This week has proven to be exceptionally hard because my progress in Uni work has been put to a near standstill as I cope with a pretty serious cold (but not TOO serious…stop worrying Mom). With a big group presentation on Thursday, my head is running a mile a minute while my body works as though my veins are circulating with cement. I can’t find much motivation to leave my apartment and the change in weather isn’t helping much either. The drop in temperature might also be blamed for this head/chest cold, but I’ll go ahead and put the blame on myself for not packing a jacket. My hope-filled soul denied that Australia could be cold and merely prayed that all the people who tried to warn me were merely cold-natured and didn’t know what cool weather was. I am from Boone, afterall.
So in my standard of denial, I spent Saturday on the beach trying to snag the last bit of summer rays before Fall was in full force. The weather held and with only a few clouds and a forecast of at least 75 degrees, I was ready to soak in the sun. After a terribly frustrating and looonng drive to Coogee (which is a bit funny, in retrospect), I finally got to relax in the sand to the soft sound of waves crashing beside me. In accordance to my amazing luck… it was almost instantly that a cloud rolled in and dropped 10 degrees. I was beginning to question my day as I “layed out” in a bundled position, but just then the cloud moved away. I plugged my ears with some good music, closed my eyes, and….another cloud. So at this point I began to accept that the summer has officially left Australia.
My friends came in from the water and it was not long after that we couldn’t stand the breeze, so we packed our beach things and headed to a local seaside restaurant called 5-Ohs for some of our crew to grab a quick dinner. An hour later as we walked out of 5-Ohs we all lingered for a minute in a collective but unspoken pause, knowing that no one really wanted to go home yet. We looked behind us to the setting sun and knew that walking up the headlands was going to reveal a most beautiful sight.
Once we reached the top, all conversations ceased and we each found a separate resting spot to sit and marinate ourselves in this moment. The scene was picturesque with the rising tide bringing the linear swells, each one carrying a dark blue wave to crash onto the rocks below me. The whitewash over the rock looked like vanilla icing being spread over a plate of oddly shaped brownies. In the far-off distance to my right sat a collection of rocks in the middle of the sea that would normally not catch my attention, but a bon-fire’s flicker and the outline of human forms were turned a shade of pink from the setting sun. The town of Coogee and it's buildings were silhouetted by the deep orange rays on it’s backside. My instant reaction to this beauty was a tinge of regret for not charging my camera from the previous night’s draining of the battery. This sunset was not the most beautiful that I have seen in Australia, but there was something about that moment that I was desperate to capture. It was as if I was bidding adieu to the last day of summer by giving my full attention to it. In the end I am glad I didn’t have my camera because no photo could possibly contain my feelings of love for Australia and the beauty it continually presents me.
My intention that morning was to “soak” in the sun, but by the end of the day I was perfectly content finding a new personal definition of soaking in the sun.
Because of my cold and the setbacks at Uni that it’s caused, I don’t have enough time to do my Easter Break update, but I will do it by the end of this weekend. Pinky Promise!
4.29.2009
4.20.2009
March Madness
As of 5:00 today the constant anxiety that has haunted me for weeks has vanished and my chest can finally rise and fall to its full capacity again. At least for now…
Uni is really giving me hell while showing me what most other people have to deal with during their college career. No wonder everyone else was so ready to graduate. It’s a good thing that this is my final semester in school, because it is wearing me down to my wits end. I’m so grateful to have had such a fun major at Appalachian. Learning anything in the Graphic Arts department never felt like work. I wouldn’t change a thing if I were to do it all again…
But my existence in Sydney is not only about school (although it should probably take a liiiittle more of my time. This is debatable though). This past month has absolutely flown by and my time here continues to speed. I'm already more than halfway done with my exchange here in Australia and the thought of leaving really makes me sick. I want to try to recount my last month but that might take ages to write, so I’ll write with light (for those who don’t already know, that is the breakdown of the word “Photography.” See, you read my blog and get to learn new things! ).
So, starting from where I last left off- Early March.
St. Patty’s Day: Because last year I was only 20, I have never been able to celebrate St. Patty’s along with the masses. If I was in Australia last year, or the year before, or the year before that….I could have celebrated. But alas, I am here now and I must not think of what could have been because it’s a wasted thought.
So, I suited up in my best green outfit, met up with my international crew at the Irish pub in Newtown, and we proceeded to have as much fun as we could on a school night.
St. Patrick's Day is perfect for me because I looove Guinness.
"Uni Sucks"
Me & Paola
Josanne, Me, Roos, Jane, & Marietta
The rest of that weekend was filled with a few fun excursions around the city: Glebe Market, Paddys, an evening with the wake board & water ski club, visiting Massimo’s high rise apartment, and a Sunday afternoon ferry to Manly beach.
Looking out from Massimo's World Tower Apartment balcony.
The people look like ants. Vertigo?
Out with the Wakeboard & Water ski club.
Ferry to Manly Beach
Then came the weekend of Surf Camp. I’ve always wanted to learn to surf, but living 4+ hours from a beach my whole life has been quite the roadblock. This was such a golden opportunity- 2 full days of surfing punctuated by wild nights and really fun people. It was hands-down one of the most fun weekends I’ve had in Australia, and also in my entire life.
On Friday night when I was boarded on to a charter bus that was brimming with Americans I had a little apprehension about the weekend ahead. I don’t know who I’m kidding, it was more than a little apprehension…I had full on culture shock. Lauren and Paola were the only Americans that I have had any contact with in Australia, so a busload was really overwhelming. It was the first time I’ve been able to step into the shoes of a foreigner and feel the uncomfortable anxiety that comes with being surrounded by a giant group of loud laughing/screaming/obnoxious American 20-somethings. The only non-Americans on the bus were my friends and my frustration rose as I saw all of my hard work melt away, for I have spent the past 2 months trying to convince them that not all Americans suck. Despite the initial shock, I managed to make a couple of friends on that bus and our “middle-of-the-bus crew” ended up staying close the entire weekend.
The camp was located about 3 hours North of Sydney in the small town of Seal Rocks, population 26. The beaches in Sydney are pretty nasty and super overcrowded, but when it's all you see for months you get used to it and stop complaining. Once my feet touched the soft and clean sands of the Seal Rocks beaches I was instantly addicted.
Saturday morning at camp.
A breathtaking view after spending 2 months in the cement-filled city. I sure missed the wilderness. This was followed by a troop of wallabys hopping through the misty field. If you don't know what a wallaby is, Google it and you shall see what would happen if a bunny and kangaroo mated... So adorable.
The Middle of the Bus Crew.
Federico (Italy), Eddie (Oz), Xavier (France), Fabian (Germany), Me, Sasha (US), Gabby (US), Irene (Italy), Lauren (US)
Lighthouse beach, Seal Rocks NSW
Voted in top 10 most beautiful beaches in Australia
Eddie and Fabi getting on their wettys
Fabi, Eddie, Lauren, Me, Irene
Considering this was before our first lesson, my position on the board isn't that bad.
We had the beach to ourselves.
Lighthouse Beach
The campsite wasn't exactly four-star and it's water system produced brown water that smelled like eggs. To avoid an egg-shower, we stopped at a national park and "showered" in a freshwater lake. This was the first time I've experienced clear water in a lake- it was breathtaking.
Night #2 at the camp with Fabian
Day #2 on another beach. Equally as beautiful, but smaller/gentler waves.
Lauren, Gabi, Sasha, & I with our babe instructors
Sydney Uni Peeps in Team Epic.
Federico, Irene, Lauren, Fabian, Me, Eddie
Team Epic!!!
This picture is rumored to be used in the next Waves brochure. I'm leaving my legend in Australia...
One of the best parts about being in Australia is that when you come "back to reality" after a great weekend away, reality= Sydney. I love it.
So Lauren and I made our way through a few more days of school and hopped a train for another weekend adventure. This week's destination? Newcastle for a Deep Sea Fishing excursion!
When Lauren and I flew into Sydney in February we met some really great study abroad students from Kansas who were going to school in Newcastle. After spending our first night in Australia together we all exchanged information and have managed to keep in touch since then. They graciously invited us on their deep sea fishing trip and we didn't hesitate for a second to accept.
So the plan was this: I finished class on Thursday at 9pm, we were to get the 10:15 train to Newcastle and arrive around 1:15. Then on Friday morning we would rise before the sun at 5:30 and meet the boat's captain at 6:45 in a neighboring town. This was to be followed by a day of sunbathing, catching sharks, and having an afternoon on the blue ocean that we would never forget. That was the plan....
Safely on the 10:15 pm train. Scheduled arrival in Newcasle: 1:15 am
The 3 hour trainride got a little dull, so my trusty D40 kept me entertained.
About 30 minutes from our destination the train stopped and everyone was required to get off and ride the remainder of the trip on a charter bus. I would normally have been upset but this was a charter bus like no other. Leather seats, silk curtains, blue mood lights. How could anyone be mad as they cruise through Australian roads in high class? Lauren's excitement in this picture just about captures our amazement...
Our arrival in Newcastle now became 2:15 am.
So we snagged as much sleep as we could, but the alarm at 5:30 seemed to go off the second my head hit the pillow. Our excitement got us up and going and we made it to the dock just in time to see the sun rise...
And after about 30 minutes of no Skipper in sight, a few phone calls were made and it was soon discovered that the trip was canceled due to a huge swell from flooding in Queensland and a rip caused by a broken sandbar. Our boat wouldn't be able to make it past the giant waves that were being created where the swell and rip collided. Needless to say, I was disappointed. We had gone all that way for nothing! BUT, Lauren and I were determined to have fun regardless. So, our gracious hosts spent the day showing us around Swansea and Newcastle. Because our day began at 5:30 we had a rather full day of activities. In the end, really enjoyed spending my day with some new faces and my camera...
Pups making friends by the waterside.
Morning Catch
Lauren
Dan
Josh
This picture is funny because I spent a good part of the morning taking pictures of this boat because of the way it was being reflected in the water, and not long after we discovered that it's the boat we were supposed to go out on.
Australian spiders are never small. Ever.
We found shade from the Aussie sun while waiting for the bus.
I take a lot of pictures of food, don't I? I've been floored by the great meals I've had here. This pot of tea and chickpea curry was was from an adorable local organic/locally grown-only restaraunt by the train station in Newcastle. If I ever make it back to Newcasle to attempt the deep sea fishing again, I will definitely eat here once more.
I should have gone in to meet my Australian relatives...
Uni is really giving me hell while showing me what most other people have to deal with during their college career. No wonder everyone else was so ready to graduate. It’s a good thing that this is my final semester in school, because it is wearing me down to my wits end. I’m so grateful to have had such a fun major at Appalachian. Learning anything in the Graphic Arts department never felt like work. I wouldn’t change a thing if I were to do it all again…
But my existence in Sydney is not only about school (although it should probably take a liiiittle more of my time. This is debatable though). This past month has absolutely flown by and my time here continues to speed. I'm already more than halfway done with my exchange here in Australia and the thought of leaving really makes me sick. I want to try to recount my last month but that might take ages to write, so I’ll write with light (for those who don’t already know, that is the breakdown of the word “Photography.” See, you read my blog and get to learn new things! ).
So, starting from where I last left off- Early March.
St. Patty’s Day: Because last year I was only 20, I have never been able to celebrate St. Patty’s along with the masses. If I was in Australia last year, or the year before, or the year before that….I could have celebrated. But alas, I am here now and I must not think of what could have been because it’s a wasted thought.
So, I suited up in my best green outfit, met up with my international crew at the Irish pub in Newtown, and we proceeded to have as much fun as we could on a school night.
St. Patrick's Day is perfect for me because I looove Guinness.
"Uni Sucks"Amen!
The next fun event was Irene’s birthday. My beautiful Italian friend decided the theme of her evening BBQ would be a “pink party” and everyone had to come dressed in something pink. I always love a theme, so I came equipped. The night was really lovely with good friends and delicious Italian food & birthday sweets to be eaten under the speckled night sky.
Me & Paola
Josanne, Me, Roos, Jane, & MariettaThe rest of that weekend was filled with a few fun excursions around the city: Glebe Market, Paddys, an evening with the wake board & water ski club, visiting Massimo’s high rise apartment, and a Sunday afternoon ferry to Manly beach.
Looking out from Massimo's World Tower Apartment balcony.
The people look like ants. Vertigo?
Out with the Wakeboard & Water ski club.
Ferry to Manly BeachThen came the weekend of Surf Camp. I’ve always wanted to learn to surf, but living 4+ hours from a beach my whole life has been quite the roadblock. This was such a golden opportunity- 2 full days of surfing punctuated by wild nights and really fun people. It was hands-down one of the most fun weekends I’ve had in Australia, and also in my entire life.
On Friday night when I was boarded on to a charter bus that was brimming with Americans I had a little apprehension about the weekend ahead. I don’t know who I’m kidding, it was more than a little apprehension…I had full on culture shock. Lauren and Paola were the only Americans that I have had any contact with in Australia, so a busload was really overwhelming. It was the first time I’ve been able to step into the shoes of a foreigner and feel the uncomfortable anxiety that comes with being surrounded by a giant group of loud laughing/screaming/obnoxious American 20-somethings. The only non-Americans on the bus were my friends and my frustration rose as I saw all of my hard work melt away, for I have spent the past 2 months trying to convince them that not all Americans suck. Despite the initial shock, I managed to make a couple of friends on that bus and our “middle-of-the-bus crew” ended up staying close the entire weekend.
The camp was located about 3 hours North of Sydney in the small town of Seal Rocks, population 26. The beaches in Sydney are pretty nasty and super overcrowded, but when it's all you see for months you get used to it and stop complaining. Once my feet touched the soft and clean sands of the Seal Rocks beaches I was instantly addicted.
Saturday morning at camp.A breathtaking view after spending 2 months in the cement-filled city. I sure missed the wilderness. This was followed by a troop of wallabys hopping through the misty field. If you don't know what a wallaby is, Google it and you shall see what would happen if a bunny and kangaroo mated... So adorable.
The Middle of the Bus Crew.Federico (Italy), Eddie (Oz), Xavier (France), Fabian (Germany), Me, Sasha (US), Gabby (US), Irene (Italy), Lauren (US)
Lighthouse beach, Seal Rocks NSWVoted in top 10 most beautiful beaches in Australia
Eddie and Fabi getting on their wettys
Fabi, Eddie, Lauren, Me, Irene
Considering this was before our first lesson, my position on the board isn't that bad.
We had the beach to ourselves. 
Lighthouse Beach
The campsite wasn't exactly four-star and it's water system produced brown water that smelled like eggs. To avoid an egg-shower, we stopped at a national park and "showered" in a freshwater lake. This was the first time I've experienced clear water in a lake- it was breathtaking.
Night #2 at the camp with FabianThe first day of surfing was less than successful, but how good can anyone be the first time out? I didn't really expect anything better, so I wasn't frustrated and had a real blast. I spent the majority of my time fighting the giant waves to get out far enough to catch one that wasn't crashing right on shore, but in the process I wasted most of my energy. I came back to camp cut up, bruised, and 2 shades darker, but happy as a clam. What can be better than a full day on the beach with beautiful weather? The answer is: 2 days...
Day #2 on another beach. Equally as beautiful, but smaller/gentler waves. 
Lauren, Gabi, Sasha, & I with our babe instructors
Sydney Uni Peeps in Team Epic.Federico, Irene, Lauren, Fabian, Me, Eddie
Team Epic!!!This picture is rumored to be used in the next Waves brochure. I'm leaving my legend in Australia...
One of the best parts about being in Australia is that when you come "back to reality" after a great weekend away, reality= Sydney. I love it.
So Lauren and I made our way through a few more days of school and hopped a train for another weekend adventure. This week's destination? Newcastle for a Deep Sea Fishing excursion!
When Lauren and I flew into Sydney in February we met some really great study abroad students from Kansas who were going to school in Newcastle. After spending our first night in Australia together we all exchanged information and have managed to keep in touch since then. They graciously invited us on their deep sea fishing trip and we didn't hesitate for a second to accept.
So the plan was this: I finished class on Thursday at 9pm, we were to get the 10:15 train to Newcastle and arrive around 1:15. Then on Friday morning we would rise before the sun at 5:30 and meet the boat's captain at 6:45 in a neighboring town. This was to be followed by a day of sunbathing, catching sharks, and having an afternoon on the blue ocean that we would never forget. That was the plan....
Safely on the 10:15 pm train. Scheduled arrival in Newcasle: 1:15 am
The 3 hour trainride got a little dull, so my trusty D40 kept me entertained.
About 30 minutes from our destination the train stopped and everyone was required to get off and ride the remainder of the trip on a charter bus. I would normally have been upset but this was a charter bus like no other. Leather seats, silk curtains, blue mood lights. How could anyone be mad as they cruise through Australian roads in high class? Lauren's excitement in this picture just about captures our amazement...Our arrival in Newcastle now became 2:15 am.
So we snagged as much sleep as we could, but the alarm at 5:30 seemed to go off the second my head hit the pillow. Our excitement got us up and going and we made it to the dock just in time to see the sun rise...
And after about 30 minutes of no Skipper in sight, a few phone calls were made and it was soon discovered that the trip was canceled due to a huge swell from flooding in Queensland and a rip caused by a broken sandbar. Our boat wouldn't be able to make it past the giant waves that were being created where the swell and rip collided. Needless to say, I was disappointed. We had gone all that way for nothing! BUT, Lauren and I were determined to have fun regardless. So, our gracious hosts spent the day showing us around Swansea and Newcastle. Because our day began at 5:30 we had a rather full day of activities. In the end, really enjoyed spending my day with some new faces and my camera...
Pups making friends by the waterside.
Morning Catch
Lauren
Dan
Josh
This picture is funny because I spent a good part of the morning taking pictures of this boat because of the way it was being reflected in the water, and not long after we discovered that it's the boat we were supposed to go out on.
Australian spiders are never small. Ever.
We found shade from the Aussie sun while waiting for the bus.
We were so determined to have fish that at the end of the day we trekked to the Newcastle fish market and bought the fresh catch. In traditional Aussie fashion, we had a Barbeque. It was the highlight of my weekend.
I take a lot of pictures of food, don't I? I've been floored by the great meals I've had here. This pot of tea and chickpea curry was was from an adorable local organic/locally grown-only restaraunt by the train station in Newcastle. If I ever make it back to Newcasle to attempt the deep sea fishing again, I will definitely eat here once more.
I should have gone in to meet my Australian relatives...Stay tuned, because I have another massive post about my most recent travels to Queensland.
As always, I miss everyone heaps! Keep in touch...
As always, I miss everyone heaps! Keep in touch...
4.08.2009
I wonder how I will feel in another 12 months...
Exactly a year ago my life was changed forever. Not changed for the better or for the worse, just changed. I see it as a metaphorical skipping of tracks… I am the same person, just headed in a different direction parallel to where I was once traveling.
In that very moment, twelve months ago, I helplessly watched the world that meant so much to me crumble to my feet. Climbing from the hole that my life had become was the toughest journey of my life. The hardest part of reaching the top of this hole was discovering that although I had made it out, there was still a life to rebuild from there.
I still find myself hopelessly stuck on this voyage of redefinition and discovery, but it has taken me to levels of living I could never have anticipated. I have found serenity, maturity, independence, and self-love on my path. However, I carry these not as assets but as weapons against the outside world. I fear that this moment in my past will define my world outlook as a battle against pain rather than an odyssey for love.
I remember when the yearly anniversaries were happily celebrated, but here before me now is a bittersweet celebration of survival. I have so many to thank for helping me… You are my heroes.
In that very moment, twelve months ago, I helplessly watched the world that meant so much to me crumble to my feet. Climbing from the hole that my life had become was the toughest journey of my life. The hardest part of reaching the top of this hole was discovering that although I had made it out, there was still a life to rebuild from there.
I still find myself hopelessly stuck on this voyage of redefinition and discovery, but it has taken me to levels of living I could never have anticipated. I have found serenity, maturity, independence, and self-love on my path. However, I carry these not as assets but as weapons against the outside world. I fear that this moment in my past will define my world outlook as a battle against pain rather than an odyssey for love.
I remember when the yearly anniversaries were happily celebrated, but here before me now is a bittersweet celebration of survival. I have so many to thank for helping me… You are my heroes.
4.07.2009
Dear friends in Boone:
Dude, how pissed are you right now that it is snowing in Boone? I'm pissed and I'm on the other side of the planet! So it is officially official that the last 4 years in a row Boone has produced a snow in the first 2 weeks in April. Its predictability more than freaks me out.
Anyways, I'm super jealous that when the snow stops you have a glorious spring to enjoy with the hopes of summer around the corner. Me? I get increasingly cold weather as I watch the summer that I didn't get to enjoy slip through my fingers...
BUT when I feel a tinge of self pity, an instant remedy is the single phrase: "You are in Sydney, Australia!" It always does the trick.
I wish you all the best. Remember that this is the LAST snow and you have a beautiful spring that will be in full bloom in no time at all.
Do me a favor and take a trip to the parkway and look West over the mountains that are waking from their winters hibernation. I'll be looking back to the East, gaze over the crashing waves, and sending all my love...
Always from my heart,
Laura
Anyways, I'm super jealous that when the snow stops you have a glorious spring to enjoy with the hopes of summer around the corner. Me? I get increasingly cold weather as I watch the summer that I didn't get to enjoy slip through my fingers...
BUT when I feel a tinge of self pity, an instant remedy is the single phrase: "You are in Sydney, Australia!" It always does the trick.
I wish you all the best. Remember that this is the LAST snow and you have a beautiful spring that will be in full bloom in no time at all.
Do me a favor and take a trip to the parkway and look West over the mountains that are waking from their winters hibernation. I'll be looking back to the East, gaze over the crashing waves, and sending all my love...
Always from my heart,
Laura
4.05.2009
A Quick Hello / Australian Lesson #2
So I haven’t been that good at updating this blog but I must admit that I see this as a good thing because it is proof of my lack of free time to sit at my computer. My days are pretty jam-packed with fun things, or the more recent piles of schoolwork, but either way I have no time to really get lost in my head thinking about the life that moves on back home. I do hate that I’m missing out on participating in the lives of my closest friends, but I am here making my own memories and doing something to make myself a better person/friend/daughter. I love the person that Australia is making me into: More independent, less uptight, and generally more fun. My happiness here is unparalleled by anything in my past, but I can only see this as a platform from which my joy will continue to soar.
I have heaps of work to do this week, but when Easter Break is over I will do a massive post with pictures describing my last few weeks including: beach days, crazy nights, surfcamp, trip to Newcastle, etc…
Getting homework done at the office...
So, just to keep my audiences entertained (I love that you guys actually read this!):
Lessons learned in Australia
• Always ask a second opinion on directions, no matter how sure someone may sound.
• Aussies have no idea how to make coffee…or I haven’t yet cracked the secret code on how to order it. (Flat White? Tall Black? No such thing as Drip.... See what I'm saying!?)
• It’s wayyy harder to make friends with girls than boys. Although, this may not be a culture thing, but more an international rule in all westernized societies. Fact: Girls are territorial. The only girl friends I’ve made who are not international students were introduced to me through the other international students. These girls are the coolest though, so I’m content.
Either way, the only girl friends who really matter are coming to visit me in May! (Coutdown: 41 days)
• I am really ready to finish school. The 3 months of idleness turned my brain and attention span to mush. I would probably do just fine at ASU with this brain capacity, but I’m beginning to worry about how this semester might pan out. USyd > ASU
• Australians, boys and girls alike, know how to dress! My side of town is particularly hip and it has definitely upped my idea of fashion a few notches. It takes a lot to keep up with these hipster kids! Not only do they dress well, but everyone is beautiful too. Hell, everyone could be naked and still look great (although I definitely would not prefer that). But, that already halfway happens at Bondi Beach…mainly because of all the Euro travelers though.
• Aussies love to be healthy and organic but at the same time it is near impossible to find a recycling bin anywhere. Contradictory? A bit self-centered? The eco/recyclable bags have caught on but the reusable water bottles have not. I wonder if it is the same outside of the city? Speaking of water bottles- I left my precious camelback nalgene bottle in the airport not 15 minutes after arriving in Sydney and I purchased another one a week later just to have it stolen. I’m not having much luck with water bottles these days.
•”Sexy” is a descriptive word that seems to be very versatile. I’m not sure if this Australian word usage is one that I’ll bring back with me to the states.
I LOVE:
• Being able to get things accomplished while sitting outside on campus- ie not getting interrupted every 10 minutes
• Having class 3 days a week
• Public transport to school
• Freedom
• The traveler’s mindset
• Discovering new parts of the city almost every time I go out
• The mixing of cultures in Sydney and the ambiguity of “Typical Australian Identity” that it creates
• Living in such a vibrant city
•Being utterly alone
I HATE:
• Sitting in Usyd’s poor excuse for a coffee shop and not ever running into anyone I know. That was the real reason I ever went to crossroads… Coffee is wonderful, but a good conversation is better.
• Not recognizing a single person in the city or on campus(although this seems to be getting a little better with time…)
• Reading Reading Reading
• The way nobody looks into anyone’s eyes. No smiles. No simple “hello” or nods to strangers. This makes me miss Boone more than anything.
• Not knowing shortcuts
• Having to leave no later than 30 minutes before class to arrive on time. I’m used to only needing 10 minutes from Winkler-Adams!
• Being utterly alone
Another Lingo Lesson:
-Jumpers= Jackets or Hoodies, which is the strangest thing to me because Aussies have the tendency to put the “ies” to shorten everything. For example: Footies= Football, Wetties= Wet suit, Rashie= Rash Guard
-Mackers= McDonalds
-Gum Boots= Rain Boots
-“H” is pronounced “heaatch” and “Z” is pronounced “Zed”
Thanks for keeping up with me, guys. I think about you every day!
I have heaps of work to do this week, but when Easter Break is over I will do a massive post with pictures describing my last few weeks including: beach days, crazy nights, surfcamp, trip to Newcastle, etc…
Getting homework done at the office...Lessons learned in Australia
• Always ask a second opinion on directions, no matter how sure someone may sound.
• Aussies have no idea how to make coffee…or I haven’t yet cracked the secret code on how to order it. (Flat White? Tall Black? No such thing as Drip.... See what I'm saying!?)
• It’s wayyy harder to make friends with girls than boys. Although, this may not be a culture thing, but more an international rule in all westernized societies. Fact: Girls are territorial. The only girl friends I’ve made who are not international students were introduced to me through the other international students. These girls are the coolest though, so I’m content.
Either way, the only girl friends who really matter are coming to visit me in May! (Coutdown: 41 days)
• I am really ready to finish school. The 3 months of idleness turned my brain and attention span to mush. I would probably do just fine at ASU with this brain capacity, but I’m beginning to worry about how this semester might pan out. USyd > ASU
• Australians, boys and girls alike, know how to dress! My side of town is particularly hip and it has definitely upped my idea of fashion a few notches. It takes a lot to keep up with these hipster kids! Not only do they dress well, but everyone is beautiful too. Hell, everyone could be naked and still look great (although I definitely would not prefer that). But, that already halfway happens at Bondi Beach…mainly because of all the Euro travelers though.
• Aussies love to be healthy and organic but at the same time it is near impossible to find a recycling bin anywhere. Contradictory? A bit self-centered? The eco/recyclable bags have caught on but the reusable water bottles have not. I wonder if it is the same outside of the city? Speaking of water bottles- I left my precious camelback nalgene bottle in the airport not 15 minutes after arriving in Sydney and I purchased another one a week later just to have it stolen. I’m not having much luck with water bottles these days.
•”Sexy” is a descriptive word that seems to be very versatile. I’m not sure if this Australian word usage is one that I’ll bring back with me to the states.
I LOVE:
• Being able to get things accomplished while sitting outside on campus- ie not getting interrupted every 10 minutes
• Having class 3 days a week
• Public transport to school
• Freedom
• The traveler’s mindset
• Discovering new parts of the city almost every time I go out
• The mixing of cultures in Sydney and the ambiguity of “Typical Australian Identity” that it creates
• Living in such a vibrant city
•Being utterly alone
I HATE:
• Sitting in Usyd’s poor excuse for a coffee shop and not ever running into anyone I know. That was the real reason I ever went to crossroads… Coffee is wonderful, but a good conversation is better.
• Not recognizing a single person in the city or on campus(although this seems to be getting a little better with time…)
• Reading Reading Reading
• The way nobody looks into anyone’s eyes. No smiles. No simple “hello” or nods to strangers. This makes me miss Boone more than anything.
• Not knowing shortcuts
• Having to leave no later than 30 minutes before class to arrive on time. I’m used to only needing 10 minutes from Winkler-Adams!
• Being utterly alone
Another Lingo Lesson:
-Jumpers= Jackets or Hoodies, which is the strangest thing to me because Aussies have the tendency to put the “ies” to shorten everything. For example: Footies= Football, Wetties= Wet suit, Rashie= Rash Guard
-Mackers= McDonalds
-Gum Boots= Rain Boots
-“H” is pronounced “heaatch” and “Z” is pronounced “Zed”
Thanks for keeping up with me, guys. I think about you every day!
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