As always, apologizes for being such a terrible blogger. The past two months have flown by, and internet has been quite sketchy along the way.
There is now less than a week left until I will be moving out of the house in which I have been living and au pairing. It has been a joy to live here. The family is lovely, so easy to get along with and so nice. I get along well with the other kids, and I think that Pippi, who is the two-year-old I have been caring for, finally has grown a bit attached to me. In the beginning she would say 'Lips' for my name instead of 'Liz.' Next it was 'Lits.' Finally after about a month she started called me 'Liz,' and now Lips is just a running joke.
Additionally I am still working at the Glenmore Hotel. I really enjoy working there and have quite a laugh with my workmates, we often go out for drinks after finishing work. I feel very lucky to have landed a job that I enjoy so much, as well as one that pays double what I was making in the US (although it must be kept in mind that everything is much more expensive here).
I must admit that the past two months have not been particularly out of the ordinary, and that most of my time and energy has been spent working (about 25 hours a week at each job). Although I am extremely lucky to have two awesome jobs that I really enjoy, working so many hours a week has felt like it is cutting into my enjoyment of my time in Australia. So, although I am sad to stop au pairing, it will be refreshing to only have one job again, and to have more time for friends and enjoying summer!
Despite working so much for the past two months, I have gotten a few opportunities to do some special things that deserve noting.
A few weekends ago I went to Tasmania for four nights to visit my friend George, who has been studying abroad there for the past semester. This was an awesome opportunity to see a different part of Australia. I took the opportunity to get a Tasmanian driver license (because it is much easier to get than a New South Wales one- all I had to do was use George’s address), so now I can look like a real (fake) Aussie! I am excited to flash the ID back home. The Tasmanian Beer Festival was happening that weekend so we went to that and it was an enjoyable time. We also saw the New Pornographers play, which was fun.
In the beginning of October an opportunity arose to visit a developing sustainable community outside of Sydney. I thought it would be a nice way to do something different, and I found it refreshing to get into a different mindset, even if it was for a short amount of time. The community’s name is White Gums and it was their opening ceremony, to celebrate the birth of the community whose vision has been in the making for five years and running. There was a spiritual ceremony which used techniques learned from Australian Aboriginal tribes. It was also a nice opportunity to talk to people about spirituality, and general questions that are difficult to bring up during typical city living.
There are many plans going through my head as to when I will leave Sydney and where I will go next. Being here, I am in the mindset that anything truly is possible. Anywhere in the world could be the next destination, and possibilities for the future are endless, not just in terms of travels in the near future, but life in general.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Day 89
It has been quite a while since I have updated. A few weeks ago I got a new job in the bar at the Glenmore Hotel (www.glenmorerooftophotel.com.au), a pub in an area of Sydney called the Rocks. It is literally right next to the Harbour Bridge. Also, there is a bar on the rooftop which has amazing views of the city and Opera House (http://www.functionsandevents.com.au/glenmorerooftop-rooms.html). I am pretty much in paradise now on the job front, not to mention the pay is much better than where I was previously working, and the atmosphere is a lot less sketchy.
I have been living in the Rooftop Travelers Lodge for a month and a half now, and will finally be moving out the week after next. A friend of mine from Germany is an au pair at the moment but will be going back home so I am going to take her place. The house is in Edgecliff, which is just ten minutes from the city by train. I will get my own bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and entrance in the bottom level of the house. Free rent, many free meals, and a few hundred in cash a week all for just 25 hours a week of nannying. My main job will be watching over a 2-year-old named Pippi, although the family has four other kids, ages 9, 11, 15 and 16. It's a great deal, and I can't wait to start. I'll work there and at the Glenmore until the beginning of December, and then move elsewhere and work only at the Glenmore until around March, when I will begin traveling around.
Overall I am having a fantastic time here. The weather has been amazing the past few days and it's only going to get better from here on out. Although I must admit I am nervous for summer since I am not used to hot weather.
Once I move to Edgecliff my laptop will be sent over from the US and I will have internet access all the time, and won't have to share with anyone. My living atmosphere will be a lot more relaxing, so hopefully the opportunity to update the blog will present itself more often. Cheers to everyone back home and sorry that I am such a terrible blogger!
I have been living in the Rooftop Travelers Lodge for a month and a half now, and will finally be moving out the week after next. A friend of mine from Germany is an au pair at the moment but will be going back home so I am going to take her place. The house is in Edgecliff, which is just ten minutes from the city by train. I will get my own bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and entrance in the bottom level of the house. Free rent, many free meals, and a few hundred in cash a week all for just 25 hours a week of nannying. My main job will be watching over a 2-year-old named Pippi, although the family has four other kids, ages 9, 11, 15 and 16. It's a great deal, and I can't wait to start. I'll work there and at the Glenmore until the beginning of December, and then move elsewhere and work only at the Glenmore until around March, when I will begin traveling around.
Overall I am having a fantastic time here. The weather has been amazing the past few days and it's only going to get better from here on out. Although I must admit I am nervous for summer since I am not used to hot weather.
Once I move to Edgecliff my laptop will be sent over from the US and I will have internet access all the time, and won't have to share with anyone. My living atmosphere will be a lot more relaxing, so hopefully the opportunity to update the blog will present itself more often. Cheers to everyone back home and sorry that I am such a terrible blogger!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 45
I have now been in Australia for a month and a half and am starting to figure things out and settle a bit. I stopped couchsurfing a few days ago, and am now living at the Rooftop Travellers Lounge, a hostel in a neighborhood ("suburb") called Glebe. As nice as it would be to live in a house or apartment, the prices are ridiculous. So I am going to stay here for the next six weeks and then reevaluate the situation.
My original plan for this trip was to begin traveling around Australia at the beginning of October, shortly after my friend Hana from Germany arrives here. This would allow for us to do a substantial amount of traveling before being able to return home mid-December. However, I am finding that I have spent a lot of the money I came with (nearly everything is much more expensive here than back home) and am not making more at a fast enough rate to be able to do those sort of travels so soon. Furthermore, the 12 month visa I am here on can only be granted once in a life time, so I am realising that I should take full advantage of it. What does it matter if I gratuate from college/uni later than expected? I am young.
Thus, I am hoping for Hana to come much later and to get the opportunity to work in Sydney for at least six months, in which time I can save up a ridiculous amount of money for doing major travels around Australia, New Zealand, and all over Asia. However, nothing is certain yet so at this point I can't say I have any idea what the future holds. But I would like to stay in Australia longer than I originally planned.
As far as the job front goes, I got certification to be able to work in a bar, because as a bartender the wages are quite high. I started working this week at the Broadway Lounge, a cafe/restaurant/bar which is not far from where I am living. However, since I am just working the floor waiting tables and such, the pay is not what I desire, so I am seeking other options as well. But it is a good start for now, and I can at least live on what I am making there. Also it is a lot of fun and my co-workers are friendly.
Now, some random cultural differences I have found to be interesting:
* It is illegal to not vote in Australia, and you can be fined about US$100 if you don't vote
* You have to flag down busses, otherwise they may not stop
* Street signs are not on every block (this has caused me much confusion)
* Australia is the world's least densly populated country, with a population density of just two people per square kilometer
* Prostitution is legal and brothels are regulated in New South Wales, and there are escort ads in newspapers
* Use of the 'n' word is not uncommon among people my age
* In general, people are much more relaxed and chilled out here compared to back in the US. For example, there is less of a feeling of being rushed for time, people aren't as quick to get mad when you make a mistake, people generally seem more friendly, etc.
Comments, questions, feel free!
My original plan for this trip was to begin traveling around Australia at the beginning of October, shortly after my friend Hana from Germany arrives here. This would allow for us to do a substantial amount of traveling before being able to return home mid-December. However, I am finding that I have spent a lot of the money I came with (nearly everything is much more expensive here than back home) and am not making more at a fast enough rate to be able to do those sort of travels so soon. Furthermore, the 12 month visa I am here on can only be granted once in a life time, so I am realising that I should take full advantage of it. What does it matter if I gratuate from college/uni later than expected? I am young.
Thus, I am hoping for Hana to come much later and to get the opportunity to work in Sydney for at least six months, in which time I can save up a ridiculous amount of money for doing major travels around Australia, New Zealand, and all over Asia. However, nothing is certain yet so at this point I can't say I have any idea what the future holds. But I would like to stay in Australia longer than I originally planned.
As far as the job front goes, I got certification to be able to work in a bar, because as a bartender the wages are quite high. I started working this week at the Broadway Lounge, a cafe/restaurant/bar which is not far from where I am living. However, since I am just working the floor waiting tables and such, the pay is not what I desire, so I am seeking other options as well. But it is a good start for now, and I can at least live on what I am making there. Also it is a lot of fun and my co-workers are friendly.
Now, some random cultural differences I have found to be interesting:
* It is illegal to not vote in Australia, and you can be fined about US$100 if you don't vote
* You have to flag down busses, otherwise they may not stop
* Street signs are not on every block (this has caused me much confusion)
* Australia is the world's least densly populated country, with a population density of just two people per square kilometer
* Prostitution is legal and brothels are regulated in New South Wales, and there are escort ads in newspapers
* Use of the 'n' word is not uncommon among people my age
* In general, people are much more relaxed and chilled out here compared to back in the US. For example, there is less of a feeling of being rushed for time, people aren't as quick to get mad when you make a mistake, people generally seem more friendly, etc.
Comments, questions, feel free!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Jillaroo Training, Things Fall into Place (Perhaps)
Last week I went to a 5-day Jackaroo/Jillaroo School called Leconfield to learn how to be an Australian cowgirl. This required taking a six hour train ride out to Tamworth, where I stayed at a hostel for a night before and after the school. Most of the other students and I were picked up from the hostel and driven to the school in a small bus. Leconfield is an hour drive from Tamworth, much of it on dirt roads, and to get to the farm we had to literally drive through a creek.
At the school there were about 15 other students, about 3/4 foreigners (all European except for myself and a Japanese girl) and 3/4 female. Most of the students were in their 20's, although there was a father and 8-year-old son. Some people had experience with horses or farms, but there were also plenty like myself with not much experience. It was not my first time riding a horse, but I had not done so in about ten years, so I was rather nervous at first. My horse was named Swappie, and even by the end of the week I'm not sure she liked me much. My two worst fears were getting kicked by a horse or falling off, neither of which happened but both of which I witnessed.
We spent a fair amount of time horseback riding which was quite fun. On horseback we mustered (gathered) and herded cattle and sheep, as well as played games. We had a lot of activities with both sheep and cows. Some of my favorite parts of the week were wrestling a sheep (alone) and a calf (with a partner). Also witnessed a sheep get its throat slit and then be skinned (which I helped with, I never thought I would get the opportunity to stick my hand in a dead sheep!) and butchered. We also sheared (shaved) a sheep, and there is a video on Facebook of me doing this. As for cows, watched one get branded, tagged (in one ear, the other ear got the corner cut off), and the balls cut off, or more literally squeezed out. It was disgusting, but fascinating.
Other highlights of the week were playing games and hanging out at night. Some of the games we played reminded me that there are some distinct differences between the US and Australia, mainly how 'uptight' Americans are. Example: a game called pink pig. We were in a circle around the campfire, and a pig stuffed animal was passed around. Everyone kissed the pig on a body part that had not been said yet. After that, we went around the circle in the opposite direction, and kissed the person next to us on the body part that we said. If either person refused to do it, they had to either do a naked run or blow bubbles in a bathtub that the dogs and pig drink out of and bathe in. The body part that the guy next to me chose was the ass... I cannot imagine this going down in the States.
Natural horsemanship was emphasized a lot during the week. This means making it more comfortable for the horse to do what you want, rather than forcing it. I liked this approach. We also learned about caring for horses, shoeing and saddlery. Other classic jackaroo/jillaroo activities were practiced, such as lassoing and whip cracking. So much fun!
I've been back from Leconfield for a few days now, back to Sydney and couchsurfing. Things are appearing to begin to fall into place. A few days before Leconfield I was at Sydney Harbour and a friend saw a hiring sign at a cafe on the wharf. I talked to the manager and dropped by a resume the next day, and he said that a trial shift would be arranged. I never got a phone call, but went in after coming back from jillaroo school. Arranged a (paid) trial shift which was yesterday. It went pretty well, and they said they would "most likely" call me in the next week or two about permanent shifts. I really hope it works out. The pay isn't great (AU$12/hour US$10.50 after taxes, which sounds good compared to the States but is about as low as you can get here) but it's not too difficult or stressful and the people seem nice. Also the location is amazing, it's very close to the Opera House and between that and the Harbour Bridge.
Comments and questions encouraged. Apologies about being slow to update, I will try to be quicker from now on.
Photos of first week in Australia: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=459064id=719590246&l=3c221f1150
And Leconfield: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=459084&id=719590246&l=eb708367bb
At the school there were about 15 other students, about 3/4 foreigners (all European except for myself and a Japanese girl) and 3/4 female. Most of the students were in their 20's, although there was a father and 8-year-old son. Some people had experience with horses or farms, but there were also plenty like myself with not much experience. It was not my first time riding a horse, but I had not done so in about ten years, so I was rather nervous at first. My horse was named Swappie, and even by the end of the week I'm not sure she liked me much. My two worst fears were getting kicked by a horse or falling off, neither of which happened but both of which I witnessed.
We spent a fair amount of time horseback riding which was quite fun. On horseback we mustered (gathered) and herded cattle and sheep, as well as played games. We had a lot of activities with both sheep and cows. Some of my favorite parts of the week were wrestling a sheep (alone) and a calf (with a partner). Also witnessed a sheep get its throat slit and then be skinned (which I helped with, I never thought I would get the opportunity to stick my hand in a dead sheep!) and butchered. We also sheared (shaved) a sheep, and there is a video on Facebook of me doing this. As for cows, watched one get branded, tagged (in one ear, the other ear got the corner cut off), and the balls cut off, or more literally squeezed out. It was disgusting, but fascinating.
Other highlights of the week were playing games and hanging out at night. Some of the games we played reminded me that there are some distinct differences between the US and Australia, mainly how 'uptight' Americans are. Example: a game called pink pig. We were in a circle around the campfire, and a pig stuffed animal was passed around. Everyone kissed the pig on a body part that had not been said yet. After that, we went around the circle in the opposite direction, and kissed the person next to us on the body part that we said. If either person refused to do it, they had to either do a naked run or blow bubbles in a bathtub that the dogs and pig drink out of and bathe in. The body part that the guy next to me chose was the ass... I cannot imagine this going down in the States.
Natural horsemanship was emphasized a lot during the week. This means making it more comfortable for the horse to do what you want, rather than forcing it. I liked this approach. We also learned about caring for horses, shoeing and saddlery. Other classic jackaroo/jillaroo activities were practiced, such as lassoing and whip cracking. So much fun!
I've been back from Leconfield for a few days now, back to Sydney and couchsurfing. Things are appearing to begin to fall into place. A few days before Leconfield I was at Sydney Harbour and a friend saw a hiring sign at a cafe on the wharf. I talked to the manager and dropped by a resume the next day, and he said that a trial shift would be arranged. I never got a phone call, but went in after coming back from jillaroo school. Arranged a (paid) trial shift which was yesterday. It went pretty well, and they said they would "most likely" call me in the next week or two about permanent shifts. I really hope it works out. The pay isn't great (AU$12/hour US$10.50 after taxes, which sounds good compared to the States but is about as low as you can get here) but it's not too difficult or stressful and the people seem nice. Also the location is amazing, it's very close to the Opera House and between that and the Harbour Bridge.
Comments and questions encouraged. Apologies about being slow to update, I will try to be quicker from now on.
Photos of first week in Australia: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=459064id=719590246&l=3c221f1150
And Leconfield: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=459084&id=719590246&l=eb708367bb
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Couchsurfing Begins
In my last post I said I didn't know if this would ever feel "real," and I was given the answer to that rather quickly. On day four reality hit me like a sack of bricks to the face, and I was overcome with negative feelings about being alone in a foreign country with no "real" plan. However, the upside of the emotional rollercoaster that is living abroad is that positive feelings are never too far away. After a day of feeling completely overwhelmed, I was soon back to being on top and absolutely stoked to be here.
I started couchsurfing on Saturday and have had the best experiences. My first hosts Kim, Nick and Chris live in Annandale, which is in Sydney's Inner West. They were incredibly welcoming, took me out to a variety of bars around the city, and overall showed me a great time. On the 4th of July I made them sloppy joes, and although there was no sloppy joe sauce or mix at the supermarket, they turned out quite well. I was surprised and pleased. After three nights there I came to the people I am currently staying with. Em, Jonah, Sam and Tommy, two of them are Australia natives, while one is from Scotland and another from Ireland. Again, I am having a great time and they are incredibly welcoming. I have also met up with several couchsurfers just to hang out, all positive experiences. I am a huge fan of couchsurfing!
I've done most of the typical Sydney tourist activities, at least the ones that don't cost a bunch of money. I took the (free) ferry to Cockatoo Island the other day for an art exhibit, that was pretty cool. Yesterday I tried to do the 6km coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach but a little over halfway it started raining and I got drenched. A bit of a downer, but it was still fun.
Today the weather was crappy again so I went to the Powerhouse Museum. It was awesome. I learned a lot of random things, like what it's like to be an astronaut in space. Some fun facts... Food has to be "glued" to eating utensils with sticky sauces, and drinks are sucked from valved plastic bag-like containers. Chairs aren't needed, but there are restraints to stop astronauts from floating away. Being 350 km (about 215 miles) above Earth, they can catch 16 sunsets and sunrises in 24 hours. Astronauts grow taller in space, because weightlessness allows the spine to relax and stretch. However, more blood flows to their heads, which creates "moon faces" and chicken legs. I'm fascinated by what day to day life is like in space... They have to exercise for two hours a day because muscles deteriorate quickly without having to work against gravity, and afterwards perspiration is vacuumed off because it sticks to skin. They don't take showers, but use wet towels, sponges, and non-rise dry shampoo. There are toilets (bizarre ones), but during liftoff, landing and spacewalks they wear disposable "nappies" (haha).
I've been eager to try some Australian foods and got to try vegemite yesterday. As expected, I didn't like it. Very salty and a taste I'm not used to. Haven't gotten the chance to try kangaroo or anything else typical Ozzie yet, but will defnitely be doing so at some point.
Overall, having a great time in Australia so far. On Sunday I'm heading off on a six hour train ride to Tamworth for Jillaroo School. I'm quite excited for it, should be something completely different and I'll definitely be learning lots. If you'd like to check out the itinerary and website you can do so here: http://www.leconfield.com/itinerary.html.
Note the slight address change on the last post, turns out I've been giving out the wrong locked bag number for a while... Damn.
Going to post some pictures on Facebook in the next couple days, which I'll give a link to on here. Hope everyone is doing well overseas.
I started couchsurfing on Saturday and have had the best experiences. My first hosts Kim, Nick and Chris live in Annandale, which is in Sydney's Inner West. They were incredibly welcoming, took me out to a variety of bars around the city, and overall showed me a great time. On the 4th of July I made them sloppy joes, and although there was no sloppy joe sauce or mix at the supermarket, they turned out quite well. I was surprised and pleased. After three nights there I came to the people I am currently staying with. Em, Jonah, Sam and Tommy, two of them are Australia natives, while one is from Scotland and another from Ireland. Again, I am having a great time and they are incredibly welcoming. I have also met up with several couchsurfers just to hang out, all positive experiences. I am a huge fan of couchsurfing!
I've done most of the typical Sydney tourist activities, at least the ones that don't cost a bunch of money. I took the (free) ferry to Cockatoo Island the other day for an art exhibit, that was pretty cool. Yesterday I tried to do the 6km coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach but a little over halfway it started raining and I got drenched. A bit of a downer, but it was still fun.
Today the weather was crappy again so I went to the Powerhouse Museum. It was awesome. I learned a lot of random things, like what it's like to be an astronaut in space. Some fun facts... Food has to be "glued" to eating utensils with sticky sauces, and drinks are sucked from valved plastic bag-like containers. Chairs aren't needed, but there are restraints to stop astronauts from floating away. Being 350 km (about 215 miles) above Earth, they can catch 16 sunsets and sunrises in 24 hours. Astronauts grow taller in space, because weightlessness allows the spine to relax and stretch. However, more blood flows to their heads, which creates "moon faces" and chicken legs. I'm fascinated by what day to day life is like in space... They have to exercise for two hours a day because muscles deteriorate quickly without having to work against gravity, and afterwards perspiration is vacuumed off because it sticks to skin. They don't take showers, but use wet towels, sponges, and non-rise dry shampoo. There are toilets (bizarre ones), but during liftoff, landing and spacewalks they wear disposable "nappies" (haha).
I've been eager to try some Australian foods and got to try vegemite yesterday. As expected, I didn't like it. Very salty and a taste I'm not used to. Haven't gotten the chance to try kangaroo or anything else typical Ozzie yet, but will defnitely be doing so at some point.
Overall, having a great time in Australia so far. On Sunday I'm heading off on a six hour train ride to Tamworth for Jillaroo School. I'm quite excited for it, should be something completely different and I'll definitely be learning lots. If you'd like to check out the itinerary and website you can do so here: http://www.leconfield.com/itinerary.html.
Note the slight address change on the last post, turns out I've been giving out the wrong locked bag number for a while... Damn.
Going to post some pictures on Facebook in the next couple days, which I'll give a link to on here. Hope everyone is doing well overseas.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
First Days!
After a full day of traveling, I finally arrived in Sydney yesterday. The flights were good, had two short layovers in Vancouver, BC and Auckland, New Zealand. The flight across the Pacific was 14 hours, and I must say it was about as good as a flight of that length could be. There were many empty seats on the plane, including the seat next to me. This made the flight much more comfortable, I could stretch out my legs, use two pillows and two blankets, put stuff on the seat, etc. I slept for almost half of the flight, and watched movies and listened to music the rest of the time. I flew Air New Zealand, which was really cool. They had a lot of welcome videos about cities in New Zealand and Australia so I got some good information. There was also an extensive music library, and I got to hear some good Kiwi music.
Upon arrival at about 10 am I checked in at the hostel and then spent the rest of the day exploring Sydney and getting stuff set up. Activated my bank account and got an ATM card, everything was very easy to set up and all of the people I have encountered have been incredibly friendly and helpful, even when I ask questions which have obvious answers. I walked around a bunch, got the beginnings of some blisters but I can't be bothered by anything, I'm too excited to be here! Although it doesn't really feel real, and I'm not sure it ever will.
After having a very active day, I went back to the hostel around 7 and was completely exhausted. I'd meant to at least go down to the hostel's bar for some drinks and to meet people, but by the time I was sitting on my bed I couldn't muster up the energy, plus it seemed like a good idea to rest up for today and tonight. So I went to bed at about 8 last night and slept for over 12 hours. Hopefully that will help to beat jet lag.
This morning I had orientation with my work abroad program, IEP. Quite informational, learned a bunch about Australia and finding a job and accommodation. As much as I love Sydney and city life, I think that I am going to do something different and get out of the city to connect more with Aussie culture. IEP gave me some information about a Jackaroo and Jillaroo School in Leconfield, where you can become an Australian cowgirl or cowboy. It's five days, kind of expensive, but afterwards it's very easy to find a job. The jobs are well-paying, and it would be living on a farm with free or cheap accommodation. I love cities, but I'm in Australia to try something new! Plus, I could probably live about an hour from a city, so it would be easy to get away from the countryside for a weekend.
The weather yesterday was really nice! It was sunny all day, about 10C/50F. People kept saying how it was so "cold." This is winter? What a joke! Yesterday was nicer than most of Seattle's "summer" days have been! Today it is typical Seattle weather: overcast. I feel right at home.
Some initial thoughts on differences between here and the US... There seems to be a lot more trust of people here than in the US, I guess would be the best way to put it. An example, at Darling Harbor on the water, there were no rails or anything to prevent people from just jumping into the harbor. I cannot imagine seeing that in the US. Also, when I was setting up my bank account, the computer screen the woman helping me was using was faced so that I could see her putting all of the information in, and when she walked away to do something there was nothing to prevent me from messing with the computer. It might seem like a small difference, but it gives much more of a feel of trust, respect, and I suppose responsibility than you get in the US. Americans are known for being "stupid," and in many ways I think in the US people are treated as if they are stupid. Perhaps this is just because if a harbor in the US wasn't blocked off so that people couldn't jump in, lawsuits would be thrown around immediately. Are Americans "stupid" because they are raised to be that way/treated as they are stupid? I ponder the causation of the relationship. But who knows, maybe I'm just simplifying and overgeneralizing.
Much excitement about the coming days, huge Couchsurfing monthly party tonight, and I start surfing couches tomorrow night. Now I'm off to set up my cell phone, apply for a library card, and check out the Opera House!
Comments? Questions? Random thoughts? Do share!
Write to me, I will write back!
c/o IEP, Locked Bag 5065
Sydney South, NSW 1235
Australia
Australian mobile number: +61 410154460
To call from USA dial: 011 61 410154460
Upon arrival at about 10 am I checked in at the hostel and then spent the rest of the day exploring Sydney and getting stuff set up. Activated my bank account and got an ATM card, everything was very easy to set up and all of the people I have encountered have been incredibly friendly and helpful, even when I ask questions which have obvious answers. I walked around a bunch, got the beginnings of some blisters but I can't be bothered by anything, I'm too excited to be here! Although it doesn't really feel real, and I'm not sure it ever will.
After having a very active day, I went back to the hostel around 7 and was completely exhausted. I'd meant to at least go down to the hostel's bar for some drinks and to meet people, but by the time I was sitting on my bed I couldn't muster up the energy, plus it seemed like a good idea to rest up for today and tonight. So I went to bed at about 8 last night and slept for over 12 hours. Hopefully that will help to beat jet lag.
This morning I had orientation with my work abroad program, IEP. Quite informational, learned a bunch about Australia and finding a job and accommodation. As much as I love Sydney and city life, I think that I am going to do something different and get out of the city to connect more with Aussie culture. IEP gave me some information about a Jackaroo and Jillaroo School in Leconfield, where you can become an Australian cowgirl or cowboy. It's five days, kind of expensive, but afterwards it's very easy to find a job. The jobs are well-paying, and it would be living on a farm with free or cheap accommodation. I love cities, but I'm in Australia to try something new! Plus, I could probably live about an hour from a city, so it would be easy to get away from the countryside for a weekend.
The weather yesterday was really nice! It was sunny all day, about 10C/50F. People kept saying how it was so "cold." This is winter? What a joke! Yesterday was nicer than most of Seattle's "summer" days have been! Today it is typical Seattle weather: overcast. I feel right at home.
Some initial thoughts on differences between here and the US... There seems to be a lot more trust of people here than in the US, I guess would be the best way to put it. An example, at Darling Harbor on the water, there were no rails or anything to prevent people from just jumping into the harbor. I cannot imagine seeing that in the US. Also, when I was setting up my bank account, the computer screen the woman helping me was using was faced so that I could see her putting all of the information in, and when she walked away to do something there was nothing to prevent me from messing with the computer. It might seem like a small difference, but it gives much more of a feel of trust, respect, and I suppose responsibility than you get in the US. Americans are known for being "stupid," and in many ways I think in the US people are treated as if they are stupid. Perhaps this is just because if a harbor in the US wasn't blocked off so that people couldn't jump in, lawsuits would be thrown around immediately. Are Americans "stupid" because they are raised to be that way/treated as they are stupid? I ponder the causation of the relationship. But who knows, maybe I'm just simplifying and overgeneralizing.
Much excitement about the coming days, huge Couchsurfing monthly party tonight, and I start surfing couches tomorrow night. Now I'm off to set up my cell phone, apply for a library card, and check out the Opera House!
Comments? Questions? Random thoughts? Do share!
Write to me, I will write back!
c/o IEP, Locked Bag 5065
Sydney South, NSW 1235
Australia
Australian mobile number: +61 410154460
To call from USA dial: 011 61 410154460
Monday, June 28, 2010
Departure
Hello everyone,
There is now just one day before my journey begins and I leave for Australia. I will be going on a working holiday visa to live and work in Australia for four months and then travel for two months to New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea. I will be updating this blog as much as I can about my adventures abroad and cultural learnings. All I ask of those that read it is to keep an open mind, as I plan on trying a wide variety of new things. Comments are welcome, feedback is appreciated!
There is now just one day before my journey begins and I leave for Australia. I will be going on a working holiday visa to live and work in Australia for four months and then travel for two months to New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea. I will be updating this blog as much as I can about my adventures abroad and cultural learnings. All I ask of those that read it is to keep an open mind, as I plan on trying a wide variety of new things. Comments are welcome, feedback is appreciated!
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