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This was the final diary post for our 2009 tour. many thanks for all the support and encouraging feedback while we've been away. Please be sure to see our Photos as well for the final time.
Mr B:)
Day 25/6 - 22-23/1/09 - London to Hong Kong
Today was our last day in London, and as such the day was well spent doing the sights that had been missed in previous days. Many made their way to Kings Cross Station in search of Harry Potter’s platform 9¾. Other sights that were covered included Trafalgar Square, St Pauls Cathedral, local museums and many more. Some visited Notting Hill for the strip shopping, though were unable to buy much because of luggage restrictions.
During the day the Eye had been seen moving again, and the rumour spread fast via text through the touring party. Unfortunately this was not the case...
We left London seated on our travelling home – the Baker’s Dolphin – for the last time. Our driver Ian made a nice goodbye speech which brought some to tears. After the emotional farewell at the airport we checked into flight NZ38 towards Hong Kong and home. Many tourists were pleasantly surprised to find their bags well below the 20kg limit, and heading to the shopping Mecca of Kowloon in Hong Kong.
The flight was a good chance to catch up on sleep, fine tune their Tetris skills and watch a movie or four! We arrived in Hong Kong 11 hours later at 3pm, earlier than we’d all anticipated.
Our accommodation was at the Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong is a great deal more impressive than some of the previous hostels, and is much appreciated by the touring members. To add to the new found luxury of the hotel, the climate has increased from around 0 to above 20 degrees – a change welcomed by all.
We were given 2 hours in Hong Kong for dinner, some finding local cuisine, some French and Italian, while others opted for the comfort and familiarity of Pizza Hut. After a long day we were all tired and opted for an early night.
We are all very excited for our first full day in Hong Kong, and the adventures we are sure to encounter before heading home!
During the day the Eye had been seen moving again, and the rumour spread fast via text through the touring party. Unfortunately this was not the case...
We left London seated on our travelling home – the Baker’s Dolphin – for the last time. Our driver Ian made a nice goodbye speech which brought some to tears. After the emotional farewell at the airport we checked into flight NZ38 towards Hong Kong and home. Many tourists were pleasantly surprised to find their bags well below the 20kg limit, and heading to the shopping Mecca of Kowloon in Hong Kong.
The flight was a good chance to catch up on sleep, fine tune their Tetris skills and watch a movie or four! We arrived in Hong Kong 11 hours later at 3pm, earlier than we’d all anticipated.
Our accommodation was at the Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong is a great deal more impressive than some of the previous hostels, and is much appreciated by the touring members. To add to the new found luxury of the hotel, the climate has increased from around 0 to above 20 degrees – a change welcomed by all.
We were given 2 hours in Hong Kong for dinner, some finding local cuisine, some French and Italian, while others opted for the comfort and familiarity of Pizza Hut. After a long day we were all tired and opted for an early night.
We are all very excited for our first full day in Hong Kong, and the adventures we are sure to encounter before heading home!
Brianna - Netball
Day 24 - 20/1/09 - London
The morning began with the rugby and netball teams, run down from the previous evening with the hosts, saying their goodbyes to their fantastic hosts. Setting off towards inner city London, the bus was eerily calm. The football girls were already running riot through the streets, however those on the bus in morning traffic were catching up on some shut eye. The occasional shout of “Put Dawson’s Creek on” would find its way downstairs however, but was met with technical issues (so the staff cited anyway).
When we had finally reached our destination, the tourists flooded the underground on their way to London’s vast selection of attractions. For some the day was spent hunting bargains on Regent and Oxford streets, with some even spending $400 AUD in a single shop! For others it was the touristy sites that filled their respective days. The most popular being Tassauds, Big Ben, Westminster, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.
Unfortunately the London Eye was still closed sadly, no moreso for Mr B - his 4th time in London, and 4th time without Ferris wheel! Rolling with the punches we all took it well and took the extra time in our days to further appreciate the cultural and historical aspects of the city. This additional time was used for trying to catch local wildlife (pigeons, squirrels and gulls), attempting to make the Queen’s guards laugh, and getting ‘personal’ with some of the wax museums models.
Matt E - Rugby
When we had finally reached our destination, the tourists flooded the underground on their way to London’s vast selection of attractions. For some the day was spent hunting bargains on Regent and Oxford streets, with some even spending $400 AUD in a single shop! For others it was the touristy sites that filled their respective days. The most popular being Tassauds, Big Ben, Westminster, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.Unfortunately the London Eye was still closed sadly, no moreso for Mr B - his 4th time in London, and 4th time without Ferris wheel! Rolling with the punches we all took it well and took the extra time in our days to further appreciate the cultural and historical aspects of the city. This additional time was used for trying to catch local wildlife (pigeons, squirrels and gulls), attempting to make the Queen’s guards laugh, and getting ‘personal’ with some of the wax museums models.
After another long day, the teams retreated to their rooms in a fairly nice hostel in Holland Park. The rugby team split into two rooms – one of 20, and one of 4 – which would lead to a sleepless and eventful night (but still a great experience). Tonight was also the night of our 2nd Kangaroo Court. Fines included being hit by a car, public stupidity in front of the Queen’s house, and the usual stupid quotes – “Is Lords a tennis field”? On the menu for punishments was blue vein cheese, Bovril, chilli, horseradish, roe and other nasty concoctions courtesy of Mr. B.
All in all we enjoyed another eventful day on tour that will surely remain with us all.
All in all we enjoyed another eventful day on tour that will surely remain with us all.
From where you’d rather be...
Matt E - Rugby
Day 23 - 19/1/09 - Final Match Day
Match Report – Netball v South Hampstead
We arrived to school with our billets to find the underground running late with Ms Brooks on it. Once she arrived, we set off for our first day of sightseeing in London via the metro. After we congregated at Piccadilly Circus, we split into separate groups to visit the various sights the city has to offer.
Activities included the ‘hop on hop off’ bus tour, Madame Tussaud’s wax museum celebrity models, Harrods (although some were rejected at the door for being in a group), and a trip down Oxford Street where much shopping was done (Topshop anyone??). Much to our disappointment the London eye was closed for maintenance and so we were unable to take a ride.
We met again later at Piccadilly again, and headed back to South Hampstead for our final games of the tour. The first was played against their 2nds, and at the end of the initial quarter we had gained a significant lead. To challenge ourselves further, Supercoach Bradstock put some limitations on the way we played the rest of the game. Some of these new rules included not being able to pass the ball back to each other, and defending opposite positions (GD on WA etc). These specifications made the game closer and more enjoyable for all, the final score 28-14.
The next game against the 1sts proved to be a much more competitive game. Everyone stepped up to meet the standard, and we ended up victorious winning 34-16. It was a friendly but hard fought game, and as such was a great end to the sports side of the tour.
After the games we left again for our billets and enjoyed a final night with our hosts.
Activities included the ‘hop on hop off’ bus tour, Madame Tussaud’s wax museum celebrity models, Harrods (although some were rejected at the door for being in a group), and a trip down Oxford Street where much shopping was done (Topshop anyone??). Much to our disappointment the London eye was closed for maintenance and so we were unable to take a ride.
We met again later at Piccadilly again, and headed back to South Hampstead for our final games of the tour. The first was played against their 2nds, and at the end of the initial quarter we had gained a significant lead. To challenge ourselves further, Supercoach Bradstock put some limitations on the way we played the rest of the game. Some of these new rules included not being able to pass the ball back to each other, and defending opposite positions (GD on WA etc). These specifications made the game closer and more enjoyable for all, the final score 28-14.The next game against the 1sts proved to be a much more competitive game. Everyone stepped up to meet the standard, and we ended up victorious winning 34-16. It was a friendly but hard fought game, and as such was a great end to the sports side of the tour.
After the games we left again for our billets and enjoyed a final night with our hosts.
Erin – Netball
Match Report - Rugby v Windsor Boys
With the weather looking like it was going to be kind to us for a change and the team in higher spirits after overcoming illness and injury, our last game against WBS had us exited for a win.
Following up a bruising encounter at QUEGS, all the boys were sure that determination and the ‘guts and will’ of the Moos could see us victorious against a school of ‘Final 16 in England’ calibre.
Unfortunately, be it through weariness, overconfidence, the intensity of the WBS boys, MHS found that the game wouldn’t be a pushover and the hosts give us a very strong run.
Following up a bruising encounter at QUEGS, all the boys were sure that determination and the ‘guts and will’ of the Moos could see us victorious against a school of ‘Final 16 in England’ calibre.
Unfortunately, be it through weariness, overconfidence, the intensity of the WBS boys, MHS found that the game wouldn’t be a pushover and the hosts give us a very strong run.
An average beginning to the game saw a kick off confuse one of the boys, a fumble that led to a try in the first minute for the locals. This mistake was the only difference in scoring for the first half, and there seemed a quiet confidence among the boys and some inspiring speeches in the huddle.
Such luck was not on our side however, and the 5-0 score-line soon blew out to 27-5 with our lone point scorer the ever fast and fierce Sirelli, managing to dodge several rows of WBS defence to cross the line.
Despite the result many of the boys put in fantastic efforts, Harry’s debut in the centre was filled with many quick-stepping efforts against bigger opponents, and captain James’ once again stepped up with fellow leaders Lewis and Charlie up front.
As we heard from the Windsor boys, half of rugby is on the field and the other half is the night immediately following, and as such the hospitality of the billeting families was for many a highlight of the tour. Particular noteworthy was the narrow dodging of reckless local drivers, as well as the resultant standstill of local traffic after the tourists managed to escape safely.
As we heard from the Windsor boys, half of rugby is on the field and the other half is the night immediately following, and as such the hospitality of the billeting families was for many a highlight of the tour. Particular noteworthy was the narrow dodging of reckless local drivers, as well as the resultant standstill of local traffic after the tourists managed to escape safely.
Our match in Windsor was not the golden finish we had hoped for, but one that all the boys will agree was memorable and highly enjoyable to say the least. For some, their last game of rugby for the Moos, and while disappointing in terms of result, one that they were all thankful to be involved in.
As a team we have played these 5 matches, and as a team we will return to Australia, some more bruised and battered, and some more grateful to be home than others, but all with priceless life experiences from sport and touring the world.
Matt - Rugby
Match Report – Football v Charter School
When we arrived at the school and were told that we had to once again play on Astroturf, we were fairly disappointed as we were keen to enjoy a final match on grass. Fortunately it did indeed prove to be a really fun contest, but the weather still was an issue, the freezing and wet conditions affecting us all in different ways.
Because of the cold, the result of a ball simply hitting bare skin was bruises and even bleeding in some cases. The other team were very friendly and equally skilled at a high level. Because of a logistical slip up, ‘Boggy’ gained his debut international refereeing opportunity (to his dismay), 
while multi-skilled coach driver Ian stepped up seamlessly as our coach. Mr. B used the opportunity to provide good commentary during the game, and unfortunately was not to bias towards us at all!
while multi-skilled coach driver Ian stepped up seamlessly as our coach. Mr. B used the opportunity to provide good commentary during the game, and unfortunately was not to bias towards us at all!The first goal was scored by Ainsley (don’t spell it Ainslie..) H, who was able to control the opposition’s goal kick and shot from well outside the 18 yard box. After the hosts levelled things up, Liz managed to score a powerful and dipping volley from well outside the 18. The Charters girls once again managed to return fire from confusion at a corner, managing to decisively finish past our cross bar touching goalie Bhrett.
Finishing 2-2, our final tour game was most enjoyable and exceptionally summed up by our tour captain extraordinaire Jess. Followed by another great speech from Liz, it was time to again head to London for the night.
Caitlin - Football
Day 22 - 18/1/09 - Paris to London
It was a shame to have to leave Paris, and this combined with this the miserable weather and adding sickness list, the touring party were on the flat side.
To begin our long day of travel we made an early visit to the Louvre for a group photo. After our coach driving superstar Ian demonstrated his photography prowess, he took us on a brief city tour and further impressed us with his knowledge of the city. It proved to be a great way to finish the tour in Paris.
Our next stop was a visit to the site of a WWI battle in Vimi, famous for the Canadian soldiers finally claiming a strategic hill from the German army, and of us much importance as Gallipoli to Aussies. As such we visited the memorial in honour of those who died there, as well as the remaining trenches and craters left from the intense bombing. After this moving time, we headed toward Calais and boarded a train for the Eurostar Tunnel back to sunny England. This was quite impressive, as the coach actually drove into the train within a carriage, and thus we sat on and around the coach itself for the journey.
From here we headed toward London and after arriving at around the early evening, we dropped the football girls at their hostel in Holland Park. Next to be dropped off was the netball squad at their hosts in South Hamstead, and continued to the rugby billets at Windsor Boys High School. Arriving at 9pm and over 12 hours in transit, most of the boys were tired and quickly left with their new families for some rest.
Andrew - Rugby
To begin our long day of travel we made an early visit to the Louvre for a group photo. After our coach driving superstar Ian demonstrated his photography prowess, he took us on a brief city tour and further impressed us with his knowledge of the city. It proved to be a great way to finish the tour in Paris.
Our next stop was a visit to the site of a WWI battle in Vimi, famous for the Canadian soldiers finally claiming a strategic hill from the German army, and of us much importance as Gallipoli to Aussies. As such we visited the memorial in honour of those who died there, as well as the remaining trenches and craters left from the intense bombing. After this moving time, we headed toward Calais and boarded a train for the Eurostar Tunnel back to sunny England. This was quite impressive, as the coach actually drove into the train within a carriage, and thus we sat on and around the coach itself for the journey. From here we headed toward London and after arriving at around the early evening, we dropped the football girls at their hostel in Holland Park. Next to be dropped off was the netball squad at their hosts in South Hamstead, and continued to the rugby billets at Windsor Boys High School. Arriving at 9pm and over 12 hours in transit, most of the boys were tired and quickly left with their new families for some rest.
Andrew - Rugby
Important Update!!
Ainsley is not spelt Ainslie, or Ainslee, or Aynsly. I hope all is now OK in the universe:)
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