School teacher Steve

This year has been one of new experiences for me. Sleeping in a tent surrounded by kangaroos. Surveying Sydney from halfway up the Harbour Bridge. Trying Vegemite.

But perhaps the most unexpected twist of all came when I was offered work at Rachel's exchange school, Albury North. I live my life surrounded by teachers; wife, family and stacks of friends are in the profession. Suddenly, I was about to get an insight into their world and try to repay the faith Rachel's principal had shown by bringing me into the classroom.

I spent four fascinating days at the school, mainly helping pupils in the youngest classes. What amazed me was how quickly they accepted a total stranger into their daily routine. A balance had to be struck between making little friends and exuding authority. Every child had different needs and characteristics, yet they shared much in common. In a kindergarten class, there is no smalltalk. None of them wanted to talk about the weather or my work background any more than I did. Instead, the most common questions ranged from "how old are you?" and "can I go to the toilet?" to "will you draw me a crocodile?"

Observing the varying styles of the teachers I worked alongside was eye-opening. Of course, their working day stretches well beyond the timetable I carried around in my back pocket. But I took real satisfaction from the short time I spent at Albury North. If I genuinely helped one child, whether academically or just by including someone who had felt left out, then I achieved something new, something worthwhile.

We spent the weekend in Griffith with our favourite Canadians; the Jackson family. If you are a new blog reader, Janice is on the same exchange programme as Rachel. Also pictured above (left to right) are her husband Howard and sons Cody, Khye and Colt. Their second-oldest, Kent, was at a friend's house.

All four boys have thrown themselves into Aussies Rules football and Saturday morning saw us all pile into the people-carrier for a drive to Ganmain, where Kent (above, 24) and Cody's teams were playing. To watch them play, you would never know the Jacksons were complete newcomers to the sport. In reality, though, the vast expanses of the footy oval could not be more different from the familiar surrounds of the ice hockey rink and their progression through the junior categories of mite, squirt, novice, atom, pee wee, bantam and midget (such good names I had to list them).

Kent's team, the younger Griffith Swans, beat their Ganmain counterparts while we watched from the sidelines. Don't be fooled by the blue skies - it was a chilly winter morning.

The older Swans, including Cody (above, centre), emerged for their game as the sun's rays began to have some effect. Kent and his team-mates gave a raucous rendition of their team song in the changing-rooms, mirroring the post-match rituals in the AFL. It looked as though a Griffith double was on the cards until Ganmain pulled away with a flurry of goals in the final quarter.

Supporting their big brothers from behind the barrier, hot dogs in hand, were Khye and Colt. Our trip to Ganmain had been a good one and we headed back to the Jackson farm to eat cookies and play with Lego.

Roles were reversed on Sunday morning as Khye (right) and Colt donned their Tigers tops for Auskick practice next to the Exies Oval in Griffith. Both boys looked good in their respective age groups and it was great to see so many youngsters enjoying their sport. AFL club colours were everywhere. Hawthorn, Carlton, Geelong, Collingwood, Richmond, Sydney, the list goes on.

This farm is Howard's workplace for the year and we called in to have a look on the way back from Auskick. The sheep, pigs and goat all rushed over when we arrived but soon slunk away when they realised we had no food for them.

I like this picture: Colt clambering through the trees and Khye flinging himself off a massive tyre. True boys.

The real beauty of this exchange has been meeting people like the Jacksons. How else would we have got to know this fantastic Canadian family? We count them as close friends.

IN OTHER NEWS...

I dragged myself out of bed at 4am on Monday to watch England v Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. Rachel joined me for the nail-biting climax to extra-time and the penalty heartache.

In this year of so many new experiences, it's oddly reassuring to know some things remain the same as ever.

Bumper mid-year edition

It's been a busy week-and-a-bit. So I'll get straight into it...

As the end of our time in Queensland drew nearer, we turned our attentions to the rainforest. After a twisty mountain drive, we arrived at Binna Burra (inland from the Gold Coast) only to be greeted by the sombre news another walker had died of a heart attack just minutes earlier. We took a different track, clambering downwards through the dense darkness of the forest.

What greeted us when we emerged into the light was a breath-taking scene. The valley behind us plunged suddenly downwards, the tops of the highest trees were shrouded in cloud and the silence of the panorama was immense. Looking out onto the ocean can both inspire and overwhelm, just as Australia's vast rainforest did at that moment.

Part of our last day in Brisbane was spent at Walkabout Creek in D'Aguilar National Park. There was a wedding in progress and someone remarked "it would be like getting married in a badger sanctuary". This little quoll is native to south-east Queensland.

There was loads of weird stuff in there: two birds that looked like owls but weren't, an ugly fish that spent the whole time treading water, a miniature frog that squished itself flat against the glass, pademelons (like tiny kangaroos) and a sleeping wombat with a head almost as big as its torso. This girl gave a really good talk on some of the animals including the python in the picture. She offered us the chance to touch it. Absolutely no way.

Rachel's cousin Sammy celebrated his birthday while we were in Brisbane. On the way home from the animal sanctuary we stopped at the Cheesecake Shop to buy him a cake. You could get a name iced on the cake for an extra $5. We asked the girl behind the counter how long it would take to ice 'happy birthday Sammy'. She said "about three days". We decided to make do with some candles.

The second State of Origin game was played after we arrived back in Albury. It was a classic, riddled with intriguing sub-plots and dramatic talking points. Sydney's ANZ Stadium cranked the atmosphere up to 11 and a narrow win for New South Wales leaves the series level ahead of the decider at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on July 4. Can't wait.

Before Dad flew home from Melbourne, I drew up a tour of the city which started with a tram ride to the Docklands. On the quayside stood this odd sculpture, handily named 'Cow Up A Tree'. Dad read the accompanying plaque with interest, but my attention was caught by Etihad Stadium and the Channel 7 building over the road.

And here they are... You can just see the giant '7' peeking round the corner of our tram. It probably stood five metres tall.

I loved the trams. The 'City Circle' route was free and it took us to the beating heart of Melbourne's working day. Two things Melburnians love - seemingly above anything else - are coffee and football. We sampled the former at regular intervals. The latter was yet to come.

The view from the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower gave a great illustration of Melbourne at night. Trams have retained their place in the city's infrastructure because the initial design of the roads was so strong. Follow the trails of lights and you can see how the city is one great grid (offset against the central business district). If London's straggling sprawl represents the artistry of history, then Melbourne is the product of meticulous mathematics.

Day Two of dad's Victorian adventure brought us to Puffing Billy, an old steam train which runs between Belgrave and Gembrook in the Dandenong Mountain Ranges. Our companions were the incomparable Rob & Jan Bell, whose warm hospitality and wonderful local knowledge met their regular high standards. If life in Australia was measured by our time in their company, I would emigrate.

To get the full Puffing Billy experience, ride with your legs hanging out of the carriage. This photo doesn't actually prove Rob and I were doing this (we were) but glance down the train and you can see how it's done.

Obviously, I couldn't let Dad leave Australia without setting foot inside the MCG. The weather may have been grim but it didn't detract from the experience. Hawthorn eased to a handsome win over Brisbane Lions, with Lance 'Buddy' Franklin producing a few moments of magic on his way to a five-goal haul.

The sun did peek through at intervals. Sitting up in the top tier, we were largely protected from the driving rain in any case. Dad left with a greater knowledge of the AFL, a real feel for Melbourne's two great loves (coffee and football) - and a Hawthorn t-shirt. Good on ya, mate.

Picture special: Australia v Wales

Our stay in Brisbane coincided with the first rugby union Test of a three-match series between Australia and Wales. The tourists arrived as the Six Nations champions, billed as the best side in the northern hemisphere, while the Wallabies were under severe scrutiny from the Australian media after losing to Scotland four days earlier. Our base in the city was within walking distance of Brisbane's magnificent Suncorp Stadium, so I booked tickets.

This was an interesting clash of sporting cultures. Wales are fiercely proud of their rugby union heritage and the national team easily sells out the cavernous Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, something the football team has rarely achieved since the ground was opened in 1999. On the other hand, union is well down the pecking order in Australia. Football (Aussie Rules), cricket, rugby league and soccer (football) all command more column inches and TV time. Despite this, the Wallabies are always among the favourites when the World Cup comes around and their autumn visits to the UK and Ireland continue to inflame the passions.

They proved a big draw in Brisbane, too. A crowd in excess of 42,000 filled most of Suncorp Stadium, which will be absolutely pumping when Queensland and New South Wales smash each other to bits in the final State of Origin game on July 4.

The gleaming Suncorp Stadium begins to fill as the players warm up

Who says men can't multi-task?

National Anthems. It has to be said 'Land Of My Fathers' is a spine-tingler.

First blood to the Wallabies

Scrum time

A red wave of attacking intent begins to gain momentum

The tourists kicked their way back into contention...

...but this converted try got Australia across the line

To put some meat on the bones, Australia opened up a 20-6 lead and looked to be in total control. An Alex Cuthbert try got Wales back in the game and two penalties by Leigh Halfpenny made it a 'one point ball game' going into the closing stages, before the Wallabies settled matters with their third try of the evening.

I had never been to a rugby game before and judging by the number of people explaining the rules to their friends during play, I wasn't alone. All around us, different accents could be heard above the general hubbub; American, Scottish, Kiwi and Irish to name a few.

All in all, my first foray into the rugby union world had been enjoyable. Now get me to Twickenham.

Sunshine Coast (minus the sunshine)

From the city skyscrapers in Brisbane to the tranquility of waves breaking on the beach at Mooloolaba, our Queensland explorations continue. It may be winter in Australia, but I don't think you can ever turn down a visit to the 'Sunshine Coast'...

Rewind 24 hours. Any meal featuring three types of sausage truly is a gastronomic wonder. Joining us round the dinner table on this occasion were Dad, Kate, Isaac, Sammy, Guy and Carolyn.

We set off for the Sunshine Coast. Although blue sky was at a premium, it was still comfortably warmer than Albury - and no colder than London - as we walked along the beach at Mooloolaba.

Yes, it's another meal time snapshot. Rachel's aunt and uncle, Liz and Chris, joined us for lunch at the Surf Club. Excellent carvery and a fine selection of desserts.

Out on the water was a large fleet of boats. We discovered this was day one of the annual Etchells Australasian Winter Championship. A fairly big deal in these parts.

When the wind picked up, we suspected rain could be in the air and called for coffees all round. Dad spent the day on a Boris bike in Brisbane.

Hello Brisbane

In the week of the Diamond Jubilee, it is perhaps slightly fitting that we find ourselves in Queensland. Somewhere betwixt 'long weekend' and 'short holiday' lies the exact definition of our time on Australia's east coast, heralded by a welcome rise in temperature and renewed acquaintances with members of Rachel's family, Guy and Carolyn, hosting us in their Brisbane home.

No longer are we a travelling duo, however. There are now three Tervets in the southern hemisphere after my Dad jetted out for a two-week visit. Greeted by drizzle in Melbourne and far heavier precipitation when we passed through Sydney, he is now sharing our relief at warmer conditions up the coast.

Here we are, then, squinting slightly into the sun at the Mount Coot-Tha lookout. This was one stop on a city bus tour the three of us took on our first full day in Brisbane.

Our tickets also gave us access to the City Cats, speedy water crafts which travel up and down the Brisbane River. We experienced a less dramatic voyage than this poor chap, who you can just see scrabbling in the bottom of his sinking boat (click to enlarge).

 Onwards, towards the heart of the city - and patchy blues skies.

Brisbane is the fourth state capital we have visited in Australia. It's not in the 'powerhouse' category with Sydney and Melbourne, but it felt bigger and busier than Perth. We must have seen hundreds of Boris bikes; a real challenge for the locals in such a hilly city.

Out came the sun as we strode towards the Cultural Centre. We didn't bother with the Wheel Of Brisbane you can see behind us.

Many of my views on art are similar to those held by Karl Pilkington. I tried to be open-minded when I walked into the Gallery Of Modern Art, but the main exhibit (above) just looked like a bit of a mess. We left soon after to catch the next bus.

Several ibis tried - unsuccessfully - to join us for lunch. Staff were constantly chasing them out of the food outlets, spraying them with water, but this seemed an extremely short-term solution. In any case, when the ibis retreated, courageous pigeons began to advance.

The buses - and boats - were a good way of getting around the city. Each driver had his own tour guide style, from stream of consciousness ("whoops, caught the kerb there") to the more minimalist ("I'll point out the next stop when we get there, let's go") and the personable character who waited while we jumped off, took two photos and clambered back on board during the final leg of our Brisbane circuit. Fair play.

A night out with the Bandits

Another weekend, another sport ticked off the list. This time, we took our seats courtside for a basketball double-header at Albury's Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, named after the local girl who has become one of Australia's top professional players. At the start of the evening, I was very much an outsider; by the end of it I was fist-pumping and perched on the edge of my seat.

The Commercial Club Bandits, respresenting Albury and Wodonga, have men's and ladies' teams and both were in action on this occasion. The Lady Bandits (sky blue) haven't won all season but they pushed Bendigo (white) close before losing 79-70. Almost the whole game was accompanied by a soft-dance soundtrack featuring David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Basshunter.

We spent the evening in a corporate box, arranged by Jane (above, left) - a friend from church and regular at Bandits home games. The 'experience' included front-row seats, an eski (cool box) of drinks which was regularly replenished, two trays of hot food and handshakes with players from both Bandits teams.

The tempo of the music changed when the men appeared for their warm-up. After a bass-heavy hip hop mix, volume and testosterone levels were cranked up in equal measure as the players ran out to the strains of 'My Hero' by the Foo Fighters.

Before play got under way, everyone stood for the Australian National Anthem. Oddly, no-one joined in with the blonde-haired songstress.

It was a physical contest. The Bandits had won the last meeting between the sides and Bendigo were clearly out for revenge. Only the proverbial cigarette paper separated the teams after three hard-fought quarters.

The crowd probably exceeded 500 and it was good to see so many young people out supporting their local team, both boys and girls.

With time running out and Bendigo leading by just one point, the Bandits called a time-out and huddled round the coach to hear his final tactical instructions.

Ultimately, though, their efforts were in vain. Bendigo landed a three-pointer with only seconds remaining to clinch a 91-87 win. As we walked back to the car, the unmistakeable feeling of deflation told more clearly than any words of the emotions we had invested into 'our' boys in sky blue.