Team A

Our Tasmanian adventure began today in Hobart in the crisp air of the pre-dawn morning,

a particularly early rise having facilitated a 12 km ascent to the summit of Mt Wellington in order to herald the first rays of sunlight of day 30 of our Australian odyssey. With a handful of our bravest runners out on the road in the freezing conditions, the rest of our international visitors had their noses pressed to windows of the support vehicles keen to catch a glimpse of the renowned (and nocturnal) Tasmanian Devil, and also to appreciate the twinkling lights of Hobart sprawled below us on the banks of the Derwent Estuary.

With almost all team members never having visited this beautiful corner of the world, we were delighted to be making this 3-day trip to Tasmania, ensuring that the 2008 Run visits all of the 8 States and Territories of Australia, whilst simultaneously giving the opportunity to the team to experience the astounding natural beauty and the hospitality of the kind-hearted citizens.

After an uneventful yet steep ascent we gathered as a team on the rocky summit.

The howling winds could not dampen our inspiration as we awaited the first tendrils of light to evolve on the eastern horizon.

Huddled around the torch for warmth, the closing words of Sri Chinmoy’s World-Harmony-Run song, "the oneness and fullness of tomorrow’s sun" played in our minds, giving us a chance to reflect upon the continual blossoming of the World Harmony Run, particularly in the context of this year’s Australia run, and our goal of reaching more individuals than even before.

Slowly and steadily the moonlight surrendered to a soft morning glow and then to a glorious sunrise, myriad hues of pinks and oranges filling our hearts with joy. We could now see the rolling expanse of Hobart stretched out before us, calling, beckoning. And so it was back to vans, back on the road and off visit the people of the 'Apple Isle'.

Our next port of call was the historic Shot Tower.

Next we were delighted to visit Cygnet Primary School.

The entire school was on hand to receive us, the attention of the children immediately captured by the allure of the torch.

We shared tales of our 15,600 km journey around Australia and talked about the underlying inspiration and of the team work and co-operation that forms the foundations of this adventure.

We sang the World-Harmony-Run song for them and in turn were treated to a rendition of their school song. We invited each child to hold the torch and to make a wish for a more peaceful world, their lips mouthing silent prayers with such sweetness and sincerity.

A quick run around the school grounds brought forward shrieks of delight from the children before it was time for a return to their classrooms.

We were then kindly invited into the warmth of the staff room to refuel with a delicious feast.

Our final visit for the day brought us to the Tahune Forest Airwalk, a stunning eco-tourism initiative by Forestry Tasmania incorporating an amazing tree top canopy walkway, a unique cable hang glider, two breathtaking suspension bridges as well as beautiful tea rooms and a souvenir shop, all nestled on the banks of the Huon River amidst towering and ancient Stringy Bark Gums.

The reception we received was superb thanks to the hard work and inspiration of Karen Cordwell and all of the other dedicated staff and guests.

Karen herself spoke most eloquently on the ideals of World Harmony to the assembled audience which included school students from both Geeveston District High School and also The Sacred Heart School,

as well as guests from the Geeveston Scouts and members of the extended community.

We were then treated to a performance of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ by the Geeveston District High School choir. As they performed we did indeed ‘imagine all the people living life in peace’.

Four students from the Sacred Heart School then read out a selection of their writings on the theme of World Harmony, their childlike simplicity and insight reminding us that Harmony is not a complicated dream carried out with great ambition, but rather something that is manifested in simple thoughts and humble deeds performed with love and care.

After having our turn on the stage, we were then invited to light a ceremonial World Harmony Run candle, specially commissioned for the occasion and to remain permanently on display in the information centre. Karen informed the audience that the candle will be relit for one hour every year henceforth on March 26th.

Fittingly, we presented the Torch-Bearer Award to Karen for all her selfless efforts in making our visit such a special occasion. She is a special person with a very big heart.

And to cap off a great day we had an absolute ball experiencing everything that the Tahune Forest Airwalk has to offer…

And so as day 30 draws to a close we are indeed awaiting "tomorrow’s sun," and if it be veiled by heavy cloud,

we rest assured that the hospitality of the kind people of Tasmania will brighten our day and warm our hearts regardless of the weather.

Already it has become apparent that Tasmania is a place where friendship runs deep, a place where the collective whole of the community is valued greatly by each individual. To all the people we met today, we offer our sincerest gratitude.

A special thanks to The Pickled Frog who have very kindly provided our accommodations during our stay in Hobart. It was nice to share our stories with your inquisitive guests and friendly staff.

Until Tomorrow!

– Christopher Willis (Australia)

Team B

"Cherish compassion for the sake of those who gave aid
Cherish peace for those in pain"

These are the haunting words that are carved into the wall surrounding the ‘Pool of Reflection’ in Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula.

This pool is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a cross.

Our team spent considerable time meditating at this site. We spontaneously passed the harmony torch from hand to hand and wondered at the cleansing power of the flame.

Prior to this powerful experience we had visited the Tasman District School where we were met by the Lord Mayor, Jan Barwick, the General Manager of the Tasman Council, several councillors, several community members and the principal and students of the school.

This community opened their hearts and joined in the experience with enthusiasm. The climax came when the students and adults formed a circle and passed the torch from hand to hand while they thought about the contribution that they could make to world harmony, based on the motto "Harmony begins with me."

Our day had begun with a run pre-dawn run up Mt Wellington where we watched the sun rise over the city of Hobart and the magnificent Derwent Estuary. Everyone agreed that the experience was far greater than the shivering that accompanied it. Both teams then travelled down the channel to Taroona where they climbed the historic ‘Shot Tower’.

On our way to Port Arthur the girls stopped at the spectacular ‘Pirates Lookout’

where we were afforded views across Eagle Hawk Neck. At the conclusion of our time at the ‘Pool of Reflection’ we walked up the hill to the convict-built church.

We offer our sincere thanks to the Lord Mayor, Jan Barwick, the community of the Tasman Peninsular, and especially to Kerry Sakariassen, for facilitating this memorable experience.

– Audrey Ward (Australia)

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Team Members:
Prabhakar Street (Canada), Edi Serban (Romania), Sandro Zincarini (Italy), Runar Gigja (Iceland), Dima Lehonkov (Ukraine), Colm Magee (Ireland), Christopher Willis (Australia), Prachar Stegemann (Australia), Audrey Ward (Australia), Kate Volkhardt (Australia), Lucy Monro (New Zealand), Angela Muhs (Germany), Nataliya Lehonkova (Ukraine), Friederike Makowka (Switzerland), Kylie Williams (Australia)

Harmonemail:
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Gallery: See more images!

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