Day Ten

Today was officially our last day in Australia. With a plane so early in the morning, few people went to sleep that night to make sure they would sleep for an extended time on the plane. No one really wanted to admit the fact that today was the last true day in Australia. No one wanted to go back to the U.S. permanently anymore. The country of Australia and New Zealand took our hearts and we didn't want to go back. The plane ride back was definitely the longest and most boring flight we took during this trip. Once arrived at O'hare, we finally realized that we would no longer hear accents or be in Australia any longer. A few seconds later, we already missed everything that made Australia different than our homeland. Although finally being at home did feel good and realizing, nothing can beat the feeling of being in Australia. Never will i forget anything about this amazing trip that i took int he summer of 2011. This was definitely one of the most memorable trips i have ever taken in my life. And hopefully i get the opportunity to have even better ones in the future.

Inquiry-Day Seven

Hypothesis: More fish will swim in schools than by themselves.

Data:

Fish Alone After 5 Minutes: 24

Number of Groups after 5 Minutes: 13

Conclusion: In the end, more fish decided to swim in a school rather than by themselves after 5 minutes of data taking.

Day 9

Today was the last and saddest part of our trip, but it was definitely not a disappointment. We took the slowest train up the steepest train tracks in the world to visit the rain forest. Whilst in the train, out the windows were some amazing views of the forest. Once in a while, you could spot some wildlife out the window but only slight glimpses. As we made our way to the top, the view got better and better and all you could see when you looked down was a vast area of trees. When we finally arrived to the top after what seemed like ages, we got off the train and visited the village of Kurunda. There were a ton of things to do in this village but many of them you had to pay for. So, our group decided to not do them and instead we shopped in the mini-market in the heart of town. We picked ourselves some cool souvenirs and had a good time. When it was time to go, we made our way down the mountain via gondolas. The gondolas were at least two hundred feet above the canopy of the rain forest below. Halfway through the ride, we stopped at a rain forest tour and our great Austrian guide led us through and talked about the rain forest. We then continued our way down the mountain in gondolas with more jaw dropping sights. At the bottom, we entered a Maori village where they teach you about the culture and have hands on activities. We learned how to throw both boomerangs and spears at targets and everyone was having a blast. As the day came to an end, spirits began to go down knowing that today was the last full day here. At the end of the day, the teachers all said their goodbye speeches and everyone was in a sad mood. The end of the trip had finally come and it was way too early.

Today was the last full day of our trip in Australia/ New Zealand. We first went into the worlds steepest train to a village called Kurunda. We then went back down the mountain via gondolas and learned more about the Maori tribe. We also learned how to throw boomerangs and spears and how to play the didgeridoo. This was a great final day to a long journey in Australia.

Day Eight

Today by far was the greatest day of this trip! Not only is it beautiful outside, but we went to the Great Barrier Reef! When we started this trip, i did not expect the Great Barrier Reef to be so jaw dropping. I knew it would be an amazing sight but never did i expect this. The boat ride out to the Reef was a little gross with people throwing up everywhere due to sea sickness. But, as we came near our destination everyone started to get anxious with excitement. When we arrived at the platoon and saw the actual reef with our own eyes, everyone wanted to dive off the boat and go for an adventure. The water is so clear and there are so many fish it is unreal. At first, i was a little anxious to go in the water since i have a little fear of sharks in the ocean. But, after a few minutes i took off my life jacket and i was ready to explore. Snorkeling allows you to breathe and view the wildlife under you at the same time which is miraculous in the Reef. All different types of fish and corals everywhere moving around you. The sight is indescribable especially when you get the chance to come up close to the schools of fish. After an hour of swimming and enjoying myself in the reef, i went inside the boat to go have a bite to eat. The buffet there was unimaginably good and their was a ton of food. I had a whole plate piled up with different types of food that were all delicious. Then, we decided to go in the underwater submarine that showed us up close the fish and corals in the reef. It was nice to learn the different types of coral and how old they really are down there. Once more i went snorkeling in the water and everywhere i went i saw something new. The great barrier reef overall is so amazing and i have no doubt why it is one of the world's seven wonders! This experience definitely opened my eyes to the opportunities snorkeling and scuba can bring to you. This experience entices me to go scuba or snorkeling in other parts of the world and discover new things

Today was all about the wonder of the world, the great barrier reef. It was an amazing time and there are no words to describe how great it really was.

Day Six

So far, traveling in a group with friends has been a blast! But, when i travel later on in life there may not always be others. Traveling alone although will definitely be fun, has some setbacks as well. In a group, there are always others to take care of you. Whether it is looking out, helping, or just talking with them. Alone, you may not have these options presented to you. And without an of these, it may make the trip much lonelier. Being alone also means that you have to make your own schedules and itineraries. Without these, you may sometimes end up places that are unwanted. Also, at some points in your travel you may no longer have anything to do. Another challenge traveling alone brings is security. Walking through unknown cities is very dangerous. And being alone and looking like a tourist makes you that much more vulnerable to people. This makes walking through some parts of town risky and you may not be able to visit all you wanted. Another downside of traveling alone is the people. Not being able to share the moment with someone else isn't as great. Sometimes a voyage isn't about the pics or sights but the memories. The time when you and your friends did something crazy. Or the moment when you and a friend will never forget the inside joke. No matter what it is, it always seems to be better with someone else. All in all, to me it seems better to travel with a partner. Alone can have some benefits like independence or freedom, but these don't outweigh the benefits of a group. Much better life-long memories are made through group traveling versus solo.

Today was an awesome day! We went to the blue mountains and it was a blast! Although the sights would have been much better without the fog, it was still amazing. The waterfalls were jaw dropping and nothing can explain the sights.

Day Five

Up to this point, this trip has been a blast. I have met new people, had laughs, and overall had a great trip. But, this trip without other people to have fun with wouldn't be as much fun. Without socializing with others, this trip would not be near as amusing as it is right now. The memories truly do not come from the pictures or sights but with the people you are with. Whether it is the tour guide, friends, or even a stranger starting a relationship with someone is the key to success on a trip like this. Something difficult i have overcome is including everyone. Before i used to worry less about how much others are being included. But now with this trip i have learned to make sure not only am i enjoying myself but others as well. Also, never would i have thought to be having the memories that I am having. This trip has been better than i have imagined. Not only because I am learning new things, but also because of the memories. It seems like going alone on a trip like this would be no where near as amusing. Forever i will have those memories in my brain even if i haven't taken pictures of it. Hopefully the last few days will keep this trend going.

Today we visited the Sydney tower, went to the opal factory, went to the zoo, and visited the Sydney harbour. Overall a good day although it was pretty rainy!

Day Four

In Sydney, So far it has been the greatest times. We now are all comfortable with each other and act like ourselves. We started off the day waking up way too early to catch a flight at 5:30AM! We then went off in our buses to go catch a flight in the airport. When we arrived in Sydney, we decided to walk around and visit the city. It was a fun and relaxing time to be able to calm down and learn a little. We then stopped to eat and later went to a little Sydney market. We looked and shopped around a little bit and then had to go back to the hotel. We then went out to eat. The food was very good and everyone at well. We then all came back to our rooms and chilled for the rest for the night. Sydney as a city reminds me a lot of Chicago. There is a nice breeze and theres a huge mixture of culture. Also, there is a body of water very near the city which reminds me of Lake Michigan. But, the city of Sydney is much less violent, than Chicago yet very similar. There is also a huge building in which you can have a view of the city. There are not many other towns that have the same features of Sydney or Chicago. Both are cities that are very unique and bring millions of tourists every year. Both cities also have markets that are known across the world. Many of the shops have hand-made items that are very valuable. This makes both cities even greater.

Today, we left NZ and took a flight to Sydney. We then went to see the Sydney Harbour and saw the bridge and opera house. After that we went out to eat and relaxed.