Mike Carmody reports in from Australia
VTT Blog 2- April 29, 2011:
At long last an internet opportunity to update everyone on our adventure to Australia and soon to East Timor.
We arrived on the 27th safe and sound and in good shape. The flights coming down were enjoyable, comfortable and very long. Service on the airlines was quite nice and most everyone had the opportunity for some much needed sleep.
We have enjoyed each other very much and the team is really functioning as a team. Communication is high and productive. We have all looked forward to finally being in Australia and our expectations, for the most part, have been met and/or exceeded.
Everyone is missing someone back home and it has taken quite a bit of effort to finally connect to the internet and reach out. Connections have been made and I think it has helped everyone to feel connected back home.
We were met by Rotarians led by Tony Goddard at the Proserpine Airport and taken to a very nice resort to have the opportunity to catch up on some sleep. However, first we went to dinner and enjoyed some fine Australian XXXX Gold beer. Some more than others….lol.
We had a very nice briefing meeting with Tony Goddard, VTT Chairman-AU, and Allan Church the District Governor of District 9550. We finally felt connected to our schedule here in Australia. More lunches, dinners and XXXX Gold beer followed until we were introduced to our host families….I think it’s safe to say, to a person, we have all been blessed with tremendous hosts. The friendliness and hospitality has been above exceptional. But of course that is the way Rotarians across the globe behave.
We had the opportunity to go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef today, Friday, but ultimately had a bit of disappointment….it was so windy today that it was deemed unsafe to offload us after the seaplane landed next to the Reef that we had to settle for a long fly over and photo opportunities. Words cannot describe the beauty of that living creature called the Great Barrier Reef. It is spectacular. After a couple hours of flying/sightseeing we returned for yet another lunch with our hosts. More XXXX Gold beer.
Sorry to tell you Derek but the availability of Guinness is very limited but we carry on.
This evening we are attending the District Conference opening reception on board a huge ship in the harbor. Tomorrow is the official opening of the 2010-11 District 9550 District Conference.
Now it’s time for a nice swim, a nap and possibly some more XXXX Gold beer. Yes, I know it seems that a trend is setting in but please remember “it’s a dirty job but someone has to do it”…..fortunately it has fallen on the shoulders of the VTT Team from District 6400. We will carry on…..more later.
Mike