Caroline again, sorry - this time from 'back home' in Phoenix, where it is Rather Hot compared to the Canyon! I can't believe it has been five weeks since I was last at the lovely home of Charles and Wilma, but it is like home and it's wonderful being here.
Our afternoon on the rim of the Canyon was wonderful. We had shade and water, and even ambience when Don Schiller serenaded us all on flute (a man of many talents), but it was hot and we did end up getting a bit more imaginative than usual:
The cheeky neighbourhood squirrel was given the name Garreth and climbed onto my lap (rabies be damned, he was cute and left darling tiny dusty footprints on my trousers);
Sally and I played "Mr Squiggle" (they didn't have him, over here, by the way) - I feel Sally's depiction of "a very angry man who is scared of air" is deserving of a place on the fridge, Al and Jo.
At last night's Conference dinner the company was treated to a performance by members of the Arizona Broadway Theatre. They were amazing and, to all US Rotarians, if you haven't yet seen "Rotary, the Musical", you must - it is very clever and very funny!
This morning's farewells were emotional as we said goodbye (but only goodbye FOR NOW) to some of our wonderful, kind, generous and fun new friends. I want to name some of you but it wouldn't be fair - there are too many. But we include among our new loved ones Uppi, Raj, Nami, Sushma and Umesh from the Indian team; and I must make mention of Mike King who wrote us a truly excellent poem - thank you!!!!!!!!!!
Can I just take the opportunity to thank our Blog Followers? We understand not all our (myriad) fans have not necessarily been able to join as Followers and we understand not everybody has been in a position to make comments. But, those who have, you have no idea how much we've appreciated knowing you're there, and that you're reading.
Enough, Caroline! I need to go and figure out how to get 300 lb to weigh 50 lb in preparation for tomorrow's flight. [I mean my luggage, not me.]
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
It's nearly over! Oh my gosh!
Greetings from lunchtime during the Rotary District Conference in Tusayan, the newest town in Arizona, having only been incorporated months ago. We are all staying at the Grand Canyon Squire Inn, just outside the Grand Canyon National Park.
We have been so happy to reunite with so many of our friends that we have met during the past few weeks. Also, last night we were treated to a dance performance by the gorgeous Sushma, GSE Team Member from India.
This morning we made our very last presentation, to District Conference. Thank you to the kind people who said we did a good job; we meant everything we said.
Now we are off to the rim of the Canyon once more, this time to meet and greet Rotarians on an afternoon excursion.
Tomorrow we head back to Phoenix to finish off our GSE journey. (Although, our own adventure is not quite at an end - two nights in Vegas to follow!)
What will we do without our blog to maintain? What will we do without one another???? Must it really end????
We have been so happy to reunite with so many of our friends that we have met during the past few weeks. Also, last night we were treated to a dance performance by the gorgeous Sushma, GSE Team Member from India.
This morning we made our very last presentation, to District Conference. Thank you to the kind people who said we did a good job; we meant everything we said.
Now we are off to the rim of the Canyon once more, this time to meet and greet Rotarians on an afternoon excursion.
Tomorrow we head back to Phoenix to finish off our GSE journey. (Although, our own adventure is not quite at an end - two nights in Vegas to follow!)
What will we do without our blog to maintain? What will we do without one another???? Must it really end????
Friday, May 14, 2010
Another one bites the dust!
So much to say since our last Blog, but so much of it cannot be put into words and pictures do not come close to providing any sort of an explanation either...but more of that later.
Tuesday morning started with a trip to South Mountain (sadly not Camelback :P) with the lovely Lisa and always smiling Craig as our guides for the morning. Maury, our wonderful driver scaled the mountain in our fabulous tour bus like a pro. Thanks Maury for keeping us at ease - they were some sheer drops on those bends.
After our many photo opportunities we headed off to meet Bruce and Tina at 360 Adventures (www.360-adventures.com) for an afternoon of FUN! Bruce and Tina offer team building as part of their operations, and we were very fortunate to be hosted at their own private residence where we had an opportunity to mingle with the dogs, cats, chickens and donkey, all before we participated in the 'Salsa Challenge'. We were split into 2 groups of 4 (my group was Sal, Caroline, Lisa and I) where we were required to create a salsa recipe, make the salsa, create a logo and a 30 second commercial promoting our product. Both teams made each other roar with laughter because we were all a bit cheeky, but due to good judgement, we WON! Woot!
To help with the salsa challenge, Bruce made some very tasty margaritas which I think helped get us over the line. Chef extraordinaire Bruce cooked up a feast of Fajitas, beans and Mexican rice for lunch, with our own home made salsas to top the fajitas off nicely. If ever you are in Arizona and seeking some adventure, I suggest you look up 360 adventures. Thanks Lisa, Tina, Bruce and Craig for a fantastic day!
On Wednesday we hit the road to Camp Verde where we were met by Lee and Elsa, Caroline's hosts for the next two nights, who then drove us up to the Grand Canyon. Another sad farewell was had as we sad goodbye to the very hospitable and always smiling Maury. Thanks Maury - you really are a true gentleman.
The drive to the Grand Canyon took most of the day and we arrived at the Canyon mid afternoon. My new host 'mum' Clarinda took me for a brief walking tour around the Southern Rim of the canyon, where the hotels are before John picked us back up. To my absolute delight and complete unexpected surprise, Clarinda was able to organise an impromptu chopper flight for me of the Grand Canyon. It was an absolute highlight of the trip and I strongly suggest doing it if you are ever at the Canyon. It doesn't even begin to show the sheer magnitude of the Canyon, but it's a good start. There was still plenty of snow on the North Rim which was pretty to see from the air.
After coming back down to earth, it was a quiet night in, in preparation for today's adventure - HIKING THE GRAND CANYON!!!!!
The team met at 8.30 this morning to start our hike into the Canyon on the Kaibab Trail. The hike in was relatively easy, but it was extremely steep and there were lots of stairs and loose ground. At one point I lost my footing and landed hard on the side of my foot, spraining my ankle quite severely and ripping a decent chunk off the top of my finger. Thanks to John's walking poles saving me from a much greater fall, I can be grateful that I didn't break my ankle. Thanks Elaine for patching me up. I soldiered on regardless, as we were 3/4 of the way down the trail...but coming back up was going to be interesting.
No words can describe how awe struck I was today. The Grand Canyon is without a doubt the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Every part of the Canyon is so different, and as the day and the light changes, so does the Canyon. It was great to have Clarinda and Elaine on the hike with us, as they were both so knowledgeable about the Canyon and everything in it, so there was plenty of information to take in.
The hike back up to the starting point was slow and steady (for me anyway). Peter was kind enough to stay with me and take the slow walk back up the trail. I tell you what, those girls are a fit bunch - they were up the top in no time. Just as the top of the trail was in sight, we had to move out of the way of the Mules which were coming back up the trail from the base of the Canyon. It was great to see them in action, and they were absolutely beautiful Mules - for some reason I expected them to be a bit unfortunate looking, but that wasn't the case.
After the hike we met up with Lee and Elsa for some lunch and then took a wander down to the Watch Tower. Unfortunately due to my ankle I didn't climb to the top, but the others did, so I will have to rely on them for photos.
I am not sitting at home, with my ankle iced and in the air, looking at my photos from today and trying to take in today. It was an amazing experience and very grounding (literally haha). The last day and a half have provided me with two wonderful memories that I will never forget. Thanks Clarinda for giving me the opportunity to make these memories - I am forever indebted to you.
Enough of the ramblings...now for the pictures...
Tuesday morning started with a trip to South Mountain (sadly not Camelback :P) with the lovely Lisa and always smiling Craig as our guides for the morning. Maury, our wonderful driver scaled the mountain in our fabulous tour bus like a pro. Thanks Maury for keeping us at ease - they were some sheer drops on those bends.
After our many photo opportunities we headed off to meet Bruce and Tina at 360 Adventures (www.360-adventures.com) for an afternoon of FUN! Bruce and Tina offer team building as part of their operations, and we were very fortunate to be hosted at their own private residence where we had an opportunity to mingle with the dogs, cats, chickens and donkey, all before we participated in the 'Salsa Challenge'. We were split into 2 groups of 4 (my group was Sal, Caroline, Lisa and I) where we were required to create a salsa recipe, make the salsa, create a logo and a 30 second commercial promoting our product. Both teams made each other roar with laughter because we were all a bit cheeky, but due to good judgement, we WON! Woot!
To help with the salsa challenge, Bruce made some very tasty margaritas which I think helped get us over the line. Chef extraordinaire Bruce cooked up a feast of Fajitas, beans and Mexican rice for lunch, with our own home made salsas to top the fajitas off nicely. If ever you are in Arizona and seeking some adventure, I suggest you look up 360 adventures. Thanks Lisa, Tina, Bruce and Craig for a fantastic day!
On Wednesday we hit the road to Camp Verde where we were met by Lee and Elsa, Caroline's hosts for the next two nights, who then drove us up to the Grand Canyon. Another sad farewell was had as we sad goodbye to the very hospitable and always smiling Maury. Thanks Maury - you really are a true gentleman.
The drive to the Grand Canyon took most of the day and we arrived at the Canyon mid afternoon. My new host 'mum' Clarinda took me for a brief walking tour around the Southern Rim of the canyon, where the hotels are before John picked us back up. To my absolute delight and complete unexpected surprise, Clarinda was able to organise an impromptu chopper flight for me of the Grand Canyon. It was an absolute highlight of the trip and I strongly suggest doing it if you are ever at the Canyon. It doesn't even begin to show the sheer magnitude of the Canyon, but it's a good start. There was still plenty of snow on the North Rim which was pretty to see from the air.
After coming back down to earth, it was a quiet night in, in preparation for today's adventure - HIKING THE GRAND CANYON!!!!!
The team met at 8.30 this morning to start our hike into the Canyon on the Kaibab Trail. The hike in was relatively easy, but it was extremely steep and there were lots of stairs and loose ground. At one point I lost my footing and landed hard on the side of my foot, spraining my ankle quite severely and ripping a decent chunk off the top of my finger. Thanks to John's walking poles saving me from a much greater fall, I can be grateful that I didn't break my ankle. Thanks Elaine for patching me up. I soldiered on regardless, as we were 3/4 of the way down the trail...but coming back up was going to be interesting.
No words can describe how awe struck I was today. The Grand Canyon is without a doubt the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Every part of the Canyon is so different, and as the day and the light changes, so does the Canyon. It was great to have Clarinda and Elaine on the hike with us, as they were both so knowledgeable about the Canyon and everything in it, so there was plenty of information to take in.
The hike back up to the starting point was slow and steady (for me anyway). Peter was kind enough to stay with me and take the slow walk back up the trail. I tell you what, those girls are a fit bunch - they were up the top in no time. Just as the top of the trail was in sight, we had to move out of the way of the Mules which were coming back up the trail from the base of the Canyon. It was great to see them in action, and they were absolutely beautiful Mules - for some reason I expected them to be a bit unfortunate looking, but that wasn't the case.
After the hike we met up with Lee and Elsa for some lunch and then took a wander down to the Watch Tower. Unfortunately due to my ankle I didn't climb to the top, but the others did, so I will have to rely on them for photos.
I am not sitting at home, with my ankle iced and in the air, looking at my photos from today and trying to take in today. It was an amazing experience and very grounding (literally haha). The last day and a half have provided me with two wonderful memories that I will never forget. Thanks Clarinda for giving me the opportunity to make these memories - I am forever indebted to you.
Enough of the ramblings...now for the pictures...
Grand Canyon from the sky
Very excited!
Sal at the Grand Canyon
Sal and I at 'ooh-ahh' (sp?) Point
Kirsty at Cedar Ridge - our turnaround point.
Me partaking in my first ever piece of Beef Jerky - interesting...a little like overcooked kangaroo, but tastier!
The team at Cedar Ridge, paying homage to Kingman :p
The mules doing their thing
More mules
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Photos capturing yesterdays shenanigans
At the Phoenix Convention Centre
Chef Jesus cooking up a breakfast storm in his wonderful purpose built kitchen that he cooked for us in
Caroline and Jesus - two people very passionate about food!
The team after we completely stuffed ourselves on our 'continental' breakfast!
Scorpions in high heels - yes please!
Coopertown - Alice Cooper's bar! Woot!
Tourists? Indeed!
Charlie's Angels strike again...
Oops I ate too much
Who would have thought it? We seem to have eaten too much.
Mother's Day was a lovely day for us all. Kirsty spent time with Craig and Mary's family, while Maurie, Sally, Sarah and Caroline joined Peter, Fred and Agi at Fred and Agi's daughter's place. Sharon and her husband Phillip are fabulous cooks and fed us too much but hey, as Agi says, "Eat! You diet when you go home!"
(Thank you Sharon, Phillip, Marcus and Ilan, and Phillip's parents and Molly who we hope to see in Australia SOON.)
Back to work on Monday 10 May - how rude! But oh my gosh, what a day.
At the Phoenix Convention Center we were hosted by Cynthia, who has been a GSE team-member herself. The Convention Center in its current structure is only a couple of years old and is a really beautiful facility. We were impressed by the public art, the environmentally sustainable practices and the decor. But most of all we were impressed by the philosophy adopted by the management and staff. How refreshing to find a government 'office' that is so focused, not only on customers but on its staff. Regular Line-ups for networking, sharing good news and recognising one another are only one aspect of the operation. Really fantastic, place - thank you to everybody who joined us and showed us around!
The BEST bit, however, was the element that sets the facility apart from other convention facilities - the Innovation Kitchen! Clients are invited to this secret hideaway for tastings and sampling to select menus for their events. We too were treated to the experience, with renowned Chef Jesus Cibrian. You would not believe the food we were served! They said it would be a Continental Breakfast, but it was three courses and hot; and served by the man himself. A lovely, funny, entertaining, clever man - no wonder he has a regular television segment. Thank you for your hospitality, Jesus!
Not full enough from Mother's Day and breakfast, we moved on to Moses Anshell, dynamic advertising agency... where we were served lunch while we met with many members of the big team. We wished we could spend more time there - even if only to shoot some hoops in the inhouse basketball court... But no, we had to move on again...
To the Arizona Office of Tourism. We were honoured to meet with The agency Director and several members of the AZOT team, who gave us so much time and were happy to answer all our questions. Brian, we got your email already, thank you so much. Yes, yes, we want to keep in touch, keep exchanging information and would LOVE for you to come and visit us some time too.
A huge day, but not over yet... Last night we were joined by many of our Phoenix friends for dinner at a hot Chinese restaurant named George & Sons. [Andrew - from the team that came here last year - we hear you "went nuts" about this place and we can see why!!] The food was AWESOME. We waddled home and rolled ourselves into bed last night, sobbing, "No more, please, no more."
Everything is going well. I am travelling with some of the funniest chicks I have ever met. If only I could get Sally to laugh with one of my brilliant jokes. She's a hard nut to crack, that one. Just saying.
Mother's Day was a lovely day for us all. Kirsty spent time with Craig and Mary's family, while Maurie, Sally, Sarah and Caroline joined Peter, Fred and Agi at Fred and Agi's daughter's place. Sharon and her husband Phillip are fabulous cooks and fed us too much but hey, as Agi says, "Eat! You diet when you go home!"
(Thank you Sharon, Phillip, Marcus and Ilan, and Phillip's parents and Molly who we hope to see in Australia SOON.)
Back to work on Monday 10 May - how rude! But oh my gosh, what a day.
At the Phoenix Convention Center we were hosted by Cynthia, who has been a GSE team-member herself. The Convention Center in its current structure is only a couple of years old and is a really beautiful facility. We were impressed by the public art, the environmentally sustainable practices and the decor. But most of all we were impressed by the philosophy adopted by the management and staff. How refreshing to find a government 'office' that is so focused, not only on customers but on its staff. Regular Line-ups for networking, sharing good news and recognising one another are only one aspect of the operation. Really fantastic, place - thank you to everybody who joined us and showed us around!
The BEST bit, however, was the element that sets the facility apart from other convention facilities - the Innovation Kitchen! Clients are invited to this secret hideaway for tastings and sampling to select menus for their events. We too were treated to the experience, with renowned Chef Jesus Cibrian. You would not believe the food we were served! They said it would be a Continental Breakfast, but it was three courses and hot; and served by the man himself. A lovely, funny, entertaining, clever man - no wonder he has a regular television segment. Thank you for your hospitality, Jesus!
Not full enough from Mother's Day and breakfast, we moved on to Moses Anshell, dynamic advertising agency... where we were served lunch while we met with many members of the big team. We wished we could spend more time there - even if only to shoot some hoops in the inhouse basketball court... But no, we had to move on again...
To the Arizona Office of Tourism. We were honoured to meet with The agency Director and several members of the AZOT team, who gave us so much time and were happy to answer all our questions. Brian, we got your email already, thank you so much. Yes, yes, we want to keep in touch, keep exchanging information and would LOVE for you to come and visit us some time too.
A huge day, but not over yet... Last night we were joined by many of our Phoenix friends for dinner at a hot Chinese restaurant named George & Sons. [Andrew - from the team that came here last year - we hear you "went nuts" about this place and we can see why!!] The food was AWESOME. We waddled home and rolled ourselves into bed last night, sobbing, "No more, please, no more."
Everything is going well. I am travelling with some of the funniest chicks I have ever met. If only I could get Sally to laugh with one of my brilliant jokes. She's a hard nut to crack, that one. Just saying.
Monday, May 10, 2010
There's always time for a photo montage...
Saturday was a relaxing day for us all, when we had the opportunity to kick back, catch up on some rest and spend some time talking to our families for Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there reading our blog.
Our host 'mum and dad' Maury and Kathy hosted a great party at our house on Saturday night with all of the other host families and the team invited over for what turned out to be quite the night. With Sarah, Caroline and I all staying here with Maury and Kathy, it is becoming quite the party house.
Enjoy the images of the last week...
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Beautiful glass artistry by Dave Chihuly at Desert Botanical Gardens.
The girls taking in the surroundings at the Heard Museum.
Sal being very studious at the Space Centre.
The A Team - Kirsty & Caroline keeping us musically entertained on Saturday night.
A Wickenburg Sunset.
The gang with Jim Corbet and the lovely weiner Lucy.
Our host 'mum and dad' Maury and Kathy hosted a great party at our house on Saturday night with all of the other host families and the team invited over for what turned out to be quite the night. With Sarah, Caroline and I all staying here with Maury and Kathy, it is becoming quite the party house.
Enjoy the images of the last week...
.JPG)
Beautiful glass artistry by Dave Chihuly at Desert Botanical Gardens.
The girls taking in the surroundings at the Heard Museum.
Sal being very studious at the Space Centre.
The A Team - Kirsty & Caroline keeping us musically entertained on Saturday night.
A Wickenburg Sunset.
The gang with Jim Corbet and the lovely weiner Lucy.
Mum (Sals mum) this a Mothers Day picture for you!
Happy Mothers Day!
I just wanted to wish everyone a special day. I know you have 'been there done that' before us here in the States but you know we are on US time here.
To Caroline's, Sarah's and Sally's Mums I would also just like to share that you have done great jobs with your girls as they made me feel very special last night and I am so proud to be sharing this trip with them all. Peter too probably did a better job than Jamie ('you're not my Mother') as I received a lovely card from him. I will congratulate you Libby on your training!.
Today I will share with Mary and Craig's family in Anthem, not far from Phoenix. Pizza and relaxing are in order (sounds good to me..). Tomorrow we have a full program so I will make the most of their 'family' time.
We are on a count down now. It is fair to say all of us have been thinking of home and the fact our trip is almost over. It is great to see comments and to know friends and family are sharing our journey..
To Caroline's, Sarah's and Sally's Mums I would also just like to share that you have done great jobs with your girls as they made me feel very special last night and I am so proud to be sharing this trip with them all. Peter too probably did a better job than Jamie ('you're not my Mother') as I received a lovely card from him. I will congratulate you Libby on your training!.
Today I will share with Mary and Craig's family in Anthem, not far from Phoenix. Pizza and relaxing are in order (sounds good to me..). Tomorrow we have a full program so I will make the most of their 'family' time.
We are on a count down now. It is fair to say all of us have been thinking of home and the fact our trip is almost over. It is great to see comments and to know friends and family are sharing our journey..
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