These are a Few of Our Favorite Things

When on an international teacher exchange, it becomes apparent how quickly the year goes by. We have realized that we need to make the most of every moment we have. It is not acceptable to say “ahhh we have a whole year to see places, so let’s just stay home and watch TV”. Since we have endeavored to make the most of every weekend, it has been exceptionally difficult to keep the blog up to date. We considered a blog about all of our weekends to date but then thought it might be too long, factual, and boring. So instead, we decided to write about some of our favorite places

The first market that we visited was Big Pineapple market near Nambour. The origin of the name is uncertain, however, it exists on an organic pineapple farm and there is a giant plastic pineapple, reminiscent of the many large foods found in Canadian towns, like Vegreville’s egg. Apparently, this market has recently undergone a change in ownership and is just being re-established. Of course being new to the area, we had no idea. We found the market to be full of wonderful fruits, vegetables, bakery, crafts, clothing and people. Thanks to our little early riser, we arrived at the market early in the morning – by 7 a.m. and were home by 9. We spent $100 Australian. 

We have been so fortunate to have met June and Oj, English friends from Noosa who came over to the house for morning tea. What great names. And great people. We had a lovely time visiting with June and Oj. It was like we were being reacquainted with old friends. They shared tales of teaching in England, nursing in Australia, and old times with our exchange family the Turners. It is typical to always bring a “plate” when visiting. This of course means food, not just the plate it sits on. We loved the goods from the local bakery, some lamingtons, wine and a picture book of all the local beaches. June and Oj invited us to Noosa, their home. On the way, we decided to stop off at the Eumundi market.

Let’s just say that Eumundi is the West Edmonton Mall of markets. It was unbelievably huge. There was incredible food, art, musical instruments, naturopahic medicines, clothes… It was a neohippy’s paradise. We will be sure to go back before returning home in order to get some fabulous treasures to bring back.

Noosa is beautiful. It is a lovely little town with an absolutely perfect beach. When we were there we had ideal weather. The elite lifesaving competition was being set up and the hype of that competition was evident with the crowds, cameras, helicopters, and beach bums. June and Oj took us around, put us on a ferry along the Noosa river, and some walks ending at a lookout to see the sun set over the Noosa waterway.

This last weekend was spent at Stratbroke Island with a group of exchange teachers from Canada. It was an amazing experience to hear the familiar accents and to speak “Canadian” again. We shared a house with another Canadian family - Randal, Karen, Erica, and Christa. We got along so well with them and had a blast making a huge fort out of the dining room table and playing while waiting for the rain to stop. We were hosted by the Queensland Exchange Teachers’ League. Helen and Arthur Leben – our Aussie hosts - gave us a tour of “Straddie”. We saw many kangaroos (wallabies?), some saw Koalas, and some breathtaking views. It was such a wonderful way to spend a weekend. With great company, great wine, and amazing wilderness. Thanks QETL!

While I (Greg) go off to work, Heather researches our next weekend destination. There are only a few short weeks remaining in the term and then we have a two week vacation where we will go to Tasmania! If there is one we have learned from the Aussies; it is to work to LIVE, rather than the reverse.