Hello from Sydney!

Australians are known for their love of adventure - this weekend I decided to join in and go white water rafting! I went to Penrith Whitewater Stadium which was the location used for the 2000 Olympic canoe and kayak slalom events. I have always been interested in the Olympics and am glad I got to go through this course.

The rafting option lets you row on a boat with about 8 other people and an instructor. We went through the course several different ways and even went through it one time without the paddles...most people had plenty of fun with this!

During the mid-term break, I went to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The Easter Show is Australia's largest annual event and showcases Australian heritage & culture. It is a lot like the state fairs in the U.S.: it is a two-week event based on agricultural displays and competitions and also includes live music performances, sideshows, rides, shopping, and of course food (mostly served fried & on a stick).

The Sydney Opera House

A view of the city and harbor

An Easter play

A painted cow

Monster truck rally!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

Ferris wheel

Cory with friends

It's held at the Olympic Park - it was quite an experience seeing the motor cross competition held inside the stadium. This was followed by a spectacle with professional stunt drivers in pickup trucks. I also tasted traditional Egyptian food from a friend. This is really something that you must experience - be prepared for much more taste and strength in food than practically anything in our country!

Every Monday we have an event held on campus called 'Formal Hall'. This is a time when all residential students and any willing off-campus students can sit and have a formal dinner together to get to know one another and catch up. Everyone gets dressed up and wears a black graduation-style robe. The food is always more interesting and upscale, with more well cooked plates that are suitable for say a 4 star restaurant. Each week there is a different speaker who reminds everyone of the possibilities their degree can offer, and how much of an effect we can have on the world.

I didn't mention the passion play! One of the Australian students at the college lives with nuns and was a part of a play for Easter for the "Passion of the Christ". This was not held at the school but many of us went to watch the play. Another event worth mentioning took place on campus when all the students also gathered for a special ceremony for the reception of a religious symbol from the Catholic Church. It was also optional as far as attendance goes, as are all religious services at the school.

Unfortunately I think I lost my SD card and my other card is corrupt! I am having problems getting new pictures but have included some pictures from earlier this year - enjoy!

Sincerely,
Cory Roper