The International Perspective

From: Stephen Bastarache, Canada.
Date: 20-1-97

People were great & the hike wasn't bad, but the Venture did seem a bit disorganized

From: Barbara Herman, New Zealand.
Date: 5-2-97

A few words about Mega 10 from an 'International' perspective.
As part of the Contingent Staff from New Zealand, I found the Venture a great experience. The hospitality and friendliness was very apparent, and we were able to visit quite a few Expeditions and meet a lot of the Venturers.
In general the expeditions seemed to go very well and most of the young people seemed to be having a great time. A couple, however, because of some unforseen problems, left some rather disappointed Venturers, but I hope that the later on-site activities and frienships made, made up for that earlier disappointment.
Back on-site the evening entertainment was excellent - there always seemed to be plenty to do. However, during the day there could have been more activities provided for those wishing to stay back, and for those who were not able to organise the next day's activity.
The march down the main street at the beginning of the Venture was a lot of fun, but sitting in the hot sun, waiting for the 'bigwigs' wasn't!! And then to have to walk a distance for transport back to camp - without drinks having been organised - was not much fun either. However, New Zealand featured prominently in two News reports on Television, which made up for it all.
The closing ceremony and that evening's entertainment was awesome, bringing to a close an event for which Australia can be proud. Also of note, was the live on-line coverage of the opening ceremony back in camp, after the expedition phase. One of our NZ Venturing people tried to view it in Scotland, but didn't have the right sort of gear, and by the time he had organised it, the show was over! I have also spoken with several people since I arrived back in NZ, who had a read of DAVE each day, so the efforts of the 'Computer People' was really worthwhile. Many thanks.
Before and after the Venture, most of the New Zealand Contingent were able to see quite a lot of your country - from Melbourne, to Mt. Gambier, to Murray Bridge, to Adelaide, before the Venture, and to Broken Hill, Mildura, Wagga, Canberra and Sydney afterwards. We travelled in 3 mini-vans, and had a really memorable trip.
We are holding our 7TH NEW ZEALAND VENTURE in Nelson (at the top of the South Island) from January 2nd to 10th, next year - 1998 - and I hope all of you will decide to come and share the fun and challenges that we will provide.
More later!!!!

From: Roy Han Yuchou, Singapore.
Date: 23-3-97

I would be glad to give in depth details about why 082, Rambler's Hike is the best.
Our hike was very successful, in terms of meals, sleep and not forgetting fun and laughter. During these days we went to many rural outbacks in Victoria. Our campsites were terrific. (Not to mention the millions of flies buzzling around us) The panoramic views were captivating. Unlike Singapore where there are tall buildings and skyscapers, Australia possesses the charms of mother nature which I really drowned myself into during the hike. The organizers for this hike were great, especially Larry the cook who cooked sumptuous meals and mouth-watering desserts. Yum!!! Also, my hike leader, Peter, taught me lots of things associated with nature, like how to identify poisonous snakes and many other things. The last day of the hike was the most memorable one as we presented a plaque to Larry as a token of appreciation. The next day, we took a boat ride to Nelson where we took a bus ride to Woodhouse.
Australia is a wonderful country and so is Mega 10. I really enjoyed my stay there.

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