A Little Layover in Philly

After about a day and a half back from Los Angeles, it was yet again time for me to jump onto another airplane! Leaving at 10PM from LAX, I had an eight-hour layover in Philadelphia. Hence, off I went to explore the city!


It was about 7AM when I got into the city, so I waited for the Visitor's Center to open. Being my overly cautious self, I quickly grabbed all my belongings ready for a mugging; they preceded to ask if I wanted to hear a verse from the Bible. Oops.

I had made a reservation to tour Independence Hall as I missed it on a previous trip. As one of the most important buildings in our nation's history, Independence Halls served as the signing grounds of the Declaration of Independence and the Contitution. It also served as the meeting spot for the Second Continental Congress from 1775-1783 and is now listed as a World Heritage Site.

Independence Hall

It wasn't as exciting as I believed, but well worth to see at least once in a lifetime. I took the $2.00 bus and headed off to U. Penn to visit the campus and Miraya Jun!

September 11th Memorial at the University of Pennsylvania

The Fine Arts Library luckily provided usable internet (unlike everywhere else on this campus for a guest!) and Miraya gave me a campus tour. Go Ivy Leaguers.

The Myth: As a freshman, you can't walk over the compass, but as as senior, game on!

Back at the Philadelphia International Airport, a Sept. 11th memorial was held. It seems unreal that seven years have actually passed since that tragic day. The memories still tug at the heartstrings and although the effects on each person vary, the United States of America became more united as one. We shall never forget.

I woke up to the voice of Julia Wang - my travel buddy had arrived! Onto backpacking Europe and chasing after dreams...

And That Was Just a Bit of Australia...

As I was waiting for Kate Polybank today, I found an internet cafe that provided an hour's worth of internet for only $2AU (comparative to only twenty minutes at my hotel). We walked over to Chinatown to shop at Paddy's Market, argubly the largest open market in Australia. One can find anything here from flowers to fresh fruit to jewelry. This market is unique to others in the world as it has multiple stories.

Full-circle at Westfield

After buying some "authentic" Australian boomerangs for $9, we headed off to a Westfield shopping mall, where I bought a yellow travel purse from Sportsgirl. Running into a weirdo who kept raving about "High School Musical," we settled down and had some delicious hot chocolate before heading off to Darling Habour.

Kate at work!

Unfortunately, there were no fireworks as previously advertised because it was rainy and windy. Hence, we ate at the Pontoon Bar right by harborside and finished up drinks at the Cargo Bar. Too bad two drinks were $23.50AU!

Pontoon Nightclub and Bar at Darling Harbour

Cargo Bar...sigh...no celebrity sightings

The environmentally-friendly toilet. Half-flush and full-flush - the U.S. should adopt this!

I will miss you, Sydney! I shall return and visit your Taronga Zoo!

Getting Cuddly with Koalas & Climbing Bridges!

With Darling Harbour only a ten minute walk, I headed off to the Sydney Aquarium - VIP status! Opened in 1988, the aquarium features over 650 underwater creatures. I really got stuck at the Little Penguins habitat at the Southern Ocean exhibit. Over a dozen pictures and twenty minutes later, I finally left to the shark tunnels.

Little penguins at the Sydney Aquarium. So cute!

Shark tank at the Sydney Aquarium

I headed off to the newly opened Wildlife World next door as I was on a mission to kiss a koala! It costed $20 to get close and cuddly while you could take as many pictures as you wanted. Incredibly worth it!

Koalas are actually sluggish by nature because their diet is incredibly low on nutrients. Hence, koalas cannot afford an active lifestyle and uses their relaxed state as a defense mechanism.

He was so sleepy! Obviously, he had too many eucalyptus leaves

Just getting close and cuddly with the cutest koala!

I jumped on the Captain Cook Explorer Cruise (unfortunately an incompetent taxi cab driver made me miss the 11:45AM ferry cruise because he took me to the Aquatic Center). The cruise around the Harbour lasted about 1.5 hours and I took the ferry down to Circular Quay for...THE SYDNEY HABOUR BRIDGE CLIMB!

At the top of the list of any "Must-Do" while visiting Australia would be the Bridge Climb! Opened in 1932, it is the widest long-span bridge and measures almost 135 meters above sea level. I was lucky as when I reached the front desk, my climb had already been covered by Contiki. Yay!

We strapped on our astronaut gear and had our mini-training on the proper ways to climb the upper arches of the Southern half of the bridge. Lucky us that the night climb was held in the pouring rain! Haha, that definitely made some fun adventure.

We had the opportunity to watch a proposal and learned that they actually have an ERD (Engagement Ring Device). Too classic.

Soaked, I took the train back (only $1.30AU) which saved about 25-30 minutes of walking. Unfortunately, once I got back to the hotel, I heard screaming next door. It didn't even sound like real words and hence, I called the hotel front desk. The manager was already on his way up and no one answered when he knocked on the door. He then called the police to which there was more yelling. Pretty soon the police came and kicked the man out! Oh, geez, I guess every traveler gets these stories eventually right?

Weird ending, but otherwise, utterly amazing day!

An Simple Second Day Exploration of Sydney

I usually can't stand those "Hop On, Hop Off" tourist tours, but Contiki sent me on a complimentary one, so I figured why not take the free transportation. I hiked up Observatory Hill located in the area the locals call "The Rocks." A quaint area, one feels like they've stepped back into a simpler time of small streets and mom-and-pop shops.

It was too cloudy to do a night tour and see the stars, so I just checked out the photography (I'm a bit of an astronomy lover, may I say so).

The Sydney Observatory atop Observatory Hill

Of course I lost my ticket, so they provided me with a fake "show pass" and then I headed back to Circular Quay. The $5.95 for a burger was utterly shocking, but when you need a fix of McDonald's, you pay it!

The Museum of Contemporary Art proved one of my favorites as the artwork was right up my alley (and of course, the museum was free). The taking of pictures was not allowed, but let's just say there were bubbles and large horses attached to the ceiling!

The Museum of Contemporary Art

I jumped back on the bus to the famous Bondi Beach. Orange Country beaches are MUCH better, but I was able to explore and discover the Bondi Pavillion Gallery. Next time I will take the jazz and hip hop class for only $12AU. We drove by the Olympic Stadium and Coogee Beach (another tourist trap, but still nice nonetheless).

The world-famous Bondi Beach

Purely exhausted and still jet-lagged, I went home and watched some good old Australian television. " The sarcasm of the news anchors were predictably welcome as they covered American politics! On to tomorrow!

Australian Idol, not as talented as American Idol, I may say...

From Los Angeles to Sydney

After the 14.5 hour journey from Los Angeles, I had finally arrived in Sydney! As I must look like a sketchy individual (or as the Aussies like to say, "dodgy"), I was stopped at Customs for only having one backpack and vacationing in Australia for only four days. Sorry that I'm a light packer and that I have to head off to Europe in a bit! After he cleaned out my backpack utterly ruining my packing and getting the misspelled name on my Visa fixed, I was finally good to go!

The hotel was in the center of the city at the train stop of Museum Station close to Hyde Park. Excited to see the town, I took a stroll down Macquerie St. to head toward the Opera House of course!

Tip: Don't take Macquerie St. to see the Sydney Opera House, otherwise, you can easily be disappointed by it's small size. Go across the Harbour by the Museum of Contemporary Art for a more impressive view! And make sure to go on an Opera House tour!

The Pool of Remembrance and the ANZAC Memorial. Hyde Park was named after the original in London

At last...The Sydney Opera House!

Although the Opera House appeared small at first, the Essential Tour proved that the performing arts venue was as magnificent as the hype surrounding it. Contrary to popular belief, the House is not actually one large arts center, but rather several separate venues. For example, the two largest "shells" actually comprise of the Opera Theater and the Concert Hall. Finally completed in 1973, the $102 million House originally designed by Jorn Utzon proves to be a magnificent architectural structure that was well constructed before its time.

Afterwards, I took a tour of the Botanical Gardens where unfortunately I was attacked by a damn pelicans. I will never understand why wild animals seek revenge upon me.

The over 100-year-old Dragon's Blood tree! It's believed that the roots were unable to support its rapid increase in weight because of recent rainfall

Beyond flight and accomodations, Contiki actually provided with numerous "excursions" for my stay here in Sydney. One of them consisted of a ride on Oz Jetboating. Originally described to me as a relaxing boat tour in the Sydney Harbour, I figured this would be a relaxing way to start my trip in my jetlagged state. To my surprise, Oz Jetboating is actually at thirty minute adventure ride in which each jetboat rides up to 80km an hour! Sigh...there goes my relaxation!

Oz Jetboating...speeds of 80km per hour in the Sydney Harbour!

After meeting some friends Californian folk, we headed off on our adventure. Right as we began the journey, fate decided to make it rain on us, while our driver decided to do about half a dozen 360 turns. He hit the gas and popped a wheelie to which the rain made it feel like nails were smashing our faces. We caught some air and continued this madness...for twenty-three more grueling minutes. How do I always get into situations like this?

Sydney Harbour Bridge is the fourth-largest spanning arch bridge in the world. More details later!

After an amazingly warm shower, I headed back to the Opera House to watch "Instructions for Modern Living." Student tickets, as well as adult tickets, were pretty affordable at $25 and I just couldn't resist seeing a show here! It was a great satire on things we never think about in our daily living, such as how astronaunts probably get bored just sitting in their spacecrafts and radio deejays not having anybody call. I wonder what they must think. The local student I met and I felt it was a show worth the money; I just wish I had more time to see all the shows!

The city of Sydney at night - gorgeous!

Good night, Sydney. I'll see you in the morning!

Day 6: Final Goodbyes

The band Semisonic once sang, "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." Never is this quote more applicable than in the world of community service and travel. The cycle of giving continues on as one charitable act (or in this case, week) ends only to begin again in another time of another place. Travel not only shows a group of privileged collegiate students that there is a world outside their own, but that world can yield a large niche of their lives if they just open up their hearts.

I leave this final post with less words and more pictures. The captions are an aid for background information, but sometimes all a viewer really needs to do is look and they'll find the story.

A weaving loom at Red Mesa School

Brenda caught not paying attention to carding her wool

A final goodbye to Ms. Deswood's third-graders

Comb Ridge Coffee and Art Gallery :)

We became biker chicks for the moment!

Crystal looking over the Valley of the Gods

The group on our final hike

Not posed...just one of our group members helping out another group member

Running towards The Valley of the Gods

View from the car as we say goodbye to Utah and the Navajo Nation...

Day 5: A Heart-Warming Morning and an Indian Pow-Wow

First thing in the morning, Nelson (our Navajo contact) provided word of a robbery not too far from us. We immediately headed over to help Isabelle, an elderly woman with many health problems.

At arrival, we were stunned...simply appalled. The house was in shambles and most everything was taken - even the toilets had been uplifted! The carpet was torn and a quarter of the floor boards were missing. Isabelle explained to us that she had been out of town and her daughter's ex-boyfriend seeked revenge because she had broken up with him earlier that week. Isabelle continued on discussing her many health problems while Shawnting, her seven-year-old granddaughter played in the yard.

Isabelle woefully explaining what happened to her home

Needless to say, we cleaned up her house as best we could. We swept, we lifted, and we washed. We couldn't take back what happened, but we could help with a new start. Isabelle cried and thanked us, while innocent Shawnting played with all her new friends.

Shawnting making new friends

Afterwards, we visited Transitions, a shop that utilizes products made by disabled individuals. This shop allows many of the businessmen and women to survive. I appropriately bought an Italian charm bracelet with the phrase "Follow Your Dreams."

At the local food bank in Blanding, we sorted everything from Wheat Thins to peaches. Brenda, Brian and I then had quite a relaxing lunch just chilling in the car.

Our final masterpiece!

We soon went back to the Transitions Boardwalk to pick up the rest of the crew. The Boardwalk is a new renovation by the community to help disabled individuals sell their goods (almost like Transitions the shop, but the stores will be independently owned). Their hope is that this will bring tourism into the area.

The Traditions Boardwalk - Future enterprises

So while we waited for the others to finish up their projects, the rest of us Southern Cali kids threw snowballs! I was the first to hit Marcos :)

Success!

Before heading home, we went to a smaller food back at Montezuma Creek. The boys gardened while the girls loaded the food pantry. We were able to fill the original 1/5 full pantry with cans of vegetables, grapefruites, but most importantly CUPCAKES!

For dinner, we made some Navajo tacos, frybread, cheese, beans, tomotoes, onions, and cucumbers. After taking the nicest warm shower (after leaving it on for a good long while of course), it was time for the Pow-Wow!

Our own personal pow-wow

Not only did I buy $8 leaf earrings from the great selection of jewelry, but Kristen and I fell in love with two bows and arrows we found. We discovered them at the same time, and we both just offered to each other, "Let's buy it!"

The Pow-Wow dancers were quite skilled and we even got to take a turn ourselves. Of course, afterward, I had to buy the axe stone weapon too! What a fantastic day!

Day 4: A Bit of Denver...

We spent last night sleeping in a Navajo hogan. The hogan is considered very sacred as it is the traditional Navajo home. In it, you must only walk clockwise around the fire.

We headed off to Whitewater, an elderly Navajo community, to help clear out trash in their front and backyards. My group and I worked with Mary and her beautiful white horses.

One of Mary's gorgeous horses!

According to Harrision, we saved over six hours of cleanup work for the community as we filled an entire dumpster full of trash! We visited Diné (meaning "people" in Navajo) College, where we admired the $1 million wall that was newly constructed. It was to represent the conflicts regarding the Navajo land. Incredibly, the tribe is finally just getting their voices heard today!

$1 million wall built at Dine College

Of course, no travel would be completed without going to the Four Corners: the intersection of the border states of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. These governments, along with the governments of Navajo Nation and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe have jurisdiction over this area. The first marker was placed in 1912 where since thousands of visitors have come to the remote spot to get their fifteen minutes of fame standing in four states at once.

At the Four Corners!

Here, one can also try traditional frybread for roughly $3.50+ depending on toppings. This Native American treat resembles funnel cake with its deep-fried (or fried) flat dough. Traditionally served at home and in pow-wows, frybread was named the official "state bread" of South Dakota in 2005.

Frybread with honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Mmm...

On the way home, we came back with a car full of girls blasting "strong, independent" woman music consisting of Kelly Clarkson, Pink, etc. Good day!

Day 3: Kids, Of Course!

We volunteered at Red Mesa Elementary School today where I was placed with Ms. Detwoods's third-grade class. I first taught them USC's "Fight On!" symbol of course, and then they proceeded to introduce themselves to me. There were about twelve syllables for each of their clans!

Ms. Deswoods's third-grade class Fighting On!

Jamie was definitely my favorite and I even had the opportunity to meet the "Princess" of the Navajo school.

Jamie, my favorite!

I helped them read "Eyes of Rome" where one of their vocabulary words was "obelisk?" Quite intelligent third-graders! The kids kept yelling, "Krystina, sit next to me!" It was quite sweet!

At lunch, we played Black Magic and thankfully, nobody else stole my credit card. Back at the third-grade class, the kids gave me welcome back hugs and Kristin and I helped them partner read, take tests, and gave them reading checks. It was obvious to see that there were way too many students in the class for only one teacher (about thirty). It is easy to see that the children would learn better if there was more specialized attention. If only we could decrease the student: teacher ratio!

We hugged the kids goodbye and then the group headed off to the Sea Edge Museum and the Bluff Hotel. We had a chance to look at units the ancient Pueblos once lived. It was amazing to gaze over their stonework and masonry architecture. The homes would surround a plaza, also known as a kiva.

Michael falling asleep in the kiva

At the Sea Edge Museum, we then learned about some Navajo tools and fashion. I'm truly excited about the upcoming pow-wow. Good day!

Looking at the wonderful woven work. Original and hand-made.