Australia 2009

Taronga Zoo-Sydney

2009-05-28T02:13:00.001-07:00

BABY AND PARENT CHIMPS PLAYING

KANGAROO

EMU

CROCODILE

THE ZEBRA'S VIEW OF THE HARBOUR BRIDGE

ZEBRA

PYGMY HIPPO

RED PANDA

MALE AND FEMALE LIONS

ELEPHANT

GET A ROOM

THE OLD BRIDGE AT TARONGA ZOO

ELEPHANT SKULL

MADDY DECIDED TO CALL THIS GUY 'CHARLOTTE'...

BLEEDING HEART PIDGEON

KOOKABURRA

RED WALLABIES

BABY SEAL

SHWEEPIES KOALAS

INTERTWINED GIRAFFES, AWW

BABY CHIMP

BIG CHIMP

NOW, THAT'S A WAY TO TRAVEL

HIMALAYAN TAUR

MADDY AND HER FAVE ANIMAL [TIGER]

A GIBBON!

TEE HEE

BABY SEAL WHO WAS QUITE THE PERFORMER, LOTS OF LOOPS AND JUMPING

The Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge

2009-05-27T22:43:00.001-07:00

A Weekend In Sydney

2009-05-27T20:09:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Maddy and I went to Sydney and it was incredible! It was just a short flight down there from the Gold Coast, about an hour, and then a twenty minute cab ride to the hotel in Circular Quay. We had an awesome hotel room with two double beds and view of Watson's Bay, the Sydney Botanical Gardens, and the Sydney Opera House. We arrived Friday afternoon, checked in and freshened up in the room, and then walked down to Circular Quay. We took pictures of the Harbour Bridge and walked to the Sydney Opera House to take more pics [separate post]. Then we walked to The Rocks, a shopping section of the city, and wandered in and out of the stores trying to avoid the rain. Maddy found a cool shirt which was bat-wing style so she [obviously] was referred to as "BAT MADDY!!!" for the rest of the weekend. She also found sleepwear which I dubbed her "House on the Prairie Nightie". That night we ordered delicious room service and ordered movies. I had a big salad followed by a pumpkin, chick pea, and green curry. The curry was probably the best curry I've ever had :) Maddy had a salad and then mushroom pasta. The next morning we woke up and had a cooked breakfast before heading to the pier. We took a ferry which sailed by the Opera House on the way to Toronga Zoo [separate post]. After the zoo we sailed back to Circular Quay and went to the room to chill. Maddy then went and met up with some old work colleagues from when she lived in Sydney before we had dinner and another movie fest. Sunday morning was another yummy breakfast before heading to the airport and flying home. I had so much fun and am so glad I got to see the city and make those memories with Maddy.

ME AND MADDY ON THE PLANE [NOTICE THE NOSY WOMEN IN THE BACKGROUND]

FLYING OVER BYRON BAY

FLYING INTO SYDNEY-THE OPERA HOUSE AND HARBOUR BRIDGE

SYDNEY FROM THE OPERA HOUSE

MADDY IN FRONT OF THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

THE LOBBY OF OUR HOTEL

THE VIEW OF THE OPERA HOUSE FROM OUR ROOM

SYDNEY BOTANICAL GARDENS

THE VIEW OF WATSON'S BAY FROM OUR ROOM

OUR ROOM

AN OLD POLICE STATION BUILDING

A RAINBOW :)

NOM NOM ROOM SERVICE

SYDNEY AT NIGHT

MADDY IN HER LAURA INGALLS-WILDER INSIPIRED NIGHTIE

TRAVELS WITH SISTER=MUCH FUN

PRETTY CLOUDS AND THEIR REFLECTION ON THE OCEAN

Aussie Examinations

2009-04-28T04:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had my first test at uni in Australia (for my Lifespan Development Psychology course). It went well, not great but well enough. Am actually enjoying taking a break from my regimented hw and study schedule that exists when I am on the Boulder campus. The test was structured pretty much the same: multiple choice and short answer. It was strange though because instead of a regular number 2 pencil I had to get a 2B pencil...hmm. Even stranger though is that when we sat down to take the test for the first five minutes we weren't allowed to fill in any answers or write on the tests, we were just given five minutes to look over the test. Uhhhh, why? And time constraints couldn't be a possibility as the test took 45 minutes and we were given an hour and a half. It seemed like a superfluous practice. I only have two more tests this whole semester, a midterm for my philosophy class and the final for the psych class. Other than that it's just papers, one a week for the rest of the semester...so, one a week for the next 5 weeks. Crazy how close we are to finishing! I shall take some pics of campus one day and share them with you, bloggy. :)

Byron Lighthouse

2009-04-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

THE MOST EASTERLY POINT OF AUSTRALIA

ME AND THE SIGN

THE WALK TO "THE POINT"

BYRON BAY

MORE OF THE BAY

THE BYRON LIGHTHOUSE

TALLOWS BEACH

On Friday I went to the Byron Lighthouse and the most easterly point of Australia. It was a really pretty, short walk from the lighthouse to "the point" and the views of Byron Bay were so beautiful. The rain has (unusually) continued for almost four weeks now but as it's Easter weekend and businesses are closed it's been a great lazy weekend consisting of couch/tv/book time and, admittedly, putzing around online. I'm on fall break this week so the relaxing will continue amongst writing two papers. Oh no! Maddy just closed the back door on her little finger. :(

I Want One!

2009-04-07T02:08:00.000-07:00

The kittens are becoming more and more awesome with each day. I think I've even taken the next step to one day becoming 'the crazy cat lady' as I now take pictures of Milly and Jonah when they're sleeping. But, you have to admit they're adorable and you're kinda jealous I get to play with them all the time. I think I have passed some sort of test as Jonah now constantly rubs against my legs and follows me around the house. I'm even allowed a few short cuddles every day. And the other day when I was sitting on the couch Jonah came and lay on the cushion behind me and started petting my ear with his tail. Awww indeed.

MIWWIE IS SO FLUFFY SHE HAS TO 'SPREAD EAGLE' WHEN SHE'S SHWEEPIES SO SHE DOESN'T OVER HEAT

JONIE TRYING TO SHWEEPIES WITH THE SUN ON HIS FACE

I

2009-04-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

Love You

I Am Alive

2009-04-03T23:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry to any of you who have been checking my blog and not finding any new posts. Maddy and Dimo bought a new house and last weekend we moved in! Unfortunately, the internet company turned our internet off a week early at the unit and then we had internet troubles this week as well. These last two weeks have been strange without the technology I consistently use and rely on...especially as I had a research paper due yesterday. But after quite a silly freak-out, the trip to Maddy's friend's place, and an all-nighter I managed to finish the paper...with two days to spare for editing. Not the best paper I've written but I think it'll suffice and if I start doubting myself will someone remind me that all my classes down here in Australia are pass/fail, aka I only have to get a 50%. Oh, the paper was a contextual analysis of The Beatles' "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds".

But yes, the new house: we started moving smaller things last Friday, bedding/kitchen gadgets/clothing, to only realize that the previous owner had failed to pay his electricity bills for a while so they had come and pulled out some plug. We had to wait until Monday morning for power. But we finished moving the big stuff on Saturday. Well, I say "we" but really it was Dimo and his friends while Maddy and I either unpacked all the little stuff we'd moved the day before or I just stood around wishing that I would momentarily double my strength so I could help more...if only Popeye's spinach phenomena was real and accessible. Ah well, everything is in now except for Willis. Moving the turtle tank is a huge pain and an endeavor Maddy and I have left to Dimo as we all learned from last weekend that when we all get tired and annoyed with lifting things a slight "snappiness" emerges from us all. To those of you who know: think me when I am very hungry times three people and without any food in sight. Yea...so I have been doing hw all afternoon and Maddy went to buy gardening supplies while Dimo is in the process of transporting the turtle.

The cats are loving the house. Exploring and just having a bigger territory etc. I've never heard Jonah purring this much. Milly was a little apprehensive at first but now she seems to be settling in well. Jonah can often be found by one of the back doors looking into the garden. He so wants to be an outdoor cat! Too late now and he's so pretty that someone might steal him. My bedroom is on the other side of the house from Maddy and Dimo's which I hope means that they won't be able to hear my music at the wee hours of the morning...I fall asleep to a movie or music and Maddy came into my room one night around 2am with it blasting about a foot from my head. The music had woken Maddy and Dimo up but somehow I was sleeping heavily. Probably really bad for my ears and sleeping habit but ah well. My room has an excellent decorating scheme with yellow and blue walls with a planets/solar system wallpaper trim.

Nothing too exciting besides the move has been happening. School assignments are starting to creep up on me so I've decided this weekend I'm going to get back on track with homework (yes, I actually didn't do any homework last week, shock shock horror horror) and make sure I don't have any more procrastination moments.

Mmk, that's about it. Smiles to all.

Vegan Nutella

2009-03-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

Couldn't have come at a better time. Tried it on regular and toasted bread and both are delicious depending on your mood/level of hunger. Tonight's (second) dessert was by far the winner though: take one multi-grain tortilla and place on a plate, spread vegan nutella on one half of the exposed side and raspberry jam on the other half of the exposed side, fold the two exposed sides onto each other and enjoy a delicious chocolate-raspberry treat.

Q: Narcissistic Much?

2009-03-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

A: APPARENTLY. [JAQUES!]

So, today I had every intention of being super super studious and starting my homework-packed/work-ahead-to-prevent-future-stress weekend in an admirable fashion. I even skipped my morning walk to increase possible studying hours. I should have known my plan was busted when I was considering seeing what was on TV while I ate my breakfast and my complete hostility towards my backpack...yes, an inanimate object...new low. But I managed to avoid the TV and washed the dishes before showering and cleaning my room. Since Maddy is such a great host she provided me with five pillows of varying sizes when I arrived and those with the addition of my favorite pillow from back home have greatly assisted in my nest-building-attempts. I put a small cream pillow behind the large, brown striped pillow and have been leaning against those while attempting to cross off the items from the following 'WEEKEND HW' list (to be done in order):

Email Psych tut leader re. midterm/final format, final cumulative?
Psych pretest sample q's for week 2 & 3
Psych reading for week 2 & 3
Plato reading for week 3 & 4
Psych notes for week 2
Plato notes for week 3 & tut q's
Pop Fic reading for week 3
Pop Fic notes for week 3
Psych notes for week 3
Plato notes for week 4 and tut q's
Psych notecards for week 1 & 2
Pop Fic reading for week 4
Pop Fic notes for week 4
Psych notecards for week 3
Psych posttest sample q's for week 2 & 3

Well, I managed to email my tut leader and complete half of the Psych pre-test sample q's before Maddy got home, Jonah and Milly's fighting required me to get up and discipline, reading blogs, playing with PhotoBooth, and general boredom have distracted me greatly. I've had maybe four cups of coffee and even a study buddy (umm...wrangled Milly into sitting next to me while I read for Psych...) and less than three hours into working I'm writing my own blog and am completly apathetic towards getting through this weekend's list. Maybe I just needed this break...fingers crossed. :)

Another list:
"THINGS I NEED TO FIND ASAP"
Concentration
Academic Enthusiasm
The Plot
My Tail
Tina's # to give to Kyle
All the bobby pins I've left scattered around the unit
A backup hairband
Black Bandana
Wii Fit Inspiration

Uploading 'While I Was Distracted And Playing With Photo Booth' pics and then back to work.

"SPOT" THE CHAR

POP ART WARINESS

VEGAN PIRATE

VEGAN PIRATE REMINISCENT OF PIRATES 1...PERHAPS?

SILLY [LAME TITLE]

BIC & SHARPIE

THE SECRETS OF SEPIA

PLOT?

COLORS AND PEACE (LUH BOULDA)

PREPARING FOR PLATO

When It Rains

2009-03-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

it f**kin' pours here! Just went on my walk and got absolutely drenched. Not really the way I wanted to start my day but I had a feeling it might happen given the fact the cyclone is heading our way and we've been forecasted rain all week. I didn't go for as long as usual given my shorts were sticking to me and my jacket was soaked. Funny though and took some pics, I am redefining wet rat:

WET JACKET IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT

NOTICE THE FABULOUS STICKING ACTION MY SHORTS HAVE GOING ON

Also, having my hood up the whole hour resulted in the most wonderful ponytail. The peacock hair combined with my beaky nose is quite spectacular don't you think?

TOTALLY GOT THE BIRD LOOK DOWN SOLID

WELL, I'M AMUSED AT LEAST

Now, time for class. Boo. Wish I could just stay in bed all day and listen to the rain.

Coldplay

2009-03-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

The concert last night up in Brisbane was amazing! I have a totally new/increased respect and like for Coldplay. The first opening band was really good too, an electronic band that was STS9-esque with some songs being more mellow and some songs being a little more rock but I'm gunna try and figure out who they were and then buy their CD this week I was that impressed. The second opener were crap. And the lead singer had way too much of an ego and really strange dance moves. They were trying to sound like Coldplay at times but just couldn't do it, I don't think they really know what their "sound" is and so try and mimic about three other bands.

But Coldplay was so impressive. Their opening involved a white drape in front of the stage but because we were sitting to the side of the stage we could see them properly rocking out and getting pumped up to perform for the evening. They all perform so well and with Chris running and dancing all over the place the entire time it was a great show. During 'Yellow' they brought out these huge balls that the crowd bumped around and after a while the balls popped and all this yellow confetti was inside and showered the crowd. Their use of strobes and the projector screen was great and not over done at all. Towards the end of their set all these neon butterflies fell from the ceiling and it was pretty spectacular. Then, when you think they're leaving the stage because it's the end they actually ended up amongst the crowd in the back part of the arena in the stands. So cool that they acknowledge some people are super far away and they played two songs up there. During the second song they had everyone get out their cell phones and all these little lights were swaying back and forth throughout the arena. Sounds corny and ok, maybe it was a little, but it looked cool. The pics and videos [even if the sound is crap, compared to hollywood-style equipment, given the teeny microphone on our cameras] are better descriptors than my ramblings so here you go:

MADDY OUTSIDE

CHAR OUTSIDE

ANNA OUTSIDE

ME AND ANNA IN OUR SEATS

AWESOME OPENING BAND

THE OTHER OPENING BAND ISN'T EVEN WORTH MENTIONING SO HERE'S ANOTHER PIC OF THE FIRST. (THEIR NAME IS 'DECODER RING', CHECK 'EM OUT)

YAY TECHIES

MADDY AND ANNA BEFORE COLDPLAY CAME ON

VENUE ALMOST ALL FILLED UP

MADDY IN FRONT OF THE HUGE CROWD

COLDPLAY'S OPENING

COLDPLAY

'YELLOW'

NEON BUTTERFLIES FALLING FROM THE CEILING

CELL PHONE LIGHTING SCHEME

CHRIS ROCKIN' OUT

'VIVA LA VIDA'

I'll slave til the end

2009-03-09T07:27:00.001-07:00

Just so you know. Even during conversations involving my periodically inarticulate/nonreciprocal manner.

[i commented on 'March 4th']

Initializing De-Sludge

2009-03-04T01:53:00.000-08:00

So this week classes started, bleh. I haven't been in a classroom since December 15th and by the end of the day I definitely noticed how I've let my brain go to sludge. My first class was the lecture for 'Love, Sex, and Truth'. I think it'll be a really interesting class, we'll be reading Plato, Freud, and Foucault and analyzing the three topics through those three perspectives. We're starting by reading Plato's Symposium. The lecturer has a pretty monotonous tone to his voice and he is also a great fan of synonyms. Through this class "we're going to become a community, a group, a family of friends, of comrades". It was like that for two hours, ha ha. An upside to LST is that about six of my friends are in it so we can all get super eager on the material but use each other's shoulders as pillows during class. :) We have a tutorial (aka recitation) for that class and we are all in it together as well. It's two hours after the lecture and the convenience of a bar on campus kind of easily predicts what we're going to be doing during that break. I can see a lot of fun/interesting discussions happening in the tutorial. Hooray! After LST tutorial I had another hour break until my 'Lifespan Development' class. It's a psych class and it made me really happy to be learning and feeling worthwhile and color-coding. Today I just had one class, 'Youth and Society', but I went up to campus early to get some homework done (look at me go). I don't think I'm going to stay in 'Youth and Society' though because it's a freshman sociology class and I've come across a lot of the material before. Also, I have a tutorial for 'Youth and Society' on Friday mornings and if I could find a class where I don't have school on Fridays that would be great. Tomorrow I have 'Popular Fiction and Mass Culture'.

While getting ready for class yesterday I became distracted and took 'First Day of School' pics which I will now share with you.

ALL SMILES

MY OUTFIT

FLASH

A LIL NERVOUS

A LOT EXCITED

ALL SET TO HEAD TO THE BUS

Also, some fun 'First Day of School' vids I found on YouTube. Had totally forgotten about the Teeny Guy who's on the cup. Yay, Sesame Street!

The Quiki Pro, Day 1

2009-03-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

THE TENTS AT THE QUIKI PRO

JOEL PARKINSON (GOLD COAST LOCAL)

Saturday was the first day of the Quiki Pro (Quicksilver Pro Surf Comp) so Maddy, Val, and I went to check out the action as it was only about a 10 minute drive away. The comp uses any points in the area depending on the conditions that day from about 10 minutes south of us to 10 minutes north (I think) so we are lucky enough to be right in the middle of the action. It's a two week long competition and the Roxy Pro is also going on at the same time here (girl's comp) so I'll be able to watch a lot of awesome surfing in the next couple weeks.

A PRETTY SPOT ON THE WALK TO THE QUIKI PRO

THE COMMENTATORS' BOX

DBAR, WHERE THE QUIKI PRO WAS HELD ON SATURDAY

Only the guys were competing on Saturday but they were super impressive so no complaints. The speed at which they go is incredible and even though the water was pretty flat they still amazing. For some reason Jay Thompson is now my favorite surfer, although, Kelly Slater knows how to perform for the crowd with all his big aerials and such. But I took a liking to Jay from his very first wave. Jay was in a heat with Joel Parkinson who is from the Gold Coast and had a lot of locals rooting for him. Joel was good too but by the end of the heat he had fallen to third (out of three).

JAY THOMPSON

JAY OR JOEL, I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHICH

MADDY AND ME IN BETWEEN HEATS

Kelly Slater's heat was up next and right from the start Kelly had this awesome aerial. He actually snuck out into the water somehow, Maddy and I saw some random person carrying his boards and I reckon he didn't wear his jersey across the beach to avoid being mobbed.

CLOSE UP OF KELLY SLATER

KELLY SLATER AGAIN

When all the guys get out of the water they are immediately swarmed but with Kelly Slater it's insane. By the time he was back on the beach we had already started climbing the hill back to the car but looking back down on the beach it was like every single person there ran to try and get a pic or signature. Kelly booked it back to the tent and the commentators actually had to tell people to leave him alone and give him some space. The comp was really cool and I'm sure when the semis and stuff start the atmosphere will be incredible. The only thing I didn't like about it was how the commentators constantly had to mention the sponsors of the comp (Red Bull and LG)...stupid corporate/consumer ____. Ah well, guess it's necessary these days even if it does seem very hypocritical for surfing of all things to be dependent on finances and advertising.

THE SWARM AROUND KELLY

Yesterday it was 34 degrees (celcius) and almost unbearable. Maddy and I escaped to Pac Fair (air conditioned shopping mall) where we did not actually buy anything, just escaped the heat. Was a very girly time seeing as on top of going to a mall we were both in dresses and listened to The Hills soundtrack on the way there. I know I know, go ahead and giggle/gasp.

BOO HEAT...

...YAY SISTERS

MY LENSES EVEN MATCH MY DRESS, LA-DI-DA

After the mall we came back home for a bit to eat but the temp was still high so we went for a swim at the estuary. So many people were there! It was kind of weird and I felt slightly territorial of my newfound hang out spot. The heat remained all night that I considered taking some kind of sleeping pill just to avoid it even if that meant I'd miss the rest of the movie we were watching. Well, I didn't take the pill (did manage to eat half a gallon of chocolate soy ice cream) but I also didn't get to sleep until late either. But I'm just enjoying my last day of freedom today before classes start tomorrow so I was able to sleep in this morning and have yet to open my blind in hopes of keeping the heat out. Haven't been on my walk lately due to laziness mostly but the heat doesn't really entice me to climb a hill and subject myself to direct sunlight for over an hour.

Kitten Cuddles

2009-02-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

are very hard to come by. Even when you wake up feeling a little sick the kitties show no sympathy. I might have an ache or infection in my right ear and just feeling a little blah. Jonah jumped onto the end of my bed this morning and I was hoping to get some cuddles on my feetsies but the best I got was one paw on my toes. Still a feat in some respects as Jonah's pretty stubborn and doesn't like touching people (hmm, seems like we have something in common). After just lying in bed reading emails and such I pulled Jonah away from my backpack under the bed which he was using as a scratching post and tried to make him into "little spoon". He wasn't having any of it. Ran out of the room pretty quickly. Milly was my next attempt but the loving I was feeling last night had apparently evaporated or something. She had no interest in being "little spoon" either, sad face. So yea, Jonah the British Shorthair and Milly the Ragdoll apparently do not want to be a cuddle utensil. Zac the Bengal will be the best feline cuddle utensil ever, though! Granted Zac hasn't been born or purchased yet but give me a year or two and I will make my very own kitten into a cuddle-holic. There was a Bengal at the local animal shelter a few weeks ago and if I had the mullah it would be on my lap right now and given whatever necessary shots to come back to Colorado with me in July. Alas, the need for food and bus passes surpassed the desire for a pet. Oh, and the other day at the vet's when Jonah had to get de-wormed there was a Bermese Mountain Dog leaving the clinic. That's my dream puppy. Puppy purchase after kitten purchase seeing as kitten can stay home alone at night and being a student that works better. So yea, I'm being mocked by dream pets: Bengal at the shelter, Bermese at the clinic. One day though. And I'll be able to walk them both cuz Bengal's are very active and if you leash them from the beginning they'll actually go on walks with you. My neighbor's are going to think I'm so weird...petite girl, big dog, tiger-looking cat taking their daily walk together...silliness.

Surfing Makes Me Shweepies

2009-02-22T01:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first time surfing and it was INCREDIBLE. Yes, I know, I've been here for a month and I haven't surfed before now, what was I thinking, yaddah yaddah yaddah. Well okay, I've started and now it'll take a lot to make me stop. My friends Kyle, Chris, and Austin came down from Surfer's yesterday and we borrowed a few of Dimo's boards. Kyle is a surf instructor back in Santa Barbara so she was a perfect person to help me out. She's used to teaching kids ten years younger than me and so her habits of cheering and thumbs up transfered to yesterday's lesson. But hey, positive reinforcement works for me and I didn't feel like too much of a kook when I'd look back at her with a huge grin of accomplishment when I got my foot placement right for the first time. I managed to get up on all but one wave!

Sadly, that was not the same for this morning's attempt. Maddy and I went out to the same spot but the waves were bigger and the water was too deep to stand (usually there's a sand bank or the tide is right so the water level is low). Just swimming "out the back", beyond where the waves are breaking, wiped me out and then the treading water didn't help. My lil chicken arms definately need to bulk up. I tried getting up a few times but my timing was off and I was in the wrong spot. I let Maddy take over and I just bobbed there marveling at her abilities. We swam back to the beach and discussed the wide array of physical/mental abilities needed for surfing before walking back home.

I was ready for bed again but we ended up driving to a board shop to see if I could find a cheap one. Cuz it's the end of the summer all the beginner boards have already been purchased but I shall find one and then Maddy and I will be able to go out on our separate boards and won't tire out so easily. Also, Kyle wants to have someone to paddle out with her and although I'll be messing around on the white water while she shows everyone up we can at least grab brekkie together after and have a surfing buddy on speed dial. Grabbed a few groceries at the store and then came home and finished The Godfather, Part II. Maddy and Dimo are determined to make me love these movies. It's working but it's such a clever trilogy that I need to watch them all again to pick up on everything. Already a fan of Scarface, though. I'm determined to reciprocate the movie-loving exchange by showing Maddy Planet Earth and Ferngully. Planet Earth because it's great and yay learning and Ferngully because there is a hike about 40mins south of here on Mt. Warning (no joke!...cept I feel like few, if any, readers of this blog know what I'm talking about) and I want us to climb it so we can be the humans on Mt. Warning and, therefore, we are nice humans and the fairies will have nothing to worry about. I like how some of my friends have goals of shark diving or Figi trips and one of my major goals while in Australia is to materialize a reference in an animated film. Silly Char.

Anyway, after we left the gun, took the canolies, went to the mattresses, and made offers he can't refuse I went shweepies on the couch cuz two days of surfing will do that I suppose. I made sure to wake up for fresh chips that Dimo brought home from the fish and chip shop around the corner. Hmm, I'm thinking of what I did next today but it seems I've been very sloth-like.

I was pretty impressed by my dinner though. I was extremely apathetic about food when I opened the fridge so I ended up just throwing some mushrooms, broccoli, celery, baby tomatoes, and tofu into a saucepan and hoping it would taste alright. That sounds kind of impressive but I started out planning on just chewing on a stick of celery and popping tomatoes straight into my mouth from the carton so there was some progression I suppose. I added some salt, pepper, and veganaise to the saucepan and once the broccoli went soft and some steam appeared I figured it was done. See, there's my college kid cooking skills materializing. My concoction turned out tasty and I nommed it all up very quickly. A little too quickly at times that my eyes started watering.

Now Silence of the Lambs is starting and already it reminds me why I would be interested in criminal psychology if the drug/alcohol rehab career path (among a handful of others) falls through. Okay, but here's a fun fact from Silence of the Lambs at least one of you will know: Dr. Hahn from Grey's Anatomy is the girl in the well who is told "it puts the lotion on the skin". So yea, lots of movies and laziness today but seeing as I have the bruises on my knee caps and salt in my hair to prove I was in the water earlier I don't mind. Up to Surfer's to chill with everyone tomorrow and then classes start next week so a little down time is good.

Maddy's Birthday

2009-02-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

Thursday (the 19th) was Maddy's 30th birthday :) She received jewelry, clothing, perfume, gag gifts, and her friend Anna put together some pots of veggies for her so now she has her own little garden. Anna even included cat grass so Jonah and Milly will have something to nibble. My present has yet to arrive but I think Maddy will like it. She and Dimo went to work during the day and I just went on my walk and then proceeded to make a birthday cake...yes, it was vegan. The cake went well but my first attempt at frosting was a little watery so I scraped off batch number one from the top of the cake and tried again. Batch number two was much more successful. It was a chocolate cake with white icing and I surrounded the plate with frangipanis as those are Maddy's favorite flower. Maddy also received a cake from a colleague so the fridge is very caked out right now.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG SIS!

BLOWING OUT HER CANDLES

CUTTING THE CAKE

That night, as it was a weeknight, we ordered an Indian curry and chilled out. Some of Maddy's gal pals have arranged a big night out in a few weeks to celebrate the milestone so that will be a fun time to get all pretty and go out for the evening. So yes, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY! I'm really glad I was here to celebrate with her. Now if only my present to her would hurry up and arrive. Ah well, guess this means her birthday is just extended that much more.

MADDY'S BDAY DINNER

THE SUNSET ON MADDY'S BIRTHDAY (VIEW FROM OUR BALCONY)

Bella & Tara

2009-02-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

This video doesn't really have anything to do with my trip here but Maddy showed it to me the other day and I thought it was cute/interesting.

The Great Barrier Reef

2009-02-16T23:15:00.000-08:00

THE REEF AND LITTLE SILVER FISHIES

A BIGGER FISHIE

THIS BRIGHT BLUE CORAL WAS MY FAVORITE TYPE OF CORAL I SAW

Sunday, the 15th of February, 2009 will be a day that I will always remember as it's the day I went to The Great Barrier Reef. Our group had an early breakfast and then a quick walk to the marina where we boarded a big boat and situated ourselves for two hours of tanning/chatting while we sailed to the reef.

THE BOAT

SAFETY BRIEFING BEFORE SAILING

SAILING AWAY FROM CAIRNS

When we stopped on the reef for the first time everyone had the choice of snorkeling or scuba diving (or staying on the boat, I guess). I just snorkeled as I'm not a certified diver and the snorkelers were swimming in the same area as the scuba divers. We all wore stinger suits which are full body (including hoods) blue suits to protect your skin from jellyfish. We all looked very silly in them and enjoyed the discussion of buying a suit and wearing it out that night or at least buying a beach ball and playing "seals". At this first swimming spot I was able to see a ton of fish and coral. A huge school of four foot long gray fish swam by us and I even found a couple Nemos hanging out around an anemone (insert Nemo's stuttering attempt to say "anemone" here). At this spot we were given about 45mins to an hour to swim around before reboarding and getting ready for lunch.

BRETT, ME, KYLE, AND MORGAN SHOWING OFF OUR TRENDY STINGER SUITS

ME AND KYLE BEFORE SNORKELING

NEMO AND HIS ANEMONE

THE TURQUOISE COLOR OF THE WATER WAS JUST INCREDIBLE

TAKING A BREAK FROM SWIMMING/DIVING

THIS IS ME, CHAR COOMBS, SNORKELING AT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF (SO HAPPY I CAN TYPE THAT SENTENCE)

THE BIG, GRAY FISH

The crew had prepared a buffet-style lunch with salads, rice, veggies, crackers, fruit, and pasta which was all very scrumptious (the vegan options that is, can't account for the meat/dairy but didn't hear any complaints). Once everyone had eaten and reclaimed their tanning spots we sailed a little more until we were about 800 yards from a tiny island. We were given the option to grab our snorkeling equipment and get on a smaller, glass bottom boat and ride to the island. I took this option (don't know why you wouldn't) and was able to get a few pics of all the birds on the island before snorkeling around the reef once again. It was here where we saw a few turtles, some dolphins, more colorful fish, and teeny tiny jellyfish. We had no choice but to swim through the jellyfish to get back to the boat but because of the stinger suit I was okay. The only stings a couple people had were on their lips and didn't hurt anyway apparently.

A VIEW FROM THE BIRD SANCTUARY ISLAND

LOTS OF BIRDIES

GETTING READY FOR THE SECOND SESSION OF SNORKELING

A BIG, BLUE FISH

MORE CORAL

TO GIVE EVERYONE A GIGGLE

SWMMING AMONGST A SCHOOL OF FISH

I FOLLOWED THIS GUY FOR A BIT AS HE HAD ANOTHER FISH ON EITHER SIDE OF HIM SUCKING STUFF OF OF HIS GILLS

It was another two hour sailing back to the marina so once again we worked on our tans and just talked. Some people's "tanning" ended up becoming "extremely painful burning" but I did it too the first few days I was here. I learned that Australia has no o-zone and that's why the sun is so strong and why even though I've worn SPF 30 everyday since I've been here I've still earned quite a good tan. So yes, sunscreen is vital to avoid burning/melanomas. During the day, I ended up meeting two girls from England (yay!) who are traveling around Australia for two months before starting a teacher training program. They ended up coming out with us all that night and will be on the Gold Coast next week so we are hoping to meet up once again.

STEPH, ME, AND MARGARET ON THE BOAT

LOVELY

RainForeStation, Kuranda National Park

2009-02-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

During my trip to Cairns, we spent a day at the RainForeStation Nature Park in part of Kuranda National Park. The bus trip took only about 45 minutes from the hostel and once we arrived we split into two groups as there were 42 of us in all. My group first went to the part of the park where all the animals are kept.

A KANGAROO

ME AND A KANGAROO

ANOTHER KANGAROO

It was so cool walking around the corner into the animal section and seeing kangaroos just chilling out on the grass (the first roos I've seen since I've been here). We then all held a snake and had it wrap itself around our shoulders. That snake was very calm and not scary at all...unlike the python they had that ate a dog just before the caught it. Next we saw some of the female koalas they have at the park. They keep the males and females separate because in the wild a male will have about four females but because of the numbers they need to keep the genders separate in order to avoid big territory/mate dramas.

PRETTY FLOWER, BUT I DON'T KNOW THE NAME

THE WHOLE AUSTRALEARN GROUP

SHWEEPIES KOALA

After cooing over the koalas for a while we met "Jack the Ripper". He is one of the longest alligators in Australia and received his name after killing the twelve females the park has presented to him for mating. We also saw some crocodiles who didn't move at all but I learned that crocs sit with their mouths open not to trap/eat an unsuspecting snack but because lying like that allows them to thermoregulate. Next we saw some lizards and a type of fish, Burrumundi, that are born male and stay that sex until about the age of seven and then they become female for the rest of their lives. Pretty interesting I thought.

BATHTIME FOR A BABY WALLABY

JACK THE RIPPER

SALT WATER CROCODILES

AN EASTERN WATER DRAGON

A BLUE TONGUED LIZARD

I then was able to feed a kangaroo! Yep, was very cool, and a little baby wallaby also came up to me and fancied a nibble. Once our group leaders were able to pry us away from the kangaroos we walked up to a little outdoor auditorium where we watched a few traditional Aboriginal dances.

FEEDING A JOEY

PLAYING A DIGARIDOO

THIS DANCER WAS MY FAVORITE, HE HAD THE MOST PASSION

ONE OF THE ABORIGINAL DANCES

After the dances, two of the performers showed us around another part of the park. They taught us how to play a diggaridoo, throw a spear (we weren't allowed to try though), and throw a boomerang (this was tricky and no one really mastered the necessary wrist flick and angling to make the boomerang return but was enjoyable all the same). Once we'd all had a go with the boomerang it was lunch time and the park had a massive buffet with salads, pastas, rice and curry, cold cuts, fruit and cheese platters, soups, and breads. The curried veggies and huge chunks of pineapple were incredible.

SPEAR DEMONSTRATION

The two separated groups then rejoined and we all took an Army Duck ride. Army Ducks are the trucks that look like safari trucks but can also go in water. So we were driven around the rainforest and then into a lake where we learned about what plants to avoid and some of the insects that we will likely see (and run away from) during out time in Australia. After the Army Duck ride we all stood in line to hold/take a picture with a six-month-old koala. She was very cute and more photogenic than all of us.

AN ARMY DUCK ON THE WATER

THE ROAD IN THE RAINFOREST

MARGARET AND ME ON THE ARMY DUCK

BIG LEAVES!

Cairns

2009-02-16T20:49:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I went up to Cairns in northern Queensland for my AustraLearn Program Introduction. Friday morning we woke up to heavy rainfall so carrying my suitcase to the car was pretty interesting. Good thing I brought my rain jacket to Australia, it definitely came in handy that day. My flight was still on time though and no major hick-ups. On the flight I just listened to music and slept. Another girl from my program was on the same flight as me so once we arrived in Cairns we grabbed a cab together and went to the hostel.

FLYING INTO CAIRNS

The hostel we stayed at, Gilligans, was really nice and had it's own pool, gym, movie room, bar, club, and patio with a stage for the nightly band. I stayed in a room that had it's own en suite bathroom and balcony with five other girls (three of which also go to CU-Boulder but none of us knew each other before this trip). Once the rest of the group arrived from Brisbane we had a quick meeting about what we'd all be getting up to over the weekend and then went to a prearranged dinner at a restaurant nearby. After dinner, most of us went on a "pub crawl", a set up where you pay a small amount and in return get a wristband that gets you into five bars with a free drink at each. It was really fun going out and getting to know each other (regardless of the heavy rainfall towards the end of the night).

PART OF THE GROUP, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CHARLIE, MARGARET, JUSTIN, ME, MORGAN, KYLE

BOULDER GIRLS IN AUSTRALIA

The next day we had an early wake up time but then it was off to RainForeStation in Kuranda National Park [separate post]. After RainForeStation we drove back to the hostel and had about an hour and a half before the next meeting so a few of us went down to the pool and messed around on the lifeboats they had just floating around. That evening a few of us decided it would be a fabulous idea to go out dancing until the wee hours of the morning (and indeed, it was a fabulous idea). Luckily the best dancing place we found was the club in Gilligans so at least everyone was close to home and could go to bed whenever without worrying about walking home alone or anything.

A VIEW OF THE CAIRNS COASTLINE

On Sunday, the group had to be ready to leave at 8am to walk the few blocks to the marina to get on the boat to go The Great Barrier Reef [separate post]. It was amazing and will definitely be one of the highlights of my entire trip here in Australia. Sunday evening we had another meeting/group meal and then another great night out. We went dancing for a little bit and then a few of us tried to go swimming in the lagoon. We had only had our feet in for a few seconds before three cops came from whatever hiding spot they were in and starting yelling, "Get out of the water" "You can't be in the lagoon after ten!". Well, seeing as it was around 1am I think we just had to plead international student innocence and decided to go find some snacks at a 24hr grocery store instead. We took our chips, trail mix, and juices back to Gilligan's and were just watching a movie until Morgan appeared and started talking to us. Part of her rambling included my favorite line of the whole weekend, "You guys, it's not the chips, I love you". Well, after our looks of confusion followed by laughter Morgan went to bed as her declaration probably wasn't caused by the chips and we did the same pretty soon after.

JUST A COOL PIC

CHEESY GRINS WITH OUR RANDOM DANISH FRIEND

Monday's breakfast time wasn't until 9:15am (woo, a sleep in) and then we just packed, checked out, and got on the bus to Cairns airport. The flight took us to Brisbane and then it was about a 45 minute bus ride to Surfer's Paradise where we were dropped off at the Marriot where most of the group is staying until they find their own apartments. Maddy picked me up from the hotel and I felt very lucky to have my own bed/food to go back to and went to bed early to try and make up for lost sleep hours. This weekend was such a blast and I'm almost in denial about all the different things I got to do as it just seems impossible that I had all those experiences in just a few days. Very lucky :)

A SUGARCANE FIELD AND THE HILLS NEAR CAIRNS

Silly Sisters

2009-02-08T00:02:00.000-08:00

After getting back from Tallebudgera Creek and showering/snacking we managed to prove that anywhere you go with a Mac you will eventually end up messing around on PhotoBooth...

Tallebudgera Creek

2009-02-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

TALLEBUDGERA CREEK

Maddy and I went up to Tallebudgera Creek this afternoon to sun bake and swim. The water was a little cooler than the estuary/ocean near us but it was still extremely nice (the fact that I'm starting to get picky is perhaps a little silly). I managed to remember my camera so here are some pics:

:)

MADDY IN THE CREEK

MORE OF THE CREEK

I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I'M LOOKING AT

VERY LADY-LIKE

Ice Magic

2009-02-07T01:26:00.000-08:00

Although I am a vegan, my desire for chocolate has never decreased. I've been doing well with dark chocolate, Oreos, and Cocoa Krispies but the other day I filled the pantry with yet another delicious treat...Ice Magic. It's the chocolate sauce that goes hard when it's on ice cream. Yes, another seemingly dairy-filled product that's vegan. Well, Ice Magic, combined with soy vanilla ice cream at around 8:30pm for the last few nights has fulfilled my chocoalte fix and my beach-appropriate snack. Yummy!

Mossie Bites

2009-02-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

So, this morning I woke up with eight mosquito bites. :( I have one on my left knee, my right thigh, my left forearm, my right forearm (pictured below), my forehead, my right hand, and two on my right shoulder. They're not too itchy but they are pretty annoying. But I have always been a mosquito's buffet. Ah well, the price of living in paradise.

THE WORST BITE

HOW MOSSIE BITES MAKE ME FEEL

Metal Pelicans

2009-02-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Daily Walks

2009-02-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

NICE SHADY SPOT

ONE OF THE MANY CLIMBING TREES

CROSSING THE BRIDGE

I have recently gotten into the habit of taking a long walk as soon as I wake up. It's great to get outside and do something healthy.

WHAT AUSSIE'S AFFECTIONATLY CALL, "A TINNIE"

I start by walking towards the canal and crossing the bridge. I then walk by the shore and pass some trees that would be pretty fun to climb one day I reckon. Further up the path there's an art installation consisting of pelicans constructed entirely out of metal pieces. They're so cool I've decided to devote an entire post to them.

THE METAL PELICANS
A REAL PELICAN

After the pelicans, I climb up a huge hill where on the right are a few houses but on the left are a bunch of trees that could be the location of Jurassic Park. On top of the hill I get an incredible view down to the ocean and become quite envious of the people who are lucky enough to own a property up there.

PART OF THE "BIG" HILL

NICE VIEW, EH?
BEAUTIFUL

Then it's back down the hill into Currumbin, the suburb south of us, and walk along the road to the bridge that takes me back to Palm Beach. I cross the bridge and take a pathway that goes into the trees by the estuary. The pathway ends at the beach where I continue on my little stroll. I walk along the beach just close enough to the surf without getting my shoes wet. It's a great spot to search for shells and rocks. I walk north up the beach to a cluster of rocks that's great to walk out to the end of and stare at the ocean and jump as the water crashes just feet from my feet. Then it's back down the beach and I go home.

THE FUN ROCKS
PRETTY!

iCal

2009-02-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first day I had reason to use my iCal in almost two months. Very nerdy I know but those who know me can attest to my affinity for color coding and organization. I enrolled in the classes I will be taking at Griffith University this semester so of course I had to get my schedule onto my computer. I will be taking 'Lifespan Development', 'Youth and Society', 'Mass Culture and Popular Fiction', and lastly, 'Love, Sex, and Truth'. As of now I have class on Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday nights, Thursday mornings, and Friday mornings but I am hoping to switch my Friday class to another one of my class days in order to have a four day weekend. Classes don't start until March 2nd but we have orientation, O Week, the week before.

The Byron Markets

2009-02-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

On the first Sunday of every month a huge market is held in Byron Bay, New South Wales. We drove the 40 minute trip south last weekend to see all the stalls and then have lunch at Balcony, a cute restaurant by the shore. The Byron Markets attracts a lot of bohemian/hippie-type of people so of course being a student from Boulder I felt right at home. There were people selling the usual things such as jewelry, artwork, and food. Some of my favorites were a guy selling rings made out of skateboard decks, a stall consisting of entirely hemp clothing, and a falafel stand. There was also a pregnant woman, belly exposed, with a huge tattoo all over her torso and a little boy riding on his dad's shoulders who had long blonde hair covered by a blue pageboy's hat...he's cooler at the age of five than I could ever hope to be at any age.

THE BYRON MARKETS
LOTS TO LOOK AT :)

After wandering up and down the numerous aisles we walked into the town of Byron and browsed in a few stores before walking down to the beach. We just waded in the water and people watched for a few minutes before heading to lunch.

THE BEACH AT BYRON

At Balcony we sat on the terrace with couches as seats. Was very nice to relax and chat. I ordered the antipasto salad and pita with dips, so very yummy but so very filling. I was glad we had a walk back to the car. :)

BALCONY RESTAURANT
MY LUNCH

Currumbin Rock Pools & Springbrook National Park

2009-01-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

After our excursion to the farmer's market this morning, Maddy, Anna, and I decided to forgo the shopping mall and drive up into the hills instead for a walk. No complaints here. We first went to the Currumbin Rock Pools which is just a little spot where you can swim and have a BBQ with a beautiful view of the hilltops covered in fog. We only stayed there briefly to get a couple pics and then drove further into the hills.

CURRUMBIN ROCK POOLS
THE HILLS BY THE ROCK POOLS
DRIVING INTO THE HILLS

We parked the car and walked along a pathway in the Springbrook National Park. The path was halfway up a hill covered in humongous trees and ferns with the water down below. A few people were swimming around the first waterfall we found. There are steps set up on the hill so you can walk down to the water and as we were walking down a girl tumbled down the rocks she was climbing with a friend but luckily landed in the water. Maddy and I both thought we had witnessed a death seeing as she fell on what looked like her head but she surfaced with a grin on her face. Scary! I was at least expecting some blood or something but she seemed to have been fine. I was highly amused when Maddy later said, "I wonder if her mother knows what she's up to".

SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK

STANDING ABOVE A WATERFALL

THE ROCKS WHERE THE GIRL FELL!
SOME COOL TREE ROOTS

After overcoming the shock of this girl's gymnastics we continued up the pathway and deeper into the rainforest. It started raining lightly and being amongst the foliage, away from buildings/roads, and feeling the sprinkles on my head was incredible and a little surreal. We weren't able to see much wildlife but the trees alone are phenomenal. Just such a different type of nature that what I'm used to.

MADDY AND ANNA WALKING THROUGH THE RAINFOREST
HUMONGOUS TREES

The pathway follows the water all the way up so we were hoping to see a platypus but apparently they are ridiculously difficult to see in the wild. Back down at the carpark they have used massive tree trunks as dividers and there's a little cafe where we stopped for a coffee and snack. Will definately be going on many more rainforest walks. The Hinterland (Australian rainforest) is just so incredible and to now have seen it I'm just in awe that a 3 minute walk east of my house I have the beach and a 10 minute drive west I have rainforest. I'll be seeing more of the Hinterland in March as I recently found out I've been accepted for a long weekend eco conservation trip just west of Brisbane!

POSSIBLY A FUTURE SWIMMING SPOT :)

LOOKING UP OUT OF THE CANOPY

The Australian Open

2009-01-30T05:17:00.000-08:00

No, I am not physically going to any matches, but Maddy and I have been avidly watching the Men's Singles competition. Nadal is in the Semis as we speak and it's so close. Both guys are playing their hardest and are neck and neck. Federer easily beat Roddick last night so we'll see who he plays on Sunday night. Screams at the TV and fidgiting on the couch occur during every game and it's quite a laugh at how intense Maddy and I both get about it all. Don't mind watching at home though seeing as Melbourne is currently going through a massive heat wave.

A Typical Day

2009-01-28T02:12:00.000-08:00

WADING INTO THE WAVES

I wake up between 9am and 10am and open my door to two lazy kitties who become thoroughly interested by my room and why the door has been closed all night. Jonah then becomes fascinated by the toilet flushing and always comes to take a peek at the water. Very amusing. Most days I then work out on Wii Fit (not always though, as sometimes a big bowl of cereal and TV seem much more interesting). My favorites on Wii Fit are the Table Top Balance Game and the Warrior Yoga pose. The Boxing Aerobics is rather amusing as the TV encourages you with such comments as, "This is you fighting your fat" (not that that's a concern for me) and "Nice moves!" (I happily take this compliment though). Oh the encouragement to get in shape, too bad I just see it as a more interactive video game than typical ones.

JONAH CHECKING OUT THE TOILET

After playing with the kitties and Wii Fit, I usually spend 45mins to and hour on the balcony sun baking. I can't handle any more time than that as it's an oven out there and the added humidity takes the enjoyment out of it slightly. I found some soy cheese at the grocery store yesterday so I was quick to use it for a cheese and Branston Pickle sandwich...very nostaligic to my England days. Then a trip (across the street) to the beach for a swim and some more sun baking. I like going to the ocean beach so I can jump in the waves but then I often find myself walking into the nearby estuary to get away from the wind and walk through the trees. There are so many cicadas in the trees they all sort of sound like a low pitch fire alarm.

THE WALK TO THE ESTUARY
THE ESTUARY (LOOKING TOWARDS THE OCEAN)
UNDERWATER FUN (THE WATER IS MURKY BECAUSE THE RAIN WASHES THE TEATREE POLLEN INTO THE WATER AND WE HAD A HUGE STORM THE OTHER NIGHT)
SUN BAKING

After the sun and swim festivities I usually head back home to shower off all of the sand and then head to the nearby shops, The Pines. It's only a ten minute walk and there are a ton of stores, food places, and even a KMart. If I don't go to the Pines, I walk in the opposite direction from home and wander up the Gold Coast Highway (not a highway at all, just a four lane road) and people watch, look at boutiques, and just take in all the small differences.

Maddy and Dimo get home around 3pm and they take an hour just to wind down from the day. Today Maddy and I took an awesome hour long walk along the canal and then up a huge hill. At the top we had a great view of the ocean and estuary as well as marveled at the beautiful houses hidden among the trees. Back down the hill and across the bridge to the beach and walked along the water back home. I forgot my camera but I'm sure we'll do the walk again very soon, tomorrow maybe, and I'll take some snaps.

Then dinner time and reading or TV ends the night. Maddy and Dimo head to bed early to get to work but I usually stay up and try and overlap internet time with friends/family scattered all over the planet. Til next time :)

SITTING ON THE SAND BAR

First Week

2009-01-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

A VIEW OF THE ROCKIES AS I FLEW TO LA

THE PLANE THAT TOOK ME TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD

From now on I'll try to post blogs more often but here's what's been going on during my first week on the Gold Coast. I arrived last Saturday very early in the morning. Flew from LA to Auckland to Brisbane. The flights went well, managed to get a few hours of sleep on the way to Auckland and then just doze on the short trip over to Brisbane. The food was pretty good, I had vegan meals which actually looked more appetizing than the usual fare. Watched Bottle Shock and part of Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Maddy picked me up at Brisbane airport and we drove the 45 minute journey south to the Gold Coast.

ON THE BEACH WITHIN 3 HOURS OF LANDING

I was feeling pretty awake and knew I would have to stay up all day to avoid worse jet lag so we just dropped my stuff off at Maddy's place and went out again. Went to a cute little farmer's market near by and bought some dips, avocados, trail mix, and maddy found some ointment for her knee pain. Then we walked over to the beach (hooray!!) and I waded through the surf and watched some people swimming and surfing. We went for a drive along the coast and Maddy showed me where the Quicksilver and Roxy surf comps will be held next month and where the good beaches are. Later went to the grocery store to get me some tofu, yogurt, fruit, veggies etc. and took all our yummy food home and then I just unpacked and we chilled at home for the rest of the day.

THE FARMER'S MARKET

DRIVING ALONG THE COAST

Luckily it seems that my cat allergy no longer exists so living with Jonah and Millie has been nothing but fun. They are both great kitties. Jonah thinks he's the coolest thing ever (which he is) and Millie is a huge mommy's girl...she only cares about Maddy and get very excited and chatty when Maddy gets home from work. They spend most of their days sleeping on the bathroom floor or under my bed and are always up for a cuddle. There is also Willis, the turtle, who likes to swim up and down his tank with his head out of the water. He's pretty amusing but carries salmonella so I haven't held him...yet.

JONAH
MILLIE
WILLIS

Last Sunday we went up to "the boys' house" and I met everyone. It was pretty amusing for me, completely stereotypical view of Australia...boys in surf gear, eating bbq food, watching cricket, and drinking beer. They're all really nice and loads of fun. We also went up to Surfer's where I'll be at school and walked around the shops and grabbed some lunch. We also went up to the top of the Q1 Building (the tallest residential building in the world...until the one in Dubai is totally finished) and got a great view up and down the coast. Up in Surfer's it's a younger scene and where I'll be on the weekends most likely whereas down in Palm Beach where Maddy and Dimo live it's a little more relaxed. So I basically get to choose where to go based on my mood. :)MADDY AND DIMO ON THE TOP LEVEL OF THE Q BUILDING

A VIEW OF THE MAN-MADE CANALS OF THE GOLD COAST (SO MORE WATERFRONT PROPERTY IS AVAILABLE) FROM THE Q1 BUIDLING
THE COAST OF THE GOLD COAST/SURFER'S

During the week I had a similar series of events each day. Wake up around 9, do some Wii fit (I'm getting toned which is pretty cool), lie out sun baking on the patio or down at the beach and just listen to my iPod and read my book, eat some fruit and light stuff for lunch (the heat/humidity is still something I'm getting used to), sun bake some more or hide inside watching TV, Maddy and Dimo both get home around 3, some more beach time or a walk in the afternoon, and then dinner and a movie at night. Hard life I know. :)

TANNING ON THE BEACH...AM MUCH BROWNER NOW :)

A GOOD SURF SPOT

I have a few weeks until all the other students get here and we start classes on March 2nd. I'll also get a job in late Feb. (have to wait until then due to Student Visa stipulations) for some extra spending money.

Friday I went to work with Maddy and met all her colleagues and saw her busy at work. After work Maddy and I went to a cafe for lunch and visited the local pet shops just to see all the cuddly kittens and awesome tropical fish for sale. Then Maddy, Val and I went to Burleigh to look around the shops and then headed over to Sonja's for some beers and look at her new designs. Sonja's a clothes designer and she has a show on Thursday night so she's busy putting stuff together. Luckily we were able to distract her for a few hours and she took a break, we all just sat outside and chatted. There was a bush turkey in the backyard which I found completely intriguing. They're all black but with bright red feet and heads. Apparently vermin but the wildlife here is so different. Parrots and cockatoos just chillin' in the trees and the cackle/monkey-noise of a kookaburra bird wakes me up briefly around 5am. Geckos and frogs sit in the trees talking to each other all day and as soon as you walk into the ocean little fishies are swimming around your ankles. So beautiful!

Friday night a group of us went down to Cooley to the Cooley Hotel/Bar and had a great time. Met some more people and just dancing and laughing til about 5am. Everyone's been so welcoming and nice. Lots of friendly banter about my accent and the different cultural stuff. Very quality people.

Maddy needed a quiet day at home yesterday due to the antics of Friday night. I managed to get to the beach first thing though and took a swim. Walked along the beach for a bit and then swam out to a sand bank. There were these huge dogs out there (Mastiff's I think) just trotting back and forth on the bank amused/bewildered by there ability to suddenly be "on land" again even though they were out in the ocean. (Don't worry mom, I'm being safe and there were lots of people there, won't get swept away or anything). Also wearing sun screen everyday and have managed to avoid burning except for one day when I forgot to put cream all the way down my arms and my wrists burned...oops!

Tomorrow (Monday) is Australia Day...celebrations very similar to 4th of July (bbq, beach cricket, swimming, fireworks, etc.) so that should be interesting and everyone keeps telling me it's great that I'm here for it so I'm excited for all the silliness that I'm sure will ensue.

So yep, that's a brief overview of my first week. I love it and it's great being with Maddy, living literally across the street from the beach, and meeting all these new and different people. So yes, as you can see from the pics and stories I've left one vacation "hotspot" for another. Miss my friends and family but I have skype so if anyone wants my username just let me know. Smiles and giggles to all.

28 days and counting

2008-12-17T23:10:00.000-08:00

I haven't even moved out of Boulder yet and already I'm thinking about Australia...what clothes I want to pack, what I need to buy before I go, if I should get a base tan before I leave so I don't fry (probably). Yes, all extremely important things I know. Can't wait to get on a surf board, see kangaroos, play with Maddy, meet her kitties, and best of all: avoid the snow/cold/misery that is Colorado in January and February. Moving out of my apartment tomorrow and going home for Xmas and New Years. Haven't done any shopping yet, oops! Hopefully mom and I can get some skiing in, see some movies, and take many trips to the library. Will be great having no school work and actually having time for leisurely reading (will not be in a classroom again until March 2nd ha ha). Well, looks like it's time for my daily 2+ hour skyping with Maddy...we'll have nothing to talk about once I get there at this rate :)