We landed in the Sydney airport only to find out about our next flight to Cairns. As I looked around the customs department I saw people wearing surgical masks and laughed. While in line we joked around about whatever we could think of, and though no one admitted it, we were all thinking about what the next 14 days would hold in store. Finally we got past customs, but another ordeal lay ahead of us. The security dog sniffed our luggage as i watched nervously hoping he would not detect my beef jerky. The doge ignored my bag and I was home free. 
    
     All I had to do now was survive the three hour layover. Surprisingly, by the time we got a shuttle to the terminal it was way past boarding time. As we approached the plane we noteiced the other big mob of children wearing the same clothes as us and realized they were the other delegation.  Once I was on the plane my once flustered nerves had been calmed. The worst was over and it seemed as if the rest of the trip I would have absolute certainty, i was very wrong. Somehow i managed to survive my trip without headphones, and it was time to disembark. We all boarded the coach and rode over to the RainforeStation.
     After a lunch of hamburgers and salad, we moved onto our tour of both the Aboriginal lifestyle and of some of the local wildlife. We first saw the didgeridoo, an Aborigne instrument made from a hollow tree branch. We also saw the Aboriginal men throw spears with their spear throwers. We also got the chance to try our skill at throwing a boomerang. When I threw my boomerang it made and absolutely beautiful curve and was headed right toward a spot about ten feet to the left of me. I ran to go catch it only to find out it had returned to my orginal location. After shedding my skin of shame, I joined the groiup to the stage where we saw some of the aborigne men dance. When they asked for volunteers Cory and Romello were the first to shoot out of their seats and right on the stage.
     After the preformance was over we rode in an army duck. This is a vehicle that can traverse land and water. The guide told us all about the plants and trees growing in the area. Upon our return we had the privilage of taking our picture with a koala. Some of us were hesitant for two reasons. 1. We were on a plane for the last two days and it showed. 2. the koalas smelled of the wilderness and carried the outbacks odor on their fur like a student carries a backpack. After dinner we participated in bush dancing which is much like Australian square dancing.
     After a long day, we rode the coach home to our hotel and recieved our room assignments. I was roomed with Jordan and Cory.

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Aboriginal men throw spears with their spear throwers.

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Aboriginal men throw spears with their spear throwers.

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Aboriginal playing music with didgeridoo.   A didgeridoo is an Aborigne instrument made from a hollow tree branch.

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Day 3 - Saturday, July 3, 2009

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