Day 10: Good Bye New Zealand, Hello Australia and Mystery Solved!

They are on their way to Australia!

Part two of the trip officially begins today (which is Saturday for them) and they are flying to Sydney. I got a chance to talk with Katie quickly today (via wi-fi at the airport) and she said the adventure yesterday was a killer! It was hard, challenging and mostly COLD. While it didn't happen to her, some kids had frozen feet it was so cold. I hope they warmed up today so they could make their way to the plane.

They were participating in some amazing team and confidence building activities with the company, Full On. It appears they worked their way to the top of a mountain and repelled down.

Collen Estes, a leader from the Vacaville area, posted a fantastic shot of the delegates with huge, amazing smiles and all their gear (below). The girls look pretty psyched to me! There's a video from the company about People to People delegates below.


The other day, they got to go to the Christchurch Antarctic Center to learn about the animals and research happening down south.

I stole this pic (above) from KC's Instagram because I loved it! They are getting ready to go into an Antarctic Windstorm Simulator and their faces reflect the excitement and a little hesitation as they get ready to get their faces blown off!

Sheila also posted a pic (right) of Katie and her buddies at the center where my daughter is managing to hug the crap out of a fur seal while the other girls sit casually on his back.

Of course, the thing I noticed most (because I'm the mom), is most of Katie's crap is on the ground in front of her; all spread out, including her phone. My how I haven't missed THAT around the house!

The kids should have wi-fi tonight so I expect at least a few photos.

From the People to People Itinerary: [Note: so this is weird because they did this the other day! It must be a weird out of order mistake. But they did fly to Sydney.]

• Join in the fun at the Christchurch Antarctic Center, a showcase for the unique International cooperation that exists in Antarctica today.
• Meet with people that have worked in Antarctica and have an opportunity to call a base camp in Antarctica to speak with scientists there.
• Come face to face with adorable blue penguins that have been cared for and nursed since they were chicks. 

Then it's off to Australia! Known as the Harbour City, Sydney is the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. Brimming with history, nature, culture, art, fashion, cuisine, design, it is set next to miles of ocean coastline and sandy surf beaches.

• G’day, mate! Welcome to Australia!
• Meet your Australian Delegation Manager upon arrival at Sydney Airport.
• Dine at a Sydney restaurant overlooking Darling Harbor, where you will have the opportunity to try kangaroo for dinner.
• Go beneath the sea at the Sydney Aquarium for a chance to discover fascinating marine life, including dugongs, turtles, and stingrays.

Sydney, Australia