Friday, October 21, 2011
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
You can take the man out of Australia, but...
Yes, if you're wondering, I slept in my Akubra hat last night.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Last Call from Down Under
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
Steve
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.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
"Walking up" Mount Kosciuszko
Yesterday, we took a nice journey to Mount Kosciuszko (yes, that's spelled right; the Indiana county is spelled wrong!), the highest mountain in Australia. We took a chair lift to this beautiful cafe overlooking the mountain range and up to the summit. After eating, we all thought, "We have our cold weather gear, we can make it up the mountain! Allen told us our gradmother could do it!" So off we went.
Now mind you, we didn't start this little trek until almost 1:30, the waitress told us it would take us 4 hours to get to the top and back if we took our time, and the chair lift closed at 4:30...you do the math. So off our team went! Steve bolted up the mountain and never looked back, not even realizing until he was almost at the summit that "wormy" Carrie (all in fun ) was following behind him. Jess and Kay made it to the lookout (about 2 kilometers from the cafe) before deciding to head down, while little old me made it about 1/2 a kilometer before turning around. Now, when I was planning this trip to Australia, I really believed it would be warm...not so much on top of a mountain! The temperature was 1 degree Celsius with a wind chill of -10....that's 14 degrees in our language people!! Needless to say, it was a cold day and we took the night off from our official Rotary duties last night.
And, my host Colin is one funny guy...I have started to create list of "Colinism's." Just to give you an idea: messy = drunk; wormy = skinny; old cracker = old person (sheep lose their teeth when they get older and the call them crackers...); and Mackers = McDonald's. I'm going to keep my list going and will share more later :)
Now mind you, we didn't start this little trek until almost 1:30, the waitress told us it would take us 4 hours to get to the top and back if we took our time, and the chair lift closed at 4:30...you do the math. So off our team went! Steve bolted up the mountain and never looked back, not even realizing until he was almost at the summit that "wormy" Carrie (all in fun ) was following behind him. Jess and Kay made it to the lookout (about 2 kilometers from the cafe) before deciding to head down, while little old me made it about 1/2 a kilometer before turning around. Now, when I was planning this trip to Australia, I really believed it would be warm...not so much on top of a mountain! The temperature was 1 degree Celsius with a wind chill of -10....that's 14 degrees in our language people!! Needless to say, it was a cold day and we took the night off from our official Rotary duties last night.
And, my host Colin is one funny guy...I have started to create list of "Colinism's." Just to give you an idea: messy = drunk; wormy = skinny; old cracker = old person (sheep lose their teeth when they get older and the call them crackers...); and Mackers = McDonald's. I'm going to keep my list going and will share more later :)
I've finally posted in Cooma!
Wow, what an amazing, hectic, fun filled week and a half! Australia is truly an amazing country with beautiful and friendly people. Every Rotarian that I have come into contact with has been extremely gracious and very attentive to our team.
I know I am backtracking a bit since everyone else has posted, but let me tell you my perceptions since day one.
We arrived in Canberra after a very hard flight over the Pacific Ocean. The seats were so cramped that it was hard to ever get comfortable. Unfortunately, I had a rather large woman sitting next to me and she kept sitting on me!!! I'm not joking!! So, I tried to move over towards the other side, but kept getting in the way of the people walking up and down the aisle. Just glad to be off the plane. We were greeted by most of our host families. It was a welcomed sight.
I'm not going to bore with all the details, but I was extremely concerned about not having Steve's luggage when we arrived. So much so, that I didn't sleep at all the first night. Luckily it came in and he's good to go.
We were able to see parts of Canberra and the Jerrabomberra Host families treated us like royalty. I stayed with Tony and Megan Rolfe - lovely people and Tony deserves a ton of kudos to pull everything together at the last minute.
On Monday, we were off to the Southern Highlands where again we were greeted with two wonderful Rotarians, John Macpherson and Rob Hurdwell. Wonderful chaps! I can't begin to tell you all the places we saw. I stayed with Barbara McKern and Bob Barrett. Lovely people and Barb was the President of the Berrima District Club. We gave three presentations in two days - Bowral-Mittagong, Berrima District and Moss Vale.
I'll post more later, but everyone has been wonderful and have exceeded our expectations so far.
I know I am backtracking a bit since everyone else has posted, but let me tell you my perceptions since day one.
We arrived in Canberra after a very hard flight over the Pacific Ocean. The seats were so cramped that it was hard to ever get comfortable. Unfortunately, I had a rather large woman sitting next to me and she kept sitting on me!!! I'm not joking!! So, I tried to move over towards the other side, but kept getting in the way of the people walking up and down the aisle. Just glad to be off the plane. We were greeted by most of our host families. It was a welcomed sight.
I'm not going to bore with all the details, but I was extremely concerned about not having Steve's luggage when we arrived. So much so, that I didn't sleep at all the first night. Luckily it came in and he's good to go.
We were able to see parts of Canberra and the Jerrabomberra Host families treated us like royalty. I stayed with Tony and Megan Rolfe - lovely people and Tony deserves a ton of kudos to pull everything together at the last minute.
On Monday, we were off to the Southern Highlands where again we were greeted with two wonderful Rotarians, John Macpherson and Rob Hurdwell. Wonderful chaps! I can't begin to tell you all the places we saw. I stayed with Barbara McKern and Bob Barrett. Lovely people and Barb was the President of the Berrima District Club. We gave three presentations in two days - Bowral-Mittagong, Berrima District and Moss Vale.
I'll post more later, but everyone has been wonderful and have exceeded our expectations so far.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Cooma
Cooma is good. Australia is good. Australia's beer is good. Australia's wine is even better. To be honest, I haven't been writing much. Rather, I've been living in the moment rather fully and trying to comprehend, understand, learn, and experience to the best of my cability. For those Rotarians reading this, thank you. GSE is a tremendous program, and I surely would not be here, amist Aussie and eucalypt, if it wasn't for your support. Cheerio,
-s
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Aussie Kids and Teens
So far, two of us have stayed with families with children living in the homes. Steve stayed with the Cuppitts in Berrima, and they had three boys. The youngest thought that because he was from American, he would be a gangsta, complete with a glock. He wanted to spend the week with his grannie because he thought the American gangsta might have a gun. The middle son asked my if my car had hydrolics on it, and I had to admit that my car doesn't even have working air conditioning at the moment. He also asked if I could rap. And they both asked us if we played Grand Theft Auto.
I am staying with the Sutcliffes' in Cooma, and Ian is 19 and John is 15. (Their daughter, Carrie, is working in Guam.) The drinking age here is 18, andI had to admit it was strange watching teenagers play golf on PlayStation 3 and drinking some Victoria Bitters (a great beer, by the way). They truly are normal teenagers. They eat their mum out of house and home, they pay air guitar, and are a lot of fun. I am glad to have the experience of seeing how Australian kids and parents live with and love one another.
I am staying with the Sutcliffes' in Cooma, and Ian is 19 and John is 15. (Their daughter, Carrie, is working in Guam.) The drinking age here is 18, andI had to admit it was strange watching teenagers play golf on PlayStation 3 and drinking some Victoria Bitters (a great beer, by the way). They truly are normal teenagers. They eat their mum out of house and home, they pay air guitar, and are a lot of fun. I am glad to have the experience of seeing how Australian kids and parents live with and love one another.
Movin' on down...
So we left Bowral Friday morning (with tears as I'm really going to miss John and Virgina) and made our way to Cooma. It is a pretty smal town south of Canberra. We were met by the local club's President Cheryl and one other Rotarian and his wife. I was supposed to stay with this man and his wife but, unfortunately, it was not the best fit after one night (for those who know how bad my back is, the bed was EXTREMELY uncomfortable) so I ended up moving to stay with Cheryl and her husband Colin (who is also hosting Kay, my team leader). They have been great people and I just enjoyed a great dinner of lamb and vegetables (first time I've ever had lamb...very tasty!)
Over the past few days, we've seen some great sights including Nattai National Park in the Berrima District (had a great time laughing with our escort, Rotarian Allen) and saw some of the most beautiful sights. We then had a GREAT dinner at the Surveyor General Inn in Berrima, Australia's longest continuously licensed inn. We cooked our own steaks on a grill and I partook in some local wine :) Our first night in Cooma, we attended a mayoral reception with the mayor (duh) and some local dignitaries and other Rotarians. I have to say that after Steve gave his introductory speech, I really felt bad about the fact that he is our only male team member and Carrie and I decided not to pick on him as much...not sure how long that will last though ;)
Our first full day in Cooma was today and we spent most of the day driving around and seeing Lake Eucumbene and Adaminaby, a town that was basically covered by water once a dam was built and then moved to a new location (pretty interesting story but I won't get into the details right now.) Tomorrow we are going to the Fest of Poetry, followed by a historic train ride. Then Sunday night we will be having an early Halloween Party! We figured Sunday would be the best night since we will have "official" business at a Rotary meeting on Wednesday.
Finally, I have to stay the highlight of our day was when we were out driving and we saw some more kangaroos in the wild. Kay, Carrie and I got out of the bus and walked to within 20 feet of them! We saw a mom with her joey in her pouch and also some males that other actvites in mind. Let's just say that we witnessed some "rooting" going on for those that speak Australian ;)
Over the past few days, we've seen some great sights including Nattai National Park in the Berrima District (had a great time laughing with our escort, Rotarian Allen) and saw some of the most beautiful sights. We then had a GREAT dinner at the Surveyor General Inn in Berrima, Australia's longest continuously licensed inn. We cooked our own steaks on a grill and I partook in some local wine :) Our first night in Cooma, we attended a mayoral reception with the mayor (duh) and some local dignitaries and other Rotarians. I have to say that after Steve gave his introductory speech, I really felt bad about the fact that he is our only male team member and Carrie and I decided not to pick on him as much...not sure how long that will last though ;)
Our first full day in Cooma was today and we spent most of the day driving around and seeing Lake Eucumbene and Adaminaby, a town that was basically covered by water once a dam was built and then moved to a new location (pretty interesting story but I won't get into the details right now.) Tomorrow we are going to the Fest of Poetry, followed by a historic train ride. Then Sunday night we will be having an early Halloween Party! We figured Sunday would be the best night since we will have "official" business at a Rotary meeting on Wednesday.
Finally, I have to stay the highlight of our day was when we were out driving and we saw some more kangaroos in the wild. Kay, Carrie and I got out of the bus and walked to within 20 feet of them! We saw a mom with her joey in her pouch and also some males that other actvites in mind. Let's just say that we witnessed some "rooting" going on for those that speak Australian ;)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Heaps of Kangaroos in the Paddock...
Australia. There is absolutely no similarity between the Aussie bush and Indiana farm country. I did plenty of Australian research, of course, but I soon came to the revelation that reading about something is not quite the same as experiencing it. And that simply knowing of something is not the same as living it. The Aussie bush is a strange and unfamiliar environment, and as surreal as it may sound, I feel strongly drawn toward it. Sad to say, I will only have 6 weeks to gather an impression of the bush. Some might say that is plenty of time, but keep in mind, Aborigines have (had) an accumulative and collective land knowledge spanning 40,000 years. For now, though, I will simply leave with the mention of the prodigious Eucalypt and its benefactor, Fire.
We were welcomed fully in Canberra, which was only to be built upon by our stay in the Berrima District in the Southern Highlands. The Aussie Rotarians are absolutely fantastic people. I owe heaps of thanks to Sue and Paul for their hospitality and welcome in Jerrabomberra. Allan, Kathy and the kids are amazing. I feel as if I go way back with Jake, the Cupitt’s family dog. Safe to say, the scourge of the introduced rabbits has one positive upshot: Jake will forever be entertained in chasing and thus harassing these pesky of pests.
I simply wanted to check in and let folks know that as is well. I do have to say that I’m very impressed by my American cohorts. Each one lends a certain unique quality and degree of professionalism in representing District 6540, and I feel quite humbled to be in their presence. Or as they would most dutifully point out, “shadow.” It’s all good nonetheless.
Cheers,
Steve
Australian Libraries
Yesterday was my first day of professional visits on my trip. My first stop was to the Bowral Public Library, which is part of the local shire (probably similar to our township) library system. Sandra and Roxanne, the assistant manager and the IT director respectively, spent some time talking to me about Horizon, computer literacy in their population, and showing me the New South Wales library legal wesbite. All the libraries in NSW have the same legal books, and the website cites chapters and pages on its website. The state library also tells public libraries when to weed legal books and what books to buy as statutes change. It is a great system. (I will post the website later.)
I also went to the Oxley College school library. It is a private school with grades 7-12. One of the things that struck me most is the no matter where you goof in the world, kids will goof off in the library.
Today, my highlight was attending the Donald Bradman museum. He was the Babe Ruth of cricket, and his childhood home was in Barrima, the town where we attended a Rotary meeting today at noon. Oxley first team was practicing on the wicket outside the museum, and they let Kay and me take some batting practice. Australians love cricket, and while it is a very difficult game to grasp, I can understand their enthusiasm about their sports teams. I will post some pictures of Kay and me with the Oxley boys later.
I also went to the Oxley College school library. It is a private school with grades 7-12. One of the things that struck me most is the no matter where you goof in the world, kids will goof off in the library.
Today, my highlight was attending the Donald Bradman museum. He was the Babe Ruth of cricket, and his childhood home was in Barrima, the town where we attended a Rotary meeting today at noon. Oxley first team was practicing on the wicket outside the museum, and they let Kay and me take some batting practice. Australians love cricket, and while it is a very difficult game to grasp, I can understand their enthusiasm about their sports teams. I will post some pictures of Kay and me with the Oxley boys later.
G’day!
Okay....so I've been in Australia a total of 5 days and can't believe the things I have seen and the people I've met! I spent the first 2 days in Jerrabomberra, a suburb of Canberra but in the state of New South Wales. The first day, my hosts tried their hardest to keep me awake by visiting Black Mountain, Parliament House, and then hosting a barbie for me with some of their friends. I finally got to be around 9 p.m. (after being awake for 36 hours) and got a good night's sleep. I had to work hard to get on Australia time! (which for you Hoosiers is 14 hours ahead!)
Sunday morning I went to mass and then had a brunch at my host family's home with another one of my team members. It was pretty good and I tried Vegemite for the first time...YUCK! Now I can say that I've tried but probably will never again! Our team then got together for the first time since arriving and took a driving tour of Canberra. We then had a quick meeting to prepare our exchange and then attended another barbie at my team leader's host family's home. There I tried Pavlova, an Australian dessert that was great!!
Monday, I took my first ever train ride that lasted 2.5 hours and brought us the small town of Bowral, in the Southern Highlands. It is absolutely beautiful here! We are in the mountains and it is such a change from the flatlands of Indiana. We were taken on a quick tour and went to a few lookouts to see a panormic view of the towns we will be visiting until we leave Friday.
On Tuesday, I went on my first vocational exchange and met with representatives from TAFE (Technical and Further Education Center) which somewhat resembles our community colleges but it still very different and a satellite campus of the University of Wollongong in Moss Vale. We also went to lunch at an English pub in Burrawang and tasted a few local beers....now I'm not a beer drinker but these were VERY GOOD! One thing I've learned is that Australians are big into beer and wine so all you lushes out there, visit Australia some day!!
Today, we visited the Berrima court house, a historical site that is no longer used. It is a beautiful sandstone building and was fascinating to be in. We also visited the Book Barm and had morning tea (this time, hot chocolate time for me!) We then gave our second presentation to the Berrima District Rotary Club and got to meet quite a few fascinating people. I can't get over nice everyone is being and how they are pretty much all welcoming us into their lives. This afternoon, we visited the Don Bradman cricket museum. Don Bradman is one of the most prolific cricket players of all time and grew up here in Bowral. There was a local high school team practicing on the field and Kay and Jessica took their turn practicing hitting the ball. It was hilarious!
On a more personal note, I'm settling in nicely with my current host family. John and Virginia are great people and I think it was kismet that I ended up staying with them. Virginia had a spinal fusion in November of 2000 (5 months after I had my 3rd surgery) and they also have a Golden Retriever named Sammy! I think he could tell immediately that I am a dog lover and has been at my feet since I got here. Kind of feels like home but no one will EVER replace my baby girl Belle.
Write more later....
Sunday morning I went to mass and then had a brunch at my host family's home with another one of my team members. It was pretty good and I tried Vegemite for the first time...YUCK! Now I can say that I've tried but probably will never again! Our team then got together for the first time since arriving and took a driving tour of Canberra. We then had a quick meeting to prepare our exchange and then attended another barbie at my team leader's host family's home. There I tried Pavlova, an Australian dessert that was great!!
Monday, I took my first ever train ride that lasted 2.5 hours and brought us the small town of Bowral, in the Southern Highlands. It is absolutely beautiful here! We are in the mountains and it is such a change from the flatlands of Indiana. We were taken on a quick tour and went to a few lookouts to see a panormic view of the towns we will be visiting until we leave Friday.
On Tuesday, I went on my first vocational exchange and met with representatives from TAFE (Technical and Further Education Center) which somewhat resembles our community colleges but it still very different and a satellite campus of the University of Wollongong in Moss Vale. We also went to lunch at an English pub in Burrawang and tasted a few local beers....now I'm not a beer drinker but these were VERY GOOD! One thing I've learned is that Australians are big into beer and wine so all you lushes out there, visit Australia some day!!
Today, we visited the Berrima court house, a historical site that is no longer used. It is a beautiful sandstone building and was fascinating to be in. We also visited the Book Barm and had morning tea (this time, hot chocolate time for me!) We then gave our second presentation to the Berrima District Rotary Club and got to meet quite a few fascinating people. I can't get over nice everyone is being and how they are pretty much all welcoming us into their lives. This afternoon, we visited the Don Bradman cricket museum. Don Bradman is one of the most prolific cricket players of all time and grew up here in Bowral. There was a local high school team practicing on the field and Kay and Jessica took their turn practicing hitting the ball. It was hilarious!
On a more personal note, I'm settling in nicely with my current host family. John and Virginia are great people and I think it was kismet that I ended up staying with them. Virginia had a spinal fusion in November of 2000 (5 months after I had my 3rd surgery) and they also have a Golden Retriever named Sammy! I think he could tell immediately that I am a dog lover and has been at my feet since I got here. Kind of feels like home but no one will EVER replace my baby girl Belle.
Write more later....
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Pictures So Far
The black man in the tan suit in the back of the photo is Seal. I couldn't get a shot of Heidi Klum, but one of the flight attendants told her to stay beautiful.
This is the first Rotary couple I stayed with in Jerraboberra, Cathy and Colin Hobbs.
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