Jane's Final Journal Entry

Sunday 22nd

It was great to have another sleep in today and wake up to see another sunny day. I awoke to see Tony very excited about his day. He and some mates were off to see Scotland verse New Zealand in the Rugby at Edinburgh and he couldn't wait for the action. Although he did predict what might happen in the game - NZ won 40 - 0.Speth, Nerida and myself planned a morning swim at the Indoor centre. However upon arrival we were made aware that it was family fun day and couldn't swim laps until 12pm. We decided we would go home and return at this time. The facilities were fantastic, however I was quite puzzled to find that the change rooms were unisex (cubicles were used). It would make for an interesting school trip.
We swam laps for about 1/2 an hour and then changed and met the rest of the group at the Olympian Hotel for lunch and to watch Australia and Fiji play in the rugby match. The Aussies won the game as expected. We also had the change to observe some young Scottish children partaking in a traditional Scottish dance competition, all decked out in full kilts. After a glass or wine or two, we all felt that it was time for a snooze so we went back to our hosts for the afternoon. At 7:30pm we all met again at Isabell and Ken Arnott's, who live next door to Ken and Margarie McLeod for dinner. We dined in style with entree, main and dessert, as well as cheeses and coffee. Margarie made a delectable chocolate dessert and after relaying the recipe my hips were pleased that I only had the smallest slice. I have to say I felt a little bit out of my league with the beautiful Wedgewood china and silver cutlery. Ken and Keneth kept the entertainment rolling with both of them spilling their red wine on the pure white tablecloth amongst their quick wit and antics. We were all pleased that we were able to keep our clumsiness on hold for the night. An excellent night was had by all.

Monday 23rd

Nerida and I had good intentions to go swimming this morning, when Speth took her swimming squad. However, sleep seemed like the better option, as it was at 6:30am. At 10 o'clock Nerida was picked up by Joe to go to the local paper and Will appeared at the door with Catherine to take me around. Firstly after a short chat to Jeanette and Will at their home, we attended Argyle College, which is similiar to our TAFE colleges in Australia, however there were some areas that were given a status very similar to our university degrees. Here we chatted to Moira over coffee and biscuits about the facility and the courses offered by her college and how it provides opportunities for people in the area to access further education, whether it be for gaining employment or simply as an interest or hobby. She has primary school training and was therefore also interested in how our schools function in Australia.

After our visit to Argyle College we returned to Jeanette and Will's house for lunch. It was really nice to have some salads and homemade Scottish cakes, undoubtedly good for the hips. Will then took us down town to show us his shop, which focuses on traditional Scottish merchandise, including a large range of Scottish souvenirs. Catherine and I had a little wander down the street of Dunoon before meeting Will at his shop to fulfill the next part of our vocational day, visiting the brand new building of Dunoon Grammar School. This is a secondary school which has only just been built right next door to the old one, which is just been demolished as we speak. On our journey around there have been a lot of schools be rebuilt and is a result of public/private enterprise. The private companies are building the schools and effectively the schools are the tennants. In a matter of thirty years the building will become the schools. It cost about 14 million pounds to build, instead of 12 million pounds to renovate the old one. I was very impressed by the new facilities - the students and the teachers are extremely lucky to have access to such resources. One standout resource which schools do not have in Australia is a fully resourced gymnasium and weights room.


Tuesday 24th

This day saw us all up early to meet for the handover to the Lochgilphead Rotary Club. Our journey to this part of Scotland enabled us to catch our first glimpse our the countryside, which reminded me very much of New Zealand. We travelled to a place called The Lighthouse, where we had lunch and waited on the ferry to take us to the Isle of Lismore. This journey took about 10 minutes and we were greeted by a gentleman, who had been given the responsibility of giving us a tour of the island. On this trip we visited the local church, a museum and the post office, where we sent post cards back to Australia. The manager of the shop said that he quite often received mail that was meant to be delivered to Lismore in Australia - a little ironic. On the Isle, we captured our first close-up photos of the highland cows and horses.
Upon return on the ferry, we were greeted by members and wives of the Lochaber Rotary Club. Interestingly enough, we were taken to the Police Station to be briefed about our time with their club. I don’t know about anyone else, but walking into the police station initially was a little daunting. On this night we had dinner and spent time getting to know our host families. I learnt on the very first night that I was extremely lucky, Kay was a fantastic cook, as the brie and cranberry chicken was to die for.


Wednesday 25th

This day saw our last vocational day of the tour. Catherine and myself met at the Education Office and spoke with one lady who was responsible for any problems within the school and a lady who worked with the curriculum side of things. Both ladies were eager to find out how our different educations systems work. In addition to this, we visited one local school for a short period of time to speak with teachers, and to understand how the education office works alongside the schools.
Following this, I was lucky enough to speak with Ali from the local sports club of Shinty. This is a game that is very similar to hockey as we know it. I viewed a video of the local side playing in the championship (and winning) to see how the game is played and the rules. I felt honoured when I was presented with a shinty stick, ball and rules at this talk. It was certainly great to be able to learn about a Scottish game, that until that point hadn’t heard of it. You certainly have to be a fit individual to be able to play the game of Shinty.

12:30 came around quickly and this meant we needed to meet for our last Rotary Club presentation for a 1:00pm start. All went well and I am sure we were all pleased to see that we had successfully completed this side of the tour, except of course the presentation at District Conference. The food and company was certainly pleasant and Margaret found a gentleman who didn’t mind her rear view and couldn’t distinguish between a koala and a kangaroo. Catherine returned home to John and Sheila’s place to hopefully recover a little from her sickness.

The team was then inspired by a young man called Mick, who works as part of a team developing and promoting a local winter festival called the Mountain Festival. He was extremely enthusiastic and shows great passion in all areas of the festival.

Margaret, Nerida, Nadia and myself then joined together to enjoy a coffee and to discuss the successes of the tour and I guess to have a mini celebration of completing our presentations. We coupled this with a little retail therapy in the streets of Fort William.

After dinner Margaret and myself set ourselves the challenge of participating or perhaps even learning some traditional Scottish country dancing. Well to be truly honest, I have never laughed so much at myself ( or Margaret), at mainly our lack of remembering each of the steps and to have little old ladies and men pull and push us around the floor, whilst telling us which way to move. I can still see the lady who gave me the double thumbs up when I successfully completed each of the steps (it was with help though).

Thursday 26th

The morning began with a visit to the West Highland Muesum, where yet more of the history of Scotland was revealed to us. One aspect that was extremely relevant was the remains of some of the graves called the body snatchers, where people were paid to dig up bodies to use in medical schools.

Following this, we were treated to a cruise on Loch Linhe, observing mussel and trout farms, Ben Nevis and beautiful views. We had a snack, drink and met an Australian who was over for the World Cup. It was certainly different, yet great to hear the true blue Aussie accent.

We returned home to Kay and Ron’s place for lunch of mustard smoked salmon and salad to prepare ourselves for our bike ride. We rode for 26 kilometres along the Caledonian Canal, exploring the scenery and enjoying the outdoors. I felt fantastic after the exercise.

We then began our evening out, of course after a quick shower, we met at the Moorings Hotel for what was supposed to be a High Tea, but was more like a three course meal. It was beautiful however we were rushed to be able to be present at the Lochaber High School’s production of ‘Burke and Hare”. It was a truly fantastic performance, which was written and directed by one of the school’s teachers and told a version of the story of the body snatchers that we learnt about in the museum. What talented performers this school has!!
We all then met at Charlie’s for a social drink, which was a fitting end to the night.


Friday 27th

It was morning again and time to gather together to travel to travel to Aviemore for the District Conference. We all met at the hotel and loaded the minibus with all of our luggage and started on the journey. En route we stopped at the area where Mary MacKillop’s family were from and visited the church where memorials are held in her honour, as well as the old cemetery. We also viewed from a distance the house where the Monarch of the Glen is shot. Further along the road, we stopped for soup and rolls before arriving at Aviemore to register, unload and rest in the Four Seasons Motel.
The conference began with a formal night of dinner and Gaelic dancing, where of course after being to the country dancing classes was expected to be up and giving it ago the very first dance. We all seemed to enjoy the night, returning back to our rooms early in order to sleep well to be refreshed for a presentation early the next morning.


Saturday 28th

I am sure we all woke a little nervous the today, as we knew there would be a possible 400 people in the theatre to listen to our reflection of our time in Scotland. I was very proud of each and every one of us in our speeches and in my opinion I feel that they were very well received by the people present, as they certainly laughed along with us. It was a relief to have made our way to this point and the last thing we had to do was to perform our skit. We spent some time that afternoon reviewing and refining this, followed by some time out, rest and then preparation for drinks with Drew. The evening was entertaining, as it was a dress as a movie star night and some fantastic characters appeared. We shared a lovely dinner and drinks and part way through the night we escaped, changed and then appeared as lifesavers to entertain during the bands break. Well it didn’t quite come off as expected due to a few glitches, but nevertheless Margaret’s dancing and thong clapping certainly got some attention. The night continued with more drink and dance, in outfit and our wigs were shared around.


Sunday 29th

This was our last day and so we all got together to share breakfast and then packed our bags for the last time on the tour. We were then able to watch Harry’s return team from Georgia give their presentation to the conference. I felt that could relate to exactly what they were saying – a truly memorable experience.

I returned to Glasgow with John and Joyce, where we travelled to John’s brother’s place to pick up his car en route to the Glynhill Hotel. We had dinner in the bar and then I caught up with the rest of the team. It seemed that it was the end, but I couldn’t fathom all that I had learnt or experience, but felt that I had done so much and met so many truly fantastic people during this time.