Arrival in Carlisle

Things look lovely here.  Carlisle has struck us as a very old town with links to the earliest days of US history (George Washington stayed at an inn here) and, of course, the civil war and Gettysburg in particular.  There are some lovely houses in the town and we are looking forward to moving in to our place later today.

The photo below is from our welcome to Carlisle from our sponsor families - local families who volunteer to look after international students over their 12 months on the course.  From left to right:
Hugh McHaslan: NZ student who has just finished the course.  Fi and I had met him and his wife, Mel, during our posting with UNTSO back in 1999. They have not changed a bit! (Apart from adding two children to their family!).
Shane Gabriel: The Australian student who has just finished the course.  He and his wife, Karli, have had a great time over here and Shane has just been promoted to Brigadier.
Russ Macaluso: Russ is an ENT specialist in Carlisle who has been involved with the Australian families for the past 3 years.  He and his wife, Jean, were wonderful hosts and have an amazing house - more like a small property with sheep, a barn, pool and yards. This photo was taken in his bar.

 

 

The photo below is of the girls.  From left to right:

Barbara Nieberg: Our other sponsor family.  Barb is married to Michael (who was away from Carlisle on this occasion) and has two daughters.

Mel McHaslan: Married to Hugh, the NZ student from the last course.

Karli Gabriel: Married to Shane and about to head back to Canberra.

Jean Macaluso: Married to Russ.

 

 

The photo below gives you an idea of some of the streets in Carlisle.  Quaint shops, tree lined streets and pretty easy to get around.