Second, we saw a controlled burn which meant the fire was lit by humans. When we went through that area, the smell of smoke was very uncomfortable. The park rangers burnt the area themselves in order to reduce possible damage caused by uncontrolled fires. It helps the bush make bid fires much easier to control. We also saw the sign to enlist volunteers who are working in fire-affected areas to reduce weeds to a level where native vegetation can maintain itself with minimum human intervention.

When we walked along the river bank, there were long nets and a few plastic green boxes to grow baby trees. I felt that people take care of the national park. Without them, it may not survive and we wouldn't be able to walk and learn about nature and we feel far from our usual life in nature.  In fact, there are much rubbish in the park. The rubbish that we throw away will come back in our lives.

Finally, we had a BBQ. It
tasted very good! We built friendship easily yesterday, because we had an opportunity to communicate with friends from another class. When I joined to buy food for the BBQ the day before yesterday, I met students from Korea and China. I want to hang out with them from now!!
 

 

 
Mako Shintoku

On the day of our excursion, the weather was cool, so suitable for walking. We started from Macquarie Uni. At the entrance of the park, were some flowers and fruits. It was very interesting that I could get to know their name and learn them. Teachers told us which were native plants or not. There were many red gum trees, which were so big and tall and banksia trees with their lumpy textured bark and serrated leaves. Some of the red gums looked like they were bleeding, and others had big termite houses on their branches. When I saw them, I felt like I was experiencing the real nature, not a manicured one. There were also some trees which were recently planted and I was impressed with the effort to protect the native plants.

The other good thing was that we were given an opportunity to talk a lot. There was only a narrow path, and we had to follow in a line so as not to get lost. Walking along the narrow path, I could talk much with friends. It was really good. I could hear their own stories and got to know some other cultures. As the path was steep, we helped each other, shared some food, and took some pictures together. That was really nice. 

After walking about three hours, we arrived at the place chosen for our barbeque. We were happy with the fact that so much food was waiting for us. We had so many different kinds of meat – beef, lamb, chicken skewers and sausages. Actually, I felt a bit disappointed. That’s because I don’t think everyone pulled their weight. I believed some people who did not do much would at least tidy up, but some left early leaving all their rubbish. So a few people who had prepared the barbie did most of the tidying up. Some of us drew the short straw!

Anyway, it was such a nice day. I could experience beautiful nature and talk with many friends. I feel I got to know more about Australia. After getting back home, I went to Epping by foot with a friend. While walking I talked about the trees I saw. I have now become more interested in the flowers and trees in Australia. I think it will be one of my most memorable days.

Jenny
A Banksia tree!

Firstly, I am sorry I didn’t go to the excursion with you. Actually I feel uncomfortable in a big group. My favourite thing is to spend a time with some people in a café. So I wanted to organise a BBQ instead of going on an excursion. Furthermore, yesterday morning the Archbishop of Canberra visited the seminary and the mass finished too late to make it to ELC on time, so I decided to have the BBQ at an ex-classmate’s house. 

 

I bought some food for the BBQ in a Korean market in Strathfield and caught the train to Epping, where I met my friend.  We bought other things for the BBQ and brought it to his house. My friend was preparing a BBQ for other classmates from previous blocks. They joined us about 2 o’clock after class in MQ. Anyway, we enjoyed the BBQ with wine and songs and shared many things together. 

 

 At that time, we had a funny experience. There were a few trees where some birds sat in back yard. There were a group of cockatoos. I was grilling king prawns. At that instant a bird’s poo fell on my right hand. Everyone laughed loudly while I felt the warm and fresh poo my skin.  Actually I have had an experience like this before in Australia. When I visited Sydney 10 years ago, I had an argument while travelling with my classmate. At that time he was shouting at me, “Hey Peter! I hope a bird poops on you!” I left the house, and about 10 minutes later, I felt a poo drop onto my new shirt which I’d I bought the day before. My friend apologised to me and, in the end, we made up. So I have a particular memory in my life relating to bird shit. And now I’ve got one more! 

 

These occurrences aren’t memorable for me: they were just unpleasant and uncomfortable at the time. Nevertheless, I am writing this story because I made up with my classmate 10 years ago and have now built a new relationship with others at yesterday’s event. For this reason, I have decided to like birds. 
 Peter.