Tribe Lacrosse Australia Blog

01/10/08 6:00PM

Sydney, Australia - G’Day, unfortunately for the final time from Australia. It’s currently late Tuesday night here, and it’s the last night down under. We’ll be leaving for the airport tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. to start the incredibly long journey back to America. As you will see, we have a number of new blogs posted, thanks in part to a big group effort at tonight’s farewell barbeque, as well an entry representing the parents on the trip. Although we start the trip back tomorrow, we’ll still have more blog entries coming and much more photos on the way.

Photos
Scenic Photo Gallery From Surfing
Game One Photos - 1/1/08
Lauren Coll Photos - 1/3/08
Around Melbourne 1/4/08
Game Two Photos - 1/4/08
Down Under Challenge in Melbourne - 1/5/08
Game Four Photos - 1/5/08

First Day in Sydney - 1/5/08
Taronga Zoo Photos 1/6/08
Australia Barbeque and Pool Party Photos - 1/6/08
Julia Martin's Photos - 1/7/08
Sydney Opera House Tour - 1/7/08
Lauren Coll Photos 2 - 1/10/08
Game Action Photos - 1/10/08
Farewell Dinner and Barbeque - 1/10/08

Entry #16 1/8/08 Sydney

From Sherrie Beckstead:

Aaah! Australia. The world’s sixth largest country and home to 21 million people, captured the hearts of the visiting Tribe team and their respective family members. From Melbourne to Sydney, and points in between, this trip has been enchanting.

The sun-kissed Tribe packed up in Melbourne on Saturday and touched down in Sydney … and they hit the ground running! Visits to the famous Bondi and Manly beaches, Opera House guided tours, lunch in the historic Rocks district and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb!

Tribe members Jaime Sellers, Julia Martin and Sara Beckstead (and) coach Meg Huether were the first “Tribe Climbers”, accompanied by Eff Martin, Ron Sellers, trainer Tyler and me. Amazing! 450 feet above the Harbour , and almost 1,500 steps later, we looked back only to say … “Is there still time to go on the climb at night?” The vistas, the sensation of standing on a bridge in Sydney, Australia – is one I will never forget, nor will the team.

Lastly, marked on the travel journal pages of my mind, indelibly etched is the exemplary conduct of the team. U.S. citizens, scholars, athletes and friends, they quickly gained the respect and admiration of everyone that crossed their path or their field.

Kudos to Chris Halfpenny, Alli Evans, Megan Huether, Mark Hoskins and Tyler Depew.

Sherrie Beckstead, Annapolis, Md.


Entry #15 1/8/08 Sydney

A Brief Dialogue…
By: Mary Zulty and Sarah Jonson

Mary: I just don’t even know where this blog is going to go…
Sarah: Mary, I don’t think anyone can really know.
Mary: Why don’t we start by talking about the Outback?
Sarah: Good call, wait while I grab a quick snack…
Mary: Good you’re back, lets count our new freckles
Sarah: 1,2,3,4,5…5,000!!!
Mary: Wow, you had 10 more than I did
Sarah: But anyways, we’re rambling and that’s stupid
Mary: I’m still pretty nauseous from the ride to Apollo Bay
Sarah: At least your skin has become less pale by the day
Mary: The food seems to have treated our bodies well…how much weight did you gain?
Sarah: 1,2,3,4,5…100lbs!!!
Mary: Wow…that’s 10 less than I did
Sarah: Wait mate, maybe we should incorporate some of our new lingo
Mary: No worries, my favorite Aussie animal is still the Dingo
Sarah: Since you’ve decided to switch topics…how many tim-tams did you slam?
Mary: 1,2,3.
Sarah: Only three? Wow, you stink
Mary: Regardless, this trip was one of the best
Sarah: Totally
Mary: Yeah
Sarah: Lets not digress…In conclusion we’ll put this to rest
Mary: If you had to describe Australia in one sentence what would it be?
Sarah: Well…Australia automatically attracts all around animals, arachnids, anthropologists, and Americans who adore anything about astronomical alliterations.
Mary:…Awesome.

Entry #14 - 1/8/08 Sydney

Emily Geary, Katie Rees, Kristin Anderson, Annie Macomber
Our Top Fifteen Favorite Moments of the Trip:

1. Lauren Coll getting "dropped" on by a bird.
2. The talent show…all of it.
3. “And there are voices that call out to me, Sarah go swimming in this deep blue sea” –Tex
4. “Kracked out” bus ride on the way home from surfing at Apollo Bay—mint giver and all.
5. Kristin and Rees almost getting blown up by a firework on New Years.
6. Clare almost winning the flag game at the Ironman Challege…the happiest any of us have EVER seen her.
7. Pete saving the baby croc.
8. When Kristin tripped over a wire and landed in Rees’ arms.
9. Annie almost not getting into the country…apples and salami sandwiches are NOT permitted.
10. Gambrell meeting a vampire. See her for details.
11. Ashley H. trying to be serious and ask smart questions.
12. Caitlin almost losing her arm to a bird at the bird show.
13. Colleen Zulty trying to imitate Kari’s freak show by repeatedly hitting
herself in the head.
14. “Soulja boying” on the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
15. “1, 2, 3…pretend you just found a good clue to a crime scene!” – Clare

Entry #13 - 1/8/08 Sydney

Senior Caitlin DeMello:

After a rocky start to our Great Australia Trip- (waking up at 4:00 A.M., almost missing my flight, getting to Dulles at 7:00 A.M. and staying there until our flight at 5:30 P.M.- not meeting up with anyone from the team until around 2:30 P.M., forgetting my Baby Tribe’s (Geary’s) enormous gift bag in the Syracuse Airport, etc.) the rest couldn’t have gone any better.

First of all, having met two of the best tour guides ever to be produced by such a magnificent country/continent (which means land mass- and New Zealand is not included), we already knew we were in luck with the boisterous and friendly Big Mike and his outgoing attitude and fun personality and the Silent But Deadly Pete with his recurring Seinfeld situations and friendly smile- we knew this trip would not only be one of a kind, but the best we would ever experience.

The first full day, we went surfing- being a snowboarder I definitely thought I was going to be hot stuff- honestly, couldn’t be more wrong… I was awful, but with the patient help of Pete, I was soon on my way to being Australia’s next Professional Surfer- simultaneously singing “Aussie Dolla Bills Y’all” while standing on my surfboard next to Miss Dolly Williams also standing on hers.

The lacrosse games on the following days were nothing short of amazing and fun, we met some great people and I was offered (this sounds like a bigger deal than it is) to be on the Victoria Club team when I move here- yes, when. Here in Melbourne, I was also lucky enough to befriend three kids- Tess, Ella, and Ned (Big Mike’s Crew) who then became my “Besties”. (Melbourne was definitely the best place ever.)

After Melbourne we headed back on another plane to the great Sydney. Here, we went to the Taronga Park Zoo, toured the Sydney Opera House, went to the beautiful Manly and Bondi beaches, and then did the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb. At the Zoo, I was lucky enough to have a kangaroo cross Clare’s path and pause long enough for me, Ash B., and a few other Tribe Laxers to actually pet it! Little did I know that the friendly roo would not be the last animal I would come into close contact with… Later on we went to a bird show where I was lucky enough to be picked from the audience to have a bird land on my arm and take a gold coin out of my hand, and then land again to put it back- I freaked out the first time and ducked and had to do the whole thing over again- it was still one of the coolest things I have ever experienced- there will definitely be pictures up later so everyone can understand how dumb I looked.

The Sydney Opera House was incredible, but I think the best part was watching Emma fall asleep in the plush magenta chairs. Finally, the bridge climb… I knew I was afraid of heights, but never this much- nonetheless, I did it and I got through it and deep down, subconsciously- (very deep down) I loved it. I definitely freaked out the whole time, but I made it through and in one piece (definitely with the help of our, not only funny but cute too, tour guide Dael). I definitely don’t think this trip would have been the same or even half as good without Big Mike or Pete- it was absolutely the best trip I have ever been on and I will be coming back- look out Australia this sheila’s comin back!

Entry #12 - 1/8/08 Sydney

Sophomore Sara Beckstead:

Well, tonight is the last night in Australia. I cannot believe that our trip is coming to an end. We have packed so much into the two weeks we have been here. From lacrosse games, to climbing on top of a bridge, we have done it. I cannot even explain what an experience it has been to be in this beautiful place with my closest friends. I have become closer each day with my team. The bus rides were unforgettable with the one and only Ashley H, I don’t think I have laughed harder in my life. Lying on the beach and learning to surf with a fantastic group of people. Listening to Sarah Jonson sweet talk each one of our teammates. Going to a BEAUTIFUL mansion, swimming in the pool and then having a talent show…one thing only our team can accomplish in a few hours. Overall, this trip cannot even be expressed in a paragraph or even a book but I know this amazing group of people will never forget this trip of a lifetime.

Entry #11 - 1/8/08 Sydney

Senior Jaime Sellers:

As a senior entering my final semester of college, each day that passes becomes bittersweet. It is an increasingly uncomfortable feeling to know that “the best days of your life,” the reminder coined by experienced parents and older siblings, are quickly coming to an end. Yet, at this point in time, as I am about to enter the last chapter of my time at William and Mary, I can say that my days down under have been never bitter, and rather always sweet. I know what you are thinking: scaling the Sydney harbor bridge, touring the Sydney opera house, and dining at one of the finest restaurants in Circle Quay could not possibly encompass a bitter tinge. And they haven’t…until we realized we are in fact leaving, and that when we return home we will no longer have two wonderful Australian men at our disposal to cart us around beautifully renowned cities, treat us to lavish dinners, and of course, laugh at our pitifully lame jokes.

All tinges aside, I would consider myself a relatively well traveled 21-year-old, as I have spent a couple summers and vacations traveling. I have seen plenty of duomos, castles, statues, and museums. Yet nothing I have seen compares to the sight of the entire city of Sydney from atop the harbor bridge. As the first group to climb the bridge, we were, rightfully so, quite nervous. Some of the nerves were humorously resolved within 10 seconds of entering the lobby of the bridge climb company, as there happened to be a picture wall of celebrities who have also scaled the bridge’s dimensions (clearly, if they can do it, so can we). The remainder of the nerves subsided (relatively speaking) as we were introduced to our New Zealand native guide and proceeded to make our way through the practice course. Julia, Sara B., and I were accompanied by our parents and our coach, Meg, and trainer Tyler. I really couldn’t have asked for a better group to share the skyline with, as I continuously insisted that Julia, the climber behind me, pinch me just to make sure I was in fact, not dreaming. The sky was a radiant shade of blue, and the sun gleamed behind us as we climbed our way towards the top. We learned all about the building of the bridge and the feats that were made in the process of doing so. Julia has decided that after she moves to New Zealand for a year or two, she will be moving to Australia to become a bridgeclimb tour guide, as I heard her repeat “How cool would it be for this to be your job?” quite a few times. 1,377 steps and numerous brow wipes later, our shaky legs carried us back to the starting point. We reviewed and purchased various group photos, and then jetted to Mr. Martin’s hotel to somehow all shower and get ready for our dinner in about 35 minutes.

As if touring the Sydney Opera House earlier in the day and then viewing the Sydney skyline weren’t enough, we then ate a farewell dinner together, and it only added to the day’s exquisite memories. Positioned on the water in Circle Quay staring out at the bridge lit for the evening eyes, we ate at quite possibly one of the finest restaurants I have been to in my 21 years. The service, food, and wine were all exquisite and the smiles and pictures flashes seemed to be endless. Our tour guides, Big Mike and Peter handed out awards to each person present, and we all laughed at the stories accompanying them.

But better than any food we eat or wine we drink, is the company we, Tribe Lacrosse, keep. And this is where the bittersweet tinges I previously mentioned started making their ways back into my mind. As I get older, I appreciate great friends and great people more and more, as it seems most people meet less and less of them. However, in my time with the Tribe, I have found that the opposite has happened. It is easy to lose track of the days as they seem to fly by, and it is easy to forget that not all teams have the understanding coaches and dedicated parents and support staff that we do. I know there are many people reading right now that have made this trip a possibility for not only me, but also for this program. I would like to take this moment to thank all of you for your contributions, whatever they may be. I have no doubt in my mind that they will directly reflect the success our program has not only this year, but in future years, as we are strengthening as a unit every day. And as a senior trying to absorb as much time with this team and these people as possible, I can only hope you know how grateful I am. I could not have asked for a better way to create incredible memories upon entering my last chapter with Tribe lacrosse.


Entry #10 - 1/6/08 Sydney

Sophomore Katie Rees:

So, today was the day I was most looking forward to – the day we went to Taronga Zoo; I bothered Mark enough to let me write about this day. Going through a gate to the first exhibit, the first thing we (Kristin, Delaney, Annie, Mrs. Lynn, Kari, Sara, and Mrs. Sheri) see is a Wallaby crossing the pathway. Looking around there are tons more wallabies and kangaroos, including a kangaroo with a joey in her pouch! (also a random emu).

We soon find the zoo is on a hill with an amazing view of Darling Harbor where the Opera House is (many photo ops of course). The next amazing thing we saw was when we were getting our pictures with a koala bear. We are less than inches away, and I swear, the koala in the tree sees a camera pointed at it and starts to pose – stretching his arm this way and that, shifting his face to be seen by the camera in a certain light. We’re a little upset we couldn’t hold them, but with so many people always at Taronga Zoo who want to hold the koalas, the koalas would get frightened and bothered.

And the last amazing thing at the zoo was the bird show. Out of nowhere a white bird flys down to the fence and unrolls a sign for the audience and flys away. A precursor of what was to come. A story then follows about a black bird (a black bird swoops down) and then colorful birds (parrots swoop down), etc…The air full with flying birds barely grazing the heads of the people in the audience. I’d have to say the highlight was Caitlin holding a coin in her hand as a bird tries to take it (I say tries because on the first attempt the bird may have frightened Caitlin a little bit (second attempt was good).

After the zoo, we went to Manly Beach (unfortunately closed to swimmers due to the very unsafe conditions from a storm – which didn’t stop me, some others, and especially Annie from diving into some waves). There, we relaxed and enjoyed some fish n’ chips; in Australia the fish is shark and in most places chips are French fries.

From the beach we took a ferry which went past the Opera House providing some excellent pics. And we go right from the ferry to Grace’s dad’s friend, Steven’s, house. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. house!!!! There’s an awesome view of the city/water, pool in the back, a separate room kind of out of the house for a theatre, hospitable family, amazing food (steak, burgers, salad, everything). And the fun doesn’t stop at random pool games – Clare’s favorite being categories, or I’m sure Delaney’s and Emma’s favorite being handstand routines as they had the top scores (Delaney a.k.a. Susie representing all of Latin America and Emma representing Hungary, as she is hungry all the time, haha).

We then proceed to start a talent show after eating dinner. Here, after James (Steven’s son) plays his bagpipes, Caitlin and Annie Irish jig, Clare, Dolly, and Kate do the worm, the freshmen do Soulja boy – led by Molly, Tex does some bird calls, Annie and I try to reattempt our salsa experience 2 nights before, Sellers and Kate do walking handstands, Kari sings like Louie Armstrong, and Geary sings bee-oo-ti-fully  (there are plenty others). We also learn parts of some Norwegian war dance where there’s smacking your thighs and chest and grunting…funnn stuff. We end the night with singing any song that comes to the top of your head on the way home (I’m all for Hairspray songs) and finally turning in our challenge packets – yeah team Koala!

Entry #9 - 1/4/08 Melbourne

Freshman Molly Wannen and Senior Laura Lindsay:

Today we hopped on the busses and headed over to Queen Victoria Market. It’s pretty much just a huge covered outdoor venue with all these mini booths inside selling souvenirs. Tons of boomerangs, didgeridoos, “Australia” shirts, opal jewelry, neon everything (if you haven’t already heard, Melbourne is obsessed with the 80’s). They also had some really good produce (nectarines and mangoes were AWESOME!). Everyone bargained their way into better prices, it was fun trying to get them to go lower and lower.

Anyway, I’m sure you’re all wondering what we’ve done the past four nights. Games have been a lot of fun. Technically, we won all four, but every single one of them was really competitive and the Aussies really challenged us. We played at a field hockey/sport complex about 15-20 minutes away from our hotel on AstroTurf, which was convenient because we only brought our team cleats, not our turfs. No Worries! They did water the field a lot though, before we got there, during warm-ups, during every time-out, even while the game was going on! The sprinklers surprised us a couple times when they’d pop out of the ground unannounced and soak us. Can’t complain though, the cold water was extremely refreshing in the hot, hot heat. The Australian team had players ranging from young teens to older women in their 40’s, so it was really cool to see the range in age and experience out on the field. There were a couple players Geary recognized from the Aussie U-19 team and there were players from their World Cup team that won the championship (their goalie had skilllllllzzzz).

Everyone went crazy though after the third day. Their goalie who was such a sweet lady brought us all this old gear she didn’t need and handed out Australia shorts, shirts, sweats, everything. Literally just handed us free gear… soooooooooo sweet. So for the fourth game, everyone dug around their suitcases for W&M gear to trade with the players. Everyone got some cool Aussie Lax Gear. Then everyone got together for a farewell pizza party afterwards, yumm-o.

From Laura: MVPs were announced after every game. Our MVPs were Grace, Mary, Ashley H., and Molly, respectively. The winners got little stuffed koalas or kangaroos. So cute. Alli played with the girls in the last two games and was awesome … (shocking, I know). The games were really fun to watch with lots of different line ups playing together!

P.S. the breakfast packs that showed up in the fridge the second morning were not part of our breakfast deal from Pete and Big Mike. Watch out, they’re freaking $8.50 each…even if you only take the Orange Juice. Bugger.

P.P.S our room (Laura, Beckstead, Annie, and I) never got our air conditioning fixed, even though we constantly reminded them that it STILL hadn’t been fixed…..112˚ weather and no air conditioning…man oh man.

From Laura: P.P.P.S. Molly just learned that P.P.S. comes after P.S.

Entry #8 - 1/4/08 Melbourne

Kate Lawlor, Julia Martin and Kim Hedley:

I wanted to reassure you all in the fact that your children are in great hands and being lead by Big Mike and Pete.

Big Mike: currently has painted toe and finger nails (apparently his kids painted them as he pretended to be asleep over the holidays… we question the story), an instructor of anatomy and human physiology, does voice overs for commercials, teaches kick boxing and aerobics, enjoys surfing and has his own “crew” consisting of his three kids, Tess, Ella and Ned (they actually showed up in shirts that said “Big Mike’s Crew” on the front).

Pete: an ex AFL (Australian football league/Aussie Rules) player for Melbourne, croc saving hero, 4 am surfing regular, who has, since moving to Queensland, forgotten how to read “Look both ways for trams” signs… also a father of three kids. To be honest, he’s an iron man—we all think he’s pretty much invincible.

Each and every day our love for Big Mike and Pete is growing stronger. These two are making our trip to Australia a trip of a lifetime. From the moment we met them in the airport, they have answered millions of questions including things like Aussie sports, food, travel and fun. We are all learning so many new phrases and fun facts just by listening and questioning these two. They have not only answered each and every question but go above and beyond to make our time here a blast. By altering their bus schedule to fit our shopping and beach time to taking us to secluded parks on the river for an early morning walk and coffee, they think of all the little things to keep us busy. As athletes they know how to keep us intrigued but taking us to great food places and bringing us little snacks that we now love. Just yesterday they brought us more than a few packages of Tim Tams (our new favorite chocolate snack) and today brought us cases of Solo drinks and gummies from the lollie shop! They constantly think of us and we are so grateful to be with them. We are also so excited to try Big Mike’s favorite food, the Dim Sim, tomorrow when we go to Queen Victoria Market.

Our time over the past week with Big Mike and Pete has been unforgettable. These two kind hearted, Solo drinking, bus driving, joke telling, crazy guys are so much fun. I think we’ll all be sad to leave them after our days in Sydney.

Entry #7 - 1/3/08 Melbourne

Freshman Ashley Holofcener:

Today is January 3rd, the sixth day of the trip already. All I can say is that I’m loving this trip. So here is a little debriefing of what we have done so far.

Day 1: Surfing “This is the best day of my life” that quote basically sums it all up right there. Surfing while overlooking the incredible mountains with Pete and Dazza was pretty much amazing. Daisy, the 13 year old Aussi we met, was one of the highlights of the day when she 1. Ran into Dolly while catching a wave and 2. Told me that her sisters name was “Lotti”…these Australians seriously have the cutest names for their kids ever (oh and also their pets)…just to name a few Tess, Ned, Ella, Gemma, Mister Jim (who was in 4th grade)…yes his names was Mister Jim. Later that day, we watched fireworks amidst all the Aussis as well as other travelers on a bridge in Melbourne…pretty amazing.

Day 2: Beach Day and run to the pier. Beach was great. Pier run was not. Game later that day against Team Victoria (which is the state we are in).

Day 3: Beach Day and Ironman challenge. Not sure who actually won this challenge of imaginary points but watching Caitlin DeMello and Jaime Sellers run out of the water together holding hands, looking half dead and as if they had just been in the ocean about to die for at least a few days was priceless.

Cool things that I have learned about Australia…(we ask a lot of questions…ok maybe I do). 1. They do have radar detectors on the roads for speeding…who knew? 2. Christmas is a summer holiday for them. 3. They call French fries “chips”. 4. Not all of them surf. 5. No Ketchup…Tomato Sauce 6. Hungry Jacks = Burger King here (but not as good). 6. Subway tuna is just as good here if not better than in America. 7. If you spit on a field here while playing a game you can get kicked out of the game…they are a lot more cool things that I have learned but I’ll have to share them later. THIS TRIP IS GREATTTT!!!! Hope you all are enjoying winter at home. =)

Entry #6 - 1/3/08 Melbourne

Freshman Emma Starnes:

All I have to say is that the fries (“chips”) here are the best fries that I have ever had in my entire life, and I have eaten a lot of fries in my life.

Entry #5 - 1/3/08 Melbourne

Freshman Maggie Anderson:

Basically, the first day we were here was one of the best days of my life. We had to wake up at 7 a.m. (which was pretty hard but completely worth it), and we drove about 2 hours until we stopped at a row of surf shops. We went to Roxy, Billabong, Rip Curl, etc.—they were originally started in Australia, so they were the real deal, but really expensive too of course.

Then, we drove about another hour or so along this absolutely GORGEOUS road that ran right along the coast, called the Great Ocean Road. One of the most amusing parts of the day was when we stopped on a golf course to hunt for kangaroos. Literally, we ran across the course in between golfers to chase 2 kangaroos up a hill. Needless to say, it was very amusing, and Julia got great pictures of them.

Then it was off to the beach where we had a 2 hour surfing lesson. It was absolutely awesome and I never wanted to leave. It was also pretty funny watching certain people wipe out (I’m not going to name any names, but Ashley Bolton and Jaime Sellers were really amusing). At one point I ran over Jaime with my board. After the long bus ride back to Melbourne, we all got dressed and went out into the city for New Years Eve to watch the amazing fireworks display. All in all, Monday was a great day that I’m sure I’ll never forget.


Blog Entry #4 - 1/2/08 Melbourne

Freshman Grace Golden:

After completing the Australian Iron Man challenge, we can officially say that we are Aussies. The challenge was awesome, we were broken up into our Down Under Challenge teams and were able to compete against each other.

We first started off with the traditional “thong” throwing (also known as flip-flop throwing). After watching Pete throw it once it looked easy, but it was anything but. Though none of us never fully mastered the technique, assistant coach Meg Huether came up with a HUGE toss to help lead the Dingoes to a first place finish. Other honorable mentions in the throwing were Dolly, with a close second, and Laura Lindsay with an “impressive” throw herself.

Next, we competed in an Australian Footie game, in which we had to hit a rugby-shaped ball into a crate. Technique was key, and exhibited by few. Once again the Dingoes came up with a win.

Next was followed by a musical chairs sort of event, in which flags were lined up on the beach and we had to lay on our stomach and get up as fast as we can to get the flags. There was a little pushing and even some shirt grabbing (sorry Meg), but once again the Dingoes came up with a win as Tyler barely beat out Clare.

Next was the Aussie tradition of Solo (Lemonade) drinking and TimTam eating, which had one objective and one only, finishing both as quickly as possible. The Solo could be finished in many ways, but the way chosen by most was pouring it over your head. The Tim Tam, a chocolate cookie, could only be finished by eating it, and Annie learned that the hard way after dropping it in the sand and continuing to eat it after. For the love of the game I guess. The kookaburras came up with a strong finish.

Last, the challenge was finished up by a race involving swimming and running on the beach with holding hands with another teammate, and may I say that it was pretty difficult but very enjoyable. I must say that I will never forget the site of Caitlin coming out of the ocean, hair over her face as Sellers pulls her along. Overall the Iron Man challenge was quite the experience.


Blog Entry #3 - 1/2/08 Melbourne

Junior Kari Fasick:

Yesterday was not only the start of the New Year, but the start of our “Down Under Challenge”. Our Aussie guides, Big Mike and Pete, split us up into 6 groups --all named after Australian animals: the dingoes, crocs, kangaroos, tasmanian devils, koalas, and kookaburras. Each group was given a packet of tasks that need to be completed throughout the duration of the rest of our trip in Melbourne and Sydney. Tasks include talking to Aussie natives and translating slang, taking pictures with landmarks in the cities, and learning how to act like an Aussie. The group that best completes the packet and other tasks along the way will be rewarded with “the golden thong” (yes, I know what you’re thinking…but a thong here is just a sandal.)

The object of the game is to get out of our comfort zone by meeting the locals, to get familiar with the area and see the different landmarks, and mostly to have fun doing it. I just don’t think our guides realized how competitive our groups actually are.

Our guides kicked off the challenge by dropping us off at a random place in the city of Melbourne and having us race to a pier on the beach. Our groups had to figure out how to ride the city tram, talk to locals for directions and to get answers in our packets, and we had a foot race to the pier (which ended up being a long race because we all got off at the wrong stop…of course). I actually felt like I was on the TV show, “The Amazing Race”.

In the end, our group (go koalas!) was one of the two to make it to the pier first, and I have the battle scars/blisters on the bottom of my feet to prove it. I’m looking forward to doing the different tasks in the challenge and getting to know Australia more. I’ll keep you posted on who wins “the golden thong”...but my bet is on the koalas!

Blog Entry #2 - 1/1/08 Melbourne

I have to briefly share what was probably one of the funniest moments of the trip so far, which happened right after lunch this afternoon at St. Kilda Beach.

After leaving the restaurant for lunch, which was at the end of a pier, myself, the Halfpenny's, Allison and the two tour guides were walking back to the beach, when Jack kicked off one of his Croc's right into the ocean about six feet below the pier. This was also about 200 yards out into the ocean as well. Like most would, we initially said, 'oh no Jack', and were thinking, 'we'll no shoes for him the rest of the day.'

But, within about 10 seconds, one of our tour guides, Pete, had stripped down to his bathing suit on the pier, ran down the other side, hopped in and swam out about 20 yards to catch it, much to the delight of Jack, who was laughing, like everyone else, the whole time. I'll be sure to have the girls write more about the tour guides, who have made this trip so amazing so far. Keep checking in. Should have game photos up soon.

Sophomores Katie Delaney, Annie Macomber and Kristen Anderson:

G’day mates! Greetings from Australia. Happy New Years 2008! Unlike every New Year’s Eve we had ever spent before, yesterday we basked in the 112 degree weather while riding crystal clear waves in Apollo Bay.

At 7 a.m., we began our scenic drive over the Great Ocean Road. The view was absolutely unreal. We drove for miles looking out over the ocean and the incredible cliffs. On the way, we saw kangaroos and koalas in the wild which was amazing. When we got to Apollo Bay, we met our surf instructors and put our wetsuits on. We got instructions on the beach first and then “had a go” at surfing. After numerous tries, we all finally got up on the board. We all loved it so much that many of us are considering renting boards at the beach when we have free time in Sydney next week.

On the way home we stopped in the beach town where brands such as Billabong and Rip Curl started out as stores in small shacks and did some shopping. We spent New Year’s Eve in downtown Melbourne with half a million other people. They had live entertainment in the main square and at midnight they had a magnificent fireworks show which lit up the sky from all directions. It is hard to believe this was only our first full day in Australia and is certainly one we will never forget. See you in the soup (See you around!)!


Australia Blog Entry # 1 - 12/30/07 Melbourne

Junior Dolly Williams, Senior Jaime Sellers and Manager Kim Hedley

So far, we are loving Australia. Our first day in Melbourne has been everything we would have ever imagined and more, but getting here was absolutely a journey totally worth blogging about.

The team met at Dulles Airport for our 5:10 pm. departure on Friday all on time and looking great in our matching sweat suits. The flights ended up being a little crazy, with half of the team going to San Francisco first, and the other to L.A., before all meeting in Syndey, to fly to Melbourne together. Dolly was on the flight to San Francisco and was really apprehensive and nervous of the trip because of how awful our experience was from our flight home from Spring Break last year. But these five hours flew by; sitting next to the Ashley’s (Holofcener and Bolton), and making friends with the cutest 3-year old named Tiki really helped. We were also surrounded by swimmers who were on their way to Olympic Trial qualifying and were heading to the Junior National swim meet in Melbourne also. Tiki was pretty legit. He loved Spiderman and “sprayed” us with webs the whole five hours, so clearly we were entertained.

They served us a total of ONE mini bag of pretzels (eight, we counted) and about four rounds of the drink cart. I enjoyed reading what I could of my new favorite book Eat Pray Love between card games, talking about Hannah Montana, singing Christmas carols with Tiki, and trying to understand why all of a sudden the Ashley’s are sobbing watching No Reservations. We promised ourselves not to fall asleep but of course Delaney slept the entire time.

All in all, the flight to San Francisco was no big deal. It was so much fun to see the team again and finally begin our journey across the world.

In Australia:

We just got back in from our first official meal here in Melbourne. Dinner was fabulous, again just great to be with the team after not seeing them for a few weeks doing our favorite thing in the world: eating at really long tables with our whole team around it.

Let me post a few updates on the day:
Neither Grace, Emma, Julia or I should ever play cricket again. We had no idea what we were going with the families on the beach but sure had fun trying! Ashely Holofcener has a lot of questions about life here in Australia.