NIEtoCairns2009

We're BACK!

2009-05-17T20:12:00.005+08:00

Safely reached Changi Airport at 10pm yesterday night, and we're all glad to be home.

Didn't get to update the blog due to the very tiring Great Barrier Reef activities on Thursday and lack of Internet access in Sydney on Friday.

Great Barrier Reef was an awesome experience, and I'm sure everyone else had the time of the life admiring the marvel of one of the many wonders of the World. The sun was up, the weather was beautiful, the beauty of the Reef was truly magical.

That night, we made sure we had fun and spent the last day at Cairns fruitfully.

In Sydney, the night life was truly amazing, and the city was bustling with people 24 hours, regardless of the time. It was so unlike Cairns where by 8 o'clock at night, the only people out and about was us NIE student teachers, looking for fun. Heh. The architecture of the buildings was amazing, the cross between modern and classic, was truly an eye opener. We got to witness Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, two of the wonders of the world also. I'm sure everyone enjoyed the scenery and wished that we didn't spend such a short time there.

The whole trip was definitely enjoyable, and I'm sure everyone had very fond memories there.

Well, now its back to Singapore, and the past 6 days has been truly memorable.

The Early Bird Catches The Worm

2009-05-13T20:12:00.004+08:00

Our day started early today with all of us assembling at the Southern Cross Atrium Apartments lobby at 400am. It was definitely a different and difficult task, but most of us lived up to it, and waking up that early was worth it.

Half of us caught the first flight on the hot air balloon, and managed to get a glimpse of the sunrise. Absolutely beautiful sight. It was still a bit dark though. After about half an hour, the second group hopped on the basket, and flew off. I guess they got a brighter view of things.

The 2nd flight's landing! =)

The Bus to breakfast!

We had breakfast at the designated location, where there was a variety of food and drinks, varitey of things to take photos with. Some of us even managed to take several photos with a baby saltwater crocodile. It was hilarious looking at how everybody managed to look good for the camera, but once off the camera, they just couldn't wait to get the thing off their hands.

Exhibit A. =P

After that we headed to Kuranda Rainforest Station. First off, we went on a army duck tour, where the guide showed us several types of ferns, trees and plants that existed in the rainforest. The poisonous ones, the useful ones, the small ones, and the big ones. After about 45 mins or so, we went for a walk around the park. There, we got to pet some kangaroos, some even fed them, as the kangaroos were roaming amongst us. Saw the most gigantic crocodile ever. Goes by the name of "Jack" the Ripper. Apparently, he killed 12 of his previous girlfriends. Cool eh. After that, we got to witness Aborigins showing off their spearing skills, their didgeridoo skills, and ALSO their dancing skills. It was definitely an eye opener experience for me, and I think that the others might have gained the same experience.

Duck Tours-Our Guide, Damien and Scottie!

Kangaroo!

Some of us got to try the didgeridoo and throw some boomerangs!

Our last activity for the day was the Kuranda Sky Rail. The Cable Car ride was enjoyable with numerous scenic views, and we enjoyed all the greenery.

Red Peak Station

That was pretty much the whole day. The connection here is really bad, so we're making do with as many photos uploaded as possible. Apologize with the lack of photos.

Tommorow we're finally doing Great Barrier Reef for some snorkelling! I really hope we'll really enjoy ourselves!

Till then. =)

it's day number two (:

2009-05-12T21:54:00.004+08:00

so, it's finally day number two of our trip. before i go on and on about what we did today, let me bring you through yesterday's dinner! while some went out to dine, some prepared dinner! we had spaghetti, yummy! here's some pictures from yesternight!

now, i shall blog about today! got ready by 6.20 am, which is 4.20 am singapore time! and off they went on a 2 hour journey tooooooo.... WHITE WATER RAFTINGG! of which, fatin will be updating soon!

everyone was so tired when they returned at about 6.20pm (1620 singapore time). BUT, we still had the energy to shop at the night market, billabong and rip curl! everyone was practically splurging at all the pretty things there was!

oh, here's a sneak preview of the apartment rooms.

Upon Arrival.

2009-05-11T20:11:00.005+08:00

We're finally here! Arrived safely at Tullamarine Airport,Melbourne at about 500am Australian time. The first thing everyone did when they arrived was rush out to the outdoors to meet the cold weather. I guess everyone enjoyed the fresh cold morning air that greeted them as everyone was smiling ear to ear, and excitement filled the atmosphere.

We managed to take a few photos with the NIE Travel Club banner, and that experience proved that we are a chaotic bunch.

Here's the whole gang.

Packet 1-

Packet 2-

Packet 3-

Packet 4-

We left Tullamarine at about 1040 am, after an hour delay during take off. Most of us probably didn't feel the wait what with the constant jokes, laughter, playing with cards, taking photos, and well, sleeping. =)

Poor Idzham. He's probably tired with handling multiple personalites we presented to him.

Look at that! Nice window seat Shida had.

Arrived at Cairns Domestic Airport at about 145pm, an hour behind our intended schedule. Rain greeted us, and so did this tall caucasian guy who's actually the man in charge of transporting us to Southern Cross Atrium Apartments. There were some of us who wanted to go skydiving, but not only were we behind time, but I guess the skydiving also got cancelled due to the rain.

The BUS!

After we settled down with our luggage, we went to Cairns Central which is 100m walk away from the apartments, and bought our groceries. Enjoyed ourselves tremendously there. =))

We made our own dinner, and had a mini dinner party at TutyFatmahFeezahShameeraHidayah's apartment. It was a nice bonding time for all of us. Afterwhich, we went to the Night Markets, and bought ourselves some souvenirs!

Photos of dinner and afterwards currently not available. Will post it up soon enough! =)

Till then.

Pre Cairns Briefing

2009-05-07T23:34:00.006+08:00

We had our Pre-Trip briefing today at LT3 NIE, and the atmosphere was exhilarating! Jokes and laugther filled the whole LT. The excitement for the trip is definitely building up as Professor Idzham was lecturing us on the necessary protocols that we had to take note of.

Introducing, the bloggers. =P

Excitement!

Packet 1, 1st IC and 2nd IC. =)

Would like to apologise for the lack of photos.

Seems like everyone is pretty geared up and excited for the trip.

We'll see everyone on the 10th of May, Changi Airport, Terminal 1, Departure Hall, Qantas Row 5 at 5:15 the earliest! Don't be late!

Here's to a safe flight to Cairns! =)

Till then.

Pre Cairns Excitement

2009-04-30T00:58:00.000+08:00

As the day draws nearer, everyone seems all excited for the preparation of the trip that we've been waiting since January for.
Exams are finally over, we've worked hard for four months, now 10 days left to the Cairns, and I bet everyone going on the trip just can't wait any longer.
Hopefully, preparations will be done well for a safe trip. =)
Cheers.