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).