Australia Blog

I've uploaded the first batch of MANY to come... photos! They're available by clicking the link below; I've uploaded them to facebook, but you needn't be a member to view them.

http://minnesota.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2299213&l=97f34&id=13901546

In the album, you'll see my current habitats at both of the schools and at home.

My girlfriend Amy and I have visited some great places in the Melbourne area since arriving three weeks ago, and we've been doing our best to balance tourism with class preparation and general relaxation! Yesterday, we 'hired' a car and drove to the Great Ocean Road, which runs along the Southern border of the state of Victoria. The road itself was not really as I had expected, as the bush on either side made it seem as though we were driving through fields! However, we pulled off and viewed some of the most incredible scenes on the ocean shore. The Twelve Apostles and the London Bridge are absolutely astonishing! Until Amy uploads these pictures (I'll try to get a link when she does), try a Google search to see what these things look like.

In the past weeks, we've also been able to check out Philip Island (best island ever) and the Mount Dandenong ranges, where we saw some spectacular views of downtown Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs, as well as other mountain ranges in the distance.

See Amy's posted photos in the links below:

http://minnesota.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2295463&l=38379&id=13920720

http://minnesota.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2295366&l=822a6&id=13920720

Also, check out Amy's blog:
http://amyinaustralien.blogspot.com/

We are so blessed to have seen the things we have so far. We have both been blessed in our family placements, and without them we would have not been able to experience what we have so far! Special thanks to Amy's host parents, Steven and Jane Bullock, and to my host parents, Rob and Lisa Cavanagh.

Classes are going great, too. Last Wednesday, my supervising teacher was gone and I had the opportunity to take over two of my classes entirely, under the supervision of the substitute teachers. It went pretty well, and they gave me some good feedback regarding keeping my eye on the class. I am definitely being challenged with the classes and ensembles that I have taken on, and this summer is already turning out to be an incredible time to push my limits in becoming a professional teacher.

Cheers!