Thanks and Farewell

Well, what an amazing 5 weeks this has been!

On Thursday I was very privileged to tour the Huntington Library in Pasadena with Marion and Chuck Wilson (my hosts from Riverside). The Huntington was founded in 1919 by railroad and real estate developer Henry Edwards Huntington and opened to the public in 1928. It is a private, nonprofit institution and an esteemed research and educational centre which includes 3 art galleries and a library showcasing amazing collections of paintings, sculptures, rare books, manuscripts, and decorative arts.

I had the behind the scenes tour of the preservation, storage facilities and new reader areas, as well as time to see tour the amazing botanical collection featuring over 14,000 different species of plants (including many Australian natives.

It was a chance of a lifetime and something I will never forget - thanks Marion, Chuck and Sue - it was wonderful.



Last night we were farwelled in style at a great party with over 60 attendees at Cheryl and John Evans' home. It was a great opportunity to catch up with friends we had made a long the way and also to reflect on our time here. Thanks to everyone who attended, set up, brought food and cleaned up - especially John and Cheryl.

Thanks to the Rotary Foundation, DG Helene, all of the coordinators, host families, vocational hosts, tour guides, chauffers, and everyone involved in the GSE Programme for District 5330 - you have truly made it a fantastic experience. It has been the opportunity of a lifetime and something I will never forget. I know I will see many of you again.

Finally, a special thank you and farewell to my other team members - Bec, Clare, Jeffrey and Suz - you are all amazing people and this experience would not have been the same without you.