Sydney Convention

The current Rotary president, Ron Burton, giving his farewell speech at the closing plenary session of the RI Convention in Sydney. There was also a magnificent performance from The Ten Tenors and then it was over. Everyone on their way home tomorrow and wish all safe travels, and fond farewells to the many friends made.
Joke

Sydney Convention-The Great Barbecue

Yesterday after the morning opening ceremony, there was the Great Aussie Barbecue. This was a free meal for 10 000 delegates! A very ambitious project. The heavens opened while we were attending the opening ceremony and when we came outside, there were these take away food canteens. We each received a piece of sausage, a bread roll and a bottle of water. Some great Barbecue! Today we listened to Brett Lee, the cricketer, talking about his music foundation. This provides music therapy for children in India, who are suffering from cancer and general hardships. Quite interesting.
Joke

Sydney Convention

Met old friends today and some new ones. Milton and Elaine Fraery, our wheelchair friends with Chris Lewis, son of Jerry Lewis. He also supplies wheelchairs! Previously there was only one stand to do with wheelchairs, now there are 5. Obviously a very important part of Rotary services. The Billabong House of Friendship was opened today and one is able to walk around and see the different projects from around the world, the various goodies being sold and just generally meet people and have fellowship. Will take more photos showing different aspects. Tomorrow is the grand opening ceremony and we, all 13 delegates from our district will meet at the ROTA stand and go to the ceremony together. Until then.......
Joke

Sydney Convention Registration

Went to register today. Really a huge stadium at Olympic Park and very disjointed. According to the programme booklet we will be using many venues here for the plenary sessions and breakout sessions. Getting off at the station lots of Rotarians were walking towards me carrying their bright yellow bag with the convention literature inside. We definitely say "tourist"! Have already made some new friends and met some old faces from last year. Always a joy to see old faces. Tomorrow and Saturday will be attending the Youth Exchange section before the big start on Sunday!
Joke

A day spent at Hunter's Valley wine farms

A day spent at Hunter's Valley wine farms. On the bus tour, there were 13 people of which 4 were non-Rotarians. The three people in the photo are from Vancouver and Alaska. Went to three wineries to taste and also had lunch. Our wines have far more body, legs and taste. Not only did my palate say so, but the majority found the wines very weak flavoured. Oh well hopefully will find a good bottle or two..
Joke

GREETINGS FROM SYDNEY

Today went by ferry to see Manly Island. This was named because of the manly bodies of the men on the island. Didn't see to many although it was meant to have been 28 degrees today. The hottest May month since 1973! There is even a Q island which is the quarantine station. Now a days it houses the unlawful immigrants. Feel very at home here, so many Polish, German, Italian, French and Dutch working in the restaurants/hotels. Feels like Europe down south. Manly beach is supposed to be the surfing Mecca - not too many waves tho' and only surfers walking through the town,carrying their boards and trying to look hip!
Joke

GREETINGS FROM SYDNEY

This is a picture of part of the Chinese Friendship Garden. So beautiful and peaceful in the midst of the waterfront area. Time well spent relaxing there. Also went by ferry to Taronga Zoo. Saw all the Australian animals, even the Tasmanian devil, but all so docile. The cat section consisted of a lion and lioness, a tiger, a snow leopard and a black bear. All the animals just lay there waiting for the day to pass. So sad! Enjoy!!
Joke

GREETINGS FROM SYDNEY

Greetings from Sydney
These are flags all around Sydney. Arrived safely just very exhausted. Have spent time with the hop on hop off bus and really got to know the city. This photo was taken at Circular Quays this morning before going on a hop on hop off boat trip to Taronga Zoo. Quite impressive but animals like lions, tigers and leopards shouldn't be in open cages. Also went to the aquarium and that was every dissappointing. Our aquarium and waterfront is unmatchable. Taking some time out tomorrow to just relax. Joke