Today is the first day of our Queensland excursion tour, and everyone is full of anticipation and excitement. Early in the morning, we gathered at the Hong Kong International Airport, with all the students wearing matching orange T-shirts and carrying their neatly packed luggage. This trip is an opportunity for us to learn leadership skills through outdoor activities, as well as to experience Australian lifestyle and culture.
Originally, we planned to arrive in Brisbane in the evening, but due to a flight delay, we didn't reach the airport until 3 a.m. Everyone was excited upon disembarking the plane. However, we didn't get much rest on the plane, so we're a bit tired. We quickly gathered together and boarded the tour bus to our accommodation, where we could freshen up and rest.
Although the flight delay altered today's itinerary, it didn't dampen our enthusiasm. We are curious and excited about tomorrow's schedule, hoping to learn more about Australia and broaden our horizons.
We got up bright and early this morning, eager to start the second day of our Queensland learning adventure. After a quick breakfast, we boarded the coach for the 4-hour drive to Hervey Bay. The scenic route provided a glimpse of the beautiful Australian countryside, and everyone was buzzing with excitement.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff of Fraser Coast Anglican College, who welcomed us warmly and provided a special tea reception. They then took us on a tour of the impressive campus, showcasing the state-of-the-art facilities that the students here get to enjoy.
The highlight of the day, however, was when our host families arrived to pick us up. We were all eagerly anticipating this moment, as it would be our first chance to truly immerse ourselves in Australian culture and lifestyle. The families welcomed us with open arms, and we had a wonderful time getting to know them over a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Despite the long journey, the day has been truly rewarding. We've learned so much about the education system and community spirit here in Australia, and the hospitality of our host families has been truly exceptional. As we head to bed, we can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow will bring.
Arriving at the Fraser Coast Anglican College campus early in the morning, we were filled with excitement and anticipation. To our delight, we were welcomed with a traditional indigenous ceremony, where the local Aboriginal people shared their rich culture and heritage with us.
The indigenous elders performed captivating dances and music, and also introduced us to the diverse flora found around the college grounds. It was a truly immersive and educational experience, giving us a deeper appreciation for the First Nations people of Australia.
Following the cultural showcase, we had the opportunity to learn some authentic Australian slang from the college teachers. They had us practice using colorful colloquialisms and also took the time to introduce us to some iconic local wildlife. It was a fun and lighthearted way to dive deeper into the Australian way of life.
The highlight of the day, however, was our hands-on experience with Aussie cuisine. We donned our aprons and got to work making traditional lamington cakes. The process was both educational and delicious, and everyone had a wonderful time baking and bonding over this classic Australian treat.
As the sun began to set, we headed out to the woods on the college grounds, where we learned the art of setting up tents and preparing for a night of camping.
The crisp evening air only added to the sense of adventure, and we gathered around the campfire, sipping hot soup and roasting marshmallows as the stars began to twinkle overhead. After dinner, we embarked on a guided night walk around the campus, marveling at the clear night sky and the serene natural surroundings of the college.
It has been an immensely enriching day, filled with cultural immersion, new skills, and wonderful memories. We can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow will bring as we continue our Queensland learning journey.
We awoke to the fresh morning air, eager to take on the day's activities. After packing up our tents from the previous night's camping adventure, we gathered for an exciting session of orienteering around the Fraser Coast Anglican College campus.
As we navigated the trails and explored the grounds, we came across various signposts and markers that formed a special message - "Welcome to Australia!" It was a delightful discovery that made us feel even more immersed in the Australian experience.
Following the orienteering challenge, we delved into a creative art activity. Armed with canvases, paints, and brushes, we set out to capture the essence of Australian wildlife, focusing our artistic talents on depicting iconic animals such as kangaroos and koalas.
Throughout the day, we continued to learn and discover new aspects of Australian culture, from the hidden messages in our orienteering adventure to the unique perspectives we unveiled through our artistic expression. Each activity challenged us to think creatively and engage with the world around us in a more meaningful way.
Our fifth day on the Queensland learning journey was filled with meaningful experiences that broadened our horizons and deepened our understanding of the local community.
We began the day by visiting the All Ability Park, a vibrant and inclusive space designed to cater to individuals of all abilities. As we explored the park's innovative facilities and accessible design, we were inspired by the dedication to creating an environment where everyone could play, socialize, and thrive.
After spending time immersed in the inclusive atmosphere of the All Ability Park, we headed to the Kirami Aged Care home, where we had the opportunity to interact with the elderly residents. The students eagerly prepared songs and activities to share with the residents, eager to brighten their day and learn from their wealth of life experiences.
The experience of caring for and engaging with the elderly residents was both humbling and rewarding. It reminded us of the importance of fostering intergenerational relationships and the profound impact that simple acts of kindness and companionship can have on people's lives.
As we bid farewell to the Kirami Aged Care home, we carried with us a renewed appreciation for the value of community, empathy, and the rich tapestry of human experiences. This day's activities had truly enriched our understanding of the diverse and welcoming spirit that lies at the heart of the Australian community.
Despite the less favorable weather conditions, our spirits remained high as we embarked on our journey to the captivating K'Gari Island, also known as Fraser Island. As we boarded the tour bus, and we eagerly anticipated the adventures that lay ahead.
The drive through the island's rugged interior was anything but smooth, with the bus jostling and bouncing along the bumpy roads. However, the discomfort was quickly forgotten as we stepped into the rainforest. The towering trees and the sound of creeks enveloped us, filling our senses with the raw beauty of this natural wonder.
After navigating the winding trails, we arrived at the resort, where a delectable buffet lunch awaited us. Refueled and rejuvenated, we continued our expedition, with the tour guide leading us to the captivating shipwreck site near the 3.5-mile beach.
Along the beach, our eyes were drawn to the graceful movements of the iconic dingoes, the wild dogs endemic to the region. Watching them roam freely was a true highlight, and the students couldn't resist the temptation to play in the soft, golden sand.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to the breathtaking Lake McKenzie, a natural wonder that defied the cloudy skies. The crystal-clear waters and the serene surroundings captivated us, and we took a moment to soak in the tranquility of this remarkable place.
Our day on K'Gari Island was filled with unforgettable experiences. From the lush rainforest to the captivating shipwreck and the serene Lake McKenzie, we had discovered a true gem in the heart of Queensland, leaving us eager to uncover more of the region's hidden treasures.
On our seventh day, the students were granted a well-deserved free day, allowing them to immerse themselves in the local community by spending time with their gracious homestay families.
The day unfolded in a tapestry of diverse experiences, as the students eagerly followed their homestay hosts to explore the hidden gems of Hervey Bay.
Some of the students ventured out to the local zoo, where they observed different animals , including the snakes, the cuddly koalas, and the iconic kangaroos.
Others chose to witness the breathtaking sunset by the bay, a serene and tranquil experience that allowed them to bask in the beauty of their surroundings.
Meanwhile, a group of students went to revisit the All Ability Park, where they explored the inclusive and innovative facilities.
Throughout the day, the students relished the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture, learning from their homestay families and experiencing the diverse attractions that Hervey Bay had to offer. These meaningful interactions and shared experiences further strengthened the bonds between the students and their hosts, creating lasting memories and a deeper understanding of the community.
It's the final day of our journey, and we will soon be back in Hong Kong. The time had come to pack our bags, bid farewell to the cozy house that had been our home for several nights, and continue our adventure.
We loaded our suitcases and headed to the Fraser Coast Anglican College, eager to immerse ourselves in one last day of learning and exploration.
At the college, we had the Australian Geography lesson, which provided us with a deeper understanding of the diverse landscapes and unique features that define this remarkable country.
Following the lesson, the students embarked on a scavenger hunt throughout the school grounds, uncovering hidden gems and showcasing their observational skills and teamwork.
As the day drew to a close, we gathered with our gracious homestay families for a heartwarming Farewell BBQ lunch. The air was filled with laughter, shared stories, and the bittersweet realization that our time together was coming to an end.
The students, once strangers, had become part of a community, and the prospect of saying goodbye was indeed a difficult one. The students expressed their gratitude for the families who had opened their hearts and homes to them.
As the final moments of our time in Fraser Coast approached, we found ourselves reflecting on the extraordinary journey we had undertaken. From the breathtaking natural wonders to the warm hospitality of the local community, this adventure had left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. Though our time in this beautiful part of Queensland had come to an end, the memories and lessons we had gained would forever guide us as we continued on our path of discovery and personal growth.