Last couple of weeks

Last time I updated this I had gone to the reef, Kuranda and was back in Sydney.

I took Melissa and her mom Lynn to my school last Thursday to watch my class perform the assembly at school. They did a skit on "How the Animals Came to Australia" it was adorable. I was finally able to video tape the whole school singing the Australian National Anthem and their unique Happy Birthday Song. You can find these videos on my picasa website.

After the assembly I took Melissa and Lynn to Paddy's Market where we spent quite a few hours shopping and getting gifts. I was able to pick up the last of what I needed to get and then we headed back to my place to start packing. They took an entire suitcase of clothes and gifts home for me so I didn't have to pay for an extra piece of luggage.

I also cooked Kangaroo one of the nights for them. It turned out really good and they both seemed to like it.

One Friday last week we took a Ferry to the Sydney Olympic Park. We toured the Aquatic Center and both Melissa and I decided we wanted to work there. Her of course, as my boss. :-) We both sat and watched swimming lessons and walked around the pool. We also went through the volunteer poles that are displayed outside of the ANZ Stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies took place. They have some awesome poles with names on them. Again, check out my picasa website for these. (It just takes too long to put pictures up on this - it is slower than a slug.)

We went on a tour of the Opera House and I learned a few new things about how it was built. We also went to a show the same night called Verdi Requiem. They played the entire requiem with no stops. It was beautiful!

Last Saturday I took them on the Coogee to Bondi walk I had previously done. It is probably one of my favorite things to do here. It was a gorgeous day and we got some great pictures. They were even doing a kite festival when we made it to Bondi! The same night Meliss and I went down to Darling Harbor later together and walked around and chatted. It was a great way to spend the night talking with her and walking around. We even met up with my friend Franco and had a good time.

Sunday was Meliss and Lynn's last day, so I took them to my favorite place here - Watson's Bay for lunch and to see the city from a distance. They really enjoyed it and I was happy to go back one more time before I leave. Sunday night we went and sat on the Opera House steps and watched Fame on a huge screen with over 4000 other people. What an experience! It was amazing.

Monday found me back at school. Boy was I glad to be back. I enjoyed my time with Melissa and her mom so much, but I was really missing being in the classroom. As cheesy as it sounds, it is definitely the highlight of being here and I am living my dream right now. I don't want it to end.

I did journals and spelling with the students Monday morning and it went really well. And on Tuesday (today) I did another spelling activity and taught the students about Chinese New Year for their celebrations lesson.

The students are now aware that I am leaving and each day another one comes up to me either crying or wanting a hug because they don't want me to leave. It is cute, but is making it harder for me to pack my bags.

I've started to pack my bags and my room is looking quite empty. I'm really going to miss being here in Australia. What an adventure, I hope this is only the beginning of my time teaching in Australia.

www.picasa.google.com/MeggoinAustralia - HEAPS OF NEW PICTURES