It's been over 24 hours since the Australian Adventurers have returned to the great state of New Jersey and I can tell you for sure, WE MISS YOU AUSTRALIA!!!
The time we spent with you has gone by so fast. We've made so many friends, had so many great experiences, and created many memories, never to be forgotten! I for one will be returning with Nicole to share all of these wonderful experiences and to introduce her to so many awesome people! You're going to love her!
I want to keep in touch with everyone I've met so I will be creating an email list to do mass mailings to keep you updated on my American Adventures! So, just to be sure I have your address, send me a message! BrandonHans@hotmail.com
It's getting warm here in New Jersey and the flowers are blooming. Soon it will be beach weather and the summer tourists will crowd the streets! I like it though, just more people to meet! Say, we could use a couple more Australian tourists : )
Come to the Jersey Shore. I promise to show you all a good time!
Keep in touch and I'll do the same!
Much Love from your Jersey Boy,
Brandon
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
So many great experiences!!
G'day all you blogfans!
So sorry that we have not written more but we are quite busy from morning until we drop into our beds at night. We have had an interesting and exciting time since our trip to Canberra. Just an update, Brian's hand is fine. After Canberra we moved on to our new hosts in Dee Why. We loved seeing all of the lovely beaches and sights in that zone. And Brian even had a chance to fly his Kite. We also got an opportunity to go to a recording studio to put some of the music we have been performing into a CD format. This was made possible by our many new Rotary friends who have donated their moneys because they believe in us as musicians. The recording process was amazing and we even threw in some Aussie influence ( I will leave it at that just as a tease so that you want a copy of our debut album).
During our final week we are staying with Families very close to the city. It has presented some great cultural opportunities. Brandon went to see the band " Korn" in concert at Darling Harbour yesterday and he even had backstage passes ( I for one cant wait to hear what a great time he had). Gina went to see the ballet Swan Lake at the Sydney Opera House. When asked if she had a good time, her reply was...." I was at the ballet- at the Sydney Opera House- of course I had a great time!". She described the event as magical and she even saw fireworks over the Sydney Harbour coming from a wedding party that evening. I was taken by my hosts to see the New South Whales Warratahs smash the Lions from South Africa in Rugby. I had a blast. I had no idea what was going on at first but I picked up the game rather quickly. The man to the left of me at the game had some colorful descriptions about where the referees head might be located. At one point he told the Ref to go back to northern Ireland ( which I guess means he did not agree with the call ?!?). I see that the Aussie rugby fans are even more passionate than our American football fans. Those rugby players are some tough blokes- no pads. It makes American Football ( or American Footie) seem like a game for little girls. But it was a fantastic experience that will give me a lifetime of memories. Well I need to get going we are off to climb the Harbour Bridge today... that will be thrilling! Off to another busy day.
So sorry that we have not written more but we are quite busy from morning until we drop into our beds at night. We have had an interesting and exciting time since our trip to Canberra. Just an update, Brian's hand is fine. After Canberra we moved on to our new hosts in Dee Why. We loved seeing all of the lovely beaches and sights in that zone. And Brian even had a chance to fly his Kite. We also got an opportunity to go to a recording studio to put some of the music we have been performing into a CD format. This was made possible by our many new Rotary friends who have donated their moneys because they believe in us as musicians. The recording process was amazing and we even threw in some Aussie influence ( I will leave it at that just as a tease so that you want a copy of our debut album).
During our final week we are staying with Families very close to the city. It has presented some great cultural opportunities. Brandon went to see the band " Korn" in concert at Darling Harbour yesterday and he even had backstage passes ( I for one cant wait to hear what a great time he had). Gina went to see the ballet Swan Lake at the Sydney Opera House. When asked if she had a good time, her reply was...." I was at the ballet- at the Sydney Opera House- of course I had a great time!". She described the event as magical and she even saw fireworks over the Sydney Harbour coming from a wedding party that evening. I was taken by my hosts to see the New South Whales Warratahs smash the Lions from South Africa in Rugby. I had a blast. I had no idea what was going on at first but I picked up the game rather quickly. The man to the left of me at the game had some colorful descriptions about where the referees head might be located. At one point he told the Ref to go back to northern Ireland ( which I guess means he did not agree with the call ?!?). I see that the Aussie rugby fans are even more passionate than our American football fans. Those rugby players are some tough blokes- no pads. It makes American Football ( or American Footie) seem like a game for little girls. But it was a fantastic experience that will give me a lifetime of memories. Well I need to get going we are off to climb the Harbour Bridge today... that will be thrilling! Off to another busy day.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
No worries, mate
Loyal readers, casual inquirers, and other followers -
After an extended period with limited internet access, I'm finally able to sit down and write a new post. We are currently in Canberra (CAN-b-ra, like bra, with a hiccup between the b and r), in the lovely Hotel Kurrajong. How lovely, do you ask? The bathroom has a multi-voltage/multi-national outlet for electric shavers, and the ethernet port comes pre-plugged with its own network cable. And if that doesn't make you go, 'wow they've thought of everything', I don't know what will.
As you read in the last post, we went kayaking yesterday, which was fantastic, then sailed on a yacht, which was, exciting (more on that in a minute), and went to a pub to sample the local music scene, which was very loud, but quite fun. Overall, yesterday was a very good day.
Now, I'd like to set the record straight regarding a certain incident on yesterday's exciting yacht ride. Two people were called to action to assist in a tricky docking to pick up two additional passengers. James (son of Brandon's host family) and I went to shove off from the dock when the boat tilted suddenly, and my right hand got squished against the dock pylon and the cable sail support. James was less lucky, and he got caught against the canopy frame. We found out this morning that his leg is fractured in 3 places, but, as he was walking on it last night (albeit gingerly), I doubt it will slow him down any.
As for my hand, I really don't think anything is broken, but regardless, it was fortunately my right hand (my bowing hand, not cello-fingering hand). As of this moment, I can move my fingers without problem (I'm typing this blog post as proof), the swelling is starting to go down, the cut is closed, and it isn't turning crazy colors (sadly), but it still really hurts to touch it. It's more annoying than anything. I'm going to give it another day or two to get better, and if it doesn't, I promise I'll have it x-rayed. (I really don't think it's broken.)
It was nobody's fault but my own (and maybe the ocean), and as a direct result, I have learned to keep all limbs in the boat. But really, I'm fine. It could have been worse, but wasn't, and next time, I'll know what to do. (or not do, which ever the case may be)
Until then, no worries.
Cheers,
Brian
After an extended period with limited internet access, I'm finally able to sit down and write a new post. We are currently in Canberra (CAN-b-ra, like bra, with a hiccup between the b and r), in the lovely Hotel Kurrajong. How lovely, do you ask? The bathroom has a multi-voltage/multi-national outlet for electric shavers, and the ethernet port comes pre-plugged with its own network cable. And if that doesn't make you go, 'wow they've thought of everything', I don't know what will.
As you read in the last post, we went kayaking yesterday, which was fantastic, then sailed on a yacht, which was, exciting (more on that in a minute), and went to a pub to sample the local music scene, which was very loud, but quite fun. Overall, yesterday was a very good day.
Now, I'd like to set the record straight regarding a certain incident on yesterday's exciting yacht ride. Two people were called to action to assist in a tricky docking to pick up two additional passengers. James (son of Brandon's host family) and I went to shove off from the dock when the boat tilted suddenly, and my right hand got squished against the dock pylon and the cable sail support. James was less lucky, and he got caught against the canopy frame. We found out this morning that his leg is fractured in 3 places, but, as he was walking on it last night (albeit gingerly), I doubt it will slow him down any.
As for my hand, I really don't think anything is broken, but regardless, it was fortunately my right hand (my bowing hand, not cello-fingering hand). As of this moment, I can move my fingers without problem (I'm typing this blog post as proof), the swelling is starting to go down, the cut is closed, and it isn't turning crazy colors (sadly), but it still really hurts to touch it. It's more annoying than anything. I'm going to give it another day or two to get better, and if it doesn't, I promise I'll have it x-rayed. (I really don't think it's broken.)
It was nobody's fault but my own (and maybe the ocean), and as a direct result, I have learned to keep all limbs in the boat. But really, I'm fine. It could have been worse, but wasn't, and next time, I'll know what to do. (or not do, which ever the case may be)
Until then, no worries.
Cheers,
Brian
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURERS SEND GREETINGS FROM SYDNEY
Good Morning Gov. Boots and Fellow Rotarians in Hershey,
It is 10:15 on Friday, April 11th, the sun is shining and the temperature is in the mid 60s. Today is the beginning of our mid-program break. Jonathan is attending a vocational session with Target Stores, Gina, Brian and Brandon are kayaking while I am catching up on e-mails and the BLOG.
It is 10:15 on Friday, April 11th, the sun is shining and the temperature is in the mid 60s. Today is the beginning of our mid-program break. Jonathan is attending a vocational session with Target Stores, Gina, Brian and Brandon are kayaking while I am catching up on e-mails and the BLOG.
This afternoon, we will join Rotarian John Root on his yacht for a tour of Sydney Harbour. It promises to be a wonderful experience. Tomorrow we join our Hosts and Guides the Brands and Fentons for a visit to Canberra, Federal Capitol of Australia.
On Monday, we jump right back into the program with our 6th Australian Adventurer's Performance, sponsored by Beecroft Rotary, with just a small crowd of 130 expected.
The reception of this first time ever Musical Focus Team has been extraordinary. The excellent well coordinated and comprehensive efforts Governor Monika Saville, GSE Chairman, John Cameron, GSE Coordinator Janet Grundy, her Area Coordinators, our Host Families, Rotary Clubs and Rotarians have made to provide us with significant vocational, cultural, physical and social opportunities illustrate their dedication to Rotary and all it means. Their warmth and friendly approach to a group of Yanks has made all of us very comfortable.
In regard to the team, Governor Boots, you will be very pleased to know that two classically trained vocalists, a cellist and a multi talented keyboardist, guitarist and songwriter have been a sellout at each performance. It is not unusual to see several attendees from one performance be there for a second time or in the case of DG Monika, DGE Tony, DGN John, PDG Bruce and Coordinator Janet Grundy 3,4 even 5 times. WOW!!!! Their ability to relate to each other and create music that highlights each other's talent is extraoordinary. Encores are common. They have bonded as a team, care for each other, are extremely cooperative and are a pleasure to work with.
Enjoy the Conference and know that your GSE Team is alive and well here in Sydney Australia and tell Lee I will see her in two weeks.
dmzdrpz
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Beauty of the Central Coast!
Yesterday we got a late start ( finally!) by meeting at 10 AM instead of our usual early start time. We actually got even more sleep than that because daylight savings time ended yesterday and that meant we could set the clocks back. We spent the morning seperately with our hosts for breakfast. I was treated to a deligthful breakfast at an outdoor cafe. I can honestly say that the eggs benedict were the best I have ever had. The Kincumber Rotary club that is hosting us planned and executed a wonderful day for the team. We met at a wharf and boarded the Cocatoo Ferry. We were amazed at the beautiful homes and landscapes we were able to see as the ferry leisurely sailed through the water. Michael Hunter ( one of the many gracious hosts we were blessed with) gave us all the history on the area while on board the ship. We docked at Ettalong and walked a short distance to our destination for lunch. We dined outdoors while listening to the smooth sounds of a local Jazz group. After delicious food ( and drinks!) we returned to the ferry. Seeing the water at sunset was even more breath taking. Once we docked we all said our good byes and went our separate ways. I spent the evening with my hosts Eric and Wendy. Thankfully they kept the evening very simple and even let me have time to take a much needed nap. We had a quiet dinner of spaghetti at home and I called it an early night.
Our time on the central coast is coming to an end. The trip continues to be a magical experience that will be hard to top in this lifetime. Thank you to all of our hosts who have gone so far out of their way to make this GSE an enriching and valuable excursion.
Our time on the central coast is coming to an end. The trip continues to be a magical experience that will be hard to top in this lifetime. Thank you to all of our hosts who have gone so far out of their way to make this GSE an enriching and valuable excursion.
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