DAY 12: What is it over already?
Today started with a lovely breakfast on Easter Island and then we were off to take in one of the world renowned heritage sites. Pictures so often don't do these monuments justice and to be there looking at their impressive stature and presence is quite an experience. We had a good look around the Island including a quary where many of the statues were still on the factory floor so to speak. They were built and ready but due to mainly revolutionary and civil war they never got used.
From here it was off to Easter Island airport to Tahiti where I am currently writing this the last entry of the blog. In just over 12 days we have seen and experienced so much. The students have each in their own way grown in confidence, they have communicated with another culture and been able to survive (to a degree) on their own. Soon they will be home and in the loving arms of you guys and they will forever remember the 12 days they spent learning about and exploring another culture as well as Mr Codyres Easter Island dancing but you'll have to wait for the DVD for that one.
We anticipate being able to have a draft copy of photos to you within a week however the DVD and accompanying photo disk will be at least 6 weeks away. We have 10 hours to condense to 22.5 minutes and when ready we will have a speacial evening for the students, their families and friends.
Im off for a 1 hour nap and then Air Tahiti fly us home to Auckland.
DAY 11: Easter Island
We have touched down and I am thrilled that they have WIFI here as well. More photos to come after our walk shortly. Its just after 1:00 and already this place just seems to relax you. An early start this morning had a few dreary looks but we were soon in the air and on the way.
Now Mrs Palmer is certain that Justin Timberlake was also on our flight and so we have sent her scouring the Island to see if he is here. Don't hold your breath though.
More soon we need to get out and explore this wonderful Island.
DAY NINE: Wet but certainly not miserable
Today we explored one of the National Parks of Chile and despite the rain managed to get along and see some stunning rapids. Photography and Video was especially challenging today however we did manage to get some shots out depsite the weather.
Today was also Jessica's birthday and so we couldnt let that go by without a birthday cake (very nice) and some candles. What a great place to spend a birthday Jess and we wish you a happy day (although it's now almost over).
A very interesting ride on a boat today through some mild turbulence you could say allowed us to see Argentina which is across the lake from this part of Chile. Very strange to think across a lake is another country.
Kids are enjoying the heated pool today and we also got some time to get to a park for a bit of a play and lunch today consisted of BBQ Pork and I believe Llama meat but that is yet to be confirmed. Great to get all your comments - another reminder that you will get all the images and the ones the kids have taken on a disk in higher resolution than is on here so don't use these ones to print out.
DAY EIGHT: Germans and Mountains
Day 8 was a great day to be exploring the surrounds of Southern Chile. As the photos show we had great weather and stunning views of the three volcanoes we could see.
We also spent some time going throgh a tradidtional German settlement from here and met an 80 yea old Blacksmith who had been workign there his entire life. He was a bit cheaky but the kids enjoyed seeing him making the horse shoes and one or two may be coming home...
The hotel we are staying at is very nice and the kids are needing to be quite posh and you will be pleased to hear they are succeeding. We have lovely formal dinners and manners are a must.
As we near the end of the trip its amazing to go back to the photos of Day 1 and see how much we have done. Students have been great representatives of Ross Intermediate and New Zealand and we look forwards to our final few days together.
DAY SEVEN: Travel Day
Today we headed on a plane and travelled to the South of Chile. A very pleasant flight for us all with some lovely views through the clouds at times. We arrived at our very nice hotel, had a traditional lunch and then have relaxed around the pool to get some rest ready for tomorrow. Only one photo taken today to give you an idea of the view we have here at Puerto Varas.
DAY SIX: We're on a Boat!
Day 6 started in style with a Breakfast in the hotel that we were staying at. We also had a bit of a sleep in which is very nice. Today we headed to a park with a big stadium were top names like Michael Jackson, Madonna and Ricky Martin have performed. Back in the day it use to be a hill and people would come along. As things have got busier it has been converted into more of a huge outdoor ampi-theatre.
Following this we went on a cable car which was nice to see some of the different sites and we also cruised around Valparaiso and looked at some of the stunnig scenery and houses.
We then headed to the wharf and jumped on a boat to cruise around the harbour and get some stunning shots and see a huge Seal. From here we headed back to Santiago where we are now and tomorrow we head to the Airport and head South.
All the teachers have been commenting how well the kids have been doing so you should all be very proud parents. We have also received compliments o their manners from the different places we have visited. We are all looking forward to the markets in the South and as we come up to our half way point we are still all in good shape.
Oh and my new image above was taken form the coast were we saw a seal colony and got some stunning shots...
DAY FIVE: Religion and Politics...
Today we travelled by Bus to Valparaiso, a coastal community with architecture similar to Wellington. On the way through we stopped at an important Church (ask your kids the name) and we were blessed for our journey. It was a very peaceful moment and the students displayed approriate respect. No one was struck down by lightening when they entered so thats always a good thing. From here we headed to our destination and spent the afternoon going through their Parliament. Now at this pointlet me goive you the accurate story. It had been a long day and it was also hot. I know very little spanish although I have taken to making some words up. We were lucky enough to get to sit in on the senate debating new laws which was great. Yes, I admit I may have blinked for a little longer than is customary which some may call falling asleep but I will stick with resting my eyes. There was a funny story behind it all though because you are not allowed to be in a sitting session in shorts and some of the students had shorts. We have a photo of them in the trousers that we hastingly exited to get but I still need to get that off a students camera. We have 15 minutes to find a shop fit them out and then get them back. It was quite a memory and one sadly not caught on film. Some have taken a liking to the trousers and we have allowed them to keep them.
Following this we went back to our very nice hotel and got ready for dinner at a lovely restaurant in town. The kids are getting really good at ordering food on their own, I however am relying on my very good translator. There are so many things the students are picking up on about being in a different culture and working as a group. We are seeing some real growth in their personal skills and development and sorry to say your not missed, well I'm sure you are but they are so busy and having such a neat time. We are reading your comments out to them so keep them coming and we will report back soon.
DAY FOUR: Riots everywhere we go...
Our fourth day started off with a nice comfortable 8:30 start and then we were off visit the students at Colegio Tupahue School. This is a school that goes from Year 1 right up to High School and as you can imagine we were quite the novelty. We went on a tour of each class and they asked us some questions and vice versa and then as we were about to leave we were invited to stay for morning tea and well all I can say is one word 'riot'. There was such excitement and it was so amazing to see our students intereacting and taking time to share their journals and give some gifts from New Zealand. Stephanie spent much of her time with some of the young girls and each of them got time with her, she was very kind. I myself decided to teach then a few jump rope tricks and yes my knee did suffer however it was in the interets of cross-cultural liasons so I manned up and coped. Sam, Drayden, Louie and I then took on some of the Seniors in Basketball. I dont mind admitting that we were beaten I mean between me with my knee and them with age on their side (well kind of) it was a one sided match however they were very much impressed with Sam and a couple of the young ladies also took quite a shining.
It was great to see that throughout the world kids are kids and the excitement shown to our visit was quite humbling. It was a wonderful school and a great opportunity for our kids to gain that little insight into the life of a child in a Chilean School.
Following this we headed to the Ande's and took in the sights and sounds of some smaller markets and also went shopping at a huge mall. I bought quite a few clothes and other students also picked up some bargains.
We are really noticing the number of dogs that simply wander around - don't stress were not touching them but Drayden did find himself a new friend in some quiet time we had in the Ande's
Then it was back to the hotel where everyone is now fully asleep and speaking of which so must I.
Before I go a bit of a teacher for tomorrow - we are fortunate to be able to go to parliament tomorrow and this will be a great chance to see how they operate. This is not a common thing to have access to so we will keep you informed on the blog tomorrow. Loving all your messages, passed them onto the kids this morning - please spread the word to other parents. See you all soon.
DAY THREE: Goal for Ross Intermediate...
While we are only half way through Day Three an advanced photo of the day. We visited a very nice school soon to be 200 with an amazing historic library. On our way out I challenged the local boys to a game of football and thanks to a goal from Michael we won. Louis and Drayden also helped. The school was an interesting experience, very traditional and also home to a historic library with books dated to the early 1800's. Some furniture also was dated at over 200 years old and no thats not the same age as Mrs Hardings chair in her room so stop thinking that (LOL).
Following the Soccer success and yes Mr Price my knee did hold up, we headed back to the hotel for lunch and then we headed to Pomaire which is an area known for its crafts and clay work. Many a piece was bought and the pocket money for the day was soon consumed. Enough however was saved for a trip to the supermarket where all the students managed to independanty get through the checkouts. I however had a slight delay however managed to get through. Armed with our crafts of the day and many more memories we headed home for another good nights rest.
Tomorrow is another busy day with a possible horse ride (I'll remember my experience with your horse Miss Bignold) and another school to visit.
It is too hard to find time for the kids to enter any blog comments so your stuck with my interpretations.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: Michael's killer goal in the football match.
DAY TWO: Metro, Santiago and Fantasialand
Our first official day travelling aorund agve a us a chance to get on the Metro and travel underground. It was a very clean experience and not too cramped although come evening we were pretty much like sardines in a can. We also didnt leave anyone behind at a Metro Stop so we all made it. In the morning we also visitied a hostoric site which was a defence post against the Spanish Invasion. Check out the Day 1 Photos for more on that.
Finally we were off to Fantasialand where the rides and thrills were numerous. Not many photos from here but some great footage for the DVD. We even had Kaelan mic'd for his rides so you get the authentic screams.
My photo of the day was Michael taking on the guards outside Government House. close second was me clowning around with some cheeky clowns. Check the images so far on the bar to the right.
DAY ONE Continued...
We have tasted our first part of Chile. Shortly after touching down in Santiago we headed for a walk around town including stops at the Metro station to check out the transport we will be on tomorrow. We settled into our Hotel and are heading for tea shortly. Even managed to find somewhere for a group photo. Strict orders have been given out about sleep tonight as we have a big day tomorrow. Over the following days three students will be sharing an entry on the blog each night as part of their journal work. Keep an eye out for your child's work. Might even be organised and publish whose going to be when but that might be a bit to uber organised.
DAY ONE: Travel, Travel and yes more Travel...
We arrived safely in Auckland following a relatively smooth flight. Excitement was running high and following lunch we procceded through to Check In. No major dramasn there and then it was my first highlight of the trip - granted it's been a short time so far and it may seem early to have a highhlight but there right in front of me through only a relatively slim pane of glass was a beautiful sight to behold, thats right an Emirates A380 aircraft - the King of the Skies...
We board our flight soon and much of Day 1 will consist of movies on low quality LCD Screens, airline food and sleep - lots of sleep. Day 2 will be when we start to have some real adventures so lets get going and experience South America...
