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.
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2 comments:
Hey Jess,
Thanks for the update and great to hear that things are going well. I heard that the time on the beach was a great time for the team to relax and share.
BTW, have Kay check with the team coming in next week from Poland/Ukraine/Belarus to see if they might want to do an exchange for Rotary year 2010/11. We've not been to Europe in quite a few years and never to former Eastern-block countries. That would be great!
We all look forward to reading your postings.
Doug Risser
Hi, Jess,
I was glad to read your posting today. It sounds like you had an ideal weekend....reading and napping! It's your kind of day no matter where you are!
We celebrated Nonnie and Gramps' 58th anniversary yesterday. Everyone wanted to know how you were doing. Of course Aunt Janie's condo was packed with everyone having brunch and watching the Packers and then the Colts game.
The Bears had a bye week. The food was wonderful and it was good to see everyone. The person who received the most attention was Luke Adam. He's now about 5 months old and is he a cutie!
Well, I hope your horse wins today in the Melbourne Cup. It sounds like a grand time!
MOM
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