May 1,2008
GSE Team returned home safely at 6:00AM (Taiwan time) May 1, 2008
Dear All,
At last our GSE Team returned to Taipei (TIA) Taiwan safely by flying CAL flight for 13 hrs.
As said earlier - we experienced an additional visit at Seattle accidently - but we felt allright.
We took the Seatac airport hotels shuttle bus and toured downtown Seattle including Space Needle Tower and Pike Market, and did a little bit shopping downtown in Westlake Center and department stores there. We took a lot of pictures to capture the profile of feature of the city - quite interesting. The buildings and street roads looked different from scenes commonly found in typical American cities.
Seattle was, as usual somewhat cold and raining off and on, so walking down streets in Seattle downtown could be a challenge to tourists and most of the streets were very steep and walking up hill demands a lot of efforts. Before we could take a closer look of the downtown area we had to catch the last bus which would leave at 19.00PM for Seatac hotels - round trip charge was US$12 per person - no room for late arrival for trip home.
Monorail was interesting but with very few passengers - a pity.
Seattle Center had a lot of space there and different devices for children - a fantastic educational land but unfortunately we saw no crowd there - maybe it was because of the non-weekend time.
Of course we also visited the first founed Starbucks store there but did not have time to taste coffee.
Catching the shuttle bus for "home" we went back to Holiday Inn and sent e-mails.
Then we brought our luggages to the shuttle bus and arrived Seatac at 20:30PM Seattle time CAL counter was empty and we could start check-in only beginning at 21:00 or so as the flight would depart only as late as 00:35AM. Then we actually spent long time waiting for flight home in Seatac Airport - this reminded us a movie about some foreign guy trapped in an international airport - a little bit fun to think about that...
Than, before the flight departing from there - we faced another delay for an hour for "technical problem" and then finally we arrived at homeland after a 13 hour long fly - we were pretty tough.
"Byebye Coffee Mecca."
At last our GSE Team returned to Taipei (TIA) Taiwan safely by flying CAL flight for 13 hrs.
As said earlier - we experienced an additional visit at Seattle accidently - but we felt allright.
We took the Seatac airport hotels shuttle bus and toured downtown Seattle including Space Needle Tower and Pike Market, and did a little bit shopping downtown in Westlake Center and department stores there. We took a lot of pictures to capture the profile of feature of the city - quite interesting. The buildings and street roads looked different from scenes commonly found in typical American cities.
Seattle was, as usual somewhat cold and raining off and on, so walking down streets in Seattle downtown could be a challenge to tourists and most of the streets were very steep and walking up hill demands a lot of efforts. Before we could take a closer look of the downtown area we had to catch the last bus which would leave at 19.00PM for Seatac hotels - round trip charge was US$12 per person - no room for late arrival for trip home.
Monorail was interesting but with very few passengers - a pity.
Seattle Center had a lot of space there and different devices for children - a fantastic educational land but unfortunately we saw no crowd there - maybe it was because of the non-weekend time.
Of course we also visited the first founed Starbucks store there but did not have time to taste coffee.
Catching the shuttle bus for "home" we went back to Holiday Inn and sent e-mails.
Then we brought our luggages to the shuttle bus and arrived Seatac at 20:30PM Seattle time CAL counter was empty and we could start check-in only beginning at 21:00 or so as the flight would depart only as late as 00:35AM. Then we actually spent long time waiting for flight home in Seatac Airport - this reminded us a movie about some foreign guy trapped in an international airport - a little bit fun to think about that...
Than, before the flight departing from there - we faced another delay for an hour for "technical problem" and then finally we arrived at homeland after a 13 hour long fly - we were pretty tough.
"Byebye Coffee Mecca."
April 30,2008
A bonus visit after visiting D7690 Piedmont Rotary Clubs & Communities
Dear All,
Believe or not, while Phil, Ann and David (PDG, GSE Coordinator, and DG of RI D 7690) said goodbye and "a good and safe trip home" to us at GSO airport lobby, we, 3500 GSE team, got trapped in Seattle Seatac Airport - due to delay of flight from Atlanta to Seatac for connecting to CAL flight from Seatac to Taipei. The flight departed late and certainly arrived late - way too late - 2 hours behind the schedule - and Delta Airline had only 2 staff members there to give us the renewed boarding pass for the same flight leaving the next midnight, along with Hotel and meal voultures.
When we struggled over and finally arrived at the hotel, Holiday Inn, Seatac, it was nearly 03:00AM 29-04-2008 Seatle local time.
However, we just decided to look at the bright side - enjoying a paid one-day bonus trip in Seattle (although without our luggages for change fresh clothes or laptops for working on our visit journal).
So, this year our GSE team enjoys the trips to three Meccas: Furniture Mecca - High Point, NC, Golf Mecca - Southern Pine, NC, and Coffee Mecca - Seatle, WA, the seat of American coffee.
Isn't it joyful to some extent?
We are happy and can live with it now - but this implies another "stay up" to catch up our Journal work schedule.
Maybe it is a good idea for you to google any Mecca you prefer!
Have a good time, you ALL!
Believe or not, while Phil, Ann and David (PDG, GSE Coordinator, and DG of RI D 7690) said goodbye and "a good and safe trip home" to us at GSO airport lobby, we, 3500 GSE team, got trapped in Seattle Seatac Airport - due to delay of flight from Atlanta to Seatac for connecting to CAL flight from Seatac to Taipei. The flight departed late and certainly arrived late - way too late - 2 hours behind the schedule - and Delta Airline had only 2 staff members there to give us the renewed boarding pass for the same flight leaving the next midnight, along with Hotel and meal voultures.
When we struggled over and finally arrived at the hotel, Holiday Inn, Seatac, it was nearly 03:00AM 29-04-2008 Seatle local time.
However, we just decided to look at the bright side - enjoying a paid one-day bonus trip in Seattle (although without our luggages for change fresh clothes or laptops for working on our visit journal).
So, this year our GSE team enjoys the trips to three Meccas: Furniture Mecca - High Point, NC, Golf Mecca - Southern Pine, NC, and Coffee Mecca - Seatle, WA, the seat of American coffee.
Isn't it joyful to some extent?
We are happy and can live with it now - but this implies another "stay up" to catch up our Journal work schedule.
Maybe it is a good idea for you to google any Mecca you prefer!
Have a good time, you ALL!
Trying hard working on the visit journal with photos
Dear All,
GSE D7690 Visit Journal coming with 31 articles is now under the process of editing and enriching with photos taken in every visit, tour and event.
Besides, this journal is supposed to come in both languages, English and Chinese (Taiwan mandarin), for expanding the audience. This means it takes a lot of work and time - and during the visiting period the tight itinerary does not allow us to do so - and in the upcoming week the English version will be uploaded along with the photos selected from well over 3000 photos (some of them are the courtesy of PDG Phil Morris). Even so, more photos will be uploaded since Ellen, Jack, Nil and Sophie, our GSE team members, are still working on their photo album compiling.
The Taiwanese mandarine version is coming with an additional week leadtime. This version is not necessary the exact translation of the English version text - after all different audiences have different concern and interests and to make the journal more productive and informative to all readers in North Carolina or USA and those in Taiwan or all Taiwanese readers in US or Canada and more, I will do whatever it takes to present a journal not deviate from expections too much.
Dear all, I would like to thank you from the heart for your patience.
When GSE sees growth we do too. And this Journal must play and perform, don't you think so.
Best wishes!
GSE D7690 Visit Journal coming with 31 articles is now under the process of editing and enriching with photos taken in every visit, tour and event.
Besides, this journal is supposed to come in both languages, English and Chinese (Taiwan mandarin), for expanding the audience. This means it takes a lot of work and time - and during the visiting period the tight itinerary does not allow us to do so - and in the upcoming week the English version will be uploaded along with the photos selected from well over 3000 photos (some of them are the courtesy of PDG Phil Morris). Even so, more photos will be uploaded since Ellen, Jack, Nil and Sophie, our GSE team members, are still working on their photo album compiling.
The Taiwanese mandarine version is coming with an additional week leadtime. This version is not necessary the exact translation of the English version text - after all different audiences have different concern and interests and to make the journal more productive and informative to all readers in North Carolina or USA and those in Taiwan or all Taiwanese readers in US or Canada and more, I will do whatever it takes to present a journal not deviate from expections too much.
Dear all, I would like to thank you from the heart for your patience.
When GSE sees growth we do too. And this Journal must play and perform, don't you think so.
Best wishes!
April 17,2008
Journal 020 "Good Morning Asheboro / Randolph" [Area 8 - Day 1]
[ April 16, 2008 Wednesday - Rtn Language ]
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotarians of Asheboro Rotary Club and Clubs in Area 8.
First off, thank you for picking us this morning.
This morning, Sandhills Rotary Club hosted our presentation at North Carolina Hotel. Efficiently all team members and team leader finished the PowerPoint presentation that presented each of them and Taiwan to all Rotarians at the Breakfast regular meeting then.
"We, the two clubs, RC of Sandhills and RC of Taoyuan indeed share something in common. Here you have Happy Dollar and in our Taoyuan RC we have Happy 30$ donation per time as well. Actually this came a long way and behind it is an interesting story. When a Rotarian arrives late or is found violating the dress code, he is asked by Seargent-at-Arm to pay a fine bill. However, In our Rotarians' Japanese accent English it turns into "Fa-In" sound very close to "Hua-Hi" in Taiwanese which means "happy, delightful" so there you go - our two clubs share this "happy dollar."
A laughter burst out among the audience. The historic hotel was good, the meeting was good and these fellow Rotarians, gentlemen and ladies were so nice and full of hospitality.
After the meeting we said thanks and goodbye to all Rotarians of Area 9 and 10, esp thos of Sandhills Rotary Club and they transported us to a connection point to meet Rotarian drivers from Asheboro.
At 10:00 Rtns Rob Reese and Owen George arrived and gave up a ride to Chamber of Commmerce Asheboro / Randolph and there we changed uniforms into casual wear and began the visits to the itinerary.
Ha Ha! Good Morning Asheboro!
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotarians of Asheboro Rotary Club and Clubs in Area 8.
First off, thank you for picking us this morning.
This morning, Sandhills Rotary Club hosted our presentation at North Carolina Hotel. Efficiently all team members and team leader finished the PowerPoint presentation that presented each of them and Taiwan to all Rotarians at the Breakfast regular meeting then.
"We, the two clubs, RC of Sandhills and RC of Taoyuan indeed share something in common. Here you have Happy Dollar and in our Taoyuan RC we have Happy 30$ donation per time as well. Actually this came a long way and behind it is an interesting story. When a Rotarian arrives late or is found violating the dress code, he is asked by Seargent-at-Arm to pay a fine bill. However, In our Rotarians' Japanese accent English it turns into "Fa-In" sound very close to "Hua-Hi" in Taiwanese which means "happy, delightful" so there you go - our two clubs share this "happy dollar."
A laughter burst out among the audience. The historic hotel was good, the meeting was good and these fellow Rotarians, gentlemen and ladies were so nice and full of hospitality.
After the meeting we said thanks and goodbye to all Rotarians of Area 9 and 10, esp thos of Sandhills Rotary Club and they transported us to a connection point to meet Rotarian drivers from Asheboro.
At 10:00 Rtns Rob Reese and Owen George arrived and gave up a ride to Chamber of Commmerce Asheboro / Randolph and there we changed uniforms into casual wear and began the visits to the itinerary.
Ha Ha! Good Morning Asheboro!
April 13,2008
Journal 007 - Good Morning Yadkinville! [ Area 1 - Day 1 ]
[ April 3, 2008 Thursday - Rtn Language ]
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotarians of Yadkinville Rotary Club!
First off, thank you for picking us in the early morning.
Photo 1 LeeSa Cornelius, President of Rotary Club of Yadkinville, Area 1, D7690
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotarians of Yadkinville Rotary Club!
First off, thank you for picking us in the early morning.
Photo 1 LeeSa Cornelius, President of Rotary Club of Yadkinville, Area 1, D7690
Journal 006 - Good Morning Greensboro! [ Area 5 - Day 4 ]
[ April 2, 2008 Wednesday - Rtn Language ]
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotrains of Greensboro Rotary Club!
It is definitely a challenging day to every one of us on GSE team - Vocational Visits are so nourishing while formal presentation at your club meeting a really demanding "mission" we must take a deep breath before standing up and speaking out in front of YOU ALL.
However, this is quite a thrilling experience of exchange, isn't it!
Now let's take a closer look!
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotrains of Greensboro Rotary Club!
It is definitely a challenging day to every one of us on GSE team - Vocational Visits are so nourishing while formal presentation at your club meeting a really demanding "mission" we must take a deep breath before standing up and speaking out in front of YOU ALL.
However, this is quite a thrilling experience of exchange, isn't it!
Now let's take a closer look!
Journal 005 - Good Morning Greensboro! [ Area 5 - Day 3 ]
[ April 1, 2008 Tuesday - Rtn Language ]
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotrains of Crescent Rotary Club!
Today is certainly a joyful day and up to you. We have places for learning, laughters and more...
Wow, What a day!
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotrains of Crescent Rotary Club!
Today is certainly a joyful day and up to you. We have places for learning, laughters and more...
Wow, What a day!
Journal 004 - Good Morning Greensboro! [ Area 5 - Day 2 ]
[ March 31, 2008 Monday - Rtn Language ]
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotrains of Gate City Rotary Club!
Today is surely a brilliant day for us and up to you. We are still new here in the morning but feel being a part of you and Greensboro in the evening after one-day exploration. Everyone of our team is excited and saying thanks to you from the heart.
How wonderful a day this is!
How are YOU ALL! Dear Rotrains of Gate City Rotary Club!
Today is surely a brilliant day for us and up to you. We are still new here in the morning but feel being a part of you and Greensboro in the evening after one-day exploration. Everyone of our team is excited and saying thanks to you from the heart.
How wonderful a day this is!
Journal 002 - Good Morning Piedmont, North Carolina!
March 29, 2008, Saturday, [ Greensboro, NC ]
Having enjoyed a good sleep in the roomy comfortable bed in O' Henry Hotel, instead of struggling in tiny seat of economic class on flight for long hours, I feel fresh and vital again and GSE team members feel the same in general.
At 11:00 sharp, we meet with Ann Hanks, GSE coordinator, in the lounge next to the lobby of O' Henry. Working together, we go through the itinerary and everybody is happy with the arrangement. She suggests that we stay calm and at ease today - because only very brief self-introduction in a more casual air is expected when GSE team meets GSO Airport Rotary Club for lunch and "warm-up".
...繼續閱讀
Having enjoyed a good sleep in the roomy comfortable bed in O' Henry Hotel, instead of struggling in tiny seat of economic class on flight for long hours, I feel fresh and vital again and GSE team members feel the same in general.
At 11:00 sharp, we meet with Ann Hanks, GSE coordinator, in the lounge next to the lobby of O' Henry. Working together, we go through the itinerary and everybody is happy with the arrangement. She suggests that we stay calm and at ease today - because only very brief self-introduction in a more casual air is expected when GSE team meets GSO Airport Rotary Club for lunch and "warm-up".
...繼續閱讀
April 12,2008
Journal 001 "Good Morning America!"
April 28, 2008 Friday [USA Eatern Time]
"Good Morning America"
At 10:45AM our flight arrives H. Atlanta International Airport after a long fly across Pacific Ocean and North America continent. The Korean passenger flight lands smoothy and safely but it takes a while before we leave the flight and reach the immigration check point. Passing the immigration takes a while but not as awful as what we have heard from comments in some travellogs. However before we celebrate our good luck we experience trouble in passing luggage declaration area. They hold up me, Language and Ellen for nearly 30 minutes for no reason (because of mal-practice of the officials there). I feel sorry for Ellen for that she suffers only because she follows me while passing the declaration area - the official actually says that she is held there only they thought Ellen was accompanying me.
After the unpleasant routine procedure, we, the team, move forward to gate for the Delta flight from Altanto to Greensboro. To the directions we take the train and arrive at Concourse A and arrive at the gate. The flight delays for 15 minutes or so without giving any explanation about the reason and the pilot flies the flight passenger jet plane in some way similar to a fighter jet and makes passengers feel very unconformtable. Then the flight comes across turbulence and turns almost out of control at that time Jack throws up unfortunately. Luckily enough, our fighter jet lands safely in GSO shortly.
Finally, after 17 hours struggle, we land American soil and feel excited.
Greensboro Triad International Airport is small but cozy, besides the weather is not bad, a little bit cold, if we are picky enough to comment. But we soon enjoy the warmth - at a far distance we see D7690 Rotary leaders standing there with Rotary flags and even Taiwan flag. The team members walk fast toward them, DG David MoCoy, PDG Phil Morris, District GSE Coordinator Ann Hanks, and many AGs. They give us big hugs and warm welcome at the arrival lobby and take photos with the team. Ann gives everyone of the team a bag with Rotary logo outside and a full package of GSE Itinerary and 7690 pins, NC logo, etc. inside.
Riding on the vans and cars of D7690 Rotary leaders, GSE inbound team yells "Good Day America! Good Day Greensboro" and in no time we arrive at O' Henry Hotel, Greensboro happily and excitedly. Ann gives us a briefing on what we are going to do in the next two hours and next two days - everybody is as happy as a clam! O' Henry Hotel is gorgeous and D7690 Rotarians are awsome - at that time our team experiences a perfeck kick-out of this exchange program.
...繼續閱讀
"Good Morning America"
At 10:45AM our flight arrives H. Atlanta International Airport after a long fly across Pacific Ocean and North America continent. The Korean passenger flight lands smoothy and safely but it takes a while before we leave the flight and reach the immigration check point. Passing the immigration takes a while but not as awful as what we have heard from comments in some travellogs. However before we celebrate our good luck we experience trouble in passing luggage declaration area. They hold up me, Language and Ellen for nearly 30 minutes for no reason (because of mal-practice of the officials there). I feel sorry for Ellen for that she suffers only because she follows me while passing the declaration area - the official actually says that she is held there only they thought Ellen was accompanying me.
After the unpleasant routine procedure, we, the team, move forward to gate for the Delta flight from Altanto to Greensboro. To the directions we take the train and arrive at Concourse A and arrive at the gate. The flight delays for 15 minutes or so without giving any explanation about the reason and the pilot flies the flight passenger jet plane in some way similar to a fighter jet and makes passengers feel very unconformtable. Then the flight comes across turbulence and turns almost out of control at that time Jack throws up unfortunately. Luckily enough, our fighter jet lands safely in GSO shortly.
Finally, after 17 hours struggle, we land American soil and feel excited.
Greensboro Triad International Airport is small but cozy, besides the weather is not bad, a little bit cold, if we are picky enough to comment. But we soon enjoy the warmth - at a far distance we see D7690 Rotary leaders standing there with Rotary flags and even Taiwan flag. The team members walk fast toward them, DG David MoCoy, PDG Phil Morris, District GSE Coordinator Ann Hanks, and many AGs. They give us big hugs and warm welcome at the arrival lobby and take photos with the team. Ann gives everyone of the team a bag with Rotary logo outside and a full package of GSE Itinerary and 7690 pins, NC logo, etc. inside.
Riding on the vans and cars of D7690 Rotary leaders, GSE inbound team yells "Good Day America! Good Day Greensboro" and in no time we arrive at O' Henry Hotel, Greensboro happily and excitedly. Ann gives us a briefing on what we are going to do in the next two hours and next two days - everybody is as happy as a clam! O' Henry Hotel is gorgeous and D7690 Rotarians are awsome - at that time our team experiences a perfeck kick-out of this exchange program.
...繼續閱讀
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