTlP5DZiMjSdlW4Gl44/s400/m_Grain+Terminal+3+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></p><br /><p align="right"></p><br /><p align="right">Outside Grain Storage Areas<br /><br /></p><ul><li>Once the crop has been harvested, sheep are typically released into the fields. You never hear a farmer call his field a “field”. It is referred to as a “Paddock”. However, they do refer to agricultural fairs as “Field Days” and not “Paddock Days”. The sheep are released to graze on the stubble as well as residual seed not picked up by combines in the paddock. We have been told that during years of good yields, there is an abundance of grain (either at the terminals or in the paddocks) which results in an infestation of mice which leads to an increase in the snake population. It appears as if snake population fluctuations are no different to the classical Canadian study that observed that the increase or decrease in Lynx populations was directly proportional to rabbit populations.</li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PSbvIpLWsFYMQlhyphenhyphenmjMyrdx4cZmyuU51WOlKhNrTE9HmK7OWYKrJ53dzqYLrhynQDf9_ok3pqXOUXFYr8ZGT-B0yftI8gBuTgtGi5vz5_Bvv-ZcZ2cF8uMiBYjaR-8nNomdQUKTYs7A/s1600-h/Sheep+in+Field+6+Jan+2010.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439453989989326210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PSbvIpLWsFYMQlhyphenhyphenmjMyrdx4cZmyuU51WOlKhNrTE9HmK7OWYKrJ53dzqYLrhynQDf9_ok3pqXOUXFYr8ZGT-B0yftI8gBuTgtGi5vz5_Bvv-ZcZ2cF8uMiBYjaR-8nNomdQUKTYs7A/s400/Sheep+in+Field+6+Jan+2010.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1VSEP8_re_VHxk4wS2UuDnEm6-9Eum2kNJ8RE1Jjq79W7_jx698a9nCtgi8LsEut2-jqFNKW_eJRfa67gnvXY8s1KFEZAWwvoJIc5GTMKkC8Yo-yIz2AjaVGfUQjSuvUunryX5nZh68/s1600-h/Sheep+in+Field+6+Jan+2010.JPG"></a>Sheep grazing on stubble<br /><br /></p><p></p><ul><li>The demise of grain handling at many of the small ports along the Yorke Peninsula has inadvertently resulted in the creation of an excellent recreational sports fishery for the area. The abandoned jetties are now a main feature in many of the coastal towns and have become popular holiday spots which are ideal for shore-based anglers and crabbers. The Yorke Peninsula has become one of the top fishing destinations for South Australia.<br /></li><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439452327106063986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_AW5EcgUYS2f52YIUPmQ0cxT3drAwBZBoyG4EPyos9voaH9vF7g0Ru5jNOt4nsEld9Ccbeaya22zCpQvHFzHCxNzRoX-gHCg51DfjFCAkt-Gh7Y0Wj9-_5ke5UTunjeOOZyRuTTLJsk/s400/m_Jetty+2+Jan+2010.jpg" /><br /><li>Innes National Park, covers 9,100 hectares along the south-western tip of the Peninsula. It is known as one of the Yorke Peninsula’s gems. It has secluded sandy beaches, a rugged and rocky coastline and spectacular vistas. Some think the vistas equal those of Australia’s Great Ocean Road. Along we have not visited the Great Ocean Road yet, we have concluded that its scenery must be equivalent to the Banff – Jasper Highway; with the difference being one showcases ocean vistas whereas the other mountains. The Park is a mecca for scuba divers, surfers, fishermen and hikers. We were fortunate enough to see emu’s and shingle-back lizards. The shingle-back is distinctive member of the lizard family known as “skinks.” When confronted by a predator, they confuse their attacker by bending their body into a semi-circle because the head looks very similar to the tail. Their thick tough skin provides protection against predators and keeps moisture loss to a minimum.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkduFR5-4WW5g3iMDmfyjJP2ICBa11EGaNfc5w7oS7OY1Arn21QgzSPINqOQjEBO-JWhawaBH_3uGkV5Z5oJvMXg948fsrRJcCV-Zsjh7Xa46JA1DE-Iculq0TsgCh9bQAltpleSbg80/s1600-h/m_Coast+Line+1+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439451015426923794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkduFR5-4WW5g3iMDmfyjJP2ICBa11EGaNfc5w7oS7OY1Arn21QgzSPINqOQjEBO-JWhawaBH_3uGkV5Z5oJvMXg948fsrRJcCV-Zsjh7Xa46JA1DE-Iculq0TsgCh9bQAltpleSbg80/s400/m_Coast+Line+1+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a></li></ul><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJm4InHRvL7sNVt_5S9N5GzCR8McrCM42JnQaPQrUa2zAahTKzYQhQnXYysAEocHNKfbpEAmToevqyDt4wOc85kd4qiqHqBhgz6Ob1pA9iA-PADGTbQKSpiHTTKVJ7EAbxMK73g6K_jFU/s1600-h/m_Emus+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439449959681591602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJm4InHRvL7sNVt_5S9N5GzCR8McrCM42JnQaPQrUa2zAahTKzYQhQnXYysAEocHNKfbpEAmToevqyDt4wOc85kd4qiqHqBhgz6Ob1pA9iA-PADGTbQKSpiHTTKVJ7EAbxMK73g6K_jFU/s400/m_Emus+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Father Emu and his young<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ4hpjrj3un-Ku6LrZn87CM1SGINRxEHbhrcGf_mIe7jEPP3QvP-atiKbJY2tx54DaGHrJxBjRcxjjTCY_pmOdY1ZH3L5j4ghCUXeRA4NbOUNcknK_pvJPARCAI15VvK2yjIEDmBPif4/s1600-h/Shingle-Back+Lizard+2+Jan+2010.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOA8XrPEoLZLxjNrwBvrdugAquqrDglrl69rM2gMhx0OIOfeqQoV3bJ4wxx6tb6R40RZZXH8Z-As_jtt0E_gdvKJCc3fmJtsYz253pr5SMrfMHOa817F2VjWSXCKZUQAlJVHCf6T0PgA/s1600-h/m_Shingle-Back+Lizard+2+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439448814473706370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOA8XrPEoLZLxjNrwBvrdugAquqrDglrl69rM2gMhx0OIOfeqQoV3bJ4wxx6tb6R40RZZXH8Z-As_jtt0E_gdvKJCc3fmJtsYz253pr5SMrfMHOa817F2VjWSXCKZUQAlJVHCf6T0PgA/s400/m_Shingle-Back+Lizard+2+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a>Shingle-Back Lizard - Member of the Skink Family<br /><br /><strong>Gas - Petrol Prices: </strong><strong><br /></p><ul><li></strong>January 1, 2010: Singapore – S$1.71/lire (Singapore $ is worth approximately $0.75 Canadian)<br /></li><li>January 7, 2010: Sydney – AUS$ 1.31 (Australian $ is worth approximately $0.98 Canadian)<br /></li><li>January 15, 2010: Kadina – AUS$ 1.24 (Australian $ is worth approximately $0.98 Canadian)<br /></li><li>February 1, 2010: Kadina – AUS$ 1.23<br /></li><li>January 31, 2010: Gas Prices in Comox B.C. - $1.02 Cdn<br /></li><li>February 1, 2010: Gas Prices in Edmonton Ab. - $0.89 Cdn </li></ul>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-50671215703772718902010-02-01T19:07:00.000-08:002010-02-17T21:16:16.969-08:00DRIVING ON "THE OTHER SIDE"<p align="left">Driving in Australia is similar to driving in Britain and unlike driving in Canada. In Canada, we drive on the right hand side, whereas in Australia and Britain, they drive on the “left” or “wrong side”. Of course, we think it is the wrong side, because we drive on <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeLehVi3nfU5JZasxW5gSw7E31QsaKLQ92yXG2Gkxp0u76pZQLAkh6yIB8MYWTYA_GmWR9jTfbkOcdqvfm_ZVODzAAJUU3rn6zwvvSb1039UW-tmxG5o7msQjYyeayIxG2AIJWLivGrg/s1600-h/m_Off+to+Get+Groceries+1+Feb+2010.jpg"></a>the “right side.” Who is to say which side is correct? Are you confused yet? Because that is what driving has been like for us during this first month – confusion and chaos!<br /><br />Everything with respect to driving in Australia is the opposite. You drive on the opposite side of the road. The steering wheel is on the opposite side of the car. The windshield wipers are on the opposite side of the steering column. The signal light indicator is on the opposite side of the steering column. The head light indicator is on the opposite side of the driver’s panel. The cruise control switch is on the opposite side of the driver’s panel. Have we mentioned “opposite” enough? The only thing that is the same about driving is the brake and gas pedals. The brake pedal is on the left and the gas pedal is on the right. Why didn’t the car manufacturers make those opposite as well? It just adds to the madness!<br /><br />We both have our own little idiosyncrasies with respect to driving. Rick is constantly walking to the other side of the car. If he is driving he is getting in on the passenger’s side and if he is a passenger, he is opening the car door on the driver’s side. Gail is constantly making a left or right turn signal with her windshield wipers. She is getting quite good at it; however, it looks a little odd turning the windshield wipers on while driving in a traffic circle (or "Round About" as it is known in Australia) in plus 30 degree blue sky temperatures. We like to think that people assume that we know what we are doing and that we are only washing the windows. Both of these habits are becoming quite irksome as we think that we have mastered driving on the “other side”. When company is traveling with us, they find it particularly entertaining. Yes, from time to time we have had very brave and adventurous Australians traveling with us in the car.<br /><br />We had given ourselves until the end of January to get our driving protocols right or maybe now that we are in the Land of Down Under, we should say “get our driving protocols left”. Unfortunately we have missed this timeline and have now moved it back to the end of February. Our excuse is that Gail walks to school and Rick rides the bike for groceries, so we are not in the car that much. Do we sound frightened of driving or just saving gas? </p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaFGqS7mWWM-abikLgUdEl7X5uXonqSBJ63Eca7vydF8zpH-VFbdi2bYtmI-YS9oDsFSj-CA5D80b2JacH6hx9SmBgabJqdJRf70b_9oXNDc_whSzIvydhFy9xwlqkEDUAYxmseULU6U/s1600-h/Kadina+-+Off+to+Get+Groceries+1+Feb+2010.JPG"></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObc8Ern4I7xJJn5XkDmPMiwe3fQ04p_P-BEgh_slm2H1_PKVbCjxL7Nyi3ZKKutzItKG2Qv7N7MMMaNEbpnp-J0yO6WXNuEvkKPAHPZVA9m9a5XYq_x4VwNByEw7HFdxz9dpoPVJkYsA/s1600-h/m_Off+to+Get+Groceries+1+Feb+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439446652628943426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObc8Ern4I7xJJn5XkDmPMiwe3fQ04p_P-BEgh_slm2H1_PKVbCjxL7Nyi3ZKKutzItKG2Qv7N7MMMaNEbpnp-J0yO6WXNuEvkKPAHPZVA9m9a5XYq_x4VwNByEw7HFdxz9dpoPVJkYsA/s400/m_Off+to+Get+Groceries+1+Feb+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left">Rick on his way to get Groceries<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaFGqS7mWWM-abikLgUdEl7X5uXonqSBJ63Eca7vydF8zpH-VFbdi2bYtmI-YS9oDsFSj-CA5D80b2JacH6hx9SmBgabJqdJRf70b_9oXNDc_whSzIvydhFy9xwlqkEDUAYxmseULU6U/s1600-h/Kadina+-+Off+to+Get+Groceries+1+Feb+2010.JPG"></a></p><br /><p align="left">We have made a pact between ourselves with respect to our driving. We have both agreed that “back seat driving” is allowed and is encouraged during this time of transition. For example, the passenger is encouraged to tell the driver to: </p><ul><br /><li><div align="left">Quit hogging the extreme left edge of the road and move the car more into oncoming traffic near the center of the road. </div></li><br /><br /><li><div align="left">Make a “tight turn” when turning left and a “wide turn” when turning right.</div></li><br /><li><div align="left">Look “Right, Left, Right” when proceeding through an unmarked intersection rather than looking “Left, Right, Left”.</div></li><br /><li><div align="left">Watch out for that "Crest" in the road. At the summit of some steep hills, the car crests thereby causing a blind spot for the driver until the car descends downwards. </div></li></ul><p align="center"> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439445639465107570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a8tVzZHDCJp6W3H3Xm9xUzsTTIVolYN2-K-9avcFFa2ttPnzqxQRz2v6dc9bFjzSBPW5zYtgIi6gXi34_bYU4JuU7b5VYw_D2f5tCTZTq1hDgq5zsVvAgUOKYm48Z2PqBAyIhWzTe8Y/s400/m_Crest+in+Road+Jan+2010.jpg" /> Watch Out for the Crest!</p><p align="left"></p><p align="left">Just when we think we are getting better, something happens that gets us flustered and on goes the windshield wipers <strong>AGAIN</strong>. We have been advised by returning exchange teachers that once we return to Canada, we will have to go through the entire driving experience again only in reverse because we will have become accustom to driving on the left side. No doubt it will seem strange to drive on the “wrong side” when we return to Canada. And who said that humans are creatures of habit?<br /><br />Since we are on the topic of driving, it seems appropriate to provide the latest update on the cost of Gas, or as they say in Australia, "Petrol":<br /><br />Gas - Petrol Prices: </p><ul><li><div align="left">January 1, 2010: Singapore – S$1.71/lire (Singapore $ is worth approximately $0.75 Canadian) </div></li><br /><li><div align="left">January 7, 2010: Sydney – AUS$ 1.31 (Australian $ is worth approximately $0.98 Canadian)</div></li><br /><li><div align="left">January 15, 2010: Kadina – AUS$ 1.24 (Australian $ is worth approximately $0.98 Canadian) </div></li><br /><li><div align="left">February 1, 2010: Kadina – AUS$ 1.23</div></li></ul><p align="left">For comparative purposes and for those Aussies who are reading this blog</p><ul><li><div align="left">January 31, 2010: Gas Prices in Comox B.C. - $1.02 Cdn</div></li></ul><p align="left">For those Canadians living in Edmonton – let us know what you are paying since gas in Alberta is always cheaper than gas in B.C. Also if any of you are interested in other price comparisons, start sending us prices for food and clothing items that may be of interest to you and we will let you know the equivalent product’s price in Kadina. For instance, are you interested in the price of a dozen eggs, or 2 litres of milk? Conversely, our Australian readers may be interested in Canadian prices. As an illustration, there is a huge gap between cosmetic and health care prices. It may shock you to know that we just paid $6.00 for 120 mL of Mcleans toothpaste. We are still getting over that one!<br /><br />One last thing…..like in Canada we are constantly putting our groceries into the trunk so that the food will stay cool. In Australia, we still haven’t adapted to putting our groceries in the back seat rather than the trunk. In the back seat, the groceries will keep cooler longer since the car’s air conditioning unit is always on. In the trunk, the food starts to pre-cook before we get home. The Australians are no strangers to the heat and are quite ingenious as they have mastered use of the “Eskie”. An “Eskie” is an insulated collapsible portable cooler used for storing your perishables from the grocery store. However, we have frequently seen it filled with cold beer on the beach. Australians seem to have adapted quite nicely to beating the heat.</p><p align="left"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt0r6o4whOpebeoVKguutIHR-c8o-g2RnzYVyA6YC-zJ4UtDMhKFcgPbQTSx42reU2JAu_pMtyutbi-JiuQc7AMy2YbT5UdGrb39ygl-fitfDa_iJuFyCPk6NKY3sC4feIAG44hjPrKs/s1600-h/Kadina+-+Gail+filling+the+Eskie+Feb+2010.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LQBpHGn0hgWLKLNhJzzGUxrwfvHK0azw6I_s3l2pr1WQeRNpfrMr7dK2OQ07bj_9aMqKkHt4dyzcmB1Ik_oS4YKk0CqX090LDi_27tzPwqDExLI-bmKCn4r3aQyP3yd3pd2wfscQqps/s1600-h/Gail+filling+the+Eskie+Feb+2010.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439444264802451378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LQBpHGn0hgWLKLNhJzzGUxrwfvHK0azw6I_s3l2pr1WQeRNpfrMr7dK2OQ07bj_9aMqKkHt4dyzcmB1Ik_oS4YKk0CqX090LDi_27tzPwqDExLI-bmKCn4r3aQyP3yd3pd2wfscQqps/s400/Gail+filling+the+Eskie+Feb+2010.JPG" /></a><br />Gail putting a dozen eggs in an "Eskie"<br /><br />As you can see, we are starting to get the hang of living in Australia, but we are not quite there…so “G’Day Mate” until we re-connect “On our next blog – EH!” </p>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-55621452559101996602010-01-27T17:47:00.000-08:002010-02-17T20:57:35.065-08:00WATER AND THE DESERTSOUTH AUSTRALIA’S IMPAIRMENT TO GROWTH<br /><br />“<em>Water, water every where and not a drop to drink</em>”. Did any of you study the Rime of the Ancient Mariner in High School? The poet, S.T. Coleridge, describes thirsty sailors who are parched at sea under the hot sun and cannot drink from the limitless salty ocean that surrounds them everywhere. Although this phrase from the Ancient Mariner is not quite accurate for the State of South Australia, it is still a pretty good description to describe the state’s need for water to sustain its economy and people, while at the same time being predominantly land-locked by a vast desert landscape, commonly referred to as the “Outback”.<br /><br />South Australia’s mainland coastline is approximately 3800 km long (i.e., water everywhere), yet four-fifths of the state receives less than 250 mm of rain (i.e., not a drop to drink). By definition, an area that receives less than 250 mm (10 inches) of rain per year is termed a “Desert”. Therefore, four-fifths of the state is desert. Water for human use is scarce and a highly valued resource. Everyone we have met so far who lives in South Australia has an opinion about water use and conservation. We have frequently been told that we “live in the driest state in the driest continent”. South Australians have told us that the state has gone through 10 – 12 years of drought, reduced crop yields, and bush fires. People are wondering if this prolonged drought is temporary or a harbinger of long term climate change.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Kadina – Yorke Peninsula Climatic Conditions</strong></div><br />Kadina only receives 338 mm (15 inches) of rain per year; yet it is only 8 km away from the Ocean. Prior to arriving in Kadina, we wondered how a community located so close to the ocean could receive such a limited amount of rainfall. The answer, we found, is dictated by the prevailing winds. South Australia’s climate is dominated by pressure systems which pass over the state from west to east. One only has to look at a map of Australia to see that the prevailing winds travelling west move across an extensive land mass. By the time the winds reach South Australia, there is little moisture remaining in the clouds. As shown in the attached figure, Spencer's Gulf is located to the west of the Yorke Peninsula. During summer, the wind blows off the continent and has very little ocean mass (Spencer's Gulf) to pick up any moisture before reaching the Yorke Peninsula. Hence the reason for Kadina’s low rainfall in an area located so close to the ocean. Also during the summer, high pressure cells may remain stationary over the state for long periods of time, bringing clear, sunny days and often heat wave conditions. This, no doubt, explains why we experienced a temperature of +43OC upon our arrival in Kadina. We had arrived in the middle of another summer heat wave.<br /><br />As one travels to the tip of mainland South Australia, rainfall increases since the prevailing winds cross the Australian Bight and travel primarily over the ocean. Therefore these winds are not as greatly influenced by the continental land mass. This is reflected in substantially more rainfall along the coast. For example, Mt. Gambier’s annual rainfall of approximately 700 mm is almost double that of Kadina.<br /><br />In the winter, the winds are reversed and originate predominantly, across the ocean, from the south west. As a result, the Yorke Peninsula receives sufficient moisture to be one of South Australia’s great grain growing areas. These same moisture laden winds travel further north – northeast of Adelaide to the Adelaide Hills and Mt. Lofty Range. As the clouds rise in elevation, they provide much needed water to two of South Australia’s famous wine growing regions in the Claire and Barossa Valleys. These Valleys enjoy a Mediterranean climate with dry hot summers and cool wet winters. (More on South Australia’s Wine in a later blog).<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rpOiIWD-vzWUF3KlCi4BRuCMDiqh34d1vsAQO8Uc4VBC89AGu9eGaRlHBAgd-FDC0IL-wVQGPA7ieXLyROuqYQJuy1qwp6dDYCi4Zfip6MwPJ9lXXXkW-mcRJ2ChFnG9KdPFx6lyjiM/s1600-h/Map+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 353px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439428162772046354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rpOiIWD-vzWUF3KlCi4BRuCMDiqh34d1vsAQO8Uc4VBC89AGu9eGaRlHBAgd-FDC0IL-wVQGPA7ieXLyROuqYQJuy1qwp6dDYCi4Zfip6MwPJ9lXXXkW-mcRJ2ChFnG9KdPFx6lyjiM/s400/Map+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><strong>Goyder’s Line – Demarcation of the Outback</strong> </p>A fundamental ecological principle for managing land use is: Vegetation and Soils are a function of geology, relief, organisms, time, and climate. Simply stated, vegetation and soils on the landscape are not inert and stable but develop under the influence of a number of determining factors such as climate. In 1865 George Goyder, the Surveyor General for South Australia, put this ecological principle to good use. Goyder identified a boundary line, based on vegetation, across South Australia. To the north of the line salt-bush is dominant and to the south of the line - gum trees. Goyder discouraged farmers from planting crops north of the line as he believed that agricultural practices would prove to be marginal. Wittingly, Goyder’s Line represents the demarcation of South Australia’s Outback since it basically follows the annual rainfall average of 250 mm (10 inches). Also of interest, and as should be expected, most of South Australia’s population is presently located below Goyder’s line.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIomrePwPzgHpeghr-sdFG8fhR8OxkfDXslI9PjvIevGYobY5sHTyK3qkZOzrXwZc4ULWJ7UwWCTI-_oCOwOh2VP_GHkPuTmhj-4W08t8l02JTGIK6-57HhxuJY31G9fD8w8fYJB7oOr0/s1600-h/Map+Goyder%27s+Line.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 284px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439427404598820402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIomrePwPzgHpeghr-sdFG8fhR8OxkfDXslI9PjvIevGYobY5sHTyK3qkZOzrXwZc4ULWJ7UwWCTI-_oCOwOh2VP_GHkPuTmhj-4W08t8l02JTGIK6-57HhxuJY31G9fD8w8fYJB7oOr0/s400/Map+Goyder%27s+Line.jpg" /></a></p>Fourth-fifths of the state’s land mass is Outback. Communities within the Outback are sparse and are centered near mineral resource extraction developments. A Dingo (Australian Wild Dog) Fence has been constructed to protect sheep flocks by containing Dingo’s within the arid desert areas. This fence serves as a further reminder segregating the fertile agricultural lands from the dry arid Outback.<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><strong>The Murray River Also Known As “River Murray” if you’re Australian</strong> </div><br />Unlike Canadians, Australians identify River Systems using the word “River” first. Hence Australians would call the North Saskatchewan River the “River North Saskatchewan”.<br /><br />The Murray River is Australia’s largest river and spans three states: New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Millions of people rely on the Murray River as a source of water for domestic use. It also plays a significant part in Australia’s economy as it is used for irrigation, livestock and industrial purposes. The River Basin provides a continual bounty of produce and is sometimes referred to as the “Food Bowl of Australia”. Consequently the river is highly regulated to control water quality and quantity. The river has 4 major dams, 16 storage weirs and 15 navigable locks.<br /><br />South Australia relies heavily on water from the Murray. Typically, the River supplies about 40% of the State’s urban water needs. During drought years, water use can increase to as much as 90%. As we drive throughout South Australia, we can not help but notice a number of water pipelines of varying sizes accompanied by their respective pumping stations. The scarcity of water in the state has made it necessary to depend upon water transported over long distances in pipelines. For example, the line between Morgan and Whyalla is approximately 400 km in length. The attached Figure illustrates the importance of the river system to supplying much needed water throughout the state.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH2H54MqIhbqFliDDy8qrUtXflTaw2_ZMurQ0ul2nwqMQ2iqa_BFFfh1CIR82x8A4F83XV6qAH0rq5EIXTvqG3PfbXb0-36Ro8IXdB3oGw4ayyR0_Wwi5Ut3SYFglRBS_MgX9pX5g-Cw/s1600-h/m_Water+Line+4+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439420142264505810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH2H54MqIhbqFliDDy8qrUtXflTaw2_ZMurQ0ul2nwqMQ2iqa_BFFfh1CIR82x8A4F83XV6qAH0rq5EIXTvqG3PfbXb0-36Ro8IXdB3oGw4ayyR0_Wwi5Ut3SYFglRBS_MgX9pX5g-Cw/s400/m_Water+Line+4+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Photo of Major Water Pipeline Running Between Morgan and Whyalla<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyB0mPOepYvbMdLNhfAwCP1_4btqNfzGX0uu9cLC016yUcU5W2Cfb1KveJF6Vk7ECZTuMccd94pj1wSR4D01jc7uspSv4RtE7Zp7ShZGWvipnp3CpCMVoTBunjIthvRi3xn-gV5nf9SKA/s1600-h/Water-Pipelines+Map.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 274px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439438431702897026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyB0mPOepYvbMdLNhfAwCP1_4btqNfzGX0uu9cLC016yUcU5W2Cfb1KveJF6Vk7ECZTuMccd94pj1wSR4D01jc7uspSv4RtE7Zp7ShZGWvipnp3CpCMVoTBunjIthvRi3xn-gV5nf9SKA/s400/Water-Pipelines+Map.jpg" /></a><br />Map of South Australia Water Pipelines<br /><br /><br />Water management for the Murray River is legislated by the federal government as well as the three states. Water use allocations, expanding populations, industrial requirements, recreational pursuits, poor water quality due to increases in salinity and recent droughts have put a strain on the system; with the Murray River Basin becoming a political issue for both federal and state governments. Water desalination plants are an alterative with a few plants currently in use; however, they are costly and big consumers of energy. The expression “<em>Liquor is for drinkin’ and water is for fightin’</em>” appears to have a whole new meaning here. Alberta’s water issues and over use allocations in the more arid parts of southern Alberta pale in comparison to the Murray River’s water issues.<br /><br />The state has instituted a number of water conservation measures. Examples that we have observed include:<br /><ul><li>Grey water is recycled and used for irrigating public recreational sports fields and golf courses. At a residential scale, some home owners have directed their grey wash water from their washing machines to discharge into their yards;<br /><br /></li><li><div align="left">No new houses can be constructed without installation of a water cistern (see photo); </div></li></ul><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439419088329380978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ha0aLYiplOjDOOXLbBnGoNOMX3X9kkW79sVtlzRG7j_7jFI5hQAQqp8P6_WokgRn_SmWn6xv7VP2hoQPiwElcI8Yjo0HtD6VkVGOiMao5GiwrMQqt9NCcJ05zeyWnJhXML73YWGnBxg/s400/m_Water+Cistern+Jan+2010.jpg" /> </p><ul><li>Gardens and yards can only be watered manually twice a week between 7 and 9 AM or PM using hand held hoses (i.e., no sprinklers);<br /><br /></li><li>Cars can only be washed at home using water in a bucket (i.e. no hoses);<br /><br /></li><li>Some home owners have placed a three minute egg timer glass in their showers to remind them to take a short shower;<br /><br /></li><li>Many home owners are installing large water cisterns to store water for all residential uses including potable water; and<br /><br /></li><li>No trees, either on public or private land can be cut down without prior government approval. </li></ul><br /><p>These water restrictions clearly make us realize how fortunate and thankful we are to have such abundant supplies of water in Canada. Water is something that we generally take for granted and think little about and often waste.<br /><br />With respect to desert environments, Canada has a vast uninhabited desert which is part of the Arctic. Climatic conditions are such that explorations of our mineral resources are yet to be fully revealed. The only inhabited desert skirts the Canadian border at Osoyoos, B.C. Like some of the desert areas of South Australia, irrigation has made much of the land around Osoyoos a very fertile area.</p>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-61418403270618067322010-01-19T15:27:00.000-08:002010-02-17T19:21:36.027-08:00HELLO FROM KADINA - OUR AUSTRALIAN HOME FOR ONE YEAR!<p>We landed in Adelaide on January 8th thus embarking on our final leg to Kadina, South Australia where Gail is to commence her teacher exchange position for 2010. Jill, our “Exchange Buddy” met us at the airport at 8:30 AM when the temperature was already well on its way to +300C. Jill advised that we were in the middle of a heat wave and the temperature would reach +430C by about noon. She also noted that the weatherman had forecast that the next couple of days were going to be “stinkers”, an official Australian weather term. We marvelled as within a six week period we had gone from -400C to +400C. Talk about temperature extremes, yet ironically that are a lot of similarities; which we will elaborate on in later blog entries.<br /><br />We first met Jill, our exchange buddy, while she and her son were on an earlier teacher exchange to Edmonton in 2003. Since then, Jill has had the good fortune to also go on another exchange to Japan in 2008.<br /><br />As part of the teacher exchange program, incoming teachers are matched up with an exchange buddy. The exchange buddy is assigned with the task of assisting the incoming teacher (i.e.; Gail and by default Rick) to adapt to their new and unfamiliar surroundings. The fact that we have already met Jill in her previous life as a newbie exchange teacher while in Canada made our welcome in Australia a re-acquaintance with an old friend. Jill spent the day showing us around Adelaide taking us to the Botanical Gardens, touring Adelaide’s Torrens River Valley (similar to Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley) and visiting the Central Market. The Central Market is similar to Edmonton’s Strathcona Market only about 10 times larger. While at the Market, we had our first opportunity to sample, in order of tasting preference, Emu, Kangaroo, and Camel Sausages.<br /><br />As the temperature during the day rose to +43, Jill spent most of her day misting us both down with an atomizer so that we could stay cool in the unbearably dry hot environment. We found it to be quite humorous, a little embarrassing in being pampered; but most importantly, much appreciated. We also recognized that we were totally unprepared to handle such a HOT and dry climate. Plus 30 is one thing, but +40 is a furnace and something that we had not experienced.<br /><br />The next day, Jill drove us to Kadina, which is located approximately 1 ½ hour drive northwest of Adelaide (refer to Map insert). Kadina is a town of approximately 4,000 – 5,000 people situated on the Yorke Peninsula. The Yorke Peninsula is an amazing place that warrants a separate blog entry at a later date.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHSixRNFsAt3XaATGzVDGZKODzrwB4i4We1DH5bjx0iSr_CEKgxjdK_gSxt8WQIj6ndGGjrER5s-s9j9Y5K6mirAYFuNFARuPvTMyqzATt2K3YLlAxS_OcRT8zNaK55p86Tl5S6-qVPA/s1600-h/MapYorkePeninsulaLarge.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 287px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428597596247569554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHSixRNFsAt3XaATGzVDGZKODzrwB4i4We1DH5bjx0iSr_CEKgxjdK_gSxt8WQIj6ndGGjrER5s-s9j9Y5K6mirAYFuNFARuPvTMyqzATt2K3YLlAxS_OcRT8zNaK55p86Tl5S6-qVPA/s400/MapYorkePeninsulaLarge.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As we left Adelaide towards Kadina, we drove through a flat landscape that reminded one of travelling through southern Saskatchewan. You could turn your head around 360 degrees and see nothing but flat. The difference being that the area was comprised of orchards, nurseries and hot houses, rather than miles and miles of wheat fields. Later we learned that this flat topographical area is the remnants of an inland sea that existed during the formation of the Australian continent. About half way to Kadina we started a gradual climb in elevation, and then steeper ascend, as we travelled onto the Yorke Peninsula. The Yorke Peninsula is a highly eroded plateau that was once part of an interior mountain range that rises out of the ocean in a west to east direction with the higher points of elevation being located along the eastern part of the peninsula. The peninsula is dominated by huge fields of cereal crops; with many of the fields being well over one section (1 square mile) in size. Given the heat of the day and the dry brown appearance of the vegetation, we found it hard to imagine that the area could produce a productive cereal crop. However, in realty, it is no different than one travelling through the Canadian prairies in winter. How can such a cold harsh climate be home to Canada’s bread basket?<br /><br />As we were driving to Kadina, we couldn’t help but notice a large 24” – 36” water supply pipeline following alongside the road. We have subsequently learned that this supply line is the predominant water source for people living on the northern part of the peninsula. (The southern portion of the peninsula’s water supply is provided by groundwater sources and a desalinization plant.) The line originates approximately 150 kilometres away in Australia’s largest river, the River Murray. Water is pumped from the river and conveyed through a series of pumping stations to a large reservoir just north of Kadina. The reservoir is covered to minimize evaporation. We have been in Kadina a week and already three or four residents have reminded us that we are living in the driest state in Australia, which is the driest continent on earth. Parts of South Australia have just come through a 10 – 12 year drought and they are not sure if the water shortage crisis is over or here to stay due to climate change. Water is a precious commodity that everyone is alert to, and has an opinion about. We will elaborate more about water issues in a separate blog.<br /><br />Kadina reminds us of any small Canadian agricultural town of a similar size located on the prairies. The town is the major agricultural hub for the area having a John Deere tractor dealership, fertilizer supply outlet, state government agencies and numerous other service providers for the agricultural industry.<br /><br />We are fortunate enough to be living in one of the many original older homes in the town. Our house was built around the turn of the century with an addition added on around 1930 – 1940. These homes are something with which we have no familiarity. For example, the walls of the homes are typically 12-18 inches in thickness, are constructed of stone/rock, have slate or steel roofs with each room typically having 12 – 14 foot ceiling heights and a fireplace. Full length-size verandas are a standard feature and the houses are, where possible, aligned in a north-south exposure. They have been designed and constructed so as to minimize the unbearable heat in the summer and cold in winter. Given the thickness of the walls, it will take the house three or four days to absorb the full effect of +43oC temperatures. If the heat wave lasts longer than that, the heat is absorbed into the rock walls, turning the house into an inferno. When that happens, everyone closes all the doors to each room and camps out only in those rooms equipped with air conditioners. </p><p>It is our understanding that the newer homes are of wood construction, well insulated and covered with a facade of rock/brick. The ceilings are typically 9 feet in height and air conditioners are sized to cool the house. Once we have the opportunity to visit someone living in the newer homes, it will be interesting to see and compare the differences between new and old house construction methods.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAwEL3osFcgSXfVj2Dk99_awksavLwa6l6BB3Io2z2zLM5A7Jud2TmoRNdyosplvxEXuVjBW5k98BcwnoxHSf3UskEq_uwQN68SweB8c9KXOkgyI5o0y84kMxu-26H17yAFd2WuD0f7s/s1600-h/m_Front+of+House+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439416069125228498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAwEL3osFcgSXfVj2Dk99_awksavLwa6l6BB3Io2z2zLM5A7Jud2TmoRNdyosplvxEXuVjBW5k98BcwnoxHSf3UskEq_uwQN68SweB8c9KXOkgyI5o0y84kMxu-26H17yAFd2WuD0f7s/s400/m_Front+of+House+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a>In our first week at Kadina, we have purchased a vehicle, travelled to the Clare Valley for some wine tasting and toured the entire length of the Yorke Peninsula. We purchased a 1999 Ford Falcon with 170,000 km for $7,000 AUS $. Our impression is that cars are considerably more expensive to purchase here than in Canada. We were looking for a vehicle which was dependable and would get us from A to B and would hopefully not depreciate much over the course of one year. If we paid more for a newer vehicle, we think we would have loss on the depreciation when it came time to sell the car at the end of the year. If we went with a cheaper car, we think that we would be paying for repairs and see ourselves stranded on the road somewhere. Only time will tell if our expectations come true or not.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjiygUhCc3HrIpR6DOSnwHtQIP1GmlBngxviPvIlg9Y2jEdlTHqPt-Ed0MaxxgSfmAbv_jJPkf6id7l0EGx2V0zRMc1oMs0UoXmBqJnYbbI-GRdiZuv1RnZ_chzT24_LT7ad4chDF8rU/s1600-h/Car.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0MdIb4rT0MVf8y1fTv46UeALc0B7s5170UKmYTs4tx8bafeteC6Ce2jyk8i7LXZDBqCe91oBXyhKETQX7cEPuy1PXEVYGfw8xRzb6iYbm202BwH9kTEktvzrTQg3eG8U8B9CAGtZomA/s1600-h/m_1999+Ford+Falcon+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439415688119699842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0MdIb4rT0MVf8y1fTv46UeALc0B7s5170UKmYTs4tx8bafeteC6Ce2jyk8i7LXZDBqCe91oBXyhKETQX7cEPuy1PXEVYGfw8xRzb6iYbm202BwH9kTEktvzrTQg3eG8U8B9CAGtZomA/s400/m_1999+Ford+Falcon+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>Random points we’ve learned so far:<br /></p><ul><li>Most homes don’t have dryers but when it’s +40 out, clothes only take about 45 minutes to dry on the line.<br /></li><li>We have both an orange and a lemon tree in our yard. Photos will come once the fruit is ripe.<br /></li><li>You’re only allowed to water your lawn or garden twice a week but you have to stand and hold the hose – no sprinkler systems are allowed. Time allotment to water is between 6-9 PM only.<br /></li><li>We have become very aware of our water usage and have a gray water container in our sink at all times as you’re allowed to throw water from a bucket on your yard at any time as many times as you wish.<br /></li><li>Parents with smart girls (or boys, but especially girls) who can afford the expense send their kids to private boarding schools as early as grade 8 to complete their education. They feel that their kids will get a more rounded education with fewer distractions. Some of the parents are child free as soon as their youngest reaches 12! This is a difficult decision for both parent and child.<br /></li><li>Groceries, on average, cost more, but it is such a treat to have fresh fruit and vegetables. We bought cherries today- January 19th and we have been getting our fill of fresh watermelon.<br /></li><li>We’ve had marinated kangaroo steaks on the barby. They are almost fat free and very high in iron. They have a texture similar to liver only with more fibre. We’ve yet to see one bouncing out in nature though. Closest we have come to seeing one is road kill. We will keep you posted. We have seen Emu’s in the wild as well as a “Shingle-back lizard”. Pictures will be provided in our blog entry for the Yorke Peninsula.<br /></li><li>We’re giving ourselves until Feb. 1 to STOP turning on the windshield wipers instead of the turn indicator. The car is left-hand drive and everything is reversed in the automobile. No doubt the locals think it hilarious to see the wipers turned on at every corner given that there isn't a cloud in the sky. We will send you a separate blog entry about driving on the “Other side of the Road”.<br /></li><li>Toilets have a ½ flush option. If you go big, you can flush big, if you don’t go big you don’t have to flush big.<br /></li><li>We are really enjoying the southern sky at night. Because we are in a small town there is limited light pollution to mask the stars. The Milky Way is something else to see. We haven't found the Southern Cross constellation yet as it is apparently quite low in the sky at this time of year. </li></ul><p>Gas Prices:</p><ul><li>Janaury 1, 2010: Singapore – S$1.71/lire (Singapore $ is worth approximately $0.75 Canadian) </li><li>January 7, 2010: Sydney – AUS$ 1.31 (Australian $ is worth approximately $0.98 Canadian) </li><li>January 15, 2010: Kadina – AUS$ 1.24 (Australian $ is worth approximately $0.98 Canadian) </li></ul><p>As you can see, we have a number of blog entries to work on. More on our travels in the Yorke Peninsula and daily living in Kadina in a later blog.</p>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-38278553701471665452010-01-12T23:55:00.000-08:002010-02-17T19:06:55.002-08:00HELLO FROM SYDNEYWe landed in Sydney Australia on January 3rd, 2010 for a five day stay. Sydney is Australia’s largest city with a population of approximately 5.5 million people. Sydney reminded us very much of Vancouver. Both Vancouver and Sydney each have a well known bridge which is a symbol of the city – Vancouver’s being the Lion’s Gat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hmjBgX4YRrJ29rCCLXvF0EDDwrPZVYvHwN7ypgxzyY3TEbsO6Af-ZS02Pubv5affd_cKt6FsJE8xLzMmvW7yh9AOAPMfpjf3-XwYbLihgmfA7VOpKQeTU47WJv0y9hHpMYMhOQzuSRU/s1600-h/Bridge+from+a+distance.JPG"></a>e Bridge and Sydney’s is the Harbour Bridge. They are both port cities, have a vibrant down town core, many trendy areas, a moderately good public transportation system, and lots of urban sprawl.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwojtk9m700p5Z-F4vnqcv5c3j7AnJVPG69BPfVUF_Yj6uXJ8tuEsemtPpP0TFg53eIZMaLlOyj7SFuTmd7LyHlZso3_dsB2g5FDYZ49jqY7K_w1bcn-1exs1PXdY5gHC-vEYPPZaJ-SE/s1600-h/Bridge+from+a+distance+Jan+2010.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439408037678401970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwojtk9m700p5Z-F4vnqcv5c3j7AnJVPG69BPfVUF_Yj6uXJ8tuEsemtPpP0TFg53eIZMaLlOyj7SFuTmd7LyHlZso3_dsB2g5FDYZ49jqY7K_w1bcn-1exs1PXdY5gHC-vEYPPZaJ-SE/s400/Bridge+from+a+distance+Jan+2010.JPG" /></a><br />While in Sydney we spent most of our time walking or taking the public transit system to various points of interest. For example, we went to Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, the Botanical Gardens, Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, the Blue Mountains and hiked across the Harbour Bridge. Some of the highlights and impressions of Sydney are outlined below:<br /><ul><li>Our general impression of Sydney was that it was an expensive city to visit if you elected to partake in the well advertised tourist tours. For example, a tour boat of the harbour with dinner provided on the boat cost around $125/person. We elected to take the public transit ferry ships to various points in and around the harbour. You could buy a “day tripper” which provided for unlimited public transport travel for $17/person. It seemed strange to see the “tourist boats” traveling along side the public transit ferries each going to the same places.<br /><br /></li><li>We found that Internet Access in the hotels can be a bit of a rip off. Apparently Australia is in the middle of the internet spectrum. Some hotels provide it complimentary as part of your stay in the hotel. Others charge a daily fee. Our hotel charged as hourly fee of $12.00 and a daily fee of $27.00. It was obvious that the hotel was catering to the business man, whose Company would pick up the Internet tab. Given the recent turn around in the economy, I suspect that many Companies would be looking at reducing costs wherever possible and will likely instruct their employees to seek accommodation elsewhere where Internet is free. On the other hand the hotel is trying to make a quick buck wherever possible….so who knows? We found an Internet Café two blocks from our hotel that charged a fee of $2.00/hour for Internet Service. Needless to say we found the idea of the hotel charging $12/hour a little bit of gouge. So if you are travelling in and around Australia, one of the questions to ask the hotels you are booking with is whether they provide free Internet Access.<br /><br /></li><li><div align="left">Bondi Beach was “IMPRESSIVE”. The water was a beautiful aqua blue. The garbage-free pristine sandy beach was dotted from one end to the other with a “bazillion” people lazing in the HOT sun on a Tuesday afternoon. Now we know why Bondi Beach is recognized as being world famous. We could and cannot get over how intense the sun is in Australia. Likely it is a result of two factors: (i) the degrees latitude is much closer to the Equator. Sydney is 34oS while Edmonton is 53oN and (ii) it may be the fact that the ozone hole over Antarctica is having an influence. We were on the beach for less than an hour and we were as red as lobsters. You could easily tell where we forgot to apply the sunscreen. </div></li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-rwjJW_Zy-UvxQrPJrVAWX0OIvGOXDR7dsJtrUYZ5fV3tVsLeB-xnVXZl3oQwHtfU_Ol2y3d3-DJozfR6xsX_bVjIF72hjsZzsqlvwtpbER6UnSgun_jQTkEojy-hdYyzB2paR0ughc/s1600-h/Bondi+Beach+Babe.JPG"></a></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9VtwXuWS9QF7vFgCxhE-uDCzg5qQEeACbQJa3UVilDKIJaI6Hci6VzvynXjn60eMqNEiQd8itnqm7AnUZ5jZIIyr4GGD7DWrwtQsq3wQHSJc0scVGCs0lNIVfWNVI_cT1NSqk2ifmlM/s1600-h/m_Bondi+Beach+-+Rick+getting+whiplash+to+the+left+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439413344366829794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9VtwXuWS9QF7vFgCxhE-uDCzg5qQEeACbQJa3UVilDKIJaI6Hci6VzvynXjn60eMqNEiQd8itnqm7AnUZ5jZIIyr4GGD7DWrwtQsq3wQHSJc0scVGCs0lNIVfWNVI_cT1NSqk2ifmlM/s400/m_Bondi+Beach+-+Rick+getting+whiplash+to+the+left+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyxWJh4Vj6o3nrfWHBulfj0RFGRo32P_FfXm15nUGraTvBAtjnv_mM1Q2ybNNCy445IYBQmo6yQXiaz9bL1ikSDCicoK-lK8Ja0XKb3-yMZoa1GJfKj7zXhy6vWXQAmdE-Q8ZfXIY2tQ/s1600-h/m_Bondi+Beach+Babe+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439407172612309506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyxWJh4Vj6o3nrfWHBulfj0RFGRo32P_FfXm15nUGraTvBAtjnv_mM1Q2ybNNCy445IYBQmo6yQXiaz9bL1ikSDCicoK-lK8Ja0XKb3-yMZoa1GJfKj7zXhy6vWXQAmdE-Q8ZfXIY2tQ/s400/m_Bondi+Beach+Babe+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul><br /><li>The Blue Mountains are a two hour train ride from Sydney. It is a world heritage site similar to Banff and Jasper. On the way to the mountains, one travels through a metropolitan jungle traveling through one urban area to another (similar to travelling east from Vancouver to Hope), and then suddenly the Blue Mountains come upon you as there is an ear-popping rather steep elevation change to a topographic escarpment– like landscape. The Blue Mountains are more like the Appalachians as they are well weathered, not jagged like the Rockies. The Blue Mountains get their name because the area is densely covered with oil bearing Eucalyptus trees. Finely dispersed droplets of oil from the trees in combination with dust particles and high humidity/water vapour in the air give the atmosphere a hazy smoky blue appearance. I image that our closest analogy to a similar spectacle would be the Smoky Mountains in Kentucky.<br /><br />We were not that fortunate in getting any breath-taking vistas while at the Blue Mountains. The area was socked in with low lying clouds so it was foggy with poor visibility. Maybe on our return trip to Canada (we fly out of Sydney on Boxing Day) we will have the opportunity to go back and visit the Blue Mountains. </li></ul>We are off to Adelaide and the final leg of our journey to Kadina.<br /><br />Gas Prices:<br /><ul><li>Janaury 1, 2010: Singapore – S$1.71/lire (Singapore $ is worth approximately $0.75 Canadian) </li><br /><li><div align="left">January 7, 2010: Sydney – AUS$ 1.31 (Australian $ is worth approximately $0.98 Canadian) </div></li></ul>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-80925718405202262552010-01-09T22:53:00.000-08:002010-01-17T20:10:19.163-08:00LUGGAGE ISSUES - TRAVELLING IN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIAWe have had a number of luggage issues on our travels to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kadina</span>, so we think that it warrants a separate blog entry. It is also noteworthy information in the event you are considering travelling to Australia and hopefully coming to see us for a visit.<br /><br />First there are two major ways to travel to Australia. You can travel via Air Canada or one of its affiliate airlines (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">eg</span>. Singapore Airlines) or you can travel via <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quantas</span>. We elected to travel via Air Canada because we used <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aeroplan</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">airmiles</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quantas</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesn</span>’t recognize <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aeroplan</span>. The advantage and disadvantages of each travel option is outlined below:<br /><br /><ul><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aeroplan</span>/Air Canada only flies to Sydney. Therefore if you are flying anywhere else in Australia you must use one of the domestic carriers. The problem with the domestic carriers is the luggage restrictions that are discussed later in more detail. The advantage of flying using <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aeroplan</span> points and Air Canada is that you are entitled to one stop along the way. We elected to stop over in Singapore. Using <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aeroplan</span> points the total cost of our flight to Australia was approximately $400/person. Hence a very appealing option.<br /><br /></li><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quantas</span> fly’s to numerous destinations within Australia and offers three one way stops while in Australia. For example you can fly into Sydney, stay awhile and then fly onto Adelaide, then fly to another location and subsequently fly back to Canada from there. It is an excellent option for seeing a lot of Australia. You must book your itinerary while you are outside Australia and you must provide the airline with your arrival and departure dates. Total cost of the ticket is approximately $2000/person. This option is very attractive for the tourist visiting Australia. However, we elected to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">forego</span> this option because the duration of our stay is one year and we would end up “dead-heading” our three flights back to Adelaide. In addition, we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t know Gail’s school holiday schedule for the year and thus were unable to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-book the three flights within Australia.<br /><br />We strongly suggest that if you are booking a flight to Australia and contemplating any domestic flight(s) within Australia, that you check/confirm luggage restrictions. This advice applies to any SE Asian Airline as well. Our problems with luggage and weight restrictions are outlined below. Hopefully our experience makes planning for your trip a little less painful.<br /><br /></li><li>For economy class flights, Air Canada has a weight restriction of two bags per person each weighing 23 kilos (50 lbs). Air Canada’s final destination in Australia is Sydney. If you decide to fly internally within Australia, then you must book your flight with a domestic airline. The domestic airlines only allow each person one bag with a maximum allowance of 23 kilos. If you have excess weight, the airlines will charge you $10/kilos. Therefore, if you arrive in Australia with two bags each weighing 23 kilos you can be charged an additional cost of $430 to transport the additional bag. Of course Air Canada <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesn</span>’t tell you this because they are only concerned with getting you to Sydney. Our travel advisor with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aeroplan</span> did not tell us anything. He just advised us that we would have to book a flight between Sydney and Adelaide using a domestic airline.<br /><br />It should be noted that if you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-book your domestic flight and let the airlines know in advance that you have excess baggage, they will reduce the $10/kilo fee, by approximately 50%. However, in our opinion, a fee of $215 for 23 kilos is still excessive.<br /><br /></li><li>We have no idea what weight allowance <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quantas</span> allows when flying between Canada and Australia. Now that we are in Australia, we know that they have the same one baggage, 23 kilo restriction per person for domestic economy class flights. If you elect to fly with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quantas</span> and take the three stop flight option, we suggest that while you are in Canada you confirm weight allowances prior to booking your domestic flights within Australia.<br /><br /></li><li>After our 5 day stay in Singapore, we arrived at the Singapore Airport with our luggage. At the airport, we discovered that Singapore Air has a one bag 23 kilo per person weight restriction and does not recognize Air Canada’s two baggage 23 kilo per bag allowance. According to Singapore Air’s baggage restriction, we were 46 kilos overweight and the airline was going to charge us 460 ($10/kilo) for the excess baggage. They did not recognize the one stop lay over that was provided to us by Air Canada and stated that we were starting a “new flight” with a new airline and hence the Air Canada baggage allowance did not apply. After a lengthy discussion, providing documentation of our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aeroplan</span>/Air Canada flight plan and baggage agreement, and 3 separate meetings with various levels of “management” within Singapore Airlines, they finally waived the $460 fee and accepted Air Canada’s baggage agreement. It was just fortunate that we had left ourselves plenty of time (six hours) to catch our flight otherwise we would have been hooped. We were subsequently advised by Singapore Air that if our luggage had been booked through straight to Sydney, that there would not have been an issue. Again, our travel advisor with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aeroplan</span> did not tell us about booking luggage straight through to Sydney.<br /><br /></li><li>Upon arriving in Sydney, we recognized that flying our excess baggage to Adelaide was not an option. We received a number of quotes from couriers and transport companies and finally agreed upon shipping our bags to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kadina</span> by truck transport. Peter, the Concierge at the hotel, and Jill, an Australian teacher in Adelaide who was on a previous exchange program in Edmonton, were both extremely helpful in solving our luggage dilemma. In addition we are so fortunate to have Leon (family member of Shannon and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Riang</span> - our exchange partners) willing to receive our luggage for us. Thank you all for your assistance. </li></ul><p>I guess the morale of this is to travel “LIGHT!!” or don’t take any domestic flights. We have a year to figure out the best way to ship our baggage back to Canada. At this point we think that we will donate most of our clothes to Good Will and see about selling our golf clubs. Once we get back to Canada, we think it is time that we got some new clubs anyways. Hopefully when you come and visit, you’ll leave a spot in your bag for our junk!<br /></p><strong></strong>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1778576774989727129.post-84635797774306579682010-01-09T22:35:00.000-08:002010-02-17T18:33:44.115-08:00HELLO FROM SINGAPORE<p>We landed in Singapore via Seoul 30 hours after leaving Edmonton. We went from minus 20<span style="font-size:78%;">0</span><span style="font-size:100%;">C</span> in Edmonton to plus 30<span style="font-size:78%;">0</span>C in Singapore. Our first experience in Singapore was feeling the oppressive heat and humidity. The country is located approximately 1 degree north of the Equator.<br /><br />After five days in the city, we came away with the sense that Singapore is a beautiful and vibrant city/country well worth a visit. A population of approximately 5 million people live within a 700 km2 area. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. As a result, the city boasts an exceptional public transportation system. We were advised that a high “luxury” tax is placed on items such as automobiles so that public transportation is encouraged. Consequently, cars are a symbol of status, rather than a transportation necessity. The result being that the city has created an efficient subway with trains and buses arriving approximately every 5 minutes or less taking people to every corner of the country/city. To accommodate the population base, high density housing projects have been constructed around virtually every subway stop (outside the main down town core - city centre). Most subway stations are located within or near shopping malls ranging in size somewhere between Edmonton's Kingsway Mall and West Edmonton Mall.<br /><br />Travel and outdoor recreational pursuits are limited because of the small size of the country; hence most Singaporeans spend their spare time shopping. We learned that their love of shopping is a result of three factors: (1) Wages are equivalent to Canadian wages. Thus they are considered to have good incomes in Asia (2) Children usually live with their parents until they are married. Thus single people have a large disposable income and most importantly (3) Singaporeans are only taxed approximately 5% of their total income. This low tax base is possible since the population base is of sufficient size to sustain infrastructure and other government costs within the small landbase.<br /><br />Singapore is one of the major gateways to eastern Asia. Every morning we looked out our hotel window to see the harbour filled with boats laden with products. Many of the down town office buildings were named after banks such as Barclays, Bank of Scotland, and Bank of Hong Kong. The size of the city scape certainly dwarfs Edmonton and Calgary and most likely most of Canada’s other cities. Most of the well-paying white collared jobs are filled by Singaporeans while the blue collar labour and service industry jobs employ Malaysians. Many of the Malaysians live in Johore, a large city located adjacent to Singapore, in Malaysia. It is not unusual for the Malaysian workforce to have a 1 ½ hour one way commute since they must cross the border every day.<br /><br />While in Singapore we visited most of the tourist spots. We went to China Town, Little India, the Botanical Gardens, and the Zoo. Some of the highlights of our visit included:</p><ul><li>The New Year Fire works from Singapore Harbour were SPECTACULAR. We don’t know how many people were on the street to view the fireworks, but we do know that it was CROWDED;<br /><br /></li><li>The food kiosks on the street, especially those in China Town and Little India. The Satay Club located down town was an experience we will not forget;<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439401944010484562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmmGYP3oG41DrXxwN8D0jryNrEol9ymqxUw04nfQ6scuZINByFVkKXMKu5Aeu4q0Y4wXSAG6EcuMWhy5INbo0u9zu5jFz4lH4P8EP28z32igbe3u1pHIx8cueXiS5s0AqJU532CezDeQ/s400/Satay+Market+1+Jan+2010.JPG" /> <p align="left"></p><p align="right"></p></li></ul><p align="center">Rick at the Satay Market with Chicken and Prawn Satay. Check out where we didn't eat.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439401149319537474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zg_kfwhZubzQyostVzhuNNX0Lp9qJaLvZAAG5OrsdEQwfU8CGBcG5sdMnYz9ba0c_XKRj8Ut7SkZLbljeVSo1Qs5q5VFVxyrABj7FIi8U-YqIHCnLs005ag6t90NZS3TZWRlLRa9QH8/s400/Satay+Market+-+Where+we+didn%27t+eat+Jan+2010.JPG" /></p><ul><li>Having a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel. We were told that this is the place where the sling was invented. It seemed that five or six slings were ordered by the patrons for every other type of drink ordered. We were surprised when our bill for three slings came to $85.00. I guess we should have asked the price before we ordered;<br /><br /></li><li>Travelling to Johore, Malaysia;<br /></li></ul><blockquote></blockquote><ul><li>At the Zoo, we had a first hand experience with the daily tropical rainstorms. The rain would come down in buckets for approximately 15 to 30 minutes. People would take cover until it was over and then resume their activities as if nothing had happened. Rick couldn’t get over the water management structures engineered all over the city to minimize erosion. For example, open concrete ditches with water dissipation structures would contain and move water into larger canal ways that finally ended up in the river systems;<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439400096787265506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX7rM6m2gsrSf433zvRHWAzmY0bwf4l5mkdYupM7VwcqY5p7KBCD1y86Oe8CxAFnzvedpVNgq-5sCS7EjyiOb6uIioAkW8rPGvg-_k77HgxK5iGnqvVE9YVz4NydOSQf4G6HCIDEQMbY/s400/m_Pouring+rain+at+the+zoo+Jan+2010.jpg" /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGukKfR9qkrzYwsAdBOSs7mm4Q-T0Y4duiVgeEs1Z93wAjA5m6-nkMvHCHr59hEjQ-aOCZ9CBvC8dLLtTfHWG-LotvZVKOQESaqZrgBCRzuXqwZV9ruNxVTkEHtu1qRynjQsOMnAYtnlQ/s1600-h/m_Elephants+at+S%27pore+zoo+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439399764025633122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGukKfR9qkrzYwsAdBOSs7mm4Q-T0Y4duiVgeEs1Z93wAjA5m6-nkMvHCHr59hEjQ-aOCZ9CBvC8dLLtTfHWG-LotvZVKOQESaqZrgBCRzuXqwZV9ruNxVTkEHtu1qRynjQsOMnAYtnlQ/s400/m_Elephants+at+S%27pore+zoo+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwCB5gzz79SSlE23bZfgyv0_DF4H9uNiVNyIUkrVFHK6R1bCCwHOQ_iRJXMjdcCcY4Xr71utAfdn9lCwdKBcXsAqSDHYCmv5Q8aMJ8ub8YUkaWGArpdxRQbNyPftqxyGkxGhHZsWJ81k/s1600-h/m_The+poser+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439399375031270098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwCB5gzz79SSlE23bZfgyv0_DF4H9uNiVNyIUkrVFHK6R1bCCwHOQ_iRJXMjdcCcY4Xr71utAfdn9lCwdKBcXsAqSDHYCmv5Q8aMJ8ub8YUkaWGArpdxRQbNyPftqxyGkxGhHZsWJ81k/s400/m_The+poser+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a></div>Elephant, the Pouring Rain and our Zoo Poser!<br /></li></ul><p></p><ul><li>The cosmopolitan shopping along Orchard Road. Lots of the young people were walking billboards for name brand clothes; and<br /></li><li>Going to Sentosa Island so that we could set foot on the southern most point of mainland Asia.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise-wuwUeP991bBzmobs38kDC6hedVN3eATxj_7KTRXpy_z8tW2B_SUSWKSzzk3CQJUC-RVKX0wo7X2JKptP0dd8_lLChyphenhyphenHQ9P7nuapz83repNDft2zZ8RBPD659uU2sIA10bip2AMb1s/s1600-h/m_Most+southern+tip+of+mainland+Asia+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439398782436758594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise-wuwUeP991bBzmobs38kDC6hedVN3eATxj_7KTRXpy_z8tW2B_SUSWKSzzk3CQJUC-RVKX0wo7X2JKptP0dd8_lLChyphenhyphenHQ9P7nuapz83repNDft2zZ8RBPD659uU2sIA10bip2AMb1s/s400/m_Most+southern+tip+of+mainland+Asia+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Gail and Rick at the southern most point of mainland Asia.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87ezyIinSnsq9wrC1iC337q_tqd-viOqXuz0gY35xfmxkwdmSsu60d5KR-Inu9oUE1qG3LFNbIn4obZ1kh-CGTSu_MqshURiVxhieBF4I0nJnKgyqatdIOj0B-0fnErWkwokewPGIm_I/s1600-h/m_The+official+sign+Jan+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439398298371082642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87ezyIinSnsq9wrC1iC337q_tqd-viOqXuz0gY35xfmxkwdmSsu60d5KR-Inu9oUE1qG3LFNbIn4obZ1kh-CGTSu_MqshURiVxhieBF4I0nJnKgyqatdIOj0B-0fnErWkwokewPGIm_I/s400/m_The+official+sign+Jan+2010.jpg" /></a><br /></li></ul><p align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhNggpe6TUXFdGYwcgoy8pyVeT3ocU85fQj34f2DHqM8sCZP4QC7N0OvN36USaUhkgqAMb4ak4y79pshN0xUiG47FELW47vJv-vis6wuYD-7LWB3u3b8Aml9tNPfXUPMjGPdkc7CHPmI/s1600-h/The+official+sign.JPG"></a></p><ul><br /><li>One other item that was quite interesting was our visit to the Canadian Embassy. We decided to go there for a visit, see the place, and find out how part of our tax dollars were being spent. After going through two levels of security, we finally made it to the embassy only to be asked “Did you loose your Passport?’ We responded “No”. Then we were asked “Are you in trouble?” We responded “No”. Finally they asked us “What are you doing here?” We told them that we only came to say “Hi” and look around. We ended up chuckling as our look around only consisted of the front foyer, seeing a photograph of Steven Harper and Stockwell Day and signing the “Guest Book”. We knew that our visit was uncommon when the guest book entries on the previous page were dated 1995. </li></ul><p>Singapore is noted for being a safe country with a low crime rate. We found it sobering to see a sign at the airport stating that the sale of drugs while in Singapore was an offense punishable by death. A couple of years ago, two youths were caught putting graffiti on a building. One of the kids was American and the other was from Singapore. The American youth received 20 lashes with a cane, while the Singapore kid received 50…because he should have known better. Some people make think the punishment to be harsh, but on the other hand, we didn’t see any evidence of graffiti throughout our stay. Singaporeans jokingly call their country/city a “fine” city. You get a fine for spitting, you get a fine for littering, you get a fine for eating or drinking on the public transport system. The fines range between $500 to $5000, nothing to spit at (pardon the pun!)<br /><br />We are off to Sydney next! We will keep you posted of our travels on our blog and hope to see you come and visit us once we are in Kadina. For those of you in Edmonton, please phone and invite our Australian Exchange Partners (Shannon and Riang) along on one of your outings or let them know about something you think they might like to see while in Edmonton. We know they would appreciate your Canadian hospitality.<br /><br />For those of you interested in the price of gas (seems to be a Canadian quirk) we will keep you apprised of gas prices throughout our travels.<br /><br /><em>GAS PRICES</em> </p><ul><li>Singapore - January 1, 2010 - $1.71/litre (Singapore $ is worth approximately $0.75 Canadian </li></ul>Rick and Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606839810188114037noreply@blogger.com1