My weekend in Sydney was absolutely amazing. Shilton was a wonderful host/tour guide and managed to show me the major attractions in the course of a day and a half. She will hopefully be coming down to Melbourne for my 21st at Perseverance with a few of her friends so that I can return the favour by letting her sleep on my floor :) We both came to the realization at the end of my visit that we should definitely hang out when we get back to Bryn Mawr. Sunday was the most random day- there was some cultural festival so there were crazy Asian events everywhere (like sychronized knife chopping). We saw the Opera House, Darling Harbour, the Rocks, the Botanical Gardens, took a ferry to Manly Beach, had breakfast/cocktails in Newtown, and had a farewell gathering of goon and tim tams on top of the International House. It was really an amazing trip and I'm looking forward to going back to Sydney and staying with Rafal, whom I actually got to have lunch with while I was in town as well. Overall, first half of my crazy impromtu break was good.
Currently I'm sitting in an internet cafe in glorious Salamanca place in Hobart, Tasmania. Despite having to wake up at 5:30 this morning after going to bed at 3, I am functioning surprisingly well. I had no trouble getting to the airport and slept for the entirety of my two hour flight. When we landed I was greeted by an expansive panoramic view of green mountains and blue sky filled with puffy clouds. It's breathtaking here, although in a completely different way from Sydney. Today I'm mostly wandering around Hobart taking pictures and doing touristy things. There are a lot of really good art galleries and museums, so there is a lot of stuff to look at for free (and I like free after spending heaps of money in Sydney). Tomorrow I'm off on another crazy bus trip up the coast, although I doubt it will be as insane as my time with Team the Best. But we'll see. Anyway, I should probably end this since I'm paying a dollar for every ten minutes (and I'm distracted because the guy running this place is rather attractive).
Keep leaving me comments- they make me feel loved :)
Monday, September 24, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Team the Best
So I'm in Sydney! Yay! I haven't actually seen anything yet because I woke up not too long ago. I'm currently typing in my hostel waiting for Shilton to show up so she can show me where things are. So far my random crazy adventure trip has been really fun and I've made a lot of friends already. I am excited for Tasmania and can't believe that I have done so much in the course of three days. I am slighly anxious about getting back to Melbourne just because I realized the other day that my computer really doesn't work, which means I'm going to have to find an alternate way of saving pictures/writing papers/facebooking. I already have a ton of pictures from my three day trip to Sydney, as well as from the silverchair/Powderfinger concert (which was absolutely glorious by the way!!)
I am feeling slightly better health wise, although I look like death and everything I own is dirty. Hopefully I'll be able to organize and clean up a bit while I'm staying with Steph. I'm hoping to get in touch with Rafal today once I figure out what's going on, but so far I'm just playing it all by ear and it's working rather nicely.
I really enjoyed the fact that I was the only American on my bus trip (and was appropriately nicknamed "Team America"). It was mostly Brits actually, an Irishman, two members of Dane-land, and a couple of Koreans. Really cool group for the most part. I'll put pictures up from everything once I have a functioning computer.
So yeah, don't worry about anything, I'm having fun, I'm safe, and I am truly having an adventure. Miss you all! Leave me comments/send me love!
I am feeling slightly better health wise, although I look like death and everything I own is dirty. Hopefully I'll be able to organize and clean up a bit while I'm staying with Steph. I'm hoping to get in touch with Rafal today once I figure out what's going on, but so far I'm just playing it all by ear and it's working rather nicely.
I really enjoyed the fact that I was the only American on my bus trip (and was appropriately nicknamed "Team America"). It was mostly Brits actually, an Irishman, two members of Dane-land, and a couple of Koreans. Really cool group for the most part. I'll put pictures up from everything once I have a functioning computer.
So yeah, don't worry about anything, I'm having fun, I'm safe, and I am truly having an adventure. Miss you all! Leave me comments/send me love!
Monday, September 17, 2007
LONG OVERDUE ENTRY
I realize it's been a LONG time since my last post, but there are a few reasons for this:
1) I was in a play
2) I had 6000 words to write in a week and a half
3) I got sick
4) I've been planning my spring break
5) My computer broke
Therefore, let me attempt to update on what has happened in my life since the beginning of September.
On the first Thursday of September, I ended up finally meeting with my Australian cousin, Rafal. He's the most delightful mix between a stereotypical Polish guy and an Aussie it's ridiculous. He also seems to have a fair bit of money (he was going to have his personal driver take me back to Whitley from the center of Melbourne). He also is very keen on getting to know me, and the American side of the family, better. This means he won't mind terribly when I come with two suitcases and knock on his door in November.
The weekend of the 8th was Grease weekend. It was really fun to do a musical again, even if I wasn't the lead. Before the Saturday show I went on a wine tasting in the Yarra Valley. This ended with me being ridiculously pissed and giddy- making my choreographed moves for Grease much more over the top than they usually are. The winery tour was absolutely lovely- we went to four different wineries, had a wine and cheese picnic, drank wine on the bus, and generally enjoyed the weather and the company. I really appreciated the fact that most of the people on the tour were international students and not Americans.
I really wish my computer was working right now.
Anyway, Grease went tremendously well- I took tons of photos which I may or may not be able to show you, depending on whether or not my computer is revivable or not. I am really glad that I was involved in the production since it helped me to get closer with a lot of people from Whitley.
Last week was essentially the week from hell. Post-Grease brought the realization that I had three papers due on Friday, once of them being a research paper that I hadn't done any research for yet. It also meant that my break was around the corner and I hadn't made any travel plans yet. Someone, I managed to write three really good papers and arrange some sort of travel plans. I am traveling by myself, but I'm pretty excited about what I'm doing.
So far, I have gone to Glo Camp with a group of people from Whitley, which, although religiously based, actually wasn't that religious but was TONS of fun. Like my experience with Grease, Glo Camp really let met get to know people a lot better. The theme of the camp was secret agents, and my agency was "Control." We won all of the activities (including trivia night) and had strong comebacks from behind each time. We were an absolutely terrific team.
I've come to the realization that I am far more skillful at doing certain things here than I am at home. This namely applies to physical/athletic/social things. I organized a volleyball match yesterday (and appropriately declared my team the Mozzies after the mosquitos that were attacking us all weekend) and had a victorious win. I kayaked (and fell out into really cold water, which probably hasn't helped my cold much). I went sailing, played on the beach, ran around in the woods, got dirty, bruised, sore, and loved every minute of it. I love Australia so much and I'm really excited for what the rest of break has in store for me.
Tomorrow, I am going to see SILVERCHAIR AND POWERDERFINGER!!!!! I am going with a friend of mine from Uni (sadly not my blonde haired/blue eyed/Greek/Australian/Jewish future husband) who actually reminds me a lot of Christine. Wednesday I am going to see Hairspray with Emma, and then I leave Thursday for my grand adventure.
Thursday: I am leaving Whitley at 6 in the morning to leave on my three day bus trip to Sydney. I'll be going to Wilson's Prom and more of Gippsland where I spent this past weekend.
Friday: More hiking in Snowy River area, Mt. Kosciusko, and general outdoorsiness. Basically lots of really nice views and fresh air.
Saturday: Heading to Sydney with a stop in Canberra. I am hoping to stay with Steph Hilton in Sydney for a few days and see some things, if not I may end up calling Rafal.
Tuesday morning: Flying out of Sydney for Hobart, Tasmania. Spending the day in Hobart, probably resting from the madness that will likely occur in Sydney over the weekend.
Wednesday: Checking out Port Arthur and Australia's delightful convict history.
Thursday: Tassie beach day.
Friday: Beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, etc. Ending in Launceston.
Friday night: Going to Claire's house!! Staying with her and going to Cradle Mountain until Sunday morning.
Sunday: Taking a bus to Devonport, where I'll be taking the Spirit of Tasmania back to Melbourne.
So that's roughly my break. There will definitely be some spontaneous things that happen in between, but that is part of the reason I'm really excited. I am really enjoying this ability to just do whatever whenever and have it not really matter that much. My grades are fine (I got my first paper back last week and did surprisingly well), I'm happy, I'm sick but getting better, and nothing really can ruin it. It would be lovely if my computer worked, but I am optimistic that someone can figure out what's wrong with it and get it back to normal so that I can show you all the wonderful pictures I've been taking. Otherwise Facebook might have to be all that's left of my time in Australia :)
Anyhow, my computer doesn't work, so don't expect me to be on Facebook much/terribly prompt with emails. I will be leaving Thursday morning, so you'll hear even less from me after that. I miss you all and hope that this entry helped relieve any worries/curiosities/etc. I'm alive and I'm thriving and therefore you should not be concerned.
1) I was in a play
2) I had 6000 words to write in a week and a half
3) I got sick
4) I've been planning my spring break
5) My computer broke
Therefore, let me attempt to update on what has happened in my life since the beginning of September.
On the first Thursday of September, I ended up finally meeting with my Australian cousin, Rafal. He's the most delightful mix between a stereotypical Polish guy and an Aussie it's ridiculous. He also seems to have a fair bit of money (he was going to have his personal driver take me back to Whitley from the center of Melbourne). He also is very keen on getting to know me, and the American side of the family, better. This means he won't mind terribly when I come with two suitcases and knock on his door in November.
The weekend of the 8th was Grease weekend. It was really fun to do a musical again, even if I wasn't the lead. Before the Saturday show I went on a wine tasting in the Yarra Valley. This ended with me being ridiculously pissed and giddy- making my choreographed moves for Grease much more over the top than they usually are. The winery tour was absolutely lovely- we went to four different wineries, had a wine and cheese picnic, drank wine on the bus, and generally enjoyed the weather and the company. I really appreciated the fact that most of the people on the tour were international students and not Americans.
I really wish my computer was working right now.
Anyway, Grease went tremendously well- I took tons of photos which I may or may not be able to show you, depending on whether or not my computer is revivable or not. I am really glad that I was involved in the production since it helped me to get closer with a lot of people from Whitley.
Last week was essentially the week from hell. Post-Grease brought the realization that I had three papers due on Friday, once of them being a research paper that I hadn't done any research for yet. It also meant that my break was around the corner and I hadn't made any travel plans yet. Someone, I managed to write three really good papers and arrange some sort of travel plans. I am traveling by myself, but I'm pretty excited about what I'm doing.
So far, I have gone to Glo Camp with a group of people from Whitley, which, although religiously based, actually wasn't that religious but was TONS of fun. Like my experience with Grease, Glo Camp really let met get to know people a lot better. The theme of the camp was secret agents, and my agency was "Control." We won all of the activities (including trivia night) and had strong comebacks from behind each time. We were an absolutely terrific team.
I've come to the realization that I am far more skillful at doing certain things here than I am at home. This namely applies to physical/athletic/social things. I organized a volleyball match yesterday (and appropriately declared my team the Mozzies after the mosquitos that were attacking us all weekend) and had a victorious win. I kayaked (and fell out into really cold water, which probably hasn't helped my cold much). I went sailing, played on the beach, ran around in the woods, got dirty, bruised, sore, and loved every minute of it. I love Australia so much and I'm really excited for what the rest of break has in store for me.
Tomorrow, I am going to see SILVERCHAIR AND POWERDERFINGER!!!!! I am going with a friend of mine from Uni (sadly not my blonde haired/blue eyed/Greek/Australian/Jewish future husband) who actually reminds me a lot of Christine. Wednesday I am going to see Hairspray with Emma, and then I leave Thursday for my grand adventure.
Thursday: I am leaving Whitley at 6 in the morning to leave on my three day bus trip to Sydney. I'll be going to Wilson's Prom and more of Gippsland where I spent this past weekend.
Friday: More hiking in Snowy River area, Mt. Kosciusko, and general outdoorsiness. Basically lots of really nice views and fresh air.
Saturday: Heading to Sydney with a stop in Canberra. I am hoping to stay with Steph Hilton in Sydney for a few days and see some things, if not I may end up calling Rafal.
Tuesday morning: Flying out of Sydney for Hobart, Tasmania. Spending the day in Hobart, probably resting from the madness that will likely occur in Sydney over the weekend.
Wednesday: Checking out Port Arthur and Australia's delightful convict history.
Thursday: Tassie beach day.
Friday: Beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, etc. Ending in Launceston.
Friday night: Going to Claire's house!! Staying with her and going to Cradle Mountain until Sunday morning.
Sunday: Taking a bus to Devonport, where I'll be taking the Spirit of Tasmania back to Melbourne.
So that's roughly my break. There will definitely be some spontaneous things that happen in between, but that is part of the reason I'm really excited. I am really enjoying this ability to just do whatever whenever and have it not really matter that much. My grades are fine (I got my first paper back last week and did surprisingly well), I'm happy, I'm sick but getting better, and nothing really can ruin it. It would be lovely if my computer worked, but I am optimistic that someone can figure out what's wrong with it and get it back to normal so that I can show you all the wonderful pictures I've been taking. Otherwise Facebook might have to be all that's left of my time in Australia :)
Anyhow, my computer doesn't work, so don't expect me to be on Facebook much/terribly prompt with emails. I will be leaving Thursday morning, so you'll hear even less from me after that. I miss you all and hope that this entry helped relieve any worries/curiosities/etc. I'm alive and I'm thriving and therefore you should not be concerned.
Monday, September 3, 2007
American Gridiron
This past weekend was the weekend of Aussie Rules Football, otherwise known as the greatest game of all time. After having seen several footy matches since I've been here, the opportunity was presented for me to actually get to play the game. After sever frustrating training sessions and much confusion, game day presented itself this past Saturday. Moderately hung over from the house warming party the night before and exhausted from Grease rehearsals/general madness, the first match of Girls' footy was not my shining moment. Yet despite my lack of talent, I was so pumped. The Whitley girls were all given footy nicknames, mine being "Chains" (the sheer brilliance of nicknames here continues to astound me). Rumor had gone round to other colleges that Whitley had two "American gridirons" on its team- namely myself and Carissa. We got all geared up and got ready to "put the bitches down" as they say here in Australia.
Here we are in our footy attire, completely with war paint: 
The actual games themselves did not go so well- we lost all three. However, I had a personal win in that I learned how to kick correctly, which boosted my confidence well enough that in the second match I was about to get a mark (a catch) and a free kick. It was pretty awesome actually, and I'm excited to possibly play some sort of organized sport once I get back to Bryn Mawr (maybe rugby?) A couple of the girls got some injuries- I actually tripped on the way to the oval and got a bloody lip. Carissa got some really nice bruises. One of the girls popped her knee and another got a minor concussion. But seriously, it was the most fun I have had in a LONG time and I will really miss playing it back home. Here is a shot of the team goofing off after a long day of hard playing:
Here we are in our footy attire, completely with war paint: 
The actual games themselves did not go so well- we lost all three. However, I had a personal win in that I learned how to kick correctly, which boosted my confidence well enough that in the second match I was about to get a mark (a catch) and a free kick. It was pretty awesome actually, and I'm excited to possibly play some sort of organized sport once I get back to Bryn Mawr (maybe rugby?) A couple of the girls got some injuries- I actually tripped on the way to the oval and got a bloody lip. Carissa got some really nice bruises. One of the girls popped her knee and another got a minor concussion. But seriously, it was the most fun I have had in a LONG time and I will really miss playing it back home. Here is a shot of the team goofing off after a long day of hard playing:
While the girls may not have fared so well, the Whitley boys did us proud. It was the Boys' footy grand final this weekend against St. Mary's, and we SLAUGHTERED THEM. I was so proud to be from Whitley, and despite the fact two of the boys got really bad black eyes, one of them has a messed up ankle now, and basically all of them got bruised and bloody knees, Whitley morale was at an extreme high. We all put on Whitley gear and went to Bridie's for celebratory drinks. Today the team even got to sit at high table for hall. It's a big deal, and I couldn't be happier to be at Whitley. Here are a couple shots of the team/Bridie's:
In other news, I spent some time this weekend hanging out with Antonio and Sneha. The house warming party on Friday was a lot of fun, and I saw a ton of people I haven't seen since I got to Melbourne. I also met this absolutely delightful British boy named Andy, whom I went out with last night on a rather spontaneous date for dinner on Lygon street. He is definitely at the top of my "list of potential boyfriends" right now, so hopefully there will be updates concerning this matter. Otherwise things have been pretty much the same- getting ready for Grease to open this weekend, writing some assignments, attempting to stay motivated to do work, waiting to see whether or not I'm going anywhere for break, looking for just the right person to come see silverchair with me, etc. I am experiencing a bit of nostalgia for Bryn Mawr since people are beginning to put pictures up on facebook from Customs Week. Have a great Parade night girls- I miss you and I'll see you all soon!!!
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