O-week has begun

So...what's new...

Louis has been gone for a few days, but before he left some of us did make it to the top of Mt. Kiera. Only reason Amalia and I didn't before is because apparently at some point during the hike you have to just cut straight up a dried up creek. Basically just boulder up. Gotta say, I was quite winded at the end, but the view was amazing from the top!! On the way down, I jumped down from a rock and almost jumped onto a snake! About 5 ish feet long and was starting to get angry. Definitely quickly moved away and Louis got a few pictures of it on my camera. Couldn't identify it at the time, looked for venom sacks. Later looked it up online and I'm pretty damn sure it was a tiger snake which is apparently extremely dangerous...fabulous. Run in with death number two. I think I've only got, what, 7 lives left?

Anyways, went out dancing all night. Good night, if I do say so myself. Went for a dip in the ocean with some friends post clubs, but of course didn't go very far out. Got to be careful.

Last weekend, Amalia and I went up to Sydney to visit my mom's friend. All I have to say is, wow, I absolutely loooooove Sydney!! I totally understand why people come here and don't go home. First night there (well first thing I did was buy sheets and pillows, so amazing) went for a stroll along Manyly Beach, took the ferry across the harbor, went to dinner at the oldest pub in Sydney, walked across the Harbor Bridge and walked along the harbor. Pretty successful and wonderful. Spent the next day at Manly Beach. Watched some street performers and walked around. We walked over to Shelly Beach, also, and it is just a scene out of a travel book. Hike up a little hill and found a great view. Pretty relaxed day. That night, went out to Manly Warf Hotel, again fabulous. Met some nice guys, one of which is a Kiwi, so I've got some insight into my upcoming trip to New Zealand. Just found out today, actually, that a major earthquake hit Christchurch yesterday. Really sad and I hope everything is alright over there! Next day Anna (the woman we were staying with) threw a bbq for me and Amalia. Omg the food was amazing!! Got some tips from her hiking friend regarding where to go and what to see. I think we're planning on meeting up and taking some small hikes.

Rode the train back to the Gong, but of course got off at the wrong stop. Had to wait for the next train, but alls good. Met an Aussie who is obsessed with American beef jerky...weird. Along with vegemite. Probably the worst stuff ever. I'm not a picky eater and I'll eat a lot of different stuff, but damn, vegemite is disgusting. Tastes like pure salt. Don't understand how the Aussies love it so much. It's like a butter spread, but loaded with salt and a cardboard after taste.

O-week started for us that day, so we had a block party. I live in Hospital (name of the building), so you can guess our theme: doctors and nurses. Pretty fab, really good time. But things got out of hand and everyone got kicked out of the pub. I guess a fight broke out? Hm...rowdiness continued, though.

Next night, there was an organized pub crawl. Totes fun! People doing it had to get a shirt and a wristband and those without a shirt weren't allowed into the bars...kind of lame. Bouncers kicking people out and shit. Anyways, rowdy night, of course lots of dancing. Got up with the DJ and got help pick out some music which of course was great. Came back to the dorms and there were pancakes waiting for everyone! Score

Last night, house party, good time. Been some pretty loose nights, but go big or go home! I guess this is what o-week is all about.

Oh totally forgot, had to get up at 8 yesterday to go to an international student orientation, that was lovely, especially after a bar crawl. Pretty boring stuff. Watched a video about beetle sex that some professor that was presenting showed. Interesting subject, I guess. Walked around campus, nice campus. Really pretty. Went for a run later that day. My goal is to be able to run with Amalia who is insane and runs to the lighthouse and back all the time. That's probably 6 km if not more. Woah, gotta work off the goon somehow (goon=super cheap box wine that everyone drinks around here since alcohol is so expensive).

Today, probably going to the fruit and vegetable market, or at least picking up some food somewhere. Very exciting. But tonight is some formal night at a pub, as always, should be a good time :)

Need to get some trips organized. First thing will be sky diving over the beach here in Wollongong and the Blue Mountains just outside of Sydney. Can't wait!