Day Eight in Oz

Oi!

Yesterday I had my first official Australian experience and it could not have been more beautiful. As part of our orientation week, my college hosted a "mystery dinner." When I first read this, I assumed, "murder mystery dinner." I was not particularly excited about it but I decided to ask a fellow Barahineban resident what kind of murder mystery theme we would be doing. Every time I said, "murder mystery," I could not help but hear in my head the voice of Michael Scott from The Office saying in a Southern drawl, "Sir, there has been a muuuurder!" Watch to see what I mean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC7v01Om9yQ

I am not sure if I confused the poor guy by my inward laughing at this thought or by the question itself but he responded quizzically, "Uh, theme?" Naturally, I responded, "Yeah. You know. Are we getting characters? Is there going to be a murder theme?" And, now even more confused, he responded, "Murder?" I almost mimicked Michael Scott in return but he finally caught on to my train of thought. He laughed and said, "No. This is a mystery location dinner. Just dress relatively formal and you'll be fine."

For the rest of the week, I anticipated the dinner. As much as I would have liked to have been apart of a murder mystery dinner, I don't think it could have been quite as hilarious as the one on The Office. The mystery location dinner was more exciting to wait for and I caught myself many times wondering where they could possibly take us. I heard rumours and hints throughout the week. I found out that last year they took all the students on a cruise for dinner. I also found out that this year they had a great deal of funding invested in our location.

While we were waiting for the bus to pick us up to send us off to our mystery destination, my friend, Emily, guessed that it was going to be a vineyard. I think my heart leaped into my throat at that moment because I knew we were close to Hunter Valley vineyards (about an hour's drive). Some of my favourite wines from back home have come from Hunter Valley so you could imagine my excitement.

Sure enough, the bus followed all the signs leading to Hunter Valley (I was paying close attention) and under an hour's time I was in wine paradise. Indeed, once you actually get into the valley, it becomes a dream. I saw my first kangaroo (well, actually several) and by the time we arrived, the sun was just descending behind the hills. The rows of vines were full and lush and the surrounding trees made the area seem like a happy secret.

We ended up going to Hope Wine Estate for a wine tour, tasting and dinner. While the wine itself was not particularly amazing, it was interesting to try wines in all stages of fermentation. We tried wines that looked like beer and almost tasted like beer because of the yeast stage they were at and we tried completed wines as well. The food was incredible too! Also, there was a stage out on the field by the vines where apparently big acts go to perform. Our bus driver told us that the last time she drove up, she watched Sting sing on stage here. The best part, however, was the room in which we had dinner. Surrounding us were giant oak barrels signed by famous people. The one closest to me was autographed by the King of Sweden. There was also a barrel signed by John Cleese. Imagine that! For a school function, I would say that our excursion was particularly special.

The only minor incident that happened during our outing was that the bus broke down. By the time we got home it was close to 2 am. All spirits were still high though because a few guys had brought along guitars. We had a sing-a-long outside in the vineyard. When we sang "Hey Ya!" I was the only one who knew all of the lyrics, so I felt pretty smug about that too. Haha.

Soon, I hope to go to another themed dinner with two of my friends here. Apparently in Newcastle, there is a restaurant called Kavon (I think that is the name) that hosts a scary theme every week. The best show/dinner is called, "Best of the Naughties" which is a sort of Dracula/Ghoul/Monster Cabaret and Opera. When I first found out about this, I was stunned. I think the words that came out of my mouth were, "So, you can eat dinner while Dracula serenades you? Sah-weet!" We looked up the restaurant online and it looks pretty amazing but you've got to book in advance. So! More to come on that one when I go!

Hope all is well with you guys back home. Miss you all.

Here are pictures (from google) of the winery I was at yesterday. My only regret yesterday was that I forgot my damn camera back in my room. Sadly, my memories will have to suffice for the awesomeness that was yesterday.

Day Six in Oz

Hello all,

I've been here under a week and I have already captured a beautiful thing called a "hangover." I'll have to explain a few things about day five here before I can properly get to the results of my fun, so I'll start first with how University runs here during Orientation week in Newcastle.

There are four colleges on campus: Evatt, Edwards, International House and Barahineban. I live in the last college. It's considered by most to be the quietest college on campus since it promotes independent living the most. Indeed, most of the rooms have their own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom etc. The other colleges usually share a kitchen, bathroom and sometimes a bedroom too. While that's not my cup of tea, it means that the other colleges do a lot more group activities. There is always a pool party going on beside my college at Edwards Hall (or, as we Uni kids call it: Teds). International House is always up to something, if not partying at nearly all times of the hour. And... Evatt... well, I don't know anyone from there yet but everyone says they are crazy.

Stereotypes aside, I've mentioned that I like my college and that other colleges are really friendly too.

Yesterday, I got a knock at my door at 11 am. You can imagine how surprised I was since I had not met many people in the college. It turned out to be the lovely guy who hooked up my Internet for me and who is somewhat of a college leader for Bara. I'm pretty surprised he didn't just turn around and walk away when I opened the door because I was still in my pajamas and looking a little worse for wear. To top it all off, I was quickly embarrassed by this fact and was acting a little weird because of it. This was our conversation:

Sam: "So, we're going into town to get costumes for tonight. Wanna come?"

Me, Squirming: "Costumes?"

Sam: "Uh, yeah. For tonight. There's a party."

Me: "Party?"

Sam: "Yeah. Back to School Party!"

Me: "Back to School party?"

Sam: "It's where you dress up in school uniforms and party. We're going shopping for the costumes. Do you wanna come?"

Me: "What time?"

Sam: "In fifteen minutes?"

Me, awkwardly hiding behind my door: "Ok. Where do I meet you?"

Sam: "Front room. Fifteen minutes. See you soon."

(Me laughing awkwardly while closing the door and followed by a lot of scrambling to get myself looking presentable in fifteen minutes).

... As you may have picked up, I think I only responded in questions. This added to my already flourishing charm in case you were wondering. Regardless, I went shopping with Sam, his friend, Jeff, and the other Canadian girl living in Bara. She's from the Yukon. It was nice to socialize with another Canadian but I also had fun talking with Sam and Jeff.

Sam found the best costume too. I guess everyone in primary school or high school wears a uniform. Sam chose to go as one of the girls, so he found a pleated plaid skirt, polo shirt and a hat with side flaps to go with it. The last article of clothing may sound weird but it's something every student has to wear. The idea is that it protects your head and neck from the sun. A good idea, of course, but still ridiculous in its own right.

I found a tie and shirt to complete my outfit and the others found some gems too. I should have bought this particular tie (it was made completely from bird feathers and was rock hard because it was cast in some sort of finish) but I chose to do a classic school-girl look.

The party itself was a lot of fun, of course. Besides the few I had previously met, I got to mingle with what seemed like the entire college. Everyone dressed up and we played games like 7-Up (they call it "heads down, thumbs up") and Duck, Duck, Goose (Well, we attempted to play it). These primary school games were all done with a twist: that twist being with "alcohol."

Now, here's where it gets a little hazy. I guess I had gone through a bottle of white and was ready to call it quits when some guy in a black jumper (sweatshirt for you Canadians) demanded I stayed. I did not recall meeting him or telling him my name but he seemed pretty determined to get me to stay and so I did. That was my mistake.

They got me to play a drinking game and I was either losing a lot or winning. I don't know what you call it if you're drinking a lot. Whilst this was happening, I had this guy named "Raul" from Saudi Arabia sit on my lap often and smother the side of my face with what I think were kisses. (Don't worry, Bryan, it wasn't reciprocated or invited). Simultaneously someone was drawing on my arm and leg with a permanent marker. I should say it was pretty interesting trying to get a penis in permanent marker off of my leg in time to make it to a compulsory orientation meeting.

I got out of there pretty quick after that and for good reason because I realized I had to wake up in seven hours for a full day of orientation and tours.

I have read this post over and feel like I must say something to reclaim my "reputation." Australians... and for that matter, Saudi Arabians, are crazy! Long after I left, they kept the party going. As a result, most of them had just woken up for the BBQ lunch. And in an ironic moment, I realized that the "tables had turned." Now they were all standing around in their pajamas looking tired, sick and unkempt.

I had fun. I hope to not have that much fun again for some time. And I've been told once school starts, there will be far fewer parties thrown. Amen. I don't think I can keep up with these Aussies.

The rest of my day is going to be spent reading Jane Eyre, cooking a delicious and nutritious meal and drinking a lot of water. I think everyone is heading into town tonight and I might tag along but shall remain composed and graceful. At least that's the plan...

Cheers!

Day Four in Oz

Day Four in Australia

So, if you are wondering, I haven’t seen very many scary bugs yet. I told you that “mozzies” are apparently a big problem here but I’ve only been bitten once (on the ankle) since I have arrived. For me, this is amazing since back home I am a mosquito’s perfect meal. I seriously think my smell drives them wild. Here, on the other hand, I haven’t been bothered too much.

There is a very large spider’s egg (or meal?) on the wall outside my bedroom window. My window is sealed so I am not worried but I really hope I don’t miss the web ball release a giant spider or, conversely, a giant spider eat whatever is inside this web ball.

I mentioned the parrots here already but the other species of birds here are also neat. I was walking around campus the other day when I saw a bird with giant legs dart across the path. I kind of jumped out of surprise and then realized that the bird jumped because of me. I am not sure if that bird makes the crazy “wah-la-wah-la-woo” sounds but there is a bird that perches near my door at night and makes this insane call. Other birds make very strange noises. That, mixed in with the unusually loud cricket noises, sounds like a symphony at almost any time of the day. Maybe it sounds louder to me because I am not used to it but I can’t recall quite as much racket from animals back home.

I was talking to a girl the second night of my arrival and she told me that a small lizard ran into her room when she was moving in. She couldn’t find it and so she thinks that he’s still hanging out in her room. That wouldn’t bother be much as long as I didn’t wake up with it on me. My friend, Kyle, on the other hand seems to have a “roachies” problem. And by that, I mean, cockroaches. Yes, cockroaches are common house bugs in Australia. I’ve only seen one and it was relatively small but Kyle said he saw some relatively big ones in his dorm hall. GROSS.

Maybe when I get a chance to hit the beach, I’ll tell you about more animals. So far, I haven’t ventured out of campus (with the exception to take the three minute bus ride to the Jesmond Shopping Center)… and apparently that’s not even “town” yet. Hopefully, on Saturday, I’ll get to hit the beach.

More to come. I’m off to a mandatory orientation meeting.

P.S.

These are the parrots I was talking about:

Day Three in Oz

I thought this would be a good time to write a passage since I thought we were just about to have a vicious thunderstorm. I heard three loud cracks of thunder outside and I thought, “Oh. This is brooding weather. Why not write today’s journal entry?” Alas, I’ve opened my computer and we’re back to being sunny. How this place is always so sunny is beyond me.

So, today’s events have been very similar to yesterday’s. I woke up early, watched a little bit of the Australian news and found out that Leonardo DiCaprio is in Australia filming a new version of The Great Gatsby. Baz Luhrmann is the director behind this project too. I’m pretty sure I like Baz as a director but something in me hesitates. Anyway, when I watched this news story, the 9-year-old girl inside me thought, “Go find him (Leo)! How cool would it be to brush shoulders with your 12 year crush in Australia!” Now that I’m older and wiser (emphasis on “wiser” I hope), I think I’ll just be satisfied seeing the movie. I’m so excited for him to play the role of Jay Gatsby though. When I read the book, I envisioned Leonardo as him, so it seems rather fitting. For me, at least. But enough about Hollywood. Actually! One more thing about Hollywood:

I’ve noticed that everything American reminds me of home. If I see an American show on TV or hear anything North American related, I get this feeling of home. It sounds weird because I saw a poster of Natalie Portman on the side of a bus and I thought, “Awe. That’s like advertising at home…” If you haven’t caught the irony of this yet, I’ll tell you: American things are reminding me of my Canadian home. There, I said it.

Being away has really opened my eyes to how assimilated we are with the Americans. This is not a recent discovery nor is it really provoking. I’ve been asked if I am an American. I know I look like one and maybe even talk like one. I consume the same culture for the most part… And I’ll be damned if I could ever go without movies (which, again, for the most part, are big American productions).

You could say that Australia is very much like American and/or Canadian culture. They have their own reality shows, celebrities, metropolitan centers as well as farming communities. They consume North American and Australian music, movies and books. … and they definitely know how to party like any North American kid too.

What I find a little culturally shocking is in the details. For instance, I was told that Newcastle has it “really bad for the mozzies.” What are “mozzies” you might ask? Mosquitoes. Basically you can put “zies” after any word and you’ve made it Australian.

There are other words I can tell you about but I’ll just sum it up neatly by saying there are obvious dialectical differences—not insanely different from us but enough to say, “Pardon me. Could you repeat that?”

I also noticed they do not account for “calories” on any of their products. They’ll give you the energy via kJ but forget about calorie counting. When I went grocery shopping today I also noticed a few other things. Most big name products like Kraft, Yoplait and Coca Cola have their spot in the grocery store; however, they have completely different logos or sub names. For instance, my peanut butter doesn’t have the two teddy bears on the logo. It’s definitely a product of Kraft… but it isn’t “Kraft” if you know what I mean.

Similarly, our Walmart is their “The Big W.” It looks the same, carries many of the same things but is slightly different. I didn’t recognize any of the laundry detergents but I walked to the next isle and found a complete section of “glade” and “febreez” candles. Why this fascinates me, I don’t know.

Finally, their plug-ins are all buggered up. You can’t use anything from home that requires being plugged in. You either have to get an adaptor or an expensive step-down transformer to use your Canadian products. I had to buy an adaptor for my computer and, luckily, it’s capacity for voltage accommodates the insanely high Australian voltage of 220V. My hair dryer, on the other hand, will probably sit in my closet until I can come home.

I wish I could tell you more about the beautiful scenery here. While I was walking to the campus library, four parrots zoomed over my head while making the most horrendous sound ever. I thought an alarm was going off. However, when I looked up their beauty stunned me. These particular parrots are white with bright yellow and green on the underside of their wings. They also have a green Mohawk. I’ll look them up when I have Internet.

Alright, I’ve bored you with American similarities, Mozzies and The Big W. I’ll just finish by saying that I have yet get my bearings but I feel like everyday is a bit of a learning curve.

More from me later (that is, if you’re not sick of me yet and, in which case, you should just ignore my posts anyway…)

Love,

Kenzie

Day Two in Oz

Hello everyone I miss:

Well, it’s day two in Newcastle, Australia. So far, I have not 1) died 2) gotten lost 3) starved to death (although I came close yesterday) or 4) made any friends. The last one may not happen for a few more weeks but I tell ya! I miss having people who I can have a deeper conversation with than something like this: “Oh! You’re from Canada? Sorry, I thought you were American. How cold is it in Canada right now?” or “Which way to the Dining hall?” or, even better, “You don’t have a cell-phone? Uh oh. You’re going to have to get one of those, mate.”

Everyone has been very friendly, don’t get me wrong. In the last two days, I have had plenty of people just come up to me and introduce themselves. I like that. There is no hostility towards anyone really. Oh, and if you’re wondering, I haven’t met an ugly person yet. It’s a little intimidating but everyone here is beautiful. Tanned, in shape, and glowing. I think the Asians and me are the only group of people that are pasty, out of shape and a little bit, uh, spacey. Just kidding. The Asians seem to know what’s going on. And they don’t sweat--- I don’t get it.

Actually, it’s crazy hot here right now. If I had the Internet I would post some pictures—(I realize that by the time you read this I will have internet since I have posted it on my blog but right now it’s just me and my word document). The weather is very humid, warm and bright. You walk outside and you feel as though you’ve just walked into a sauna room—except you can’t leave the heat like a sauna room. This is Australia, baby.

I should have packed an extra pair of shorts. I don’t know if anyone in Oz owns a pair of pants. Some guy told me that this is typical winter weather for them too. My god. Why did I even dare pack a sweater? I’ve really got to invest in some shorts. I’ll have to hit “The Big W.” Yeah, that’s right. Australia’s version of Walmart.

I took the bus to “Jesmond Shopping Center” today. I think it’s Newcastle’s only mall. It was pretty much like any North American shopping center except smaller and with more local shops. I don’t think I have ever seen a butcher shop beside a clothing store—only here, folks! Anyway, I picked up some groceries and supplies. I had to decide what was essential because when you’ve got to carry your groceries a kilometer in 35C, you choose wisely. I mostly purchased fruits and vegetables (I plan on blending in with the beautiful Australians) but also some bread and cheese. I was hoping to have a bit of a more finished kitchen to do my cooking. Luckily, I don’t have to buy pots and pans or dinner sets. I’ve got that supplied but I don’t have an oven. This limits some of the recipes I had in my mind to make, so it looks like I’ll try my hand at a variety of salads, pasta and soup. I actually saw cheese infused vegemite but couldn’t quite provoke myself to buy it yet. We’ll see. I’ll document my first encounter with vegemite for you guys when it happens.

Speaking of my place (sorta), I should say it’s quite nice. I’ve got a lot of space since it’s designed for two roommates. I like that I have so much space but it does emphasize the fact that I’m pretty lonely right now.

Thanks Jen and Bryan for giving me pictures. It helps personalize my space a little bit. I plan to invest in some candles to make my room a little more romantic. Otherwise, it looks like an office with a bed in the center. Not very me.

That’s about all I have to say right now. I could tell you how horrible my trip getting here was but I think I’ve told enough people about it. I’ll just say that I slept for 13 hours last night to catch me up from a 2.5 sleepless day marathon.

Hope all is well with you Canadians. I ache for home, family and friends but I’m forcing myself to keep my chin up through this rough patch. I hope I can tell you more great things about this place, as I get more familiar with my surroundings.

Love,

A Sheila*

*Australian for a girl, lassy, doll, dame etc…