The following entry is made by me,Wayne,so it may vary in style to how Chris writes. Has not she done a great job though? Early last year she virtually never touched a computer, now she is a BLOGMASTER!!!!!
Weather over here is lovely now, cool nights and warm days without getting hot. Has got close to 30C a couple of times and we've had the odd day of rain. The yards, parks and countryside look glorious. So many shades of green and peoples' lawns look luxurious. Farming is in full swing with most crops planted, those that aren't usually because rain has prevented tractors getting on the ground.
There may have been a long cold and snowy winter but it is easy to see now what a productive land this is. The soil is rich and fertile and plants seem to leap out of the ground with the Spring sun. Notice the vivid colours in some photos of the tulips, so bright and vivid they seem to be unnatural to our Australian eyes that are more used to muted colours in the countryside.
Our latest adventure was a return trip to Niagara Falls for a get together of some visiting Exchange teachers. There were about 20 of us from 3 Australian states, NZ and England. Cathy Main did a marvellous job of organizing 2 fabulous days for us. Chris and I were kindly billeted by Elaine and Rudy Reimer. They Exchanged to Brisbane in 1996 and maintain close links still with Australia, Exchange teachers here and invite other international travelers into their home as well. You'll notice a photo of them with Chris and I outside their home. Their generosity and "hands across the seas" is the type of graciousness that fosters friendships and global understanding.
During the two days we went up the Skylon tower, saw the Falls unfrozen, and watched a spectacular Imax film. After lunch we had a VERY wet trip on "Maid Of The Mist" to below the Falls. Notice the photo of the blue raincoated passengers pelted with spray and rain. Off then to an instructive wine tasting at Niagara On The Lakes Pelliteri vineyard.
We had dinner together that night and Rudy and Elaine surprised us with something special. We went back to the Falls to see them under lights BUT we actually changed the lights!!!!!!!! Almost a unique experience, we lit up the falls! Check out the photos where Chris worked the light panel, changed the beams and the one of Chris, I, Rudy and Hank in the Floodlight Control Room. It was one of the nicest things anyone has done for us.
Sunday we met again at a lovely park on the escarpment just up from the Falls and had a huge breakfast together. Chris and I then crossed the gorge in a cable car (check the photos) over huge rapids being run by a jet boat. We then walked the Botanic Gardens, followed by an instructive lecture by Kim and a tour of his totem pole park.See some of his work in the photos.
All up for Friday night, Saturday and Sunday we were fed, entertained, adventured, walked, amazed and thrilled for over 25 hours!!!! The Canadians - Cathy, Elaine, Rudy, helpers, hosts - made it a really special time.We and the other Exchange teachers thank them for a great weekend. Niagara Falls is the Number One tourist destination in the world, come and see, you'll agree!!!!!!!
