Naracoorte and Penola Veterinary Centres, South Australia.
The drive totalled 5.5 hours not including lunch at Ararat where Lan and Ceelo met the Dean's aunt (and Prof Jubb's sister no less!) at the Information Centre. Enjay had suggested a tour of the local jail but they were running short on time so went to One Tree Hill to take in the panoramic views before continuing on their way to Naracoorte.
Upon arrival at the clinic owner's place (also the head vet), they were greeted by the very friendly family who had taken care to set aside a room for their lodging and two beds. The couple also owned the local indoor pool and offered the accompanying bathroom for Lan and Ceelo's private use. They had 3 young boys, 2 older twins and a younger son. For the first few nights the boys loved to knock on the wall adjoining the bedrooms in an attempt to spook their new guests out. Someone at some point even chucked a fluoro stick down the hallway amidst stifled fits of laughter. Ah kids.
As thanks, Lan and Ceelo made some killer goi cuon (rice paper rolls) and sticky date puddings with butterscotch sauce and almond praline. There were some nights where they made dumplings, fried rice and other things to show their appreciation.
The clinic staff were equally as nice. Their only fault would probably be their inability to distinguish between Lan and Ceelo. LOL.
The clinic also wasn't forgotten with a delivery of croquembouche cupcakes baked by Ceelo and Lan.
In summary, this placement was thoroughly enjoyable. Although the hands-on component was not as extensive as Bairnsdale, there were many interesting cases that Lan will be sure to follow up on.
On the weekend, they went sightseeing to the Naracoorte Caves (A World Heritage listed site), Mount Gambier (South Australia's 2nd largest town and the site of Australia's only dormant volcano ) and Robe (a popular posh beach area along the coast).
In Mount Gambier, Lan and Ceelo visited Sorrento Cafe, where they had the best pizza. A perfect blend of flavours consisting of cheese, purple onions, jalepeno chillis, mushrooms, pepperoni and kalamata olives. Droooooool.
They then trudged up to the summit of Mount Gambier where they encountered the breathtaking view of Blue Lake. Photos will not do this lake any justice (MUST SEE). The colour is just absolutely spectacular.
The following day, Lan and Ceelo drove down to Robe. And once again were amazed at the pristine waters and unspoiled views of the coastline. They also did the obligatory "rockclimbing" as they had back at Cape Conran (during Bairnsdale placement).
The drive home was tedious and tiring. Lan had not been aware that there would be a deluge of rain upon crossing the border. Furthermore the Victorian Electoral Committee had been negligent and not supplied Ceelo with her postal voting papers so the travelers had to take a pitstop at Horsham.
Some things they got to do included surgery, assisting in orthopaedic surgeries, waking up at 4am to go artificially inseminate a mare, staying back after hours one night where the cases kept pouring in, being at the mercy of some unique driving by the vets, preg testing cows, bleeding rams, usual injections and stuff, dental blah blah..
Twas an enjoyable placement, the experience enriched by the friendly staff =)
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