Day 9 June 17th 2011

Top 15



1. Rangitoto College- I had probably one of the best experiences of my life. I never expected the kids from New Zealand to be so similar to those from America. I met a lot of new friends and I doubt I will ever forget them. It is #1 because not many people get a chance to do something like this. It is something that should happen more often because it is life changing.

1. Great Barrier Reef- One of the most known places in Australia and it is obvious why. The fish and coral is impossible to copy and many people never get a chance to see it. This place made me rethink my life goals, and not man times have I been forced to do such a thing.
2. New Zealand Food- This includes BurgerFuel, L&P, and Hanghi dinners. We are on the other side of the world and had a burger place the first night. New Zealand has its own twist on how they make their burgers; they put an egg in it. It might sound disgusting, but it was one of the best burgers of my life. L&P is a carbonated beverage that is hard to live without. I feel as if I am going through withdrawal still. The hanghi dinner is unique because of the way it is prepared.
3. The Rocks, Sydney- There were so many stalls that it had an essence of Australia in every way. There were food and souvenirs in the same place. Some of the most unique items are sold here and they cannot be seen anywhere else.
4. Whaka Village- A great view into the Maori culture and lifestyle. I had no idea they had isolated villages and I can understand their culture better. Also, the views there are breathtaking.
5. Aquarium and Wildlife Preserve- many people travel to Australia because of the animals that live there: crocs, sharks, kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. There is a walkway under the shark exhibit where you can walk and practically touch the sharks. Also you can take a picture with a koala for a low price!
6. Sunset in Rotorua- one of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life. The steam rising in the dark sky is very contrasting and one of a kind.
7. Cairns- the beach, the restaurants, and the night markets. The beach scene is really relaxing and I want to come backpacking here in college. I loved all the free time with the restaurants and I got a good outlook of Cairns.
8. Patty’s Market- a great place to go if you want souvenirs, purses, or even clothes! I was able to get everything I needed for a great price and little hassle. Even if I didn’t want to haggle, I could just head up the stairs and shop at outlets.
9. Sticky Candy- The best candy I have ever experienced in my life. My mind was literally blown when I tried this candy. The workers were interactive and friendly while they showed us how they made DIVINE lollies.
10. Duck Tour- a great way to see the sights of Rotorua while having some fun. The duck bill toys showed us how lively their city can be. The water tripe was a beautiful way to see the sights and houses in New Zealand. I was able to learn a large amount of Maori/New Zealand history.
11. Alec- The best part of a trip is a tour guide. The guide can make or break the whole time. You need a great tour guide to understand the history of the area without boring you. Alec did this perfectly, and that’s a feat for a group of teenagers from America.
12. Louging- the top of the mountain gave a great view of Rotorua, especially because it was our first time on top of a mountain this trip. Aslo, the louging was a great experience, even though I was afraid at first. I would definitely do it again.
13. Sydney Harbor- the prettiest view of the most important sights in Sydney. The sights were even better during the light show. It was amazing that we were able be in Sydney at the same time and have time in our schedule to see it.
14. Sydney Mall Area- the best place to go for any avid shopper. Heck, even people that don’t like shopping would like this place. Stores of every variety and prices of every range are available. I wish we had more time there because I saw a lot of cute stores that I probably never will be able to go back to. I did get to go by for 1 minutes and even in that time I was able to get a full outfit!

Day 8 June 16th 2011

The Great Barrier Reef

Today at the Reef was amazing! Because we were able to get such a good sleep, I was able to get a better experience from the day. On the bus ride to the pier, it was easy to tell that everybody was excited and in a good mood. The high speed boat was really cool. It was slightly colder than what I expected and the boat didn’t exactly help with the chill. As we were on the boat I was too excited and could hardly contain my happiness. The hour and a half was almost too much anticipation. I was one of the first people off the boat and onto the plateau. Of course, it took me a while to find the right snorkeling equipment, but once I did I was in the water. The water was absolutely BEATIFUL! The vast colors available in the reef just blew my mind. When I first went in, I almost couldn’t believe what I was seeing. At first I was freezing, but I quickly got over the cold and began swimming to see all of the sights. I kind of wish I had gotten an underwater camera for the trip, despite the fact that it cost 25 aussie dollars! That says a lot because I am a very bad spender and hate wasting money. The sights were just so beautiful that I would spend a lot of money to cherish. I spent about an hour and a half swimming around in the water. Once I went through the extremely shallow part of the reef and got cut on the coral. I had no idea I really touched one, but I came out with a scratch on my leg! On my first submersion into the water, I had on a life jacket and couldn’t really dive to be closer to the fish. I kept it on because it gave my body buoyancy and I didn’t have to work as hard swimming. I wanted to go out far and so I went a pretty far distance. I saw a lot of fish that I have never had a chance to see before. I saw Dori very often, like schools of them all over the place. Then at 12:30-ish I went and got some of the best food we had the whole trip. The tortellini and garlic bread was DELECTABLE! After the food, I had the opportunity to take a semisubmersible submarine and saw some beautiful sights. The sub trip was about 15 minutes, so it didn’t really detract much from my reef time. I almost immediately went back into the water, this time I did not use a life jacket and was able to swim right next to the fish. There was one HUGE fish that stuck closer to the bottom of the reef but got near me multiple times. Then I headed over towards the boat because people were waving us over. The lifeguard was handing out food to people and they were feeding the fish. There was a large amount of fish there and they were so hunger that they didn’t care that people were swimming with them! A couple times that swam right at me and touched me! I can truly say I swam with the fishes! Then I had to pee so I got out of the water. There was a live tank of fishes that one of the workers got today. I got to hold a sea cucumber and a starfish! After that I went on a boat tour with a glass bottom. I was able to see other types of coral and cool fish. We even got to see a turtle, it was huge! This trip made me rethink my career choices. When I was younger I wanted to be a marine biologist, and the reef made me want to re look into that profession. Overall the trip to the reef was awesome and beautiful. I doubt I will ever forget what happened there!

After the reef, we went back to the hotel. We had a similar dinner time. We got free time until 9 to see Cairns. We got pizza and saw what was at Cairns. There was a night market! This market had cheap souvenirs and uggs! It was so exciting because I thought my souvenir shopping was over! We finished and had an hour left so we went to the hot tub! It was a great day.

Day 7 June 15th 2011

Today was a travel and relax day. We flew from Sydney to Cairns and went to the hotel. The hotel has three pools! As a group, we walked to the man made beach. They gave us until 5pm on the beach. That was like 3 hours to chill and see the sights of Cairns with some friends! Then we met back at the hotel and they told us that we had the night free for dinner. So we just went to an awesome restaurant called Outback Jack's and ate. We walked back to the hotel and went into the hot tub to relax. It was an overall great, relaxing day. I loved it!

Day 6 June 14th 2011

What is a Good Traveler?

I think I'm a fairly good traveler. Why? I just like to travel so much, I work for it. Whenever I go someplace, I like to walk around aimlessly for an hour or two with no set destination. Other times I just ask locals what they like to do in their free time. In my opinion, a good traveler doesn't only travel to see the sights, but to learn; about the country, its people, or even him/herself. Evertime I travel I  learn something new about myself. Its one of the reasons I travel; to see the world in a new perspective and to see myself in a new perspective. I have always wanted to travel by myself. Right now I am alittle too young for that, but sometime in the future I want to do a backpacking-type trip. I know I am not the best traveler, but with time I think i will be. I need to be more outgoing and open to strange things before i am ready to be a solo traveler. I think i am a great traveler with a group because i know there is always somebody around in which i can go to for help. My goal is to be a traveler that can survive withot relying on others, just myself. Also a good traveler should love to fly. I do love to fly. For most of my childhood, Ohare airport was my favoite place in Chicago. A good traveler should be able to stay in even the most modest of hotels. Because in reality, a good traveler isn't in his/her room for long. You must be ready for even the most unexpected things to happen. Im not quite at that level, but i hope to be soon.

Today was the excursion day! We found out at around 7 that whale watching was canceled because of bad weather. So instead, we went to Patty's market! the bottom of the market was filled with people sellings things. They had souvenirs to actual clothing! The best part is that you were able to haggle for what you wanted! I was able to buy all the souvenirs i needed, and then we went upstairs. the top was filled with really cute stores and i bought even more! Then we had freetime at the rocks and i had a lovely lunch of italian pizza. It was great! After that, we still had free time so we just wandered. We got to see Sticky's! Best candy of my life, and they made it right in front of us. We went to the aquarium and headed over to the harbor. The light show was beautiful and we saw some techno didgeridoo-ers! then we went to the hotel, and some of us went out to get food. I got some Pad Thai! (:

Day 5 June 12th 2011

Top 3 new things you've done and their impact on you

My main goal/purpose for this trip was to try something new to eat every meal. So far, i have completely done my goal. I didnt think i would actually be outgoing enough to do the goal. I hate trying new things, but i did it! Some days i was almost too lazy to try soemthing new and just felt like getting a burger, but i decided maybe i should get a cool side or drink. Somedays it was as simple as L&P and cool sauce. Even today i tried some Fish and Chips. I know that doesnt sound interesting, but ive been wanting to try it my whole life now.All the time i see my dad order it but i have NEVER tried it. I actually liked it and will actually order it again if i get the chance. I also feel as if the quote "when traveling, you generally talk to people you wouldnt talk to at home". I think this quote is true in more than one way. I am more talkative and have talked to many different people on this trip. I have made alot of new freidns and i am happy about it. Another thing i am proud of is that i have been open to alot more things people suggest. I will legitimately try it or do my best to try it. I tried crocodile jerky and did not even judge it because it was crocodile. I even liked it! And im fine with all the walking through cold nights or mornings where im tired. I just trucked on and made the best of each situation. The day we ahd the iotion of taking the train or walking through the rain for miles, i went out of my normal bounds and went through the rain! I had a blast then and i havent regretted any of my choices thusfar. I love traveling because i learn new things about myself. I see myself being extremely comfortable with those around me and i try new things. I do things i would not normally do because i keep thinking to myself "this might be my last chance to ever do this". So i just go for it. So far, i have absolutley no regrets unless i think i should have tried something that i didnt. Traveling brings out the better/ more interesting side of me. Its a side that i just love to have. 

Today we went on a bus and saw alot of Syndey.  Then we went to the Opal factory and heard a presentation on the creation of opals. Then we got to shop in their store. Then we just had a tour of sydney lead by Alec. We went on a cruise of the harbour on a cruise boat. Lastly we went to the wildlife world and saw alot of Syndey animals! 

Day 4 June 11th 2011

Compare Sydney to Other Cities

Syndey has its own kind of style. There is a peacefulness of the countryside and the hustle and bustle of a busy city. I love the harbour area, with the view of all the major Sydney attractions. Also the mall was very unique. It was right in the middle of the city and had multiple parts. It had cool stores and I wish we had more time to spend there. The Rocks were amazing! All of the stalls has unique products  and good prices. I was able to finish all of my gift shopping easily, and buy a little somethingfor myself. The variety of options available shocked me for a little while. Sydney is kind of a quaint city; nice poeple, all of the attractions close by, and its easy  to get everywhere. Other cities are really busy, but our group was able to navigate fairly easily. Today in Syndey was a blast.  There were alot of opportunities to bond. On the plane, I was able to play games with people in different seats. We spent the whole day walking around Syndeywith the group and i was able to talk to alot of people. When some of us decided to walk instead of taking the train back to the hotel, some bonds were formed. I made some really good friends on the way back to the hotel. I think the walk was a really good experience to have. A group oof teens, manning up to be in the pouring rain, walking miles to the hotel can connect really easily. At the start we just had some of theboys go where they thought the hotel was but ended up going the wrong way. then we had to llok at a map to find out we had like a mile to go in a different direction. At that point we all just stopped trying and let loose. I feel as if the group let down their walls and bonded because of the memories. When we got back o the hotel, some of the teachers asked if anyone wanted to go out and find some place to eat. All of the people who walked decided to go back out, while the people who took the train decided to stay in and order pizza. I had a great time walkingin the cold rain for 2 miles, no joke. I have a large amount of good memories and would not go bback =and take the train. overall, it was a FUN NIGHT!

Today, we woke up early to take a plane to Australia! When we got there, we dropped our stuff off at the hotel and began exploring Syndey. We ate at the food court in an AWESOME mall and saw all of Sydney up in the tower. We hung out in Syndey most of the day. Then some of us walked back to the hotel in the rain and went out to eat. 

Day 3 June 10th 2011

Morning hike and Rangitoto College

I feel like today will be one of my favorite days on the whole trip. It didnt start out too well with the rain and earlyness, but the forest was beautiful. The tall trees and landscapes, despite the rain, made for some great pictures. That part of my day was just okay, but when we got to Rangitoto i had a ball. Literally, I can tell it iwll be my favorite activity of the trip. IT was so cool to meet people on the otherside of the world that are just like us. They have the same small groups, dances, and personalities.. I was shocked at how similar they are to us, despite all of the differences. As we walked in, the Maori people greeted us in such a cool way! The haka they did was just so legitimate compared to the one last night. It was really nice to learn a full dance, something that i could bring home with me and show others. I became acquantances with some of them and they were extremely nice to us all. Even cooler, the fact that they have such similar music. When Party Rock came on, which is kind of our trip anthem, one of the maori boys started fist pumping! I looked at the guy and made eyecontact, then fist pumped back at him.. it was great! The food there was delicous, especially the desert. It was interesting to see and hear the school dynamics. The fact that they only have one big dance, the ball (prom) is so different than our big three dances. Also they have a strict dress code, even though they are a public school! Even weirder, they have to pay for their school bus ride! No, not public transportation,but their school ride; $3.50 a day! I really like the set up of the school, they have buildings for each of the subjects.

I pretty much summarized all we did today in the reflection but it was a good day. We woke up early and went on a short walk through the Redwood forest. Then we went to the  Agrodome and saw a hilarious show! I pet some baby goats and a dog! then we got to our hotel, took a shower and got ready for the Rangitoto kids. We spent the night there hanging out with them and eating a barbeque. 

Day 2 June 9th 2011

New Zealand Culture vs U.S. Culture
Today we went to the Whaka village and learned alot about the Maori people. Whaka village was BEAUTIFUL. In a way, its like the Maori people are still a tribe. From what I have seen, the Maori tend to stick together. The fact that they live in a closed (ish) civilization makes it seems as if they are a closed off group. Also, the fact that they have the ability to give tours and traditional shows gives the sense that people really still appreciate their college. The native Americans don't really get much attention from Americans. We dont see them that often on the streets, but there are still little native american tribes around. I think a reason Americans arent as impressed by our natives is because many of our civilians are part native american. The maori have a more strict marraige policy and i think think they are allowed to have a kid with a non-maori person. The maori culture is beautiful in my opinion. I love that the people preserve it so well. Also every tourist attraction in New Zealand highlights the maori people in some way.  There are little key chains and hanghi dinners everywhere. The native americans dont have many special shows for tourists unless the tourist specifically looked for a tribe.

Which is funny because a lot of americans are part native american. The dinner was interesting. In my opinion, it seemed too commercialized. Yet i still loved the maori stories and songs they shared with us. New Zelanders really appreciate the maori people and want to show them off. The only native american we really put in a good light is Pocahontas. The fact that there are many maori stories that non-maori people know by heart shows how spread the culture is and how cherish it.
Today we woke up at a fairly early time. Before we ahd to leave, many of the kids in the group went outside and saw a beautiful sunrise.

I got some of the coolest pictures of it. Then we went on a duck tour. On it, we saw many sights from Rotorua and learned alot of maori stories. The duck tour was awesome and thedriver was really cool. We went to the Whaka Village. Later in the day we went to a Hangi dinner at the hotel. It was right next to the lobby so we didnt have to get dressed up much. We were there with another EF tour. The dinner was interesting. Their were alot of food options that i have never heard of but decided to try. Many of them were good, but some made me want to barf. The entertainment was probably the most interesting part of the night. The people showed us and told us about the Maori culture.

Day 1 June 8th 2011

First impressions, cultre shocks, and what i look forward to on this trip.

The first thing i thought when i looked outside was "Drat! It's raining". It took me a few moments to get over my pessimistic thoughts and notice New Zealand. It was hard not to be shocked by all of the green pastures and lush trees. On the bus ride i was CONSTANTLY taking pictures of the countryside.
As we walked to the bus, i think i was the first to tkae notice of the cars and their wheels. I was completely confused, but what do you expect? I was on a long flight! It took me a few seconds to remember that New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road. One day when im older, i hope to come back and try my hand at driving their way. And oh the accents! Some of the New Zealanders have a British-type accent while others have a more american accent.

In Hobbiton, Zoe Kaityn and I were walking down the street and some New Zealand teens asked us where we were from. When we told them "America" they were completely shocked. A few seconds later, some more of us wandered by and we could hear their gasps of"wow!" because they dont often see American teens walking around there. The New Zealand ppeople are so nice! I lost count of how many people smiled at me or said good morning. We walked inside one restaurant and the owner said "the bathroom is right through the back if thats what you were looking for", and not even in a condescending tone! In america, you have to pay for something to even think about using the toilet. Aslo, the men here dress somuch nicer than those in America. Here they seem to actually care about what they wear and try to match. In America, teens males just grab a random T-Shirt and some jeans. Alot of the guys even match their shirts with their shoes and scarves! Tomorrow, we are going zorbing! A zorbe is that giant hamster ball thing that people run around in. I am really excited to meet the kids from Rangitito. Having talked to them so much on Facebook, I can't wait to see what they are like in preson!

Today was really a day of adjusting to the time zone difference and getting used to New Zealand. We got off the plane and took a 3 hour ride to Rotorua. Beofre we arrived, we stopped in Hobbiton for lunch. Hobbiton is a tourist trap because many people want to see the area where Lord of the Rings was filmed. We only stopped there to get some lunch, and there were many options for food. We then continued to Rotorua and got our first experience with the fmaous Rotorua smell. Rotten eggs AKA sulfur deposits. We went Louging

 and went to the Jade Factory. Also we wnt to this awesome burger joint for dinner. Porbably the best burger i have ever had in my life!

food & cuisine

a. cultural influences
In my opinion, America has too many cultures present to be specific. It is, after all, called the "Melting Pot". Some major influences though are african cultures, mexican cultures, chinese cultures, european cultures, and what we created ourselves. If you walk into a town for a restaurant, you will most definately see a restaurant in one of these categories.
However in New Zealand, there is a more narrow list of cultural influences. A large part of their food came from Europe, Asia and Polynesia; they just added their own little flare to the cusines to make it their own. New Zealand is a country that is filled with unique and abundant food. They are able to eat fantastic food from their land and sea! Becuase of this,they areable to add their own technique to recipes.
For both countries, food is a large part of dialy life. One tradition that is prevalenti\ in both America and New Zealand, is our barbeques. Though the concept is similar, the act of a barbeque is largely different for both countries. In America, a barbeque is a lrge gathering of freinds and family that eat burgers, hot dogs, and other "american" food. In New Zealand, the whole idea is different; yes they gather as a group to eat, but what and how they cook may seem strange over here. Instead of a barbeque machine, a kiwi man will dig a hole for cooking. In that hole, hot stones a vegetables reside. On top of the veggies, the meet and other veggies are cooked. Even further,the whole contraption is covered and sealed with water! They yhave to let the fool steam for multiple hours before they can eat.
( i accidently did part b too, but  i thought the prep. was different because of a cultural influence: since they were a underdeveloped country for so long, the  Naori people probably haven't felt the needd to adapt to our ways of cooking. It is probably what they have always done, a native cooking technique)

2. I am definately most nervous about all of the animals they eat over there. The idea of eating a lamd or a kangaroo kind of disgusts me, but i hope i will push myself to try even a bite. I AM excited about the barbeque though, the way they create the food sounds really interesting and delicious.