Lots to say, but I'll try to keep it as short as possible. Looks like I haven't updated this thing in quite some time.
Left off with the middle of O-week. Well, we had a classy night out and a wacky/goodwill type night out. Both soooo much fun, except for the time when I tore off my toe nail. Yeah, that happened. We decided to walk to McDonald's (maca's as they call is here) and at some point I guess I kicked my foot back and hit my toe, popped up the toenail. It didn't fall off right away, no it fell off just yesterday. More like people kept stepping on my foot when I'd go out and it finally was just barely hanging off. So now it's officially gone. I am told it will grow back no problem, but I still have my worries.
School started 2 weeks ago and I must say I'm already starting to stress about it. It's different than back in the States. There are no exams throughout the semester, but you may have a huge project due. Histology has one lab final and one final and maybe a couple quick quizzes on the lab material to make sure we've actually read the prelab. For Ecology we have to create our own example. We're supposed to observe a pattern and process in nature and then collect data about it and eventually present it in a seminar and write an paper as though writing for a scientific journal. And then there're my Indigenous Australia class. Got a small paper and a big final paper. Oh and I have to keep a journal for it. Never was good at keeping diaries or journals. We have to write about our feelings and perceptions about the readings each week. At least I don't have class Thrusday and Friday! Heaps good, can travel more.
Been spending a lot of time at the beach, which is nice change from cold, rainy Indiana. Can't really think of exactly what happened the week before this one except that we went to a toga party. All the pecker toga-ing from last summer definitely came in handy then. Pretty much a pro at wrapping togas, no big deal or anything.
Last weekend was Mardi Gras which is huge and we went up to Sydney. People all over town were decked out in crazy gear. Stayed at my first hostel that night! First, though, we were staying at King's Cross and decided to walk around all day. I really do love Sydney. Such a great city and such a great atmosphere. It's a big city, but it has that little city feel and uggghhh I just love it. I'm obsessed! Got lost a few times, meh, found our way back. That's the best, getting lost because it just doesn't matter. You just find new places and enjoy the city more. We walked to the Opera House and by the harbor. Walked to the Rocks and went to the oldest pub in Sydney, Lord Nelson's. Went to a couple other pubs and then made our way back to the hostel. Went through Hyde Park and St. Mary's Cathedral. That night went out to the World Bar for most of the night. Absolutely great night. Lots and lots of dancing with great people!
This week had some class, of course and then did some more celebrating of being here in lovely Australia and Amalia's birthday. Wednesday was a big night and a good time, but Thursday went to Garden Party. It was at the UniBar on campus and there were some apparently good bands playing. I thought, hell, why not by a ticket. Oh wow, the bands were so good!! Jinja Safari and then the Bag Raiders were insane! Danced my butt off. Wandered around quite a bit and found some hippie, bongo playing band and jammed out to them for a while. Then back to see the Bag Raiders, who were the last act. People went insane for them! A friend and I made our way to the front and jammed out. Got so sweaty from dancing, but loved it. Afterwards, got a kebab in town and headed home. Love concerts so much, especially when the atmosphere is so great and everyone is lovin the music....and I got a koozie and sunglasses :)
Today I learned how to surf. A friend of our's is a really good surfer and used to teach at Surf Camp, so he said he'd show Amalia, Lindsey and me how to surf. I have so much respect for surfers now. Not an easy gig. It's sooooo much fun and think everyone should defnitely try it! Didn't exactly get up...kind of, sort of, meh. Got some squatting in and at one point stood up too fast too straight, so didn't really stay on the board. Kind of scary sometimes when going out deeper and the waves are big and you have to just let the surf board go and duck under waves. You getted dragged back by the board a bit, still, so great. I'm definitely doing it again. Can't go home without having stood up on a board, right??!
Oh and I've officially booked a flight to Melbourne during my study recess before finals. So psyched! Canberra in May for Groovin the Moo festival. Currently trying to get my mid-session break trip in order. I will most definitely be going to New Zealand, just trying to figure out plans and maybe some people to travel with. Otherwise, I'll have to do it solo. Still haven't gone skydiving or to the Blue Mountains, but it is on the agenda. After finals, I'm thinking of flying up to Cairns, doing the reef, maybe Whitsunday Islands then making my way down the East coast to Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay and finally end up in Sydney and eventually fly home. Got planty of time post finals, I reckon.
Lastly, I believe I am obsessed with yogurt and muesli (an oat, fiber, raisin mix). That and kebabs. And Sydney. And the ocean.........having a great time in Australia and I hope everyone is having a great at home and enjoying life!!
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