Australia - Day 181

I bet you all thought I’d forgotten about you. Don’t worry, I haven’t. I’ve just been distracted by shiny objects, and for that, I apologize.

It’s been a while since my last posting – so long in fact that the first semester of my Masters program has come and gone, as has the two-month winter holiday. Second semester is already in full swing, or at least a week into it. (What exactly counts as ‘full swing’ anyways?)

The first semester went well, my grades turned out better than expected so that’s a big plus – have a better GPA now than during my undergrad – go figure.

The winter break went by fairly uneventfully... I got a temp job working in the city as a “Marketing Assistant” at a big software security firm. Sounds oh so glamorous I know ;) Haha. Trust me, it’s not. All I did was help with a big mail-out by stuffing envelopes with USB keys – fun fun. On the bright side I could bring in my laptop and watch TV so I can’t complain too loudly about the monotony of the job. And, though it was only supposed to be for a couple of weeks it actually lasted the entire 2-month break. (Almost made it through the entire series of 24). The downside is that I had to wake up earlier everyday of my holiday than I do during school. That’s just not cool man, not cool at all. (I likes my sleep).

Also during the break my parents came over from Canada for a visit. Not to visit me mind you, I’m more of the bonus side attraction :P They’d have come whether I was here or not haha. But it was nice to see them, and I got to travel up to the Sunshine Coast at Noosa to spend a week with them and their friends. Not only did it get me out of cold and rainy Sydney and I also took the opportunity to take a side trip down to the Gold Coast to visit an old school friend from back home too, so that was fun ☺

Back in school now, semester two is looking a little more interesting than the first. I have somewhat more entertaining classes (from what I can tell so far). One in particular being the Forensic Science class - pity that one is only over the course of two weekends rather than every week. This past Sunday we got to learn about fingerprinting and actually got to lift some prints and analyze them ourselves, so that was pretty cool. Or, at least I thought so, but maybe that just makes me a nerd ☺ The next time we have that class isn’t until October, but then we get to learn about toxicology so that will be a fun unit I’m sure...

This Friday my ex from my U of C days will be in town on business and we’re going to meet up for dinner. That should be... interesting haha. I’m sure it’ll be fine... Just haven’t seen him in 3 years, how awkward could it be? ;) Riiight... I’ll let you know.

So I’ve glossed over the finer points, but that’s basically been my life for the past 3 months that I’ve neglected to write anything. School, work, 24, school again, a few parties peppered here and there...

So umm yeah... Sorry for keeping you in the dark for so long (if any of you even noticed haha). Promise not to be so neglectful in the future (I’m sure you’ve heard that before).

Australia - Day 76

So I was about to start working on my 4000 word essay on narco-terrorism in Afghanistan that’s due in 5 days when I realized that I haven’t made any updates recently on what I’ve been up to here in Sydney. This is an unfortunate oversight on my part, and one that cannot wait to be rectified. I definitely have my priorities set right :P

Well, my first semester back to school is halfway through, what have I got to show for it? Well, as I may have mentioned last time, I joined the Global Leadership Program at Macquarie and have since then gone on two Symposiums with them. One to Canberra back in March and one to Singapore over the mid-semester break in April – the latter was also supposed to have a Thailand component but unfortunately it was cancelled due to the anti-government protests. “Que sera sera” as they say, so no need to dwell on missed opportunities any further.

To sum up the trip to Canberra in one word would be: Amazing! Not so much for the fact that we visited Canberra, because lets face it, it’s Canberra (like visiting Ottawa). But amazing because of all the other students that I met on the trip. They made it to be what it was. By day we powered through the political, cultural, agricultural presentations and speeches, but the “real” learning took place at night over drinks at various bars and clubs. I have many memories from that trip including hand feeding a 400kg brown bear, listening to politicians rant about “malcho-pops” during Question Time at parliament, and also 1-litre cocktails at Mooseheads and somehow managing to get myself out on the dance floor (a rarity – I had some help LOL).

Singapore was also a great trip. It’s definitely a different sort of Asian country. It was described to me as being akin to an “‘Asia-land’ at Disneyland: carefully designed to have all the stuff going on, but more or less sanitized.” I think that pretty much sums it up. I really enjoyed my time there – going to the zoo and seeing the animal autopsy room was a trip, and visiting the PSA was interesting as well. Eating off a banana leaf in Little India turned out to be a delicious experience and visiting my first shish bar definitely fell into the “educational” category haha. Although the second half our trip was cancelled (Thailand) it was nice getting to spend an extra couple of days in Singapore, especially since it gave me the opportunity to meet up with an old uni friend from back home in Canada. I think I got see the country from a different perspective than a lot of the other people on the GLP trip and for that I’m grateful to JT and his girlfriend, Ivy. It was cool going to the late night food market and trying stingray and crossing the border in Malaysian for dinner ☺ Oh yeah, and I can’t forget trying an authentic Singapore Sling! Gotta remember that part! 

So now I’m back in Sydney and will probably be here for a while. I’m starting to look for a part-time job though I really didn’t want to have to do that until the winter/summer (depending on which hemisphere you’re reading this from). Guess that won’t happen though, the sooner the better now…

All right, well I guess that brings you all up to date, I’ve got nothing else to report. Oh yeah, except maybe for a recommendation – “The Boat That Rocked” definitely a good movie! I suggest you all go see it. One of the funnier movies I’ve seen recently.

Now time for me to get back to that essay, I think I’ve procrastinated enough for one night…

Australia - Day 36

I feel like I’ve been saying this a lot recently, but man, time really does fly! I can’t believe I’ve been in Sydney for over a month already. I guess when you have your nose buried in a textbook it kinda just creeps up on you.

Speaking of textbooks, I think I’m starting to get this whole back-to-school thing down. I had my first assignment due today – I had to give a presentation on how drug trafficking in North America is a threat to human security… Anyways, the presentation was, not one of my finest to say the least, but at least it got me back in the swing of things. Next week the essay component of the same project is due, and to my own amazement I’m already finished! A week early! That *never* happens! Well, it’s mostly finished – I’m way over the word count so I have to go back and do a lot of editing. But still, a week early, I’m so proud of myself haha.

Since starting school I’ve joined the gym. I’ve been going there fairly regularly (except this past week ‘cause I was preoccupied with my presentation) and I’m feeling pretty good about it. They have this “Boot Camp” thing that lasts six weeks. I might try it next semester after I’m a bit more in shape. We’ll see, not promising anything. But the thought is nice.

I also joined the Global Leadership Program (GLP), which is a kind of “degree enhancing” program that emphasizes leadership and cross-cultural understanding. It’s a pretty interesting program and unique to Macquarie. In order to get recognition on your transcript for entering the program students have to attention six Think Tanks; which are kind of like debates on various global issues facilitated by a professional; attend two Distinguished Speaker events, and engage in one cross cultural practicum. (Hence my trip to Singapore and Thailand this coming semester break). It seems pretty cool – I’ve never done anything like this before.

On a related note, I’m off to Canberra tomorrow for a four-day trip. We’re going visit the Australian Parliament, the Indonesian Embassy, and then a bunch of other, more touristy things like visiting the zoo and feeding the animals. I’m considered a “delegate” which makes me feel pretty professional haha. There are about 50 or so people going on the trip, so it should make of a good time.

What else is there…? Not too much more. School’s starting to pick up and get busier, have a lot more assignments due in the coming weeks. In light of that I’m gonna try and make it to a beach here before it starts cooling down too much. The days are still sunny and warm but at night it’s been getting fairly chilly (and by that I mean around 20 degrees).

Alright well I should get going, I have to wake up in about 4 ½ hours to catch the bus we’re taking to Canberra – Mornings are NOT my friend! At least I can sleep on the way there. (I hope).

Australia - Day 16

My first week back at school has come and gone.  It goes by quickly when you only have three classes.  (I’ll have a fourth class at the end of March, it’s only a week long but it lasts all day - I guess the total hours will end up being the same).  Before my first class on Tuesday I was really nervous, I can’t really say why, but I guess just returning to the role of “student” after being a “teacher” for so long.  All those butterflies are gone now and I’m getting back in the swing of things.  I started my readings today, and although at first my head was starting to spin, after a few articles I was back in stride.  For the most part.  Sort of.  Maybe.  Here’s hoping.

I’m realizing I don’t really have much to say.  Nothing overly interesting anyway.  Maybe I need to wait longer between posts...?

Let’s see...

Well, I went to UBar tonight.  The on-campus bar.  Definitely different from The Den back in Calgary.  It’s more clubby.  There’s a big dance floor and people are lined up 5-deep at the bar to order drinks.  Maybe it’s just a sign of my age, but I think I prefer the “relaxed” atmosphere of The Den more.  I still haven’t found a nice pub around here.  The school’s pretty isolated by suburbia - not a whole lot around, not even a convenience store.  There’s a small Asian supermarket nearby and two mid-scale restaurants, but that’s about it.  Everything else, apart from the mall on the other side of campus, is a bus or train ride away.  Did I mention the mall closes at 5:30?  It’s definitely *not* a 24/7 culture here.  Although I hear there’s a gas station in the vicinity that’s open overnight.  I guess with everything shutting down so early I’m not really going to have any excuses not to be at home doing my homework and assignments.  Hmm...  I’m going to have to be more creative with my procrastinating...

I guess there’s always the excuse of waiting on a slow internet connection.  And man, is it slow!  I’m secretly wishing I was back to the instability of the connection in China, at least with that I could watch a 40-minute TV show in under 3 hours!

Alright, well, I guess that’s it for now.  Next time I’ll wait to write until I actually have something interesting to say ;)

Australia - Day 10

G’day mates!  Greetings from Down Under.  Although, if you flip the map, then technically Australia would be at the top - then what would you call it?  The “Up Over” maybe?  Aiya what am I rambling on about?  I think that maybe my brain isn’t functioning properly due to the overly loud techno/rave music blaring from my Euro neighbors’ apartment across the lawn.  Oh the joys of being back in school...

It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for over a week already!  Without work or school the time just flies by in one big rainy blur!  Well, I can’t complain really, I’ve done and seen a lot in the past week, sun or no sun.  And to be fair, the sun finally did make an appearance a couple of days ago and now I’m truly starting to enjoy the end of summer weather.

Earlier in the week I bought this thing called the “See Sydney Card” and basically what it does it get you free (well, prepaid) entry into a lot of the local attractions and fare for (almost) all of the different forms of transportation for 3 days.  It cost $225 but I’m pretty sure it was worth it, I went to more than 10 different tourist places over those three days including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower, Taronga Zoo...  Just to name a few.  Learned a lot of random facts about Sydney and Australia in general recently.

Oh wow, the techno finally stopped!  Hallelujah!  (It’s now 1:00AM, just in case you were wondering).  Oh no wait, false alarm, I guess they were just switching CDs - although I can’t really tell, techno all sounds the same to me :( Rave on rave on (Save Empire).

I’ve been wanting to visit Australia from as far back as I can remember, I’ve just never had the opportunity to come.  Now that I’m here...  I’m definitely glad this is where I chose to do my Masters.  It’s such a laid back place, the people generally seem friendly, it’s really great.  (Even though sometimes things are so laid back that it’s frustrating trying to get things done *now*, I guess I have to learn that things that would take a day back home may take a few more here).  There’s lots of green.  (They were cutting the grass this morning outside of my apartment - I love that smell!  I was trying to remember that last time I actually smelled that and I honestly couldn’t remember.  Every time I’ve been back home to Canada it’s been winter, and in Japan and China, lets face it - not a lot of grass to cut).  There’s lots of wild life...  (And even though some of that wild life can kill you - whoever said that shark attacks are rare is a liar.  Right after I arrived there were two attacks within 24 hours of each other - one was a surfer at Bondi Beach and one was a Navy diver in Sydney Harbor!  They say that usually there are 12 or so attacks a year, but in this year alone there have already been 5!!!  My phobia has just been rationalized).  So I may be staying out of the waters for a while, I’m still happy I’m here.

I have to admit though, it’s kinda strange being in a “foreign” country where I don’t actually stick out as a foreigner and most of the “luxuries” of home are still available.  I feel spoiled haha.  I guess I should appreciate it while I have it.

Not everything is the same here though.  I have noticed some differences.  One obviously being the language.  Yes, it’s English, but definitely it’s own type of English. I pride myself on being able to decipher most accents but I should say that I’m having some issues here.  I have to ask people to repeat themselves a lot haha.  Another thing, and this may be related to the laid-backness is that a lot of people just walk around in their bare feet.  Now I’m not just talking about here at the Village, going from one apartment to the other.  I’m talking about everywhere.  I’ve seen it at least 5 times so far...  I’ve seen people walking in bare feet around the Village, yes, but also on campus, and even in the CBD of downtown Sydney.  It’s not like they’re poor people who can’t afford shoes, they’re well-dressed, listening to their iPods or what have you.  It’s strange.  I guess some people just find shoes to be uncomfortable...?  Another thing that’s different, well not completely, but just exaggerated here I guess, is how much they love to BBQ.  I’ve been here a week and have already been to 4 or so BBQ’s!  I’m not complaining, I’m just saying.

Ahh - The techno has finally stopped for real.  I think they may have gotten in trouble...  Haha, either way, I can feel my brain starting to re-clarify itself :)

So there are still a few more days left until classes start.  Well, a weekend at any rate.  I don’t have any plans except for going to get a NSW ID card so I don’t have to carry around my Passport everywhere, and also going to get a new phone.  I feel lost without being able to use mine here.  Not that I have anyone to call here really, but I guess I could make some calls to those outside the country ;)  On Monday (not actually the weekend obviously, but still before *my* classes start) there’s some kind of a “Welcome Function” held by my department, I guess it’ll a good chance to meet more people and some profs...  I’ve met a few so far actually, fellow students that is, not professors - there’s a surprisingly high number of them living in my Village.  By “high number” I mean like 3 others besides myself haha.  (But considering there are probably only 25-30 postgrad students living here that I’ve met I’d say that’s a fairly high ratio).

Alright well I think I’ve run out of things to say.  For now at least.

Australia - Day 1

I've followed the Yellow Brick Road and it's led me to Oz.  So far I haven't seen any Wizards...?  What I have seen though is rain.  A lot of rain.  So much for that heat wave they were experiencing last week.  I’ve also seen a lot of birds, strange birds, loud birds.  They have cockatoos flying in the wild here, kind of weird to see them outside of a pet store setting - who would've thunk?  They're the noisiest of them all, not sure why anyone would ever want one as a pet...?  They are beautiful though, I’ll give them that.  Pure white with a yellow mohawk - pretty punk rock if you ask me :P Which you weren't, so I'll move on...

Let’s go back to the beginning...

I arrived in Australia after nearly 24 hours of door-to-door travel.  Seems like the trip home from China, only in reverse.  I left Toronto Tuesday evening and arrived in Sydney Thursday morning.  Wherever Wednesday went, I’ll never know...  Thankfully it wasn’t 24 continuous hours, but rather 5 1/2 from Toronto to San Francisco and then another 14 1/2 to Sydney, after a short layover, from there.  On the first flight I *finally* finished the book I’ve been reading for the past 2 years (on and off of course - “Son of a Witch” by Gregory Maguire), so in San Fran after much deliberation I decided it might be smart to pick up another book for the last leg of my journey.  The bookstore in the International Terminal was on the smallish side so the selection was limited.  At first I didn’t see anything worth buying, but I knew the flight was long.  I saw “Twilight” on the shelf and at first I ignored it because it seemed like it’d be a silly teen drama.  An okay read, but not really all that good.  But after browsing the rest of the bookstore and starting to run out of time before my next plane departed, “Twilight” started to seem like the only viable option - I hadn’t heard anything bad about it at any rate, quite the opposite actually.  So I picked it up.  And that was it.  From that point on I didn’t put it down until I was finished.  I read all 500 pages (give or take) before I landed in Sydney.  Quite a bit before then actually, as I still had a few hours to sleep afterwards.  Never in my life can I remember finishing a book so quickly!  But it was in all honestly really really good.  The story of Bella and Edward just draws you in.  Stephan King doesn’t know what he’s talking about!  I now know why the world is in love with Edward Cullen.  I went by a bookstore today and bought the second book of the saga - “New Moon” . Here’s hoping it won’t disappoint - I doubt it will.

My classes don’t actually start until February 24th and there’s not a whole lot going on around campus until then...  There’s an orientation for International Students on the morning of the 16th, but that’s pretty much it.  I’m guessing I’ll probably finish all 4 of the “Twilight” books before I have to start class.  Sad, but I’d bet money on it ;)

So what have I been up to in the days between “Twilight” and “New Moon”?  A good question.  The answer is...  A whole lot of nothing!  Well, not entirely true.  I met up with another girl in my program and we went to tour the campus and try to find our classrooms and pick up our Student ID cards.  We also found our way to the shopping center that has a grocery store in it and picked up a few essentials.  By “a few” I mean enough to kill my arms on the walk back to the University Village.  I woke up the following day in a lot of pain.  Although that may be attributed to the fact that I had no pillow.  Or any blankets for that matter.  I ordered a bedding set when I moved in and I finally got it today.  It’s a long story, and let’s just say that I’ve been to the Administration Office more times than I would’ve liked since arriving here.  The first time was to change units...

The apartment I’m living in now is actually the second building they put me up in.  The first one was... a little... bit... on the biohazardous-side of things.  I walked up to the apartment/townhouse/villa/whatever and the front door was wide open.  All around the front patio were cigarette butts and beer caps.  Alright, well it *is* a university dorm after all, students are bound to have parties - no big deal.  I’ve been known to enjoy a party or two in my time...  So I walk in and the floor is covered in dead grass, I mean literally covered!  But again, must’ve just had a party, I’m sure they’ll clean it up later...  I go to my room, it’s on the main level, and go inside.  It’s fine, it’s clean, it’s unscathed by the previous night’s events.  I didn’t want to unpack just yet, but rather scope out the rest of the apartment first - and boy, I’m glad I did!  First I went out in to the living room and saw a bunch of garbage laying on the coffee table, whatever, I’m pretty sure it’s a bunch of guys living there, and I have experience with that.  Empty EasyMac containers are tolerable.  But then I start to look a little closer...  The sofa has little white stains all over it - now before your mind goes into the gutter - it wasn’t *that*.  What it was, was bird shit.  How the hell do you get bird shit all over a sofa?  I guess they must’ve taken it outside for their party...?  So now I walk into the kitchen.  It’s definitely got that “lived-in” feel to it.  Nothing like the pictures of the dorm on the website.  I open a cupboard just for kicks and am disgusted by what I see.  Moldy food everywhere!  There’s actually a potato (I *think* it’s a potato at least) that’s attached itself to the shelf because of all the mould!  Shuttering, I closed the cupboard door.  The countertops (aka: “benches” in Aussie-English) were no better.  There were dead bugs everywhere and more bird shit!  WTF???  Seriously, how *does* that happen?  So that was it, I said “screw this” and went to ask for a change of rooms.

The apartment I’m in now is much much better!  And clean.  And well, actually, I’m the only one in it so far.  The other 4 people haven’t arrived yet.  I think one guy may have arrived this afternoon, but the only traces I’ve seen is a luggage tag that must’ve fallen off his bag as he came up the stairs and some beer in the fridge.  I’m looking forward to having some people move in, it’s been pretty quiet (read: lonely) living alone the past few days.  All I can say is thank goodness I have the internet!

Tomorrow holds another day of nothingness.  Don’t get me wrong I’m enjoying my last few days of my “summer holiday”.  But I’m eager to start classes - need something to do!  Tomorrow night at the Village there’s a New Student Orientation and a BBQ so at least that’s something.  A chance to meet some new people and what not.  Here’s hoping it stops raining!  (No chance of that until Wednesday, but a girl and dream).

Where’s Edward Cullen to stop the rain when you need him?  I’m sure he has that power haha.