PHOTO COMPETITION! (this font is ugly, but nvm)

THEME: Show the diversity of Australia OR something that represents the essence of Australia

Submit photos to us cher-chers by this Friday

More reflections

Aussie trip day we woke up at an unearthly hour to visit the Sydney Fish market. It was a really interesting experience as we got to see how they bidded for the fish. we were also introduced to many different types of fish. What was really cool was that the fish only come from Australia and New Zealand waters! As we all know, Australia has this issue about importing food from other Countries and they would only accept fish from new Zealand because they share the same waters. Dug into a fresh seafood breakfast and set off towards blue mountains. Stopped by a candy shop to fill our sacks. The bushwalking at the blue mountains was certainly an eye opener! We got to see the 3 sisters and the eroded layers of rocks. the scenery was breathtaking and obviously something we would not see back in the sauna. We ended the hike with a steep 52 degree train ride back up to the top. After a quick bite, we attended a dialogue session with an aboriginal woman. She shared information about her culture with us. .... It was a very refreshing session for us as we got to finally see a real Aborigine. MysteriAUS that night was to prepare a dish that best represents and is iconic of Australia. Our group did a pizza face of an aboriginal man and we won! :D After today's session, the idea of conserving the environment was reinforced to us, we were also given eye candy to the wonderful sights that we do not get to see in Singapore. We also got to learn more about the Australian culture, for example their reluctance to eat seafood and their preference to eat meat. the wonderful tours that we attended today were educational and really did benefit us especially with understanding a different country's culture better.

-Lemuel’s group

Heyo! We are off to the hunters valley NOW and all the koalas, kangeroos are waiting for us. Personally this is going to be my first time seeing them and though I’m not a koala fanatic(Having seen all the koala soft toys), I still look forward to all thr fun we are going to have later on.Just passed by the Harbour Bridge and thought it`d be cool to do thr bridge climb and get hold of the beautiful scenery beneath. But Steve our bus driver just said it costs about hUndred odd bucks!!

Alright about last night,we all took a short walk down to Dahling Harbour after our dinner(turkish wrap;it was super big). Along the way,we saw practically more asians than the aussies themselves and it really made me think if I really want to study in an overseas uni in the future. Yes there will be agencies and special school groups there to assist, but what about the homesick? Nothing beats the warmth of home and your dear family member right. So I was wondering, being overseas alone is almost like surviving all by yourself. The other students being foreign too, will definitely care for themselves first. So yeah, it will be a life changing decision for one to study overseas.

Okay, batt is running out so toodles!

- Poline

1 June, Friday

Today, we checked out of our Dunmore Lang College accomodation early in the COLD morning when the Sun just rose from behind the horizon. Then. Our dearest coach driver Steve brought us to the Gavala Aboriginal Art Gallery to admire Aboriginal art of course! We witnessed, finally after so many days, an aboriginal playing the Didg. We also painted our very own bomerang -- Aboriginal style! I'm sure many of us had a great time. It reinforced the fragility of Aboriginal culture.

Then we went for a tour at the Sydney Opera House. Personally, I found it amazing. We got to see their many halls, including the Opera theatre! Patronising the Art is a way of life here in Sydney. The theatre companies work together very closely with local schools especially in the production of certain works they're studying in school. There are many other schemes and outlets for people to patronise the Arts in the SOH, like elderly friendly show times and productions that cater to EVERYONE.

From there, we went to the NSW Art Gallery. For an Art Gallery newbie like me, the experience was certainly... interesting. We realised that Art can really make you look at life from different perspectives. Some of the pieces were literally breathtaking for me. yay!

We travelled quite a long while to the CB Migrant Centre. The Korean lady talked a lot about the problems migrants face and what the centre did to help. Quote: Culture shock is culture shock, you can't prepare for it! Hmm... I wonder how many of us agree to it.

Then we checked-in to the Metro Hotel Sydney Central. It's a wonderful hotel with the nice comfy bed!

can't wait for tomorrow.

- posted by lemuelteo.

Today,we visited the national art gallery . After comparing and contrasting the drawings of Australia by europian and aboriginal artissts,I find we need toidentify the truth in isolation. We should not present the tree branches in curves just as we like that;we shoulde not ourline the aborigines by imagination without even meeting the. How we approach the truth is being humble and honest.

- Huang Sui

We just finished the bush walk at the Blue Mountains and i must say it was indeed a breathtaking experience! could see how much they emphasize on the aboriginal culture and the conservation of the natural habitat. The 3 sisters, waterfall...

and and, our group just cooked! Gosh it is fantastic and we definitely have a flair for cooking. Presentation is starting in a minute so I will probably continue later[= ciaoos.

-Poline

The visit to the blue mountains was fantastic! The scenery was beautiful. Had a nice time capturing some fabulous places in my lovely camera phone! I love the serene environment in australia. The sharing session at the museum was very enriching. Learnt much about them. How I hope I can meet the aborigines! Well, we are all now heading back to Sydney to our accomodation. Will definitely miss the blue mountains.

Today has been quite fun so far. No dry mini-workshops.

I had quite a lot of fun at the Hunter Valley zoo. I saw native animals like the kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats and dingos. It was a highly enriching experience and I managed to confirm my hypothesis that koalas are marsupials by speaking to the zookeeper.

We then went to the vineyard. Sadly, I did not understand most of stuff about the wine.. However, it is interesting tc note how much effort is put in to ensure that the resultant wine is of the highest quality. For example, we were told about how rigourous lab tests are conducted to ensure the purity of the wine. Furthermore, great pains are taken to ensure that the temperature at which the wine is stored does not fluctuate too much.

We have been to Manly Beach yesterday. Greedly I gazed at the scenery with my eyes acting as the camera. I thought I can trust my eyes, but when I closed them, the image in my mind was just shallow shadow. I saw seagulls but I couldn't tell you how many there are on the beach; I placed the surfers in the picture but I was not sure which one is the most skillful one...To portray the exactly true view, I need to focus on details. A blur scan on the matters can not record the truth.

- Poline’s group

Updates

30 Jun

Today was the day where we visited the universities of New South Wales and Macquarie. All of us took back many lessons worth learning, such as the importance of being serious in our work and the number of options open for us in our everyday lives. All of us also discovered where our strengths lie, and what future studies to pursue in the years to come. Throughout the day, we met a lot of people and we are warmed by their welcoming and greetings. We were inspired by the learning environment of the universities and were very excited with the wide variety of subjects available for study overseas. The talks by students and professors of the 2 universities were enriching, as they displayed their own institution's strengths in their own rights and their significance in Australia. My group and I were thankful for these talks as they helped prepare us for the future.

31 Jun

Today we the visited one of the largest fish markets in the world,the Sydney Fish Market, only second to Japan. However, having the second largest fish market in the world, the irony is that Australians do not fancy seafood as much as other meat they take.

Being at the SFM was really an eye opener for all of us, we were introduced to the many different kinds of fish sold as well as the unique system that the Australians' adopt when selling our marine friends. How many of us actually have to bid for our seafood?

After that we made a trip to the Blue Mountains, it certainly was an enriching and all the more breath-taking experience. We tracked through the temperate rainforest at the same time admiring the awesome scenery.

The third highlight of the day was the dialogue session with an aboriginal lady. Though she being integrated into the modern society, taught us much about the aboriginals lifestyles, their beliefs and the mutual relationship they have with the land. During reflection time we compared this relationship with that which the westerners have with the environment, we drew useful lessons from that. One could in fact take two stances towards a certain situation one, adapt to the situation or environment and or two, make it work for you.

1 June

On the 1st day of June, we moved off early this morning to an Aboriginal art gallery near the city area to learn more about Aboriginal culture. We were allowed to paint our own boomerangs as a souvenir back to Singapore. The colours of paint we were allowed to use were only black, white and yellow, the 'natural' colours to the Aborigines. This demonstrated the uniqueness of their artform as their pieces of art were equally professional as modern art, although they were more restricted in terms of materials used.

After that, we went to take a tour at the Sydney Opera House. It consisted of 6 performance theatres, each of them being constructed for a different purpose. Also, we learnt that the roof of the Sydney Opera House was in fact designed by a Danish architect, not an Australian. This proved that Australia is indeed a diverse place, and that people of different race and culture are more than welcome to settle in the country.

Following the opera house, there was the NSW art gallery where we encountered many beautiful artpieces. The guide there led us through the gallery and told us the many different forms of art and their probable meanings. Throughout the trip, one can notice that most of the artpieces are those which reflects their lifestyles or experiences, just like those that we learnt about in the Aboriginal art gallery, amplifying the idea that our identity shapes our art and likewise art affects our thoughts and identity, with an example being that of the decoration of the room affecting our views on the artpieces. Therefore, everyone is actually a social construct with things around us affecting our lifestyles. We then also have to learn to adapt to the environment, just like how the artists make use of the different materials and skills (eg. brushstrokes) to create the kind of effects they wish to get.

Aside from the art in the art gallery, one thing we learnt from the trip was the importantance of taking care and looking after one another, especially when we are out of our own comfort zone. VIP had always tried to control the class's environment so as to ensure that Rhoda is okay with it. However, now that we are out in the open, we cannot control the situation. For example, the art gallery had deionised air so as to protect the artpieces. At the same time, it made Rhoda uncomfortable. Thus, since we cannot control the environment, the only thing we can do is to ensure that our friend is okay and looked after so that no one would be left unattended. As they say, "Two is always better than one, for when one falls down, the other can help him up", hence we should always take care of one another, especially if we do go for studies overseas in the future.

We visited the Migrant Centre after lunch, where the speaker gave a presentation about the refugees and unemployed migrants in Australia whom were in need of our help. This talk backs up our previous notion of unity within a group of people as each of us depend on one another in a way. Hence, it is up to us to adopt a caring attitude towards whatever we do.

2 June

We got off to a great start to the day by visiting the Hunter Valley Zoo this morning, after a 170km journey along the roads of Australia in the bus. Everyone was practically tired from yesterday's events, and as a result, most of us ended up sleeping on the coach. However, this sleepy mentality took a 180 degree turn when we set foot into the zoo and saw animals such as the koalas and the kangaroos up-close. All of us found a sudden burst of energy, with excitement and laughter brewing almost every other minute. This goes to show that each of us has a certain area of great interest where we can exploit our potential to the maximum. Although all of us are different as individuals, we are united by the common interests that all of us may share. Throughout the trip, we saw many different animals and how they have many features to adapt to the environment, and also how the zookeepers ensure that the environment is suitable for the animals, emphasing on the interrelationship of the environment and animals, and how it is vital for people to learn to be flexible and adapt to survive.

With our hearts all satisfied with the cute and cuddly animals, we washed our hands and left for the cheese factory for part of our lunch, where we were introduced and allowed to try different cheese. Through the cheese tasting session, we realised that everyone has different tastes, likes and dislikes. Then, we realise that it is crucial that we cannot take our views to be universal and learning to compromise and find a balance would be a wise thing to do.

Updates

Thu, 31 May 2007

0720h
Gah. Yesterday was our first day in Australia...and boy it was tiring... I didn't get much sleep in the plane so naturally I was very tired (like everyone else). Consequently, we were all really struggling to pay attention in the universities.

However, the university visit really made me aware of the possibility of studying overseas as an international student. Prior to this, I have never really considered studying overseas, but now, I am quite impressed with the universities' attempts to help the foreign students adapt, so now the possibility of studying overseas suddenly doesn't seem so remote anymore...

1405h
The visit to the blue mountains was fantastic! The scenery was beautiful. Had a nice time capturing some fabulous places in my lovely camera phone! I love the serene environment in australia. The sharing session at the museum was very enriching. Learnt much about them. How I hope I can meet the aborigines! Well, we are all now heading back to Sydney to our accomodation. Will definitely miss the blue mountains.

1938h
We just finished the bush walk at the Blue Mountains and i must say it was indeed a breathtaking experience! could see how much they emphasize on the aboriginal culture and the conservation of the natural habitat. The 3 sisters, waterfall... and and, our group just cooked! Gosh it is fantastic and we definitely have a flair for cooking. Presentation is starting in a minute so I will probably continue later [= ciaoos

Poline, Yi LIng, Huang Sui, Jay, Kenny

Reflections in Sydney!

30/5/07

We gained valuable information on studying in sydney. We learnt that studying overseas is not easy as it requires you to be independent and self-disciplined; you have to cook your own meals, look after yourself, manage your own money etc. However, it may be a fun and enriching experience where you meet many different people from different cultures. The unsw iss, support group for international students , left a very good impression on us,with their 'motto' arrive,survive ,thrive. It assured us that there would be someone around to give us support. Overall, it really was an eye-opener and a great experience.

31/5/07

First destination. Sydney fish market! We went on a tour round the fish market. Like we all know, the only fish market which is bigger than this is the fish market in japan. Unlike japan, which auctions off its wares by voice, the sydney fish market uses an auction clock to carry out the auctions. We realized that the market made use of technology to help them achieve maximun efficiency in selling off their products.

-Andrea, Yiliang, Grace Ong, Thomas, YuHang

30/5/07

Went to visit the university of new south wales and macquarie university. We had a tour around the campuses and were introduced to the various courses available, such as new medical program in unsw, and had a look at the facilities and accommodations available on campus.There were also different clubs we could join, ....similar to what we call ccas in singapore . From the tours we realised that there are plenty of opportunities available and we should be open towards them, and consider all of them carefully. An ex-vj student, Bernice, currently studying fine arts in UNSW shared with us her experience studying in UNSW, the problems she faced,as well as how she adapted to the life there. After the tour, we were able to identify the pros and cons of studying overseas, and the support that we would receive from the school if we choose to study here, to ensure that we arrive, survive and thrive. We were also informed about the courses they provided and the requirements of entering the university so that we can chooose which university is more suitable for us if we were to pursue our studies in australia in the future. after this experience, we began to see the differences between studying in singapore and studying aboard....... There were societies formed to help international students adapt in a foreign environment. The people in australia very friendly and helpful as they would gladly answer any questions we posted to them.

-JunHan, Audrey, Jillian, KwanYong

31/5/07

We have learnt a great deal from the the Aboriginals. Unlike the European settlers who manipulate the natural environment drastically to suit their needs, the Aboriginals have developed a very clever way of lifestyle, especially with managing the resources, which is very closely tied in with the spirituality they share with the land they inhabitat in. They treat the land with utmost respect, not over-exploiting the land. This is reflected in their nomadic lifestyle and burning the land in a controlled manner.

These two different populations reflect the two contrasting schools of thoughts pertaining to the relationship between man and the environment. The whites believe that armed with advanced technology, they will be able to manipulate the environment, whereas the aboriginals' lifestyle are very much determined by the environment and will not try to change it to meet their survival needs.

I think we have a lot to learn from the Aboriginals. As we move on to JC, we have to be willing to step out of our comfort zone and take on an open and positive mindset. Just like the Aboriginals,we can develop ways to adapt to the new system and make the system work out for us.

-PuEn, Jonathan, Josephine, Kevin, Rhoda

1/6/07

Today, we visited the national art gallery . After comparing and contrasting the drawings of Australia by europian and aboriginal artissts,I find we need toidentify the truth in isolation. We should not present the tree branches in curves just as we like that;we shoulde not ourline the aborigines by imagination without even meeting the. How we approach the truth is being humble and honest.

-Huang Sui

1/6/07

Woot! I finally had some proper rice after sooo long. I.just had lunch at a Chinese buffet restaurant, and boy it tasted of home. Had some really cool food ZOMG!!!

I went to the Migrant Centre just now and we had a very enlightening talk regarding problems that immigrants going to Australia may face, and the sources of help they can find from the Australian government.

I realised that a migrant's life may not be as free and easy as it seems, and they will most probably face plenty of problems. However ever, I think that these risks are probably insignificant in comparison to the benefits of migrating.

-Kenny