Signing off...

I know that it has been a long time since we have posted. The purpose of this post is to close our Aussie Adventure. Bryan and I have both made it home safely to cold cold cold Canada. I must admit, it is nice seeing snow again, but I sure will miss Australia. Everyone keeps asking me what it is like, and I can not explain it. All you can do is go see for yourself.

Both sets of parents came to visit us this year. We all had an incredible time. I wish that I could spend hours writing down what we experienced, but I would much prefer to hear from old friends and tell you over a coffee or something. Bryan and I missed everyone very much. But, we met some amazing people who made our experiences so much more. It was harder to leave because of them. On the flip side, it will be much easier to come back because of them. We will miss them very much. It is not everyday that you make relationships like the ones we made in Australia.

Please please get in contact with Bryan or myself. If we have not called it is not because we have forgotten... it is most likely because we do not have your number. Life is different on the other side of the world, but we can always count on friends to stay the same. We look forward to hearing from you!

Kim and Bryan

It has been a long time!

First, my apologies for not writing sooner. It has been a very busy few months with assessments at school all due at the same time, and then my second practical starting. Let me take some time to update you all on what has been happening down under...

Bryan and I are trying to find every spare moment to take some time to relax. We went to Moreton Island for a few relaxing days. It was just what the doctor ordered. Snorkling, boat rides, dolphin feeding, and a helicopter tour made the three days unforgettable. Moreton Island is where the first Scooby-Doo movie was filmed. Our helicopter tour gave us some fantastic sights. We saw hundred of dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, rays, and humpback whales! There were four adults, plus a baby!!! It was a really nice weekend. I will post pictures when I have another spare moment.

Bryan is still plugging away at Michaels. His time is coming to an end however. Both of our times are coming to an end. I booked my plane ticket back to Canada. I depart Brisbane on the 19th, and spend the night in Tokyo. Then, I depart Tokyo on the 20th, and eventually make my way home to Toronto. I will be home by 4:00 in the afternoon. I am really quite sad that this experience is almost over. I have spent so much time and money on making this goal, and now that it is over... I am going to miss all the hard work that I have put into this. At least I am coming home with a Masters, Bachelors, and a fiance. I think it was a worthwhile trip.

My second practical has started. I am at John Paul Trinity College. It is a very very very rich school. All the students have lap tops! The resources in the music room are amazing as well. It is really nice to see a school that takes music seriously and recognizes the value of music. In fact, Queensland in general has great music programs. It is amazing.

I have a lot of pictures I would like to post over the next fews days, including beautiful tropical flowers because it is spring here. Until then however, I have a lesson to teach.

Kim

Engagement!

I am sure most of you know that Bryan and I are now engaged. I have had a lot of requests to see the ring. Here it is!!! Bryan has such good taste!

Thank you everyone for all of your love and congratualtions. It means a lot to both of us. We can not wait to come back to Canada and see everyone. Before that though, we can not wait for our parents to come and visit! We are thinking of you all.  

Look... they are friends!

From left to right: Pascal (manager at Michael's), Andrew O'Keef, and Bryan... lucky guys. Andrew actually looks like he is having fun!

How Cool is This!

This is Bryan with Andrew O'Keef from Deal or no Deal. He is an Aussie celebrity and the host of the best game show ever!!!! I am so jealous! He came into Michael's with an Australian footy team. I was not allowed to go to Michael's to get an autograph... but Bryan got his picture with him... so cool!!!  

Watch out

Cassowaries are rainforest birds. They are very large and colourful. I just thought this sign was kind of funny.

The Treehouse

We stayed at a hostel in Mission Beach called the Treehouse. It is about 1.5 hours south of Cairns. It was AWESOME!! We were in the middle of the rainforest. You have the pool, some lawn chairs, and then the rainforest... what more could you ask for? It was also very quiet. Only 12 rooms to the whole place!  

A little cold?

Dave took the plunge into the falls... I think it was a little cold. He does not seem to mind though.  

Josephine Falls

I should make postcards.  

Josephine Falls

This is at a little stop off we had between Cairns and Townsville. Isn't is pretty? We are in the rainforest!  

More Fish!

 

Update!

I am sitting at school on my one hour break, so I thought I would take this time to say hello.

Bryan, Russell and I are planning a trip to New Zealand in September. Russell is a Kiwi so we have free accomodation. Having travel connections is fantastic! We will be flying into Auckland and stemming out from there. We will only have a week, but at least we will get a taste of what New Zealand has to offer. I figure that we may as well do it while we are here.

The weather is poopy. It is cloud covered with some nice sunny breaks. It makes my head pound though. I am not feeling too well today. Bryan has the day off so I am hoping that when i get home he may home some chicken noodle soup for dinner. He will probably be called in though.

School is fine so far. The lecture that I had this morning was a little strange. The course is called "School as an Institution". We are learning to categorize people. Basically, we are learning how to label people and stereotype. I am not too keen on this course. I noticed that not a lot of other students were as well. The lecturer is very insulting.

Bryan went back to work on Tuesday. I think Michael missed him because he vented to Bryan about things that have been going on around the restaurant over the past two weeks. The Brisbane Lions are eating there this week though. They are a team on the footy league. I think I will have to drop by that night... heh heh.

That is all for now folks. Bryan and I both miss everyone dearly. We are almost up to 7 months! Can you believe it! Only 5 or 6 more to go!

Talk to you all later!
Kim