Pre-trip Session 2 - the aftermath

Hi folks!

I hope today's session was both an eye, as well as a mind-opener for you! I apologize for the technical difficulties that delayed the start of the session, causing many of you to miss the later part of the film (doesn't seem quite right to call it a 'movie' huh?). I know the film was rather heavy going but I think it did a pretty good job in bringing a personal account onto the screen.

So now what do you do?

Read the notes we've provided - absentees, please collect your copy from Hsien Liang. The notes will give you a more complete picture about the Stolen Generations.

Do note that the film is based on a personal account - so it is biased. But there is always two sides to the coin right? Try to keep this in mind while you try to find more information and you may come to understand why some members of the Australian public refer to them as the "Stolen Generations" (in quotation marks).

Then its time to reflect and blog! We've provided you with some questions you should look into and we look forward to reading your answers.

It would be good if we can hear from every group - so each group member may want to take turns to blog after every pre-trip session.

Come on, share your views!

reflections from the most punctual grp

i feel the unique-est thing and the strength of the Australians is their ability to do things as a whole and understand each other. The Australians really embody the spirit of "One people, One nation". The Australian government has called for a 4-minute shower thingy in a bid to conserve water during this period of drought that Australia is facing. And also the effort to reduce greenhouse gases by turning off lights when not in use. The Australians have effectively done these such things and are terminating greenhouse gases with entreme prejudice. So that's what I feel is so special about the land down under.

I'm looking forward to the trip and seeing things from a different perspectives which I did not do in my past visits to aus. The pre-trip session last friday was meaningful and made me feel excited bout going to aus

I really appreciate to get a rough idea about the culture and icon of Australia, so that we can get correction or prove of the imagination in our minds during the trip.

Kangaroos and koala bears were the first things that came to my mind when someone mentions australia, but now it's vegemite. The pre-trip session has shown me that there's much more to australia, only waiting to be discovered.

grace andreathomasyiliangyuhang

Be there now!

Hiya!

For those who want a moment of escapism, here are some ways!

The campus of Macquarie uni, where we will spend 2 nights:
http://www.international.mq.edu.au/macquarie/campus/maps/virtualmap.aspx

Our 2-bedroom apartments are probably one of these West Side apartments:
http://www.macquarieuv.com.au/site/html/village_facilities.php

What's cooler than this? Our hotel in the city centre! It's smack in the middle of everything civilised (yes, I can see the word "SHOPPING" gleaming in your eyes!) and near Darling Harbour, which has wonderful atmosphere at night.
http://www.holidaycity.com/pentura-sydney/

For the best anticipation-building experience, Lonely Planet beats them all in providing fast & fun facts:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/pacific/australia/new-south-wales/sydney/

Now, you just have to count down 20 more days... =)

Ms Low

Pre-trip session 2 - a sneak peak!

Hi!

For Pre-trip session # 2, we will delve a little bit into Australian history!!

Okay, okay... before you guys and gals start yawning your head off (though I wonder why, History is so interesting and exciting!!)... let me tell you that we will be...

WATCHING A MOVIE!!

(yay! *applause*)

The movie will last for about 1 1/2 hours though. So please try to make alternative arrangements for your RM or CCA or whatever else, if possible. If you really really can't, its alright, you may leave at 3.40pm (but don't regret! hee... hee...)

Okay, watching a movie is great and all, but we've got to do some background reading in order to appreciate the movie better!

THEME: Relationship between the aboriginal Australians and the white Australians

Find out more about how the aborigines view the whites, and vice versa, and how this has changed (or not) over the years.

Alrightey, see ya Friday!

It's Reflection time!!!

Yo! The pre-trip preparation lesson 1 was fantastic! Thanks to the wonderful teachers who organised it for us. At first, when i saw all the food products, posters etc, i really could not recognise which ones were australian and which non-australian. Haha. My other group members managed to find some items that were australian and we got points for that. We scored few points but I'm proud to say we got 10 points for drawing the best australian map! That was thanks to yi ling. She said she had almost memorised how australia looked like after watching it on tv. How wonderful! But, ultimately, it's not about points. Getting to learn some interesting things and having fun is what matters the most. And I must say I did do this both things. So, am looking forward to the next interesting pre-trip session. Enjoy!

Uniquely Australian

newcomer!!!

this is xinyue, im afraid you'll not recognise me, im dreamgirl!
currently i dont have things to post as the internet in the hostle sucks:( but i'll try my best*^_^*