Three weeks Down under |
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Tour to Australia 2001 |
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| When I found out from the University of Stockholm that I had received a grant from the fund "The Memory of John Söderberg" I was extremely happy. Still happier I was when I found out how much money it was - it would take me to Australia. And since Australia has good researchers in the area Science Education I contacted them. And at once I had help to organise my journey! | |
I took off in February 2001
and my first destination was Sydney. I needed some time to get hold of
the jetlag that was caused by the time difference, 
but it really wasn't boring to do that seeing the fantastic city. The
first visit was with Ben Selinger in Canberra. Among other things Ben
has written the book Chemistry in the Marketplace, and put an enormous
effort into that. He took a picture at a viewing point outside the city
as you see in the picture above.After the visit to Canberra I went to Melbourne where I met several persons, among others Dick Gunstone, at Monash University during thursday and friday. 
During the weekend I took a small trip to Hobart in Tasmania where I had
the wonderful experience of stepping backwards in time 50 years, and
also met several of the amazing marsupials, tasmanian devils, wombats,
wallabies and koalas.After Tasmania it was time to go back to Melbourne, where Peter Fensham and his nice wife Christine took care of me bringing me to their summer house at Phillip Island.  Here
I had both discussions with Peter and the oppurtunity to see penguins -
it was exiting.The tour continued and the next stop was Adelaide where Chris Dawson took care of me. I joined an excursion for school students in the Botanical garden and it was a nice day with many exotic plants and really nice weather. Finally I should spend the last six days in Perth, where I stayed with Pam and Pat Garnett. I was very happy to be met at the airport and arriving in a home after all the staying in hotels. The stay in beautiful Perth was very happy, 
I visited three universities and among other things I listened to Bob
Bucats introductory lecture to the new students - he made an exiting
effect using a balloon filled with hydrogen. The only
"problem" was the weather - the temperature was 40 degrees
duting my stay in Perth, and at the same time - I found out when I
telephoned home - it was minus twenty during the so called Vasa skiing
race in Sweden!There also was time for some sightseeing and a memorable event was the barbecue at sunset at the beach I was brought to by the Garnetts. When I started the return trip I was filled with new experiences and I had also found new friends in the wonderful and exiting new country. |
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