Categories: teaching, food, bushwalking-hiking
Date: 12 September 2009 11:11:36
Interesting class as always: I started talking about Australia [States and Territiories; attractions; etc.], and then we got onto Government which led to a description from the Chilean student of the war between Chile and the combined forces of Bolivia & Peru, between 1879-1884, which I had not known about at all. The students from Vietnam then talked about the Vietnam War and the impact on people there during and after it. Some heartbreaking memories: but inspirational stories and stories of hope too. And it was very interesting to not only learn about these, but to hear the students speak so passionately, and with very good English, on them.
I then headed up to Glenbrook, one of the towns first on the eastern side of the Blue Mountains and did walk to the Red Hands Cave. Sadly, due to vandalism, the cave is now behind thick perspex, with a few openings on the side with grates, but it is still amazing to see artwork from 500 to 1,600 years ago. The walk is a wonderful one too. We had a surprisingly hot spring day here in Sydney: my car told me it was 29C+ and as I was at the beginning of the mountains it did not get much cooler. Though as I descended into the gully and walked the track by the creek, the coolness was a relief and an interesting experience -- while walking down I could feel the cool air rising up my body with every step I took down. Very refreshing, and a very interesting sensation. Though when I was up the top or walking on the edge of the gully, it was very, very warm.
On the way back home I once again visited Sea Sweet, having a Lebanese coffee and indulging in two pieces of Maamoul [shortbread pastry]: one filled with dates and the other walnut paste. Mmmmm. I then did some food shopping for the week before heading off to church for Vespers [arriving a bit late], then heading home, picking up a Falafel Kebab for dinner which I just ate and enjoyed.
A great day: thanks be to God.