Day 15: Their Last Day Down Under Ends With a Hop, Hug, and Cuddle!

If they aren't suffering from incredible sunburn, today they will delight in the oohs and ahhs of Australia's more cuddly nature.

I was hoping someone might have posted a few pics last night from yesterday's adventure, but I am pretty sure they don't have wi-fi and won't until the airport tomorrow.

It looks like they will finally do their service project (although they are going to be so tired, I hope they aren't responsible for anything too important!). The itinerary says restoring the rain forest. Maybe planting trees?

They they get a taste of Aboriginal culture with a little dancing (see videos below) and they get to throw a boomerang. How many of those do you think will come home - to California?!

Finally, they get to see koalas, kangaroos and wombats at a wildlife sanctuary (there are several, maybe this one or here?). I know Katie's been waiting for this. I honestly don't know how they are going to fit all this in!

The leave for Brisbane EARLY in the morning on Friday (their Friday which is our Thursday) and start their flight home.

From the People to People Itinerary:

• Walk on the wild side when you get up close and personal with crocodiles and learn more about these amazing creatures.
• Participate in a unique service project; restoring world heritage rainforest to its original state.
• Be immersed in the Aboriginal culture with a demonstration of Aboriginal traditional dance, boomerang and spear throwing, as well as an introduction to Aboriginal history.
• Ride through the rainforest in a World War II amphibious vehicle, an Army Duck, which can traverse land and water. Officially spelled DUKW, Army Ducks were used in Australia by the U.S. Military during WWII.
• Encounter Australia’s unique fauna, such as koalas, kangaroos, and wombats at a wildlife sanctuary.
• Cuddle a koala and have your photo taken!
• Participate in an ‘Aussie’ bush dance. 

Here's an Aborginal Dance:

And an Aussie Bush Dance (that looks a lot like something Billy Ray Cyrus might do!)

Day 14: California Kids Go Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef

There's not much to say about today's events other than OHMIGOD!

They will be snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef.

This means I was up at 4am with my typical anxiety because she's going to be in the water (this is a lifelong condition I've had and while my kid is an excellent swimmer, I still choose to be a complete mental patient and worry about these things). Mind you they won't be in the water until about 4pm our time, but why should I waste my time sleeping when I could be up worrying about something I have absolutely no control over!?

To combat my frailty, I've decided to imagine snorkeling with her later today. I will get my work done as fast as I can and then maybe stream a video on Netflix like The Reef, oh wait, not that one, maybe Grainger's World - oh good lord, NOT that one - okay, okay, I guess there aren't a lot of streaming movies to watch. I guess this will do.

So we can all imagine snorkeling later today, I've found a few photos to share. Hopefully this will get all of us off to a great start today.

Note: the water temperature for their dive was 72 degrees. Not too shabby.

PS: we should be grateful our kids are getting to see the reef: one of the seven wonders of the natural world. There are several threats to the health of the reef and speculation it could be in danger of surviving.

From the People to People Itinerary:

• Take the plunge and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, coming into contact with brightly colored tropical fish, giant clams, and an amazing array of soft and hard coral of every imaginable color.
• Got questions about the reef or its inhabitants? Ask away! You’ll get answers from the marine biologist that exclusively joins your delegation for this experience.