My brain is tired this afternoon - it was a big day but so good.
First stop was the Glendale Visitor Information Centre (opened in 2000) - interesting to see how it operates, and how Glendale deals with being a place traditionally not a 'tourist destination'. In summary - if you don't have the natural attractions, build 'em. eg Awesome facilities such as the training center (centre, back home) yesterday and the stadium and arena we will see tomorrow. AND make your events unique. eg not just 'Glendale Glitters' at Christmastime - 'Glendale Glitter and Glow' which incorporates lights AND hot air balloons!
Next stop was the only Bead Museum in the world, where Karen, an anthropologist with so much knowledge and passion showed us around. I could have spent about a week there [Mum, you would have spent a month] - it is wonderful and all not-for-profit.
Our Very First Presentation was made today to the Glendale Kachina Rotary Club; thank you to the Club for your hospitality and company. The presentation seemed to go down really well... especially the nude shot of Yass Rotary Club... and I think there is at least one Glendale-based new customer for Helm Winery.
For dessert we were dragged kicking and screaming to the Cerreta's family-owned Candy Factory where our kind guide instructed us to create our own Chocolate Pizzas - loads of fun.
Finally we met with Don at the Glendale Chamber of Commerce (membership base approx 700 businesses) and we took loads of notes and collected information. (So much paper! I shall start mailing it home to myself.)
One of my goals for the GSE has been to learn about tourism and hospitality from a country that is famous for both - and my goodness, the hospitality we have been shown is overwhelming.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
First Day on the job.( The whole 40 inches-sorry an in joke!)
Hello followers of the team having the best time and still talking to each other.
Today we had our first full vocational day in our Rotary shirts of blue in the 'people mover driven by Jim.
We first visited (after the car park gathering/drop off) the Arizona Highways Magazine and its great hosts Win and Jeff. They were so welcoming and gave us a fantastic presentation to take in. The magazine is an institution in many homes and certainly gives readers an advertising free glimpse at what I have decided is the most beautiful state of the great U. S. of A. Call me bias but google and enjoy this great publication, classily giving the secrets of Arizona to us all.
I warn all other participants of this exchange. The bar is now pretty high for vocational visits.
After a yummy lunch.(My stomach has still not decided what continent it is processing on) at The Flying Skillet! -at an airport of course! We headed out to a beautiful new spring training complex where the up and coming and the already there base ball players from the L. A Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox ( I think) practice.
Hay Lara and Lyndsey that is NOT how you spell socks... Sorry I just had to do that.
Charming John, who loved his job and the grass. Showed us around and was a little taken back when I asked him if he had a partner or children.
How was I to know in the States a partner is of the same sex?. Anyway I explained I was happily married (not trying to pick him up) and just wanted to provide him with a couple of gifts if he had 'significant others'.... This amused the team (and confused John and Jim I think).
We took some great photos and Caroline demonstrated her concern regarding flying balls and bats [pictured].
I must admit after a small shopping detour we headed back to the meeting point car park and headed home. I was a little fatigued and glad to relax.
I have found my American cousin I never knew I had! Barb the fruit-a-holic (she openly admits this) is a wonderful host. She has no fear. We had pancakes out of a spray can tonight that she bought because my reaction to this product on our shopping excursion was so hilarious. She just had to get it! Just for the record they were really OK!
We have soaked up a quiet evening and to use a phrase from this mornings presentation. It was sorbet for my soul! to watch Johnny Depp, complete with extras from Barbara who knows everything about our Johnny without stalking him and checking his garbage!
I cant wait for tomorrow! I am still pinching myself that I am here!
Today we had our first full vocational day in our Rotary shirts of blue in the 'people mover driven by Jim.
We first visited (after the car park gathering/drop off) the Arizona Highways Magazine and its great hosts Win and Jeff. They were so welcoming and gave us a fantastic presentation to take in. The magazine is an institution in many homes and certainly gives readers an advertising free glimpse at what I have decided is the most beautiful state of the great U. S. of A. Call me bias but google and enjoy this great publication, classily giving the secrets of Arizona to us all.
I warn all other participants of this exchange. The bar is now pretty high for vocational visits.
After a yummy lunch.(My stomach has still not decided what continent it is processing on) at The Flying Skillet! -at an airport of course! We headed out to a beautiful new spring training complex where the up and coming and the already there base ball players from the L. A Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox ( I think) practice.
Hay Lara and Lyndsey that is NOT how you spell socks... Sorry I just had to do that.
Charming John, who loved his job and the grass. Showed us around and was a little taken back when I asked him if he had a partner or children.
How was I to know in the States a partner is of the same sex?. Anyway I explained I was happily married (not trying to pick him up) and just wanted to provide him with a couple of gifts if he had 'significant others'.... This amused the team (and confused John and Jim I think).
We took some great photos and Caroline demonstrated her concern regarding flying balls and bats [pictured].
I must admit after a small shopping detour we headed back to the meeting point car park and headed home. I was a little fatigued and glad to relax.
I have found my American cousin I never knew I had! Barb the fruit-a-holic (she openly admits this) is a wonderful host. She has no fear. We had pancakes out of a spray can tonight that she bought because my reaction to this product on our shopping excursion was so hilarious. She just had to get it! Just for the record they were really OK!
We have soaked up a quiet evening and to use a phrase from this mornings presentation. It was sorbet for my soul! to watch Johnny Depp, complete with extras from Barbara who knows everything about our Johnny without stalking him and checking his garbage!
I cant wait for tomorrow! I am still pinching myself that I am here!
Sorry - weve been having too much fun so need to bring you all up to date.
Firstly - we now have a local contact number after a bit (lot!!) of messing around - not of our making. If family wish to contact us you may do so on
+1 623 203 6571
It is likely that Peter will answer the phone but, depending on the time of the call - don't forget the time difference, the others won't be far away.
Sunday was a relatively relaxed day and I spent the morning going to a church service with Bev and Jim where we were treated to something a bit from the norm whe the service consisted with a singer, Dave Irish, entertained us with spiritual songs. After the service we went to lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant and then home to watch the Diamond BAcks on Jim's 73" TV (that's not an error it really is thatbig). The home team won 15-4 so we will be taking this up with Craig as to why we went the losing game Saturday night.
Sunday evening we all met up with a number of the members of the Glendale Kachina Club at the Od Spaghetti Factory to share a meal and friendship. Everybody has been so welcoming and supportive and we are lapping it up. It was a good opportunity to mix around and meet a few more of our new friends and share our hopes for he trip.
Monday -the first day of the 'real stuff'. We started out this morning at the 'Arizona Highway' (a magazine on Arizona) offices and were treated to a great presentation from two very committed people, Wyn Holden the publisher and Jeff Kida the photographic editor. Their presentation was informative and relevant to the concerns of encouraging people to come to a 'one attraction State' and stay for the other great areas to visit - very similar to our tourism issues at home. They have certainly set a 'standard'.
After luch with Jim at the The Fying Skillet (Glendale airport - light aircraft) we headed off to the Camelback Ranch - the Spring Traiing complex for the Chicago White Soxs and the LA Dodgers. This is an amazing complex (built at a cost of US$108m last year) where the training of the rookies and the minor league players takes place all year round and the major players come down for one to two months prior to e season. Apparently the fans flock to the area and they will have crowds of 30,000+ to watch their practice games! We were hoste arond the complex by John Patneaude - whom Kirsty will be able to tellou all about (it's ok Jamie it was all very innocent but we weren't going to let Kirsty off lightly! - I'll let her explain).
We managed to survive day one and thoroughly enoyed the experiences including a brief discussion on the advantages of big TVs (you had to be there!).
Firstly - we now have a local contact number after a bit (lot!!) of messing around - not of our making. If family wish to contact us you may do so on
+1 623 203 6571
It is likely that Peter will answer the phone but, depending on the time of the call - don't forget the time difference, the others won't be far away.
Sunday was a relatively relaxed day and I spent the morning going to a church service with Bev and Jim where we were treated to something a bit from the norm whe the service consisted with a singer, Dave Irish, entertained us with spiritual songs. After the service we went to lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant and then home to watch the Diamond BAcks on Jim's 73" TV (that's not an error it really is thatbig). The home team won 15-4 so we will be taking this up with Craig as to why we went the losing game Saturday night.
Sunday evening we all met up with a number of the members of the Glendale Kachina Club at the Od Spaghetti Factory to share a meal and friendship. Everybody has been so welcoming and supportive and we are lapping it up. It was a good opportunity to mix around and meet a few more of our new friends and share our hopes for he trip.
Monday -the first day of the 'real stuff'. We started out this morning at the 'Arizona Highway' (a magazine on Arizona) offices and were treated to a great presentation from two very committed people, Wyn Holden the publisher and Jeff Kida the photographic editor. Their presentation was informative and relevant to the concerns of encouraging people to come to a 'one attraction State' and stay for the other great areas to visit - very similar to our tourism issues at home. They have certainly set a 'standard'.
After luch with Jim at the The Fying Skillet (Glendale airport - light aircraft) we headed off to the Camelback Ranch - the Spring Traiing complex for the Chicago White Soxs and the LA Dodgers. This is an amazing complex (built at a cost of US$108m last year) where the training of the rookies and the minor league players takes place all year round and the major players come down for one to two months prior to e season. Apparently the fans flock to the area and they will have crowds of 30,000+ to watch their practice games! We were hoste arond the complex by John Patneaude - whom Kirsty will be able to tellou all about (it's ok Jamie it was all very innocent but we weren't going to let Kirsty off lightly! - I'll let her explain).
We managed to survive day one and thoroughly enoyed the experiences including a brief discussion on the advantages of big TVs (you had to be there!).
Monday, April 12, 2010
Smuckers Goober - delicious sandwich spread, or communicable disease?
And good morning from Caroline, from the unbelievably beautiful home of Charles and Wilma and Chap.
You know you're in the USA when.... you have dawgs and beer at a ball-game.
Sarah related our ballgame adventure complete with pictures. I just want to add that it was truly overwhelming - the size, the colour, the noise, "Kiss Cam", Margarita Man, "GET your Cotton CANDY" man, the section where spectators watched from an actual swimming pool, the whole spectacle, the nearby child who shrieked "Llllllllllllet's go, Diamondbacks, let's go" in our ears all night.
The singing by a huge school choir of the National Anthem covered us all in goosebumps. My only regret from the night was missing out on an enormous pretzel, and not being allowed to take home a deaf and blind "Aussie" (Australian Shepherd) puppy (Sally has a cruel streak.... that's all I'm saying).
Also please note, while the rest of us had hotdogs, Peter had a 'brat'. Symbolic? I think so.
It's true our vocational experience has not officially begun, yet we have already learnt a fair bit - including how much Phoenix is affected by the current economic crisis. So, how important it is to be able to boast such events as the ball-game and also Nascar which is this weekend. Events bring visitors who spend money; events build community.
This morning I enjoyed going to church with Wilma and Charles and I even knew nearly all the hymns!
Then I accompanied them to Safeway for groceries. Charles was worried I might get overcome by the choices and colours in the cereal aisle but I was remarkably restrained.
And I did not buy the jar of Smuckers Goober, but I was tempted.
On a serious note, while we are having this Amazing Arizona Adventure, our thoughts are also with the people of Poland following the terrible news about the distaster that took the lives of their President, his wife and so many other people.
You know you're in the USA when.... you have dawgs and beer at a ball-game.
Sarah related our ballgame adventure complete with pictures. I just want to add that it was truly overwhelming - the size, the colour, the noise, "Kiss Cam", Margarita Man, "GET your Cotton CANDY" man, the section where spectators watched from an actual swimming pool, the whole spectacle, the nearby child who shrieked "Llllllllllllet's go, Diamondbacks, let's go" in our ears all night.
The singing by a huge school choir of the National Anthem covered us all in goosebumps. My only regret from the night was missing out on an enormous pretzel, and not being allowed to take home a deaf and blind "Aussie" (Australian Shepherd) puppy (Sally has a cruel streak.... that's all I'm saying).
Also please note, while the rest of us had hotdogs, Peter had a 'brat'. Symbolic? I think so.
It's true our vocational experience has not officially begun, yet we have already learnt a fair bit - including how much Phoenix is affected by the current economic crisis. So, how important it is to be able to boast such events as the ball-game and also Nascar which is this weekend. Events bring visitors who spend money; events build community.
This morning I enjoyed going to church with Wilma and Charles and I even knew nearly all the hymns!
Then I accompanied them to Safeway for groceries. Charles was worried I might get overcome by the choices and colours in the cereal aisle but I was remarkably restrained.
And I did not buy the jar of Smuckers Goober, but I was tempted.
On a serious note, while we are having this Amazing Arizona Adventure, our thoughts are also with the people of Poland following the terrible news about the distaster that took the lives of their President, his wife and so many other people.
Let's Go Diamondbacks Let's Go!
What an eventful night last night was. We all experienced our first ever live Baseball game. Unfortunately the Arizona Diamondbacks lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates, but we enjoyed it regardless.
You cannot attend an American baseball game without doing what Americans do - so we indulged in hotdogs and beer. Mind you, the beer was the size of a longneck, so after 2, not a lot of sleep and too much excitement I decided that 2 was enough for me!
I had the opportunity to go to my first ever school prom last night...but unfortunately I was double booked. My host parents, Sue and Tom were attending their last ever Prom, as Tom is retiring from teaching in a matter of weeks (I think the calendar says 20 something days - not that anyone is counting haha). Had I have known, I could have packed a fancy frock and danced the night away with the kids. As the rest of the team was heading to the Baseball and we had planned it all previously, I opted for the Baseball instead. Will I regret not putting myself in the running for Prom Queen? Possibly, but the fun we had at the Baseball made up for it.
As you can see, Peter was having a wonderful time sporting his new hat and mini baseball bat. I am secretly (well not so secretly anymore) thinking that the baseball bat might be used to keep us girls in line on the GSE. However, should the threat of singing eventuate, then maybe we might need to use it.
Speaking of singing, I was treated to Peter and Caroline belting out 'take me to the ballpark' last night. If only I could upload videos to the blog...
The team (minus Kirsty who didnt come on our adventure around the 'Ballpark')
This morning I went for a walk through the Desert, which is literally just outside Sue & Tom's door. I nearly got run over by a Quad bike and had a close call with falling down a hole, but other than that it was wonderful and finally nice to stretch my legs a bit. I think I am still getting over all the sitting on the plane.
Tom, Sue and Nico (Tom and Sue's Exchange 'son' from Equador) are hosting a big american style BBQ here at the house for lunch today and I get to meet their kids and grandkids. I can't wait! Tom cooked up delicious Eggs Benedict for breakfast this morning...yum! The hospitality here is amazing and it's wonderful to be staying with a family that have opened up their homes and their lives to let me be apart of it. Sue, Tom & Nico - thankyou from the bottom of my heart. You now have no excuse not to come to Australia so that I can return the hospitality!
Sue, Tom & Nico's house - my home for four more nights!
As Peter has been saying all trip 'so far so good'. The experience so far has been wonderful and we havent even got stuck into our itinerary (schedule for the Americans) yet.
That's enough from me for now. Hi to everyone at home!
Much love xoxo Sarah
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Day One - The longest Friday ever!!
We're here! Made it in one piece, with a few added bonuses along the way:
*Being on the same flight as Alice Cooper (sans makeup) He is a Phoenix local
*Being met at the airport by Don, Craig, Lisa & Julie - familiar faces !
*First meals - All american hamburgers, and authentic mexican - traditional margheritas!!
These are the main things that have stuck in my jetlagged addled brain so far!
We're off to meet our host families tomorrow and will be taking in a baseball game - Arizona Diamondbacks vs Pittsburgh Pirates!
*Being on the same flight as Alice Cooper (sans makeup) He is a Phoenix local
*Being met at the airport by Don, Craig, Lisa & Julie - familiar faces !
*First meals - All american hamburgers, and authentic mexican - traditional margheritas!!
These are the main things that have stuck in my jetlagged addled brain so far!
We're off to meet our host families tomorrow and will be taking in a baseball game - Arizona Diamondbacks vs Pittsburgh Pirates!
Peter adding a bit - it was great to see the team at the airport and Lisa brought Steve and her step-sonMatt along to dinner this evening for 'show and tell'. It was also greta to meet Mary (Craig's wife) and build on the 'skype' relationship.
The flight was relatively uneventful although we were able to pread out a bit (3 seats between 2) and at one stage I had all 3 seats to myself -didn't last for long tho. I sat with a Nigerian woman, traveling on a NZ passport, who lives in Brisbane and was on her way toNY to be with her daughter for a first granchild and she was celebrating her 50th birhday on 10 April - she nearly made it to the Australian10th but had to turn back her clok 18 hours at 11.15pm Aussie time!
That's about it - so far so good!
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