By now most of my delegates would be back to their home countries and recovering from jetlag before returning back to the office tomorrow, ready to share their stories with fellow collegues.
I have caught up on my sleep, shared numerous stories with my friends and family and looked over my photos remembering the fun week we spent together discovering the South Coast.
I had such a fulfiling experience and learnt a lot from the delegates themselves and the tourism representatives we met in the different regions. I have already decided that I want to move to the farm and away from the city and during the next holidays visit the South Coast again.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make our experience so enjoyable. All the ladies from the different tourism regions we visits, you showed us some of your best features.
I hope the delegates will go back to their country and promote Australia in the best way possible.
Thank you to everyone, it really has been a great experience.
Until next time,
zài jiàn (Chinese), sa-wat dee (Thai), Selamat tinggal (Malay), Abar dyakha habe (India), annyeonghi gaseyo (Korean).
Goodbye (English).
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Day 4- Friday 8th April
As we packed the bus one last time everyone was looking forward to the journey back to Sydney. Some of the delegates had been out of their offices for nearly 3 weeks, doing post and pre tours and spending the weekend at ATE. Their bags were heavy and their cameras were full, they had enjoed their time in Australia.
We had a few more stops before we reached our final destination. We visited the Nan Tien Temple on our way out of Wollongong, it was absolutely beautiful and I am already planning my next trip back. We could of easily spent the day here, it was peaceful and serene. My delegates, however have become very good at keeping to our time schedules and soon enough were ready to hit the road again.
We had one more stop before arriving in Sydney and it involved a little detour. Two of the delegates in my group were from India and these gentleman had done their research and knew we were not far from the Donald Bradman muesum in Bowral. After their powers of persuasion and some negioation with Pete our driver we decided it was a worthwhile detour. Branka from Wollongong Tourism came with us and drove ahead us guiding the way. Pete became an expert on driving the Macquarie Pass but this time we were heading up hill, a little more tricky.
It didn't take us long to get to Bowral and everyone had the chance to look around the muesum and take some valuable photosgraphs. We nearly had to drag the men out of there but they were very appreciative that we had made the trip.
With everything ticked off our itinerary we bagan the journey back to Sydney, once again it didn't take the delegates long to enjoy their final snooze of the bus before we reached their hotels.
We made it back to Sydney in good time and we all bid our farewells to each other, as the delegates went their separate ways with appointments to make before their flights home the next day.
We had a few more stops before we reached our final destination. We visited the Nan Tien Temple on our way out of Wollongong, it was absolutely beautiful and I am already planning my next trip back. We could of easily spent the day here, it was peaceful and serene. My delegates, however have become very good at keeping to our time schedules and soon enough were ready to hit the road again.
We had one more stop before arriving in Sydney and it involved a little detour. Two of the delegates in my group were from India and these gentleman had done their research and knew we were not far from the Donald Bradman muesum in Bowral. After their powers of persuasion and some negioation with Pete our driver we decided it was a worthwhile detour. Branka from Wollongong Tourism came with us and drove ahead us guiding the way. Pete became an expert on driving the Macquarie Pass but this time we were heading up hill, a little more tricky.
It didn't take us long to get to Bowral and everyone had the chance to look around the muesum and take some valuable photosgraphs. We nearly had to drag the men out of there but they were very appreciative that we had made the trip.
With everything ticked off our itinerary we bagan the journey back to Sydney, once again it didn't take the delegates long to enjoy their final snooze of the bus before we reached their hotels.
We made it back to Sydney in good time and we all bid our farewells to each other, as the delegates went their separate ways with appointments to make before their flights home the next day.
Friday, 8 April 2011
Day 3- Thursday 7th April
Good morning once again my ever expanding reader base. Could our day get any better after a spectacular balloon ride? Yes it did, our nations capital sure showed us a good time!
We once again met Donna and Kathy from ACT Tourism and went to Australia's War Memorial where we were met like the royal family. The team at the War Memorial were very accommodating and shared some very interesting stories with us. We enjoyed a quick tour of the highlights and gave the delegates a chance to take some photos. We then got back in the bus and headed to the outback!
Australian Gold Creek is a sheep station just outside the heart of Canberra and it was such a fun experience. We had the opportunity to tackle some sheep into the shearing station and watched as the farm jackaroo sheared the sheep. This really showed the Australian outback at its best, and what better way to top it off then with a famous Aussie BBQ, fresh steaks, sausages and lots of fresh salads.
This was a great experience for the delegates to see some of Australia's outback and Australian Gold Creek is only open to tour groups which meant we received a one on one experience.
After a tricky drive through Macquarie Pass negotiating the sharp twists and turns of the road we arrived at the Chifley in Wolllongong and had some much needed rest before meeting Branka from Wollongong Tourism for dinner.
For dinner we had a Chinese buffet and the delegates couldn't of asked for anything better, after eating some Australia's best cuisine for the past 10 days during ATE they looked forward to rice, rice and more rice. We broke their rice drought and they really enjoyed the food at Star buffet. We all appreciated the extra comfyness of the beds and slept like babies, ready for ride back to Sydney on Friday.
Don't fret, I will provide my valuable readers with some more posts, our adventure hasn't ended yet!
We once again met Donna and Kathy from ACT Tourism and went to Australia's War Memorial where we were met like the royal family. The team at the War Memorial were very accommodating and shared some very interesting stories with us. We enjoyed a quick tour of the highlights and gave the delegates a chance to take some photos. We then got back in the bus and headed to the outback!
Australian Gold Creek is a sheep station just outside the heart of Canberra and it was such a fun experience. We had the opportunity to tackle some sheep into the shearing station and watched as the farm jackaroo sheared the sheep. This really showed the Australian outback at its best, and what better way to top it off then with a famous Aussie BBQ, fresh steaks, sausages and lots of fresh salads.
This was a great experience for the delegates to see some of Australia's outback and Australian Gold Creek is only open to tour groups which meant we received a one on one experience.
After a tricky drive through Macquarie Pass negotiating the sharp twists and turns of the road we arrived at the Chifley in Wolllongong and had some much needed rest before meeting Branka from Wollongong Tourism for dinner.
For dinner we had a Chinese buffet and the delegates couldn't of asked for anything better, after eating some Australia's best cuisine for the past 10 days during ATE they looked forward to rice, rice and more rice. We broke their rice drought and they really enjoyed the food at Star buffet. We all appreciated the extra comfyness of the beds and slept like babies, ready for ride back to Sydney on Friday.
Don't fret, I will provide my valuable readers with some more posts, our adventure hasn't ended yet!
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
up up and away!
Three phone calls and four alarms later I was out of bed and ready to see Canberra during the sunrise. We received the good news that the weather was good and we could go on our hot air balloon ride.
Once arriving at the sight it was quite a task inflating the huge balloon with cold air first and then later hot air. The balloon was massive and it took about 30 minutes for everything to be ready before take off. We were all taught the landing position, and being such good students showed our pilots how well we could do it.
The ride was about 45 minutes and it took in all the sights of Canberra, it was such a beautiful time of day to do and by the time we landed again, the sun was out and the traffic brewing.
It was such a fantastic experience and luckily we didn't loose anyone over the basket, because we only had one parachute!
Once arriving at the sight it was quite a task inflating the huge balloon with cold air first and then later hot air. The balloon was massive and it took about 30 minutes for everything to be ready before take off. We were all taught the landing position, and being such good students showed our pilots how well we could do it.
The ride was about 45 minutes and it took in all the sights of Canberra, it was such a beautiful time of day to do and by the time we landed again, the sun was out and the traffic brewing.
if only I could turn back time
Lets just rewind our clocks 24 hours and imagine we are back in Kiama!
We left Kiama on Wednesday morning heading south for beautiful Jervis Bay. Despite the rain everyone was looking forward to some dolphin watching. Matt our fantastic captain took us out on a boat called extreme, and boy was it extreme! We nearly lost several hats but luckily that was it. The dolphins must of been waiting for us and knew that my delegates had flown thousands of miles just to see them, so the little show offs put on a great show for us.
Then extreme showed us what it could really do and we jetted along the coast and saw some of the most spectacular beaches with unbelievably white sand. At this stage the rain had set in again, so we were all snuggling together trying to stay dry and out of the wind, with little luck however.
We safely arrived back onshore with everyone sporting their new windswept hair styles!
Further down the coast we stopped at Bateman's Bay at the Coachouse Marina Resort, and were we spoilt! The lunch was second to none and course after course kept being brought to the table, each dish using local produce. From fresh oysters, damper, salt and pepper squid, salads and of course we can't forget about dessert; white chocolate panna cotta and fruit salad. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon talking to Tess one of the employees at Coachouse Marina and Catherine from Eurobodalla Tourism, who gave us a great insight into the region.
With everyone's bellies full to the brim we got back on the road heading in the direction of Canberra. My delegates have a habit of falling asleep as soon we get back into the van and we had a competition yesterday afternoon who ever fell alseep first would buy everyone a coffee! Needless to say the winner was discovered in about 15 minutes.
We arrived in Canberra on Wednesday night and had a little time to freshen up before meeting with a representative from ACT Tourism and having a site inspection of the hotel. After yet another yummy meal everyone headed off to bed for some much needed rest before our exciting adventure on Thursday morning.
We left Kiama on Wednesday morning heading south for beautiful Jervis Bay. Despite the rain everyone was looking forward to some dolphin watching. Matt our fantastic captain took us out on a boat called extreme, and boy was it extreme! We nearly lost several hats but luckily that was it. The dolphins must of been waiting for us and knew that my delegates had flown thousands of miles just to see them, so the little show offs put on a great show for us.
Then extreme showed us what it could really do and we jetted along the coast and saw some of the most spectacular beaches with unbelievably white sand. At this stage the rain had set in again, so we were all snuggling together trying to stay dry and out of the wind, with little luck however.
We safely arrived back onshore with everyone sporting their new windswept hair styles!
Further down the coast we stopped at Bateman's Bay at the Coachouse Marina Resort, and were we spoilt! The lunch was second to none and course after course kept being brought to the table, each dish using local produce. From fresh oysters, damper, salt and pepper squid, salads and of course we can't forget about dessert; white chocolate panna cotta and fruit salad. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon talking to Tess one of the employees at Coachouse Marina and Catherine from Eurobodalla Tourism, who gave us a great insight into the region.
With everyone's bellies full to the brim we got back on the road heading in the direction of Canberra. My delegates have a habit of falling asleep as soon we get back into the van and we had a competition yesterday afternoon who ever fell alseep first would buy everyone a coffee! Needless to say the winner was discovered in about 15 minutes.
We arrived in Canberra on Wednesday night and had a little time to freshen up before meeting with a representative from ACT Tourism and having a site inspection of the hotel. After yet another yummy meal everyone headed off to bed for some much needed rest before our exciting adventure on Thursday morning.
hot air ballooning
Goodmorning one and all!
Ok you can stop crossing your fingers now, it worked!!! The 5am wake up call is worth it and chilly Canberra will dazzle us all with the sights.
Keep watching for a full detailed explaination when we return.
Ok you can stop crossing your fingers now, it worked!!! The 5am wake up call is worth it and chilly Canberra will dazzle us all with the sights.
Keep watching for a full detailed explaination when we return.
Day 2- Wednesday 6th April
Dear readers,
I do hope that your eyes haven't turned into squares as you have been waiting for my new post. Well here it is, but I hate to disappoint it will be a short one.
After a long day of driving and spending 2 hours trying to find a kangaroo out in the fields we finally arrived in Australia's capital, Canberra. We were treated to a delicious dinner courteousy of ACT Tourism, and wearily we have wandered back to our hotels.
Everyone is anticipating their 5am wake up call in the hope that our hot air balloon ride is going ahead. So yesterday I got you to cross your fingers in the hope of seeing a whale and unfortunately that didn't work, so I need to broaden my reader views and get everyone at ICMS to cross those fingers so we can go for our spectacular balloon ride over Canberra.
Keep crossing until I say stop...
I do hope that your eyes haven't turned into squares as you have been waiting for my new post. Well here it is, but I hate to disappoint it will be a short one.
After a long day of driving and spending 2 hours trying to find a kangaroo out in the fields we finally arrived in Australia's capital, Canberra. We were treated to a delicious dinner courteousy of ACT Tourism, and wearily we have wandered back to our hotels.
Everyone is anticipating their 5am wake up call in the hope that our hot air balloon ride is going ahead. So yesterday I got you to cross your fingers in the hope of seeing a whale and unfortunately that didn't work, so I need to broaden my reader views and get everyone at ICMS to cross those fingers so we can go for our spectacular balloon ride over Canberra.
Keep crossing until I say stop...
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
after dinner delight!
After arriving to the hotel in good time we all had some spare time before dinner. This gave everyone a chance to walk around the quaint little town of Kiama and what would a trip to Kiama be without sampling their infamous ice cream shops! In the space of about 300m there are 2 delicous ice cream stores, so obviously I couldn't resist and I did my bit for tourism Kiama and had some ice cream! It was a great way to spend the afternoon walking around the shore, watching people go by.
Kathy from Kiama Tourism joined us for dinner tonight and we ate at the hotel restaurant and it was lovely for her to share some of her experiences with us and learn more about Kiama.
So with wake up calls scheduled, bellys full of yummy food, we all retired up to our rooms for a good nights rest. Tonight our dreams will be filled with dolphins and the hope we might catch a glimpse of an early whale. Fingers crossed!
Deadicated readers I hope your fingers are crossed too, go on do it now! The power of positive thinking will get us through.
Kathy from Kiama Tourism joined us for dinner tonight and we ate at the hotel restaurant and it was lovely for her to share some of her experiences with us and learn more about Kiama.
So with wake up calls scheduled, bellys full of yummy food, we all retired up to our rooms for a good nights rest. Tonight our dreams will be filled with dolphins and the hope we might catch a glimpse of an early whale. Fingers crossed!
Deadicated readers I hope your fingers are crossed too, go on do it now! The power of positive thinking will get us through.
Day 1- Tuesday 5th April
Goodmorning my avid readers, I apologise for tardiness I can imagine you have been watching the screen waiting for a blog post to appear, well your wish is my command!
It was hardly a chore getting out of bed this morning as I set out to embark on my South Coast adventure. Sydney's traffic scene wasn't on our side this morning and I received some worried calls from my group of delegates as our talented driver negotiated the busy streets of the city. Peter, our driver is lovely and a wealth of knowledge about everything to do with the South Coast. But alas, we got on our way and headed out of Sydney and down to Wollongong.
The rain didn't deter the high spirits of my group of delegates from China, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, India and Malaysia who have already spent some time visiting various parts of Australia. A lovely drive down Grand Pacific Drive brought us to Symbio wildlife park where we got to feed to koalas who were surprisingly playful, dodged kangaroo droppings as we fed a field of kangaroos and spotted emus, tasmanian devils and dingos. It was a fun morning but after all this activity everyone was starving.
The weather played in our favour for about 15 minutes and we got to stop at Bald Hill and take in the spectacular view, it was amazing to see the dark clouds move across the water so quickly. By the time we left we could properly make out Wollongong.
A short drive over the Sea Cliff Bridge and we arrived at Five Islands Brewery ready for some beer tasting and lunch! The brewery was named after the five islands that are off the shore of Wollongong. Everyone had a well deserved feed and then hit the road again, our next destination Kiama.
The one thing the rain resulted in was high seas and that was to our advantage this afternoon as we pulled into Kiama and stopped to see the town's famous blowhole. We got some awesome shots of the water shooting through rocky hole and we all got a little sprayed with water!
After a long day on the road it was time to hit the hotel and get some rest or fit in some shopping for some, before we had dinner. We are staying at the Sebel in Kiama and it is a beautiful little hotel right on the water.
But wait there's more...stay tuned for part two after dinner!
It was hardly a chore getting out of bed this morning as I set out to embark on my South Coast adventure. Sydney's traffic scene wasn't on our side this morning and I received some worried calls from my group of delegates as our talented driver negotiated the busy streets of the city. Peter, our driver is lovely and a wealth of knowledge about everything to do with the South Coast. But alas, we got on our way and headed out of Sydney and down to Wollongong.
The rain didn't deter the high spirits of my group of delegates from China, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, India and Malaysia who have already spent some time visiting various parts of Australia. A lovely drive down Grand Pacific Drive brought us to Symbio wildlife park where we got to feed to koalas who were surprisingly playful, dodged kangaroo droppings as we fed a field of kangaroos and spotted emus, tasmanian devils and dingos. It was a fun morning but after all this activity everyone was starving.
The weather played in our favour for about 15 minutes and we got to stop at Bald Hill and take in the spectacular view, it was amazing to see the dark clouds move across the water so quickly. By the time we left we could properly make out Wollongong.
A short drive over the Sea Cliff Bridge and we arrived at Five Islands Brewery ready for some beer tasting and lunch! The brewery was named after the five islands that are off the shore of Wollongong. Everyone had a well deserved feed and then hit the road again, our next destination Kiama.
The one thing the rain resulted in was high seas and that was to our advantage this afternoon as we pulled into Kiama and stopped to see the town's famous blowhole. We got some awesome shots of the water shooting through rocky hole and we all got a little sprayed with water!
After a long day on the road it was time to hit the hotel and get some rest or fit in some shopping for some, before we had dinner. We are staying at the Sebel in Kiama and it is a beautiful little hotel right on the water.
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