Too Marvelous for Words

Everyone told me that it was the 'trip of a lifetime' and it was. I don't even know how to describe the wonderful GSE experience. To say that everyone we met was amazingly kind would be an understatement. Rotarians and their families welcomed us with open arms. GSE Coordinator, David Sadler, and the Rotary Clubs, that arranged the hosting of our teams left no stone unturned to make our experience unforgettable.

The Northeast of England is beautiful and its people are even more beautiful. There is so much to see and so much to do in this wonderful country. Castles, Cathedrals, Abbie's, Museums, Schools, and Hadrian's Wall are just a few of the many cultural visits we made. Rotary club members often set out with us for a day of adventure to some wonderful place. Stopping for lunch with our host Rotarians and enjoying conversation and laughter became the rule of the day.

We toured villages and cities, met the Mayors of Gateshead, Durham, Hexham and Sunderland. We had wonderful tour guides that shared their wisdom with us, as we toured historic buildings and cities.

During the month we each visited our counterpart vocational businesses. I visited Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels and Agribusinesses where there was a sharing of information.

Hosts extraordinaire welcomed us into their homes and showed us hospitality that was exceptional in every way. They shared their time, care and friendship with us and they will be in our hearts forever.

At Rotary Clubs we were greeted with warmth and friendliness, and we enjoyed sharing our presentations with them. Club members often went along on our sightseeing trips, making these trips, times of friendship and bonding. We shared meals and exchanged banners with clubs throughout the Northeast. Big clubs or small they were truly one of my favorite events during the trip.

Nidd Hall was terrific! A time of rest for us as a team, but it was hard to go to one's room when a beautiful country estate was outside the window and fun happenings and friendly Rotarians were downstairs.

My trip on the Moors of Yorkshire with Mel, Jeremy and Tim was one of my favorite outings and the Bed and Breakfast located on the top of the Moor in the middle of nowhere was a delightful find. Visiting George Washington's ancestor's home was like finding a bit of America in England.

A game night and a Bowl's competition were two evenings that were full of laughter, as we tried to compete in sports that we had never played. The Medieval Feast was great fun and will never be forgotten.

For me, the memories of the people who I met, are the ones I will treasure the most. Their warm smiles and gentle hearts, their thoughtfulness and kindness to strangers from America, has made a lasting impression on me. It is my hope that some will venture to our district to enjoy the special place we live.

Our farewell dinner was wonderful! It was held at the 'Mansion House' in Newcastle a perfect venue for a perfect trip. It was an emotional time when Cynthia Fairley and David Sadler shared their district's thoughts of our trip. The team members each spoke about how much they had enjoyed their visit to Rotary District 1030. Tears flowed and voices broke, as heartfelt feelings were shared. Soon the evening was at an end and it was time to say 'goodbye' to our hosts and the other Rotarians who had gathered there. For our team it was a sad moment in a month full of laughter and joy.

I am so proud of my team. They did a wonderful job in representing our District. I am so happy that I shared the GSE experience with them. They are special to me, and Rotary District 7170 can be very proud of each one of them.

Terry Donlick