WARNING: This blog post is longer than usual as I am taking this Sunday evening to relax aka: NOT look at Uni work for three hours. Therefore, I actually have time to blog!! Enjoy!
Being back at Uni makes having a life outside of school difficult. However, after long hours and days there have been a few Friday or Saturday night social events - a couple girls nights, movie nights and of course there might have been a few bottles of wine tipped back. I really cannot stress enough how wonderful my cohort and fellow future SLP colleagues are. We are all confined together for at least 10 hours a day (on average) Monday through Friday and we never become disgruntled or oppress each other. We collaborate, support and assist in learning as a team. Importantly, this teamwork is not only seen in Uni. They are my friends that have turned into family and for that I am eternally thankful. Below are a few photos capturing a couple of celebrated moments.
Being back at Uni makes having a life outside of school difficult. However, after long hours and days there have been a few Friday or Saturday night social events - a couple girls nights, movie nights and of course there might have been a few bottles of wine tipped back. I really cannot stress enough how wonderful my cohort and fellow future SLP colleagues are. We are all confined together for at least 10 hours a day (on average) Monday through Friday and we never become disgruntled or oppress each other. We collaborate, support and assist in learning as a team. Importantly, this teamwork is not only seen in Uni. They are my friends that have turned into family and for that I am eternally thankful. Below are a few photos capturing a couple of celebrated moments.
Then all of sudden it was Easter break. Cheri and I had been scheming since Perth and she had organized an adventure road trip. Of course, any trip with Cheri is always a great time but, this short but sweet trip exceeded my expectations. When I was previously here three years ago I did the Great Ocean Road and it was fabulous then! This trip was done independently and I enjoyed having the freedom to stay and go where we wanted along the way with much more time!
Day 1: Brisbane, QLD -> Port Cambell, VIC
I flew from the Gold Coast to Melbourne on Sunday April 5th where I met Cheri at the Melbourne airport and we retrieved our rental car - another Nissan Micra. We headed out of the city and our first stop was in Geelong for a fabulous lunch at the Juke Garden Bar. We then continued on the B100 until we hit Torquay. Torquay is this quaint, beautiful, little beach town. Even though the weather was overcast and rainy we were able to get in a short beach boardwalk for some fresh ocean air! Continuing on the road we finally hit 'The Great Ocean Road'. Next, we drove past Bell's Beach where the RipCurl Pro Surf Competition was going on. Continuing along the gorgeous windy road we past Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, and then Lorne. At Lorne, we stopped for a beach break. Next, we stopped at Kennett River to see the Koalas (REAL wild & fancy free Koalas). Since it was dusk we got lucky and got to see one awake and moving. He (or she) was hopping from branch to branch and climbing. I was truly surprised at how quick and elegant the koala was. Afterwards, proceeding on we stopped in Apollo Bay for dinner at the local pub. Lastly, we drove into Port Campbell which was our final destination for the day! (Stay: Port Campbell Flashpackers)
I flew from the Gold Coast to Melbourne on Sunday April 5th where I met Cheri at the Melbourne airport and we retrieved our rental car - another Nissan Micra. We headed out of the city and our first stop was in Geelong for a fabulous lunch at the Juke Garden Bar. We then continued on the B100 until we hit Torquay. Torquay is this quaint, beautiful, little beach town. Even though the weather was overcast and rainy we were able to get in a short beach boardwalk for some fresh ocean air! Continuing on the road we finally hit 'The Great Ocean Road'. Next, we drove past Bell's Beach where the RipCurl Pro Surf Competition was going on. Continuing along the gorgeous windy road we past Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, and then Lorne. At Lorne, we stopped for a beach break. Next, we stopped at Kennett River to see the Koalas (REAL wild & fancy free Koalas). Since it was dusk we got lucky and got to see one awake and moving. He (or she) was hopping from branch to branch and climbing. I was truly surprised at how quick and elegant the koala was. Afterwards, proceeding on we stopped in Apollo Bay for dinner at the local pub. Lastly, we drove into Port Campbell which was our final destination for the day! (Stay: Port Campbell Flashpackers)
Day 2: Port Campbell, VIC -> Port Elliot, SA
An early (very chilly and cold) morning rise we headed out of Port Campbell to view the 12 Apostles & Loch and Gorge before the tour buses arrived! Then we headed back into Port Campbell for breakfast. Carrying on we stopped at the London Bridge, Tower Hill (an inactive volcano site), Cape Bridgewater, the blowhole and petrified forest. Then we crossed the South Australia border and headed inland to Mount Gambier. Mount Gambier is also home to an inactive volcano site. In 1 of the 4 volcano crater sites is a beautifully radiant blue lake. As well, Mount Gambier is home to the Umpherston Sinkhole, the sunken garden, which was once a cabe formed by dissolution of limestone. When the top collapsed a sinkhole was created. The town now upkeeps the garden just as the original James Umperston had in 1886. We quickly had dinner and then the next 6 hours would be spent driving the many endless kilometres to Port Elliot. With a small travel delay (the ferry was shut down at Wellington), a re-route later, and extreme rain we finally arrived in Port Elliot just after midnight. (Stay: Port Elliot YHA)
An early (very chilly and cold) morning rise we headed out of Port Campbell to view the 12 Apostles & Loch and Gorge before the tour buses arrived! Then we headed back into Port Campbell for breakfast. Carrying on we stopped at the London Bridge, Tower Hill (an inactive volcano site), Cape Bridgewater, the blowhole and petrified forest. Then we crossed the South Australia border and headed inland to Mount Gambier. Mount Gambier is also home to an inactive volcano site. In 1 of the 4 volcano crater sites is a beautifully radiant blue lake. As well, Mount Gambier is home to the Umpherston Sinkhole, the sunken garden, which was once a cabe formed by dissolution of limestone. When the top collapsed a sinkhole was created. The town now upkeeps the garden just as the original James Umperston had in 1886. We quickly had dinner and then the next 6 hours would be spent driving the many endless kilometres to Port Elliot. With a small travel delay (the ferry was shut down at Wellington), a re-route later, and extreme rain we finally arrived in Port Elliot just after midnight. (Stay: Port Elliot YHA)
Day 3: Port Elliot, SA -> Adelaide, SA
Woke up early to a horrible rain and wind storm. Therefore, we decided to crawl back into bed and sleep a few more hours. With a tea in hand we left the hostel at 10am. We drove around rainy Port Elliot which seems like would be a fabulous place to visit on a beautiful day. We found a quaint place to have our Cherri and Melissa special - two chai lattes with a shared Eggs Benedict. Next, we decided to check out what the rest of the Fleurier Penninsula had to offer. The first stop was in Victor Harbour. The weather had decided to become a bit better and we decided to the take the 'ONLY' year round horse tram causeway in the world across to Granite Island. Once there we walked around the island and back to the mainland along the jetty. After a visit to the information centre we soon found out there wasn't much more exciting to do in the area with the current weather. So we decided to recalculate our plan and head into Adelaide, South Australia's capital city. Much to my surprise Adelaide is STUNNING. The Central Business District (or downtown for my fellow Canadian's) is surrounded entirely by beautiful parkland and a river making wonderful walking/running trails. Recently, Adelaide has also had quite the makeover with a new AFL footy/cricket ground stadium, a medical research centre (which looks like a cheese grater or UFO station), conference centre along the river and a new state of the art hospital in progress. With the weather being silly we decided to venture around window shopping and along Rundle Street Mall. Then we headed to the Botanic Gardens continuing into Botanic Park. It was there that we came across an injured "creature". Neither of us had even seen this animal before but since he was hurt I decided to call the police. When the police officer asked me to describe the animal I told him exactly what I was looking at... "a bunny crossed with a squirrel". The officer instantly began laughing loudly until he finally told me it was likely that I was looking at a possum. He gave us the contact information of the RSPCA and the local 'possum department' took over from there. For dinner we ventured back into the CBD to eat at The King's Head - a South Australia only pub. Our hotel was a steal of a deal and had a pool, hot tub and sauna. We enjoyed the amenities followed by a Movenpick ice-cream for dessert. (Stay: Grand Chancellor Hotel on Hindley)
Woke up early to a horrible rain and wind storm. Therefore, we decided to crawl back into bed and sleep a few more hours. With a tea in hand we left the hostel at 10am. We drove around rainy Port Elliot which seems like would be a fabulous place to visit on a beautiful day. We found a quaint place to have our Cherri and Melissa special - two chai lattes with a shared Eggs Benedict. Next, we decided to check out what the rest of the Fleurier Penninsula had to offer. The first stop was in Victor Harbour. The weather had decided to become a bit better and we decided to the take the 'ONLY' year round horse tram causeway in the world across to Granite Island. Once there we walked around the island and back to the mainland along the jetty. After a visit to the information centre we soon found out there wasn't much more exciting to do in the area with the current weather. So we decided to recalculate our plan and head into Adelaide, South Australia's capital city. Much to my surprise Adelaide is STUNNING. The Central Business District (or downtown for my fellow Canadian's) is surrounded entirely by beautiful parkland and a river making wonderful walking/running trails. Recently, Adelaide has also had quite the makeover with a new AFL footy/cricket ground stadium, a medical research centre (which looks like a cheese grater or UFO station), conference centre along the river and a new state of the art hospital in progress. With the weather being silly we decided to venture around window shopping and along Rundle Street Mall. Then we headed to the Botanic Gardens continuing into Botanic Park. It was there that we came across an injured "creature". Neither of us had even seen this animal before but since he was hurt I decided to call the police. When the police officer asked me to describe the animal I told him exactly what I was looking at... "a bunny crossed with a squirrel". The officer instantly began laughing loudly until he finally told me it was likely that I was looking at a possum. He gave us the contact information of the RSPCA and the local 'possum department' took over from there. For dinner we ventured back into the CBD to eat at The King's Head - a South Australia only pub. Our hotel was a steal of a deal and had a pool, hot tub and sauna. We enjoyed the amenities followed by a Movenpick ice-cream for dessert. (Stay: Grand Chancellor Hotel on Hindley)
Day 4: Adelaide, SA - Barossa Valley Wine Region
Since South Australia is known for its world renowned wine regions we couldn't possibly travel all that way and not do a wine tour ;) We woke up early for the Taste the Barossa Valley wine tour which was absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend to anyone travelling to Adelaide! Traveling out of Adelaide through the Adelaide Hills we stopped at the Whispering Wall, which happens to be the world's first curved dam with amazing acoustic qualities. Continuing onto the most important part.. the first winery was Chateau Yaldara. The most beautiful estate and my favourite wines of the day. Next we stopped in the town of Tanunda we were had a cuppa and a melting moment (2 sugar cookies held together by a layer of icing - yeah, dangerously good). The second winery was the famous Peter Lehmann's estate. After the structured wine tasting we had the BEST platter for two. It had local meats, cheeses, olives, pickles, and the BEST pear chutney and beetroot dill pickle spread I have EVER tasted. We enjoyed the platter over a bottle of sparkling Moscato. The third winery, Langmeil is home to the oldest Shiraz vineyard in the world. It was there that we got to try the world famous sparkling Shiraz which is basically a Shiraz Champagne. Next was Mengler's Hill lookout with a stunning panoramic view over the beautiful Barrossa Valley. Finally, we hit the Seppeltsfield region and the fourth winery, Murray Street Vineyards. Once back in Adelaide we decided to opt of dinner for the evening and just order room service and go for a hot tub before calling it an early night. (Stay: Grand Chancellor Hotel of Hindley)
Since South Australia is known for its world renowned wine regions we couldn't possibly travel all that way and not do a wine tour ;) We woke up early for the Taste the Barossa Valley wine tour which was absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend to anyone travelling to Adelaide! Traveling out of Adelaide through the Adelaide Hills we stopped at the Whispering Wall, which happens to be the world's first curved dam with amazing acoustic qualities. Continuing onto the most important part.. the first winery was Chateau Yaldara. The most beautiful estate and my favourite wines of the day. Next we stopped in the town of Tanunda we were had a cuppa and a melting moment (2 sugar cookies held together by a layer of icing - yeah, dangerously good). The second winery was the famous Peter Lehmann's estate. After the structured wine tasting we had the BEST platter for two. It had local meats, cheeses, olives, pickles, and the BEST pear chutney and beetroot dill pickle spread I have EVER tasted. We enjoyed the platter over a bottle of sparkling Moscato. The third winery, Langmeil is home to the oldest Shiraz vineyard in the world. It was there that we got to try the world famous sparkling Shiraz which is basically a Shiraz Champagne. Next was Mengler's Hill lookout with a stunning panoramic view over the beautiful Barrossa Valley. Finally, we hit the Seppeltsfield region and the fourth winery, Murray Street Vineyards. Once back in Adelaide we decided to opt of dinner for the evening and just order room service and go for a hot tub before calling it an early night. (Stay: Grand Chancellor Hotel of Hindley)
Day 5: Adelaide, SA -> Halls Gap, VIC
Thursday morning I woke up so exhausted I tried turning off my buzzing alarm with the TV remote!!! The silliness of my action led to hysterical laughter which woke us up quickly. We got ourselves together and ventured out for a run. With beautiful city trails and a gorgeous river we had to take advantage. Once finished we grabbed some local fruit and smoothies. We were off and sadly leaving Adelaide. First up was Mount Lofty Summit lookout, which provided a great view of Adelaide and the surrounding valleys. Next, we ventured into the quaint German village of Hahndorf. The trees were changing color and provided beautiful Autumn colors which reminded us of home. For lunch we of course shared a German Bratwurst roll with sauerkraut and mustard seed. After a quick walk of the town and a lolly store stop (opps) we were back on the road. We crossed the South Australia border and reached the Pink Lake by Dimboola followed by the (creepy) giant koala at Dodswell. We arrived late in Halls Gap which is located in Grampian National Park surrounded by beautiful mountains. We enjoyed dinner and a hot chocolate (these states are freeeeezing in comparison to Queensland) before heading back to play Heads Up with other people staying at the hostel. (Stay: YHA Grampians)
Thursday morning I woke up so exhausted I tried turning off my buzzing alarm with the TV remote!!! The silliness of my action led to hysterical laughter which woke us up quickly. We got ourselves together and ventured out for a run. With beautiful city trails and a gorgeous river we had to take advantage. Once finished we grabbed some local fruit and smoothies. We were off and sadly leaving Adelaide. First up was Mount Lofty Summit lookout, which provided a great view of Adelaide and the surrounding valleys. Next, we ventured into the quaint German village of Hahndorf. The trees were changing color and provided beautiful Autumn colors which reminded us of home. For lunch we of course shared a German Bratwurst roll with sauerkraut and mustard seed. After a quick walk of the town and a lolly store stop (opps) we were back on the road. We crossed the South Australia border and reached the Pink Lake by Dimboola followed by the (creepy) giant koala at Dodswell. We arrived late in Halls Gap which is located in Grampian National Park surrounded by beautiful mountains. We enjoyed dinner and a hot chocolate (these states are freeeeezing in comparison to Queensland) before heading back to play Heads Up with other people staying at the hostel. (Stay: YHA Grampians)
Day 6: Halls Gap, VIC -> Geelong, VIC
Woke up early to fit in 'the Pinnacle' hike however, due to Australia's lack of ability to properly label or post signs and/or print off detailed park maps (thank you Canada) we drove around for an hour before finally finding the appropriate location. Frustrated, we began our hike. Initially we were told the hike would take an hour and a half return. However, the hike is only 4.2 km's and we knew it wouldn't take us that long (we aren't that unfit we hoped). Once at the pinnacle the view was STUNNING and well worth the rock climbing and scaling! We relaxed and enjoyed the morning view for a good 20 minutes before returning and completing the trip in just under an hour! But now, we were starving so, we headed bak into Halls Gap for brekky and a cappuccino. It was officially time to make our way back towards Melbourne. We decided to head back along the Great Ocean Road in hopes of better weather. The first stop was Bells Beach to check out the Rip Curl Pro Surf Competition but unfortunately, by the time we arrived the weather was again overcast and the competition was not occurring. We backtracked to Lorne to check out the shops and found ourselves in an ice cream shop :P Finally for the last time we drove the Great Ocean Road into Torquay then back into Geelong. We went for dinner along the waterfront pier and afterwards decided to catch a chick flick - The Longest Ride. We had another quiet evening as Cheri packed her bag and prepared to head off to South East Asia and I back to Brisbane and studying. (Stay: Irish Murphy's Geelong)
Woke up early to fit in 'the Pinnacle' hike however, due to Australia's lack of ability to properly label or post signs and/or print off detailed park maps (thank you Canada) we drove around for an hour before finally finding the appropriate location. Frustrated, we began our hike. Initially we were told the hike would take an hour and a half return. However, the hike is only 4.2 km's and we knew it wouldn't take us that long (we aren't that unfit we hoped). Once at the pinnacle the view was STUNNING and well worth the rock climbing and scaling! We relaxed and enjoyed the morning view for a good 20 minutes before returning and completing the trip in just under an hour! But now, we were starving so, we headed bak into Halls Gap for brekky and a cappuccino. It was officially time to make our way back towards Melbourne. We decided to head back along the Great Ocean Road in hopes of better weather. The first stop was Bells Beach to check out the Rip Curl Pro Surf Competition but unfortunately, by the time we arrived the weather was again overcast and the competition was not occurring. We backtracked to Lorne to check out the shops and found ourselves in an ice cream shop :P Finally for the last time we drove the Great Ocean Road into Torquay then back into Geelong. We went for dinner along the waterfront pier and afterwards decided to catch a chick flick - The Longest Ride. We had another quiet evening as Cheri packed her bag and prepared to head off to South East Asia and I back to Brisbane and studying. (Stay: Irish Murphy's Geelong)
Day 7: Geelong, VIC -> Brisbane, QLD
Woke up early, ran last minute travel errands, grabbed breakky by the pier and headed back into Melbourne. Our flights were early in the afternoon so after returning the rental car we enjoyed lunch and said our farewells. I was very sad to be saying goodbye to Cheri. It's weird because it seems like we have been friends for a long time but we only met a few short months ago! Now we will be able to embark on many more adventures together in the future and I look forward to her return in January 2017 so we can do the ultimate road trip from Broome to Adelaide... right Cheri :P I wish her all the best of luck and hope she has a fabulous time in South East Asia!!! I can't wait to be reunited in Canada over a coffee (likely with Baileys) this November! Until next time! Thanks for the memories Cheri!
Woke up early, ran last minute travel errands, grabbed breakky by the pier and headed back into Melbourne. Our flights were early in the afternoon so after returning the rental car we enjoyed lunch and said our farewells. I was very sad to be saying goodbye to Cheri. It's weird because it seems like we have been friends for a long time but we only met a few short months ago! Now we will be able to embark on many more adventures together in the future and I look forward to her return in January 2017 so we can do the ultimate road trip from Broome to Adelaide... right Cheri :P I wish her all the best of luck and hope she has a fabulous time in South East Asia!!! I can't wait to be reunited in Canada over a coffee (likely with Baileys) this November! Until next time! Thanks for the memories Cheri!
This trip I visited the last state I needed to visit in Australia. It is official, I have been to every state now! Fear not though, the bucket list is still long!
Since returning from Easter break my life has been full of exams and assignments! Each week has had some sort of major project or exam and its been overwhelmingly busy. As well, in fulfilling my Canadian requirements I, along with the other Canadians, have taken on an additional clinic. This has been a wonderful experience but has led to a VERY busy schedule. Now, on top of my UQ paediatric clinic I am also at Warrigal Road State School working with hearing impaired children. The caseload is wonderful and the clients a nice challenge! If only I could magically achieve more time!! Therapy planning and preparation seem to have overtaken my life in combination with lectures, practicals and tutorials! However, being busy has it's perks! Its already Week 9 and the semester seems to have flown by!
Unfortunately, no trips are planned for the near future and I will no longer be travelling South East Asia for the July break. Canada has different clinical requirements than Australia and to ensure that I am getting clinical hours in each discipline I will be staying to do volunteer clinics throughout July. Positively though, South East Asia isn't going anywhere and I will someday visit!!
I hope everyone has had a fabulous start to their May! In Canada, May is Speech & Hearing Month! I plan to do a blog post in support of this as I think promotion is key to ensure communication occurs for everyone. I believe communication is a basic human right and that everyone has the potential to communicate. Did you know that one in six Canadians have a speech, language or hearing problem. If you're keen to learn more now please visit www.maymonth.ca for more details!
Since returning from Easter break my life has been full of exams and assignments! Each week has had some sort of major project or exam and its been overwhelmingly busy. As well, in fulfilling my Canadian requirements I, along with the other Canadians, have taken on an additional clinic. This has been a wonderful experience but has led to a VERY busy schedule. Now, on top of my UQ paediatric clinic I am also at Warrigal Road State School working with hearing impaired children. The caseload is wonderful and the clients a nice challenge! If only I could magically achieve more time!! Therapy planning and preparation seem to have overtaken my life in combination with lectures, practicals and tutorials! However, being busy has it's perks! Its already Week 9 and the semester seems to have flown by!
Unfortunately, no trips are planned for the near future and I will no longer be travelling South East Asia for the July break. Canada has different clinical requirements than Australia and to ensure that I am getting clinical hours in each discipline I will be staying to do volunteer clinics throughout July. Positively though, South East Asia isn't going anywhere and I will someday visit!!
I hope everyone has had a fabulous start to their May! In Canada, May is Speech & Hearing Month! I plan to do a blog post in support of this as I think promotion is key to ensure communication occurs for everyone. I believe communication is a basic human right and that everyone has the potential to communicate. Did you know that one in six Canadians have a speech, language or hearing problem. If you're keen to learn more now please visit www.maymonth.ca for more details!