The Finale

Sadly, I feel the time has come to draw a close to Mark’s Excellent Adventure. My biggest problem is I’m back in the full swing of things at work. Nonetheless what a fantastic experience the past year has been! Just over 3,000 blog visits. Thank you for your encouraging and funny comments. When I first started this blog I used to hang out for the comments all the time, but I then realised many of you were content just reading the yarns.

Thank you all for the good times. I know I will miss not having a forum to write in, but who knows what the future may hold. I enjoyed sharing an important part of my life with you all and the photographs which have partly captured the amazing beauty of the U.S. In the meantime I'll be leaving everything here, feel free to poke around and maybe one day in the future we can meet again.

I wish to also extend my sincere gratitude to my family, friends, and colleagues, staff from the Australian-American Fulbright Commission and the primary sponsor of the scholarship DEEWR, colleagues and staff from SUNY Oswego, and my newfound friends. Without your personal support this scholarship may have not become reality.

In closing, since returning home our State and City has been confronted with devastating floods and just recently, a cyclone (Yasi). These tragic events have severely impacted on the lives of many Queenslanders and their communities.

Everyone has been touched by the tragedy in one way or another and for those who may want to assist The Queensland Premier has established a Flood Relief Appeal . Likewise the United States are currently experiencing extreme cold weather conditions. My thoughts are with you too during these difficult times.

Warmest wishes and many thanks,
Mark
PS: Please keep in touch via email.

Farewell Friday (Part2)

After saying goodbye to the kind hostel staff at Urban Oasis, John and I made our way to the Long Island Railroad Terminal at Penn Station. Luckily for us there was an express train to Jamaica Station leaving soon, so the rush was well worth it. While on route to JFK International Airport the conversation had already turned to reminiscing about our recent U.S. adventures.

With four bags and carryon luggage in tow, we finally made it to Qantas check-in. I foolishly thought for a moment all would be fine with our luggage, so it was no surprise there was more repacking, weighing, repacking and weighing. After a half hour I finally surrendered and paid the $55 USD for the extra weight (3kg). I just knew the morning shopping expedition would come back to haunt me.

Following all the security and immigration checks, we then headed off to the Qantas Club for a well deserved beverage. Every now and then you hear stories similar to this but I was surprised to see Peter Costello (the longest serving Treasurer in Australia’s political history) sitting alone in the Qantas Club Lounge. Not to miss an opportunity I politely introduced myself. A pleasant and stimulating conversation followed, speaking briefly about the GFC, the Australian political environment and of course, the Fulbright Scholarship. I was grateful for his personal time.

It was now time to board the aircraft on the first leg from NY to LA and leave this amazing and vibrant city behind us. Not long after take-off I quickly fell asleep, but soon was woken by the bubbly conversation which John had struck up with two girls (Lisa and Charlie from Sydney) sitting in front of us. They were unable to open their complimentary bottles of wine and John was obliging with his brawn to open them.

Yes, it is true! I couldn’t open my bottle of wine either and therefore, they must have been part of a faulty batch. Unable to open any of the bottles, the customer service officer was then kind enough to offer us glasses of red wine from business class...happy days. Lisa had been visiting NYC with Charlie to celebrate her birthday. What a wonderful gesture and celebration. I don’t think there could have been a more fun way to end our adventure because the conversation lasted all the way to LA.

Just over five hours later, we landed safely in LA and said our goodbyes to Lisa and Charlie. So now it was on to our final leg, LA to Brisbane. In no time at all John and I were boarding again. Suffering from sleep deprivation our homecoming fight was uneventful.

As we approached home I was getting excited. I cannot wait to see family and friends again. It's family and friendships that are important in this life, right? People we love, and that love and support are important, however, it's easy to forget that sometimes.

As the aircraft tyres touched down on the tarmac at the Brisbane International Airport, it was with mixed emotions. I was thrilled to see my awaiting family and sad about the closure of one of the most amazing experiences I could have ever imagined. Nevertheless, one of the important things I have taken away from this experience, and a lesson I'm thankful for and being reminded of is, always follow your dreams because one day you may miss the opportunity forever.

It finished where it all began

In closing I wish to extend a special thank you to all for sticking around and reading the posts. Thanks for those who have been here since the beginning of the blog, and those who are new. Since arriving home I have had some space and time to think, and although I am concerned for the immediate future (returning to work) I also feel excitement of what future challenges may lie ahead. I hope one day my research will offer insight into how to optimise workforce development for faculty staff in vocational education and training organisations addressing issues of an ageing faculty workforce.

Thank you for the memories,
Mark
PS: Don’t think you have got rid of me that easily, the Finale post will follow shortly.

Farewell Friday (Part1)

Thoughts of time past, this day seemed so far away and with sadness I now realise an enriching chapter of my life is drawing to a close. I am delighted and honoured to have experienced the Fulbright scholarship and overall, it has been a unique, challenging, demanding and motivating professional development activity. At the end of my scholarship tenure my adventure has also taken me on an awesome vacation with my son John.

Of course, I have met numerous people who extended their friendship and kindness which has earned me newfound friends. Without being too deep and meaningful, I believe this experience has changed me personally and professionally. It has broadened my knowledge and understanding of the American culture and customs which have been formed on a rich tapestry of nationalities including traditions, legends, myths and folklore and the food is amazing! Seriously though, let’s get back to the good times y’all and the adventures of the final journey home.

After yesterday’s fun filled day I thought, why stop? I decided a couple of hours of sleep were more than enough and I wanted to experience the shopping high of the ‘Black Friday’ sales. Most of the retail stores stagger their opening times from midnight through to 6.00am for good reason. This is due to the massive crowds, many of shoppers queue for hours just to enter a store. With discounts ranging from 50% to 80% off normal retail prices, Black Friday surpassed all my expectations. Unfortunately our Boxing Day sales at home are a bit inferior when compared to this retail bonanza. My purchases included a few last minute gifts for family, friends and colleagues.

I returned to the hostel around 10.30am and to my surprise I was advised check-out time is 11.00am...OMG. John was still asleep and I thought to myself, exhale and stay calm. I then figured out the best thing to do was move all of our belongings into the common room of the hostel and pack there. Initially the pile of clothes, gifts and souvenirs was a bit overwhelming. How could all this fit into four bags? Maybe I have just fallen victim to the many shopping expeditions.

The next couple of hours were fairly testing, packing, weighing and repacking, weighing, repacking, weighing and repacking. It was an endless quest to optimise space and pack within the baggage allowance...yeah right. John needed a bit of release and decided to go on a last walk around Manhattan, while I finally showered and changed for the journey to JFK airport.

To be continued...
Mark

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving Thursday (Part 2)

After the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade there was a real bustling, vibrant atmosphere about NYC and the only way back to our hostel was via the subway. John and I made it back to Urban Oasis by early afternoon and I then emailed Roger hoping for a quick response. Months earlier I had purchased three tickets for tonight’s NFL game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals at the New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey and we were looking forward to a final hooray.

By the time I logged on to my email, Roger had already sent a response nominating another time and place to meet. I have known Roger for about 15 years and previously, he was my financial management teacher at college. I’m so chuffed to catch up with him in NYC and it’s pleasing when a friendship can be rekindled so effortlessly. I then had a nice little wander around Manhattan which unfortunately, may be my last time. I met up with Roger late afternoon and we continued to swap stories of our U.S. experiences. In short, I’ll miss this place.

The owner and staff of our hostel were also kind enough to organise a Thanksgiving Day dinner for all guests and friends. The dinner was lots of fun and a good time was had by all. I met some new people and spent as much time getting to know the other guests before heading off to the game.

I like the idea of Thanksgiving and the importance of family. I think it's good to do this often, and maybe we should do be able to do this without having to have a holiday occasion, but it serves as a good reminder. Although it was a bit rushed, it was one of those sociable events that stick in your memory forever.

After indulging in a few festive treats including a wafer thin slice of pumpkin pie, we made our way to NJ Rail to catch a train to the New Meadowlands Stadium. Similar to the NY Yankee fans, the NY Jets supporters did not disappoint.

They are a lively bunch decked out in the traditional team colours and a few of their chants are best left unsaid. Also, due to security precautions the station platforms are only announced a couple of minutes before the scheduled train arrived. A friendly wager or two is taken on the platform number to pass the time.

As the platform number was announced the large crowd moved quickly down the escalator, which was spectacle in itself. The entire platform was shoulder to shoulder with avid fans and I guess a few tourists too...ah that’s us! The train then thundered along the platform and ground to a screeching stop. Thankfully we sat beside a friendly group of South American soccer players who were on holidays. By the time we had settled into an enjoyable conversation with our new found friends, it was time to disembark and catch a connecting train directly to the stadium.

The New Meadowlands Stadium is a sight to behold and so it should be! At an estimated construction cost of $1.6 billon it’s the most expensive sports stadium ever built. The stadium has seating for 82,566 and has 125 corporate suites. The outside is magnificent and the inside is even better. No matter where you sit, you are bound to have a good view. We also had the opportunity to observe a legendary NY Jet fan, Fireman Ed and listen to his ‘J-E-T-S, Jets!, Jets!, Jets! chant.

There was not much between the NY Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half. It was a real tussle with no team giving up the advantage. The half time entertainment included the cast from the ‘Rock of Ages’ musical, which John and I enjoyed immensely. In the second half the NY Jets showed their dominance with a convincing 24 – 10 win over the visitors.

After a bit of shenanigans between NY Jets fans on the train back to Manhattan (I would not like to see them if they had lost) we finally arrived back at Penn Station around 1.30 am. As this was our last evening, I should say early morning, it seemed only fitting to visit 'The Australian' Lounge and Bar on West 38th St. for a night cap. John retired back to the hostel, while Roger and I flew the flag. The atmosphere of the bar was mellow due to a rain delay of the First Cricket Test between Australia and England being played at the Gabba in my home town.

Following a few farewell drinks I wished Roger the warmest wishes for his journey ahead. It’s now Black Friday (the biggest retail day of the year with bargains galore) and it’s also the day of our departure from the United States. I’m going to bed now, but not for long.

Zzzz,
Mark