It was a historical day for Canada at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games when we won 14 Gold medals – the most gold medals won by any nation in history!
At the beginning of the games all the media could talk about was, “when was Canada to get a gold medal on home soil?” Well that didn’t last long and we just kept collecting them!
Our final gold couldn’t have been earned in a better fashion then in overtime, against the United States, in Canada, on the last day of the Olympic Games in Canada! Yes I was one of the 33 million Canadians (except on the other side of the world in Australia) watching this epic event.
But it wasn’t that easy to watch this moment on fold. As mentioned in my last post about Channel Nine nearly getting it right, they knew it would be the most watched sporting event, and yet decided not to show it until 2 hours into the game. So yes, I did venture over to the James Squire Pub in Melbourne, Australia and watched it LIVE at 7:15am. I really thought there would be very few there as it was a Monday morning where people usually have to work (unless you own your own business and can decide to take the morning off), but when I arrived, it was packed with at least 100 Canadians (and a lonely American couple) to watch the game. It was electrifying and we could have almost been in Canada (except that it was hot and sunny out, the beer tasted wierd as it was 8am in the morning, and it was a week day!)
Congratulations Canada for hosting a fantastic Winter Olympic Games, and congratulations to all the athletes from all over the world. You are an inspiration!
After all the bad commentating and press, Channel Nine changed their tactics for the Vancouver Winter Olympics. They gave Eddie McGuire an afternoon roll, Mick Malloy was hardly on at all, and the evening show was taken over by the female and male commentators that were doing the afternoon show. Well done Channel Nine in Australia.
Then just today, they played all the live events and let the tv audience actually see the sport at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. I nearly made the mistake to say that Channel Nine had finally figured it out and were listening to their audience.
Sadly, as they finished their coverage for the day, after announcing that the final event – the Men’s Olympic Hockey game (Canada vs. USA) – would be the most watched sporting event in history – they continued to say coverage would start on Channel Nine at 9am. After careful calculation, I realized that although the rest of the world would be watching this historical tv sporting event, Australia would be watching it two hours after it started! How does a TV station (Channel Nine) that I assume was hoping to make a lot of money from the coverage of the Olympic Games, mess up so much that they will be one of the only nations NOT showing the Olympic Men’s Hockey Final Live.
What does this mean for all of us viewers? Well if you don’t have Foxtel, then you either have to watch it two hours later with the rest of the world already knowing what happened, or get up at 7am and go to your local pub to watch it! That’s where I will have to be to share this historical tv moment unfold at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
It was a slow start but Canada has really taken our Olympic dreams to a new level. With 12 Golds and the possibility of 2 more, we lead the gold medal tally!
Not only are we leading the Golds, but we have just tied the number of medals we have ever won in any Olympic Games. With 24, and two to come, we will surpass our all-time record! We are proud of our Olympic athletes in Vancouver!
It was nice to see the media responding to the complaints made on Channel Nine’s coverage of the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. In our last post, we discussed the Australian coverage of the Winter Olympics. Unfortunately with the homophobic comments, and the patronizing behaviour of Eddie McGuire and Mick Malloy, there was very little reason to want to watch the Olympics from Australia.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a female hosting the night time coverage yesterday – “Vancouver Gold” and it was such a nice change. She did a wonderful job and they even showed a variety of sports. Eddie even managed an afternoon interview with “The Great One – Wayne Gretsky” without messing it up!
Well done to Channel Nine for responding to the viewers complaints. I just hope to see the day time crew back on the night time show tonight to watch the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games!
What do people really think of Channel Nine’s coverage of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver?
Australia is no different than most other countries in the world, where they show all their own athletes over and over again. As an ex-pat, this is frustrating because while so much sport is going on, all that is shown on Channel nine, is the same event over and over again. Speaking with other Australians, they feel the same especially when there are only 40 Australian athletes and not even in all the sports!
The day time commentators are pretty good. Not only do they know something about winter sports, but they are pleasant to listen to. Even better, is that we actually get to see some Live sport!
And then there’s Eddie McGuire. How did he get this job when he knows very little about any of the winter sports. Oh ya, he used to be CEO of Channel Nine. Australia should rethink who they put in front of the screen during primetime and I think Eddie has proved this by his many inappropriate comments and claiming when people deserve the gold and when they don’t.
Then there’s Mick Malloy in combination with Eddie McGuire. Not sure anything else needs to be said because they have already had to apologize once, and right after the apology, they made another ‘crack’ which to me means they aren’t really sorry at all.
Australia should reconsider who they have representing them as their voice in sport, especially the Olympics where the world is watching. As a country that claims to be multi-cultural and has many ex-pats from all over the world, having someone like Eddie McGuire just gives Australia a very bad name.
How proud I am to be Canadian! The Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics was incredible. The messages, the voices, the people said it all. I doubt there was a dry eye amongst Canadians around the world and I am sure many others felt the pride we have for our country.
I think that KD Lang was legendary. And the words of Shane Koyczan said it all. A stunning performance by all Canadians.
With only one day to go before the Vancouver Olympic Games begin, I sit here in Australia wondering if I will get to see any of it!
In Melbourne, Australia the ads on Channel 9 are going strong but what does it really mean. The strangest part is when they proudly state that they will show 130 hours of the Olympics. If you calculate this, it is only 10, 12 hour sessions, when the Olympics goes for 16 days! And let’s not even talk about how much of that coverage will be repeats of the exact same events the Australians are in.
I called up Foxtel to see if I could get the Olympic coverage but was told in order to get this, I would need to sign a one year agreement and pay $116/month. Are you kidding me?!
Let’s see what happens. Here we will keep updated on how things are going with the coverage as the Vancouver Olympic Games begin!
About 45 minutes from Melbourne, Australia you will find this excellent hike up through a gorge with a number of stops for a swim. Definitely worth a day trip out of Melbourne, Australia and stop off in Bacchus Marsh for fesh fruits and vegetables (you can pick your own strawberreies, apricots, etc!) So for all the Canadian teachers, UK teachers and other overseas teachers, take a day out to the country!
lerderderg gorge from mackenzies flat
1) Make sure you get a map & tour of the school including the location of your classrooms.
2) Ask for your class timetable and class lists in advance.
3) Enquire about any individual needs for your students.
4) Make sure you get information about the code of conduct/consequences & procedures for discipline issues.
5) Ask about yard duty and location (this is often an expectation in contracts).
6) Complete contract paperwork including salary rate, taxes, and pay dates in advance.
7) Actively pursue teaching resources and other materials for each class.
8) Enquire about curriculum expectations & term goals.
9) Enquire about assessment and reporting practices for the school.
10) Organize your calendar with parent/teacher interviews, meetings, etc.
11) Read through school handbook.
12) Organize your office & work space.
13) Use your school mentor who is available for support & assistance.
14) Bring any creative resources/lessons from overseas to spark the students interest from day one!
15) Use the support & online resources provided by Leading Out and share ideas with fellow international teachers.
Good luck and have a great first day of teaching in Australia!
This is my 4th year in a row attending the Australian Open, and yesterday when I arrived (Jan 20th), I did notice significant differences from when I arrived for my first experience in 2007.
The only thing they seem to have kept for fans, is the price – $20/night ticket, $29 for general admission day ticket. But is the value still as good?
What has changed:
- Hisense is now a fully ticketed event (general admission ticket users used to be able to watch in the standing room only area).
- Australian Open Tennis clothing – items are no longer dated with the year, are very generic, and very little variety in what is available.
- Australian Open Tennis clothing – old clothing from previous years used to be sold during the first week for low prices (they have stopped doing this!)
- The line ups! Yes it is great that more people are going to watch the tennis, but the line ups are out of control on the outer courts. Even some of the organizers who were in charge of letting people into the courts, didn’t even know when to let them in.
- Corporate seats on Rod Laver Arena! During the quarter finals today (Jan 27th, 2010) there were so many empty seats. Isn’t it time in main events that these seats are put up for sale just before the match when people don’t bother showing up!
Second tournament of the year and into the 
Round of 16 at the Australian Open! Justine Henin has been tested by Dementiava (5th seed) on Rod Laver Arena and then gritted her teeth to beat Kleybanova (27th seed) on Hisense Arena.
Looking forward to a great match against Wickmayer in the Round of 16 at the Australian Open 2010.
Can she win like Kim Clisters did at the US Open 2009 during her comeback!
It’s that time of year where Melbourne, Australia comes alive with day and night action with the Australian Tennis Open.
If your first thought is, oh I don’t like watching tennis, think again! It is an event not to be missed, not only because of the great tennis you can watch but also just for the festivities that surround the event.
For only $29 you can get yourself a general admission ticket that will allow you to stay all day and if youd don’t leave at 5pm, you can stay all night!It is a fantastic deal! And if that doesn’t impress, how about a night ticket for only $20. You won’t get a better deal than this to see as much tennis on every court but the centre court (but you can even watch those matches on the big screen tv just outside the court!).
So don’t miss out on the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia. Come watch Federer try and get his 16th Grand Slam, or perhaps Nadal will come back from injury. Or how about Serena Williams, will she be crowned champion or will Henin come out of retirement to shock everyone like Kim Clijsters did in the US Tennis Open!
Not sure what else to do in Melbourne or other parts of Australia while visiting, well take a look here!
We have all heard about the hole in the ozone but do you even notice it when you are in Australia?
The answer is YES! It might take one day walking around in the sun, but that’s all that it will take! It isn’t like any other sun you have ever experienced so take precautions so you don’t get sunburnt in Australia.
1) Buy a good wide brimmed hat and wear it! You will notice most others are wearing them too and if you teach, it is a requirement to wear a hat during recess.
2) Cover up! Wear capris and a thin long sleeve so to not cause unnecessary skin damage in the sun.
3) Slop on the sunscreen – remember just because you use 30 doesn’t mean that it still doesn’t need reapplying (you will still sweat it off or swim it off!).
4) Wear 100% UV protected sunglasses. You can damage your eyes and it is not something to mess around with.
5) Don’t stay out in the sun in Australia too long. Enjoy the outdoors but put yourself under shade as often as possible.
Remember, skin cancer is common and if you ask around, you will find that a large percentage of Australians have had to remove moles, and skin spots on different parts of their body and they get their skin checked at least once a year!
Now if that doesn’t make you think twice before you throw on your bikini and walk out onto the beach in Australia, remember that the sun dries out your skin and will eventually age you more than if you cover up! Be smart about it!
I was listening to a choir singing carols in Melbourne last week and one of the songs that we were able to sing along to was Jingle Bells (Aussie Style) and after having a good laugh, I thought I would share it with you!
“Dashing through the bush, in a rusty Holden Ute,
Kicking up the dust, esky in the boot,
Kelpie by my side, singing Christmas songs,
It’s Summer Time and I am in my singlet, shorts and thongs
Chorus:
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia on a scorching summers day,
Hey!
Jingle Bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
Engine’s getting hot; we dodge the kangaroos
The swaggie climbs aboard, he is welcome too.
All the family’s there, sitting by the pool,
Christmas Day the Aussie way, by the barbecue.
(Chorus)
Come the afternoon, Grandpa has a doze,
The kids and Uncle Bruce, are swimming in their clothes.
The time comes roudn to go, we take the family smap,
Pack the car and all shoot through, before the washing UP.”
(Chorus)
With summer approaching, Tasmania is the place to visit. So much hype is always made about the East Coast, but you will find when you venture to Tasmania, the beaches, the people, the food, and the adventure are all there.
Where you should visit?
Take the Spirit of Tasmania and arrive in Devonport with your car and everything ready to go. Or take a flight (did you know that from Melbourne it only costs about $50 to fly!).
Lavender Farm - Scottsdale – the largest lavendar farm in the Southern Hemisphere. You can get soap, perfume, and even lavender flavour ice cream!
Bay of Fires - St.Helen’s, incredible beaches, red coast, fantastic camping and hiking
Freycinet National Park - Wineglass Bay, Hazard walk, wildlife, a definite highlight of Tasmania. Don’t forget to go by Swansea and stop in Kate’s Berry Farm (best homemade ice cream!)
Port Arthur - the history of Australia, penal settlement, excellent historic site with boat tour, walking tour and self-guided tour.
Hobart - Flying into Hobart and then heading North is a great idea too! Once in Hobart, check out the Salmanaca Markets, have fish & chips by the water, explore the Botanical Gardens.
Huon Valley – if you are looking for somewhere quiet to explore with a bit of hiking, sipping some good wines, and eating fresh seafood, this is the place to go (only 45 minutes from Hobart).
Cradle Mountain – West of the island, it is definitely worth visiting. Many visit this area as a separate trip but if you have time, do the East coast and Cradle Mountain. The scenery is beautiful, and some of the best hiking in Australia.
If you have ever been to Canada (and now parts of the United States), you would have experienced Tim Hortons. If you live in Australia and ever do go to visit Canada, stop in to Tim Hortons (don’t worry you will find them on every corner).
Why do people love Tim Hortons so much?
1) It has quality food and drinks for cheap. I was just back in Canada for a visit now that I live in Australia and I ordered two muffins, a bagel with cream cheese, a coffee and a chocolate milk for under $5. Now that is a steal!
2) 
The coffee…now this is something that not everyone agrees on. Once you have sat down at a nice cafe in Melbourne, Australia or perhaps Italy sipping your cappiccino, it is hard to go back and really think Tim Hortons coffee is quality! However some people are die hard fans and won’t ever give it up!
3) The Donuts: Fresh, tasty, yummy! What else is there to say about them, other than, if you don’t want a whole one, then get a Timbit!
Our suggestion: Buy a can of Tim Hortons coffee and take it with you when you go and travel or live in Australia. Hmmm… you could try the donuts somewhere else in Australia but unless you go to Krispy Cream donuts, you won’t find anything quite like Tim Hortons!
Missing feminine products, Halloween, and deodorant while travelling and living in Australia?
Tags: Canadians in Australia, coffee, donuts, living in Australia, Tim Hortons, Tim Hortons; Canadians in Australia; timbits; donuts; coffee; living in Australia, timbits
Well so far we have talked about missing feminine products, Halloween, and deodorant while travelling and living in Australia.
Now what about food and the fun treats we have grown up with? You find many Canadian or American treats in Australia!
1) Marshmallows – yes they have marshmallows in Australia but have you ever tried one?! Crunchy, small, sugary little balls – they are awful! I miss the light fluffy marshmallows that taste good on their own, in Rice Krispies squares (or Rice Bubble squares if you are in Australia), or roasting in a nice campfire!
2) Licuorice – Yes again they have great black licuorice but where’s Twizzlers red licuorice. Not even at the movies can you find them!
3) Clamato Juice – Now this is a sore spot because it isn’t even something you can ask your family or friends to ship over to you (due to the sheer weight of it). They don’t even know what a Caesar is in Australia! With all this nice weather and no caesars – whats the point! Yes they will mix it up and say ‘Oh a bloody mary’ but have you ever done a taste test to see that they are two totally different drinks!
Now how about Tim Hortons? I think Tim Hortons needs it’s own discussion-coming soon!
Tags: caesars, clamato juice, living in Australia, marshmallows, teaching in Australia; Canadians in Australia;, twizzlers, working in Australia
I am happy to say that finally after many years of waiting, they now have a better variety of deodarant in Australia.
It used to be that the only deodorant/antiperspirant you could find in Australia was roll-on or spray. Now have you ever tried going from the nice dry stick, back to roll-on or spray. It sucks! You suddenly feel like you are back in the 1950’s with your arms in the air while you wait for the stuff to dry!
And then there’s the whole argument on what kind actually works. I can’t say I have ever found a roll-on or spray that has been as effective as stick.
But Australia is improving. They now have Lady’s Speedstick! Nope you won’t find Degree or Secret…just Lady’s Speedstick.
Our suggestion: bring some with you from home and have your friends/family send you a supply!
What about snacks; junk food; drinks…come back for more! Or did you miss our discussion on feminine products.
Tags: Australasia Travel, Degree antiperspirant, Deodorants, Lady Speedstick, Secret, Travelling to Australia, working in Australia
Yes it’s true! When you travel and or live in Australia, one of the main holidays you are going to miss is Halloween. I know I could hardly believe it myself in a country that loves to dress up for footy, the races, and other parties, but they don’t bother celebrating Halloween!
So why not celebrate Halloween? Well when Canadian or American teachers in Australia have asked people in Australia the most common answers are:
1) It is an Americanized event where it is an excuse for kids to get candy. Plus we don’t like to do what other countries are doing.
2) The message of Halloween is a bad one – witches; tricking; giving away candy.
What about the joy of dressing up; or meeting your neighbours and building a safe and fun community?
All I know is that, as an adult, I miss Halloween parties, getting dressed up, giving out candy and seeing the kids in their cute costumes.
Our suggestion: get dressed up anyway, have your own Halloween party while in Australia
Speaking of what I miss in Australia as a Canadian; how about candy and treats?! Stay tuned!
Tags: Australian costumes, Australian Halloween, Canadian teachers; celebrating; Trick or Treat; candy, costumes, Halloween, Halloween in Australia
One of the things most missed by Canadian women when moving to Australia, is good feminine products. They are just not the same.
1) All the names are different so you have to start by doing a bit of trial and error which can get expensive and tiresome when it continues to be disappointing! Any that seem familiar, are not what you think!
2) 
Pads/pantiliners – not only are they massive (even in slender or small size), they are still made the old school way. The nice quick dry weave that goes into the pad and away from the body is not used often here.
Tampons – applicators are about the same. If you want a tampon like OB’s then you will need to look at the “Cotton” brand.
3) Cost is similar for pads, pantiliners, and tampons.
4) We miss ’Always’ and ‘OB’s’ in Australia. Now they are good products. Lots of different sizes, thicknesses, dry weave, effective!
Our suggestions: Bring a whole stack with you when you come over so that you have time to transition over to a new kind. Or if you just can’t, then have people send you the good stuff!
With October coming to an end, what is on all people’s mind that are from Canada or USA when travelling to Australia-Halloween?! See our next article for more!
Now what about deodorent in Australia?! Oh dear, now that’s a topic that will definitely need to be discussed as well!
Tags: Always, Canada vs Australia, feminine products, maxi pads, pantiliners, Stayfree, tampons, travelling in Australia, working in Australia
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It’s hour 28 and in 2 I should be home in Melbourne again after a 3 week visit
Sydney International Airport
to Denver and Toronto.
I’m so relieved that two friends are coming to pick us up. At this point, I’m not keen to talk to another stranger or pay anyone else.
I’m pausing at the Sydney Airport (where most international flights to Australia do) and it’s a quick 1 hour jaunt on to Melbourne.
Regarding Airports: I don’t love Sydney Airport (food’s average and there is a non-free bus you have to take between terminals) but one MAJOR BONUS: Free internet! I’m surfing away!
San Fran and Denver airports did not offer internet free–the only other airport I’ve been to that does offer free internet is Singapore. I’m pleased to see the Aussies have beaten the Americans to the quick– Optus has Free booths and someone is also providing unlocked wireless which I’ve tapped into.
Regarding airlines, I previously was quite happy with United Airlines — they have the cheapest airfare to North America every August. And plus, last time they served me pancakes, twice.
But this time, everyone was grouchy and hated their job, plus no one seemed to know anything about any of our questions, and we found 3 different answers to “how much weight” we’re allowed per ‘check-in’ bag.
The Official (and annoying) ruling: 50 pounds per bag. United says that’s “universal”. But the underlying point is: what do they know!
As I’ve previously posted, there are a number of Australian ‘meal’ terms that will be unfamiliar to North American visiters in Australia.
Bringing a ‘plate‘ is the Australian form of “potluck“, and coming to “tea” means a full meal (Unless it’s “Morning tea” which is the equivalent of “elevensies” in Hobbits’ terms.)
And further, “supper” is more of an hors d’oeuvres and drinks thing served late at circa 10 pm. (Read more about Australian slang here.)
etiquette for dining with Australians
etiquette for dining with Australians
Here are a few more things you should do to be polite when dining with an Australian:
If you go to their home:
1) Always bring some alcohol.
2) The first time you go to someone’s house, it’s a good idea to bring a gift.
3) AFter the first time, I always like to bring a gift too, but it usually ends up being wine/flowers. This is a nice gesture and appropriate.
4) Offer to help clean up, or just start cleaning up, if you feel comfortable.
It’s a good idea to have your friends over to dinner too — Aussies love to cook and share food.
If Australian dine at your home:
1) If they bring wine and say “this is a gift for you” then you don’t drink the
gifts of wine--should you store it or serve it?
wine that night; but if it is just brought, you can open it and serve it (some ppl bring a bottle they’d like to try with you). (There’s no real set rule abou tthis, but this is a helpful policy that doesn’t offend anyone, I think).
2) Clean your house so people feel like they have somewhere to sit.
3) People tend to like to be able to help you, so if they ask, don’t feel like you have to do all of the jobs yourself.
4) Prepare to serve some cold hors d’oeuvres and don’t be offended if they are 30 minutes late or so…this is ‘very Australian’. (Usually once you become close friends though, you can set some expectations about punctuality. For instance, with some friends, we are both always 15 minutes late. But with others, we are both more punctual.)
5) There are usually at least 3 courses and never forget to serve dessert!
If you go out to dinner:
1) Try not to be late. People eat out a lot in Melbourne — you might lose your reservation (and its always a good idea to make one)
2) It’s normal to ‘go dutch’ in Aystralia and split bills. Usually you leave a bit of a tip too when you are doing this, although tipping is not as expected in Australia as it is in Canada as serving wages are higher.
Is anything else you have noticed?
Tags: Australasia Travel, Australian dining, Australian eating etiquette, bringing gifts in Australia, eating out in Australia, meal terms in Australia, out to dinner in Australia, tipping in Australia
Australia: we have the top 4 most deadly venoms, the worst snakes and spiders, PLUS crocs and sharks — but what you really have to fear are the BIRDS!
IEEEEE! Sept 1st marked the onset of spring and I received a terrible reminder! Be careful which paths you take– UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you take a walk around/through/across a big-treed green park in spring!
What is with Australia’s birds?
Magpies'll swoop you everytime!
It’s like the birds here have never known real terrors like bears and coyotes-instead they attack the very audience who come to admire them most: humans! (I mean, “bird watching” has to be the epitomical human height of civilised activity, yet the birds “swoop” at us!)
Everyday, on my way to the train station during Sept-Nov I have to change my usual path to work. My friend was bleeding on the top of his head from an out struck magpie claw!
Feral 'Myna' Bird
Crazy bird! What do you think we want with your eggs?! I don’t want your eggs! I just want to go for a run in the park!
(I’m starting to want someone to squash all your eggs and shoot you with a BB gun because everytime I walk this path you and that horrible minor bird (“myna” bird in the Australian accent) swoop down and crack your wings at me.)
Pity you are so well protected. (Maybe you swoop at me because you sense my inner distrust.)
Well, ’screw you’, Bird and your close wing-cracking ways that flick the hair at the base of my neck and make me and fellow passerbys crouch with fear as we try to walk within 30 feet of your nest.
You can win this time, Bird! I know another street I can walk up.
Everyone else: consider yourself warned!
Tags: australian birds, birds of terror, feral birds, magpies, minor birds, myna birds, spring in Australia, swooping birds
As my student was delivering a speech on behalf of the council of Croatia debating on the resolution of the question of the United Nations’ intervention on terrorism and purporting that reprocussions do not stop terrorism, aid and education do– I felt tremendous pride to be working in a school that teachers him these values.
UNYA’s Thant Trophy is a mock UN debating event that is the most beneficial event, lesson, or class I have seen students participate in.
If you don’t have debating at your school you can attend it with political studies students, geography, philosophical or even English students before the VCE years – if they are IB students it is a tremendous fit.
In Year 8 my teacher ran Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Canadian history, English B, history mock trial Louis Riel, IB, Language B, Mock Debate, Model UN, Sonya Hartnett, Teaching Idea, THant Trophy, Thursday's Child
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