It’s gone so fast, can’t believe it’s all over. Have had the best 10 days here, but really looking forward to coming home. Awaiting my flight @ airport now doing this blogging. Haven’t had a chance really to blog much, so will only give a quick summary of what I’ve been up to this past 10 days.
Last weekend Rod and I had a wonderful time hanging out with Vicky, we walked a lot, went to the German village Hahndorf, took tram down to the beach at Glenelg – very blowy, but got to see a wonderful sunset. We played Getaway game lots of fun! I want it at home. You can go on holiday without spending any $$$$. It was so HOT last weekend, I loved it, so good to be away from Perth’s rain!!!
Then I said goodbye to both and checked in on Monday evening. We had a fun night at the factory @ BreakFree, creating our Perth showbags for the stall at the conference. We had dinner at the awesome Indian place down below at our apartments, great food, better price.
Tuesday was the first unofficial day of the confernece, what I love the most – Library Tours. I went on the conservation tour and we visited the Artlab and the State Library of SA. Artlab was so interesting, basically the building is split into 5 or so labs, each doing something different – textiles, objects, paper, projects, so on…… check out their website…. I really enjoyed this tour. Then on to state library, not bad, but Artlab was my fav! I chilled out over lunch and organised my talk one last time. We registered, set up the Perth stall and then had opening drinks, was great to see some old faces again and promote our stall. Went to a pub on Hindley for dinner, The Woolshed, that was pretty good….. Again late to bed as we tended to stay up late talking about the days events, seemed to be a common pattern over the whole week.
Wednesday was opening day for the actual conference, we made sure we were on time for keynote talks. I really wasn’t paying much attenting that morning, psyching myself up for my talk. I didn’t eat much in the breaks, running around, making sure things were done (hey what’s new!!!) My friend Sarah helped me set up the room with minties and fantails and all was ready. It seemed to go so fast the whole thing, I really did enjoy it though and I am pretty proud of myself. I was able to answer questions and it felt so good!!!! The rest of the day was great……. In the evening we went to Boho Pub (awesome reccommendation!!!) It was a little quiet but perfect for our group of 20…. Food was amazing and so cheap. I had a yummy After Dinner Mint cocktail to celebrate my talk being over. Brilliant night, everyone loved the circus theme.
Thursday was another day of papers and workshops, lots of inspiring and passionate LTs!!!! We had the conference dinner in the evening at the National Wine Centre. Fantastic night, the band was awesome!!! We danced so much to 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s music, before and after main course, it was so much fun. LTs know how to have a gerat time that is for sure!!!! Was so good to have a good dance!!!
Friday we were all a little weary, with going to bed quite late, our “fab four” in my apartment stayed up late again 
great to talk so much but tiring the next day (hahaha). Lucky we started a little later….. Day went pretty fast. We presented, “Come to Perth” slide show and talk. Went really well. Whole committee’s organising for this really paid off! We had closing drins, always sad to say goodbye to fellow national LTs, but lots have said we’ll see you in Perth (and may even write a paper) so that is all very promising, can’t wait. All the showbags went…… The stall was packed up and some of us headed out for late night shopping. That was fun, with dinner down in East Rundell Street. Supposedly an earlier night, but our last with the “Fab Four”.
Saturday was an awesome day!! Our whole day winery tour of the Barossa Valley. A great way to unwind after an exhausting week. About 12 people from WA and a few other LTs joined a grayline bus tour and headed out to the Barossa. Beautiful sunny day for tasting wine. We visited a couple of boutique family owned wineries, had lunch at Kaesler (bought some lovely white port). We finished off the day by eating again at the yummy Indian place, so close to home Perfect, yummy food yet again!! Lots of goodbyes said and we had a pretty early night. I even managed to catch the last of the footy final – feel like I’ve been away from civilisation the whole week with no footy news, I can’t wait for the GF, the 2 teams I wanted to be there have made it!
Sunday I visited the State Library of SA – the Mortlock wing is absolutely beautiful…. Took a few photos and wandered through the exhibitions, even saw Bradman’s bat. Spent rest of time shopping and checking out the markets and chilling out!!! So needed it.
It’s been a fantastic 10 days in this beautiful city, I can’t wait to come back when its warmer and go swimming at their beautiful beaches. There is so much to see and do here. Would love more time at the Barossa Valley, there are some lovely cute towns set out amongst the valley.
I have heard some fantastic and interesting papers and attended some great workshops. I really enjoyed visiting ArtLab. Networking with LTs across Australia has been great too. Have met some wonderful people and I hope they come to Perth 2011.
Small selection of photos added: See the section, “Past Trips” from this amazing 10 day trip to Adealaide.
Told you this would be short (NOT)
