An AUSome Year

Not to be a pessimist, but New Years Eve can be such a let down. The anticipation and excitement that builds around the holiday as you make plans with friends and find the perfect dress can be so deceiving. And the expense of it all seems to create such high expectations. The night arrives, you feel pretty, you're with great friends, drink in hand all night...but you wake up the next morning and alas it just wasn't what you were hoping for. 

WELL I have found a remedy! Spend it with Australians! 

Believe it or not I celebrated NYE last year with a group of Aussies in Colorado, and let me tell you-- it was a FUN night and 2010 turned out to be GREAT year! It seemed only fitting that I would be able to end 2010 and ring in 2011 with another group of Aussies. And to top that- I was able to celebrate on Aussie turf! I wonder if that means 2011 will be even better? 

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Thursday morning (Dec. 30th) I realized I hadn't figured out any plans for NYE yet. Yes, that is correct- I had one day to figure it out. In a new country, and confident I didn't want to bring in the new year alone, I started putting my feelers out. I had been invited to a house party and to an all you can drink party at a nightclub in Broadbeach. Neither option was very appealing. I had one more invitation that I was holding in my pocket. I was hesitant to accept for fear that I may be intruding on a group of close friends that don't get to see each other much. I didn't want to impose. BUT after a lot of contemplating...I did anyway. 

I am sooo glad I did! 

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Friday morning (Dec. 31st) I put on my beach gear and packed a small bag of essentials- beach towel, toothbrush, change of clothes, and beer. Who needs a new dress when you can spend NYE at the BEACH... drinking BEER...around a BONFIRE!!

I met Jason (a guy I had met randomly at a pub in Surfers Paradise one afternoon) and a couple of his friends at the supermarket where we gathered the necessities for an Aussie cookout- bread, sausage (hot dog sized brats) and tomato sauce (ketchup). 

We arrived at Fingal Head and I received a tour of the area. No high-rises, no nightclubs, no high heels...just campers, jangles (flip flops) and the Fingal Head Surf Club- my home for the night.  (I'll explain surf clubs in another post) 

It was perfect. 

(I live where it says Robina and Fingal Head is where the red marker is-  about 45 mins apart) 

The area was filled with people that made Fingal Head their NYE headquarters year after year. All generations were present and everyone around was considered a friend. Kids of all ages ran freely from the campsites to the beach, while the adults sat around eating chip sandwiches and reminisced about years past. 

Chip Sandwich = French Fries on Bread

After enjoying my very first chip sandwich we headed to the water where I learned to throw a rugby ball and finally figured out how to body surf! 

I laughed watching old friends act like they were 13 again.

Enjoyed conversations about US sports vs. AUS sports with new friends.

Reveled in the feeling of being a local at Fingal Head as we drove on the beach and gathered wood from any dead tree along the way. 

Gawked at the stars while learning that Australia sees America's summer stars this time of year, and that they call the Little Dipper the Little Saucer.  

Squirmed seeing small crabs scurry as we lit the bonfire. 

Took pleasure in seeing fireworks over the ocean at midnight twice because we were on the border of two time zones.

Listened in awe to the never ending ocean waves approach the shore.

And smiled knowing this was EXACTLY how I wanted to spend my New Years Eve.

(I promise my eyes are not a reflection of how much I had to drink) 

 Cheers to everyone back home! Here's to an AUSome year ahead!

  

Just Do It...

Like a kid in a candy shop. Body surfing at Broadbeach 12.21.10

I am once again a working woman! I have been working at Bistro Blanc for a week now and have worked every day but Christmas Day. Not exactly what I had in mind for my 6 month get-a-way; however the weather hasn't been exactly favorable so I have been content making some extra cash while the sun is hiding. 

Now that Australia is on holiday (summer vacation), everybody is in party mode. Which means there have been several chances for me to be social. SO, I have been. Anytime someone has asked me to be. I see these outings as opportunities. Opportunities to meet people, and turn them into friends. Opportunities to learn about people's hobbies and how, perhaps, I can enjoy their hobby with them sometime...soon. Opportunities to make connections. Connections for traveling, jobs in other cities, accommodations in other cities. Connections that create more friendships and more hobbies. 

Even when I don't necessarily feel like being social (don't forget I have been working a lot) I do anyway. Because the excitement of not knowing what I will get out of it, mixed with the confidence that something will come out of it,  is too good to pass up! 

SO... 

go to the family get-together

start up conversation with every customer at the restaurant

go to dinner with Steven (the son of the family I am staying with) and his friends

challenge a new friend to a game of pool (and beat him!)

go boating with the guy from the coffee shop

hang out at the beach with the backpacker from the bus

meet the Canadian and his friends for New Years on the beach

Do It.

Just Do EVERYTHING.  < My new slogan 

Give it a whirl mates... its fun! 

Merry Chrissy!

Now that I have gotten into the swing of things I have been able to really take in all of the differences that make this place Australia and not America. Whether I am talking to Australian friends or friends and family in the states, everyone wants to know what stands out, what is unique, what's different. 

        

People in America ask:  How do they sound? Can you understand them? Well if you would have asked last week I probably would have said they sound magical and NO, I can't understand them! This week, now that I am settled in, the accent is just expected. I still love it, don't get me wrong, but it's normal... and I like that!  I still have a little trouble understanding them when they speak to each other, especially the men, but that is a big step from last week when I felt like people were speaking a different language! 

My favorite thing about the Australian accent is all of the abbreviations. There is a short cut for EVERYTHING. Every word suddenly sounds cute. Their abbreviations often end in "ie or y", so its as if they are talking to a child. But... they aren't. 

For Example: 

I have to go shopping for Chrissy pressies. 

Chrissy = Christmas | Pressie = present 

I am staying on the Goldie and hang out in Broadie

Goldie= Gold Coast | Broadie= Broadbeach

Uni = University | Brekky = Breakfast |

I could go on and on. 

"G'day Mate" isn't said, however mate is used by everyone in reference to anyone. 

Although I have not heard anyone say "Put another shrimp on the barbie" I have enjoyed chicken from the barbie  (grill).  

Shrimp do not exist here. But the prawns are to die for! 

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People in Australia ask: How is your economy, the President, the party scene. Their perceptions amaze me. It is truly crazy what the media does. The power it has. The impressions it gives. Sometimes true. Sometimes false. Always exaggerated.  Sort of like this: What do you think of when you hear the word Australia? "Kangaroo" perhaps? Koala maybe? Its the same situation - the media paints a picture and unless you experience it, you don't know any different.  

I also get asked about our cars. Do they look different? Are they a lot bigger than ours? 

Yes. SUV's are almost non-existant in Australia because gas or petro, is SOOOO expensive. El Caminos or Utes are EVERYWHERE. You know the song...  "El Camino, El, El Camino, the front looks like a car, and the back looks like a truck...." They are what tradeys drive, aka people that work in a trade such as electricians. 

Although there are a lot of differences between our two countries, many things are the same. It is the perfect mix. And I am thankful for that today. Makes me feel like I am not too far away from home on this Chrissie Eve.  

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I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful white Christmas. I will be enjoying a white Christmas in Australia. A white sand Christmas. With a wonderful family that has so graciously taken me in as one of their own.   It won't be the same as being home, but I can assure you it will be as close as one could hope for! Food, drinks and happiness! 

Merry Chrissy from Aussie! 

I couldn't find cut out cookies here so... I made my own! 

Jet skiing, Snorkeling and Body surfing...Oh My!

 I apologize for the delay in posts but I have been out having some FUN! In my last post I recapped all that occurred in the first 7 days, well my last three days have been even more exciting!

Saturday I found myself standing between a Bentley and a Ferrari before hopping on to a BIG boat that I spent the day on eating fresh prawns and drinking Australian beer. I jet skied through ocean waves, marveled at the sand dunes, and...I learned a bit about upper class Australia. (Its just like upper class America) 

 

Yesterday I WENT SNORKELING. In the ocean. A very big ocean. 

I had been planning to go with a tour company, but was fortunate enough to tag along with a local I befriended (Bryson) and was quite excited to be getting a "non-tourist" look in the ocean.  I had the water to myself. It was incredible. And a little overwhelming. 

When I popped my head out of the water after swimming out a ways...I sort of freaked out. Calmly of course, but I don't think I have ever felt so small! I looked around and was surrounded by never ending blue water.  It was amazing...especially once I was back on the sand! 

TODAY, after a week of not getting put on the schedule at the Golf Course, I decided I would check out some other job opportunities before heading to the beach. I walked into a restaurant that someone had recommended and next thing you know I was scheduled to be there at 8am tomorrow morning ready to work. (I have not been guaranteed a position, but I am looking forward to putting my waitressing skills back to work and hopefully securing a new job!) This is the restuarant Bistro Blanc. So after spending a whole 5 minutes job searching I headed straight to the beach where I met another local friend (Jason). I played in the waves a good portion of the afternoon and learned a bit about body surfing- not sure if I ever did get the hang of it! I had a lot of fun trying though! 

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What's next Australia? Bring it on! 

Side note: I have put up some pictures of my adventures on Facebook Week 1, Oy!

  

All in a Week's Time

After realizing today that I have only been here for SEVEN days I started glowing with excitement thinking about all that can happen in six months! 

Over the past seven days I...

Have been in two of Australia's 6 states
| New South Wales and Queensland |

Explored two of the country's largest cities
| Sydney and The Gold Coast |

Stepped foot in two of the 7 oceans/seas that surround the continent
| Tasman Sea and the Coral Sea |

Figured out the mass transportation system
| Trains, Planes and Buses |

Opened an Australian bank account
| ANZ |

Interviewed for a job
| The Glades Golf Club |

Got a job
| Waitressing and working holiday parties |

Got my RSA Certification
| Responsible Service of Alcohol- required for my job |

Applied for a TFN
| Tax File Number-not sure yet what it does- I was just told to get one! |

Found my favorite clothing store
| Sportsgirl. It does not sell sporty clothing, but rather very feminine clothing in a hippie/hobo chic kind of way. |

Enjoyed a few Aussie family meals
| With the Boorsboom's and the Blackwood's |

Had tea with a local
| Tea= dinner; local=Bryson |

Drank a Black and Tan with a Canadian and a Stella with a Norwegian
| Paul and Daniel- two separate Sydney occasions |

Pet a kangaroo and fed a lorikeet
| At the Wildlife Sanctuary in Currumbin |

In addition to everything I have done... 

I have learned a few things too! 

A regular coffee rarely exists
| Instead have a flat white (coffee with milk) or a latte (coffee with steamed milk)|

Tasty Cheese
| "Tasty" is not referring to how it tastes (although it is an appropriate name), rather Tasty cheese is one of the most common types of cheese you see in OZ along with Swiss cheese | (so when I asked what kind of cheese "tasty cheese" was, I got a very funny look as if I was blonde or something)

How you go? or How you going?
| AKA How did you do or how are you doing |

Would you like to join me for Tea?
| Isn't a request to chat over a glass of tea, but an invitation to dinner |

Yes Please
| Not an answer, it's a request. For example: If you are waiting in line and the clerk says "yes please" to you, then you better step up to the counter or you'll lose your place in line.  Or if you are at a restaurant and the waitress says "yes please", then tell her what you'd like to eat|

MMMMMMM
| Equals- "Yes, I understand" or "I agree" or "that's correct". Note: This has a kind/polite sound to it and would be used as so: Me-" I hear you like to travel as well?" Aussie- "Mmmmm". Not to be confused with how American's use this letter to imply something tastes good  |

Toilets
| The left flush button is a half flush and the right flush button is a full flush. The Australians are very savvy when it comes to water waste management!  |

Outlet Converters
 | Do not get along with American hair appliances. Nearly burnt my hair off with a straightener |

Aussies love to travel to the States
| Vegas is one of their most desired destinations (I'm working on changing this to Denver) |

American's don't travel around the Gold Coast 
| Everyone assumes I am Canadian as soon as I speak without an Aussie accent |

Students get discounts on everything
| Glad I packed my 7 year old Student ID...and that I can still pass for an 18 year old |


Whew! What a whirlwind it has been! I feel like I have lived here for a month. I have had my ups and downs these past seven days, but as I recap it all I am thrilled with everything I have accomplished... All in a week's time! 

"B Day"

"O Day" in Oz

We were in the exact same spot- one day apart! (her picture is photoshopped)

So turns out Australia LOVES Oprah and declared December 14th to be"O Day"! It is the headline story on all of the news channels,  the front page of every newspaper and magazine, and the topic of conversation around town! Check out this article to learn why it has been SUCH a big deal Oprah=marketing plan to boost tourism. 

Yesterday she taped two shows outside of the Opera House- Here are a few pictures I snapped as they were setting up for the BIG EVENT! 

A giant stage built just for her, banners up and down the streets and signs everywhere to let you know where you were and were not going to be welcome on the 14th.

I have to admit, it has been kind of fun seeing all of the ooplah about the superstar trekking around Australia. Below are a few pictures of my time in Sydney. Apparently Oprah wasn't far behind me! 

Oprah has been following me around Sydney

I explored the Harbor Bay a day before she did... 

I went to the Royal Botanical Gardens the day before her big BBQ party there...

And I spent the day at Bondi Beach the day before she was there surfing...

  The 14th of December may have been "O Day"...but the 13th of December was

 "B Day"! 

Next post coming soon- Tasty Cheese, two flush buttons, and one stop shopping!

Comfortable.

Broadbeach | Gold Coast | 12.13.10

A disclaimer before reading today's post:
After realizing I just wrote two blog entries in a row about feeling a little blue I thought about deleting the one you are about to read. BUT after thinking some more- these are my true thoughts and I look forward to looking back at them soon and laughing about how unlike me they sound. So... they will both remain posted. In addition, I wrote this yesterday, but wasn't able to get it posted so I can already tell you that my next post is going to be MUCH more positive!)

The feeling of being comfortable is something I have never put much thought into.  I have taken it for granted.


But... I am thinking about it now. Not taking it for granted any more.


Over the past few days I have been wondering around Sydney and wishing I was...


Comfortable with my surroundings.

Comfortable with my circle of friends.

With the weather, the smells around me, the food I'm eating.

Comfortable with knowing where I am and how I get to where I want to go.

Australia has forced me to think about what it means to be comfortable. Because it has made me uncomfortable. And a bit homesick. And the thought of being here for six months has been overwhelming.

I have given myself a lot of pep talks over the last few days.

You have only been here for four days. 

You will meet friends. It just takes time. 

It will be easier when you find a job. 

The transportation system will be easy after a few more days. 

You have begged and begged not to be cold anymore- 

get over the sweat and enjoy the heat!  

You don't look like a tourist. 

Everyone around you looks different and has their own sense of style. 

You do not stand out. Why do you care what these people think? 

You realize you probably won't ever see these people again.

I knew this adventure wasn't going to be all bubbles and butterflies- but preparing yourself to be uncomfortable is difficult.
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Along with pep talks, the past few days have been filled with a lot of walking, some beach time and a flight to the Gold Coast. And although I was a bit uncomfortable through it all, my experiences have been amazing. I have seen some beautiful sites, spent a day with a Norwegian and cheersed with a Canadian.

I chose this challenge of traveling alone and with 4 days down- I have realized that everything will be fine. It is just going to take a little extra time.

Everyday has been better than the last.

And right now... I am comfortable. Almost.

With a view like this it is hard not to be.

 "O" day tomorrow! More pictures, some new slang and my first interview.

Until then, good night!