Greased Lightening

So things have DRASTICALLY improved since last time I wrote. I went out with the Whitley crew on Wednesday after the Bush Dance and afterwards bonded with a good number of them. I actually have friends now, which is nice, and have recently joined in the chorus for their production of Grease. There is something really hilarious about Australians putting on a show about 1950s suburban America. They even include singing "American style" in their vocal warm-ups, which basically equates to a really badly exaggerated southern accent.

Speaking of misconceptions and misinterpretations, I've found it very interesting that Australians have a really hard time pronouncing "Ada" as ODD-A. They have a much easier time saying Adrianna correctly, which is basically the reverse of what it's like in the States. So several of them have opted to call me "ABomb," which is actually one of the better nicknames I've had in my life.

So, basically after a week of trying to figure out my classes, getting ridiculously sick, and being lonely and awkward, I have settled in to Whitley, decorated my room some, joined a musical, killed the common cold with mass amounts of alcohol, and have gone running and exploring all over the city.

Tonight is "Piss in the Pond" which is the one day of the year when Whitley residents are allowed to drink outside of their rooms in the Donut. In preparation, I went today to Victoria Market to buy some cheap wine and ended up buying the best donuts I have ever had in my entire life. Victoria Market has ridiculously cheap produce, meat, cheese, etc. I now know exactly where I am going to get supplies for my wine and cheese party. While I was at the market I ran into a couple people who did Melbourne Welcome with me, which reminds me of the fact that I am not entirely alone in this city. It seems as though everywhere I go I see someone I've met, either randomly or through the Welcome program. The city is very navigatable, so it's really not a surprise that I see them, but it's still nice.

Things are getting a bit more lively in Whitley due to the fact everyone is coming back to night. I may go check what's happening then, but I'll update soon after I begin my first week at Uni!