Well, the Australian election has ended, and my trip is soon to follow. I'll be flying back to Sydney tomorrow (Dec 2) and flying back to the States on the 3rd. I haven't quite entered into the reflection mode as I have been truly living in the "moment" post-GSE. I have seen some of the most spectacular natural areas Australia and New Zealand has to offer. Simply put, life's been good, that is, until I get my credit card bill in a few weeks. But it'll be worth it. I've had a truly remarkable trip and experience in Australia, met some tremendous folks from Down Under, developed a great friendship with my GSE teammates, and needless to say, look forward to catching up with everyone upon my return. Ya know, I don't even know if anyone is still reading this, but I really want to take this experience to the next level, whatever that may be. Climate change, in all it's overwhelming complexity, seems solvable now. And I suppose it's not so much the level of 'change' we actually accomplish, but whether we actually try. And difference is not so much of a matter of degree, but a matter of fact. "Where ordinary people do extraordinary things..."
Steve
Friday, November 30, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Final Thoughts
Today is my last full day in Australia as I am flying out of Canberra in less than 20 hours. This past weekend, we have enjoyed attending the District 9710 conference in Canberra and reuniting with what I now consider to be old friends. We also were given the opportunity to meet the team of Australians who will be travelling to Indiana in April 2008 and I am confident that they will have as great an experience in District 6540 as we have had in their country.
I mentioned this in the presentation we gave this morning at conference and I just thought I should share with all who are reading this blog a few final thoughts:
At the beginning of my trip here, I really felt kind of lost. I had never travelled overseas and have never been away from my family and friends this long. Our first few days here, I was seriously questioning whether or not I had made the right decision in applying for this program as I was extremely homesick. But after being here for 4 weeks, it is with tears in my eyes that I am leaving. I have enjoyed every moment of this exchange and will never forget the experience. The Rotarians that have guided us through this journey have been more than willing to ensure our time here was enjoyable and have opened their homes and hearts to us in a way that I could have never imagined. And even though I may be returning to my family back home, I really feel as though I am leaving two others in my teammates and new Aussie friends.
And finally, I cannot wait to share this experience with Rotarians and others in D6540 upon my return home. I have learned so much about Rotary in the last month and can only hope that I will be able to give as much of myself as those here and around the world have to spread the mission of Rotary.
I mentioned this in the presentation we gave this morning at conference and I just thought I should share with all who are reading this blog a few final thoughts:
At the beginning of my trip here, I really felt kind of lost. I had never travelled overseas and have never been away from my family and friends this long. Our first few days here, I was seriously questioning whether or not I had made the right decision in applying for this program as I was extremely homesick. But after being here for 4 weeks, it is with tears in my eyes that I am leaving. I have enjoyed every moment of this exchange and will never forget the experience. The Rotarians that have guided us through this journey have been more than willing to ensure our time here was enjoyable and have opened their homes and hearts to us in a way that I could have never imagined. And even though I may be returning to my family back home, I really feel as though I am leaving two others in my teammates and new Aussie friends.
And finally, I cannot wait to share this experience with Rotarians and others in D6540 upon my return home. I have learned so much about Rotary in the last month and can only hope that I will be able to give as much of myself as those here and around the world have to spread the mission of Rotary.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Midterm Report
Berry-Gerringong
November 8, 2007
The trip is moving rapidly forward. 10 more days….
I have seen another part of the world, and in fact, another part of Australia, most will never see. We started our exchange in Australia’s capitol, Canberra, and then travelled north to the spectacular vistas of the Southern Highlands in and around Berrima. We then ventured south again, through Canberra and on to Cooma where towns, once lost to the “Scheme” and flooded valleys, are now exposed due to the “drought.” Carrie and I conquered, or better yet, experienced, Australia’s tallest summit in gale force winds and subzero temperatures. And yes, Australia has snow! And then back up to Canberra and the Woden Club, the US Embassy and Parliament, the museums, the ‘planned’ city, politics, and wine. We then ventured east to the coast, to Mollymook and its ineffable marine environment. And now Berry.
As good spirited as I may seem, I am lost. Or better yet, I am finding comfort in the unknown. Australia is home to more than one million species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The island, which is the size of the continental U.S. mind you, claims to have over 900 species of eucalypts and of these, only 2 (at most 5) are endemic outside of Australia. I walked the escarpment rainforests just outside of Berry with three botanists yesterday, and attempted to learn all the species by scientific and common names in less than an hour. Needless to say, my feeble mind was instantly overloaded, and when I awoke hours later, I found myself eating raw oysters, crabs, prawns, and other various unknown sea creatures. And if you’re wondering, yes, I had a few glasses of wine. When in Rome… I mean, when in Gerroa…
My general midterm thoughts on Australia are as follows: 1). Australia is an ancient land with ancient, human interaction and influence. 40,000 years of firestick farming, in addition to its relative and long-standing geological isolation, has shaped Australia into one of the most marveled, unique and justifiably distinctive environments on earth. 2). Australia’s Rotarians, more specifically, our host clubs, are truly outstanding people. I have made many friends here in Australia, and feel quite privileged and honored to have done so. I am indebted. 3). We, the American people, still have a good friend in Australia and we should do whatever possible to recognize and thus maintain this friendship. I feel America is rather insular at times and may not fully comprehend its international status. I value what the Australians think and feel about Americans. I value what France thinks, too, but that’s for another time. With that said, the American people need to collectively acknowledge and value the global society in order to fully spread goodwill and understanding. Outside of sampling a few more wines, I think this is my newfound mission in life.
Vocationally speaking, the trip has been very good to me. I have fostered a greater awareness of the environmental movement through many of my visits and conversations, and discussed in depth the concepts of sustainability, bushfires, waste management, resource management and natural areas restoration. I am pulled toward indigenous affairs for reasons known and unknown. And somehow, I will need to make sense of the aforementioned, which I’ll save for poetical prose in the final report.
Cheers,
Stevie “Baby” Barker
(Long story and one best told over a cuppa, or better yet, a glass of Australian wine. Or two...)
November 8, 2007
The trip is moving rapidly forward. 10 more days….
I have seen another part of the world, and in fact, another part of Australia, most will never see. We started our exchange in Australia’s capitol, Canberra, and then travelled north to the spectacular vistas of the Southern Highlands in and around Berrima. We then ventured south again, through Canberra and on to Cooma where towns, once lost to the “Scheme” and flooded valleys, are now exposed due to the “drought.” Carrie and I conquered, or better yet, experienced, Australia’s tallest summit in gale force winds and subzero temperatures. And yes, Australia has snow! And then back up to Canberra and the Woden Club, the US Embassy and Parliament, the museums, the ‘planned’ city, politics, and wine. We then ventured east to the coast, to Mollymook and its ineffable marine environment. And now Berry.
As good spirited as I may seem, I am lost. Or better yet, I am finding comfort in the unknown. Australia is home to more than one million species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The island, which is the size of the continental U.S. mind you, claims to have over 900 species of eucalypts and of these, only 2 (at most 5) are endemic outside of Australia. I walked the escarpment rainforests just outside of Berry with three botanists yesterday, and attempted to learn all the species by scientific and common names in less than an hour. Needless to say, my feeble mind was instantly overloaded, and when I awoke hours later, I found myself eating raw oysters, crabs, prawns, and other various unknown sea creatures. And if you’re wondering, yes, I had a few glasses of wine. When in Rome… I mean, when in Gerroa…
My general midterm thoughts on Australia are as follows: 1). Australia is an ancient land with ancient, human interaction and influence. 40,000 years of firestick farming, in addition to its relative and long-standing geological isolation, has shaped Australia into one of the most marveled, unique and justifiably distinctive environments on earth. 2). Australia’s Rotarians, more specifically, our host clubs, are truly outstanding people. I have made many friends here in Australia, and feel quite privileged and honored to have done so. I am indebted. 3). We, the American people, still have a good friend in Australia and we should do whatever possible to recognize and thus maintain this friendship. I feel America is rather insular at times and may not fully comprehend its international status. I value what the Australians think and feel about Americans. I value what France thinks, too, but that’s for another time. With that said, the American people need to collectively acknowledge and value the global society in order to fully spread goodwill and understanding. Outside of sampling a few more wines, I think this is my newfound mission in life.
Vocationally speaking, the trip has been very good to me. I have fostered a greater awareness of the environmental movement through many of my visits and conversations, and discussed in depth the concepts of sustainability, bushfires, waste management, resource management and natural areas restoration. I am pulled toward indigenous affairs for reasons known and unknown. And somehow, I will need to make sense of the aforementioned, which I’ll save for poetical prose in the final report.
Cheers,
Stevie “Baby” Barker
(Long story and one best told over a cuppa, or better yet, a glass of Australian wine. Or two...)
Friday, November 9, 2007
Cultural Exchanges
Kim and I are finding out that Americans and Australians are more alike than different.
Example Number One: Americans get pedicures. Australians get pedicures.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
In my defense
I just read Kay's post about the fly and I really feel the need to defend myself. Yes, I admit that I stood there laughin while she choked down the fly but what was I supposed to do? I can't think of anyway that I could have helped her. Plus, she's the second person on our exchange to have gotten a little extra protein by eating a fly and I jut figure that my time may come....I'm just trying extra hard to keep my mouth shut!
Moving on! We've been in Berry for 2 days and we're settling in nicely. I did get moved again but this time it was all worked out before I had goten unpacked and had nothing to do with me. Frank and Lynne are really neat and they are such a nice couple. Jessica and I are both staying here but are rooms are on different floors so we each have a little bit of space to ourselves.
Today we spent the afternoon at the Berry Bowling Club enjoying the Melbourne Cup festivities. Jess was lucky enough to win a door prize and I won a small amount for placing a bet on a horse that placed! It doesn't matter much that it was only $1.80....I still won! :) Tonight we went over to Steve's host family's home for a barbie and we're getting ready for our vocationl day in Berry on Wednesday. I'll be spending more time with people working in the justice system and will let you all know what I learn about Austrlian courts!
Moving on! We've been in Berry for 2 days and we're settling in nicely. I did get moved again but this time it was all worked out before I had goten unpacked and had nothing to do with me. Frank and Lynne are really neat and they are such a nice couple. Jessica and I are both staying here but are rooms are on different floors so we each have a little bit of space to ourselves.
Today we spent the afternoon at the Berry Bowling Club enjoying the Melbourne Cup festivities. Jess was lucky enough to win a door prize and I won a small amount for placing a bet on a horse that placed! It doesn't matter much that it was only $1.80....I still won! :) Tonight we went over to Steve's host family's home for a barbie and we're getting ready for our vocationl day in Berry on Wednesday. I'll be spending more time with people working in the justice system and will let you all know what I learn about Austrlian courts!
Monday, November 5, 2007
The Fly
As Kim and I were walking down the streets of Mollymook Beach, I experienced the most traditional of things if you live in Australia. While I can't say that it tasted like choock (chicken), I can tell you that it was the most disgusting feeling in the world. Can you guess??? I swallowed a fly!! Yes, the nasty horrible pests of Australia. It actually flew up my nose! I gagged, I coughed, I spit, trying to get it out. But, no avail. It went right down! I really thought I was going to toss up my cookies. All the while, Kim was laughing and not really helping me any.
We just back from the Melbourne Cup festivities. I wore a hat because ladies always wear a hat to the races. I borrowed one from my hosts, Robyn and Jim Stanger. They are a lovely couple with 2 daughters. Both are in "uni". Heather is 21 and Maryn is 19. Heather is student teaching near her home and I was able to meet her last night. Lovely girl! We watched "Pimp My Ride" together and just laughed at how crazy that show is.
At the Melbourne cup festivities, there were several awards given out for best hat, best tie, and also a a door prize. Jessica was the lucky winner! She even drew her own number! (I think it was rigged). Tonight we are going to Graham and Barbara Smith's home for dinner. So, in just a few minutes, I will be helping Robyn make a dessert! My specialty I think!!
We were also able to see Minnamurra Rain Forest today - and it was raining. The rain has followed us everywhere we have gone. The Aussies are very happy that we've brought rain with us, I'd prefer the rain to stay away although the area is so dry, that they really do need the rain.
I'll post more later...
We just back from the Melbourne Cup festivities. I wore a hat because ladies always wear a hat to the races. I borrowed one from my hosts, Robyn and Jim Stanger. They are a lovely couple with 2 daughters. Both are in "uni". Heather is 21 and Maryn is 19. Heather is student teaching near her home and I was able to meet her last night. Lovely girl! We watched "Pimp My Ride" together and just laughed at how crazy that show is.
At the Melbourne cup festivities, there were several awards given out for best hat, best tie, and also a a door prize. Jessica was the lucky winner! She even drew her own number! (I think it was rigged). Tonight we are going to Graham and Barbara Smith's home for dinner. So, in just a few minutes, I will be helping Robyn make a dessert! My specialty I think!!
We were also able to see Minnamurra Rain Forest today - and it was raining. The rain has followed us everywhere we have gone. The Aussies are very happy that we've brought rain with us, I'd prefer the rain to stay away although the area is so dry, that they really do need the rain.
I'll post more later...
Melbourne Cup Day
Sorry for the lapse in writing. We didn't have Internet connection during our weekend retreat. Kim and I are now staying with Frank and Lynn de Graaf in Berry, and Frank owns an IT company. I didn't realize how much I missed fast, wireless Internet.
A quick recap. We spent two days in Canberra. I got to visit the National Library and meet with people at ALIA, the Australian Libary and Information Association. I'm interested in learning more about some of the Interlibrary Loan programs being used in Australia. Because of the remoteness of some of the people requesting materials, the National Library is doing more scanning of materials and sending them electronically straight to the patron.
For our weekend retreat, we stayed in Mollymook, right on the coast. The house was amazing; we were the first people to stay in it after it was remodeled. I have to admit, I vegged out a lot, taking naps and reading.
Now we are in Berry, and today is the Melbourne Cup, the most important horse race in Australia. In fact, in the state of Victoria (where Melbourne is located) and the Australian Capital Territory (home of Canberra), it is a holiday. At 2:00 pm, the country shuts down. Bets are placed, hats are worn, and beer is consumed. We will be watching the race at the Berry Bowling Club. We've been hearing about this race since we arrived, especially since the equine flu has been going around Australia and it wasn't known if the race would even be run. I'm glad we're here to experience some Australian sports culture.
A quick recap. We spent two days in Canberra. I got to visit the National Library and meet with people at ALIA, the Australian Libary and Information Association. I'm interested in learning more about some of the Interlibrary Loan programs being used in Australia. Because of the remoteness of some of the people requesting materials, the National Library is doing more scanning of materials and sending them electronically straight to the patron.
For our weekend retreat, we stayed in Mollymook, right on the coast. The house was amazing; we were the first people to stay in it after it was remodeled. I have to admit, I vegged out a lot, taking naps and reading.
Now we are in Berry, and today is the Melbourne Cup, the most important horse race in Australia. In fact, in the state of Victoria (where Melbourne is located) and the Australian Capital Territory (home of Canberra), it is a holiday. At 2:00 pm, the country shuts down. Bets are placed, hats are worn, and beer is consumed. We will be watching the race at the Berry Bowling Club. We've been hearing about this race since we arrived, especially since the equine flu has been going around Australia and it wasn't known if the race would even be run. I'm glad we're here to experience some Australian sports culture.
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