Home.

So we now come closer to the two week mark of the end of our trip through Fiji New Zealand, and Australia.  To some of us it might feel like it was all a dream, composed of beautiful landscapes, wonderful scenarios, crazy, and sometimes inappropriate, characters, and of course, fried shapes.  Coming back home can be like waking up from a dream.  Suddenly we realize many of the responsibilities awaiting us, the events of the dreams from the previous night don't seem to relate too much to the current reality, and we could be a little groggy after the transition.  For some, the transition is quite easy and joyful, with relatively little bumps in the road.  Whatever the case may be for each of us individually, we should ask ourselves the following questions: Have I come home feeling more empowered and confident than before I left?  Am I staying present in each moment I do the things I used to do before the trip?  How can I maintain the positive changes that have been made recently?  Are you my nau?  Where's Gabe?

From Momo and Benji, we wish you all the best from here on out.  Hopefully the memories of the trip, the important ones, will stand out more as time goes on and as you become more adjusted to the world you left 3 months ago.  It was a great trip for the both of us, unforgettable- and we mean that in all ways. ;)  So, be sure to keep track of you hat, keep your lips puckered for photographs, remember that 8 spades does NOT beat a misere bid, squirrels can dance, and to never, ever  miss tea time.

We love you Justin Bieber!

Love,
Benji and Momo

Final Entry

It has been a fabulous last week here in beautiful and sunny Cairns. We spent our week getting scuba certified in the classroom for two days and then off onto our overnight live-aboard on the Kangaroo Explorer. During our dives, we spotted much colorful wildlife including clown fish, many types of coral, sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, sting rays, sea cucumbers, and many more. It was a very exciting trip and a great way to end our activities here the South Pacific with a bang.

To conclude our blog, we would like to offer from each member a highlight from the trip as well as a tip for the next Walkabout group from Carpe Diem.

Gabe: Highlight- Clowning around in Fiji
Tip- Bring a good home stay gift, because whatever you have wont feel like enough

Eric: Highlight- Tailing sheep
Tip- You only need to shower once a week and you don't need shampoo or soap

Ross: Highlight- Hunting on the Marae
Tip- Lose weight and get in shape before the trip because you wont lose weight here and bring a pack robe

Hannah: Highlight- Visiting the Chenrezig Institute
Tip - If you have the opportunity to try something new, always take it

Mike: Highlight- Underwater squirrel dance after seeing a manta ray
Tip- Save money for a didgeridoo, here come the toydles

Tate: Highlight- All the time spent outdoors
Tip- Keep a journal, even if you don't have to

Simone: Highlight- Seeing a shark
Tip- Save money by cooking your own meals

Samira: Highlight- Australia
Tip- Don't eat too much cake and don't get too sconed

Ben: Highlight- Exploring beautiful and green New Zealand
Tip- Go exploring on your own

Penrod: Highlight- Connecting with all the people
Tip- Step out your comfort zone more than once

Stephanie: Highlight- Dancing the Meke
Tip- Don't follow the packing list, bring jeans and a full sized pack towel

We have had an incredible time here but now it is time to go home.
Signing off for the last time.
Love, Walkabout Fall '10

Chanrezig

Hello back home,
We sit here in Cairns after our plane ride this morning from Brisbane.  We intended to board a train last night that would have taken 22 hours, but the train was canceled due to flooding.  Instead, we got the whole day to check out the city and find out all the information we needed for our next group activity.  Tomorrow at 9, 7 of the 11 members start their open water dive class.  On of us can not participate due to ear surgery and the others plan to continue the diving classes they have already taken before. 
At Chenrezig, the whole group got the opportunity to take a vow of silence for however long they wanted while at the Monistary.  Some of us lasted quite a while while the others started talking after the first or second day.  While at the monistary, we all got the chance to attend classes in meditation, learning about the mind and teachings on Tibetan Buddhism as a whole.  We all ate vegetarian meals which was tough for some of us, though making the experience more realistic.  On the last day, we got the chance to go to the Australia Zoo where the famous Steve Irwin use to work.  All of us attended a show put on by the trainers with many different species of animals.  With open minds and zen body, we look forward to our next activity, SCUBA!  Only five more days until you all get to see our beautiful faces!! :)
Much Love,
Rike and Moss