August 18, 2004

This was the tenth day of a long, but adventurous time spent in Australia. We have shopped; we have toured; and we have played games. Today is the final day of our opportunity to experience something new in a land many of us would probably never had been able to visit to if it hadn't been for all of our supporters back home who contributed so much to the women's basketball fund. We know that even though the trip is free to us, it took a tremendous amount of hard work from others to provide such a nice trip to twelve girls and their coaches. Please know that your support will never be forgotten, and our gratitude to you is endless.

I knew four years ago when I signed with the Hokies that I would be given the opportunity to go somewhere new, and experience something that most people wish that they themselves could experience. Imagine a girl from Carroll County, Va, who before college had never really traveled too far from home, and is now in Australia, thousands of miles away from home. I didn't know what it would be like or what to expect, and I am now leaving here with new experiences and memories for a lifetime. I've learned history, experienced a different culture and their ways of living, and even some Australian slang. It's amazing how much you can learn in a ten day period about three totally different cities in Australia by just opening your eyes to something new. The cities here are growing, but the people in them are so down to earth and seem to have no worries about them, which is probably the reason after everything you say they would always say, "No Worries!!" Everyone here has been most helpful, and always willing to make our trip just a little bit better.

We started off in Sydney where we got to see the up tempo side of Australia. If I had to describe it to a city in America, it would probably be compared to our New York, but a less extreme version of it. Sydney was the most expensive place to be when compared to Brisbane and Cairns. Half the things you touched you couldn't afford, but that didn't make the city less beautiful. We got to see one of the most amazing structures ever built, the Sydney Opera House. I have seen it in pictures and on television, yet nothing can compare to actually seeing it from within and learning the history of its' workings. Even though Sydney was a beautiful and a historic place that everyone should see, it still wasn't my favorite place in Australia.

Brisbane was the next stop, and this is where we experienced the wildlife that Australia has to offer. We were all real excited about seeing kangaroos and actually getting to hold a koala, and after getting to hold and pet each one of them, it seemed to be one of the greatest things that we have done on the trip. Also, being able to go to the Crocodile Hunter's actual zoo in Australia was another highlight. It would have been better had we been able to see Steve Irwin in person, but just being able to see the different animals that they have in their zoo and how the trainers handle them with such care, was just as wonderful. I think even some of the players said they wanted to become trainers after seeing the baby tiger show. I doubt that they will stick with that dream. I believe they are forgetting that the babies actually turn into grown up tigers after a while. The city itself was not as busy during the day when comparing it to Sydney, but its night life was much more lively. Everyone here was always looking to go out with their friends and just have a good time socializing, and overall just be worry free. Also I must comment on how much coffee and tea that everyone drinks here in Australia. Everywhere you go you get asked if you would like tea or coffee, and it seems that everyone always has a cup of it in their hand. Overall, Brisbane was my second favorite place to be.

We saved the best for last, Cairns. It is a simple little beach town that doesn't have a worry in the world. Here it's not the hurried business of every day life, but a more laid back locale just trying to make enough to live simply and happily. The weather in Cairns was much warmer than anywhere else we have been; however, Australia's winter is much milder than ours in Blacksburg. Cairns overall is my favorite place because of its simplicity and its beauty. The people are laid back, and the mountains outlining the shore with the sun peaking out over the top of its peaks, is what really makes this place so magnificent, and I still haven't mentioned the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is one of the most amazing things that I have ever ,or probably will ever, see in my entire life. Like I said yesterday, "Beauty comes with age," and let me tell you guys this ancient Reef fits that description. So Cairns wins the best place of the trip award!!

Now to mention just a little about our basketball experience. We had five games to play and we won all five. However, this trip wasn't just to come to Australia to win games, but it was also to bond and get to know fie new members of the Hokies, our coaches. Our team won't forget the previous staff, but if anyone had to replace them, we are glad it was Beth, Bobbie, Shellie, Stacy, and Jill. They are terrific women who love the game and are really going to bring something new to the table. Australia was a great opportunity to get a head start in getting to know them individually as people, as well as coaches. We were all anxious to see what they had to bring to the table, and we have gotten a little taste of what they expect and what they are going to offer to Virginia Tech's program. We still have a lot to learn, but we have truly gotten off to a good start.

There isn't much else to say, but to say this trip was INCREDIBLE!! I would also like to thank Jason Sarkies who was with us the whole trip making sure we got places on time, and showed us what to do and what to stay away from. He works with Basketball Travelers out or Seattle, Wash., and I guess you could say he was our tour coordinator. Jason did a great job, and he really helped this trip be a great experience.

We are all ready to come home, maybe not to start school, but to be near something familiar. We are leaving at 4 am on Thursday, and making the 35-hour trip back home (we aren't excited about that). Thanks again to all that made this trip possible, we have enjoyed every minute of it!!