Rumblings From Down Under Week 3

The third week of my journey to Australia is complete and it’s also signaled the end of my workshops. I did four two-day workshops in various locations and was thrilled with the response. This last week also provided some great insights.

The week began in Ballarat and I worked with folks at the Catholic Diocese level and with a team from St. Thomas More. It was reaffirming to see the passion and commitment to student success and the role teachers played in ensuring this.

One of the absolute constants that has been evident during my visits has been the excellent support and hospitality provided by colleagues. I have been the benefactor of people wanting to ensure a positive and educational experience for my wife and I at each stop. Ballarat was no different. After a great meal we were taken on a tour of the city. As darkness fell it was difficult to see the path of the trail we were taking to get to a good viewing spot of the town below. Their cell phone flashlights were guiding my wife and my colleague while I was stumbling in the darkness, trusting their view that all would be fine. It wasn’t until we got back to the car and somebody noticed a rank odor that we realized a problem. One person had stepped in it and the evidence was now in the vehicle. It was awesome to have to get out and find a way to clean my dress shoes! I otherwise thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

The week concluded in Yamba with high temperatures (it’s going to be tough to go back home) and high energy. This was the largest group of the four and they had a wide range of experience and knowledge that really drove my learning. It was also very humbling to be invited to share some social time with a group of colleagues.

I have learned many fascinating things during my time in Australia. One is about the wildlife. Perhaps the most unique fact concerns the wombat. They have cube-shaped poop! Wombat poop is square. They mark their territories by defecating, and it’s thought that the shape of their poop keeps it from rolling away. Growing up I was always told that you can’t fit a square peg in a round hole. Apparently going the other way is possible!

I have also come to realize that the single biggest threat to life in Australia is the breakfast toaster. This machine has had, in all seven hotels I’ve stayed in, more warning signs than any other device I’ve ever encountered! From directions on how to place your bread (horizontal not vertical) to cautions about leaving children unattended by the machines or placing the wrong bread form (no toasting croissants), this machine has terrorized Aussies beyond any other invented by mankind. I considered myself fortunate to have been able to toast my raisin bread each morning!

As we enjoy a final week in this great country relaxing in the Wollongong area with friends, we know the journey home will be exciting (because we are getting home to family and friends) and a little sad (because we'll be leaving behind many new friends made and old ones rediscovered). G'day!