Helping Hands

Hello world,

This will be my final post for this blog, and I thought best to end it on a high note. 

I suppose I could write about my Tasmanian motorcycle tour, or even about the time that I participated in a charity Yacht race. However, to keep true to my postings thus far, I will yet again write about something on my bucket list that has not been ticked off, although I imagine there are many people out there that have achieved this.

Many people who surround me do selfless acts on a daily basis. I know that I do, as I'm a mother I devote my life to my child. It may sound cliché yet everything that I set out to accomplish in life I always do so in order to make my son’s world a better place. However, I often reflect on the things that I could fulfill which go beyond my family duties. I suppose for this reason I chose a teaching profession... but is this enough? 

The act of helping others to improve their lives and provide opportunities for them to succeed, that does not benefit me in anyway whatsoever, is definitely on my Bucket List – To volunteer and help disadvantage communities. 

http://volunteeringabroadblog.wordpress.com/

(source: Sandy's Helping Hands)

‘True generosity consists precisely in fighting to destroy the causes which nourish false charity.' ~Paulo Freire

-Marien- 

Learn to Surf

I did it! I learnt to surf. I visited Hawaii last year as a stop over on the way home from a big US trip. Hawaii is beautiful - everything about it is amazing. From the shopping, to the people, to the culture, food and amazing scenery. 

My hotel backed straight onto Waikiki beach, which meant I always had access to the facilities on the beach - one of those being surfing school. 

I had a few lessons on a long board, and by the last, it was a success. Firstly, we drew a surfboard in the sand and had to practice standing up, in a specific way. We then moved in to the water. The first few attempts were absolutely shocking, with me ending with cuts and bruises all over my legs - not fun! Thankfully, there were not many big waves or anything, which meant it made life a little easier for me, to get underway. 

- Tayla

Grand Canyon

I've done it again guys. I have ticked another thing off our bucket list, and it is probably one of the best experiences I have ever had. I took a helicopter ride and landed at the bottom of The Grand Canyon. Let me tell you a little about the entire experience. 

My family and I took a bus to the outskirts of Las Vegas, where we arrived at a Helicopter Pad. First of all, I have a phobia of flying, so I was terrified to actually get into the helicopter. Once we were in the air, we flew over the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River, which were beautiful and like nothing I had ever seen before.  We landed at the bottom of the Canyon and it was like a picture. Everything about the scenery was so spectacular, that it resembled a post card. We got to have lunch in the Canyon and then got back into the helicopter to come back. It was amazing flying back home into the Sunset. 

All in all, it was such an amazing experience and I would honestly recommended anyone who visits Vegas, to take the time out of their activities on Las Vegas Boulevard, and take a trip to the Grand Canyon. 

- Tayla. 

Travels around Southern Europe

Well, so far I have only mentioned things on my bucket list that hasn’t been ticked off. So perhaps best to write about the many experiences I have ticked off my list, including skinny dipping in an isolated Pacific Island beach, which was such a liberating experience. Although, I won’t write about that as I refuse to put those kinds of images on this blog… Yes, I got pictures, and this is not that kind of Blog!

Since I can remember I have always imagined myself travelling the world. I’ve been fortunate thus far and have travelled to many countries, but mostly in the southern hemisphere. So when I was given the opportunity to travel around Southern Europe I was determined to make the most of my four months there.

Some people might consider an unforgettable Euro tour would consist of backpacking around Europe (in your early twenties) with a group of friends or perhaps sharing the adventure with a partner. However, because I was too busy trotting around South America, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and Australia (my own backyard) in my earlier years, I completely disregarded the northern part of the world. So, it wasn’t until I was in my early thirties, and accompanied by my toddler (yes crazy!), that I decided to head off on my ultimate Europe trip.

Europe is amazingly diverse and so rich in culture. In short distances I saw historical ruins to stunning Mediterranean coastlines. During my time in Sicily I climbed to the top of Mount Etna, saw the remains of Catania after Mount Etna erupted in 1669, and ate a local delicacy which I would never have imagined doing so anywhere else.

                                           One of Mount Etna's volcanic craters

                                                              Italy's coastline

                                               Delicacy in preparation... poor horse

                                The remains of Catania's old city after Mount Etna erupted 

Spain was just as breathtaking as Italy, from the moment I started making my way from Madrid, stopping at the ancient city Toledo, and then heading to the Formula 1 track in Valencia, then up along the east coast till I reached La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.  

Similar to Italy, I experienced the 8^th century to the 21^st century in just one day simply by travelling from city to city.

                                                            Toledo - Spain

                                                            Valencia - Spain

Hence, why I have been posting about the things that I would like to tick off my Bucket List, as I have been very fortunate to have accomplished so much already that I can only keep on dreaming and imagining about the many more wonders to discover – life is beautiful J

-Marien- 

Learn how to dance the Afro-Tango

Next on my list is to learn how to Afro-Tango. Just so you all know exactly what I am referring to I've added a video clip of two amazing performers… hope you enjoy it.

                                                                                            (Source: YouTube)

I've always enjoyed dancing and have accomplished many styles. I've even danced Salsa professionally. However, one dance that I have not yet attempted has been the Tango, and not just ballroom style Tango, I’m talking about the real, hot, passionate and sexy style like you see on the streets of Buenos Aires. Which, mind you, I have experienced when I last visited Argentina although unfortunately I wasn't doing much dancing, just spectating. I suppose this is probably when the seed was planted and as the years past the desire to learn this dance just kept on yearning.

So, I suppose the only thing stopping me from learning the Afro-Tango in Australia, is the lack of men that actually look like the guy from the clip above to teach me this specific style, and secondly, the very fact that dancing this Tango alongside a busy street during peak-hour without passer-by’s  shouting insanities, is close to impossible… I mean can you just picture a couple dancing away on the Pacific Hwy, on a Friday night around 6pm?! 

                                                          (Source: Babylon Idiomas)

-Marien-

Run with the Bulls in the 'Running of the Bulls' Festival

The 'Running of the Bulls' Festival takes place every year in Pamplona, Spain for a week in July. 15 people have died in the event since 1910 as a result of being gored by the bulls.

(Source: http://photographyblog.dallasnews.com/2012/07/running-of-the-bulls-is-always-a-source-of-great-images.html)

Whilst a dangerous item on my bucket list, it is something that I want to do once in my lifetime just to say that I've experienced it.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmp4DjtWcuw)

The video above shows what the running of the bulls festival is like. It seems to be quite a dangerous activity, particularly for those people who fall over in the rush and get trampled by the bulls, but I think that it would be such an adrenaline rush and such a unique experience.

- Phillip

FIFA World Cup Final

Hello everyone,

I thought best to start with a quick introduction about myself:

My name is Marien and I am new to this Bucket List team.

I have ticked many dreams off my bucket list and the ones which I have not attempted are similar to the other bloggers. However, my list just seems to keep on getting longer. So, I’m going to start writing about the one thing that’s currently on the top.

It all starts with a buzzing ambience and you can feel the tingles running down your spine. The excitement, anxiety and thrill build’s up inside of you by the minute. There’s nothing you can do to stop this stir because you’re surrounded by others who share the same whirlpool of emotions… This is just the beginning and you have 90 minutes of this emotional rollercoaster till you begin to settle. Watching a FIFA World Cup Final is on the top of my list!

Uruguayan football celebration

(Source: LaBandaIzquierda)

I have grown up watching football (soccer for some) and I have even witness families being completely divided over their favourite teams - in Uruguay football becomes your life! I can still recall being very young and having to wake at ridiculous hours of the night in order to watch our nation’s team play. Apparently, if you were not watching the game live then you were not a true supporter.

Our family always becomes more united during these moments in front of the television every four years and I can only imagine what affect it would have on us if we were watching the inaugural winners Uruguay play live in the FIFA World Cup finals.

2010 FIFA World Cup

(Source: AFP/Getty Images)

-Marien-

Hot Air Balloon Ride

A couple of years ago, my Dad surprised my family with a hot air balloon experience up in the Hunter Valley. I had always wanted to go in a hot air balloon because they seem like so much fun, and also look so nice up in the sky.

We drove up to Cessnock on a Friday afternoon where we stayed at a lovely little cottage on some acreage, way out of town. It was surrounded by paddocks of horses and cows and was a very fresh atmosphere.

Saturday morning, we awoke at 5:00am to go to a small airport nearby, which is where the balloons take-off from.
As we watched the hot air balloons inflate, the sun began to rise.
About 10 of us hopped into the basket and after a while of preparation, the balloon drifted up, up and away. I didn't even feel it lift off the ground! We were floating and it was so lovely.

We drifted over a few vineyards, some lakes, and… some more vineyards…

It was such an amazing view from up there and it was so peaceful, I didn't want to come back down again!

 Inflating the balloon

Some other hot air balloons

- Jess

Go to the Galapagos Islands

Famous for the vast array of unique plants and wildlife, the Galapagos Islands were visited by Charles Darwin and contributed to his theory of evolution.

(Source: www.topvisitplaces.com/galapagos-islands-ecuador)

I want to visit the Galapagos Islands due to the tropical setting and island atmosphere, as well as being able to see some of the most unique wildlife on earth. I think it would be amazing to be able to be the only people on a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by crystal clear water completely isolated from civilisation.

Also, I am excited to scuba dive and snorkel on some of the reefs around the islands. Given the remoteness of the islands and the abundance of wildlife in and around the islands, I think it would be very hard to replicate something similar in another part of the world.

- Phillip

Touching snow for the first time

Mid-2010, I went on a school snow trip to Mount Hotham, Victoria which was a lot of fun.

Despite there being blizzards almost every afternoon, it made for very nice skiing snow (apparently), and most importantly, snowman building snow!

This wasn't the first time I had seen the snow before - having family from New Zealand, it was nothing new to me as I have visited there often, but I had just never felt it or experienced being in it before.

My friends and I were new to skiing so we took the lessons that were included in our stay, which were a lot of fun and very challenging, but instead of continuing to ski for the rest of the day, we preferred eating icicles and making snow angels!

It was a very fun trip and Mount Hotham is a great location. The staff were wonderfully helpful and I would definitely love it if I had the opportunity to go back.

- Jess