Her Summer Bucket List 2015

It's summer-summertime! I love, love, love not having a set schedule, not having to set an alarm in the morning, not having to grade papers, and not being so stressed all the time. I am so excited about summer!

Natalie at What the Teacher Wants is hosting a Summer Bucket List linky party. I always set goals for myself over the summer and this seemed like the perfect way to do it this year.

School:
I was introduced to the book "Learn Like a Pirate" by Paul Solarz through the Runde's Room blog. A bunch of teacher bloggers are doing a book study this summer and I am joining in. I can't wait to get started!
I had an epiphany at the end of the year about how I wanted to run my English homework throughout the 2015-2016 school year. I think it is going to be so much better! I will blog about it once I am done.
I give my students the option of extra credit each month, but it needs to be reworked. I want to tackle that over the summer because the school year is so crazy. I have good intentions, but not enough time.

Personal:
I always set a workout goal for myself and I don't always meet it. This year I am using my Wii to help me meet my goal. I'm going to alternate between Wii Zumba and EA Sports 30 Day Challenge. 
With the working out, I want to track all of my food in MyFitnessPal. I horribly underestimate calories when I do it on my own. MFP really helps me keep things in perspective.
I have been seriously slacking with my personal reading. I used to read 70 books a year. Now I am reading about 20. Crazy! I am hoping to read 5 books over the summer and I have them all chosen. I will blog about them later this summer.
There are so many WIPs (Work in Progresses) in my knitting world. I am ready for some things to come off the needles. My goal is to finish at least 3 WIPs and make some progress on my Sherlock Afghan. Lofty goals, but I am hopeful.

Fun:
Shellie and Tim will be here in exactly four weeks. I am about to jump out of my skin I am so excited - I won't, because that's gross, but I am so ready for them to be here! We are planning a week in New York City and Washington, DC. We are also going to do the tourist thing around home. So ready!!!

Pretty big goals for the summer, but I think I can do it. I will revisit them in August to let you know how I did.

What are your plans for the summer? 

Happy Summer,

His: Living in America: Field Trips/Excursions Part 1

A map of our route around Australia.

When I was in school in Australia we went on some great excursions (field trips). When I tell my friends in America that many of them were overnight trips they are shocked that that happens as overnight trips are not common in America. 

One of my favourite excursions was the Central Australia trip. This trip was a 2 week journey through the outback and down the east coast of Australia and was almost a rite of passage for many of us. At our school it was taken in 10th grade and most of the students took part. It cost $450 to go but that included all travel, food and entry fees. The only expense we had after that was spending money. 

Day 1-2: 
    Our bus left at 6pm and drove throughout the night to Broken Hill. After breakfast we went to nearby village called Silverton and saw an old silver mine and a few other attractions. We then hopped back on the bus and drove for several more hours to Port Augusta in South Australia. After a day and a half of traveling on a motor-coach it was nice to be able to pitch a tent at the local campground, crawl into your sleeping bag and get a few hours of sleep.

The ruins of the old silver mine at Silverton

Crossing over the border into South Australia.

Day 3: It was another day of spending many hours on the bus, as we headed north into the desert to Coober Pedy. This small town is well known within Australia as one of the main opal mining centers in Australia. Much of the town is underground as it much cooler during the day and is naturally heated to about 21C/72F no matter how hot or cold it is outside. After visiting some of the local attractions and learning about the opal mining industry we headed to our accommodations which in true Coober Pedy style was underground.

Our accommodations for the evening in a underground hotel.

The Desert Cave Hotel which is also underground but is a 5 Star Hotel.

Day 4: Even though we were in the middle of the outback we were a long way from our next stop, Uluru. Also known as Ayers Rock, it is one of Australia's most recognizable natural landmarks. Along the way we stopped at a salt lake and to view Mt Conner at a distance. After several hundred kilometres on the bus we pulled into the campground at Uluru for our first 2 night stop.

The edge of the salt lake. We were able to go out onto the lake but couldn't venture too far as you would start to sink.

Mt Conner. To the untrained eye it looks like Uluru but is a totally different mountain.

Day 5: Uluru was the destination for the day. We hopped back on the bus but it was only for a 30 minute trip to the rock. Uluru is one of the world's largest monoliths and towers over 1100ft over the desert floor. We had the option of climbing the rock or walking around it. I climbed the rock first and when I got back to the ground I had enough time to walk around some of the rock. I preferred the walk around the rock as there were several sign posts telling stories from the aboriginal people. We also got to visit the Olgas which was nearby before returning to the campground

Uluru at sunrise. I went up to the lookout an hour too early to get this photo and got really cold as the desert is really cold at night.

The start to the climb to the summit of Uluru. From the base to the summit is an elevation change of 1148ft/348m.

A view of the desert from the summit of Uluru.

The end of the walk at the summit of Uluru. There is a guestbook here that you can sign. 

 The Olgas. They are made out of the same type of stone that Uluru and is only a short drive from Uluru.

We are only half way through our trip but it's too big for one blog post. Come back next Tuesday to see the rest of the trip, including Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Walkabout Creek and more! Happy Travels!

His and Her TBT: A Footy Game

Angela at The Teacher's Desk 6 is hosting a Throwback Thursday linky party. The rules are simple - choose a previous blog post and re-post it. 

Football season has started - but that doesn't mean much in our house. Neither Sean nor I are fans of American football. Australian football - aka rugby - is another story. We got to go to a game last year and Sean blogged about it last November. Enjoy!

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A Rugby Scrum

While we were in Australia we had the opportunity to attend a National Rugby League game in Newcastle. The National Rugby League (NRL) is the NFL for Rugby in Australia. Neither of us had been to a game before but was something we both wanted to do while we were in Australia this summer. 

     We went to the box office a couple of days before the game to buy tickets as you save on the additional fees that online ticket sites charge you. We also were able to pick our exact seats which you aren't able to do for a lot of events online. The prices for the tickets were quite reasonable and ranged from $25 (for general admission) to $45 for the best seats. Tickets for a regular season NFL game in America are at least $100 and can be well over $300 depending on the team and opponent. It was satisfying that we were able to get some great seats and they only cost us $45 each.

Scored a try/touchdown

We got to the game early so we can park somewhere close to the field and not feel rushed and gave us time to find something to eat before the game. I almost didn't make it in because the lens on my camera exceeded the limit and was considered a professional lens but after I promised to use the smaller lens I was allowed in. We then went to check out our seats and they were pretty good and gave us a great view of the field. 

Since we were hungry we decided to see what culinary delights were on offer at the stadium. Amanda and I are used to having several different choices when going to professional sporting events. At most events in America you can get hot dogs, burgers, fries, nachos, icecream, funnel cakes, Dippin Dots, pizza, chicken tenders, and other options depending on location. At many locations they have restuarant quality food in addition to the standard fare. At Hunter Stadium the choices seemed more limited. All I found was hot dogs, meat pies, sausage rolls, fries and burgers. I was content with a meat pie and a sausage roll and Amanda decided to get a hot dog. Once we got back to our seats we realized that an Aussie hot dog is nothing like an American one. They look different with a red skin, have a totally different taste and was not at all tasty. I'm certain that many people in Australia love their hot dogs but after having both I would much prefer a Ball Park frank or a Nathan's hot dog any day.
**Note from Amanda --- No kidding about the hot dog! That Australian dog was GROSS!!!! I get shivers just thinking about it now. Ewwww!!**
. 

The Knights player trying to get through the Broncos defense.

Before long it was time for the game and it proved to be one of the best games I had ever seen. Rugby is a fast paced game and nothing like American football. For example in Rugby you are not allowed to pass forward and you only get 6 tackles/downs then the ball is handed over to the other team. The other thing that is different is that the action is pretty much non stop. Once the tackle is complete the player who is tackled gets up and immediately passes the ball to a teammate and the game continues. In American football you can often go to the kitchen and prepare a snack between plays and not miss any of the action. 

      The game had a great flow and both teams were evenly matched. Both the Knights and the Broncos were more determined than ever to win as they were both chasing a playoff berth. After 90 minutes of play the score was tied at 18 all. Even after two overtimes the scores were still tied so the game was declared a draw. At no point did I lose interest in the game which was pretty impressive as I have about a 15 second attention span. Even with the two overtimes the game was over in a little over two hours from start to finish which is impressive considering an American football game would still be somewhere in the third quarter at the same point in time.

Crowd getting into the game.

       We had an awesome time at the game and would definitely attend another game when we are in Australia next. Americans may love their football but they don't know what they are missing out on as Rugby is a much more active and exciting game. I am a rugby fan and I don't think I will ever convert to American football, no matter how long I live here.
**Note from Amanda: Me too! Me too! Rugby is awesome! American football is borrrrrring!**



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Which sport is your favorite - rugby or football?


Happy Thursday,

His and Her Travel Review: Fort McHenry, Baltimore, MD

We went to Baltimore a couple of years ago to see the Orioles play the White Sox. The game wasn't until 7pm so we decided to spend the day seeing some of the sites around Baltimore. We used to Water Taxi service to get to different sites around the harbour including Fort McHenry. 

I didn't know anything about the Fort before arriving but it is well known to many Americans. This is the location where the words to America's National Anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" were inspired. We spent about an hour walking around the fort and going inside the visitor's centre. We watched a short film that explained the significance of the battle that occurred near the fort and how it inspired the writing of the Star Spangled Banner. It was very interesting to see the history behind the song in person and would recommend it to anyone who is spending a day or two in Baltimore.

I'll be honest, as a history major and lover of the colonial American time period, I hadn't been to Baltimore or seen Fort McHenry prior to 2010. When I saw the HUGE American flag flying over the Fort as the taxi approached, I got a little choked up. It was an impressive sight and the lyrics to our national anthem played in my head. "...the flag was still there..." I was a proud American to see this historic sight. The fort is beautiful and it is far enough from the city that you feel like you have left the hustle and bustle behind. If you are near Baltimore, I highly recommend a visit to Fort McHenry.

 View of the fort from the Harbor

 The reenactors were taking a break while we were there because it was so hot. I don't blame them one bit! 

 

This cannon looks menacing even when I know it is not loaded. 

It was amazing to stand and know that on that site all those years ago men fought and died to save our new country.

 A model of the Fort and the surrounding harbor.

There was a small parade while we were there. They played period instruments and it was pretty cool.

Have you ever been to Fort McHenry or any other fort? 

Happy trails!

His and Her Travel Review: Infinity Attraction, Gold Coast, Australia

Shellie and Tim told suggested that we try out this place called Infinity when we were at the Gold Coast in Australia last year. They couldn't really explain to us what it was except it was really fun and that we would enjoy it. Since we were just around the corner from it we decided to go and see what all of the hype was about.

After we paid for our admission we were given white gloves and shoe covers. We then waited a few minutes in line before we went in. The easiest way to explain the Infinity attraction is that it is a modern day fun house that makes great use of technology and optical illusions that make it the best fun house that you will ever visit. There were over twenty different rooms that you went into and each was a little different. My favourite one was the one that had big air pillows that you could jump and bounce on. It took about an hour to go through all of the rooms and then it was back to reality. I had a lot of fun playing in each of the rooms and it was a little bit like being a kid again. I would happily come back to Infinity when I go to the Gold Coast again.

I was hesitant at first when we talked about going to Infinity, but I am so glad that I didn't chicken out. This was a fun house for the digital age and I loved every minute. There was a room with strobe lights and exercise balls. A room with wall to wall mirrors, including the ceiling and floor, where the goal was to find the exit. My favorite room was the one that looked like you were walking in space - the walls, ceiling, and floor were full of stars. I loved every minute we were in Infinity and cannot wait to go back to the Gold Coast so we can go through again.


We weren't able to take any photos inside of the attraction but here are a few of the outside.

 A list of some of the different areas inside of Infinity

The entrance to the attraction looks very space age and futuristic

The ticket counter and store where you can buy photos or videos of your experience.

We also found a promotional video that explains the attraction in a little more detail and shows some of the different areas inside.

We had a lot of fun and would recommend it to anyone who is visiting the Gold Coast area. Have you ever been to Infinity or something like it?

His and Her Travel Review: The Giant Fiddle in Sydney, Nova Scotia

A few years ago we went on a cruise to New England and Canada. The first stop was Sydney, Nova Scotia and it is home to the world's largest fiddle. Seeing giant versions of different items is nothing new as Australia is home to dozens of them including the Giant Prawn, the Big Pineapple, the Big Banana and the Big Merino. I had read that Sydney had a giant fiddle and it was at the cruise ship terminal so it would be easy to see. It was probably more interesting to me than most people as my home town, Tamworth, was home to the Big Golden Guitar and this would be like its Canadian cousin.

   Since we had a shore excursion that left right as we got off the ship (you can read about that here) we were not able to get any good photos before we left. Luckily we had enough time to get a few photos when we got back to the port. It was pretty cool to see the giant fiddle since we were in the area, but it was just a big fiddle and once you took a few photos in front of it there really wasn't much else to do. 

When Sean told me about the Giant Fiddle, I was intrigued. My area of the U.S. is not home to many of these kinds of attractions. (I wish it was!) I was excited to see this and have a photo taken in front of it. 

I played violin for 8 years in school - from fifth to twelfth grade. It was a big part of my life during my middle school and high school years. Lots of fond memories! Seeing a giant version of what I played for so many years was exciting. Sean's right, though; once we took a few photos we were pretty much done. It's a pretty cool memory though. The violinist got to pose (in true violin form) in front of the giant fiddle.


**You can't tell in this photo, but I am wearing my Sydney, Australia shirt --- in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Several locals commented and thought it was fun. I loved visiting another Sydney, though the Aussie one is still my favorite.**



Below are a few more photos of us and the Big Fiddle.

The Big Fiddle next to the cruise ship terminal from the pool deck of the cruise ship.

 

It may not look big in the photo but it is well over 3 stories tall.

What "big" attractions have you been to?

Happy Traveling,

Her: Fancy Hotel (Wyndham Crossings, Richmond, VA)

Have you liked our "His and Her Hobbies" Facebook page? If not, click here!

Last week I spent three days in Richmond working with the Department of Education on some Civics curriculum/testing stuff. It was a great experience and I am really grateful that DOE organizes events for teachers to come and give their opinions about what is being taught to the students. These are pictures of the hotel where we all stayed while we were working - the Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center in Glen Allen, VA.

Click here to go to the hotel's website.

"The Jefferson" - check-in and meeting rooms

"The Madison" - meeting rooms, ballrooms, and the restaurant

A circular courtyard is in the middle, with benches and classical music playing.

"The Monroe" - guest rooms

A putting green and "thinking spot" overlooking the golf course.

They have tunnels that connect the buildings so that, should there be inclement weather, guests do not have to walk outside.

The view from my room.

It was one of the better hotels I have stayed in. I loved the size of the room and all the amenities offered. It was the perfect place to stay while we worked.

Of the hotels you have stayed in, which is your favorite?


Happy Wednesday,

His and Her Travel Review: Lombard Street, San Francisco

We saw a lot of San Francisco on our first trip in 2005 but we were disappointed that we did not get to see Lombard Street. It is one of the more well known streets in San Francisco and is often referred to as "The Crookest Little Street in San Francisco". When we returned a little over a year later on our way to Australia, we included Lombard Street in our itinerary. 

Sean: Lombard Street was pretty easy to get to which is not always the case with some of the landmarks in San Francisco. The top of Lombard Street is directly next to one of the Cable Car lines so we were able to ride right to it. From the street it looked just like any other street but as soon as you looked down the hill you could see just how steep it was. We spent about 15 minutes taking photos and heading to the bottom. It was a pretty steep hill but for some reason it wasn't as steep as I thought it would be. Once you wander down the hill and get a few photos, there really isn't much else to do so budgeting about 15 minutes for this stop is plenty. I was glad that I was able to cross this off my list of places to see in San Francisco but its one of those places that you really only need to see once in person. 

Amanda: It seems like every time people talk about San Francisco, they mention Lombard Street. So naturally I wanted to see it for myself when we went. We walked from the Cable Car to the top of the street and looked down. The view was spectacular (as are most in San Fran) and the street itself has beautiful landscaping. I was surprised to see For Sale signs; I didn't realize that homes were actually on the street itself. I think it would be pretty cool to say "I live on Lombard Street". We took the traditional photos and then we were done. I'm not sorry that we went to visit "The Crookedest Street in the U.S.", but I don't think I would go back.

There were a few people that took on the challenge of driving down Lombard Street.

 The landscaping was really pretty. I thought it would make a good backdrop for my traditional Lombard Street photo.

Sean standing on Lombard Street. 

    Looking back up the street, you can see how steep it really is.

You can see the whole street from the bottom.

Have you been to Lombard Street? What were your thoughts?

Happy Travels!