Goodbye Australia, Hello New Zealand

6.10.2012

The Worst. Today is the day that I have been dreading for months now.

We woke up and got up to the house for a last breakfast at about 6:30. We had chocolate chip and blueberry muffins. And I drank a little bit of coffee. We had a lingering chat with Michelle, Neil and Murray, before we had to head into school. We said good-bye to Kieran who had been asleep on the lounge, as well as Murray. 

We got to the school, and crammed the last few things we wanted to in our bags to check. I was kind of nervous about the weight, but I couldn’t be bothered to worry about it right then. These were my last few precious moments with Michelle and Neil. I didn’t really know what to say, so I just stood there with them, Carly and Erica. We watched everyone else saying their good-byes. We were kind of waiting for Megan, who was struggling with cramming her bag but still keeping it within the weight limit. Sure enough, she was one of the last to take her stuff to the bus.

We saw Elise who was carrying her life drawings, and it got brought up that I recycled mine. Michelle and Neil got mad and told me I should have hung one on the wall in the flat. I told them that they were all still in recycling and they said that they were going to go through them and hang one on the wall. They are so cute.

We made what seemed like the shortest walk to the bus. We took a house photo. And then we lingered for a while, and Kimberly announced it was call number one for getting on the bus. We have probably about 8 calls. 

My breakfast, as delicious as it was, sat like a rock in my stomach. Neil quickly said “Okay, let’s get this over with,” and gave me a hug. The scruff of his unshaven morning face hit my cheek and that was it. I felt like the zip lock I had put on my tear ducts since last night were ripped open and the tears came. I gave Michelle a hug. And just cried. They assured us that we were always welcome back, and gave examples of all their students who have come back. I know the invite is there, and I will probably take them up on it someday, but it will never be the same as the absolutely wonderful semester I have spent with them.

We all got a second round of hugs and then I had to get on the bus. If I didn’t get on then, I don’t know if I would have. The Townsends stood on the curb (spelt kerb in Australia) and waved as the bus left. I only cried more at the sight of this. But we were on our way.

At the airport we all had to get checked in. My bag was 20.5 kg. Under weight! Granted I was wearing about 8 layers of clothes. But still! We all made it through security, and met up at the gate. By this time we only had about 45 minutes until we had to board. I utilized the free internet to post a few backed up blogs. And soon enough it was time to board.

The plane had a killer in flight entertainment system. I watched a bunch of How I Met Your Mother season 7. Took a quick nap. Then watched more HIMYM until we de-boarded. I got my bag and went through customs no problems. All of the employees were so nice. They all were asking about our trip and seemed to generally care. I think I would equate New Zealand to the Southern Hemispheres Canada. 

We then had to pass through the section where we have to declare things. I was nervous because New Zealand is CRAZY strict with what you can bring into the country. Since they are so isolated they don’t want to risk people bringing things into their country. It makes sense, but it was really intimidating. 

Megan M., Me, Joe, Michelle

We met our tour guide for the week, his name is Lyndsay, and our bus drives name is Eric. We went to the YHA, which is like the YMCA. This is where we will be staying for the night. We had a few minutes to get ready and then we headed out for dinner. We walked to this restaurant called Buffalo. The food was really really good. But it took forever. I sat with Megan M, Joe, and Michelle Livingston (ASC coordinator). We were sitting right by the door and the staff kept leaving it open. It was really drafty and we had to keep getting up to close it ourselves. It kind of turned into a joke after a while.

We played a game of saying movie quotes and then naming the movie. After we couldn’t think of anymore, we moved on to naming two celebrities and having 6 steps to connect them. I was really bad at this, but I was good at coming up with the celebrities. I gave them a big stumper of connecting Scarlet Johansen to Christopher Walken. It took them a few hours and a lot of outside help, but eventually they got it. This was after I had showered and gotten into bed. But good on you guys!

"Good Luck With Life"

6.9.2012

Saturday.

Last full day in Australia! We got up around 8:30. Crammed the last minute stuff into our bags, and took our “public transportation” to the school around 9:30. After we dropped off our stuff we took our “public transportation” back to the house so we could finish cleaning before getting on with our days. We also wrote a letter to the next ASC students who will live at the house. This is a tradition that the Townsends have. Each group writes a letter to the incoming students. They save all the letters so you can go back and read some of the first groups letters. It is pretty cool. Some of the suggestions of things to do and people to meet are a little out of date (like that bus doesn’t exist anymore, or that person graduated, etc). But they are still pretty cool. That’s how we knew from the beginning that we had the best host family.

It took us a while to write our letter. We had a lot to say. We had to go onto a 3^rd page. After we were done though, we worked on cleaning a bit more. Carly and Megan headed into the city to meet up with people. Soon after Erica left too. I was going out that night so I chose to spend my afternoon at the house. I caught up on some blogs and sat on the couch as Kieran tried to pick a movie to watch. This process takes hours for him. Probably because he has a  million movies:

There is a whole other shelf that you can't see on the bottom

 In the mean time we watched "Wipe Out" with Murray (the uncle, I don’t know if I’ve mentioned him before. He’s the one who lives in the outback who’s farm we went to oh so long ago). Kieran, 2 cigarettes and a nap later I think he finally decided on a James Bond movie. By that time I had to start getting ready for church.

I got ready and went back up to the house to say Goodbye to Braedon. He was going out tonight and probably wouldn’t be awake to see us off in the morning. I think this was one of the hardest goodbyes. I had kind of been putting it off all day. I think a part of me really believes that he is my little brother. I’m really going to miss spending time with him. Sass and all. We said goodbye, and he assured me that we’d be seeing each other again within the next couple years, and through facebook we could keep in touch. But, lets be real, that’s never the same.

After a really prolonged parting, I finally got out of the house and headed toward the train station. Don’t tell Braedon but I practically cried the whole walk there. Plus, some more on the train. I looked like a crazy person, but I didn’t really care. I had to pull it together though. I was on my way to church! Where I would probably just cry some more.

I got to church and hung out with Charlie by the door, greeting people as they were coming in and saying Goodbye to those who were leaving. We mostly just talked to each other than greeted people. But they hardly ever respond anyway. And tonight was a pretty slow night at church. At least it didn’t feel as crowded as it usually does.

I ran into Joe from ASC and chatted with him for a couple minutes before heading in and grabbing my seat. I took in my last worship set and message at Hillsong City Campus. James Cameron was the speaker.

After the sermon, the after party was in the garage attached to church. We ate pasta and just hung out. It was really nice. I sat with Charlie, James, Sandra and 2 other girls I had never met. I met a guy named Paul who seemed cool. Then said some goodbyes and took lots of pictures. 

L to R: Linh, Paul, James, Me, Sam, Charlie

Me and Sam

Charlie, Me, Andrei

Charlie, Me, Andrei, James

 Andrei gave Charlie and I a lift back to Central Station. Saying good-bye to Charlie was a pretty big bummer as well. We didn’t really know where to leave it. How do you say good-bye to people you have no idea if you will ever see again in your lifetime? I think we left it at: Good luck with life. That is the most umbrella statement I think you can make in a good-bye. But it seemed the most appropriate.

I then took my last train ride home. I’m even going to miss the trains! And the walk from the station to the house. I got home, showered, finished packing, ate a magnum I had in the freezer from when I bought 3 a few weeks ago. It was good. I needed it after the emotional day I had had. I can only imagine what kind of self medicating I will need to do tomorrow.

Goodbye 2nd Years

6.8.2012

Friday. Today I got up, showered and packed a little. I went into school to return my Library card and say good bye to some second year friends. I said goodbye to Peter and Richard first. I then went to Thai food with Ella, Declan and Ausra. It was a very nice last lunch with them. Plus it was fairly cheap lunch specials… for Sydney anyway.

After lunch, I picked up my school assignments that were all graded (my Life drawings and photography). Said goodbye to Richard again, because he was still there, and Casey via phone call. Then said goodbye to Declan and Ella. I really am going to miss them. They are such a great class! Don’t tell them, but I definitely let a few tears fall on the bus. Gah, I hate saying goodbye! I swear, I’ll be in next week, in the same classes with the same great people, just hanging out like we always do. If only, right?

"Goodbye Tennis. You will be missed. We <3 You!"

I headed home and continued packing and cleaning. Around 6:00 we went up for our farewell dinner with the Townsends. They Townsend Family has a map of the United States where they put pins in for every student that comes through their house. Not every group gets on the board. You have to earn it. All semester we have been referring to the board, joking about how we have to earn out place on it. This was the moment of truth. And ladies and gents, we made the board! 

We snacked on stuff that was on the table, chips, gummies, chocolate covered sultanas, peanuts, and almonds. I almost snacked too much for dinner. Just kidding. There is ALWAYS room for Townsend cooking. We had roast chicken, cooked carrots, potatoes and caramelized sweet potatoes. And gravy. SO delicious. I could have died happy right at that table. But we still had dessert!

But we wanted to wait for a bit before that. So after dinner we played dutch blitz, which is a card game with special cards. It is basically the game “hell” or “Nerts” with special cards. There were so many of us playing that we had to play in teams. Braedon and I were on a team for most of the night. We did fairly well, I’d say. I mean, sometimes Braedon would cheat, but I tried to turn a blind eye. And besides, Kieran was cheating WAY more. So we could usually point the finger at him when the accusations started coming out.

Dream Team

Then we ate Sticky Date Pudding. To die for. (They gave us the recipe so I Hopefully I can make it at home. Hopefully I won’t stuff it up). Then they taught us how to play a game called Yuka. It’s kinds of like hearts, but then not really at all. And I don’t think I will remember it well enough to every play it ever again. But we were on teams again so it didn’t matter. Braedon did most of the work (which was fine, because I pretty much carried the team in Dutch Blitz). We ended up staying up rather late playing these games. Then after the parents went to bed, it turned into a Youtube party, as these things do. We practiced magic tricks we learned in the outback. We played them on Clare, because she’s easy to trick. Daniel came home at some point so we got to see him one last time.

Didn’t get to bed until 4:30. Have to get up to take our bags into school tomorrow. We’re supposed to take them via Public Transportation. However, our pubic transportation looks a lot more like a car and the driver looks a lot more like Michelle. But don’t tell Kimberly! She’d probably get mad.

They Love Me

6.7.2012

Thursday.

Today I packed a little bit and cleaned a little bit. I then went to lunch with Linh. I met her at Central Station. She picked me up at we went to a Mexican place in New town which was really good. We then went to boost for dessert. Boost is basically like Jamba Juice. She then dropped me off at central and I decided I was going to walk around for a bit. I was supposed to meet Charlie in the city a little later so there was no point in going home. I walked closer to town hall station where I ran into Clare. I said hello and then worked my way up to Angel’s place. At Angels place there is an Art instillation called Forgotten Songs. It was pretty neat.

I then met up with Charlie at town hall. I took him to see angels place since I had just been there and he had never seen it. We then went to Martin’s place. Here there is a little court yard where there are these steam grates that show the actual lines where first settlers house foundations laid. Every so often they spray a mist, and I was told that on a day with little wind it rises up and actually makes misty walls to create the illusion of a house. It was kind of windy, so we didn’t get to see that effect. But it was still neat to see. After that we made our way back to a train station and I headed home.

When I got home, I hate some dinner with Carly and Neil. We put in our requests for tomorrow nights farewell dinner. We really only requested something with sweet potatoes and that we have sticky date pudding for dessert. After that we headed to the flat. Becky was there waiting. The gang was going to have a “How I Met Your Mother” Marathon. So It was Sarah, Becky, Emily and Jenae, plus those of us who live there. But I didn’t stay, because I was meeting with Hong and Julliane at Strathfield at 8:30.

I met then at Strathfield Plaza. They wanted to get some food so we popped into stratifield shopping centre which I didn’t even know was there! They just ate some pizza. Then we went to a little café called Hello Happy. It is safe to say that I was again, the only white person there. Story of my time here eh?

We had Hot chocolates and coffee. And the boys were so sweet, they brought me a cake. And candles. They lit the candles and then they each said why they were thankful for me. So Precious! I couldn’t handle it. I wanted to say nice things back, but every time I tried I almost cried so they told me I didn’t have to say anything. I just love them so much. And the love me. I don’t know what I’ll do without them. :[ We stayed and talked for a couple hours. Finally the café was closing so we had to leave. They walked me home and I told them that I would see them Saturday.

Goodbye 3rd years

6.6.2012

Wednesday.

Today I was going to go into uni to meet up with the 2^nd years to go to Ellas house for a BBQ. But that ended up falling though. Which was fine. Instead I ended up going into school anyway and used the internet for a bit to post blogs and pictures. It started raining pretty hard while I was at school. Which was perfect because I had just hung some laundry on the line!

I was going to go into the city with Peter, but I decided to hang back at school so I could say goodbye to my 3^rd year friends. They were all in class giving presentations so I waited for them to have a break so I could say my goodbyes. It was really sad. But at the same time it didn't feel like real life. I mean, I'm going to be back next week doing the exact same things right?

 I was able to give Courtney her Birthday present. Her birthday is not for a couple weeks but I made her promise that she would wait to open it until her birthday. But if she opens it early I would never know.

I then gave hugs to the lot and I even got hugs from Steve and Anthony. Which I guess is a big deal. Especially to get a hug from Anthony. Apparently he doesn't hug people. So I was pretty honored. But we are practically related. Oh man, I'm going to miss that class. :[

I got on the bus and actually processed the fact that I won't see any of those people for a very long time if at all in my life time. I won't lie. Tears were shed on the bus. Then headed home and started thinking about packing.

School Needs To End

6.5.2012

Tuesday.

Today was actually a really stressful morning. I got to school early to print what I needed to print, and of course, the school printer was not printing anything. I thought I would be okay and could just print at the Library. However the Library has special hours this week and doesn’t open until 9. Class starts at 9. So I had to go to Kimberly with a few other people in my class and give her the sob story about how we got here early and we were doing our best but nothing was working out and blah blah blah. She said that we could print during our break.

I was eventually able to get my stuff printed and turned in.

We had debrief all day. This is where we were supposed to be getting prepared for re-entry into our lives back home. But I don’t feel any more prepared than I did before debrief.

During class it  started raining. Us roommates stuck around campus for a while after class and I was able to get the pictures from the underwater camera we rented this weekend. After that we all headed home. Erica and I went to woolworths to pick up a few things. But then we came home and enjoyed the night in.

Always Remember Where You Parked

6.4.2012

Monday.

Today we caught a shuttle from our hotel to the airport. Our flight was out of the international terminal. I think the plane came from Japan and was stopping over in Cairns before going on to Sydney, so we had to go through the international terminal. Luckily we all had our passports. But because it was an international flight, we had to empty water bottle this time. But I still didn’t have to take my shoes off. And I still don’t think anyone watched me go through the metal detector. I got on plane and slept most of the trip.

When we got to Sydney we went to catch the 400 bus to Burwood. Today we were starting our new weekly pass for the public transport. I went to drop my new pass in and the machine ate my ticket. At first I thought that it was just taking a long time. But then it started making some horrifying noises and then that awful silence and lack of returned ticket let me know that I was done. So that was annoying. 

Driver asked me where I was going to. But I thought he asked “What are you going to do?” to which I responded “What am I going to do? I don’t know what I’m going to do, I thought you could tell me!” He laughed and repeated himself, I understood that time, and said the appropriate response: “Burwood,” He told me to sit down and that he would try to get it out later. Then along the way there was a driver change, so I went up to remind him about my situation. Both drivers fiddled with the machine and then they said that they had to radio for someone to meet us at Burwood to open the ticket machine.

Finally we got to Burwood and they said that no one could come so they took my address and said that they would mail me a new pass tomorrow. This is really terrible timing. I only have another week left here people! So I walked home from that stop, did a load of laundry, ate some lunch, then headed into school to pick up my files from the printer and finish my work. Did some work but was unable to finish my style guide on account of the schools printer not working. But I had to meet Linh in the city to get to connect group by 6:15.

I have never gone to that part of the city from uni before, but I was told that I could take the 436 bus. But, as luck would have it, I got on going the wrong direction. So that was awkward. Rode the bus to the end and then the bus driver said that if I waited on a bench up the street he would pick me up in 8 minutes after he had a break. This ended up being okay, because I had time to eat a snack of chips and tangerine.

Sure enough the driver came and picked me up 8 minutes later. He chatted with me about what I was up to in Sydney. Told me about his sister who lives in Miami. His wife who has a PHD and now works at boarder control. And how he has 2 kids in middle school. He also helped me figure out when I needed to stop and get off. 

I got to uni lodge, where we were having Connect Group tonight. Uni Lodge is kind of like a dormitory, but other people live there too. We were having CG in Sophia’s loft. Sophia, Andrew, Chris, Hong, Julliane, and Lihn.  Met Antone and Mary. Mary is from Indonesia. Forget where Antone is from. 

We ate lots of food, including pancakes in a bag, which I had never seen. We watched louie giglio “indescribable” video. Which is pretty cool. After, Hong and Julliane had to go pick up their boss, who I guess was drunk at a bar somewhere in the city. So Linh offered to give me a lift to central station. But when we went to the car park, she couldn’t remember where she parked. We walked around for at least 30 minutes looking. There was a lot of, "Okay, let's retrace your steps..." before we finally found it. It was a good thing that it took so long because on the drive to central station, Julliane called and said that their boss was going to stay in the city longer so they could drive me home. I met them at central station and then they gave me a lift home. They are really the best.

Nemo. Status: Found

6.3.2012

Sunday. Today was a beautiful day!

We left hotel at 7:00am and got to the dock at 7:45.  We would have been there sooner, but we had to dodge lots of Iron Man events that were going on. Trying to cross the street when waiting for breaks in the cyclist was a serious pain. Finally we got to dock. We got on the boat we were supposed to be on, and checked in, and after everyone had done so, we were on our way. The ride out to the reef takes about an hour and a half. It is 30 km east of port Douglas.

Once we got out there, it was so beautiful! We got our snorkel gear and our wetsuits on. And it was finally time to get in the water. We swam around and saw lots of fish. Beautifully colored fish. And so many types of coral. It was amazing. I saw a sea turtle too. Several of us all went in on renting an underwater camera, so we were able to take lots of pictures.

Eventually it was time for lunch, so we all had to get back in the boat. We then  drifted to a new site and went snorkeling again. At this site I saw 3 squid! Which was super cool! I also saw giant clams, like the kinds you see in cartoons! While we were there we had to be mindful of the waves and currents. They were really strong and if you weren’t careful, you would be tossed right into the reef. Some of the coral is poisonous and can really hurt you. Some of the girls I was with did get scrapped up a bit. I managed to avoid being scathed. 

I think the coolest part of the reef was, if you were really quiet, you could hear the fish eating off of the coral. Just a little, * crunch* *crunch* It was so cute!

Then it was time to head back. Another 1.5 hours back to cairns. We got back to port, and all decided to split up and do our own things for dinner. I like this better than trying to coordinate 17 people. I walked around with Katie, Lindsey and Jenae.

After a few hours of this we headed back to hotel. We were just going to stop in at Dominos with Emily and Kristen to pick up some pizzas. But not before we stumbled into a tattoo and piercing parlor called Ink. Ur. Bod. (That’s how you know it is a quality place). This is where Lindsey, Katie and I all got our noses pierced by a burly, sulky man, named Tarence. At least I think that was his name. He kind of mumbled a lot and I was kind of scared to ask him his name again. He was really funny, in the, “I really wish these 3 annoying American girls weren’t here to make me do stuff” kind of way. I think he was American too, at least his mumbles seemed to lack any trace of Aussie accent. But he didn’t seem like one for chatting about where he was from, so I didn’t ask.

Katie went first, then Lindsey, then me. I didn’t watch them get theirs done. Which was probably for the best. Apparently they both went white and had to lay down. And Sulky Tattoo man had to get them damp wash clothes to put on their foreheads and give them a sucker. It was actually kind of cute to see this guy try to be a care taker. Then it was my turn, and at this point I still wasn’t sure if I was doing it. But before I knew it I was on that back table all prepped and ready. (How did that happen?)

 He put the clamp on and then asked me “how’s that?” And to be honest, I could hardly feel the clamp. So I naturally asked “Is it clamped?” So then he was giving me a hard time for being a tough chick because I couldn’t feel the clamp.

I was hoping that the other girls were right when they said that the clamp was the worst part. False. He then proceeded with the needle, which, well let’s just say, it did not feel good. I swear I felt it going through every layer of skin, cartilage, and whatever else is in there. Sulky Tattoo Guy’s face didn’t help at all. He was pulling his face in all sorts of weird directions trying to manipulate my nose to do what he wanted it to. I think if he could have put is leg up on the table to get some leverage he would have. And then it bled. A lot. Sulky Tattoo guy seemed to get a bit too much enjoyment out of that fact. He gave me a paper towel and said, “Hold that under your nose,”

“Like a mustache?” I said.

At this, for whatever reason, he started cracking up. Okay Sulky Tattoo guy, I would have pegged you for a dark, inappropriate, sexual or drug reference humor kind of guy. Turns out a good mustache zinger will suffice. For those of you who still don’t believe me, here is the saga in picture form*:

*Please note: I had been in salt water all day, so I look pretty gross. Ignore that and focus on the cool part of Sulky Tattoo Guy jabbing a needle through my nose:

Clamp

Needle

Pain. *If it looks like I'm crying, it's because I am.

Blood.

Sulky Tattoo Guy.

So yeah. Sorry mom.  I have a new addition to my face. I don’t know how long I will keep it, but for now, I like it. After that went to dominos, picked up several pizzas and took then back to the hotel and ate there. We were all really hungry after a long day in the water. We hung out and ate. Watched movies on TV, then went to bed. It had been a long, exciting, and at one point rather painful day. Time for bed, early flight tomorrow.

Hello Cairns!

  6.2.2012

Saturday.

Today we left for airport at about 3:40am. We walked to Burwood where we met our taxi driver at 4:00am. We took a cab with Becky, Jenae, Sarah, Emily, Carly, and Megan. We got to the airport, checked in, went through security. Security is nothing. It was almost unnerving. I got to keep my shoes on. Didn’t have to chug my full water bottle. Not even sure if someone watched me go through the metal detector… and no one checked my ID or my plane ticket. Come on people! Verify who I am!

So that took .5 seconds. So then we had time to kill at the airport. We got to the gate and waited to board. Janae went to subway for breakfast sandwich and gave me half. What a gem. Then, the rest of the people from our ASC group came. There was 17 of us total who had decided to go to the reef this weekend.

We finally boarded and took the 2 hour and 55 minute flight to Cairns (pronounced cans). I slept for most of the ride, off and on, had aisle seat so it was not the most comfortable. We got to Cairns and split into our hotel/hostel groups. My hotel group: my room: Katie, Lindsey, Becky, Kristen, and me. Other room: Carly, Megan, Sarah, Emily and Janae. We figured out how to take a shuttle to our hotel. Dropped of our stuff in lockers because our room wasn’t ready yet.

We then walked a ways into the “city”. It is a pretty small, laid back town. And there are lots and lots of Aboriginal people. Not that that makes any difference, it was just an observation. So the 10 of us went to breakfast/ lunch at a cute café. I ate the sandwich I packed but got an iced coffee. 

After that we broke off into smaller groups. Janae, Kristen and I just started walking. Walked by this guy who worked for some company that throws parties and wanted us to come, for the low price of $30, to ride their party bus to all the hot bars in Cairns, and to give us food and to play games with many sexual innuendos. We didn’t say yes, but we felt bad saying no, so we just said we would think about it and walked away. We ran into some other people on the pier, Kristen went with them. Janae and I walked around in the opposite direction towards the docks.

There is an Iron man competition happening tomorrow, so there was lots of set up for that going on. It started to rain so we ducked into an art museum. Walked around the children’s area for a while and participated in a craft or two and a magnetic puzzle… we then found a bench that overlooked the street and we just sat and chatted for a while. It was really nice to just sit, and be out of the rain.

Finally, we motivated ourselves to head back to the hotel.  We got there and a few people had gone back and checked us in already so all we had to do was snag our stuff out of the lockers.

We all just chilled for a few hours before we were to go out for dinner. I had a nap. The best part, is that went to sleep and it was raining, woke up and it was sunny. I’m not going to ask questions, I’m just going to be thankful that the rain has stopped.

We went to dinner at a pub on the main stretch in the city. I got a chicken schnitzel burger and the 10 of us just sat around and chatted for a while. After that went to night markets. It kind of reminded me of a nicer version of Paddy’s markets in Sydney. We then went to woolworths (Grocery store), picked up some snacks. Then headed back to the hotel.

Went wanted to go to bed because we had to get up early tomorrow to go to the Great Barrier Reef!!

Not a Total Waste

6.1.2012

Friday.

Today, we didn’t have class! So I went in and shipped the Didgeridoo I bought Dad. It shipped for the low price of $172. I then went and sent myself a package for the low price or $113. What can I say, we’re an island. It would have been less if I wanted to ship it literally by ship as opposed to air. But by boat it can take 3 months and it is way more likely to get lost and I just didn’t want to risk that.

I then went into school. I wanted to pick up my prints, from the printer, but no one was in the shop. There was a sign that said that they would be back at 4:30. This was at about 2. Can you do that? Can you just leave your business for 2.5 hours? Apparently yes. So I skyped my family, probably for the last time before I see them in real life. Crazy.

Then I went in and chatted with Kimberly in her office for a while and gave her some picture files for our class debrief on Tuesday. By that time it was about 5 and I thought, hopefully the printer is back, but when I went to check, they were closed. Bummer. I don’t really get how you can keep a business that way, but all well. I did get to skype the family today, so going into school wasn’t a total waste.

After that I headed home. Tomorrow I am heading to the Great Barrier Reef!

Serenade and Free Pizza

5.31.2012

Thursday

Today I had to present my final works in my classes. I presented my Packaging, which went really well. The lecturer seemed to like it. I rather liked it too, to be honest. Michelle, my GDSV lecturer brought in scones for our last day. Scones, Aussie style, are kind of like biscuits in the States. And they put Jam on them as well as thick cream. It was really good!

After my classes, I ended up staying around campus because there was a dance performance going on tonight that some of my friends were in. I had seen my friend James in class and afterward he was heading home. But then I kept seeing him around. He kept saying that he was leaving and then 20 minutes later, there he would be. I asked him if he was staying for the dance performance to which he replied “no, but, I may as well now, because I’m clearly not going home,”

Oh Aussies.

As I was sitting at a table killing time, all of the sudden someone with a guitar comes up and just starts playing. This wouldn’t have been weird, considering there are heaps of music students who play around campus all the time. But this guy came, sat at my table, and was literally serenading me. I didn’t really know what to do, or how to react. But I guess it was nice. I found out that his name was Pete, and he sat there and played lots of songs while people would come and go from our table.

Finally I decided that I needed to get some food before this performance. Me and my friend Carli Bowman were going to go down to a local pizza place and split a pizza. She gave me money so that I could run down and pick some up.

As I was walking I asked James if he wanted to come with me. He said yes and asked where we were going. I said we were going to go get pizza. He then said that someone said there was going to be free pizza. You have my attention. Anyway, long story short, Pete, the muso from earlier, and his friends had gotten several pizzas for themselves, but James went up and asked them if I could have some, and they ended up giving me an entire pizza. I tried to say no, and that I felt bad, it was their food, blah blah blah. They wanted me to take it. I got serenaded and free pizza, this day is not turning out too shabby. So I stuck around and watched the dance performance. It was very good and I was glad I got to see what some of the other courses get up to.

Vivid

5/30/2012

Wednesday.

Today I woke up around 8ish. I stayed in bed for while because it was cold, but eventually got up and ate some breakfast. I got ready and headed out. I went to the post office and sent a package to my family (should be there in 2 weeks guys!). I have more stuff that I need to ship but that was enough for round 1. I headed into school and finished up a project that is due tomorrow. I ate some lunch, then went to the Gathering. Today was the last one! They played a lot of worship songs and then several different people got up and said goodbye to the ASCers. It was sad. 

Afterward I headed to the shopping centre. I bought Tim Tams and Cadbury chocolate and a box to send them to myself in. I came home and worked on my Final piece for drawing class. When Carly got home, we ate dinner and then headed out to Circular Quay where there is a big light festival going on called “Vivid”. Basically, lots of buildings are lit up with fancy light shows, the Opera House had a weird, creepy light show going on on it, and then there are a ton of little light sculptures along the shoreline. We met up with Erica, Megan, Sarah, Becky and Ronnie. We also saw Joel and Peter by the Opera house.  Joel and Peter ended up leaving, but the rest of us went to Kierans hotel in the rocks where you can see the city, and you can see all of the buildings that are lit up. I took lots of pictures of course!

After that Carly and I were ready to head home. We also decided that on our way we would stop in at McDonalds for 30 cent Soft Serves. There we ran into Peter and Joel again. They were also there for the 30 cent cones. I had never had one before, but it was totally worth the 30 cents! From there we all went to the train station and caught a train home.

So Many Lolis

5/29/2012

Tuesday.

So I went to school early, hoping that the printer would have my work. But they did not. The Printer was still down. So I scrambled and tried to get as much printed at school as I could before class, on break, then between classes. Surprisingly, I was actually able to print everything. And it didn’t look too terrible! But I still wanted to use the nice print from the professional print shop and luckily my lecturer was gracious enough to say we could turn in our prints next week on account of the printer (as lots of us in the class had our files at that particular print shop).

In my last class I presented my ad campaign for Advertising Design. It went really well and the lecturer liked my concept. I predict good marks.

During our break we went down to the servo for my last “Australian Experience”. I ended up getting 2 candy bars because there was a deal on. I got a Boost Max Caramel and a PicNic Cookie Crunch. They were both very good. And before you go judging me I didn’t eat them both their on the spot. I tried them and then saved them for later. I also tried a bit of Ellas Cadbury Twirls candy bar. That was alright. It is basically chocolate shavings lightly condensed into a bar form. We predict this is what they sweep off the floor at the Cadbury factory and the just found a way to make more money off of it.

After class I was able to get a lift home from Courtney AGAIN because she happened to still be at Wesley working on stuff. I got home and Daniel was there. Neil and Daniel had been working on Neil’s cook book today. They cooked lots of dishes and then were taking photos. It so happened that today they were working on fish dishes. I’m not too big a fan of fish, but there was a split pea stew/chowder on the stove and Daniel had made some killer garlic bread and those were delicious! I had 2 bowls full and 2 huge slices of bread. I couldn’t even help myself!

We then watched some Modern Family. It was the episode where they go to Disneyland. It made me miss Disneyland a lot. I hope I get to go when I head back to L.A.

The Beginning of Stress Mode

5.28.2012

Monday. Today really sucked actually. Well the first half did. It got better.

I woke up at 7:07. Supposed to leave by 7:15. Classic Rachel. Got out the door by 7:18. Thought I might make my bus. But I didn’t. So I was that girl who does her make up at the bust stop. I swore I would never be her. But there I was. No shame. I get why people do that sometimes now. Might as well make use of your time while you wait.

Finally got to school. Printed out the things I needed for class, but found out that my prints from the professional printer wasn’t ready. I had given my files to Jennica last week so that she could take them, but then they weren’t able to open my files for some strange reason. She ended up going back this morning to get it worked out. She had to skip class to get it sorted and didn’t even get to turn her stuff in. She didn’t have to but she did. Seriously, above and beyond. I own her big! Luckily they were able to get it worked out and I was still able to turn my stuff in, and so was Jennica. After that I did work off and on. I broke for lunch and counseling.

After that I went back to the Design Lab to work on my files. When I was all done I took them down to the printer. As luck would have it, the Printer’s printer was down. (What is the deal with printers these days?! Common Australia). I feel like that just shouldn’t happen. But it did. But he took my files anyway. Nice guy. Named Tony. He had a big read beard and just the cutest way about him. So when he told he that the printer was down I almost didn’t even care. He said that he hoped to have them done by tomorrow, and I hope so too, because that’s when my assignment is due.

I was able to go back to school and finish at least a little of my work at school. After that I was done working for the night. Courtney offered to give me a lift home, which was fantastic because the bus was not sounding appealing after the morning I’d had.

I have a lot to get done in the next few days. Cross your fingers that it all works out!

Wombats are Weird

5.27.2012

Sunday.

Today I went to Featherdale Wildlife Park with Megan M. and Rachel M. I met them at Burwood station at 9:30. We caught a train to Black Town. We got there around 10:20. Unfortunately we had just missed a bus and had to wait until 11:10 for another one. There was nothing around to explore so we just sat in the sun for a while. We finally got there, which was really exciting! We got to feed and pet the Kangas. And I got to Pet a Koala. And A Wombat. SO COOL!!!

 I ate lunch there. Well the sandwich I packed. We then headed home. I got home around 3:30, did some homework that is due tomorrow. 

I decided that I would go to church tonight too. As it is my second to last chance to go :[

I went. Talked to a guy and his son/nephew on the train. I don’t really know how we got to talking but we did. They asked about where I was from (because of my accent), what I was doing here, blah blah blah. I got to the bus stop, met a girl named Steph from Vancouver Canada. We bonded. Talked for a bit. She just got to Sydney that morning from the North Coast.  

Once in church I sat by Corey and Street teams Kenny. I saved seats for Hong and Juliane. After church, Hong, Julliane and I took the bus to central, then walked to find somewhere to eat. We stopped in at this little Turkish deli. I ate some pizza. We then went to take the train home, but there was still some track work being done, but after some finagling, we figured out how to get back. I got home around 11:15. On a school night. Shame on me, I know I know. But I think it’s totally worth it to spend time with my friends! 

The Great Lemon Massacre of 2012.

5.26.2012

Saturday.

Today I got up early and went into the city with Erica and Carly. On our way to the train station we saw a bunch of Lemons squashed and in the street. I don’t really know how that happened. But we deemed it the great lemon massacre of 2012.

Went to take a train to Circular Quay only to find that the city circle line had track work being done. So we took a train to central instead where we were able to catch a bus to Circular Quay. We walked around to a view point where you can see the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge in the same shot. It was very pretty. 

After that we walked to the rocks and got breakfast at a really cute café. I got a Spanish omelet and my roommates got much smaller, daintier breakfasts. But that’s okay.

 After that we went to the Rocks Markets and walked around there for a while. We walked back toward Circular Quay and popped into the Museum of Contemporary Art because it was free. We didn’t stay too long. Then we went to Starbucks and I bought a really cute travel mug that says Sydney on it. I’m pretty excited to use it.

We then went to the House of Commerce where we went with Kimberly earlier in the semester. We went to take pictures of the floor, because in the floor there is a model of the entire city of Sydney. I then wanted to take pictures of the ceiling so I had to lay on the floor to get a good shot. Worth it. 

Then I decided that I was going to go home. I went home and took a nap then got ready for church.

When I was going to church, I talked to Sven at the bus stop. Sven is from Germany. I met him a few weeks ago but I didn’t really talk to him all that much. So I got to know him a bit. Ran into Darren from Northern Ireland as well. I got to church and talked to Charlie and Sam who were greeting at the door. Scott Wilson was the speaker at church today.

The after party was a Brazilian BBQ at Leighton’s house. Leighton is one of the leaders who plans all the events. It was really fun. I talked to Charlie, Kenny, Darren, Sam and a guy from Singapore named Alvin. Alvin was really cool. He is going to school for engineering and wants to be a pilot. My friend James was so sweet at the end of the night. He asked me how I was getting home, and when I told him I would just catch a train, he said, “No, you’re coming with me,” and he was able to get us a lift.

We caught a lift from a guy named Marco. Marco is from South Africa. They dropped me off first. Apparently Leighton’s house is rather close to me. Well, it is on my bus route to school anyway. So I knew exactly how to direct Marco on how to get to my house. So that was exciting, to be able to give directions. Oh, and today was Marco’s Birthday. Happy Birthday Marco!

Me Time

5.25.2012

Friday.

Today we had Maori class. Maori is the name of the indigenous people who live on New Zealand. We are going there in a couple weeks. The lady who spoke to us was named Kiri Hata. She taught us about some of their value sets and she also taught us how to do the ceremonial greeting. Their greeting is called the Hongi- which I think literally means exchanging of breath. It is where you press noses with someone and “exchange breath”. We will have to do this when we visit the Maori people. 

After lunch we watched a movie called “Whale Rider” which is really really good! And I really recommend it! It is about a Maori family and community and it is just really good. Watch it okay?

After that I hung around school, posted pictures and blogs, then walked down to the bay that is just near school. There is a very pretty view of the city. 

I then caught a bus home. Megan, Lean and Lindsey were on that bus. At one point a guy swung like a monkey from the bars lining the top of the bus before he got off at his stop. None of us really knew what do to with that one. Ohh Public transportation.

I got home and I really just wanted to have a night in. I ate left over burritos, watched mastercheif and then popped in a DVD of Summer Heights High, a show I haven’t watched since one of the first weeks I was here!

I then watched New Zealand’s Next Top Model. It was actually kind of awkward. Everything was super rushed and very cut and dry. I guess in ANTM they just drag everything on so it was weird to have the whole episode wrap up so quickly.