Opole University of Technology

You don't need to enlarge this pic.











This was taken at the sport and recreation facility at the university. This particular faculty (or college) is located on a former military base that was first occupied by the Germans during WWII, and then by the Polish army after the war. In 2004 the university purchased the barracks and has begun transforming the space into residence halls, academic classrooms, and recreation facilities.




We each gave a presentation. I spoke on tourism and recreation issues in the US.







Dr. Garrahy presented on the Physical Education Teacher Education program at Illinois State.








Dr. McLoda discussed his research on ankle injuries. The audience was comprised of students of physical education, physiotherapy, and recreation and tourism. Also present were several faculty members, a dean and the vice rector (VP) of the university.




We discussed curricular matters with several faculty over coffee and sweets.







In Poland you don't have to save your silverware after the appetizers. It's kind of funny thinking how hard we work in the US to guard our forks and knives.









This Catholic church was built in 1230.









This picture shows what is left of the original wall that surrounded the city.

City landscape at dusk.

Opole, Polska, Monday 26, 2009

Here we are at dinner with our fearless guide, Ela. She is a lovely person with a great sense of humor.







Meat, potatoes, and Pivo Tyskie. Tasty!









We visited a class of first year management and engineering students. Here is their dean.









Lunch. We work hard but we also enjoy time with our new Polska friends over good food and drink.







Neighboorhood near the unversity.








Todd, Deb, Margaret, Ela, and Gosia, and the latter 3 represent the Office of International Relations.










Opole City Center







Student residence.








These 2 young women are studying physiotherapy and are from Romania. They speak fluent English and said they are having a great experience in the study abroad program here at Opole University of Technology.







Here are some cabbage and mushroom pierogis. I ate every single one.

Image from the city center.

Opole, Poland: Sun, Oct 25, 4:30 pm. Our Polish-speaking driver met us at the Krakow Airport and delivered us to Opole on what seemed like a Polska-Autobahn. Tom would love the fine roads and fast speeds. Hotel is very nice. We will dine with Opole University of Technology folks this evening. the fall colors are great. Rolling hills, agricultural region (I saw a Gleaner combining corn), and beautiful fall colors. Ok, time for some tasty Polish food!

Testing the mobile blogger.

Polska

So off we go to Poland this weekend to see about setting up an exchange program between Illinois State and Opole University of Technology. This means my classes won't meet next week. The students are thrilled!

My bag is packed and I'm ready to go.

Every evening I plan to strike out into Poland to find Internet cafes so I can record some observations and share pictures.

Canadian Thanksgiving

We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend








Creative photography



















Game of Horse










Air Dan








Hat party







It's all in the facial expressions.

Birthdays and fall fun

Katrina planned a nice birthday party for her mom in August. She was surrounded by her 4 beautiful "grands" plus lots of family and friends.






Isn't she a "grand" granddaughter? :)









Here is a picture from one of my bike rides. I can ride 20-30 miles and see only a handful off cars. Biking in Illinois is the best kept secret...no hills and no cars. What's even better is that there has been no wind to contend with over the last 2-3 months, too! Good for bikers like me, but bad for all the wind farms!




Tom and Dan eliminated the honey locust. The tree has been bugging Tom for quite some time.