Eyes Wide Open

Posted on April 11, 2011 by admin

I have just returned from the most incredible trip to a small Peruvian village named Lunahuana. My last four days have been packed with adventure and memories that I will treasure forever. As I rafted the rapids, zip-lined across the beautiful lands and climbed the Inca ruins, I was amazed with this beautiful country.

Lunahuana is a very poor area that was hugely affected by the earthquake that hit Peru in 2007. On Friday, we packed into a small van and drove to a nearby school. Along with 15 other students, I was given the task of building a garden for the children to play in. I will never forget it; the faces of the children brightened as we walked into their tiny rundown building. As I began to work, I suddenly felt small warm hands on the back of my leg. I turned around and saw three little girls looking up at me with the sweetest expressions. For the rest of day, those girls were attached to me. I was amazed by how much affection they showed me. It was very hard to say goodbye to them.

When I arrived back at the campground and started to change into warmer clothes I heard soft Spanish whispers outside my tent. As I peered outside to see where the voices were coming from, I saw two little girls covered in dust and wearing worn-out clothes. They quickly approached and motioned for me to come sit with them on the grass. Although we could barley understand each other, I sat with them for over one hour. At one point, they kept repeating one question over and over again pointing towards my shoes. I kept telling them I didn’t understand them but they wouldn’t give up until they had the answer to their question. I finally asked another student to translate for me and found out they had been asking me how expensive my shoes were. I had never thought twice about my shoes, I’ve been lucky enough to always have something to wear on my feet. When I was their age the price of shoes would have never crossed my mind. As I thought of an answer, I looked at them; neither girl was wearing shoes. Both had filthy feet covered in cuts. Lunahuana was an unforgettable experience. –Alexia Miller ’13

Australia Exchange: An Easy Adjustment

Posted on March 31, 2011 by admin

The last two weeks have been a blast! Just minutes after landing in Melbourne, Australia, we were off to the beach in Torquay. My first weekend was spent surfing and playing footy on the beach. Before I knew it, it was time for school. Getting used to new people and school was much easier than I had imagined. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. It was from that moment that I knew my stay in Melbourne would be unforgettable.

My first week was spent getting used to the time zone and my new lifestyle. Once I had settled in a little better my weekends started becoming more action packed. My host family has taken me to a footy match, Geelong vs. St. Kilda. It was a great match. Something I found cool about it was that the M.C.G. has a capacity of 100,000 fans, although, the turn out was only around 48,000 as it was a little colder outside than Aussie’s are used to.

By far, the most exciting thing that we’ve done was going to Healesville Sanctuary. Healesville is a zoo that focuses on Australia’s famous animals. We saw all sorts of animals such as Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, koalas, dingoes and more. However, the best part of the experience was feeding the emus and having a picnic with the family. To finish off a great day, we went out for Thai food, which was also a tasty new experience for me.

Only two weeks left of school until spring holidays. I’m really excited to be able to experience more of Australia but not excited to say goodbye to close friends. — Julie Schneiderman ’13

Weeks 5 & 6: Adelaide, Australia – Best I Ever Had!

Posted on March 23, 2011 by admin

The past two weeks have literally been non-stop action, activity and emotion. In spite of doing some of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life, I had an absolutely amazing time. I went on a trip called Westventure for 12 days, and it taught me so many valuable life lessons.

Thirty-four of us arrived at the base camp eager for the days to come. We were split into four groups that we would be spending most of our time with for the next few weeks. The first two days were spent learning the basics of kayaking and sailing and going for 5 km runs in the afternoons. On the third day we went for our first overnight, and after a few hours of hiking we arrived at our destination. The next day we finished off our lessons with the kayaks and sailboat and prepared for the first big adventure; a 15 km kayak/sail, navigated and led by the kids, to a nearby town. My group kayaked all the way there with all our packs and we were awarded with money to spend at the little shops. After some fun games and a restful night, it was our turn to sail back home. We had a blast “getting our lean on” and nearly capsizing several times! The next day we pushed our limits as group members by running 17 km sticking together and cheering each other on. The afternoon was spent doing more team building activities, and it was a struggle getting our exhausted bodies to work. The next three days were spent camping out on a special island with some spectacular sand dunes and a beautiful ocean view. Once again our group kayaked to the destination and sailed back home.

Some highlights of our days there were a cheesecake competition–using our little tin cooking kits; some reflection time on the beach watching the sunset (although it was too cloudy to see much); and the night we spent singing along to songs while one of the instructors led us on the guitar.

The final full day was without a doubt the most challenging, since had to push ourselves through a gruesome 17 km individual run. In the end, everyone felt so proud of themselves, having been determined to push past their limits and into a whole new difficulty level. Although it was physically draining, it was even more exhausting mentally, since we had to keep focused on the task at hand and keep our legs going.

The memories, laughs and good times spent at the camp will never be forgotten by any of the lucky students who got to go on the awesome trip. I cannot explain how amazing I felt being there; the rollercoaster of emotion, and the bonds that have been made to last a lifetime. This week brings with it my final days here in Adelaide, and surely it will be a great last few days. –Sarah Salzman ‘13

Peru Exchange – Life Changing

Posted on March 23, 2011 by admin

As I sat on the airplane leaving Montreal, I had no idea what to expect. Peru was completely unknown to me. Although, I was extremely nervous, I was ready to embrace the six-week adventure that stood before me. I have been here for about two weeks now and I can honestly say I’m having the time of my life.

Although I have only been in Lima, Peru, for 11 days, I have already made memories that will last me a lifetime. The minute I arrived, I was greeted with the friendliest people. Everyone here is incredibly warm and kind. Even though I don’t speak Spanish, I was amazed that it didn’t stop me from making friends. People are always happy to translate or clue me in on what everyone is talking about. The other day, I woke up and automatically said « Hola ». Peru has inspired me to hopefully be fluent some day.

In only so little time, Peru is already changing me. I cannot wait to continue my stay here. Coming up I will be participating on the rugby team and going to Machu Picchu. –Alexia Miller ’13

Weeks 3&4: Adelaide, Australia – Just Can’t Get Enough

Posted on February 28, 2011 by admin

Two more sunny weeks have gone by, and although I can barely believe it, I have now been in Adelaide for one awesome month. I nearly feel Australian, as I have picked up some new lingo and some new favourite foods. Unfortunately, no accent yet, but I have been working on it.

Geared with my iPod loaded with my new Australian tunes, my exchange family and I headed for the breathtaking countryside of South Australia. Our destination was the little town of Clare, where the farms are plentiful and the vineyards stretch for kilometers. We went to a winery for “afternoon tea” and enjoyed scones and juice while overlooking the grape vines and the picturesque garden. Afterwards we drove up to the lookout of the valley, where the view was magnificent. The next day we were off to a friend’s farm and got to go horseback riding and motor biking.

The past week has been spent getting organized and excited for the 12-day outdoor adventure trip we are going on with a group of students in our “year” here at Westminster. There is much planned, including lots of running, kayaking, sailing, group activities, games and overnights at spectacular sights. It is, for most, the highlight of their experience at the school, and I am so happy I get to take part in the trip. All in all, it will be “heaps good.”–Sarah Salzman ’13