Today was the day I explored Darwin. I had to carry around my bags with me all day. Let me tell you – I was glad to have packed light!
(more…)The Top End: Day 5
Our final day of the tour arrived so quickly! Although it was the end, we went out with a bang. Today was a day of watering holes. We hiked and sampled at least five locations, but my count could be off.
(more…)The Top End: Day 3
Today we had a “slower” morning – only leaving at 7:45. We spent some time in Jabiru while some tour members went on a scenic flight. In town, we got to stop at a coffee shop, so you know I got a cold brew. Then we got to see the interpretive centre for Kakadu National Park, and learn a little more about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the geologic history. They had a large (~4×6′) map of Kakadu showing the topographic features in 3D, so I spent quite bit of time identifying the route we had hiked the day before.
(more…)The Top End: Day 2
Today was the day we hiked! We had an early morning, and were on the road by 6:30 am to Jim Jim Falls. There was a 20 minute track that required 4WD before reaching the parking area. We packed wraps for lunch and lots of water because it was going to be HOT. And hot it was, peaking at 37°C at the local meteorological station. By 9 am, it was already 28°C, so I made sure to drink plenty of electrolytes!
Before we got to the 4WD track, we were on a dirt road. On our drive I noticed a couple peculiar sights:
(more…)Month 2 review
Somehow, it’s been two months in Australia! Many more new things this month, but as I was writing this, I was listening to The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green and he shared a quote that I think summarizes September well:
Don’t just do something, stand there.
(more…)The Top End: Day 1
As promised, here is my recap from the first day of my Top End tour. I got to spend the first week of the break between terms 3 and 4 unplugged and seeing the highlights of Australia’s Top End in the Northern Territory. I’m going to try to keep it concise, but my tour was jam packed. So, grab a coffee and keep reading for a peek at the AMAZING time I had! Let me start off – Australia’s natural beauty is surpassing my every expectation.
(more…)The Top End: Packing for the tropics
For this term break, I planned a 6 day trip to Australia’s “Top End”, the region full of diverse flora, fauna and geologic features in the northern portion of the Northern Territory. I booked a 5 day/4 night tour that covered 1500+ km throughout the Kakadu, Nitmiluk, and Litchfield National Parks, and Arnhem Land. My plane ticket included 7 kg across two items for baggage, which I was determined to make work for this trip. How did I manage that? Carefully!
Here’s what I packed/wore on my flight:
(more…)First impressions of teaching, part 2
I’ve made it to the end of term 3! As I’ve spent more time in various classrooms, here are some more things I’ve noticed that differ from schools in Manitoba:
(more…)Things I do at the beginning of each class
Having new students often has its unique challenges, but I’ve found having a routine when starting class will set us up for success. Now, don’t get me wrong, some days are absolutely chaotic, but I like to think starting the day on the right foot helps.
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