GSE 2007 - Rotary District 9450

A Full Circle

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:37:00 +0000

To all our friends both near and far:

Its hard to believe that this will be our final blog entry!!!!

The team met up on Sunday 16 September to reminise and catch up. The photo is from the same location (my backyard) and its feels like full circle as our first meeting was in the same place and almost the same weekend..... one year ago.

It was fantastic to find out what everyone has done since they have been home. Jeffrey came home straight to family. Clare and Robert went onto Hong Hong after the exchange and are now settled back into life here in Perth. Jill and Andrew went hiking and camping through California and Canada. For me I got to see old friends and even one of my host mums which was just fantastic. Suzanne arrived home only 2 weeks ago having been through Central America and even survived Cyclone Dean in Jamaica. See Suzanne's blog for her journey on http://www.suzannespitz.blogspot.com/ . Jeffrey and Jill have also both started their new jobs and are loving it.

I know I speak for the team when I say the trip was one of life's most amazing journeys and we can't thank people enough for everything they did for us. Looking back through our blog (thank goodness Jill suggested it) just shows how much we have done and the people that we met.

We have even had our first visitors from District 5330 with PDG Helene and Len visiting for 10 days. It was fantastic to see them and catch up. We also got to spend their 42nd wedding anniversary with them.

We have done a little video message which can be seen below and a copy will be winging its way over to you all soon with some photos of our time with each of the clubs and out host families.

If you need an excuse to come and stay just ask Helene about all the reasons you can use from the beaches, sailing, scenery, food (don't ask len about spicy though), wine, and most of all our hospitality.

So from all of us here in WA, its bye for now, we hope to see you soon, stay in touch and thank you for making our time in the Inland Empire something none of us will ever forget.

Hola De Nicaragua

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 22:12:00 +0000

Well I have been very bad not posting a blog sooner, but believe it or not I have been very busy! I am pictured here taking a little study break enjoying a local drink.

Firstly I would like thanking Rotary for the amazing opportunity GSE has provided me. I had an amazing time in California, and feel extremely privilaged. Rotary is full of amazing people doing amazing things! Words can not express the depth of my gratitude to my host families, rotary clubs, their friends and families.

At the conclusion of the GSE exchange I had the opportunity to do a little more travelling in California, including a trip to San Fransisco and Yosemite National Park. It was then off to Central America for two months.

I am now half way through my journey, and have completed 4 weeks of spanish school in Granada, Nicaragua. Next, I am heading up to Guatemala (slight change of plans) via Hondoras and El Salvador. You can check out my adventures at www.suzannespitz.blogspot.com.

Once again a huge THANK YOU for my GSE journey. To my team, missing you guys heaps!

Back to reality!

noreply@blogger.com (Clare) — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 09:02:00 +0000

Well after 10 spectacular weeks of leave, I've now come back to reality and back to work! I had an absolutely awesome time in the States and it was sad to say goodbye to all our fabulous new friends, but after a couple of days at home in Perth, resting, relaxing and catching up with friends and loved ones, Rob and I headed off to Hong Kong.

Highlights of Hong Kong:

1. Dolphin Encounter at Ocean Park.

2. Visiting trendy Lan Kwai Fong for dinner and drinks.

3. The Symphony of Lights show - a multimedia display including 43 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

4. Visiting the Buddha on Lantau Island - the world's tallest, outdoor, seated bronze Buddha.

5. Shopping on Nathan Road and Ladies Markets (I think this may have only been a highlight for me...)

6. Taking a ride up the peak to enjoy the famous view of Hong Kong.

7. Heritage Tour of the New Territories.

8. Gambling in Macau - the Asian 'Las Vegas' and while not as spectacular as the real thing, actually rakes in more money!

9. Hong Kong Island tour including a visit to historic temples.

10. Cruise of Victoria Harbour (well it was a highlight for Rob, I dozed off if you can believe it!)

11. And last but certainly not least... catching up with family and eating lots of yum-cha!

Natural Wonders of BC

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:53:00 +0000

We've had a great time here in beautiful British Coumbia, Canada. There are seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventures in and around Squamish to keep us occupied for a couple of more weeks...but it's back to reality with less that 24 hours until we depart for Perth via LA and Melbourne.

Over the last week we have visited Whistler (still quite a lot of snow around - minus 5C at the top, but too much rain for skiing!), caught the ferry to Vancouver Island (the hiking in the Pacific Rim National Park was amazing and sad we only had a few hours there), viewed amazing Titanic and First Nations Exhibitions at the Royal BC Museum, had a few beers at the Stickey Wicket (a cricket pub in Victoria!) and completed numerous hikes in around Squamish.

The Garibaldi Provincial Park, only a few kilometres from Squamish was very beautiful. Yesterday we set out on a day hike, hoping to complete the 28kms to Black Tusk. After 6km we encountered a lot of snow and at 9.5km we hit Lake Garibaldi which was still frozen in some parts. At that point although we tried to proceed we had to turn around as there was so much snow around that it was very difficult to follow the track.

It will be sad to leave North America but looking forward to catching up with our family, friends and news from the last few months.

Beautiful Paris

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 05:55:00 +0000

Having managed to negotiate la metro and the Roissybus I got from the airport to where I met Charles, Dina's husband who grew up in France and was to be guide for the next day or so

I had just over 48 hours in Paris and using the brilliant Frommers Guide (the map in the back is fabulous) to Paris managed to see all the important points. The first day we walked about 8.5km from the Eiffel Tower, across Alexandrie Bridge down the Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde. Being the 21 June Paris has this huge party with bands playing on every corner. It was awesome.

On Friday I walked over 25 kms making sure I got to see everything, from the Arc de Triomphe, Tuileres Gardens, the Louvre, Pont Neuf, Sacre Coeur in Montmarte, Notre Dame, the left and right bank and the moulin rouge. Basically if you can walk to it I covered it and even managed to take my french guide to some places he hadn't been like the Royal Palais Jardins.

I walked back streets and side streets and have many many photos of doors and architecture!!!!!

Dina and I had promised each other 4 years ago that we would go to Paris so it was fantastic to make it happen. On Sat having been left to my own devices I navigated the Metro and my Frommers map ( I was a wizz by now) I even managed to order breakfast in French in a gorgeous little french cafe and then with my luggage get two metro trains and a bus to the airport.

Then came more than 30 hours to get home with my luggage by alas no time for duty free in Singapore. It was great to get home and sleep horizontal, although the weather change has certainly been different..... It is good to be home but harder to be at work.

Marine Officers, Amish and Civil War

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 05:16:00 +0000

My time catching up with friends in Maryland included visits to Harper's Ferry West Virginia where the Potomac meets the Shenandoah River, site of civil war conflict and civil rights actions. Being a hot day I just wanted to be the one that was floating down the river in an inner tube. We even hiked some of the AppalachianTrail and the town was a great combination of old buildings and history. The scenery and trees were just beautiful and quite different to anything else I had seen in my travels so far.

Its hard to believe its been 8 years since we caught up. Falling back into old rhythms it seems like it was just few months ago we last saw each other. Good old Riley who is now 11 is still going strong.

Vera and I went to Annapolis for the day and had a tour of the Naval Academy which was amazing with a lot of french architecture and an amazing chapel. Although unfortunately classes were out and therefore all of the officers training weren't in situ. They only take the top of the top into the school and there is a huge focus on sport and fitness. It was very inspiring.

Its a cery cute town and I even managed to ensure that I had crab cakes, something Maryland is famous for.

On the last day Dave, Vera, Bethany and I went to Pennsylvania which meant crossing the mason dixon line and unlike at home I was able to visit 5 states in 4 days including DC which I flew out of.

In Pennsylvania we visited Intercourse which is the site of a major amish community and was amazing to see the carts on the roads and the houses that form the community. It was certainly an eye opener and just amazing to see hay balers pulled by 5 horses and a calf being carted around in the back of a cart.

It was wonderful to catch up and I left them organising princess birthday parties etc. After 2 hours to check in I started to make my way to Paris......

From California to Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 03:40:00 +0000

We arrived in Canada a few days ago late on Wednesday night after a bit of a flight delay.

We had a fairly relaxing day in Vancouver on Wednesday, shopping, followed by a long walk from Coal Bay along the seawall to English Bay through Stanley Park. This was followed by We had a great night out at Elixir, a restaurant in Yaletown. The food was excellent!

Yesterday morning we picked up another hire car and headed up to Squa mish, a small town about an hour north of Vancouver. The house we are staying in is amazing - snow capped peaks are visible from the front porch and there is a forest and river at the back - it is absolutely beautiful.

Today we hiked up the colossal Stawamus Chief, the world's second largest granite monolith. The "Chief" is famous for rock climbing, but as Andrew wasn't able to climb it due to inclement weather we decided to hike it instead. It was fairly steep - up about 550 metres in 1.5 hours, and a little slippery on the way down, but seemed like a stroll after some of our previous hikes.

Tomorrow we plan to visit Whistler, and then spend some time in Victoria before flying home next weekend.

Before we arrived in Canada we spent two wonderful days /nights in San Francisco - it was a great city and we could have spent more time there. Highlights included:

Two walking tours of San Francisco - about 15kms each day - taking in the Golden Gate Bridge and Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street “the most crooked street in the world” (which isn't really), Alamo Square (the old buildings were amazing!).

The Ferry Building - too many amazing restaurants and deli-style gourmet food shops to mention.

A great dinner at Fino, an Italian restaurant downtown (and pretty much across the road from our hotel) which we found by accident.

Great shopping - if only there was more time!

More pictures from the Californian Coast / Yosemite

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:35:00 +0000

Coastal Delights, Great Nights, Frightening Heights

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:03:00 +0000

Well, we've seen and done some amazing things since Andrew picked me up last Saturday from Cheryl and John's house in Redlands.

We headed to Laguna Beach for two nights which was great - we spent the days exploring the many beaches in the area, having a couple of picnics, wine and cheese, romantic dinners, and spending time recovering - me from the GSE , and Andrew from his week of rock climbing.

On Monday we had lunch with Tim and Julie (my GSE hosts from Temecula) as we will be staying at their house in Canada later this week. It was great to catch up with them again and fill them in on the various adventures.

We then headed up the coast - stopping at San Luis Opisbo where we found a great wine bar / restaurant - completely by accident! Next it was Highway 1 and the Big Sur and I have to say this is the most spectacular piece of coastline I have ever seen!! We stayed a night in Monterey, dining at Montrio, which had come very highly recommended from my Riverside hosts - the food was really great, except for the large piece of plastic I found in my meal - a little embarrassing for the high class establishment. We also went whale watching while we were there - spotting some beautiful humpbacks.

Then it was time to head to Yosemite National Park - which despite the masses of people (think thousands of people camped in one valley) was absolutely amazing. On the Thursday we did the gruelling 18 mile hike up Half Dome (about 9000 feet) in 100F (38C). The last few hundred metres required us to go straight up on cables which was a little frightening - especially since we read in the paper this morning that someone slipped on the cables and fell to their death two days after we were there. On Friday we were a little sore and hiked (well limped really) around the valley. Yosemite is a beautiful place and I hope we make it back some day.

We then headed to Lake Tahoe for the weekend where we had beautiful views of the Lake from our campsite. There we did more hiking and some kayaking and had a icy cold swim in the waters of the Lake.

On Sunday afternoon we visited Sacramento and then toured the Napa Valley - lunching and wine tasting, before buying some supplies from Dean and Deluca - we definitely need this store in Perth, and having a very gourmet camping dinner.

We are now in the wonderful city of San Francisco and plan to spend the day exploring the city over the next few days before flying out to Canada tomorrow night.

I hope everyone reading this is well and I'll post again from Canada - sorry for only a few photos - I'll post some more when we find a faster internet connection.

Mobsters, Handbags and Mexican

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:56:00 +0000

A great day as 4 girls ventured down into the middle of Chicago to a place called 1154 Lill where we designed our own handbags, a choice of 25 designs and 150 fabrics, the colours were fantastic and the designs awesome.

We had lunch downtown in Lincoln Park but to beat the Friday traffic we had to bypass Michigan Ave. Laura (Vicki's sister, Vicki, Stacy and I admiring the range of handbags.

Dinner was with another school friend who made me remember all these things I had completely forgotten. Patti had been my summer mate and we had gone out with the boys etc. It was so awesome to spend time reminising and catching up with her and the other guys.

Tomorrow its farewell to Chicago and onwards to Maryland and the next part of the adventure........

Back after 10 years to Ilinois

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:58:00 +0000

I was standing outside the terminal when this family wagon pulled up with a woman waving madly. At that point I knew it was my girlfriend Vicki, with her two gorgeous girls. Amazing how much changes and then again it feels like we only caught up a few months ago not 10 years.

I have also been lucky to catch up with Stacy another school friend and also mother of 2. She also has the most amazing memory and could tell me what happenned to all those I went to Richmond Burton with. Looking at the year book, it was all big hair and perms. Very scary.

We went back to Richmond and whilst a lot has changed, Andersons, the Depot, International House of Wine and Cheese and the Cubby house were all still there. We also drove by Phyllis and Evan's house which still had the dekalb sign out the front.

Ripper Rollercoasters

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:50:00 +0000

I have arrived in Illinois to my good friend (mother of 2) deciding that we should do more rollercoasters - these made some of those at Disneyland look tame, with your feet dangling and standing up. We played at 6 Flags - Great America.

The one with the green track is their feet in the air not their heads.....
However, we decided to end our time slightly more sedately on a 2 storey carousel. For all of my friends with kids I had to have a picture with Wags the dog and Dorothy as the wiggles were there performing........

Arizona and Memories

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:41:00 +0000

As we all went our separate ways, it felt very strange only being responsible for myself and not having to keep checking that I had everyone ( yes -it was mother hen at work).

But arriving in Arizona I got to see my fairy godmother, my host mum from 18 years ago when I was an exchange student in Illinois.

Phyllis will be 80 next month and it was so special to spend time with her reminising etc. I even managed to shout her lunch, she made me her world famous chili and I also cleaned her silver. No one should have dirty silver on their 80th. Although she did manage to hide some from me.

It was a great experience and we even managed to go down to scottsdale, with me driving, concentrating on being on the right side of the road.

After 5 weeks its farewell

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:28:00 +0000

Its hard to believe thats it is over and that its farewell. Not having access to a computer means I am updating these now.

The team and I had the most fantastic time and it was thanks to all the people we met and especially those that hosted us and made the time to get to know us. I was especially lucky as all but one of my host families were able to make it and I just needed more time to talk to Al and Patsy, Joy and Lloyd, Camille and Tom, Anne and Jack, Marcia and Jim and Mike and Dellita.

Our thanks to foundation and also to Helene, Rickey and everyone who made the trip so enjoyable.

I know that I have made lifelong friends and that I will see many of the people again either in Australia or back here in the USA. It is very hard to leave after meeting such wonderful people and I'll let you in on a little secret (as the plane pulled away from the terminal I had tears streaming down my face).

Thanks to our hosts for the evening the Evans and also to the guys who I had just the most fantastic experience and trip with, Jill, Jeffrey, Clare and Suzanne - no leader could have asked for a better team or more importantly friends. I look forward to our catch ups back home.

So with tears from all of us its adieu not farwell and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

Thanks for everything.

Dana Point

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:06:00 +0000

To update everyone whilst they were at baseball I got the opportunity to go to Dana Point with Mike and Dellita. The view from their apartment was fantastic and over my left shoulder you can see the yacht club where we had dinner and watched the end of the twlight racing. It was a lovely night. The next day we walked, sea kayaked and then walked along the beach so I could put my feet in the pacific.

A Beautiful part of the world and a great time was had by all. We then headed back to make sure we were in time for the farewell party. I also got to play paddle tennis with Mike. An awesome time.

Home Again

noreply@blogger.com (Jeffrey) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 08:06:00 +0000

Jeffrey and Claire arrived safely home today. Amazingly both legs of the flight (LA to Sydney and Sydney to Perth) were on schedule and in the last leg, arrived early, catching out the meeters and greeters.

Rebecca, Jill and Suzanne are off enjoying the next stage of there adventures.

California Dreamin' or Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Jeffrey) — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 04:07:00 +0000

Well, its now 9 PM and we are sitting in the American Airlines/Qantas Club Lounge sipping a drink (which is not free) and not eating any food (coz there is none).

Clare cried on cue (what a great team member) when we tried to ask for an upgrade but we were told the flight is oversold and we were lucky we got here early as our seat is now guaranteed. Last night's flight was cancelled and they have another 200 passengers to place. Looks like its going to be a cozy old flight back to Sydney tonight.

45 minutes till we board. We will use that time to reflect on a fantastic five weeks with a great team and a great bunch of Rotarians from District 5330.

Thanks everyone
Jeffrey & Clare

Thanks and Farewell

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 18:06:00 +0000

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.

The Final Count Down

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 22:56:00 +0000

One more sleep before the end of GSE, and we are making the most of every single minute. This morning Clare, Jill and I headed out for one last hike into the San Bernadino National Park with Max Copenhagen. It was a glorious morning, perfect for a little activity as we weaved our way up the steep inclines.

In the afternoon Jeff, Clare, Jill and I (together with our hosts Steve, Susan and Sue), headed for the last minute shop at Ontario Mills. I was in shopping paradise... So much for trying to lighten the luggage load..

Tonight is our farewell party which we are all very excited about. It will be fantastic to see our host families, rotarians and friends we have met along the way.

Swing, Batter, Batter, Batter, Swing

noreply@blogger.com (Suzanne) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:10:00 +0000

Last night Jeffery, Clare and I, together with Cheryl, John, Sharron, Steve, Sue and Susan, had the chance to partake in America's favourite pastime - watching baseball. We went along to 'root' for the home team the Inland Empire 66ers, who were playing the Modesto Nuts. The teams play in the California Minor League (who are feeders for the LA Dodgers in the Majors).

Highlights of game included:

Sitting right behind the dugout
Eating our first Funnel Cake (see picture of Clare above)
The 66ers cheer squad doing the YMCA
Hanging out with Bernie - the club mascot
Singing the songs during the game breaks ("take me out to the ball park..")
Hotdogs, beer ($1 until the 5th innings), candy corn and peanuts
Having a message to the GSE team played on the loud speaker.
The home team winning!

We even learned some new chants - "We want a catcher not a belly scratcher, we want a pitcher not a belly itcher...... ". Wonder how this would translate to AFL?

Thank you so much Cheryl for organising a great night.

Wild Hogs

noreply@blogger.com (Clare) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 05:45:00 +0000

This afternoon Suzanne and I had the chance to rev-up our afternoon and go riding with Jesse, Cathy and Reverend Leon. After making one small adjustment to the bikes (adding the Aussie flag of course) we cruised up through the mountains to Oak Glen.

Oak Glen is one of California's scenic spots where you can visit orchards, taste mountain-fresh apples and cider, enjoy hot apple pie at one of the several family restaurants, feed the animals in the animal parks, or browse through some of the many specialty shops. We headed straight for the fudge shop where pumpkin pie fudge is a specialty... mmmm yummm!

Next stop was the PGA club bar for a quick drink, before heading back home to Redlands. The scenic drive was beautiful and the ride very liberating... but don't worry Mum, I was riding with Rev Leon, so it was all very safe as we had God on our side!

Big thanks to Jesse, Cathy and Leon for an awesome afternoon. Wild Hogs, eat your heart out!

Redlands Noon Rotary

noreply@blogger.com (Clare) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:24:00 +0000

Today the team (sans Jill as she had an extra vocational day) presented to the Redlands Noon Rotary Club for what was officially the last time in the United States.

Each time the club has guest speakers, they donate a book to the AK Smiley Library in their honour. The book donated in our names was Curious George Feeds the Animals which quite appropriately had a kangaroo on the front.

Thank you President Don and the Redlands Rotary Club... and 'Go the Mighty Ducks'!! ...or is it just the 'Ducks' now?

Vocational and Paddle Tennis Rallies

noreply@blogger.com (bec moore) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:33:00 +0000

Yesterday I had a great opportunity to visit two fantastic vocational places. The first was Redlands Chamber of Commerce where they run a really interesting program about creating and fostering community leaders. It runs across 8 months and includes learning about education, culture, the city and its government and history. Participants are encouraged to become involved on boards and community associations to foster and grow the City of Redlands.

I also visit the AK Smiley Library which opened in 1898 and is like being transported back a century in time. Its a beautiful old building and has been renovated to ensure that it continues to look the same way. They have these beautiful reading gardens and reading rooms which provides a lovely ambience.

They are also responsible for the Lincoln Shrine and are developing a new special collection to be housed in the future as the Redlands History Museum. They have a strong acquisitions program and utilise the Friends group significantly to foster and develop the libraries.

As I am off to Dana Point today instead of baseball and shopping with the team, I managed to fit it some shopping time of my own. Thanks Mike for your patience. In the evening Mike and I played 3 sets of paddle tennis which is played on a court 1/2 the size of a tennis court. Even though I lost in straight sets we had some great rallies. Then it was dinner on the patio and time in the spa to finish off the night....

Redlands PR

noreply@blogger.com (Clare) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:26:00 +0000

Yesterday was my last vocational day and in the morning I spent time with Redlands City Police Public Information Officer (media liasion officer) Carl Baker. Carl took me to a city crime prevention meeting on strategies to address a crime that is growing not only here in Redlands, but around the world - metal theft. I also had the opportunity to visit their local government TV station used to telecast city meetings and pubic service announcements.

Next stop was Red Fusion Media where owners Ron and Molly Burgess discussed their role as a strategic marketing firm focussing primarily on web marketing. After a delicious lunch at Martha Green's Eatery, I headed out to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, where I met with Sheriff's Serice Specialist Sylvia Beasley and Public Information Officer Jodi Miller.

Here I had the opportunity to learn about a number of crime prevention programs, including Crime Free Multi-Housing, Kidzwatch, CleanSweep and the Juvenile Intervention Program. I was also able to share some of the crime prevention strategies and policies we have in place in WA, in particular, the Responsible Parenting Initiative.

Big thanks to Carl, Ron, Molly, Steve, Sylvia and Jodi for spending time with me and especially Sue for driving me around all day!

Day 35: Smiley libraries and mountain bikes

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:13:00 +0000

Yesterday we had a full day - starting the day at 6.45am at the Redlands Sunrise Rotary Meeting, followed by a vocational day. I spent time at the A.K. Smiley Library which was a wonderful building - perhaps the best Library I've seen in terms of architecture! Special thanks to Don McCue and the staff at the Library for such an interesting morning.

After lunch, we headed to the University of Redlands and I spent some time with Charlotte Burgess, Dean of Student Life discussing the centenary of the University of Redlands, gaining many interesting potential ideas for the University of Western Australia centenary which is being held in 2011. I then headed to Armacost Library at the University to hear about their services and programmes, including their Library blog and use of IM in reference. Thanks for the staff at the University for their time.

In the afternoon Suzanne, Clare and I went on a mountain bike ride. We rode with a group that meets a number of times a week to ride. They were very patient with us and made us feel right at home.

Let me just say that the uphill took a lot longer than the downhill! It was a little scary at times, but lots of fun.

Thanks to Adrien (Redlands Sunrise) and all of the bike riding crew, as well as our hosts for arranging and driving us around, as well as for dinner afterwards at Chipotle and Yogurt Paradise!