More pictures of the library because I'm a nerd.

Fair Dinkum

Hello, marvelous few readers.

Since my last post, many things have happened. They hardly seem blog-worthy to me, but I am not one to judge your tastes. So here goes:


I have been reading. A lot. Australian poetry, drama, short stories. Gough Whitlam. Tons of fieldwork on Aboriginals. Wikipedia!

My peace lily is miraculously still alive. The one I had in America died instantly. I think it's because I consider it my pet, and spray it with water every day. And talk to it to encourage its growth.

La Trobe Reading Room, State Library

I went on my first round of field trips. I got to go to the State Library of Victoria, which is beautiful because of course it is. The rest of the field trip was kind of lame, and mostly involved the professor trying to make deep insights about sociology and people living in cities. Who cares! (Me, a little).

Ned Kelly's death mask. Fun fact:  True History of the Kelly Gang is why I decided to come to Australia

Paper structures in the museum portion of the library.

Finally, I've been applying to more jobs. I recently missed an interview to be a babysitter because of my horrible skill at taking public transport. But I actually love getting lost and taking buses and trains, so I didn't really get upset. But if I don't get a job soon I will probably cry. It's expensive here!

Which brings me to the exciting part of the post: I'm going to Tasmania! I've decided to forgo Uluru because it's very very expensive, and instead spend time exploring rural Victoria with my Australian tour guide and new bestie Bec. She's offered to take me to her hometown, the Werribee Zoo, and the local cider fest! Hurray! She's also going with me to Tassie (as they affectionately call it) after school ends. The trip is actually pretty cheap since Melbourne is right next to Tasmania. We're going on a day trip to Port Arthur and a "ghost tour" of the supposedly haunted jail there! YAY!

Oh. I also turned 21. Don't worry, Dad. I'm not a flaming alcoholic.

Dorm Life is not meant for the weak of heart.

 Here it is, folks. The shared kitchen. Home to ravenous germs, unwashed plates, hungry ants, and the stickiest floor you've ever broken your flip flop on.

 Gateway to my room. It sure looks peaceful and quiet with my made bed and trusty companion, Tickey. Don't let this deceive you. At night, it allows all sorts of sounds to invade and keep you up far past your bedtime!

 My desk. Complete with a few pictures from home, my computer, and the best water bottle in the world. I do some pretty heavy thinking here.

 This is not actually my dorm. It's an up close and personal look at a gum tree. They are all over the place, plain as day. They shed their bark instead of their leaves, so sights like this are common.

 The path I travel when making the 10 mile journey to and from the supermarket. Yes. I choose the scenic route.

 The bench I sit on when I'm completely buggered with carrying groceries, bemoaning my choice to walk instead of paying tram fare!

A giant moth that lived in my room for about 30 minutes too long.

And there you have it! A brief tour of my day-to-day. Nothing glamorous, but I do with what I have.

I can't be bothered.

School started today. Technically yesterday, but today was my first scheduled class. 20th and 21st Century Australian Literature. 10am. 1 hour.

Or so I thought.

Turns out, the lecture is 3 hours, making my next scheduled class, Intro to Aboriginal Australia at 11am, bascially kaput. I excused myself during the break at 11 to make it to this next one, only to find myself knee-deep in a packed lecture hall full of... Physics students. Blegh.

At this point, I don't really feel like running back to my room to find out about a change in room, so I just scurry back to English and stay for the remaining lecture (which is fascinating, by the way!). I came back to my room and emailed the professor of the missed class, and steeped in my ennui with the university's timetable. To put it as an Australian might, I can't be bothered. I have reached the pinnacle of caredness and interest, and now I simply won't have any of it. I'm giving myself the rest of the day off. Except until 4:30, when I will go pretend to play Ultimate Frisbee. And starting the massive amounts of readings due next week.

In other news, it appears my floor will all have cirrhosis of the liver by week's end. Seriously. They love to drink. It's revolting.

Oh... Week

Orientation Week has begun. I'm living in a massive dorm with... first years. New to college, new to practically everything. These sweet, fresh-faced, bushy-tailed neophytes will literally do anything. Every night is a different theme, yet there is a recurring theme of a loud, raucous, first-time drinking binge! Luckily they offer "alternative" activities and I've been rock climbing twice this week.

I'm basically an expert at this stage.

 After mastering the art of traversing giant walls with fake rocks stuck in them, we went on a scavenger hunt in Melbourne's CBD (Central Business District). I got to see a lot more of the city (it was very thorough, covering practically the entire city) and had to do all of my searching while wearing an identifiable headband that read "Base Jaffys". 100 points to you for figuring out what that is.

Here I am in my Base Jaffy glory in front of a cottage in Fitzroy Gardens, holding a leaf to prevent it sitting on my head.

 Carnivale Day! This was a day of sitting on the lawn, listening to an amazing all-female Led Zeppelin cover band.

Here I am (left) with Steph and Chelsea.

"Fairy floss"-- what they call cotton candy.

 And now, the bit you've all been waiting for...

They really only put a little on toast that's been thoroughly buttered.

Calm before the storm

Greetings!
It's been a fairly laid back week down under. I've been going to the market to get things from my ever-growing list of necessities, participating in the "International Welcome Festival" (which for me means showing up during the free lunches and getting all the goodies!) and slowing meeting people as they arrive. Tonight is the beginning of O Week, wherein we do nonstop activities apparently, so I'm drinking lots of water now and trying not to do much of anything. Here are some pictures, because that's always better than words.

The bridge over the moat that connects Menzies College (where I live) with the main Uni

St. Kilda Beach, the closest to Melbourne CBD (and therefore the worst :P)

A lovely seashell castle, construction unknown.

Statue of Charles La Trobe, upside down. I do not know the story behind this, but I'm working on it.

Me! And my new favorite thing, ginger beer.

On Coffee

Yesterday I had the privilege of a free tram ride into the main city of Melbourne. One of the first things I spotted off the track was Pellegrini's Bar, a world-famous coffee bar and Italian eatery. I knew I had to visit this gem I had heard so much about, so I escaped the throng of bumbling International students with one other wise girl from Wisconsin, and slipped in.

Despite this treasure, something harrowing has come to my attention....
Apart from coffee bars, Australians only have....
INSTANT COFFEE.

They don't brew Folger's like us. It's either a premium espresso or powder. (I think most just get the premium espresso and pay the ... premium)

Now you know!