double the fun!

Apologies...apologies...apologies....

we're having so much fun there hasn't been any time for blogging - that and there have been many internet problems that have not allowed us to blog - so here goes...

yesterday we headed to Capel Manor College - a horticultural college for students after high school. We toured around looking at the many gardens etc that were there - including a few award winning gardens. The size of the college was unbelievable, stretching 33 acres.....quite a large property. Kira was thoroughly enjoying the tour from Roger (not our Roger - though he did dabble occassionally in trying to explain what certain things were!). We were all snapping pics left right and centre, trying to see who would have to use these ideas at home (Yes Merv, we mean you!)

After the tour - we headed to the Rotary Club of Edmundton - where we gave a short presentation. Steak & Kidney pie and pudding for lunch - washed down with a lager - boy are we going to get fat!

Moving around in the afternoon - we headed to a Synagogue, where we were shown around and informed of the practises there. It was quite informative. We headed for tea and coffee, then out to another presentation - this time at Islington, Highgate and Muswell hill - held at another beautiful golf course - Highgate. The trip there was quite funny - as we had Gypsies trying to wash our car - then the SATNAV faltering (as we had been given the wrong post code!) before arriving to a beautiful scene - the Red sun setting over the 18th.

Our presentations seem to be going well - so the hard work has paid off - so we think!!!!

Thursday....

Waking early - well early enough - we headed in on the Train to the big smoke (city). Arriving a touch after 10 - we headed towards the Australian High Commission, where we were met by Rotarians Jim, Norman and District Governor Colin. We were toured around the entrance - with Suhanya pointing out that the bank from Harry Potter had been filmed there (Grimgott's) which was rather impressive. The building was fantastic - yet we weren't allowed to wear the traditional aussie outfit (singlets and shorts were obviously not permitted) - not that it mattered, as we were all dressed appropriately....including Merv!

Heading upstairs we had the opportunity to chat with two employees - Vivian and Armit (apologise for the spelling!)

After this we headed to Tower Hill Rotary Club - at the Ibis Hotel - where we greeted by Rotarians. Colin introduced us to the Rotarians - who were also joined by a member from Ann Arbour - Michigan, USA - Ayo (pronounced hi-ho). We enjoyed some delicious finger food, before heading towards Brick Lane - right in the heart of London. Colin toured us about - telling us graphic stories about Jack the Ripper, as well as enlightening us to the multi-cultural area that we were walking through.

Arriving at our destination - the local Mosque - where we were told that over 6,000 people worship every Friday. An impressive building that had primary, secondary and university studies attached.