From Downunder to What the?

Re-entry.  Back to winter. From 90 degrees to 40 degrees. From sunny days to dreary low hung clouds.  Back to a possible work strike?  Where am I?  I must be back in the Pacific Northwest.

I am back.  Back from my 123 day international assignment in Port Melbourne, Australia.  Back to reality?  Maybe....maybe not.  But back to my normal routine.  Its good to be back. :)

Here's a quick summary of my last few weeks in Australia and a little note of my personal achievement and lesson learned being in Australia.  The last couple of weeks in Australia was busy and I had an opportunity to see the best of the world's Tennis players and had a great time networking and opening more possibilities in more overseas assignments.  Here is what I have left from working in Australia...Working hard never goes unnoticed, and from what I learned the most out of this experience is that the more challenging work you accept to do despite it not being the most pleasant work, is good for oneself in personal development and professionally.  From this experience I am more independent and resilient.  I also have earned respect as a bona fide industrial engineer at Boeing Aerostructures Australia.    

Quickly - The Australian Open occurs during the month of January and is one of the country's if not world's largest and most famous sporting event.  Yes, its seen by more eyes than the Superbowl...  From January 14th to January 27th, hundreds of thousands come to Melbourne, yes, Melbourne Australia to watch the best tennis players duel for that one title, champion of the world for both women and male participants. There is only one female champion and one male champion.  For those who can't afford the $194.00 tickets to see the best in the Rod Laver stadium or the Hisense arena, there are grounds passes that anyone can purchase for less than $50.00.  These passes allow anyone to tour the tennis tournament grounds, see the practice courts where amateurs to pros are seen practicing, junior tennis tournaments, doubles arenas, food, beer gardens, and many more activities and venues. Its one of the best values available and on the first day I chose to go, they were sold out...more than 100,000 visiting visitors.

I saw an incredible number of games, sets and matches.  Most I forget who they were as the names are all foreign and hard to remember, but I do remember watching a few doubles matches with the legends of tennis (more fun than competitive), and watching some of the university matches....even though they were younger, they were the best from each country and could even be the next world champions.  Its hard to believe.  But amazing.  Imagine being faced with a serve flying at your face faster than a fastball in baseball, over 110 mph!!!

The best part of the experience was seeing Djokovic up close at the practice courts.  Watching him practice was an amazing experience.  All of you who don't know who he is....he is last years and this year's Aussie Open Champion.  The best tennis player in the world. :)

Djokovic!

All of this occurred during my last week in Australia.  Work ended and transitioned smoothly as did saying all of my good-byes.  The Australian Open was the perfect way to conclude my short-term stay in Australia. With that, this is my last entry and conclusion to my blog.  As for any future blogs, of course, where and when will be the next place...is pending.  :P  Thanks for all of your support and recognition and I appreciate all of your views...yes I can track how many people are viewing my blog....over 1700 of you are dedicated followers!!!

Thanks again and Cheers!

Kevin