Today we woke up in the tropical paradise of the Habitat Resort with happy hearts knowing we were spending the whole day in Broome, one of Western Australia’s most popular holiday destinations AND also spending another night here at this suplime resort, which meant no hurried packing up of all our gear! :-)
This morning we were able to catch up with Habitat Resort owner, Michael in between his jobs at the resort. He loves the tropical garden that creates such a lovely ambience here, and his attention shows in the diversity of plants and gardens surrounding the villas. Michael, formerly from Melbourne, has lived in this region for some years now and loves to help out any good cause. He was pleased to play a role in hosting us so we could help inspire others with our message of Peace ...
Today was one of the few days since leaving Perth that the whole team had been together at all our engagements ...
We arrived at Roebuck Primary School, our first school for the day and were immediately spoilt by the applause and excitement from many of the staff who came out to greet us ...
The children at the school were great – so attentive and responsive ...
... when Helena asked them if they knew any other words for peace they piped up with immediate responses of 'love', 'friendship', 'joy', 'happiness' and 'harmony' ...
... feeling peace inside our hearts ...
... during our 'skits', the children are asked to indicate whether we are demonstrating a harmonious attitude ...
... or otherwise ...
Milly and Regan accepted the Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the school ...
... then it was time to head outside for a run with the Peace Torch ...
Saranyu Pearson, our western Victoria coordinator who we have not seen since we left Portland in Victoria, has rejoined our team here in Broome ...
We are very grateful to Melinda Knox, the Physical Education teacher, for coordinating our visit to Roebuck Primary.
Next on the agenda was a meeting with Shire President Graeme Campbell at the Civic Centre in the heart of town. Graeme has been the Shire President of Broome for eight years and his love and dedication to Broome and its people is very evident ...
... we were not sure what to expect since he only arranged to meet for a 'minute or two'. Graeme was so welcoming, he was immediately calling for their publicity officer to come out and take photos ...
... Graeme was extremely welcoming and invited all the staff from the Shire to come out from their offices to join the Ceremony. Staff streamed out like industrious ants from an anthill and stood amongst us as we sang the Peace Run song ...
... it was a spontaneous event that was a lot of fun and also extremely informative as Graeme explained the unique history of Broome which has been a pioneer for multiculturalism in Australia ...
... Graeme really loves Broome, offering us quite a few anecdotes and history of the place ...
... we all had a very enjoyable time with him and his staff. Thank you!
The second and final school for the day was just across the road from the Civic Centre meeting (everything is very close in the charming community of Broome!) ...
... we arrived at Broome Primary School at the end of their lunchtime and were immediately greeting by a sweet swarm of children cheering and high fiving us ...
... Babs Davies, the organising teacher was fantastic – full of joy and love for the children ...
... the children had so much enthusiasm and eagerness and again responded so well to the Peace Run presentation ...
... Travis and Jonty accepted the Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the school ...
... we left the school feeling such love from the school and were really delighted when Babs Davies called us later in the day to say how much the school enjoyed the ceremony and embraced the message of the Peace Run ...
At 2 pm the whole Peace Run team gathered at Cable Beach for a much anticipated Camel ride ...
... with Broome Camel Safaris ...
... we followed a string of camels for 200m down the beach to their 'Beach Headquarters' ...
... the owner Alison was unable to be present as she was busy training some camels. Her assistant Samantha Cousins, arranged rides for the team along a picturesque section of Cable Beach ...
... the camels, ranging in age from 32 to 11 years, were all incredibly healthy and much happier than I expected ...
... maybe camels have an unfounded reputation for being smelly and cranky. These were the opposite ...
... the swaying motion is strangely soothing and meditative ...
... none of which is new to our Mongolian runner, Bayarkhuu (pictured, centre), whose grandfather owns 100 camels. He has ridden more camels and horses than any of us have ridden bikes ...
After the camel rides, we had time to enjoy the rest of our "day off" with some shopping and enjoying the town ...
... we found a nice sports store ...
... where we bought some new shoes for Bayarkhuu ...
... and Sarankhuu ...
... then it was off to the supermarket to stock up on supplies ...
