On 24 August 2009, it was the hottest winter day in the history in Brisbane and Southeast Queensland.
It was the beginning of our adventure.
After the special time where students were all hugging and kissing good bye with their parents, we departed to the Mount Binga.
It was a nice smooth driving at the beginning.
We have reached Wivenhoe Dam for the morning tea without any troubles.
Everyone of 9B enjoyed the “last supper” (can of drink, potato chips and chocolate) and the moment to kick a ball to each other and play on the playground there.
We left Wivenhoe Dam, and started heading toward Mount Binga.
But... !?
The bus started slowing down... and stopped...
Yes, our bus got broken down in the middle of nowhere!!!!
There was no mobile phone signal either.
Some of us were cheering, some of us were a little concerned, some of the girls started to say, “Sir, can you take us home...”
The bus driver managed to drive the bus to a small town, and pulled off at the service station and a garage.
The problem was, the bus had a worn out hose around the radiator, so our bus was keep losing some water on the way.
While we were waiting for fixing our bus up, some of us were happily playing in the garage shed, some of us were tired.
Then a cattle truck pulled over inside the shed.
Now, we had a choice between, staying in the shed to be cool but survive from the smell, go outside of the shed but survive from the dust or go back to the bus but survive from the heat.
After spending for 30 minutes in this small town, finally we moved on and reached Mount Binga.
Now it was time to settle down, unpacking the bags and eating lunch.
Most of the students were simply happy to be there and looking forward to their adventure for the next four weeks.
But, for me, it was the time to say good bye and leave them behind for now.
......On the way back to the bus, one of the students said “I hope the bus won’t brake down again.”
But guess what!
We had a major broken down bus on the way back to Brisbane.
We had to stop for 1 hour to do a major repairing.
Luckily, it was after we dropped off 9B.
It was a long and hot day for both of us.
However, the main thing is “We Got THERE!”.
I wish all 9B'ers all the best in this once in a lifetime experience.
Sensei
