Blogs from Geelong, Victoria, Australia, Oceania - page 4

Am I out of touch with the freedom of travel as it used to be back in the 70's and 80's? There used to be a time when mobile phones didn't exist and the only means of communication was through a phone box and a short call necessitating dozens of coins thrust madly into the slot. The alternative was a handwritten letter and the need to specify the next post office up the coast to collect the response. I know people bemoan the pace of life and the challenge of finding a space where incommunicado is possible and I have to say I am not averse to technology but it is only a tool. I have Evernote piling up with the plane tickets and hotel bookings I have made. I have Dropbox ever growing with files ... read more

Two weeks to 'D-day'. For my work (for my sins?) I get to go to China (Nanjing) for a week. I am the Program Manager for an international education program that has been running for nearly 7 years - a relationship between the Jiangsu Institute of Commerce and the Gordon Institute in Geelong - my employer. My job is to administer the programs, ensure smooth operation, compliance, communication and maintenance of standards between the two enterprises. I don't teach either Accounting or International Trade. The last day of my week in Nanjing will be at a Symposium on International educational collaboration. That night or early the next morning, I will make my way to Shanghai (PVD) airport for a 7.30am departure. Being there 3 hours ahead means a 4.30 arrival at the airport so I might ... read more

Sunday 29th May. I can’t believe that we have been on the go for 2 months now and have loved every bit of it. We could do this for the rest of our lives, except we will probably run out of money. Diesel is our biggest expense and towing a big heavy van does not help. We have found that we cannot travel over 85 KPH or we get less than 5 Klm per litre and when it costs anywhere from $1, 60 to $2.09 per litre, you have to be careful. We save by free camping, which we love and cooking our own meals. I am not complaining, just letting you know some facts in case you are thinking about doing what we are doing. Today we spent the day touring all around the region ... read more

2nd March 2011 – Adelaide A beautiful autumn morning in the city, breakfasted then out into the glorious sunshine. Walked down across the River Torrens to the Adelaide Oval. The ground is open to the general public (FOC) as part of the city charter. We were able to wander at leisure through the ground. There was an event going on, awarding the head groundsman, who was retiring. A red carpet had been laid out, which we duly walked across. The guests all had to walk across the ground to get to their lunch (we could’nt even gate crash. We had a lovely walk back along the river. The main part of the city in the grid formation is surrounded on all four sides by parkland/gardens, so it is only a short walk from the centre of ... read more

Geo: -38.1473, 144.361On the way back from a weekend away in Barwon Heads we stopped in Geelong for brunch and a walk along the esplanade. It was a great weekend away. Friday afternoon I met Kellie at her work and she drove us to the beach house that was hired for the week- we were only staying the weekend. There was Michelle, Amy, Mel, Kerrie, Jo and their kids and husbands, Kellie and I. So, it was a very big house and quite noisy at times! But also relaxing, we went out for many meals and coffees. We parked the car and walked along the esplanade to a cafe at the other end where we had brunch. Along the way I saw 41 of over 100 colourful bollards. They were made out of wooden pylons that ... read more