Travel group 1 is in KL

Dear Parents and Friends,

Just to let you know that Travel group 1 is back in KL and all flights at this stage are expected to be running on time. Please note our expected arrival time does not include making our way through customs. Please alow 45mins to 1hr for our transition.
Cheers
Matt T

A day of reflection

Today was our last day in Singapore, we woke up fairly early. Early is 7am (which isn't so early, unless you have been doing it for a fortnight with late bedtimes). As a group many of us went down for breakfast dumplings a tradition that I for one will miss terribly!

We arrived at Changi memorial early in the day, the students were both respectful and caring - taking the time to carefully explore each exhibit and learn about part of our shared history. If you ever get the chance it's certainly worth a look, but do watch how many of the letters you read and photos you look at. It is confronting, highly emotional and necessary. The students certainly gave the experience and the history the respect it deserves which is a testament to the maturity that the group is capable of showing. This is something that would be highlighted again later that day.

As you may recall our intention was to go swimming atop 3 skyscrapers - unfortunately we learnt that this is a privilege afforded to guests only. As a group we went to the markets in Orchard, each student was given $10, they had to provide food for the rest of the group to share, within a time frame. In a style that would put most first year arts students to shame they arrived with fruit, soft drink, sandwiches and fresh meats. We sat in the gardens and had a picnic then explored the park.

At our agreed time, we meet as a group and faced the problem of 'Poolgate' rather than the teachers make the decision, the students took charge, half wanted to return to Geylang and explore, others wanted to return to Sentosa. The next 30 minutes or so would have made Socrates proud and in the end was a fine metaphor for the current australian political climate a hung parliament with impassioned debates on both sides.

In the end the group decided that the majority makes the decision and those who choose not to vote voted with the majority by default. Authentic learning at its best!

The afternoon was spent exploring Geylang and packing for out flights later tonight back to KL.
Tonight we went out for dinner at the nearby dumpling restaurant. Students ate Siu mai, Char siu baau amongst many other dishes!

After dinner the group presented both Lucas and Declan with tokens of appreciation for their efforts in getting the program off the ground. An intricate hand painted glass dome made at the local market. Each dome took two weeks to paint and create by hand.

Students took turns reflecting on fond memories of the camp and shared experiences.

The students have been sensational ambassadors both for their school and for their country. Many of them have reflected on how they have grown more confident about being able to navigate a foreign country, talk to locals, develop self esteem and explore ideas such as the price of luxury is and how race and religion can shape identity- amongst many other elements. We will all have wonderful memories. Thanks for following our post!

Please plan on receiving tired, amazing a slightly more travelled kids back on Thursday/Friday.

Cheers
Matt T on behalf of the crew.

Our second last day of exploring!

Sentosa and Chinatown

Today we went to Sentosa island, a monument to consumerism and opulence. The sentosa resort is home to the Merlion, a half lion, half mermaid that is the icon of Singapore. We spent most of our day lounging around in the shade of an 'oil well' which is situated off the coast of Singapore, despite the strange surroundings and the water being idyllic and the sand soft. This sort of mergence of culture and business interests seems to be typical in Singapore.

Highlights whilst we lounged around at the resort include:

- Burying Lucas' shorts
- Downhill Luge
- The Merlion tour (Including the story of the Merlion)
- Whirlpools in the water
- Wrestles in the water
- Shadebaking
- Skewers and hot sauce
- Romane saying 'get over it and harden up'
- Skyrider

Then we all set off to Chinatown this was an amazing experience in Singapore much more so than in KL. Little India and Chinatown are like small cities, shops food and culture floods the streets. We ate noodles, soups and chilli as we listened to a chinese pop sensation, yet still found time to fit in some shopping!


Tomorrow we are heading out to Changi Prison, then we are going to the Botanical gardens for a picnic. We are then heading to the Skypark - a 200m infinity pool that sits on top of three skyscrapers. In the evening we are heading to dinner as a whole group back in Geylang.

Shortly after we will be flying to KL Malaysia then onto Melbourne.


Group 1 arrive ins Melbourne at 11.30pm, Thursday. Flight No: D72-722, Air Asia.

Michael B
Cosmo C
Lucas DB
Tanjil E
Declan H
Lochie LV
Bella L
Hugo M
Gabe N
Megan W
Hannah P
Uma R
Liv T
Josh W
Deanna S
Rex W


Group 2 arrive in Melbourne at 8.20am, Friday. Flight No: D72-724, Air Asia.
Jake R
Ruby NJ
Ruadh OS
Beatrice
Alice
Toby
Willo
Romane
Finbar
Emil


Cheers
Matt T

Photos to come in a separate upload

Quality Accommodation at an affordable price!

This is our hostel in Singapore!

Hotel SG98: Respect the Stink

Dear Parents and Friends,
Today was a big day in education and international camping.
We trekked over to little India and made our way through the tiny streets and explored various stores, shopping and chatting with locals looking at mosques, street vendors and 3 for 10 junk.

Later we hiked out to Assumption Pathway school, it was an incredible experience we meet students and teachers and had a guided tour around the school that even has its own Hairdresser and Hotel room so students can learn how to clean the toilet and make the bed! The students even made us mock-tails.

After our school immersion we travelled to Mustafa market, the easiest way to describe it would be to imagine the population of victoria squashed into 17 Big W stores on an inner city house block.

Tomorrow we are heading to Sentosa island then onto China town!

Hope your all well!
Cheers
Matty T on behalf of the crew.

The Sunday report

Today we explored Singapore by land and by sea.
The day started off with the Duk tour that explored all over the city and then into one of the few reservoirs in Singapore.
We spent the middle of the day squeezing in 'Clark Key' for lunch followed by a wander around Raffles city plaza and hotel. We explored using the Hop on Hop off tour bus.

During the evening we went out to the Singapore night safari this was an amazing chance to get up close and personal with a huge array of animals after an entertaining performance.
We saw:
Rhino
Elephant
Wolves
Lions (Not Fev)
Tigers
Bears

Oh My!

Tomorrow we are heading out to a local school, little india and hawkers markets.
A few students (and teachers) are feeling the drain of a two week odyssey, but spirits are high!
Cheers
Matt T