Rainforest Adventure

The school semester is speeding by and we are entering fall/winter here in Brisbane. I remain mixed up about directions, some words and weather, isn't it supposed to be spring? So far it just seems to be different shades of warm although now the nights are cool. Classes are going well, lots of reading! (lots of learning too :)  Rather than taking you through the pile of journal articles on my desk with titles like…. the Paradox of Trust, or State Sovereignty and the Articulation of Political Space/ Time, or another favorite-Paradigmatic framing of protracted, intractable conflict: toward the development of a meta-framework-II'

….I realized  I'm a bit behind on sharing some of my adventures outside of uni coursework.

Through the generosity of new friends and my Rotary counselor Pam I have been able to explore some of the areas around Brisbane. One of my first outings was a drive up the ‘Bruce’ (well really Highway 1 but like many things Aussie it has a nickname) to the Mary Craincross Rainforest   where we had a spectacular view of the Glass House Mountains, ancient volcanic plugs.   Before we walked into the rainforest the park staff advised us to apply a good dose of leech repellant- yikes!

Glass House Mountains

Immediately we were surrounded….not by leeches, phew! but by a rich variety of trees and plants with an amazing number of  different shades of green and leaf shapes.  I learned about the Catbird (bird that sounds like a crying baby- really) the Wampu (another bird), the Strangler Fig and Lawyer Vine- which has all sorts of prickly spines.  We even spotted Pademelons, six in total, sort of like a small version of a kangaroo.  After traipsing through a Palm grove and escaping leech free we had a lovely coffee in the rain at the mountain top cafe. 

Maleny  was next on our itinerary, a quaint town in the hinterland with a Sunday market and small arts and crafts shops.  My favorite was this woodworking shop where you were invited to touch all sorts of finished and unfinished pieces of furniture. Then off to the Sunshine Coast, where I was treated to an iconic Aussie lunch at the Alex Heads Surf Lifesaving Club complete with the chance to watch a “Nippers” race in the surf.  (kids in surf lifesaving youth programs)  Combined with a swim in the ocean before heading back to Brizzy it was a full day!

Notice the note at the top...

Pademelon, none of my pictures turned out as they hopped too fast!

Alexandra Heads

Beach!

A Fortunate Life

Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens

It so happens that when I was a child in Missoula, Montana one of my babysitters was Anne, a lovely Australian woman whose husband was pursing graduate study at the University of Montana Forestry Department.  Our family received as a gift from them several classic Australian books.  For many years they stood high on a shelf in our living room- tempting tales of a far off land.  Before departing for this adventure down under, I made a point to read them- one of which included A Fortunate Life by A. B. Facey (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1189454.A_Fortunate_Life) 

Facey grew up in the Australian outback, had no formal education, taught himself to read and write, survived fighting at Galipoli, found the love of his life and  definitely lived  fully.  Throughout the book he talks about the importance of the people he met and the relationships he formed.  Despite many hardships he says, "I have lived a very good life, it has been very rich and full. I have been very fortunate and I am thrilled by it when I look back.''

University (Uni here) is in full swing, and as I am meeting people from around the world I feel so lucky to be living my own fortunate life.  The other Rotary Peace Fellows are all wonderful intelligent people with interesting stories, open hearts and  all with diverse backgrounds. It turns out they also like to dance :) Even after a long week, we had a fun night salsa dancing outside  in the city square.

My classes are their own international community with students from places like- Burma, Iran, Ethiopia, Iceland, Germany and Columbia and we are already engaging in stimulating conversations and I am learning and unlearning just as much in class as well as outside of class.  So far I am taking: Advanced International Studies, Ethics and Human Rights and Principles of Deep Seated Conflict Resolution.  Class structure will vary from lectures, tutorials and discussions to full role plays including a full war crimes tribunal. One professor described our primary skill as being reading, and yes! we have lots of reading to do which is challenging, complicated and fascinating.

Today was full and varied.  After waking up to the early, bright Queensland sunlight I went for a quick walk by the Brisbane River.  I then headed into the city or CBD (central business district) to take company class with Expressions a contemporary dance company.  The dancers are fierce, totally committed and some of the friendliest I have met.  It is amusing to me that in the process of literally turning my life upside down I am also finally getting the hang of handstands- go figure :)

After class I caught the bus- specifically the GLIDER  which I call the “flying squirrel bus” as it is blue with a cartoon picture of a flying squirrel, back into the city and then headed to uni campus.  In completing some of my orientation requirements, I had to attend a Safety Down Under Workshop.  Hmmn- a full on powerpoint with photos… Watch out for: crocodiles, sharks, jellyfish, rip-tides, spiders, snakes and crazy weather. Oh, and yes magpies- which during spring happen to swoop and attack bicyclists.  Adventure!

This afternoon I attended a compelling seminar  presented by Ms. Mary Grahm on  Aboriginal Approaches to Peace and Conflict http://nationalcongress.com.au/ethics-council/.  Some of the things that I learned are that Aboriginal law is tied specifically to the geography and the dreaming stories of each place and that there are multiple perceptions of time that are not linear. While in Australia, I look forward to learning more about the ancient and living culture of the Aboriginal people.

 I am immersed in an incredible international community while living in a beautiful place with its own rich history.  I am full of gratitude for my opportunities to continue learning, growing and challenging myself. From the lively members of my local Rotary Club, Brisbane Planetarium (http://www.rotarybrisbaneplanetarium.net/), to the other Peace Fellows, professors, dancers, leaders in the dance community, and new friends across communities- I feel fortunate in my developing Aussie relationships and connections and hope to continue to share A.B Facey’s outlook as reflective of my life.

Our building 

Local wildlife

My first kangaroo sighting

Community art project- New Farm Park

Fig Tree

Sydney- A bird's eye view!

The view from my window :)

Some of the facts that I have learned in my first couple of weeks down under….

Did you know that Macadamia nuts are originally from Queensland, Australia?

How about the pickup truck- the first “utility vehicle” or ute as they are know here was designed by Ford Australia in the 30’s.

I was lucky enough to spend some of the holidays in Sydney. Flying in, I tried to bring a bit of blue sky and sun from Queensland, by all accounts the Aussie summer has been off to a slow start although to my mind the weather seems fantastic for December.  Arriving in Sydney I was greeted by the fabulous 

Anna and Ben and whisked away to the lovely shores of Palm Beach, one of Sydney’s northernmost beaches. There, I was treated to a holiday vacation getaway full of sand, sun, friends and fun.  Ben’s parents, Julie and Chris are delightful, interesting hosts and were so generous and wonderful in sharing their home and family with me for the holidays.

  wow I am up high!

the bridge- imagine me on the top!

For my first day in Sydney, Anna had told me to prepare for a surprise experience, all I was told was to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, and knowing Anna I was ready for anything. Still, imagine my surprise when after careful planning and secrecy on everyone’s part I found myself getting ready to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge! It was the perfect introduction to Sydney-exciting, historical and with an incredible view. Although it sprinkled a bit it did not dampen the spirit of adventure or the views, though it did seem to influence my fashion sense a bit for the day.

Palm Beach

Over the holidays I tried many new things: a paw paw, fruit mince pies, Christmas cake, watched cricket, surfing ( yes! I got up),  and paddle boarding. I also saw lots of new animals such as a shark egg, a goanna, beautiful birds and I also fed a Kookaburra.  I also had a chance to catch up with IU connection Alex and her son with a fun lunch at the famous Doyle's.  Dance was also represented through  a Luna Dance connection- Julie and her daughter Lulu in lovely Manley.  It was an exciting and relaxing trip as well as a priceless opportunity to spend time with old and new friends.

a kookaburra

me feeding a kookaburra!

Looking at the lighthouse on Palm Beach

a goanna

Sydney- the view from the famous Doyle's where I had fish and chips.

Arriving in Oz :)

After all of the hustle and bustle to wrap things up and packing up to leave-( thank you to everyone who helped my throughout the process :)! my flight to Brisbane, Australia was relatively uneventful. Fifteen hours to Auckland and then another three to Brisbane where I was met at the airport by the wonderful Janet Lawrence- the local  Rotary Peace Fellow Coordinator.  The first couple of days were a bit of a blur, although I do remember several times as a passenger in the car I tried to step on the brakes on my side. :)  I started my time off staying in lovely Fig Tree Pocket- a south eastern neighborhood of Brisbane.  

One of the lakes on campus

The Great Court

The campus is beautiful with big sandstone buildings and lots of trees and flowers.  I registered, now have my student ID and  started trying to figure out how to get around on the public transit system- I can choose from  buses, trains and river ferries.

I will head to Sydney for the holidays and to visit with friends.

Thank you so much for all of the cards, gifts, the send-offs and well wishing to send me on my way!

Cockatiel on campus!