It was a great opportunity for us to see so many hosts again, share photos from our trip, and say farewell to the wonderful Australians who have made this such an amazing trip for us all.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Farewell Dinner
Our last day with the GSE exchange included some much needed down-time to get ourselves prepared to move on. We were all able to squeeze in a last-minute load of laundry, shopping trip, or visit with friends we’ve made along the way. The evening included a farewell dinner attended by most of our host families. The Unley club did a tremendous job of hosting almost 80 people at the Top of the World rotating restaurant, where we had views of Adelaide, the hills, and the sea. Sticking with our “pink” theme we’ve worn throughout our presentations, the décor even included pink carnations at each place setting.
It was a great opportunity for us to see so many hosts again, share photos from our trip, and say farewell to the wonderful Australians who have made this such an amazing trip for us all.
It was a great opportunity for us to see so many hosts again, share photos from our trip, and say farewell to the wonderful Australians who have made this such an amazing trip for us all.
Unley Club
The last stop on our journey with Rotary was to the Unley club. Our first day included a drive to Camp Coorong, an aboriginal educational site where we had the privilege of meeting with Ngarrindgeri elders, learning about native plants (which included tasting a few of them) and visiting their museum filled with historical artifacts.
(trying native plants used for medicial purposes)
The next day began with a tour of the Migration museum, which provided a fascinating insight into the history of immigrants in Australia. From the museum, we headed to a Melbourne Cup lunch to watch “the race that stops the nation.” While none of us may were familiar with the different horses, it didn’t take long for us to get into the festive spirit…we all purchased sweeps tickets, and Candice sported her race-day hat.
(lunch at the Strathmore included cooking our own meat at the table)
After one last vocational day, we gave our last formal presentation to just over 100 Rotarians from the Unley and surrounding clubs.
(trying native plants used for medicial purposes)
The next day began with a tour of the Migration museum, which provided a fascinating insight into the history of immigrants in Australia. From the museum, we headed to a Melbourne Cup lunch to watch “the race that stops the nation.” While none of us may were familiar with the different horses, it didn’t take long for us to get into the festive spirit…we all purchased sweeps tickets, and Candice sported her race-day hat.
(lunch at the Strathmore included cooking our own meat at the table)
After one last vocational day, we gave our last formal presentation to just over 100 Rotarians from the Unley and surrounding clubs.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Holdfast Bay
We’ve had a great first day with the Holdfast Bay club. We spent the morning in Moseley Square in Glenelg touring the museum and walking along the beach. Had lunch at a beautiful spot along the beach and enjoyed another stroll along the waterfront. We then went to Hallett Cove for a hike along a former glacier field with beautiful scenery in extreme heat, followed by another walk along the beach. We are really happy to be around the water.
Tonight we spoke at a group Rotary meeting, but we’re third in splendor to the crazy awesome sunset and Jeff’s legs (he wasn’t able to return home to collect his pants after our day at the beach- we appreciate him rolling with the flow on this one as it provided a lot of entertainment).
(Sunset view from Rotary meeting)
Tonight we spoke at a group Rotary meeting, but we’re third in splendor to the crazy awesome sunset and Jeff’s legs (he wasn’t able to return home to collect his pants after our day at the beach- we appreciate him rolling with the flow on this one as it provided a lot of entertainment).
(Sunset view from Rotary meeting)
(Jeff with DG Dick)
(Me with my new hat during our beach walk)
(Me with my new hat during our beach walk)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Flagstaff Hill
Wow - it's amazing how the time flies! We have just completed a stay with the Flagstaff Hill club, and are just getting settled in with our hosts at Holdfast Bay.
The last few days have included a variety of tours to explore the Fleurieu Penninsula. We began with a scenic drive through the McLaren Vale on our way to Victor Harbor. In true Colorado GSE fashion, we brought the cold weather with us! (ok, it's not as cold as at home, but it was quite chilly and windy).
(view from Granite Island)
We lunched on Granite Island before heading off on the Cockle Train to Goolwa. Once there, we had the opportunity to see the mouth of the River Murray, which is a main water source for much of the country that we have visited during our trip. We have all become more accustomed to the morning and afternoon "teas" and were hosted on Hindmarh Island for afternoon tea, which included a South Autralian specialty...Lamingtons. (lovely fluffy cake, dipped in chocolate and rolled in fine coconut flakes.)
(on Hindmarsh Island)
(where the ocean meets the Onkaparinga)
The next day included a morning walk along the Onkaparinga River (and yes, we can all pronounce Onkaparinga) followed by a fabulous lunch at the Woodstock Winery, and tour of area wineries, which included both wine and olive tastings! (and I got sneezed on by an alpaca, which was also delightful). We finished the day with a fabulous meal at the home of John and Carol Darwin, which was made complete by a series of downhill sledding races on cardboard sleds down a steep grass hill. Grass stains were had by many.
(Candice wrestled a croc at the winery)
(Cristina got to pet Alpacas)
(It was a dirty race...John got a head start against Ashley...but he was pushed)
(in the mixed media division, Christina proved the cardboard was better than the laundry basket)
Day three with the Flagstaff Hill club included a varity of vocational visits, with general feedback from all that they were each relevant and interesting. (I personally met with a marketing team from a health insurance company, which was very intersting and informative.) That evening, our presentation at the Group 5 Rotary meeting was to just over 100 Rotarians and guests, which came from several area clubs. Some team members were even able to hear a koala growling in the car park afterwards. We couldn't find the koala, but he did leave quite a bit of poo on the car to let us know he was close by.
Apologies that some posts aren't a bit more frequent, but as you may guess, we are being kept quite busy. Candice, Cristina and I are basking in the glory of a few hours down time this afternoon, and they have given me the OK to post on their behalf...so consider this a group effort!
The last few days have included a variety of tours to explore the Fleurieu Penninsula. We began with a scenic drive through the McLaren Vale on our way to Victor Harbor. In true Colorado GSE fashion, we brought the cold weather with us! (ok, it's not as cold as at home, but it was quite chilly and windy).
(view from Granite Island)
We lunched on Granite Island before heading off on the Cockle Train to Goolwa. Once there, we had the opportunity to see the mouth of the River Murray, which is a main water source for much of the country that we have visited during our trip. We have all become more accustomed to the morning and afternoon "teas" and were hosted on Hindmarh Island for afternoon tea, which included a South Autralian specialty...Lamingtons. (lovely fluffy cake, dipped in chocolate and rolled in fine coconut flakes.)
(on Hindmarsh Island)
(where the ocean meets the Onkaparinga)
The next day included a morning walk along the Onkaparinga River (and yes, we can all pronounce Onkaparinga) followed by a fabulous lunch at the Woodstock Winery, and tour of area wineries, which included both wine and olive tastings! (and I got sneezed on by an alpaca, which was also delightful). We finished the day with a fabulous meal at the home of John and Carol Darwin, which was made complete by a series of downhill sledding races on cardboard sleds down a steep grass hill. Grass stains were had by many.
(Candice wrestled a croc at the winery)
(Cristina got to pet Alpacas)
(It was a dirty race...John got a head start against Ashley...but he was pushed)
(in the mixed media division, Christina proved the cardboard was better than the laundry basket)
Day three with the Flagstaff Hill club included a varity of vocational visits, with general feedback from all that they were each relevant and interesting. (I personally met with a marketing team from a health insurance company, which was very intersting and informative.) That evening, our presentation at the Group 5 Rotary meeting was to just over 100 Rotarians and guests, which came from several area clubs. Some team members were even able to hear a koala growling in the car park afterwards. We couldn't find the koala, but he did leave quite a bit of poo on the car to let us know he was close by.
Apologies that some posts aren't a bit more frequent, but as you may guess, we are being kept quite busy. Candice, Cristina and I are basking in the glory of a few hours down time this afternoon, and they have given me the OK to post on their behalf...so consider this a group effort!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Heading to a day off
After a few days in Broken Hill, we headed to Glenelg for a day off. Staying in a hotel overlooking a marina is certainly a distinct difference from the dry outback landscape of Broken Hill. During our drive (which took all day) we were amazed at the difference in landscape... which turned from dry, red dust to lush green hills with trees. Check the first photo...(taken from inside the car) and spot the Emu. Emu, by the way, is pronounced "e-mew" not "e-moo." We stand corrected.
Broken Hill, New South Wales
Photos from top: Fred Peter, live photo and in mural! Fred is a lifetime resident of Broken Hill, and provided insight and commentary through our tours around Broken Hill. Sculptures and sunset at the Living Desert, just outside Broken Hill. A sleepy lizard. Touring the Daydream Mine.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
In the Outback
G'Day Mates,
We are now in the Outback in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Broken Hill is a mining community founded when Galena was discovered. For those you that don't know Galena is mineral that contains silver and ore. It is heavy to pick up. Our first visit was to the Daydream Mine, which was aptly named when it was discovered, the person thought they were having a dream when they woke and discovered a viable mine. Daydream is now a mine that offers guided underground tours, but it gives you a glimpse into what mining requires. Top five thoughts on mining:
1. You must wear a hard hat.
2. It would help if you are short in stature.
3. If you are a girl you're called a cookie, don't ask!
4. It is dark down there without lights.
5. Mining has changed a lot from then to now.
Another highlight of this stop was our visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. This service was established to provide medical emergency service to people living in the vast outback, as well as clinics for primary care. The planes, equipment and people have changed, however some of the original touches remain. They still have a box of medical supplies at outposts throughout the outback. They still use a body chart to determine the level of care needed when it's called in for help. The most amazing part is that this service is free to anyone in Australia. We all felt the awe at these heroes and what they offer to the country. Support The Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Tonight we give our 5th presentation at the Broken Hill South Rotary Club. (The photo above is from our District Conference presentation). I'm sure it will go well, now we're truly hitting our stride with our presentation. All of us are learning a lot about who we are, and we are looking forward to a couple days of rest and relaxation at the beach in Gleneng. We will arrive tomorrow afternoon.
Cheers for now!
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