Life down under

It is November 16 and I have been in Australia since the 2nd :-) I know it does not seem like a tremendously long time, and it isn't a tremendously long time, however, when you are a world away, and dog less it feels like an eternity! ;-) It is bittersweet however, because I am having the most amazing time teaching all of the wonderful folks down under, and, at the same time find myself quite homesick :-) I have now had the opportunity to teach in 2 different parts of the country and will go on to teach at a third before I head home. What an incredible opportunity!!! The folks here are virtual sponges and are such tremendous students! The scenery here is absolutely to die for and the weather has been glorious! It is quite amazing to see the incredible wide range of birds flying overhead all of the time, cockatoos, kookaburras, and, lorikeets just to name a few. The dogs here are wonderful and it has been fascinating to get to learn the differences in the agility program in Australia. There are a lot of differences and at the same time a lot of similarities. The courses are not easier or harder, just different. I had the opportunity to go to a trial while I was in the Sydney area and even had a chance to run a couple of dogs, what fun! I have been to Sydney Harbor, through the Blue Mountains, toured wine country, and, done some serious shopping, what a lucky person I am! I have at the same time seriously missed my dogs, my family, and, my friends :-) I know that my dogs will be better for the trip as they have had a much needed break, the family will be pleased to see me again, and, hopefully the friends too! For now I am going to sign off, as it is getting on to "tea time", just wanted to catch everyone up on what has been going on down under :-) P.S. I am not sure that I will know how to drive when I get home, and, i may talk a bit funny, but, it will be a trip to remember for sure!!