list

-Maddie's bday/tav
-EC sale, walked all the way from Stockies to the River
-Rach's riverside bbq (cross the dam)
-Went snorkeling at Maggie
EXTREMELY beautiful
went hiking/scrambling around, snorkeling
saw heaps of fish, squid (inked S), a shark, purple hermit
-Kata's Birthday
another rainbow cake (and butter fiasco)
-night market

Platypus

Yesterday I went searching for platypus up at Paluma with two friends in the avo. The ride up there was incredibly breath taking. At first, it seemed as if it was your classic "I'm going to the Australian outback" deal where there were tall golden grasses on a long paved road. The cruiser we were in helped with that effect.

Then we hit the rainforest. It was the most lush, green, and wet place I have ever been. Its like walking through the NY Botanical Gardens or some exhibit at the Bronx Zoo. Vines, trees, plants - emerald. Some of the trees looked like they were wearing camo gettups (as if it were printed on exactly). The road was winding and narrow, making the ride much more fun. We made a few stops at some waterfalls and to just go for short walks. I couldn't believe I was doing this on a Tuesday afternoon. In Binghamton, well, not much goes on Tuesday (seeing as I usually get out of class at 7/8pm). We got to see a lot of birds, including the really awesome Chowchillas. The calls of all the birds were pretty incredible too.

We made our way up to a river with a bridge and got out for our search. We sat. For a while. Time waiting wasn't bad at all though. We located a bunch of birds - mostly yellow throated honeyeaters and maybe a golden whistler (it was some extremely yellow bird. Beautiful).

One of my friends finally spotted a platypus, though I couldn't see it all too well - and by that I mean I couldn't see it at all. Just a splash. We waited around a bit more, as I felt slightly discouraged that it would be the only one there. However, with a bit of luck, she found another one on the other side of the bridge that I got to see for a bit before it ducked under the water again. I reckon they're pretty amazing animals - they're up there on Rayna's Favorite list. They are about 40-50cm with spurs on their hind legs (M have a poisonous one), they forage underwater with closed eyes and ears (just relying on electrosensory nerves in their beaks), their legs are attached laterally instead of beneath (like a dog/other mammals), and they're monotremes (lay eggs, also have no nipples so the milk just collects in fur pockets as young lap it up).

I really wish I had the time to just learn random facts about all these animals. Even ones in the States. I'm jealous of my friend who kept on spewing out random facts or identifying the animals we saw yesterday.

On the way back to the cruiser we saw a battong - he was a cute little guy. The drive home was absolutely crazy. First of all, we hit a bat. We tried going back to see if it was ok, but it was nowhere in sight (good, if it flew away - bad if it was on the side in the leaf litter). Second, and most "crazy" was the amount of fog! It was incredibly hard to see out of the windshield (even though now it had less bug splats from driving through huge puddles), and remember - roads were extremely curved. An adventure to say the least.

We dropped one of my friends off and then I got dinner at Nando's with the other. We headed back to his place where his housemate was coming home from a huge trip up north. It was awesome to see all of his photos - I'm jealous that there aren't so many research trips and volunteer options up at Binghamton. I definitely like the way they run things at JCU. I'm also jealous of my friend going to WA for 3 whole weeks for another research project, surveying dingos. They're all doing their masters, but seem to be having the time of their lives with each other and doing the things they love (like making a random day trip to look for platypus).

I would like to travel around Australia more, see more animals, do what I did yesterday and what my friends here do.

One day maybe.

Please don't goat I still see snow

This weekend was At Home - so I just helped a few of my friends get ready. Made two masks for my friends and did the whole girly deal (did hair etc). I think I'm going to really miss this next semester. It will be a big switch from 20 girls on my floor to 9 boys in a house. I'm also starting to realize who I should have spent more time with this semester. I absolutely love the girls here.



Old update from last weekend - went seine netting with a friend and this grad student that needed volunteers. It was pretty cool walking around the marshes and doing field work. I never thought I'd be that interested in research, though I'm not sure I'd focus mine on fish.


Everything else is pretty much just hanging out and doing lots of work. I have a lot of assignments due because this week coming up is MY LAST WEEK OF CLASS IN AUSTRALIA!

time goes by too quickly...

Struggle Town

It has clearly been a while - but my mind has been such a jumble lately that not writing down memories isn't a bad neglect. Anyway...Last weekend I went to another Cowboys game. It was a lot of fun, though they lost... again. Tough season hey. The better game was on Sunday. I went with a mate to support the Townsville women's field hockey (mostly my aussie mate). We made signs and cheered a lot, despite the fact that it was just a few parents there in the (not even) stands. One mom was impressed at our cheerleading abilities. I didn't go to Groovin' the Moo (huge concert... but its way more than a concert) but luckily we could hear it from the hockey fields!

The weekdays were pretty intense.

This weekend I went to Bludgers, though it was quite dead. I had fun dancing a bit though with some Paul's people for a little while. Met some new people, caught up with old... good times all around I suppose. [M.J/JB.G] Saturday I slacked off but ended up helping my mate with one of her projects. Fun times. Sunday a bunch of my mates went to the city market! It was pretty sweet! Lots of arts and crafts, food (cheap fruit/veggies), really awesome jewelry, glass pieces, sculptures, Margret dancing (constant high), henna, good music... and the list goes on! We stopped at Juliette's for icecream after - HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH - where I ran into this guy I got lost with on the Toomba trip. The rest of my mates left but I hung out with one of them at the Strand for a bit. We stopped by the uni to go to his office where the rodent they were observing had escaped! Drove back to his house and hung out with his housemates and saw his ... get this... (ok not cool sounding unless you're me) .. 2 pet rats, 6 chooks, 2 lizards, turtle, and two pythons! I WANT MY HOUSE TO BE LIKE THAT! We grabbed some Chinese and a beer just hung out the rest of the night. Definitely enjoyed my day the entire day!


2am - called home on Skype... pretty cool to see everyone!

I'm going seine netting on this coming Saturday and probably going to find PLATYPUS on Friday!!! Extremely excited about this... hope its not a let down though

I am currently awaiting nerve wracking news on two accounts. One for today and one for... who knows if it'll ever come. Yikes!
Plus - lots of work. Not looking forward to this.

Lecture recess in Australia

Headed out to Brisbane at 3am with the boys last Friday
Made our way to Stradbroke Island - down poured while waiting for the girls to arrive
Hung out at the most amazing beach ever for a few days - surfing etc (no sandboarding due to the rain)



Got home for one day and then headed to Toomba for a field trip
Spend 4 days camping, trapping/surveying animals

What is olive oil then? Wait. Don't answer that.

I went to the Cowboys game last night with my friend and 2 guys last night - definitely AWESOME! I'm not up to par with all the rules and I can't spit out random sports facts/stats like my friend, but I had an amazing time. I enjoy watching rugby a lot more than gridiron in fact! The stadium was quite small and the cheerleaders weren't very impressive, but let me tell you - the players are absolute beasts! They take on so many beatings (ie Thurston in the first 5 minutes - he may be sterile now, sadly) and its a lot of fun watching.

Open Water

2-5 April, 2010
Kalinda
Wheeler Reef, Yannke reef, Aims Bommie/Coil Reef, Knife’s Edge/Knife Reef green zone, Little Broadhurst – ALL GBR!
9 Open water dives, including 1 night dive

I have never had such an amazing experience in my life. Everything is put into perspective when you’re so far under.

Technicalities first, then about the awesome dives:

Friday night I got a ride with my friend to board the Kalinda with the JCUDC. After trying to locate the dock in the dark, we brought all of our (very heavy) gear aboard to the top deck and were shown our rooms. Everyone was bustling about and some were just chilling on the deck. I shared a room with my friend, down below at the bow. One of the crew asked if I got sea sick – I answered, “no probably not” – definitely unsure about that one. Anyway, the room was absolutely small, but it looked just like in the movies – over lapping bunk style beds with a tiny mirror and cabinet. I stupidly chose the top bunk, but more on that later. We soon joined the others upstairs and waited around for everyone to show up, and then get introduced to everyone. I knew 2 other people from the dive class, and the friend I came with (who has been diving since she was little – she lives on the floor above me at Uni). Most of the people there seemed to be either smoking or drinking, and I was sure that we were all with “the grown ups” judging on looks. I thought to myself: how is this going to work? I was slightly intimidated and not expecting to get close to any of them. We had a little briefing and a talk about the boat/dives etc. After that we were off with Castle Hill fading into the distance and all the lights were disappearing.

Sleeping
That first night I went to sleep in the little cubby of a bed with the air con on the “powerful” setting. Everything was fine as I drifted of into a swaying sleep. The waves were quite nice, rocking me back and forth. All of that until we started steaming – The Kalinda was taking off and the seas got rough. Next thing I knew, the air con broke and I felt myself having trouble breathing. I hated the rollercoaster of an ocean that we were on, I could only take shallow breaths, I was sweating everywhere, and held onto the sides of the bed for dear life. After trying to avoid stepping on my friend, I managed to open the door and get a very small amount of air. I got back into the bunk and had to keep reminding myself to calm down because I could feel my lungs panic, my heart race, and my stomach want to empty every and all of its contents. My friend and I had a plastic bag tucked in the bunk just in case, but luckily we didn’t have to use it.

The second night wasn’t as bad. Not seasick the rest of the trip actually! We got two little fans to use, but once again I found myself gasping for air in the middle of the night. I desperately needed more oxygen and less heat circulation. Top bunk allowed for the hot air from my body to travel about 6 inches and then circulate back down to me and heat back up. It also didn’t help that we were right next to the engine room.

The third and last night I couldn’t take it, so I slept in the gully with a bunch of other people. It was nice because there was fresh air traveling between the doors. I slept ok while everyone else was getting to bed. Middle of the night though, when the water was getting a bit more rough, I hear: THUD THUD THUD *CRASH* as this guy runs and falls into me from across the room, spilling his drink on me as he tried to brace himself from falling completely. Rude awakening. I could barely make out his face as he repeatedly apologized and walked away down the hall. He apologized again in the morning. Second and last time I woke up that night was in the morning when I had a huge cushion dropped onto my face from the guy trying to get his coffee from the station at the head where I was sleeping. Many apologies again. No worries mate. Best sleep I had any of those nights.

Food
Surprisingly good! Always had a vegetarian option, although there was no way I could have kept kosher for Passover. No big deal though. We woke up to a small breakfast at 4/5am, then after every dive we had a meal – which was pretty much 5 meals per day. Pancakes, fried eggs, (bacon), different cereals, nicely assorted fruits, yogurts, beautiful salads with avocado!, pastas, Asian styled noodles, homemade pasta/veg (meat) sauces, (steak), curry/rice, tofu patties, (burgers), potatoes, icecream, Tim Tams!, assorted candies/cakes, Easter eggs and some lollies from the other divers. Definitely loving the lollies in Australia.

People
30 in total, which includes crew. Apparently, I ended up on a boat with more Aussies than usual. One of the guys was telling me about how its mostly foreigners that go diving here since they seem to have more bank to spend and aren’t around the GBR all the time. I don’t care, its special to whoever goes and sees it. I don’t think I could ever get sick of it. One of the 3 couples I really liked – definitely the friendliest and most interesting to talk to. They were both very caring and welcomed me to dive with them once I was certified. Incredibly funny. The husband found me my first shark and gave me a huge list of music he thought I’d like. Whoever I end up marrying, I hope we have a relationship just like them. They were quite inspiring with all the activities they do together and how they interacted (jokingly, seriously, lovingly, everything) but they were not sickening whatsoever. There was also a vet on board that I talked to for a while about vet schools. Maybe I’ll be going to Melbourne for vet school. We’ll see. Highschool sweethearts, lots of French speaking people including my friend’s dive buddy who was an absolute sweetheart, a guy with the bluest eyes I have ever seen, crazy JCUDC crew, INSANE captain, awkwardly funny diver, an older diver with a gigantic camera, this woman I hope to grow up and be exactly like (haha), awesome dive buddy that appreciated my sense of humor, and of course having my friend from A2 was quite enjoyable. Everyone was incredibly polite and helpful the whole time. My first nervous impression was not at all accurate. I’m so glad it turned out the way that it did.

Various
Getting my sea legs took a while. People offered me drinks but I turned them down because I wasn’t really able to walk straight anyway. It was hard to stabilize in the bathrooms – even if to brush my teeth only! Showers were just nozzles in the wall of the bathroom which was kinda cool. Showers the whole room. We had to take short showers – aka rinses. I didn’t mind. Spent most of my time in the water anyway. A bunch of times after dives people would jump into the water and swim around. I proudly jumped off the top deck after collecting my nerves (heights scare me quite a lot). Second jump I tried doing a split but didn’t grab my nose correctly and water went up my nose and through my throat/ear. Quite painful.

THE DIVES
The first 4 dives were certification dives, though the very first one didn’t have any skills tested. Honestly, a lot of the dives blurred together into a huge amalgam of amazingness. I don’t think I can accurately describe the way I felt when I first reach the bottom on that very first dive. The sand was white and fine, I felt weightless, and I swear they put something in that cool air I was breathing. Pool dives absolutely do NOT compare to this.

The first thing I saw was a sea cucumber. I was surprised at the size – I have only seen little ones before. We saw a bunch of brightly colored nudibranchs, huge schools of fish, barracuda, 2 spotted lagoon rays, a lizard fish eating a polychaete, millions of parrot fish, little blue fish, wrasse, giant clams (and when I say giant, I mean it), and so many other things. The clams were particularly gorgeous with their blue-green iridescent stripes. Many divers have died since its quite easy to get their arm stuck inside. Once it’s in, it won’t come out. If you stroke the outside “lip” they quiver and shut abruptly. The clams and sea cucumbers felt really cool (glad the cucumber didn’t eviscerate though).

The most overwhelming thing at this point was the massive amounts of life. There were so many corals, sponges, and animals. I never could have imagined, even after watching movies/documentaries and seeing photos. It is definitely different when you live it.

The second dive I saw black anemone fish (first of many anemone fish), butterfly fish and a green sea turtle. It was here that I realized how well this was supplementing my marine bio courses. I won’t go into it since its probably too nerdy at the moment. By the third dive, my buddy and I were fed up with the instructor and other guy getting his cert seeing all the sharks while we missed them. I wanted to see one so bad! On the 5th dive, I went with this guy I mentioned earlier, and we went through a swim through and once we popped out on the other side, there it was! A gray reef shark! He turned around and shook both his hands up in a gesture of accomplishment. Big highlight of my dives. I was pretty stoked after that to see them on the night dives and at the Yongala, since many are prevalent there. I was really keen on seeing some bull sharks or by chance a guitar shark, or even a black or white tip shark.

The 7th dive was a night dive. I didn’t see much but it was pretty awesome using the glow sticks and torches under water. It was quite eerie as you could imagine. I was nervous beforehand, when I was waiting around on the first night dive (the 3 of us couldn’t go since we weren’t certified). It was fine once we all got in and under. I saw a lot of coral and fish – I was sad that I didn’t see any sharks. There were also lots of shrimp popping in and out of the corals. My A2 buddy flipped me off at 13m below – just a funny mention. Got to do some glow stringing later on at the top deck.

Some other stuff I saw on the dives included but was not limited to: sea feathers, many unidentifiable and brightly colored fish, surgeon fish, basket stars, polycarpa aurata, spikey fish, cardinal fish, trevally schools, frogh fish, lizard fish, royal dotty back, canthais, chromis wrasse, threadfin butterfly, longfin/schooling banner fish, long nose butterfly fish/long nosed unicorn fish, gastropods of all sorts (spider shells), regal angelfish, orange banded coral fish, pipefish/smooth flutemouth, threadfin butterfly fish, 5 banded wrasse, baby anemone fish in anemones, harlequin wrasse, barramundi cod (endangered), GIGANTIC CRAYFISH (antenna the size of my arms!), sea stars – Choriaster granulates and Linckia laevigata, Chinese grouper, humbug dacyllus, goldtail demoiselle, twotone chromis, moon wrasse, goby, blennies, speckled sandperch, fire corals, pocillopora, stylophora, montipora, anacropora, goriopora, alveopora, fungia, symphillia, tubinara, seafan/euplexaura, polyclad flatworm, oxycomanthus bennetti, and baby crabs.

From the boat I saw 3 sea snakes (yellow/orange), lots of squid at night. While heading to Aims, I saw a flying fish – which I was confused with at first since it looked like a giant dragonfly in the middle of the ocean. There were also about 6 dolphins playing in the waves at the bow of the boat for about 15-20 minutes. It was such a great sight to see!

One of the dives, we went over a huge coral crest and when we got over the top there was nothing but infinite blue in every direction. It was a weird feeling, as if I was falling off a cliff into nothingness, but we floated downwards alongside the wall. Much of diving felt like I was flying next to huge mountains.
The last dive was pretty cool. Since we didn’t end up going to the Yongala (don’t get me started on that), we went to Little Broadhurst. It didn’t have many colorful corals (but it made the bright blue sea stars stand out), but was absolutely gorgeous as the sun rose and light hit the water and rays shone down on the sea floor. Picture perfect.

It has almost been 24 hours since I got off the boat. I’m still feeling the rocking motion of the waves when I walk or even while I sit here writing this. It is enjoyable. I’m also still feeling that lasting internal smile knowing that this was one of the greatest moments in my life. Maybe it was just the initial fact of going diving for the first time, perhaps the combination of going for 3 days/9 dives the first chance I do go diving, but maybe it is just plain diving. I am definitely hooked and incredibly excited for the next time that I go. Who knows when that will be though? Soon?

Shazzam

I went to the Strand again today. It was a lot of fun to say the least. THERE WERE ACTUAL WAVES! ...and by actual waves I mean itsy bitsy ones that were just barely body-surfable. After climbing on the web and swimming I watched my friend and some of his friends do some breakdancing/gymnastics/parkour - it was quite entertaining. I really wish I could be more awesome (hah). The way home was a bit of an adventure, but I'd rather not post about that. Just ask me about the boot if you're curious. Nothing too epic though.



Went to Molly Malones tonight - Irish pub. That was another interesting addition to the day. It was an epic night on all accounts - good stories to not post on a blog haha. Interesting to watch though: people letting go and surprising you, magnetism, names, what qualifies as one day... etc

Five til Die

I went to the RSPCA yesterday with a friend to the volunteer’s orientation. It was extremely sad. The buildings are all run down except for the reception area. Parvo is being spread around, little puppies sticking their heads out of the cracks and fences, dogs coming up and wagging their tails at you just wanting to get out, to be petted, and to be loved. The kittens/cats seem to have it better. Maybe it’s in their nature – that they don’t have to depend on companionship as much as dogs, but I still think they need some TLC. I was surprised that there were so many puppies and kittens. I always figured they would be snatched up asap. They were back at home, but the demographics and peoples lifestyles here are different. Income is different. They had a section where dogs come in that people say “have been wandering around their neighborhood” which translates to “I have a dog that I don’t want anymore because I can’t afford it, I don’t have the space, its too much of a hassle, and I don’t want to pay the fee to drop off my own pet.” There were so many of them.

The real kicker: animals that come in, after being vaccinated/fixed/checked out and such, pass/fail a temperament test, and then are only given FIVE DAYS before they are euthanized. Think about it, you did absolutely NOTHING but love your caretakers – maybe piddle in the wrong spot occasionally – but your life is going to end because someone was just so careless and irresponsible. You are no longer going to exist because there isn’t enough care for you in a home, in a shelter, and definitely not on the streets. People wanted to bring you into the world for money, show, etc. and you’re just taken out with the push of a syringe.

I’ve only seen one euthanasia back in the states. It is a sad sight to have seen and definitely is one too many. This is the one thing I dread about going into veterinary medicine. Surgery is fine for me, at least I’m trying to keep them alive, and they have a fighting chance.
I hope I can work there. My friend decided that she won’t have enough time to put in the 4 hours. She said she’d drive me anyway and just go to some nearby place and do work while I’m there. Can I really accept this offer? Is it too much to ask – all the petrol she has to pay for? I’d chip in. Should she have to go out of her way?

BUT – It’s the quality of live I’ll be helping to give to these animals. What is the price on life? Time and money – how much of it would you give to a total stranger? Are they strangers? Dogs and cats are usually going to be a friend even if they have never met you in their life. You walk up and look into their eyes as they wag their tails and initiate you into their life forever. How can you turn down the offer to take a dog on a walk, or play with some cats, just to make their lives that much happier? They make my life happier – time to give back.



On a lighter note:
I’ve been going to the Fisher Shield bball games the past few nights. I never really thought I liked basketball as much as I do now, but I think that’s mostly because my friends are all playing. The girl’s team is doing better than the guys, but they’re both enjoyable to watch. I must say though, the girls are quite vicious.
Pharmers party tonight then Uni club – still debating if I should go.
I’ll figure it out. CLASS TIME NOW!

Genesis

I went climbing yesterday for the first time in a long time. I had high expectations.

Though overall they were not met, I had a lot of fun and my arms are decently sore. It was at a gym, not a climbing gym, and so therefore the focus wasn't on proper climbing. We used automatic belay devices that I don't like (because I'm not used to it mostly and I feel like they don't give that much control), the wall was covered in sand that got into your eyes (ok so its dirty when you climb outdoors, but this was still not too pleasant), they don't belay certify you (SCARY) and there was no bouldering/traverse wall - but I guess we managed.

Flipside - the facility was really nice: staff was friendly, the place was clean and bright etc.

Other random points:
- 3rd friend went to the hospital
- 2 midterms and a paper to write
- wrote another piece for the other blog, though it was rather quick. give feedback?
- not sure if I should shell out more money on top of already paid to go dive the Yongala (expensive, but worthwhile, but no friends going... 4 day trip)
- cyclone was a big bust here, but apparently did damage elsewhere
- RSPCA orientation on Thursday
- trying to figure out how to get close to my professors, they're all scary
- wondering about life, who walks in and out of it, who stays, who returns. funny to think about

Cyclones and Multi-Colored Pens

I've been pretty busy doing things - and stressing out about being busy doing things.

I feel like there is so much I HAVE to do, then so much I WANT to do. Back at home I was used to (mind you, I was not completely content) with just doing work all day everyday with Shams or whoever. Here I find myself falling between a friend saying "hey Rayna lets go out!" and my head saying "GRE! TESTS! PAPERS! PRACS! VET PREP!...etc."

I definitely enjoy going out here. Flinders/the Strand are pretty cool no matter day or night - anything suits your mood. I suppose I'm just having trouble getting out there and balancing my workload (mostly my emotional load).

Get out and meet more people/chill with my current friends, or plan and be practical for my future by doing work? I'm sort of bummed that I won't be going to vet school right out of college. I want to get it over with. I want to start my life already, which I feel like will happen once I can reach my goal of being a vet and having that someone special in my life. I guess I just have trouble living in the now. Which is better: working your butt off now for something you really want badly later? Or enjoying now and dealing with whatever comes your way/as a result of current actions?


On another note:
This weekend I'm supposed to be getting open water certified - but theres a cyclone heading this way. I have to hand in my prac a bit early in case we get stuck on Orpheus Island (where we're diving).

Me and 2 friends made a path between St Pauls and Rotary - we showed the boys tonight.. but they weren't as excited as we had hoped. Its still pretty sweet: steps and all.

Been jogging everyday for a short while in the morning.

Oh - going to do some searching for a flight for lecture break - Brisbaaaaaaaaaane!

Billabong

Perhaps one of my favorite days here so far was yesterday at the Billabong Sanctuary.

Its definitely a hot tourist spot (naturally, I fit right in). I went with 3 of my friends around 8 or 9 am. The sanctuary was absolutely empty! There were really funny looking birds that came up to us since they're used to everyone feeding them. Sorry to say we teased them a bit because we didn't have food, but they didn't know that. We then stopped off to see some koalas - definitely cute, definitely sleepy. Then I found some roos that were literally "just chillin" on the side in some mulch. I wanted to pet one so badly, but when I tried a little it flinched and I jumped back. We later realized that they're all over the place and will actually come up to you (because they're used to it - haha don't try this at home folks) so there was no need for the apprehension.

We walked around the rest of the park and saw a lot of birds and snakes, lizards and other mammals. One of my favorites were the pademelons (above) - cute little rodent/kangaroo like creatures. The pads on their hands are extremely thick, so it feels funny when they grab your fingertips looking for food in the palms of your hands. I had a hard time obeying the "Please don't pick the Pademelons up" sign.

It was really interesting watching them and the roos/wallabies walk around. I knew they used their tails for balance, but man! when you touch their tail its PURE muscle. They use their front legs and the tail as a tripod as they advance their hind legs, then stretch out their extremely skinny arms for support again. Its really interesting to me and I really wish I was EEC instead of CMB back in the states.

Anyway - back to being SuperTourist that I am, I paid a bit of money and got to hold a koala and wombat. That was right up there with holding a croc, black headed python, a skink (my cousin had bigger ones though..), and seeing crocs being fed, and walking through the aviary.

I applied to volunteer here, but they aren't taking anyone until August. Figures. Amazing place with lots of animals is booked. I'm going to try and work at the RSPCA though, and they have wildlife as well as cats/dogs/other pets. I really want to work with or around animals while I'm here. Not only for the "looks good on the resume" aspect, but because it makes me feel better. I like doing something that has nothing to do with work or art - something just plain enjoyable. I may not get to cuddle with every animal, but its definitely something I want to do - no matter where I am. Verification of my future job? Yes. Definitely.

Slip Slop Slap

I haven't been holding up on my plans for the weekend (especially the work aspect).

Plans changed and I ended up going to the Strand again with one of my friends. We had a whole group going to Rolling Stone - but today was great and I wouldn't change it. I'm really enjoying time with the Aussies. Its nice to have a new aspect on things, someone to take interest in things that no one else will listen to, and to not be stuck in the same old deal.

My friend gave me a tour as we drove around and she told me about all about herself, where things were, what I would be interested in, etc. I think she's the definition of how I'd picture an Aussie. She definitely has the whole overly friendly and generous thing going on. While just floating around in the water we talked for a long time about absolutely everything. She isn't overbearing or intimidating about me not knowing any Aussie culture - rather, she likes telling me things and offering to show me/teach me/bring me whatever. On top of that, she is extremely curious - comparing culture and asking me questions about my beliefs on things and stories about me. There is all of this in addition to her inviting me to stay with her over break, or borrowing her car so I could do this volunteer job... etc.

I was worried about getting stuck grouped/grouping with Americans. I feel like I still am in class when my American friends surround me and I don't seem to meet anyone new. I mean, don't get me wrong - my American friends I'm definitely glad to have met them. I have a close group of them so far that I will definitely see after this semester (the joys of coming from the same country). Who cares where they are from - its about the quality of their hearts, right?

To some extent, I also get embarrassed by some of the Americans and all the stuff that comes out of their mouths, (Who really believes you can ride a roo?) but oh well. My only job is to concern myself with me, make a good name, and enjoy my time.

Theres also the whole "the aussies have their own friends" deal too. I wish I was staying here longer. I'd get to know them better, its so incredibly beautiful, I like meeting all these new people, and get this: If I started as a fresher this year for vet I would get done and be a vet done one year earlier than I would in the states, if I started next semester I'd ahead by a semester, and I'd even out with all my schooling if I just started next year (undergrad+vet).

I really should have gone to school here from the start! Plus, the opportunities with animals here I feel like is 1000x greater.

Scraps

So, its been a while.

I suppose nothing all that exciting has happened since I wrote last. Just been going to classes and preparing myself for a large work load. Hopefully today I'll start some research for one of my papers or do some prac work.

Likelihood of that getting done to an acceptable level = not likely at all. I get out at 3:50, dinner at 5ish. One of my friends wants to make icecream (totally game for that) and another wants to go to Uni Club. I expect that to be pretty much the plan for the night.

My 3 sci courses are going well but they look kind of scary from here with the prac/trips/papers etc. Painting is cool; we get 2 days for a painting - but can only go as fast as he teaches the technique. Its sort of frustrating because I just want to paint. I know theres room for improvement in technique and in general skill... but I'm not sure how happy I will be with the paintings if I can only do technique part 1, then have to leave early and not work on it all week. I wish they had open studio.

Tomorrow I think I'm going to Rolling Stone with a few people and hopefully Billabong Sanctuary on Sunday. I'm trying to get a license here so that I can borrow my friends car and volunteer at Billabong. I'll see how that goes. Honestly, I'm really scared about driving here.

Over the first break (April) I will be going on a 3 day camping field trip for my Vert Anat Class. Depending on that and prices, I'll either be going to Melbourne or Rockhampton. I think I would prefer Melbourne (I WANT TO SEE AN AFL GAME! and theres a bunch of other great things to do there), but Rocky its close to the tail end of the reef (apparently good if you like water sports - SO I CAN SURF!) and is cheaper. Again - money issue - plane tickets are expensive!

Depending on money/parents etc I may get my open water certification - which will be 9-11 dives. I only have to redo the pool dives (since I took the course, and these will just be refreshers). I'm not sure how worth it this all is. Scuba is way more expensive than snorkeling, but then again diving is better

...after all, it IS the Great Barrier Reef.

When the Saints go marching in

Sitting on the Bongo

Went to the Uni club last night - same as last week pretty much. Yesterday was one friend's birthday, today is another's.

Today was the first Fisher Shield event - swimming. Got some painted handprints all over(I have hand tanlines all over my back/legs now) and headed to the pool with my friends behind the Bongo Bus. All of the colleges here compete through various sports/other events and spirit stuff- its a huge deal here. It goes hand in hand with the fresher things during O Week.

My throat is pretty dead from screaming. Some of the other colleges are pretty funny, odd, or just mean about their cheers etc. All I have to say is: dead fish. Gross.

I have a field trip tomorrow and work to catch up on at the moment. I'm incredibly tired though. I downloaded a pdf on dc here about how to sleep better. It was 70 pages, but it was really interesting. I wonder if we have things like that at Bing. Dc there is just movies/music mostly, right?

Animals are like Palm Trees

"Animals are like palm trees, which aren't animals but you get the idea...

Turtles are like palm trees, but by palm trees I mean coconuts. Turtles are like coconuts."



That above is a direct quote from one of my professors. Interesting right? Just finished my first week of AUSTRALIAN UNI! It seems really weird to me because of the whole - Americans going on Spring Break now. No big plans for this weekend as of yet. Going to Willows and the thrift store tomorrow to look around and 2 of my friends are getting their noses pierced. I want to do something drastic while I'm here but I don't know what. Sky diving is too expensive, I don't want more holes in my face... not sure. Suggestions?

I'm struggling with the "making the most" out of my trip to Australia.
..though I think I'm going to Melbourne over break (in addition to my 3 day camping trip during that break and a field trip this Sunday)

3sci

Aus Vert Fauna is gonna be some work.

hope the 3 sciences and art wont be too much - I'm extremely tired already!

I have class until 9pm tonight. Woohoo

How does he know it wont suck his eyeballs out?

I have always been jealous of one of my friends in Binghamton who would walk into class extremely excited to tell me all the great stories of his classes. He would go on and on about his professors, his conversations with them, the way the class made him think and feel. I was definitely envious.

Except for my sculpture class, I don't think I have ever felt excited to go to class for whatever reason - be it professors, class material, timing, etc.

NOT ANYMORE!

I am absolutely stoked about going to all of my classes. Today was only my second day, but I love them all so far. My painting professor is a bit quiet and slightly intimidating but the class will be amazing and obviously I will like doing the homework. I have a husband/wife pair for 2 of my marine bio classes and they are incredible. They're both funny and like to make references (ie James Bond) and have such an interesting spin on the classes. Thought provoking. Tomorrow I have Aus. Vert. Fauna - which I have with 2 of my closest guy friends here and the class in general is pretty much why I'm here!


Side notes: Abby's bday yesterday went well. Just a few of us went to the Tav and walked bac (an adventure in itself). Went swimming in the creek today - pretty awesome to jump in like 10 min after class ends.

Maggie Island

(Geoffrey Bay)

Two days ago I went to Magnetic Island organized by the Cath. College. Let me tell you, it was pretty freakin' sweet!

Travel was a bit much: bus to the ferry, ferry to the island, bus to Arcadia, 4k hike to Horseshoe Bay, bus to ferry, ferry to mainland, walk to town, bus to Uni.

So first stop was Arcadia - this resort type of place. They had the whole deal: pools, some jumping thing for kids, bars, casino section, etc. Across the street was Geoffrey Bay which was absolutely GORGEOUS, though we couldn't swim in the water because of the stingers. There were some decently sized boulders that were fun to scramble around on, but no major climbing as of yet (sadly). A bunch of the girls and I went there first to hang out on the rocks and just admire the beauty. We went back across the street and got lunch. I ate the absolute biggest tofu burger I have ever seen and it was amazing (awesome sauce on it, lots of greens, etc), along with some chips (fries). Definitely stuffed.

After all that, I went hiking to Horseshoe Bay. Most people took the bus (weaksauce). I'm really glad I managed in my flip flops through all the streams and the mostly uphill hike. There were so many birds and lizards. There are a bunch of pictures on FB to check out. I really like all the palm trees and the lush green landscapes. I guess since it rains ALL the time that is what is expected. The hike was pretty fun with the girls - I was made to lead it since everyone was afraid a snake would pop out on the trail.

We finally arrived at Horseshoe Bay and got to swim in the water (we were dying of heat at that point - no worries, I was well hydrated though haha). They had the nets up etc and almost everyone was there already. It was exactly as the name states: little inlet thing, horseshoe shaped of course. Best part of it though? I paid a pretty cheap price to go tubing for about 10 minutes and it was probably the best tubing experience ever! The people were extremely nice, the guy drove extremely fast (or so it seemed), and there were 3 of us hooked up to the back of the boat. We were all pretty scared of the stingers, but none of us fell off. Most of the photos my friend took have our faces all scrunched - lots of sea water spraying. Funny stuff.

On the way home I lost my bib - good thing it was the second to last day, and one of my friends ended up finding it a day later. At night me and two friends grabbed icecream at Juliette's - a famous Townsville icecream shop - and we walked The Strand at night. It was quite beautiful with the lights and the ocean etc.

Half Jinxed

Today my friend and I went to hike up Castle Hill. After much debate and planning with everyone in our little group, the two of us headed out for the little adventure.

We took a bus to City Mall, but my friend randomly pushed the stop button way before we were supposed to - I will forever make fun of him for this. It ended up being ok, after walking through some sketchy area, since we only had to walk less than 20 min to get there.

The hike up was really pretty despite the massive amounts of rain. It started out as a drizzle and switched in and out with a downpour. Once we got to the top there was a nice breeze and the sun actually came out (yes. burnt again). On top there were lots of little trails to each of the summits with lookouts. We could see The Strand from there as well!

I'm really enjoying the flora here - the trees look really interesting and scraggly. Most of the fauna I've seen are birds or lizards (BUGS TOO). I actually saw a little snake that was 'wicked' fast, and a really awesome hang-gliding bird.

It was a pretty decent day overall. It was nice to go out and do something instead of just doing whatever drinking thing the Uni has set up for us. Speaking of which, I'm skipping out on Fresher Keg tonight. Its just like 3ish hours of drunken college kids and stupid fossils, hanging around in the mud outside (so many mozzies here!) then riding a bus back with a drunken mess. I mean, don't get me wrong - there are a lot of great people here, but do you know how many times I've had to introduce myself to the same people? Alcohol and meeting people is not a good mix whatsoever.

Instead, I will be going to the Uni club tonight to listen to some music and hang out with some people. I'm pretty stoked actually!

Saying Nothing

Yeah - so last night/morning's adventures are best not to be blogged about. Ask me in person if you're interested.

Toga/Slab

(this and the last photo courtesy of Katie)

Last night was the toga party. I've never actually gotten dressed up for anything like that before. The preparty was at the club in the college, actual party was at the Uni Club on campus, and after part was at the Consortium. Katie and I only ended up at the preparty then to the new building/Joseph's place. It was a lot of fun nevertheless. I met a bunch of freshers at the new building and hung out for a while, but they won't remember me today or ever probably because they were all pretty much drunk. Pictures to follow - or check FB.

Floor parties, girls gathering, then Slab party tonight. Updates to follow!


{EDIT}

Floor party was pretty good - just played some games and got to know 2 more fossils. What was really lame was the girls gathering. I mean, bunch of girls - not bad. Dancing with some fossils - not bad. Listening to this one fossil (head of something) yell and use her whistle while other fossils yell at us to drink or run in this circle and basically obey their every command - LAME! Quite funny though when the boys got in - neither groups (M/F) freshers ever know what the fossils have planned. So yeah. They put on a show that was organized as they got there by the fossils (yelling at them to do.. things). I was talking with Shane and Katie - we're really surprised at what they do here. ITS NOT LIKE AMERICA! haha - fair dinkum. (<--which no one says really) After all that was the Slab party - which wasn't bad. Mingled a bit and met/re-met people. Sometimes its kind of funny - sometimes its kinda sad. That same head girl was talking and I overheard her. It was something to the effect of: Haha there were 3 fresher girls who were so gone, they probably should have gone to the hospital but they were put to bed. I say F* them. (in a whole "I don't give a crap" tone, not angry per say). Hung out with some new people, watched them all push the Bongo Bus. I've got an in, and apparently we're being woken up really early tonight to go push the bus around campus. I guess I should sleep now.

Red frogs are amaaazing btw! Red frog candy things. I also had Tim Tams today. Awesome!

G for Giraffe

(Me and Katie - we only look happy because we just got them haha)

We were all given baby bibs today that we have to wear for a week. Its kind of like freshman hazing. If we take them off we get into trouble and have to get some kind of "punishment." It shouldn't be too bad - the first one for this girl was just to sing the Australian national anthem (but it will change with each person/offense).

Most of the stuff happens to the boys - like making them clean things up or whatever. Theres also the whole drinking aspect (nothing is FORCED... but... yeah)

After dinner we also had to do those silly icebreaker games and competitions like tp outfits, musical chairs, and random dance things etc.


It was heaps of fun...



{EDIT}
Today - 2/15/10
Rockin the bib all day - other schools have to wear headbands, chef hats, plastic plant pots etc on their heads. The John Flynn college had to wake up at 3am and be driven around campus singing songs to wake up the other colleges. Ours didn't get woken up because apparently our fossils threatened to throw milk at them. Awesome.

I had my first secret mission today - steal certain foods from the dining hall. Not sure what we have to do with it. We have a meeting in an hour, then movie night, then some secret meeting thats mandatory - I'm assuming more fresher hazing stuff. I'll probably update this later too!

{EDIT}
down - sweet chili sauce, Vegemite, vinegar, tofu (yeah..what?), milk/raw egg (not mandatory)
bob for these weird marshmallow things in water/flour/noodles/milk/mystery goo

The Strand

Today we went to the Strand at about 10am.
Definitely check out the FB pictures.

This is the second time I've been out in Townsville and it is absolutely gorgeous! The streets are lined with palm trees and grasses/plants on a background of sunny blue skies. There were black cockatoos (endangered), some other birds I'm not familiar with, and lots of people/kids out. Basically its just a gigantic park along the shore. We had to walk from City Mall to get there, but it really wasn't a problem.

We went swimming in the ocean for a bit - but no waves. Theres a little section for us to swim that is enclosed to keep out the stingers. The water was very warm and not quite clear. Joe says that swimming in the creek/river is much better (also because its so damn salty here!). Next to the swimming area is this huge rope jungle gym [shown above]. I'm really surprised since I doubt in America that they would allow something so tall to be made for little kids... but it was really intricate/nicely made. Hammocks on the bottom and swings in the corners.

On our way back we stopped at this water park thing for kids - but there weren't just kids and it was really fun. There's a gigantic bucket at the top of it that pours massive amounts of water every minute or so, water slides, water mushroom thingies, random sprinklers, water guns in the ground, water shooting up from the ground, but its mostly just a regular playground with water shooting out of everywhere.

Broken Glass and Mist

Meeting a bunch of new Aussies! I wonder how creepy it is that I talk about people on here. I guess I'll see who sticks around as friends first- though I do have a lot of interesting stories to tell about people! Maybe some other time.

First night out downtown in Australia last night. Original plans were to go out with my building but we ended up on Flinders. Joseph drove which was awesome - saved some cash - but turns out clubs are $10 cover (which is expensive when you don't have a lot of AUD, have to pay for buses and "heaps" of other things in the next few days). You get what you pay for? It was pretty damn nice!

Ride there was pretty funny with Abby freaking out in the back with the whole "left-hand side of the road" deal. Honestly, it is a bit weird turning corners. I have also noticed lots of speed bumps, but they're pretty big and spread out so its no big deal (unless you're Abby). Ride home was funny as well, since Ross was convinced that I was driving (I was shotgun) the whole way home.

We started off at Monsoon and the boys played an American vs. "Everywhere Else" pool game. Guess who won? Some unmentionable and unexpected events occurred. It was pretty chill there - rugby on tv, people at the bar or playing pool. We headed out to the Consortium (sp?). Nice. Place.

There were a bunch of places to sit around tables... in these white draped small room things across from the bar area, which then opened up to a dance floor with a dj above and the whole deal w/ fancy lights and whatnot. I was really suprised with all the guys dancing - Australians know how to do it! Jen (WORM) and the other UMiami crew were pretty impressive too. Music was great - odd but pretty cool that they had Wonderwall as a remix. Everyone there gets really really dressed up in heels and tight dresses, guys in button down/collared shirts etc. A bunch of places wont let you in if you're not dressed up enough or not wearing the right footwear.

I really didn't pack too smart (need fancy stuff? more tanks!) - too many long things but I'm hesitant about buying things. Lookin for a job I think. I'm scared about my classes and work load since I'm expecting it to be pretty intense. Hope I have enough time for both! Most people get paid like $15/hr - and purchases are expensive. Balances out if you actually live here I suppose.

Today I took a sqiz at the new building in the Catholic College - DAMN! its like MTV/cribs/real world in there!

Hopefully I'll be at the beach tomorrow!

Throw Out Your Mozzies

Everyday its incredibly hot and incredibly rainy! My RA Maddie says that it'll get better and be sunny all the time. I'm looking forward to that since me and my friends keep postponing our Castle Hill/Strand trip. Also, maybe with less water there will be less mozzies around. I hate being so itchy!

Yesterday we all got bombarded with paperwork and info on meetings. Next week is going to be CRAZY with all the activities and orientation sessions. I think the highlights is the fresher kegger and the Maggie Island trip. I'm composing a list of things I want to do so far:

-Reef HQ
-The Strand/Castle Hill
-Billabong Sanctuary
-Maggie Island
-NZ?? (not likely..)

but I'm not quite sure of what Townsville has to offer yet so I'm sure the list will grow!

Waiting

Braved the Australian buses yesterday to get some shopping done. The bus driver told me I was naughty because the smallest bill I had was 10. Oops.

Trying to figure out what type of phone plan to get. Walked around a lot getting random things. Went to BigW's, which is basically Walmart (or as Abby/Katie say: Wally World). A lot of the surfshops or just clothing stores are really expensive, but they have nice things. A lot of overlapping brands and a bunch of new ones. I was a savvy shopper and got most of my stuff for cheap (including shampoo... that washes out the blue in my hair, sadly).

A bunch of people wanted to go out last night but then all changed their minds last minute. Wednesdays are usually quiet nights according to all the Aussies. While in Abby's, I spotted this really odd looking animal from her balcony. Turns out its a possum (not opossum), and according to the guy next door, they sometimes come onto the balconies and some people feed them bananas. We ended up playing pool with the 2UMiami guys (Ross/Steve) later on in the night.

Later today I have my first orientation meeting (just waiting around until then). I'm supposed to be able to figure out how to sign up for classes and meet with an adviser in addition to finding out whats in store for the upcoming days. I wonder what its going to be like when more people arrive. Excited, but nervous.

St. Paul's

I have a little room with purple furniture and drapes on the first floor. Basically, whoever walks up the stairs gets to stair into my room (right now, me at the computer). Funny today as all the maintenance guys were working here.

Shared my room with a lizard last night. He was pretty cute.. and orange.

The first floor of my building is all guys and my floor and up are all girls. We all have single rooms with a shared bathroom/common area lounge thing. Turns out Abby has a co-ed bathroom in Uni Hall, but her housing looks cool with spiral staircases and balconies on each room. The view is pretty cool from my room though. Tropical.

I'm slowly learning the girl's names on my floor. There aren't many since O-Week and classes haven't started. Mostly people doing 'intensive' or people studying abroad are here. I mainly hang out with this girl Katie who lives on my floor (from N.Carolina).

I'm enjoying my time with her and the people I met on my way here. All of us keep meeting people and bringing them to the group. Can't wait until everyone arrives!

No Furbies Allowed

So, traveling alone for the first time was pretty interesting (out of the US no less). I took a plane from JFK to LAX - no big deal really. Sat next to this older couple who mostly did paperwork the whole time but held hands on take-off/landing. Pretty cute.

Funny thing was that in LAX I was checking baggage and I hear, "Rayna?" Turning around I see Mike B. from hs there. I walked over and gave him a hug then met all his AustraLearn buddies. I ended up being on their plane from LAX to Brisbane. Nervous at first because I was sitting next to this really loud girl, but she thankfully moved. She was planning on having dance parties in the aisles or something. Her and some of the other people ended up getting drunk and being loud in the morning.

It wasn't too bad though since its pretty hard to sleep on the plane. There were about 30 of them headed for Cairns. I ended up sitting with this guy Joey who was really cool. We bonded over our 13 hour plane ride. Waiting for the plane to be taxied to the terminal we were going through some of the pamphlets which included one of those circles with a slash through it which was covering a picture of a Furbie. Interesting.

After customs and being searched for explosives I ended up getting my flight changed to go straight to Townsville instead of Cairns so I had to leave Joey, but ended up taking this old foreign lady that couldn't hear very well to her boarding site. In that whole process I met Abby who I hung out with for 6 hours waiting for our plane. She is pretty cool and reminds me of someone from home (Mary in CT). I really liked how easy it was talking to her. We people-watched most of the time and met some interesting people including a JCU graduate and this guy named Sumner who is 19 going to JCU for 3 years, but previously spent a year and a half in Thailand teaching Scuba.

When we got to Townsville the guy picking us up found us right away, "all the Americans come out wearing jackets and long pants." He drove me, Abby, 2 UMiami kids - Ross and Jen..)Ross reminds me of Dan C) , and one other girl to JCU. We had a lot of fun joking around with KJ (as we nicknamed him, dont know his real name).