Trips To Australia
2009 Wombats Trip
Travelling
It was a long journey for us all down to Heathrow (or so we thought at this point) It was lovely to arrive and find that all team members had successfully found their way to the airport. Parents said their “goodbyes” and then it was time for the Wombats to make their journey.
The rest of the travelling was long but everyone was so excited and no one missed the movies on the flight.
Singapore
After a wonderful flight we met our coach and made our journey into the highlights of Singapore. The Robertson Quay Hotel was well situated and we made good use of the sun deck and the pool. The pool was a great opportunity to relax and get to know all our team. That night we made our way into the sights and sounds of China Town to look for some food which was a great bonding experience. Matthew particularly enjoyed the ducks feet!!!
We took part in a bit of balloon modelling over dinner. We all looked a right sight walking down the street with our balloon creations!!
The next morning breakfast was served and we were all ready for the exciting tour. The tour picked us up and we managed to see so much of Singapore. We learnt history and saw the wondrous creations and skyscrapers!!! The DUCK tour was especially interesting…sightseeing by road and then straight into sightseeing by water.
After our wonderful adventure in Singapore it was time to make our onward journey to Australia.
Woolongong & Chakola
Once we arrived at Sydney Airport we were met by our coach who took us to a town about 2 hours South of Sydney called Woolongong. We checked into the YHA and we all thought it was time for a shower!!!!
However…..there was a problem with a shower cubicle in the female wash room, so SPA Matthew was successful with many of the girls as he allowed them to use his en-suite.
Some other highlights:-
Josh and David were left in the dark one night when their electricity didn’t work- it was sorted though!!!
Once we got the television working the “fish bowl” was a great place to relax and have our nightly meetings. One night we ate in a lovely Lebanese restaurant which served the most amazing Baklava!!! Everyone enjoyed the meal and after our eastern meal outing, others found a Turkish a restaurant where they witnessed a live belly dancing show.
After a few days in Woolongong it was time to get ready for our conservation work. CVA picked us up and we headed to Chakola where we were going to spend the next week.
Chakola….ok….it was basic yet very interesting, clean and the staff were very friendly. All week our chefs got to work and we had some wonderful cooked dinners. This helped as during the day we were busy working planting Asparagus ferns and lantarna shrubs. At the end of the week we could see the amount of work we had accomplished and what a sight it was……well done guys!!!
On the last night before our journey continued to Sydney, we held a Miss Wombat 2009 competition. What a fantastic night, everyone got involved. A fabulous way to end a productive week!!
Sydney- a city of triumphs!!
We arrived in Sydney at the YHA and checked in. We were all so excited and couldn’t wait to see this amazing city.
The YHA had wonderful facilities. Everything from a fabulous café to a club in the basement.
Everyone was so excited to experience the Bridge Climb, The Oz Jet and The Tower Meal. Well…I think we can say on behalf of the group that they were absolutely incredible!!! Such a highlight and it gave us all time to reflect on how we got to that particular moment in our lives. The particular high light was The Jewish Museum which was such an informative yet personal experience. We had time to listen to the stories and hear about an event which shocked human history. We all came away with new thoughts and new horizons. Life cannot be taken for granted.
The one thing we had to do….just had to do was to find that particular UGG shop. The shoppers in the groups were very pleased to finally find it.
After many days of exploring the city it was getting closer to the end. We couldn’t believe how quick it had gone and how much we had seen and accomplished.
The Wombats were an amazing team- everyone added their own little touch which made the Wombats the best team of all!!!!
The flight back was shared with memories and photos. We were looking forward to getting home, but at the same time we wanted to be in Circular Quay, near the Sydney Opera House as a team once again.
Thank you everyone- Wombats….you were the best and you changed our lives.
Thanks to The Joshua Foundation for making such events take place. Without you we would not have experienced this amazing adventure.
Our Love
Amanda & Vanessa xx