Shaun Lee

Day 1 – 29th May 10

We arrived at Perth airport on 29th at 6.25 am. Our coach driver Mr. Trevor was there waiting for us as we came out of the airport. We boarded his coach for our tour to Fremantle

Our first stop was Monumental Hill

Since it was almost winter time, Monumental Hill was so cold but these guys still managed to pose for a photo, unbelievable!

It was very funny as Danish acted like Superman but he was not wearing superman’s outfit. It was so very cold that I had to put on my jacket. We were given time to walk around by ourselves to explore and take pictures.

Look I even managed to get a picture of Ms. Tham posing for another camera ha ha. Isn’t she cool!!

Our next stop - Fishing Boat Harbour

Although it was not that far, it would be quiet a distance if we wanted to walk, so we took the bus as it was very cold. We boarded the coach and Mr Trevor drove us to see the harbour. He dropped us off and went to park the coach while we took our cameras and off we went to take more pictures.

One of the many pictures taken at Fishing Boat Harbour.

Cannon

Even a picture of Anwar below trying to fire the cannon.

Next stop: Cappuccino Strip.

We were allowed to go and do some shopping and we were grouped in pairs of 2, 3 or 4. We had this buddy system, for security reasons, just in case we got lost. My group consisted of 3 others : Qi Xuan, Justin Cheu and Ignatius Tay. I was excited as we were allowed to do a little shopping, after looking around I decided to buy this interesting little blinking koala key chain, a mini torchlight and roti prata. The shopping came to and end very quickly as time really flies when you are having fun. It was time to meet up with our teachers and then make the walk back to the bus. Mr Trevor like to hi-five us when ever we boarded the bus.

Off we went to our next destination, the highlight for the day yum yum the Chocolate Factory. The aromatic smell was just too good to resist even though I’m not a chocolate fan, I decided to sample the milk and black chocolates. We were given a tour and explanation of how chocolate were made. I decided not to buy any for my family as it would have melted by the time I got back to Singapore.

I checked the itinerary to see what time was lunch as my stomach was rumbling, and wow to my relief it was time for lunch. The long awaited lunch of fish & chips at Sweetlips, Fish N' Chips located at the Fishing Boat Harbour.

Before getting our food we had to go to the washroom to ease ourselves and wash our hands. After collecting the fish & chips we found a place to settle down and enjoy our meal . I’ve never tasted such delicious fish, as the way they cook it is different from in Singapore or was it just that I was so hungry. What a waste I did not get a picture of the fish & chips as I was too busy gobbling down my chips.

After everyone had their fill, we departed for the Apricot Acres Fruit Orchard. We slept on the coach as it was a long drive almost an hour. We woke up, just as the bus pulled into the orchard. We had to take our workbook, pen and camera and queue-up outside. We boarded a 'tramp' and were given a tour of the orange-bearing plants. We took photos of the juicy orange plants too.

We also learnt that the maximum height that an orange can grow is up to 85mm. It was definitely an interesting and worth while trip as I have learnt something about how oranges grow. Now it was time to SHOP!!!!! . They was homemade jams for sale at A$6, considering that it was homemade it was a bit expensive.

After everybody bought what they wanted, we boarded the coach again and headed to Orchard Glory Farm for check-in and finally to rest our tired bodies, after a long day.

When we arrived at the Farm,

The scene on arrival at Orchard Glory farm was a beautiful sight
Orchard Glory Farm. I was amazed at the widespread surroundings. There were many chalets spread around the farm. Can you guess which chalet I stayed in? After we were given our room keys and instructions on what we were supposed to do and the appointed the leaders for each cabin, we took our luggage and off we went to look for our room, but not before we were given instructions by our teachers on the time to report back to the check-in area.

Man, were we hungry! We walked limply like beggars there and ate like maniacs. I ate Spaghetti which is the only thing I eat there. After having our fill, we were briefed about tomorrow and with that, we went back to our chalet. We did our reflections for the day, called our family, Mr. Shafi came in to check on us if everything was Ok. We brushed our teeth, too a bath and change to our nightwear. Then we closed our eyes and before I knew it, I was in la la! Land. . Maybe we were VERY tired.
Day 2 – 30th May 10

Morning on the farm
We woke up at 7a.m. We changed into our casual clothes and played our hand phones. We were bored as we were supposed to meet at 8.55. Then at 8.40, we left our chalet and headed for the canteen, which is in the office where we alighted yesterday from the bus.

The breakfast menu was: Hash brown, fish and scrambled egg. After breakfast we played treasure hunt of making a balloon taller than a particular chair. We were divided into two groups, of 15 pupils. My group was the fastest and had the weirdest balloon as it is was like the Eiffel tower but slanting, more like the leaning tower of pizza. Anyway, it was taller than the chair and able to stand by itself.
The next activity was to take collect 5 different fruits and 10 different leaves with a picture of the winery, all the items could be found around the farm. It was so much fun with everyone running here and there. We managed to get all the items and rush back to the canteen.

After completing EVERY activity thrown at us, we sat down and took a drink of Australian water. It was kind of salty, if I would say. Anyway, after all the groups assembled, Ms Soomathy gave us body parts and explained what each of them represented. She then later pass it out and told them only take what they wanted.

After those who had shared what they experienced, it was time for a Barbecue Lunch. Hot Dog and Chicken Wing, my favorite! In the end, I did not finish everything. I felt like vomiting maybe because I was too hungry and ate too fast. I went for outside for some fresh air and felt better.

With our stomachs full were ready and all excited to feed the animals and watch the sheep being sheared .

This is a picture before the sheep becomes BOTAK

The sheep-shearer commanded his dog to chase the sheep’s and took one to demonstrate it to us how Australians shear it.

The sheep-shearer’s dog has babies and the mother is a shepherd.

We also learned how to make wine.

After our trip to the winery. Our teachers told us we needed to do 2 activities so we were allowed to go back and do it. They also told us what time to meet for dinner. And with that, we ran back to do our work and when we were finished we played our hand phones again.

When it was time to leave, we left the door unlocked as we did not want to lock it as it will waste time for us to do our work the dinner’s menu is: French Fries, drumstick, yellow corn and green peas. I did not eat a lot cause’ we were going to have a campfire. We ate marshmallows and we felt cold and hot and cold and hot countless times.

When campfire was over, the teachers briefed us about tomorrow and we nodded as to say “yes”. When we returned, we saw that the door was ajar. We screamed and we ran back at the grass there. I volunteered to on the lights and tell them that it is okay to come in now. We did our reflections and changed, Mr. Shafi came in to check our chalet, and then we slept again, but this time we packed our luggages and hand-carry, took out the clothes we are going to wear and went to bed. Man we were freaked out and we slept at 11p.m+.

Day 3 – 31st May 10

We woke up at 5.15a.m. We changed and got ready our luggage’s and hand-carry. We locked the door after checking whether we made the bed and turned off the lights then we put on our shoes and left for the canteen. We put our luggages outside and brought our hand-carry in. I ate scramble egg again and vomited in the toilet outside. I rinsed my mouth and after everybody finished eating, we boarded the bus with our luggages inside the bus. We high-five Mr. Trevor and left for Anzac Terrace Primary School. On the bus, Mr. Peh gave us the keychain to give to our buddy who we were meeting up with at the school.

Anzac Terrace Primary School

As I alighted from the coach, I could feel that it was even colder than the morning. I was shivering as we walked towards the school. The principal was at the front door waiting for us. We greeted him and he led us to the hall. As we walked, I could see many teachers going to their respective classes. I also could see a class doing P.E at the ground outside the hall. The principal called them in and also another class came in. There was loud chattering as they sat down. The principal introduced us and they replied” Good morning, Coral Primary” in the most enthusiastic voice. As I looked around, I could see artworks displayed on the walls of the hall.

Our dance pupils then got up and danced the ‘Racial Harmony’ Dance. The song was rational as there were Chinese, Malay, Eurasian and Indian. They made the dance moves and the song. Only the teachers help them to make the clothes. After our dance performance, the Australians clapped loudly as they loved it. The principal asked the pupils questions and they kept shouting out the answer and raising their hands.

After they were dismissed, our teachers told us our group number and the principal brought us to the classes we are supposed to go to. The teacher in the class gave us seats and I sat with Dylan Wong, and an annoying person called Tyson. He kept calling me and Dylan ‘Fred’ and laughed. The teacher gave us activities to do and when we were finished with it, it was time for recess. I did not know that they have their recess at the hall! There were lots of pupils talking and eating. They also had to ask permission before they go and play! That’s a bit strange, to me. I could not find our teachers anywhere and in the end, I ate nothing and just watched them play. I wonder how they would know when recess is over. There was no bell or teacher saying “Recess is over!” or something like that. So I just followed the ones in the class and found that they queue up at a certain spot. When I was about to ask someone, the teacher came and brought us back to class. The teacher then announced that it was P.E time and we are going to play dodge ball. We did not know how to play their style of dodge ball and so Tyson explained to the whole class how to play it.

We lined up and went to the ground outside the hall and set-up the necessary things and once we were done, the teacher divided us into two groups and started the game. Two rounds and my group kept winning. But in the third round, Anwar threw the ball and I happened to be running towards that direction and ‘WHAM!’ it slammed into my face. I collapsed, stood up and ran out of the ‘battle arena’ in order not to get the attack again. As I sat on a nearby bench, I could still feel the pain, not hatred as I knew it was not on purpose. After that round, we had to go back to class and do an activity. I did it with someone and I knew he was my buddy, so I presented the keychain to my buddy. He did not know what it was at first, so I explained it was a keychain. Finally he seemed to understand.

I gave him the drawing we were finished with and when he was about to thank me, the teacher said it was time for lunch! So fast yet so slow………! We went out and saw our teachers and followed them outside. As we went out of the school, the principal suggested that we take a photo together.

It was time for lunch. We left after saying goodbye and headed for the coach. We were too excited to eat lunch that we forgot to greet Mr. Trevor. As we boarded the coach, Mr. Peh did a head count and everyone was accounted for, 30 of us pupils. Mr. Trevor started the engine and drove towards the direction of the Wildlife Park where we were going to have our lunch. As the coach stopped at the parking lot, my black pen suddenly dropped out of my pencil case and rolled who-knows-where. I could not find it. It was a long…………….. journey, About an hour’s drive.

After lunch, we proceeded to the Wildlife Park. Our tour guide led us through the door and brought us to the first enclosure: the kangaroos. She let us feed the kangaroos with this biscuit and touch the kangaroos.

As we were walking to the wombats I dropped another of my pen without even realizing it. Double the trouble! Now I lost my two of my favorite pens. The wombat was quite handsome, for a wombat.

Next, we left the park and headed for the gift shop. Since I lost my only two pens, I bought another pen- a magnet pen. I also bought gold coins for my family, every design! It was expensive. Then as we were leaving, I saw my friend took out a dollar notepad. I wanted to turn back and buy it but it was too late. “Never mind,” I told myself. Cause’ now it was time for the Nougat Factory!

We arrived just before 6. There we only bought goodies and sampled some nougats. I bought a promotion item $10 for 5 things. I also took two postcards which is free. After everyone bought what they wanted, we left for the New Esplanade Hotel.

New Esplanade Hotel is located in the heart of Perth City

Our teachers checked-in and gave us the room key. My roommates were:

Bryson Chew and Sarahvanan

As we went up the lift, I talked with my roommates. As we talked and walked, we reached the door, unlocked the door and went in. We changed, and went back down. After everybody was down, we walked to the dining place.

What I ate was: Curry with rice and fish. It was delicious that I ate till I was very full. As we walked back, we passed by a market and the teachers allowed us to buy things for tomorrow’s recess at the school. When the last of us came out, we left for the hotel. Again we were given our room keys and we went back. As we got ready to do our work, the teacher knocked on the door and checked the room to see if it’s clean. When the teacher left, I did my reflections as always and changed to my nightwear and went to sleep.

Day 4-1st Jun 10

We woke up at 5. I yawned as I got up and changed into my school attire and jacket. I tried to wake my other friends but they were too tired, sleeping like dead logs. When I tried a second time, they in return kicked me and turned around, their backs turned to me as if nothing happened. I took one of my friends head and shook him. That did the trick. He woke up with a start and I said, “It’s time to wake up.” Then we went to wake the other person up but then again he kicked us and turned around. I had enough of being kicked around. I kicked him hard and he suddenly woke up with a startled look on his face. I told him it was time to change and get ready.

When the teacher knocked on the door, one of my friend was still putting on his clothes while me and the other friend was ready. We took our bags and went out. My friend finished changing and also came out. All the other pupils staying on this level was already outside. I yawned again as I did not sleep well. I think I fell off the bed and climbed back up again in my sleep. Strange, I thought. But just then a voice rang through my ears. “One at a time now! Slowly…..”

As the door opened on the 1st storey, I could see the pupils staying on the 3rd and 4th floor already waiting. The leader of each room returned the keys to the teachers and the teachers gave it to the counter. It was time for breakfast. My stomach growled loudly as if it could read my thoughts. We queued for our breakfast and took eggs only. I did not eat other things like sausages, or beef. I also tried soy milk, which did not meet my taste and also my favorite drink that I like to drink every morning on a school day, milk. I drank non-stop until my stomach transmitted me a message: I am full. I sat down as my friend talked and talked. I felt bored as a dead person as a dead person can’t do anything except lie down in the coffin. At that time, Mr. Trevor walked in and took things to eat. Boy, could he eat! He ate so many things until I lost count. Being a driver sure empties his stomach very fast! As quickly as he ended, we got ready and went outside and boarded the coach.

Our next destination John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School at Beechboro.

On the coach, Mr. Peh told us in detail what we were going to do. We were going to dance for an hour, go for recess, P.E lesson, and then lunch and end of programme. That’s all we were going to do there. If you ask me, that’s not much to do ha ha. But P.E sounded fun. Maybe we were going to play some sort of game that Australians like to play. But the first thing was a dance workshop. I hope it will be fun.

“Wow!” my friend said as we entered their gym. They actually have a gym in Primary School whereas ours don’t. Only in Polytechnic or College do they have one. Their gym was so big it took my breath away. It was spotless and spectacular. As much as I want to own it, I don’t even live in Australia. Perhaps when I grow up, I could order construction builders to build one. But now was not a time to think that far ahead. The Australian pupils had just arrived and were wondering who we were. And also the dance teacher was here. She showed us warm-up actions and I followed enthusiastically. Later we did activities and also learned some dance steps, which was easy to remember but hard to do, me being a klutz.

When it was time for recess, the Australians ran out while we followed their lead. We just played as we did not know what to do. “So good! They have a playground!” and indeed they have. Their playground was ‘advanced’ and it was what an athlete would use except this is was more for child athletes LOL

After recess was over, we went back into the gym and now besides the dance teacher, the P.E teacher was also there. We started playing ‘Moves game’ and the ‘Chief game’ which I don’t know how to describe. And at the end, we played my favorite sports game: Dodge ball. Theirs was different from Anzac’s dodge ball as theirs do not have cones. Theirs was just like Singapore’s dodge ball. Throw, get hit, you are out. Catch the ball, one teammate comes in. Same rules except that we were divided into two groups. And in the end, the other group won as our team had lesser people. But it was fun and tiring that I had to struggle for breath. I felt like I was lapsing in and out of consciousness. Now it was lunch. I would say it was pretty darn fast. I took out my potato chips while the others took the sandwiches provided and went outside with orange juice. I shared with my group the chips and they seemed to like it, even me. Next time if I had the chance to go back, I would buy this again.

Now it was time for us to leave. But before that we had set-up a performance for them. The ‘Racial Harmony’ Dance. I watched and got sleepy. After the dance ended, they stood up and got ready some things. It turned out they also prepared a performance for us. 5 to be exact. Every performance was well organized, if I do say so myself. They also put in a lot of effort and I tremoundouysly enjoyed it. “So much enthusiasm!” I thought. I wished I had that much too. To do my work. We gave our buddies the keychain and left to fetch our bags. The teacher herded us together and brought us to the coach. We left for King’s Park.

I thought about the time I visited there when I was younger. It seemed fuzzy, but a few details. When I opened my eyes, we were there. I think I slept on the trip. We were given sandwiches. As I was hurrying to catch up with my group, I fell down with my hands and knees on the road, like I was begging for mercy. I quickly got up and ran after my group. We sat down on a spot and ate or sandwiches.

We ate the sandwiches like there was no tomorrow. We ate fast and moved on. We walked and did our work and took pictures. We arrived at the aboriginal art gallery in no time. By then Mr. Trevor was with us. In the end, we had to sketch the pictures instead of taking pictures. I bought a bag with something that keeps insects away from my clothes. Now it was time for free time at city mall, to be exact

My group went to Borders as I wanted to buy my brother a book. I thought he did not have it but he did, so it was a waste. It was even more expensive then in Spore. Then we walked around the mall. They just walk and in the end, we followed another group and bought things. After every group has gathered, we left for the hotel and then for dinner.

We arrived at a place called ‘Oleh Oleh Café’ I ate rice with chicken and egg again. I ate and read the book at the same time. After I finished eating I still was reading the book. Perhaps I should have brought a Chinese book, not an English one. After everyone ate finish, we left and headed towards the hotel. I thought deep in my mind that I missed my family. At least I bought things for them.

When we changed into our nightwear, the teacher knocked on the door and gave us the UMPC. It was the only day the teachers gave it to us. It was unfair as only one day to do work.

When the teacher came back to collect the UMPC, we yawned and handed it to her. We did our reflections and went to sleep, snoring loudly.

5th and last day

“The last day of the trip!” I shouted and jumped up and down. I did not shout SO loud, just enough for my friends to wake up. We changed, packed everything and sat down to play our hand phones. The same thing happened as yesterday morning, same food and process. But now it was time for the centre. I t was very fun learning new stuff and touching earthworms.

And then the same speed did the same thing. “It’s time to go!” It was lunch time. We were eating pizza. I did not like it and in the end I ate just the potatoes. And after that we went to the airport and checked-in and boarded the airplane. I would miss Australia. But then again, it’s not my home country. “Singapore, here we come!” I thought. And with that happy thought, that was the end of our trip.