What better way to miss an afternoon of teaching than by attending a reception upon invitation
from the governor of Victoria, Governor David de Kretser! It was a special reception on April 22, organized to celebrate "International Education Week 2010" at the regal Government House residence.
I had been excited about this event ever since I received a very official-looking envelope through the mail at school! Sadly neither my principal nor my husband were invited - only the ITF (international teaching fellows) candidates alone.
It was indeed a gala event, complete with an official program.
We first received an official Aboriginal welcome.
Many international students from Melbourne schools were also invited and some of their talents were showcased.
We even got to learn some Bollywood dance moves!
The Governor's speech was very informative.
When the Government House had originally been built, it supposedly had more gold gilding
than Buckingham Palace, so Buckingham Palace had to add more gold decor, so as not to be outdone! Unfortunately the Government House had suffered in Melbourne's recent horrendous hailstorm, and the Governor stated that the Queen's state bedroom had received extensive damage. Hopefully the Queen would not come for an official visit in the near future, because she would have no place to sleep! He did invite us all to browse through the Government House following the program, and that is exactly what we did when the official ceremony had ended. As we sauntered through the Government House and the garden, we were served foods of all delectable kinds! School bands performed in the outside courtyard for our enjoyment.
The house itself was decorated very tastefully with many ornaments,
and chandeliers!
It was lovely to see the ballroom (where the program was held), the sunroom
(check out the Melbourne skyline through the windows!), the state dining room
and the queen's official chair.
We even got to meet the governor himself
in the reception room. It was a great chance to meet some of the exchange teachers again and to compare notes as to how their exchange year is going.
All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon!
from the governor of Victoria, Governor David de Kretser! It was a special reception on April 22, organized to celebrate "International Education Week 2010" at the regal Government House residence. 
I had been excited about this event ever since I received a very official-looking envelope through the mail at school! Sadly neither my principal nor my husband were invited - only the ITF (international teaching fellows) candidates alone. 
Many international students from Melbourne schools were also invited and some of their talents were showcased. 
We even got to learn some Bollywood dance moves! 
The Governor's speech was very informative. 
than Buckingham Palace, so Buckingham Palace had to add more gold decor, so as not to be outdone! Unfortunately the Government House had suffered in Melbourne's recent horrendous hailstorm, and the Governor stated that the Queen's state bedroom had received extensive damage. Hopefully the Queen would not come for an official visit in the near future, because she would have no place to sleep! He did invite us all to browse through the Government House following the program, and that is exactly what we did when the official ceremony had ended. As we sauntered through the Government House and the garden, we were served foods of all delectable kinds! School bands performed in the outside courtyard for our enjoyment.
The house itself was decorated very tastefully with many ornaments, 
statues, 
pictures 
and chandeliers! 
It was lovely to see the ballroom (where the program was held), the sunroom 
(check out the Melbourne skyline through the windows!), the state dining room 
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