End of term "get-away" excursion to Stradbroke Island with DEPs...Yeah!

Today around 9 am. we had to gather promptly at Nathan to wait for the bus to go the Stradbroke Island. We hit the road and arrived at the seaside suburbs of Cleveland and Redland Bay. We, on the bus, got on a barge to go to Dunwich. The ferries, barges and water taxis from the mainland arrive at Dunwich on the western side of North Stradbroke Island. This old settlement was first established in 1827 as a convict outstation. Today North Stradbroke Island is an island paradise only a few hours from central Brisbane. It is noted for the long, clean white beaches of its eastern coastline, the rich diversity of its flora which includes wild orchids, and its isolation and peacefulness.

The history of these islands are also interesting. Although the islands (at the time it was just one island) were sighted by both Captain James Cook and Matthew Flinders it wasn't until 1827 that the name Stradbroke, after the then Earl of Stradbroke, was given to the island by his son, Captain H. J. Rous, the commander of the HMS Rainbow.

On the island, there are many attractions such as Blue Lake National Park, Brown Lake, Twenty-Two Mile Beach and Point Lookout. Today, we went to Point Lookout and visited two lookouts. After about a 20 minute walk, I had to say that it was worth it since we saw the most beautiful marine creatures-whales, dolphins and a turtle. I guess they knew we were coming, so they came out to give us a performance (swimming and splashing water in the ocean so fascinatingly and magically.

After all the walking and excitement, we all started to become ravenous. Thus, we hooped on the charter bus to go have lunch on a beach. We had a whole range of international foods from around the world I would say. We all shared and had a great time tasting them all--from Arabic to Australian and American (of course represented by my Apple Pie).

After we decided that we had just enough, we went on the beach. A couple of students and a teacher and I played Frisbee. It was fun...after almost 5 years since I last played it in Philly! Then, I joined the guys in a volleyball game. Later on, a couple and I walked on the beach and talked about their Uni, life since many of them are moving on to doing their Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degrees. I gave them some good advice on how to prepare themselves in a classroom environment as well as overcome obstacles that they might encounter during their studies. I was blessed to be able to share my experiences with them!

We arrived the Uni around 5 pm. and luckily I was dropped off at home to pack my stuff and prepare for a PD session that I am giving on the next day about Thai Phonology. Will be very exciting!