Wednesday, March 31, 2010
31st March 2010
Well our time at High Point came to an end today. Our host families delivered us to the parking lot for the last time. After a number of photos and goodbyes we were all taken to jail by Lt Al Fergusson. We had a personal tour through the jail, including the Segregation Unit and General Population Housing Unit. It was amazing to get into these areas as there is no chance of ever touring these areas in an Australian Prison. Afterwards we returned to the String and Splinter Club for a tour of the Furniture Show Rooms. With High Point being the Furniture Capital of the world it is no surprise that it has more than 12 million square feet of furniture show room space. We were then driven to the Morris residence for a wonderful lunch and more photographs. Al brought his Tactical AR15 Semi-automatic rifle to lunch for Mel's dining pleasure and she refused to let go of the firearm when she got hold of it. After lunch we were driven towards Mt Airy where we were met by Doug and Amanda Yarbaro and Carol Burke for the rest of our trip. We got a personal tour of Pilot Mountain by the parks ranger. Afterwards we met up with our new host families and returned home for the night. I would like to take this oportunity to thank everyone in the High Point area for their hospitality, and efforts in making this GSE experiance so magnificent. We look forward to the rest of our GSE, with high expectations after our High Point visit. Mel will post the misadventure of the day in the coming hours or day.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Misadventure of the day
Well there are no suprises here, as once again Steve is featuring in the misadventure of the day. This morning we had a vocational day, not only did Steve nearly get punched by a drunk driver at the High Point Police Station, he also managed to leave his jacket somewhere. I have a feeling Steve will feature in the misadventure of the day for the rest of our exchange.
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Wow!!! I would be here for a while if I posted all that has been happening, but can I tell you...... this is fantastic!!.
We had another vocational day with Chris, Steve & I provided with another great opportunity to ride along with the Highpoint Police Department. They were great!!. We attended jobs as they came up as they work in a single officer unit. We arrested a UIL driver (drink driver) today and took him to the jail.
The boys treated us to a personalised tour of the firing range and their training program is so comprehensive and impressive (and let me assure you that given the firearm issues they face... it needs to be!!). We also visited a local gun shop. We had photos with semi-automatic weapons and some classic firearms - although I am not a gun nut, even I was impressed, however scared to think that any person can purchase one with a successful police check and take it home - no wonder the officers here wear body armour every day and carry not only their police issue glock with 46 rounds, they also carry a semi-automatic firearm in the boot, a shot gun, maybe another firearm strapped to their ankle and then in case all of that does not work, a knife too!!!
Yesterday, the Chief of Police met with us and we were privvy to a fantastic initiative that has really targetted and changed the drug related violence in Highpoint. Needless to say, we are on a high!!
We had lunch with the Rotary Club of Triad who were flexible and changed venues and agendas due to a change in our program (the Tornado clean up meant that our SWAT demonstration could not take place). Their hospitality was appreciated so thankyou.
Tonight we enjoyed a great meal with our hosts (or should I say friends) from Highpoint at the Liberty Steak house and tasted the local beer. Much, much laughter and smiles all round!!. We are sad to leave Highpoint tomorrow but know that we have made some great friends.
Mel will post the misadventure of the day later. Till then, to all our friends in Highpoint, thank you so very much for welcoming us into your homes and really taking the time to make this such a fantastic experience. You have set the bar high and we look forward to catching up and spending our last day together tomorrow.
We had another vocational day with Chris, Steve & I provided with another great opportunity to ride along with the Highpoint Police Department. They were great!!. We attended jobs as they came up as they work in a single officer unit. We arrested a UIL driver (drink driver) today and took him to the jail.
The boys treated us to a personalised tour of the firing range and their training program is so comprehensive and impressive (and let me assure you that given the firearm issues they face... it needs to be!!). We also visited a local gun shop. We had photos with semi-automatic weapons and some classic firearms - although I am not a gun nut, even I was impressed, however scared to think that any person can purchase one with a successful police check and take it home - no wonder the officers here wear body armour every day and carry not only their police issue glock with 46 rounds, they also carry a semi-automatic firearm in the boot, a shot gun, maybe another firearm strapped to their ankle and then in case all of that does not work, a knife too!!!
Yesterday, the Chief of Police met with us and we were privvy to a fantastic initiative that has really targetted and changed the drug related violence in Highpoint. Needless to say, we are on a high!!
We had lunch with the Rotary Club of Triad who were flexible and changed venues and agendas due to a change in our program (the Tornado clean up meant that our SWAT demonstration could not take place). Their hospitality was appreciated so thankyou.
Tonight we enjoyed a great meal with our hosts (or should I say friends) from Highpoint at the Liberty Steak house and tasted the local beer. Much, much laughter and smiles all round!!. We are sad to leave Highpoint tomorrow but know that we have made some great friends.
Mel will post the misadventure of the day later. Till then, to all our friends in Highpoint, thank you so very much for welcoming us into your homes and really taking the time to make this such a fantastic experience. You have set the bar high and we look forward to catching up and spending our last day together tomorrow.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Great Vocational Day
We had a great day today. We met Mayor Smothers, who although had an extremely busy day due to the Tornados that had caused damage the night before, was extremely firendly and welcoming.
We also visited Hunter Valley Farms, which is a dairy processing plant, we ate icecream sandwiches which were divine.
We also completed our first presentation at the Furnitureland Rotary meeting today which went really well. Everyone in the team did a great job.
On a personal note I had a fantastic vocational day. Meeting with the Visitor & Convention Bureau, the High Point Economic Development Officer and the Chamber of Commerce who were kindly donated their fantastic facility by a now local business man, Zaki, who is truly an inspiration.
Misadventure of the Day
Misadventure of the Day
It can't possibly be, but yes it is, pick on Steve day again. Firstly, Steve has been participating in some non scheduled vocational training. As we all know his beautiful wife Nat is pregnant with their first child, so diligently Steve has been practicing chqanging the nappies of his host families baby. (Nat he is a keeper).
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday 28 March 2010
Talk about experiencing the extremes!!. We have had a lovely rest day here in Highpoint with our host families. We were treated to a fantastic dinner where each family bought a plate and we met at a local recreation club to share the spoils. We had good old fashioned deep fried chicken and other lovely treats enjoying the company of our host families.
The other spectrum is that tornado's hit Highpoint tonight. Steve, Chris and I were treated to a movie with Al, Jennifer and Tonya. Whilst in the movie theater we heard awful sounds of storms, lightning, thunder and heavy heavy rain. Upon exiting, Al (A lietenant in the Highpoint Police Department) got the call that just shocked us all. A tornado has hit Highpoint and about 30 houses were damaged. We are currently on tornado warnings.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to our now expanding number of friends in North Carolina as Greensboro, Highpoint and other surrounding towns are also experiencing the freak of nature that is tornado's.
I would love to post more but in the light of all of this, it all seeems insignificant. To date, as far as we are aware, we are all fine and the friends we have met are fine. I hope it stays this way.
The other spectrum is that tornado's hit Highpoint tonight. Steve, Chris and I were treated to a movie with Al, Jennifer and Tonya. Whilst in the movie theater we heard awful sounds of storms, lightning, thunder and heavy heavy rain. Upon exiting, Al (A lietenant in the Highpoint Police Department) got the call that just shocked us all. A tornado has hit Highpoint and about 30 houses were damaged. We are currently on tornado warnings.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to our now expanding number of friends in North Carolina as Greensboro, Highpoint and other surrounding towns are also experiencing the freak of nature that is tornado's.
I would love to post more but in the light of all of this, it all seeems insignificant. To date, as far as we are aware, we are all fine and the friends we have met are fine. I hope it stays this way.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
High Point Rotary Club Host Families
Well the day has come to embark on a new adventure with our host families from the Rotary Club of High Point. This morning we had brunch and were welcomed by our closest 30 friends from North Carolina Rotary Clubs. We were all introduced and spoke shortly about ourselves. Tony concluded with a North Carolinian Toast.
We all are now with our host families and I am sure everyone is having a great time.
My host Ann Hanks, and yes her brother is Tom Hanks (not the famous Tom Hanks, but Tom Hanks nevertheless.) I am having a wonderful time. I have visited the University of North Carolina in which Ann attended, it was beautiful the buildings are amazing. She has definately convinced me into being a UNC fan. (They are basketball champions, except for this year where their team was apparently bad????). I purchased a UNC sweatshirt (or as Helen would call it a hoodie) which I have already worn.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Ann's mother who is a true comedian. She is a great story teller. Geese have settled near her home which she thoroughly dislikes as they leave a mess, so at 83 she fires a cap gun (not a real gun) at them to scare them away, she also uses a laser light and may even chase them if necessary. She is also a very wild gopha driver and insists she flies along on it.
I went grocery shopping with Ann tonight, which was an experience in itself. I did find many products that are not available in Australia, the grossest thing being "cheese in a can" which is cheese in an aerosol can that you can spray on biscuits.
Misadventure of the Day
As we are all at our host families tonight I am unaware of the misadventure of the day, however, would love to know what it is. The team will write on the blog and let us know soon.
We all are now with our host families and I am sure everyone is having a great time.
My host Ann Hanks, and yes her brother is Tom Hanks (not the famous Tom Hanks, but Tom Hanks nevertheless.) I am having a wonderful time. I have visited the University of North Carolina in which Ann attended, it was beautiful the buildings are amazing. She has definately convinced me into being a UNC fan. (They are basketball champions, except for this year where their team was apparently bad????). I purchased a UNC sweatshirt (or as Helen would call it a hoodie) which I have already worn.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Ann's mother who is a true comedian. She is a great story teller. Geese have settled near her home which she thoroughly dislikes as they leave a mess, so at 83 she fires a cap gun (not a real gun) at them to scare them away, she also uses a laser light and may even chase them if necessary. She is also a very wild gopha driver and insists she flies along on it.
I went grocery shopping with Ann tonight, which was an experience in itself. I did find many products that are not available in Australia, the grossest thing being "cheese in a can" which is cheese in an aerosol can that you can spray on biscuits.
Misadventure of the Day
As we are all at our host families tonight I am unaware of the misadventure of the day, however, would love to know what it is. The team will write on the blog and let us know soon.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday 26 March 2010
The first thing to mention today is that Steve's luggage arrived (at 03:30am in the morning!!!). Needless to say, he missed the scheduled early morning walk, but Mel and I stayed on schedule and soldiered on. After a comfortable night in the lovely O.Henry Hotel, we braved the cold to walk off some of the calories consumed the night before.
We enjoyed our first North Carolina specialty and true to our commitment to Mitzy and Cookie had grits for breakfast. Grits is a corn/cereal dish that is eaten like porridge. Next time we will mix it with salt and butter (or lots of butter !!) as this is how it should be eaten.
Some free time in the morning and then we had a most enjoyable lunch spent with some representatives from the Rotary Club of Summit. Ellen, Terry, Claudia and Joe organised for some traditional North Carolina or Southern food to be served and it is fair to say that all the plates were cleaned up nicely. A lot of laughter and warmth was shared and we exchanged our first Club Banners.
The evening saw us picked up by representatives from the Rotary Club of East Greensboro. Mary, James, Jim and Rudy (my apologies if I have spelt it wrong) took us all out to dinner (can you see a theme happening here guys!! I am going to need a lot more walks!!). Again laughter and good spirit was shared and now we are all safely back in the hotel, looking forward to meeting our hosts from the Rotary Club of Highpoint.
Misadventure of the day
I tried to look after Mel, truly I did, but when leaving LA, the woman who had painstakingly organised for our personal business cards to be printed (and y'all have to see them to believe them, they look great) left hers behind in the hotel.
However team brainstorming from the men and a mad rush to the shops saw a quick photo taken and business cards produced within about 4 hours. We feel the theme of losing things is beginning and hope it ends there.
.
We enjoyed our first North Carolina specialty and true to our commitment to Mitzy and Cookie had grits for breakfast. Grits is a corn/cereal dish that is eaten like porridge. Next time we will mix it with salt and butter (or lots of butter !!) as this is how it should be eaten.
Some free time in the morning and then we had a most enjoyable lunch spent with some representatives from the Rotary Club of Summit. Ellen, Terry, Claudia and Joe organised for some traditional North Carolina or Southern food to be served and it is fair to say that all the plates were cleaned up nicely. A lot of laughter and warmth was shared and we exchanged our first Club Banners.
The evening saw us picked up by representatives from the Rotary Club of East Greensboro. Mary, James, Jim and Rudy (my apologies if I have spelt it wrong) took us all out to dinner (can you see a theme happening here guys!! I am going to need a lot more walks!!). Again laughter and good spirit was shared and now we are all safely back in the hotel, looking forward to meeting our hosts from the Rotary Club of Highpoint.
Misadventure of the day
I tried to look after Mel, truly I did, but when leaving LA, the woman who had painstakingly organised for our personal business cards to be printed (and y'all have to see them to believe them, they look great) left hers behind in the hotel.
However team brainstorming from the men and a mad rush to the shops saw a quick photo taken and business cards produced within about 4 hours. We feel the theme of losing things is beginning and hope it ends there.
.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday 25th March 2010
Today started at the ripe morning time of 4:30am to check out of our hotel in LA by 5am. We got to LA airport on a shittle bus and stood in line after line after line to check our bags, then give the checked bags to be scanned, the through Security, then to get coffee (We had to), then to board the plane. I got slugged an extra $50 for an overweight bag, even though i only had one bag and we were allowed two. We flew to Dallas Airport, had only 40 minutes to get off our plane, get the train from terminal E to terminal B and board the new plane to Greensboro. It seems that my overweight bag that cost me an extra $50 was too heavy to carry to the plane in time and was subsequently not at Greensboro when i arrived. It has since been found and may be here by midnight tonight. Until then i have a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, nothing else at all. We were met at Greensboro Airport by Cookie, Mitzi and many others. It was a great meeting and we were shortly afterwards driven to the O.Henry Hotel. The hotel is beautiful and very comfortable. We were taken to dinner at an amazing Italian Restaurant in Greensboro by Mitzi an Cookie along with Tim. Dinner was very nice and afterwards we returned to the hotel and i spent considerable time trying to locate my bag. We saw a weather forecast that suggested it will be only zero degrees Celcius on Saturday. They are apparantly having a cold front coming through. Tommorow we are planning on walking and having a day to look around Greensboro on our own.
First Day in Greensboro
Well here we are, in Greensboro, North Carolina staying in the O.Henry Hotel which by anyone's standards is very impressive.
We arrived at the airport and were greeted by Rotarians from throughout district 7690, who were waving Australian flags, including the District Governor and Cookie and Mitzie who have done a fantastic job organising the itinerary for our exchange.
We dined at Bravo an Italian Restaurant which was lovely (as we had not eaten all day due to tight schedule of our flights).
The Misadventure of the day
We arrive at the airport in Greensboro all very excited to be here. Accompanied by Rotarians we go to collect our bags when alas Steve's bag has not arrived. He had bad luck today he already paid $50.00 in excess baggage and than for his bag to not arrive it is officially "Steves bad luck day"
We arrived at the airport and were greeted by Rotarians from throughout district 7690, who were waving Australian flags, including the District Governor and Cookie and Mitzie who have done a fantastic job organising the itinerary for our exchange.
We dined at Bravo an Italian Restaurant which was lovely (as we had not eaten all day due to tight schedule of our flights).
The Misadventure of the day
We arrive at the airport in Greensboro all very excited to be here. Accompanied by Rotarians we go to collect our bags when alas Steve's bag has not arrived. He had bad luck today he already paid $50.00 in excess baggage and than for his bag to not arrive it is officially "Steves bad luck day"
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