Australia

Visit to Adelaide, Australia (July 2015)

From Singapore, I travelled to Adelaide by Silk Air and reached on Jul 7, 2015 morning, on the very day of my conference inauguration. So, from airport, I reached directly the conference (ICAS – 9) venue, (organized at ACC: Adelaide Convention Centre), by 9 am. Got fresh, changed my dress there at venue, and got the registration kit. I was bit hungry. Morning Tea (with snacks) was ready. Met a few delegates from India and abroad, there.

Waited there till lunch and then till afternoon tea. Then I walked around the venue ACC, which was situated on a lovely locality, in lovely green environment. A small river was dividing ACC (Adelaide Convention Centre) on one side and the Adelaide Oval (cricket stadium) on the other side. Huge park, green and clean, attractive foot over bridge to reach the other side. Visited stadium; enjoyed river cruise ship (at a fee of AUS $10). Took a few snaps, and immediately uploaded on FB. There was free network access (thanks to high speed Wi-Fi). I was damn tired; so I returned to my hotel (Break–free Director’s studio apartment, which was an un-serviced apartment accommodation) in Gorger street, close to Victoria Square (Heart of Adelaide).

Meeting with Governor, with formal invitation/ pass, was really a new kind of experience for me, that evening. Governor and his wife talked to each one of us, during high tea, hosted by them. Hotel accommodation experience was unique, as you yourself have to find (get into) the hotel room (no help), and all other facilities. Could sleep well that night, as I was damn tired, after long journey.

Next day, (on 8^th July), I prepared my ppt for my presentation. Then wanted to enjoy morning-city-tour, all alone, in a tram. Went to visit Adelaide sea sore. Walked a bit, enjoyed the clean green environment of sea beach. People are very polite and cooperative. Came back to ACC; had morning tea and then had my quick lunch. Soon after lunch, I had my presentation session. In my session, 2 delegates from New Zealand and another 2 from India (including me) were there. My presentation was good (quite satisfactory). Then I moved around, and checked mails. Interacted with few delegates. I then confirmed (by mail) to Adelaide University, regarding my (pre-arranged, formal) visit for tomorrow. I came back to hotel room in evening. But could not sleep; may be due to Jet-lag effect or my anxiety/ stress. Meeting with SA (Adelaide) premier (PM) was memorable; very simple and unassuming person he was, (without any bodyguards or police).

Travelld by local tram service today (on 9^th July), and I enjoyed the city ride. On my way, I enquired about the location of Adelaide University. Then after lunch, went to Adelaide University, walking down. Ms. Irish (their P.R.O) received me from the main gate and then she escorted me to the Faculty of Business & Economics, which was located in another building. Meeting was very brief and too formal. It appeared, as if they were not impressed/ interested (about my organisation’s geographical location), for any possible academic collaboration. They gave me a small token gift (university souvenir).

After that, I returned to my hotel. On my way, I had a very simple dinner (at a cost of AUS $12) in a Chinese restaurant; I had rice and chicken. Again, I could not sleep well at night. Packed carefully everything, as I have to leave Adelaide early in the morning. I could sleep only for two hours, with much difficulty.

Got up early next day (on 10^th July), took bath, checked out from hotel. It was drizzling outside (very mildly). I walked down to bus stop (1 k.m. from my hotel), and waited first for 30 minutes, for the express bus service. But, then I decided not to waste time and better to go to airport by taxi (paying $20), (as it was risky to wait further). Reached Adelaide airport on time. Immediately boarding–pass and security check was done, in 30 minutes. Got my Singapore flight at 9 am. Reached Singapore after 6 hrs. I had more than 6 hrs at hand, before boarding my Kolkata Flight. Passed time there in airport, using free net access (for 8 hrs). This free service was a good advantage for the travellers like me. That morning I managed with biscuits, what I had with me. Entered Kolkata bound flight at 8 pm. Then another 4-5 hrs flight travel time, until I reach Kolkata/ India.

Finally, I landed at Kolkata airport by 11 pm. The waiting place there at Kolkata airport, was bit inconvenient. I could not sleep at Kolkata airport, for the rest of the night, at all. The connecting flight for BBSR was at 5:30 am, on next day (on July-11). At 4:30 am, we got boarding pass. It was drizzling slightly. Reached BBSR by 7 am. Somehow, I managed to get an OLA cab and reached home at 8:30 am. It was raining, at Bhubaneswar, when I reached.