When Dr David Corlett appeared on Go Back To Where You Came From and began using the reality show voice, I realised that the show would be sensational rather than true. That expectation was justified in the first episode when the participants were put on a sinking boat. From the comfort of my sofa it… Continue reading Go Back To Where You Came From
Category: Australasia
Samson & Delilah
In 2009, Samson and Delilah took Cannes by storm, gaining a standing ovation and winning the Camera d’Or. The honour is doubled since it was the first Aboriginal film ever to be presented at Cannes, proving that Aborigines can hold their own with the world’s best if given the chance. I only saw the film… Continue reading Samson & Delilah
ANZAC Day – A New Perspective
A small ceremony in Armidale gave me new perspective on ANZAC Day. I’ve always understood it as a day to remember the fallen soldiers and the sacrifice they made for our countries. When in Bhutan, I began to see it as a day to look towards a peaceful future. The service began at 9am, well… Continue reading ANZAC Day – A New Perspective
Easter Bilby
Many would be aware that in Australia, Santa comes on a surfboard. You probably wouldn’t be aware that a bilby brings chocolate eggs to Australian children at Easter. The Easter bunny was sacked some time in the 70s because his brethren had become a nuisance to wildlife since being introduced to Australia. You’ll still find… Continue reading Easter Bilby
Archery
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, but that wasn’t the only reason I wanted to try it while I was living there. I’ve loved the stories of King Arthur, Robin Hood and the Three Musketeers since I first heard them decades ago so I have always wanted to try fencing and archery. I looked… Continue reading Archery
Is Anywhere Free of Bullies?
Last week, Sydneysiders took a break from discussing the earthquake in Japan to share their opinions on a video of a schoolboy bullying incident in an Australian school. The video, taken on a mobile phone, showed a school boy being hit repeatedly in the face by a much smaller boy. At first the larger boy… Continue reading Is Anywhere Free of Bullies?
The Joy of Camping
I’ve been so busy with uni and Dragon Bones that I’d forgotten how much of a refuge the Australian bush has been for me. I was reminded last weekend when I went hiking with my brother. We’ve grown closer since he started travelling, but we haven’t spent much time together so he suggested a camping… Continue reading The Joy of Camping
Deserve to be Scorched
I almost made it through the summer without getting burnt. Either this summer was mild or I’m only just getting used to the weather again after 4 years. The house I’m living in faces west and traps the heat. For three summers I have cursed the 4 months of hot days and sleepless nights, but… Continue reading Deserve to be Scorched
Baker Rises to the Occasion
Once again, Australians have stunned me with generosity. I spent the weekend with 20 newly arrived AFS exchange students, 20 newly returned exchange students and 10 or so hopefuls. The purpose of these quarterly weekend camps is to prepare the kids for their time in a new culture and that means lots of sessions to… Continue reading Baker Rises to the Occasion
Facebook Valentine
Have you ever heard people say ‘If it’s not on facebook, it’s not real’? You’re not really in a relationship until you’ve acknowledged it on facebook. I guess the corollary is that you haven’t broken up until you’ve acknowledged it on facebook. So what happens if only one person in a new / broken couple… Continue reading Facebook Valentine