Hi, my name is Lenell. (Or, Janet Lenell -- but my friends call me Lenell.) I am a 7th grader in the Atlanta area. I’ve been appointed to be a Student Ambassador to Australia. My tour starts in July 2012, and I have a lot to do to get there … and back.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
HOME, SWEET HOME
Evelyn and I were at the gate to greet Lenell when she arrived in Atlanta tonight. Despite a somewhat tired veneer, she was excited, talkative and anxious to get home.
After lots of hiking, repelling, and non-stop itineraries for 16 days, she looked thinner. Leaving the airport at nearly 10 pm, she declared, “I want to go home, eat 2 steaks and watch some TV.”
Before we even got out of the parking lot she announced, “I want to go to London! But not today.” As the laughter settled in the car, she added, “I don’t want to be on another plane for a really long, long time.”
I can only imagine how she feels after a 29-hour journey back home. Leaving Cairns, they flew to Sydney to catch their overseas flight. The Sydney to Dallas/Forth Worth route is over 15 hours, “the longest flight in the world with a coach cabin.” (Wall Street Journal, accessed 15 Jul 2012).
I can only imagine how she feels after a 29-hour journey back home. Leaving Cairns, they flew to Sydney to catch their overseas flight. The Sydney to Dallas/Forth Worth route is over 15 hours, “the longest flight in the world with a coach cabin.” (Wall Street Journal, accessed 15 Jul 2012).
Along the tour, her Student Ambassador attire attracted attention from the locals. At a mall and other stops, she made quick friends with other teenagers – immediately confirming each other on Facebook. She immensely enjoyed her homestay with a couple and their 4-year-old daughter.
We were told by the delegation leaders that Lenell was the shopper of the group. She bought souvenirs everywhere she went. At least she was thoughtful enough to buy a few things for others.
One characteristic that was transformed somewhat by the trip was her eating habits. Normally a Sprite only girl, she reportedly drank lots of water and ate more variety. However, she explained that after petting kangaroos and holding a crocodile, she declined offers to eat their cousins.
We’ve not yet heard all the news from Down Under, but I can tell already that this was a rewarding experience with some personal growth. I would recommend the People to People program to any young student.
Signing out, Dad
P.S. – She got her steak, ate it all and promptly fell asleep.
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| At the Rain Forest Station, Kuranda (near Cairns) |
WEDNESDAY, 18 JULY
Atlanta (Wednesday) -- 90°/ 72°, Chance of
thunderstorms.
It was Wednesday in Sydney when the Boomerang delegation left. They’ve crossed the international dateline, and it’s now about 10:30 PM on Tuesday night for them -- 5:30 AM on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Somewhere over the Pacific (Tuesday)
It was Wednesday in Sydney when the Boomerang delegation left. They’ve crossed the international dateline, and it’s now about 10:30 PM on Tuesday night for them -- 5:30 AM on Wednesday in Atlanta.
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(Photo: US Naval Observatory)
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012
WEDNESDAY, 18 JULY
Atlanta (Tuesday) -- 88°/ 70°, Chance of
afternoon thunderstorm.
Cairns (Wednesday) -- 84°/ 66°, Cloudy.
Sydney
(Wednesday) -- 68°/ 46°, Rainy.
Lenell and her fellow Student Ambassadors have landed in
Sydney, the last leg of their journey Down Under. The Boomerang is headed back this way.
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| (Photo: Green Limo Service) |
Monday, July 16, 2012
TUESDAY, 17 JULY
Atlanta (Monday) -- 91°/ 72°, Chance of thunderstorm.
Cairns (Tuesday) -- 80°/ 68°, Mostly
cloudy.
ITINERARY FOR THE DAY:
•
Cruise
out to the Great Barrier Reef across pristine waters.
•
Snorkel
the Great Barrier Reef and see brightly colored tropical fish, giant clams and
different types of soft and hard coral.
•
Any
questions that may arise out of your exploration of the Reef, take to the Marine
Biologist that exclusively joins your delegation for this experience.
•
Pack
your suitcase for the last time.
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Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef (Photo: Mid City Luxury Suites)
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(Photo: Port Douglas Local Tourism Network)
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Sunday, July 15, 2012
MONDAY, 16 JULY
Atlanta (Sunday) -- 88°/ 70°, Mostly sunny.
Cairns (Monday) -- 75°/60°, Mostly
cloudy.
ITINERARY FOR THE DAY:
•
Bid
farewell to your home stay family.
•
Visit
the picturesque village of Kuranda, known as “The Village in the
Rainforest”. Kuranda is nestled at the
top of the Kuranda Range, and enjoys a cooler climate than Cairns.
•
Ride
through the rainforest in a World War II amphibious vehicle, an Army Duck, which
can traverse land and water. Officially spelled DUKW, Army Ducks were used in
Australia by the U.S. Military during WWI.
•
Encounter
Australia’s unique fauna, such as koalas, kangaroos and wombats at a wildlife
sanctuary.
•
Cuddle
a koala and have your photo taken!
•
Participate
in an ‘Aussie’ bush dance.
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| Boomerang 2012 Student Ambassadors with Homestay family members |
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| Kuranda duck |
Saturday, July 14, 2012
SUNDAY, 15 JULY
Atlanta (Saturday) -- 88°/ 70°, Scattered thunderstorms.
• Your home stay continues with a chance to experience everyday life in Australia and meet the locals.
Cairns (Sunday) -- 81°/ 68°, Scattered
thunderstorms.
ITINERARY FOR THE DAY:
• Your home stay continues with a chance to experience everyday life in Australia and meet the locals.
•
This
is your opportunity to make lifelong friends.
•
Remember
to thank your home stay family, as this will be your last night with them.
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| Aerial view of Cairns |
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| Student Ambassadors meeting a host family in Cairns |
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