its April Fools Day here...
lets see what sort of shananigans I can get into around here....muhahha :)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
oofta...
holy moly I just looked at how long that blog is-SORRY!!!!!!!! I forget to blog for a few days then try to catch up...sorry it is so long!!!
hopefully you don't fall asleep or go cross-eyed trying to read it :)
hopefully you don't fall asleep or go cross-eyed trying to read it :)
peace. love. surf.
G'day Mate!
Sorry it has taken me awhile to blog again-I was hoping to get pictures from this past weekend from one of my friends so I could blog and put pictures up at the same time BUT Kira and I have not been able to meet up yet. So I'll blog now...post pictures next week probably. These pictures are AMAZING too-I can't wait to post them.
Last week/weekend was close to one of the best weekends of my life-truly! Wednesday nights are now designated to grilling with the boys (David, Pat, Jason) and then going out for drinks for student night. David, Jason, Kelsey and I have class until 7 on Wednesdays then we caught the train to David's place. His apartment is literally right on the beach-like step on his porch and you could throw something on the beach! It is incredible there! I will try to creep and take pictures of his place next week -it is truly amazing there!!! Even better-the boys cooked a FULL meal for us girls while we got to kick back and relax. Nice eh? We sure were not complaining...Wednesdays are easily one of my favorite days :)
Friday I met up with the boys and played tennis at David's apartment. It was heaps fun getting to play tennis again. Thankfully Bara (the place I live) has tennis rackets/balls I can take whenever. David's friend from home, Alex, came from Sydney for the weekend and he joined us in tennis too. Alex and I kicked David and Pat's butts in tennis-but whose counting right? haha. Hopefully I can get on the courts again-I LOVE playing tennis and surely don't do it enough anymore. After tennis we went to the most delicious ice cream place ever - Kiwi's. We have eaten there like 6 times already-I would even rate it better than Coldstone ice cream! YUM YUM YUM!!! It is literally right next door to David's apartment-seriously the guys have the most ideal living situation EVER!!!!!
Friday night we got picked up at the train station at like 9 pm. There was a group of 8 of us from Newcastle that went on the Mojo Surf Trip. We got on the bus and it was PACKED with other students already. Most of them were from schools around Sydney-which is heaps nice because now when we go there we have a place to visit! Anyways, so we get on the bus and have to do introductions. The few days before that I was not feeling too great, but was not too worried. I get on the bus and my voice disappears! My voice was squeeking SO bad-everyone was cracking up laughing because I was getting out of breath just trying to say my name. Hahhaha it was hilarious-the rest of the weekend I was known as the sick girl because I could hardly talk I was so sick. So we arrived in Cresent Head at around 1am and everyone hops off the bus and starts drinking around the campfire. I was not feeling up to par so I just went to bed.
Saturday morning we got up super early, had breakfast, then headed to the beach. We had like an hour surf lesson and then got out to try things out. Man do I ever have a whole new appreciation for surfers-it is not nearly as easy at it looks. Up until lunchtime the surf teacher/dudes helped us get up and I was able to get up 2-3 times by myself. By the time lunch came we were whiped out. The food was phenominal all weekend-which helped rejuvinate us. We even got time to catch a nap before the afternoon sessions-my friend Kira and I napped for a good hour in the hammocks they had there, and when I say napped I mean good ol' napping so well you drool nap :)
The afternoon session went alright-the waves were HUGE so they had to have all 60 of us in a small area, which made it pretty hard to surf because I was constantly worried about running into someone. I was able to get up quite a few times on my own, but was so exhausted by the end of the day. I was not feeling to good still and my voice was still goofy, but I was not going to let that affect my weekend too much. My conclusion at the end of the day was- "I tried surfing. I got up on the board by myself. It was fun but not something I would want to do again." After dinner we sat by the campfire and played cards. One of my new friends and I headed down to the beach and sat for like an hour checking out all the amazing stars. The stars were beyond amazing-words cannot even do justice as to how beautiful they were. AND I saw a shooting star...man I love star-gazing, easily one of my top 5 favorite things to do in life!
Sunday morning could not have been better. I was feeling sketchy about surfing again because I was so tired and whatnot. Walking to our surf site took about 20 minutes and on the way Kira and I were collecting shells and I found sea glass-I was SO excited!!!! It is heaps neat! Then get this-probably one of the most stunning things I have ever seen happened-we looked out on the ocean and there were 10-15 (possibly even 20!!!) dolphins swimming right by us, jumping and chasing the waves. I sat with my jaw down in awe for a good 2 minutes before I could even say anything!!!! It was the coolest thing I have EVER seen!!! Ah I cannot even begin to express how cool it was...needless to say my morning was off to a good start.
So we get to the surf spot and I was debating whether or not to give it a-go again. I toughened up and hopped out there. Get this-I loved it! Like LOVE LOVE LOVE loved it...a bunch of the girls just sat on the beach to tan so there was less people to have to watch out for in the water. The waves were perfect, not too big/scary and not too small that I couldn't do anything. I got up almost EVERY single time I got up, it was the coolest feeling ever! I was so high on life-it was amazing! I surfed for all 4 hours in the morning and got up all by myself, I was so pumped! Ahh I cannot wait to post some of our pictures! Keep an eye out for them :)
So this week is crusing by like all of the other weeks have been. I have had quite a bit more homework this week, which has been alright because it has been raining here the last few days. I have been spending lots of time studying in Adriana's room studying-I seem to get heaps more done in there. And it is nice because every once and awhile we take a break and take time to goof off. We are pretty good about keeping each in line though and studying. She is seriously one of the coolest chicas I have ever met and I am already pumped to go visit her in Florida. OO and we are hoping to traveling to New Zealand/Fiji/Hawaii after school is done which would be heaps fun!!!!!!
Today is already Wednesday-wahoo!! We are grilling at the boys' again tonight and then heading out on the town. This weekend I am going to Sydney again with Adriana, her sister and her sister's boyfriend are flying in so we are going there to meet up with them. I am super excited to explore Sydney some more!! One of the nights we are staying with the family I met on the volunteer weekend and one of the nights we are staying with a girl I met last weekend, not sure about Thursday night still but we'll figure that out.
Still loving being down here more than I would have ever imagined. Skyping (online webcam thing) has been a lifesavor-I don't know what I would do without it!
Miss everyone heaps! Love lots!
Cheers,
Stac
Sorry it has taken me awhile to blog again-I was hoping to get pictures from this past weekend from one of my friends so I could blog and put pictures up at the same time BUT Kira and I have not been able to meet up yet. So I'll blog now...post pictures next week probably. These pictures are AMAZING too-I can't wait to post them.
Last week/weekend was close to one of the best weekends of my life-truly! Wednesday nights are now designated to grilling with the boys (David, Pat, Jason) and then going out for drinks for student night. David, Jason, Kelsey and I have class until 7 on Wednesdays then we caught the train to David's place. His apartment is literally right on the beach-like step on his porch and you could throw something on the beach! It is incredible there! I will try to creep and take pictures of his place next week -it is truly amazing there!!! Even better-the boys cooked a FULL meal for us girls while we got to kick back and relax. Nice eh? We sure were not complaining...Wednesdays are easily one of my favorite days :)
Friday I met up with the boys and played tennis at David's apartment. It was heaps fun getting to play tennis again. Thankfully Bara (the place I live) has tennis rackets/balls I can take whenever. David's friend from home, Alex, came from Sydney for the weekend and he joined us in tennis too. Alex and I kicked David and Pat's butts in tennis-but whose counting right? haha. Hopefully I can get on the courts again-I LOVE playing tennis and surely don't do it enough anymore. After tennis we went to the most delicious ice cream place ever - Kiwi's. We have eaten there like 6 times already-I would even rate it better than Coldstone ice cream! YUM YUM YUM!!! It is literally right next door to David's apartment-seriously the guys have the most ideal living situation EVER!!!!!
Friday night we got picked up at the train station at like 9 pm. There was a group of 8 of us from Newcastle that went on the Mojo Surf Trip. We got on the bus and it was PACKED with other students already. Most of them were from schools around Sydney-which is heaps nice because now when we go there we have a place to visit! Anyways, so we get on the bus and have to do introductions. The few days before that I was not feeling too great, but was not too worried. I get on the bus and my voice disappears! My voice was squeeking SO bad-everyone was cracking up laughing because I was getting out of breath just trying to say my name. Hahhaha it was hilarious-the rest of the weekend I was known as the sick girl because I could hardly talk I was so sick. So we arrived in Cresent Head at around 1am and everyone hops off the bus and starts drinking around the campfire. I was not feeling up to par so I just went to bed.
Saturday morning we got up super early, had breakfast, then headed to the beach. We had like an hour surf lesson and then got out to try things out. Man do I ever have a whole new appreciation for surfers-it is not nearly as easy at it looks. Up until lunchtime the surf teacher/dudes helped us get up and I was able to get up 2-3 times by myself. By the time lunch came we were whiped out. The food was phenominal all weekend-which helped rejuvinate us. We even got time to catch a nap before the afternoon sessions-my friend Kira and I napped for a good hour in the hammocks they had there, and when I say napped I mean good ol' napping so well you drool nap :)
The afternoon session went alright-the waves were HUGE so they had to have all 60 of us in a small area, which made it pretty hard to surf because I was constantly worried about running into someone. I was able to get up quite a few times on my own, but was so exhausted by the end of the day. I was not feeling to good still and my voice was still goofy, but I was not going to let that affect my weekend too much. My conclusion at the end of the day was- "I tried surfing. I got up on the board by myself. It was fun but not something I would want to do again." After dinner we sat by the campfire and played cards. One of my new friends and I headed down to the beach and sat for like an hour checking out all the amazing stars. The stars were beyond amazing-words cannot even do justice as to how beautiful they were. AND I saw a shooting star...man I love star-gazing, easily one of my top 5 favorite things to do in life!
Sunday morning could not have been better. I was feeling sketchy about surfing again because I was so tired and whatnot. Walking to our surf site took about 20 minutes and on the way Kira and I were collecting shells and I found sea glass-I was SO excited!!!! It is heaps neat! Then get this-probably one of the most stunning things I have ever seen happened-we looked out on the ocean and there were 10-15 (possibly even 20!!!) dolphins swimming right by us, jumping and chasing the waves. I sat with my jaw down in awe for a good 2 minutes before I could even say anything!!!! It was the coolest thing I have EVER seen!!! Ah I cannot even begin to express how cool it was...needless to say my morning was off to a good start.
So we get to the surf spot and I was debating whether or not to give it a-go again. I toughened up and hopped out there. Get this-I loved it! Like LOVE LOVE LOVE loved it...a bunch of the girls just sat on the beach to tan so there was less people to have to watch out for in the water. The waves were perfect, not too big/scary and not too small that I couldn't do anything. I got up almost EVERY single time I got up, it was the coolest feeling ever! I was so high on life-it was amazing! I surfed for all 4 hours in the morning and got up all by myself, I was so pumped! Ahh I cannot wait to post some of our pictures! Keep an eye out for them :)
So this week is crusing by like all of the other weeks have been. I have had quite a bit more homework this week, which has been alright because it has been raining here the last few days. I have been spending lots of time studying in Adriana's room studying-I seem to get heaps more done in there. And it is nice because every once and awhile we take a break and take time to goof off. We are pretty good about keeping each in line though and studying. She is seriously one of the coolest chicas I have ever met and I am already pumped to go visit her in Florida. OO and we are hoping to traveling to New Zealand/Fiji/Hawaii after school is done which would be heaps fun!!!!!!
Today is already Wednesday-wahoo!! We are grilling at the boys' again tonight and then heading out on the town. This weekend I am going to Sydney again with Adriana, her sister and her sister's boyfriend are flying in so we are going there to meet up with them. I am super excited to explore Sydney some more!! One of the nights we are staying with the family I met on the volunteer weekend and one of the nights we are staying with a girl I met last weekend, not sure about Thursday night still but we'll figure that out.
Still loving being down here more than I would have ever imagined. Skyping (online webcam thing) has been a lifesavor-I don't know what I would do without it!
Miss everyone heaps! Love lots!
Cheers,
Stac
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
does life get any better than this?!
Ok so i am seriously having one of the best days/weeks ever-and there really is nothing out of the ordinary going on! I am just heaps pumped for life...I love being down here!!!
Last night a bunch of us just grilled and chilled (hahaha sounds sweet i know!). The people down here are so amazing-everyone is so nice and so much fun. We just goofed off and chatted all night...nothing beats a low key night with an awesome group of friends!
I was able to skype with 2 of my friends today-Kayla and Ryan. That totally makes my day and puts me in a FANTASTIC mood right off the bat. I cannot imagine life right now without skype-it has been my saving grace. After skyping I got to have lunch with one of my good friends here, Jess. She lives off campus and I hardly see her anymore so it is super exciting when we get together! I have class in a bit, then am working out at the Forum (the gym on campus), class again, then grilling at my guy friend David's place. Seriously I just love being down here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Life is so easy going and no worries-I love it. I think the absolutely gorgeous weather EVERY day might have something to do with it too.
OO and this weekend there is a carnival going on in Newcastle. I am heaps excited for it-we have a big group going tomorrow night because it is student discount night. I will update you all on how different it is than our carnivals/fairs at home!! I cannot wait to eat a corn dog...oh man I hope they have corn dogs!!!!!!
Well I better scoot-just wanted to let you all know that things are still going heaps well! After a day like today I am not so sure I want to come back home...no worries though...I will be back this summer! Ah I cannot believe how soon that is coming up!
We have a surfing weekend starting friday-wish me luck! Hopefully I won't be too sore after that...
Love lots!!!!!
Stac
Last night a bunch of us just grilled and chilled (hahaha sounds sweet i know!). The people down here are so amazing-everyone is so nice and so much fun. We just goofed off and chatted all night...nothing beats a low key night with an awesome group of friends!
I was able to skype with 2 of my friends today-Kayla and Ryan. That totally makes my day and puts me in a FANTASTIC mood right off the bat. I cannot imagine life right now without skype-it has been my saving grace. After skyping I got to have lunch with one of my good friends here, Jess. She lives off campus and I hardly see her anymore so it is super exciting when we get together! I have class in a bit, then am working out at the Forum (the gym on campus), class again, then grilling at my guy friend David's place. Seriously I just love being down here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Life is so easy going and no worries-I love it. I think the absolutely gorgeous weather EVERY day might have something to do with it too.
OO and this weekend there is a carnival going on in Newcastle. I am heaps excited for it-we have a big group going tomorrow night because it is student discount night. I will update you all on how different it is than our carnivals/fairs at home!! I cannot wait to eat a corn dog...oh man I hope they have corn dogs!!!!!!
Well I better scoot-just wanted to let you all know that things are still going heaps well! After a day like today I am not so sure I want to come back home...no worries though...I will be back this summer! Ah I cannot believe how soon that is coming up!
We have a surfing weekend starting friday-wish me luck! Hopefully I won't be too sore after that...
Love lots!!!!!
Stac
Monday, March 23, 2009
More Pics for you!
Chilling in a tree with my pal Adam
Hahaha my super soaked clothes after the boys threw me in the pool-I sure as heck did not mind after a long day of work planting trees!
Playing with the professional race horses-they were so pretty and friendly!!!!
My Conservation Volunteer Group-some of the most laid back/chill people ever!!!!!
My guy friend Ryan and I goofing off on the train to town.
Adriana and I goofing off on St.Patty's Day
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Prepare yourself for a novel....
Good Day Mate!
I cannot even believe how much time is flying by! I am trying to keep up with this blog but there just does not seem to be enough hours in a day.
This past weekend I participated in a volunteer conservation trip with 7 of my international peers. We were terrified because the group that went the weekend before us had an AWFUL weekend-they picked weeds the whole time, slept in a house where they people never cleaned and had a ton of animals living inside-thus there was feces and stuff everywhere, and just had a terrible time. My group was terrified Friday morning but we couldn't back out or we'd have a $200 fine. I have NO idea how we ended up getting so lucky-we got to plant trees along a creek on a farm were race horses were trained, it was really pretty where we were-and LOTS of shade. Our first day there we worked our butts off and planted more than 2,200 trees. Little did we know that we only had 3,000 for the whole weekend so the rest of the time we ending up getting to hang out. And get this-we got to camp out in tents a block away from the ocean in the place that I went on my dolphin cruise at-Nelson Bay. Every night we grilled and then hung out down by the ocean. Saturday morning after we finished planting, the farm owner and his wife came down and invited us up for lunch. We were starving and would have eating anything they would throw our way at that point. We walked up there and they had a feast prepared for us!!!!! Like everything from hamburgers/hot dogs to chocolate eggs to a fridge full of beer (the boys really enjoyed that)...it was incredible. They have a pool to and they let us hop in there-well actually I was thrown in by the guys then everyone else ended up going swimming with me. They spoiled us rotten!!! And they said anytime we are in Sydney or want to go to a horse race anywhere in New South Wales that they would get tickets for us. Needless to say they are SUPER wealthy! Ah but they were so so kind to us, we will meet up with them again I am sure. Sunday morning they took us to find Koala bears, that was fun. I just cannot express how thankful I am that we had such an awesome weekend-I feel so blessed because I was suppose to be on the previous weekend (the awful weed-picking, flees everywhere trip) but I had to switch with someone because I had that Bara Commencement Dinner that I had to be at. Oh man did I ever luck out!!!! There will always be a special bond between myself and the other 7 volunteers-words cannot express all the shananigans we got into last weekend!!!!
So get this-I ate kangaroo-yet again. This time though it was WAY better though-we made roo burgers with onions mixed in. Delicious!!!! It pretty much tastes like a hamburger but way healthier and leaner. Oo and last night we finally ate Mexican food-we have been looking everywhere for a Mexican restaurant here but have had zero luck up until last night. They are very hard to come by I guess-which makes sense because Mexico is on the other side of the world. It was so tasty, we were all thrilled to get some chips and salsa in our systems again. The food here is delicious!! They have these things called kebabs which are sort-of like a quesdilla but not really. I don't know, all I know is that they are so tasty. Omg and wedges (like fries) and sweet chili sauce is a feast from above-so tasty!!!! Omg I am obsessed!!! In one of my classes, all the Australia girls bring in a bunch of snacks for me to try. So every Thursday we have a mini-feast. Last week they brought in Lamingtons (like vanilla cake surrounded by chocolate frosting and coconut), sherbet (like the candy FunDip), and Minties which were another candy. All were super tasty! I was going to make them some puppy chow but Australia does not have Chex Cereal or even anything close to it. So if you think of anything super America that is a common treat that would not be too hard for me to make for them (I am a super bad cook)-please let me know ASAP because I would love to bring them a treat....just email me the recipe or idea at back0157@umn.edu! Help please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to share a little bit of America with them, since they have been spoiling me rotten with all these Australian treats but have no idea what to bring them.
I love how chill everyone is here! Everyone is so kind and laid back. In fact-heaps of people don't ever wear shoes when they go out. Stores don't care either-it is very common to walk around barefoot around here! It is nice being so worry-free and laid back all the time-I really could permanently get use to this lifestyle.
My classes are going really well so far. The teaching style is a tad different but I feel as though I am catching on fine. And yes-I am actually going to class!!! It is extremely hard sometimes because it is always so gorgeous here but I end up sucking it up and heading to my classes. I am taking a Health Sociology class, an education class-special ed to be specific, an Aboriginal Studies class, and a Public Health class. I am learning heaps of new things and am enjoying all of my professors. Also, I am making tons of new friends!!!!
As for the job situation-it has been very difficult to find a job here for many reasons. First off-I am only here for a few more months and no where wants to spend time training me in knowing I will be leaving soon. Second-there are way more steps I have to go through to get a job here than at home (applying for tax stuff and background checks). Third-being that I am on campus anywhere I would want to work I would have to take either the bus or train and their schedule is super messed up. They are never on time!!! So I don't know what I will do about that...I am still looking so hopefully something will come up soon!
Well I am going to end it here-there is SO much more I can say but I am sure you are getting heaps tired by now trying to read all this!
Miss everyone a lot! I hope all is going well back home and I am glad to hear that the weather is finally getting nicer!
LOVE LOTS!!!!!
XOXO
Stac
I cannot even believe how much time is flying by! I am trying to keep up with this blog but there just does not seem to be enough hours in a day.
This past weekend I participated in a volunteer conservation trip with 7 of my international peers. We were terrified because the group that went the weekend before us had an AWFUL weekend-they picked weeds the whole time, slept in a house where they people never cleaned and had a ton of animals living inside-thus there was feces and stuff everywhere, and just had a terrible time. My group was terrified Friday morning but we couldn't back out or we'd have a $200 fine. I have NO idea how we ended up getting so lucky-we got to plant trees along a creek on a farm were race horses were trained, it was really pretty where we were-and LOTS of shade. Our first day there we worked our butts off and planted more than 2,200 trees. Little did we know that we only had 3,000 for the whole weekend so the rest of the time we ending up getting to hang out. And get this-we got to camp out in tents a block away from the ocean in the place that I went on my dolphin cruise at-Nelson Bay. Every night we grilled and then hung out down by the ocean. Saturday morning after we finished planting, the farm owner and his wife came down and invited us up for lunch. We were starving and would have eating anything they would throw our way at that point. We walked up there and they had a feast prepared for us!!!!! Like everything from hamburgers/hot dogs to chocolate eggs to a fridge full of beer (the boys really enjoyed that)...it was incredible. They have a pool to and they let us hop in there-well actually I was thrown in by the guys then everyone else ended up going swimming with me. They spoiled us rotten!!! And they said anytime we are in Sydney or want to go to a horse race anywhere in New South Wales that they would get tickets for us. Needless to say they are SUPER wealthy! Ah but they were so so kind to us, we will meet up with them again I am sure. Sunday morning they took us to find Koala bears, that was fun. I just cannot express how thankful I am that we had such an awesome weekend-I feel so blessed because I was suppose to be on the previous weekend (the awful weed-picking, flees everywhere trip) but I had to switch with someone because I had that Bara Commencement Dinner that I had to be at. Oh man did I ever luck out!!!! There will always be a special bond between myself and the other 7 volunteers-words cannot express all the shananigans we got into last weekend!!!!
So get this-I ate kangaroo-yet again. This time though it was WAY better though-we made roo burgers with onions mixed in. Delicious!!!! It pretty much tastes like a hamburger but way healthier and leaner. Oo and last night we finally ate Mexican food-we have been looking everywhere for a Mexican restaurant here but have had zero luck up until last night. They are very hard to come by I guess-which makes sense because Mexico is on the other side of the world. It was so tasty, we were all thrilled to get some chips and salsa in our systems again. The food here is delicious!! They have these things called kebabs which are sort-of like a quesdilla but not really. I don't know, all I know is that they are so tasty. Omg and wedges (like fries) and sweet chili sauce is a feast from above-so tasty!!!! Omg I am obsessed!!! In one of my classes, all the Australia girls bring in a bunch of snacks for me to try. So every Thursday we have a mini-feast. Last week they brought in Lamingtons (like vanilla cake surrounded by chocolate frosting and coconut), sherbet (like the candy FunDip), and Minties which were another candy. All were super tasty! I was going to make them some puppy chow but Australia does not have Chex Cereal or even anything close to it. So if you think of anything super America that is a common treat that would not be too hard for me to make for them (I am a super bad cook)-please let me know ASAP because I would love to bring them a treat....just email me the recipe or idea at back0157@umn.edu! Help please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to share a little bit of America with them, since they have been spoiling me rotten with all these Australian treats but have no idea what to bring them.
I love how chill everyone is here! Everyone is so kind and laid back. In fact-heaps of people don't ever wear shoes when they go out. Stores don't care either-it is very common to walk around barefoot around here! It is nice being so worry-free and laid back all the time-I really could permanently get use to this lifestyle.
My classes are going really well so far. The teaching style is a tad different but I feel as though I am catching on fine. And yes-I am actually going to class!!! It is extremely hard sometimes because it is always so gorgeous here but I end up sucking it up and heading to my classes. I am taking a Health Sociology class, an education class-special ed to be specific, an Aboriginal Studies class, and a Public Health class. I am learning heaps of new things and am enjoying all of my professors. Also, I am making tons of new friends!!!!
As for the job situation-it has been very difficult to find a job here for many reasons. First off-I am only here for a few more months and no where wants to spend time training me in knowing I will be leaving soon. Second-there are way more steps I have to go through to get a job here than at home (applying for tax stuff and background checks). Third-being that I am on campus anywhere I would want to work I would have to take either the bus or train and their schedule is super messed up. They are never on time!!! So I don't know what I will do about that...I am still looking so hopefully something will come up soon!
Well I am going to end it here-there is SO much more I can say but I am sure you are getting heaps tired by now trying to read all this!
Miss everyone a lot! I hope all is going well back home and I am glad to hear that the weather is finally getting nicer!
LOVE LOTS!!!!!
XOXO
Stac
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A few more pictures...
Delicious potato wedges with sweet chili sauce/sour cream (which is beyond amazing) and a Cookie Monster milkshake! SO tasty!
One of my guy friends-Jim- and I before the dinner. He is easily one of the coolest guys I have ever met!!! Ever cooler is that he is from Minnesota too but he goes to school in Iowa.
A few of us girls dressed up for Bara's Commencement Dinner
One of the surfers
A surfer dude waiting for his turn to compete at Surfest.
Tim Tams in our Jim Jams night...Tim Tams are a popular biscuit (aka cookie) here and Jim Jams are what we call pajamas. Every Thursday night a big group of us gets together for movies and Tim Tams. Kels is holding a Tim Tam, I am holding Red Frogs which is very close to the candy Swedish Fish, and Ash is holding Milo which is similar to Nesquick chocolate powder but is WAY better. All 3 things are SO good!!!!!!
My favorite girls-Adriana, Betsy, and Jess-and I hanging out at one of the local pubs. They are all hilarious and so much fun!
My good friends Andy and Adriana waiting for the train to come. Easily two of the coolest people I have EVER met!!!!Time is flying by WAY to fast!
Good Morning!
I cannot believe that over a month ago I hopped on a plane not knowing anyone to travel across the world! It is unbelievable that I have been in Australia a month already-which means only like 3 more months...AHHH!!!! There is so much I want to do before I leave. We keep trying to plan different mini trips all over Australia but we get distracted and forget to try and plan them. Tentatively we are going to Fraser Island and Whitsundays for spring break but we are not sure yet. Originally the plan was to go to New Zealand but it is super expensive so we are hoping to do it at the end of the semester, if we have enough money left over. Oh and the we is my friend Adriana and I for sure, and then possibly a few other people.
This past weekend was the start of Surfest in Newcastle. We made the hike all the way down to the beach and then found out it was just Junior Surfers competing but it was still pretty neat to watch. In two weeks a few of my friends and I are going to a surf weekend a few hours north of here. We are SO pumped! Hopefully I will be able to do it-don't worry I will keep you posted as to how that goes.
This past weekend was close to one of my favorite weekends here. Friday afternoon was a beach day. We went down to Newcastle beach and by the end of the afternoon there was a group of like 40 of us international students hanging out together. Friday night a huge group of Bara people got together and ordered pizzas. Then a bunch of us girls went out downtown. It was heaps fun!!! Saturday we went to the beach again (I am sorry I cannot help myself-I love LOVE LOVE the beach!!!!!!) to watch the surf weekend. It was not super exciting so we went swimming in the ocean for quite a while. I love being in the ocean, it is so thrilling jumping the waves. Never in my life have I spent time swimming in the ocean (I have been to the ocean but not really swam in it a bunch) but it is so fun. However, I really suck at jumping the waves-I always seem to inhale the salt water. Hahaha woops! I am working on it though....Saturday night we had our semi-formal Commencement Dinner for Bara. It was so nice getting to see all the boys dressed up in shirts and ties for once...I am sure they said the same thing about us girls! After dinner a big group of us went out again. I love the night life here-minus the prices of drinks. Most nights though, I just bring enough money for the bus rides so I don't waste money on drinks and then just spend the night dancing with my friends!!!!!! Sunday was their swim carnival. I guess it could be compared to college football in the states-people went all out with face paint and signs. hahaha my friend Adriana (who is a HUGE gator football fan) and I were intrigued as to how in to swimming everyone was...we had several good laughs! Especially a large group of the people swimming were either slightly intoxicated or still hung over from the previous night. After we went and worked our at the Forum aka the gym and then went in jumped in the pool to cool off. We all got together and grilled at Bara after that then just hung around chatting. I love hanging out with everyone.
Well I better get scooting-I am heading to the beach for awhile then am going job hunting. I know I know- what about homework? Don't worry, I am bringing my books with me to the beach to do some reading.
I miss everyone a bunch. I hope to skype with you guys (anyone who can and is willing to) soon!!!!!
LOVE LOTS!!!
I cannot believe that over a month ago I hopped on a plane not knowing anyone to travel across the world! It is unbelievable that I have been in Australia a month already-which means only like 3 more months...AHHH!!!! There is so much I want to do before I leave. We keep trying to plan different mini trips all over Australia but we get distracted and forget to try and plan them. Tentatively we are going to Fraser Island and Whitsundays for spring break but we are not sure yet. Originally the plan was to go to New Zealand but it is super expensive so we are hoping to do it at the end of the semester, if we have enough money left over. Oh and the we is my friend Adriana and I for sure, and then possibly a few other people.
This past weekend was the start of Surfest in Newcastle. We made the hike all the way down to the beach and then found out it was just Junior Surfers competing but it was still pretty neat to watch. In two weeks a few of my friends and I are going to a surf weekend a few hours north of here. We are SO pumped! Hopefully I will be able to do it-don't worry I will keep you posted as to how that goes.
This past weekend was close to one of my favorite weekends here. Friday afternoon was a beach day. We went down to Newcastle beach and by the end of the afternoon there was a group of like 40 of us international students hanging out together. Friday night a huge group of Bara people got together and ordered pizzas. Then a bunch of us girls went out downtown. It was heaps fun!!! Saturday we went to the beach again (I am sorry I cannot help myself-I love LOVE LOVE the beach!!!!!!) to watch the surf weekend. It was not super exciting so we went swimming in the ocean for quite a while. I love being in the ocean, it is so thrilling jumping the waves. Never in my life have I spent time swimming in the ocean (I have been to the ocean but not really swam in it a bunch) but it is so fun. However, I really suck at jumping the waves-I always seem to inhale the salt water. Hahaha woops! I am working on it though....Saturday night we had our semi-formal Commencement Dinner for Bara. It was so nice getting to see all the boys dressed up in shirts and ties for once...I am sure they said the same thing about us girls! After dinner a big group of us went out again. I love the night life here-minus the prices of drinks. Most nights though, I just bring enough money for the bus rides so I don't waste money on drinks and then just spend the night dancing with my friends!!!!!! Sunday was their swim carnival. I guess it could be compared to college football in the states-people went all out with face paint and signs. hahaha my friend Adriana (who is a HUGE gator football fan) and I were intrigued as to how in to swimming everyone was...we had several good laughs! Especially a large group of the people swimming were either slightly intoxicated or still hung over from the previous night. After we went and worked our at the Forum aka the gym and then went in jumped in the pool to cool off. We all got together and grilled at Bara after that then just hung around chatting. I love hanging out with everyone.
Well I better get scooting-I am heading to the beach for awhile then am going job hunting. I know I know- what about homework? Don't worry, I am bringing my books with me to the beach to do some reading.
I miss everyone a bunch. I hope to skype with you guys (anyone who can and is willing to) soon!!!!!
LOVE LOTS!!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Gotta Love Beach Days...
Hey all,
Happy Friday! Or at least it is here...it is only 9am here and I am already up and kicking. My dorm has cleaning ladies that come once a week to clean our kitchen/bathroom/etc. and ours decided to come at like 8:30 this morning! That stunk but oh well, I shouldn't really be complaining about someone cleaning up after me!! Hahaha I just wanted to sleep in longer. Fridays are pretty ideal here since hardly anyone has classes. Today my girl friends and I are going shopping in the morning, heading to the beach all afternoon, and then coming back to campus for a work-out class tonight. Sounds like the make-up of a pretty amazing day eh? Rough life I lead down here I know...
I seriously cannot even begin to express how much I truly love it here. It already feels like home here and I haven't even been here a month yet. I love the campus, my dorm, and all the people! My good friend Adriana and I were talking about how we could totally see ourselves moving down here for good, it is just crazy how you can feel totally different about yourself and your outlook on life just by relocating where you live! Honestly, I am truly happy hear and totally at peace with everything going on in my life. Stress does not really exist around here-which is HUGE for me because at home I am constantly worried and stressing over something! Ooo I just love being down here!!!!
So around here fast food does not exist-like AT ALL! It has been driving us crazy but it totally puts things in to perspective about how dependent our lives are on food, especially crappy food, when living at home. It is SO nice getting a break from eating junk all the time but at the same time we are counting down the days until we get Taco Bell again hahahah!!!
This weekend is going to be pretty low key. One of the girls living here has to up and move back home to England tomorrow for some internship thing so they are having a party for her tonight. They literally found out yesterday-and we are heartbroken. She was one of the girls that I loved hanging out with! She is the biggest sweetheart and so funny, thus she is going to be greatly missed!!!!!! So tonight will be pretty bitter sweet...tomorrow we have our commencement dinner. It is like a big formal dinner hosted by my college (aka Bara-the dorm I live in). Everyone has to dress up and the boys even have to wear ties! It will be fun seeing everyone all fancied up! I am sure we will make time for the beach this weekend too...
Well it is getting to be prime sun time (hahaha well really it is only like 10 am but it looks goregous out) so I better scoot. My bff here-Adriana and I have SUPER pumped to hit up a mall today-it has been ages since we have gone shopping!
Miss you all (even though I love it down here I still miss everyone at home) and hope to hear from you guys soon :)
LOVE LOTS!
Happy Friday! Or at least it is here...it is only 9am here and I am already up and kicking. My dorm has cleaning ladies that come once a week to clean our kitchen/bathroom/etc. and ours decided to come at like 8:30 this morning! That stunk but oh well, I shouldn't really be complaining about someone cleaning up after me!! Hahaha I just wanted to sleep in longer. Fridays are pretty ideal here since hardly anyone has classes. Today my girl friends and I are going shopping in the morning, heading to the beach all afternoon, and then coming back to campus for a work-out class tonight. Sounds like the make-up of a pretty amazing day eh? Rough life I lead down here I know...
I seriously cannot even begin to express how much I truly love it here. It already feels like home here and I haven't even been here a month yet. I love the campus, my dorm, and all the people! My good friend Adriana and I were talking about how we could totally see ourselves moving down here for good, it is just crazy how you can feel totally different about yourself and your outlook on life just by relocating where you live! Honestly, I am truly happy hear and totally at peace with everything going on in my life. Stress does not really exist around here-which is HUGE for me because at home I am constantly worried and stressing over something! Ooo I just love being down here!!!!
So around here fast food does not exist-like AT ALL! It has been driving us crazy but it totally puts things in to perspective about how dependent our lives are on food, especially crappy food, when living at home. It is SO nice getting a break from eating junk all the time but at the same time we are counting down the days until we get Taco Bell again hahahah!!!
This weekend is going to be pretty low key. One of the girls living here has to up and move back home to England tomorrow for some internship thing so they are having a party for her tonight. They literally found out yesterday-and we are heartbroken. She was one of the girls that I loved hanging out with! She is the biggest sweetheart and so funny, thus she is going to be greatly missed!!!!!! So tonight will be pretty bitter sweet...tomorrow we have our commencement dinner. It is like a big formal dinner hosted by my college (aka Bara-the dorm I live in). Everyone has to dress up and the boys even have to wear ties! It will be fun seeing everyone all fancied up! I am sure we will make time for the beach this weekend too...
Well it is getting to be prime sun time (hahaha well really it is only like 10 am but it looks goregous out) so I better scoot. My bff here-Adriana and I have SUPER pumped to hit up a mall today-it has been ages since we have gone shopping!
Miss you all (even though I love it down here I still miss everyone at home) and hope to hear from you guys soon :)
LOVE LOTS!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
LOVE wednesdays
Howdy...
I am just chilling in the library between classes right now and I figured it would be a great time to fill you all in a bit more. Currently I am trying to find a job on or near campus but seem to be quite unsuccessful. It is difficult because many of the places have lists of requirements before they can hire an international student so by the time we would get through that all I would really only have like 8 weeks left. There are a couple more places where I am going to go on Friday to see if they are hiring so keep your fingers crossed!! I really want to find a daycare or something to work at because I miss being around kids SO much! I really truly cannot wait to see all my favorite kiddos when I get back home...
Last night I went to a youth group thing on campus. I was surprised as to how small of a group it was. There was only like 25 students and it is one of the only Christian youth groups/bible studies on campus. Religion is not very common around here, my hometown of Hutchinson has more churches than Newcastle does and Newcastle has 8x the population! The meeting was nice and interesting but I am still feeling it out to see if it is something I will plan on attending every week. I am still looking for a place/group that does like worship services like they have at home but have been unsuccessful so far! I will keep looking though....
I was able to skype (online webcam chat thing) with my close friend Kristen today and that totally made my day! Skype (which is free!!!) has seriously been my lifesaver. I have been able to skype with my parents, my sisters, my friends Kayla and Kristen, and the family I nanny for in Minneapolis! It is such a neat thing!!! It is so crazy though that I am a whole day ahead of all you guys! It was heaps fun though because I got to call Dad and wish him Happy Birthday TWICE...which I think he really got a kick out of-even though one of the calls was at 4 in the morning-woops sorry Dad!!! Skyping with the Kirvens (the family I nanny for in Minneapolis) was a blast too! The two little boys were hilarious-showing me their toys and how high they can jump. Technology is something else...
Well I better head to class. After class is Student Night-which is why I love Wednesdays! We get to meet up with all of our friends who live off campus and experience the night life! Don't worry-I am being safe/smart/careful/etc. No worries :)
Love you all and miss you oodles and oodles!!!!!
I am just chilling in the library between classes right now and I figured it would be a great time to fill you all in a bit more. Currently I am trying to find a job on or near campus but seem to be quite unsuccessful. It is difficult because many of the places have lists of requirements before they can hire an international student so by the time we would get through that all I would really only have like 8 weeks left. There are a couple more places where I am going to go on Friday to see if they are hiring so keep your fingers crossed!! I really want to find a daycare or something to work at because I miss being around kids SO much! I really truly cannot wait to see all my favorite kiddos when I get back home...
Last night I went to a youth group thing on campus. I was surprised as to how small of a group it was. There was only like 25 students and it is one of the only Christian youth groups/bible studies on campus. Religion is not very common around here, my hometown of Hutchinson has more churches than Newcastle does and Newcastle has 8x the population! The meeting was nice and interesting but I am still feeling it out to see if it is something I will plan on attending every week. I am still looking for a place/group that does like worship services like they have at home but have been unsuccessful so far! I will keep looking though....
I was able to skype (online webcam chat thing) with my close friend Kristen today and that totally made my day! Skype (which is free!!!) has seriously been my lifesaver. I have been able to skype with my parents, my sisters, my friends Kayla and Kristen, and the family I nanny for in Minneapolis! It is such a neat thing!!! It is so crazy though that I am a whole day ahead of all you guys! It was heaps fun though because I got to call Dad and wish him Happy Birthday TWICE...which I think he really got a kick out of-even though one of the calls was at 4 in the morning-woops sorry Dad!!! Skyping with the Kirvens (the family I nanny for in Minneapolis) was a blast too! The two little boys were hilarious-showing me their toys and how high they can jump. Technology is something else...
Well I better head to class. After class is Student Night-which is why I love Wednesdays! We get to meet up with all of our friends who live off campus and experience the night life! Don't worry-I am being safe/smart/careful/etc. No worries :)
Love you all and miss you oodles and oodles!!!!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
pictures...
My two closest friends here- Kelsey from South Carolina (she is also my roommate) and Adriana from Florida.
LOVE THEM!
Feast your eyes on the Gay Mardi Gras parade in Sydney, this was mild compared to what we all saw! It was quite the eye-opening experience!
LOVE THEM!
Feast your eyes on the Gay Mardi Gras parade in Sydney, this was mild compared to what we all saw! It was quite the eye-opening experience!
The oh-so-famous Opera House in Sydney, it was really cool to see actually!
Hanging out near the beach with Kels, Adriana, Ash, and Eivind while the others guys were grilling food for us. The weather here has been SO gorgeous!
Our school took all the international students on a dolphin cruise in Nelson Bay, and we actually saw dolphins up close-it was unbelievable!!!!!
My RA, Matt, took some of us to the sand dunes which was a blast! After climbing over HUGE piles of sand we arrived on our own private beach and hung out by the ocean all afternoon.
While in Cairns, we had to wear Stinger Suits while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef because it was Jelly Fish season. Goofy looking suits I know!!
So I am clearly still new at this but I tried to post just a few pictures for you guys to see! Enjoy :)
Oh where do I begin...
Hey all!!!!
Ok so it took me a little bit longer to begin blogging than I had originally planned. I am going to try my very best to keep you all updated-but can't make any promises because I am very easily distracted, especially by all the things that I can do around here!
I think the most difficult part of this adventure was not being able to use any technology (we didn't have cell phones purchased or have Internet working the first 2 weeks I was here) but somehow we survived, it was questionable for a bit haha. The plane ride and all that went surprisingly well- I took a Tylenol PM and slept for 11 of the 16 hours on my flight fr
om LA to Australia, haha woops! Everyone is so much fun and laid back, there was a group of 65 of US students going to my school that met up in LA and we all clicked right away. We then flew to Cairns for a 3 day orientation which included snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, going to a Rain Forest place, and of course-hitting up the night life. I truly cannot even explain how much fun Cairns was!
** Hanging out with the Kangaroos at the wildlife center
Things went pretty smooth at the beginning when we finally arrived in Newcastle. There was little to no culture shock coming here, everyone speaking English helps a lot. We have lots of fun with Australians comparing words and finding out differences in what we call things. The only bout of frustration I have experienced so far was at the grocery store. Everything is labeled SO different, brands are different, and types are different. Not to mention the size stuff is different too-my roommate and I almost ordered 250 kg of deli meat because we didn't know conversions of grams to pounds-thank goodness someone pointed out that there is no way we needed all that meat. Haha it was quite the experience for sure! In fact we still have yet to buy any cheese because we have no idea what kind of cheese it actually is. Oh well, we are learning slowly but surely. Also, they eat heaps healthier than we do in the states! Here there was like one aisle for junk food but at home there is a chips aisle, a cookie aisle, AND a candy aisle. For all of those who know how much of a junk food eater I am-no worries because I already found new favorite treats here...mainly Tim Tams! Don't worry I will for sure bring some back with me to share...
Campus life is unbelievable-it is truly gorgeous here! I am only 10 minutes from the ocean too, which I have been spending lots of time at. Everyone is so chill-we weren't even done bringing our luggage into our rooms when the RAs came up and invited us to come enjoy a beer with them. The place I live-Bara- is so homey. We have 2 BBQs, a common room to hang out, and a volleyball net in the middle of our courtyard-which gets used all the time! The Uni veterans have been driving us all over the place showing us around, taking us to dinner, and making sure we are having a good time. I feel as though I am making a really good group of both international and Australian friends!
My first week in Newcastle was filled by O-week (Orientation Week) activities which included many orientation sessions, commencement, and lots of fun activities (such as a Space Themed Party) put on by the place I am living at on campus-Bara. It was nice getting a chance to meet everyone and hang out before the hussle and bussle of classes began. Also, it gave us a chance to get to know more about campus. One thing we learned right away-the mosquitoes (or mossies as they say here) are TERRIBLE here! Never in my life did I expect to travel somewhere that had a worse mosquito infestation than Minnesota. Oh man-campus tops it for sure!!! Apparently campus was built on a swamp-not smart! Needless to say we have stocked up on heaps of bug spray.
Classes began last week already. It was a bit hard going from zero responsibilities to having a set schedule again, but it was also fun getting into the swing of things again and meeting even more new people. I am still a bit nervous about my classes but I am sure they will go fine! It is so funny because I barely get through introducing myself before people are like "ok-where in America are you from?" Seriously! Never before have I been informed that I have an accent but let me tell ya-I have heard it NON-STOP since coming to Australia, from both Australians and other students from the US. They just love mocking how I say things such as "don't" or "bag". Everywhere I go people have been getting a good laugh out of how I talk, which I never knew was abnormal. Haha oh well, I am getting pretty immune to it by now and just say "ya ya I am from Minnesota and I know I talk weird".
This past weekend was Gay Mardi Gras in Sydney and some of my girl friends and I were daring enough to attend the events on Saturday. Words cannot even begin to express the craziness that was going on and pictures do not do justice to everything we saw. It was pure chaos! However, I was able to meet up with a friend from home who is studying at Wollongong, which is 1 hour south of Sydney, this semester-Marissa. It was fun catching up with her and comparing our experiences so far. Sunday we spent all day touring around Sydney. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be going back there to visit again soon-it is a beautiful city AND it was only a $9 train ride!
Get this-I have yet to get homesick! Can you believe it?!? Yeh, neither can I. I truly miss my family and everyone at home but don't miss you all enough to come home. Instead I think you should all just come here! Great plan I know :)
This place is even more incredible than I imagined. I really wish you guys were all here to enjoy it with me. I already have pictures and cards from you guys posted all over my room-don't worry there is NO way I could ever forgot you all!!!
Well it is getting super late here and I have to get up early for a fitness class tomorrow morning! Miss you all heaps and heaps and can't wait to hear from you!
LOVE LOTS!!!!!!!!!
Ok so it took me a little bit longer to begin blogging than I had originally planned. I am going to try my very best to keep you all updated-but can't make any promises because I am very easily distracted, especially by all the things that I can do around here!
I think the most difficult part of this adventure was not being able to use any technology (we didn't have cell phones purchased or have Internet working the first 2 weeks I was here) but somehow we survived, it was questionable for a bit haha. The plane ride and all that went surprisingly well- I took a Tylenol PM and slept for 11 of the 16 hours on my flight fr
om LA to Australia, haha woops! Everyone is so much fun and laid back, there was a group of 65 of US students going to my school that met up in LA and we all clicked right away. We then flew to Cairns for a 3 day orientation which included snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, going to a Rain Forest place, and of course-hitting up the night life. I truly cannot even explain how much fun Cairns was!** Hanging out with the Kangaroos at the wildlife center
Things went pretty smooth at the beginning when we finally arrived in Newcastle. There was little to no culture shock coming here, everyone speaking English helps a lot. We have lots of fun with Australians comparing words and finding out differences in what we call things. The only bout of frustration I have experienced so far was at the grocery store. Everything is labeled SO different, brands are different, and types are different. Not to mention the size stuff is different too-my roommate and I almost ordered 250 kg of deli meat because we didn't know conversions of grams to pounds-thank goodness someone pointed out that there is no way we needed all that meat. Haha it was quite the experience for sure! In fact we still have yet to buy any cheese because we have no idea what kind of cheese it actually is. Oh well, we are learning slowly but surely. Also, they eat heaps healthier than we do in the states! Here there was like one aisle for junk food but at home there is a chips aisle, a cookie aisle, AND a candy aisle. For all of those who know how much of a junk food eater I am-no worries because I already found new favorite treats here...mainly Tim Tams! Don't worry I will for sure bring some back with me to share...
Campus life is unbelievable-it is truly gorgeous here! I am only 10 minutes from the ocean too, which I have been spending lots of time at. Everyone is so chill-we weren't even done bringing our luggage into our rooms when the RAs came up and invited us to come enjoy a beer with them. The place I live-Bara- is so homey. We have 2 BBQs, a common room to hang out, and a volleyball net in the middle of our courtyard-which gets used all the time! The Uni veterans have been driving us all over the place showing us around, taking us to dinner, and making sure we are having a good time. I feel as though I am making a really good group of both international and Australian friends!
My first week in Newcastle was filled by O-week (Orientation Week) activities which included many orientation sessions, commencement, and lots of fun activities (such as a Space Themed Party) put on by the place I am living at on campus-Bara. It was nice getting a chance to meet everyone and hang out before the hussle and bussle of classes began. Also, it gave us a chance to get to know more about campus. One thing we learned right away-the mosquitoes (or mossies as they say here) are TERRIBLE here! Never in my life did I expect to travel somewhere that had a worse mosquito infestation than Minnesota. Oh man-campus tops it for sure!!! Apparently campus was built on a swamp-not smart! Needless to say we have stocked up on heaps of bug spray.
Classes began last week already. It was a bit hard going from zero responsibilities to having a set schedule again, but it was also fun getting into the swing of things again and meeting even more new people. I am still a bit nervous about my classes but I am sure they will go fine! It is so funny because I barely get through introducing myself before people are like "ok-where in America are you from?" Seriously! Never before have I been informed that I have an accent but let me tell ya-I have heard it NON-STOP since coming to Australia, from both Australians and other students from the US. They just love mocking how I say things such as "don't" or "bag". Everywhere I go people have been getting a good laugh out of how I talk, which I never knew was abnormal. Haha oh well, I am getting pretty immune to it by now and just say "ya ya I am from Minnesota and I know I talk weird".
This past weekend was Gay Mardi Gras in Sydney and some of my girl friends and I were daring enough to attend the events on Saturday. Words cannot even begin to express the craziness that was going on and pictures do not do justice to everything we saw. It was pure chaos! However, I was able to meet up with a friend from home who is studying at Wollongong, which is 1 hour south of Sydney, this semester-Marissa. It was fun catching up with her and comparing our experiences so far. Sunday we spent all day touring around Sydney. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be going back there to visit again soon-it is a beautiful city AND it was only a $9 train ride!
Get this-I have yet to get homesick! Can you believe it?!? Yeh, neither can I. I truly miss my family and everyone at home but don't miss you all enough to come home. Instead I think you should all just come here! Great plan I know :)
This place is even more incredible than I imagined. I really wish you guys were all here to enjoy it with me. I already have pictures and cards from you guys posted all over my room-don't worry there is NO way I could ever forgot you all!!!
Well it is getting super late here and I have to get up early for a fitness class tomorrow morning! Miss you all heaps and heaps and can't wait to hear from you!
LOVE LOTS!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
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