Happy Birthday, Papa Bloke!

Today was my amazing father's 49th birthday! Sadly, this is the first year I have not been home (or an hour away at Etown) to celebrate with him. Lucky for me, my family invited me to the birthday party via Skype! It was such a fun and makeshift way of celebrating such a special day from the other side of the world.

I woke up early so our times would match up.  I taped up a handmade sign on my back wall that read "Happy Birthday, Papa Bloke" and my mom had the entire computer room (aka my room) decorated with streamers, balloons, and presents.

After we connected the call, we all sang "Happy Birthday" and while they cruelly ate a delicious homemade cherry cheesecake (tradition for dad's birthday), I ate an ever so appetizing bowl of instant oatmeal. Yummmmm!

After they had dessert and I had brekky, we all had a cup of coffee together and went straight into presents and cards. I graciously volunteered to be the "Skypographer" for the event and was able to capture all the excitement, just as if I were there! Luckily, the card I sent home made it there before today so he was able to read it on his actual birthday. I was so excited about this card, too. It had a kangaroo with a beer and it said, "Cheers, Mate!" So Australian and festive, right?! After that, it was a Nike extravaganza as he opened Nike shirts, pants, and socks! Flashbacks to your Vera Bradley birthday huh, Elyse?!

After presents, Elyse had a special performance. Talk about bringing on the tears! This Skype party turned into a waterworks show. Elyse merged together Have I Told You Lately that I Love You, Hero, Drive, and Daddy's Hands and sang it to dad. Well, needless to say, we are all emotional wrecks by this point. I had to run out of my room and grab tissues from the bathroom. People probably thought I was a looney bin! I had to explain they were happy tears! After that, we reminisced by reading the Alphabet Birthday Book I made for my dad about five years ago. This is another tradition for my dad's birthday. We can never forget the pool men, Christmas tree shopping, soccer, and all our other memories!

Despite the tears, it was an amazing day and experience! I will never forget dad's birthday of 2012. It goes to show how strong the family unit really is. Even half way around the world, a family can connect on such a level that it seems like I was there celebrating my dad's birthday with him. Even though I didn't get to eat a giant slice of cheesecake, I was able to get a giant slice of home that will satisfy me for awhile!

So here's to your 49th birthday, Papa Bloke! I love you more than the cherries on your cake, and more than the miles we are apart. Cheers, mate!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

It has been way too long! I have been super busy lately and finally have the chance to catch up a bit. I haven't been on any extravagant trips lately; however, I have been enjoying every minute of good ol' Newcastle!

Our little group of Americans booked a holiday to Bali from April 18-25, so needless to say, we are pretty excited! We are staying in a lovely hostel in Ubud for only $12 USD a night, but I'll spill all those details in my Bali post.

As for the past few weeks, one of my biggest highlights was receiving my package from home. Seeing Jarrettsville, Maryland on the return address almost made me cry! I woke up bright and early, sprinted to the mail room, and ran back to my dorm while hugging a giant box. So American, right? But anyway, my family sent me HEAPS of junk food. I cracked open the berger cookies and shared them with my friends.Represent, Baltimore! Everyone was basically amazed at their deliciousness. My parents also threw in a pack of Big Red gum for my Australian friend, Jess. Apparently, it's one of the things she misses about the States, and she ate the whole pack in one day. I also got my own lifetime supply of Trident gum -they don't have it here- red dollars, peanut butter M&Ms, and a chocolate Easter bunny. I think I'm pretty set for the rest of my time here; however, I do miss those homemade chocolate chip cookies! (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, Elyse)

 Lets see... What else have I gotten up to recently? (Throwing in some more Aussie lingo) Our lovely friend, Rachel, hosted an Alfredo, wine, and movie night for us last week. She cooked up a delicious homemade alfredo sauce, sauteed chicken breast, and we enjoyed a wonderful meal for once! Tori brought peach wine, which is much, much better than the every so popular goon. Then we all snuggled up on the couches and watched/cried/laughed at The Help. It was such a relaxing evening with great company. Tori and I have also become known foosball champs of the Cutler Rec Room! We hold an undefeated record and are pretty darn proud! Other than that, I have actually been getting my homework done and being "mostly" studious, except for the days I choose the beach over lecture, but hey, I'm in Australia. That has become the ultimate excuse for everything we do. We're in Australia!

But now, I am going to throw a little local news your way, too. Back in the quiet town of Jarrettsville, my amazing little sister got her license! I am so proud of you, Elyse. When I saw her post I was literally dancing all alone in my room. Now if only she could drive herself over here to visit me =) Also, my lovely Papa Bloke will be turning the big 49 tomorrow! I'll miss ya, daddy, but I'll be there in spirit aka Skype! I'll be missing your cherry cheesecake, mom. Save a piece for me... or feel free to send it over. I'm sure customs would appreciate it!

Well, I don't want to bore anyone with my everyday occurrences, so I'm gonna sign off, but check back soon to hear about any Easter break adventures I embark on, and to hear all about Bali!

Talk to you soon, and Happy Easter everyone! I'll be missing you Mom, Dad, Elyse, Grandma, Poppy Bug, Aunt Jenny, Uncle Dave, Noah, Emma, and Uncle Chris at the Easter dinner table this year. Eat heaps of mashed potatoes and goodies for me! I reckon you can Skype me into the dinner conversation! Hope the Easter Bunny treats you well, kiddos!

G'day!

Find Your Mojo, babe!

So after this past weekend, I have decided to embrace my inner "mojo," cease washing my hair to create "all-natural" dreadlocks, wave my hand and say "shakamalaka" every other word, wear boardies on a daily basis, and soak up the sun for the rest of my life! Ok, so maybe not, but let me tell you, surfing was incredible!

We left late Friday night and embarked on a four hour bus ride north to Crescent Head, New South Wales. After taking secluded, sketchy back roads, we pulled up to a campsite smack dab in the middle of nowhere at about 12:30 am. We were then taken to our cabins and told to fall asleep, not to worry about the time, and wait for the hunky blond guy who lives in the next room to wake us up for brekky. Our room consisted of four girls and four guys, and we stayed up for quite a bit bonding over our favorite childhood cartoons. This was definitely a great way to start off the weekend!

So without a doubt, the next morning at 7 am, I woke up to a hunky, shirtless surfer dude standing in the doorway telling us to get dressed and grab something to eat. This wasn't a bad way to start the morning off! ;) After brekky, we were given the basic rules of surfing, then we were sent down the path to the beach. When we walked up over the hill, our mouths dropped at the sight of these surfers' "backyard." We walked about a mile up the beach to an inlet where we began day one of surfing.

Crescent Head beach

First we suited up into wetsuits, then got in a circle and drew surfboards in the sand. We practiced paddling, and popping up into standing position. Need I mention that this is much easier in the sand than in the water? Then we did some stretches, grabbed our boards, and literally dove headfirst into a shakamalaka experience!

One by one, the two instructors helped us paddle out, get over the waves before they crashed on us, and basically rode the wave in with us. I watched the few people in front of me paddle out and take their first attempt and was super excited to finally go. Well, the instrcuctor gets on the back of my board and begins to push me out. He's making simple conversation about where I'm from, what my name is, all the while I'm noticing the wells are getting higher and higher. All of a sudden, the instructor sees a really big wave and literally says, "Oh, shit!" Well, this is NOT what I want to hear the first time I'm on a surfboard. The wave lifts us up and SMACK, I hit the board. This happens about two more times in row before we finally get a chance to catch our breath. Ouchhhh! Anyways, he turns me around and tells me we're catching the next wave. He tells me to start paddling and I feel our speed increasing and he starts yelling for me stand up, so I do! Just like that, I was riding a wave to shore! It was the coolest thing ever!

This cycle of paddling out and riding in continued throughout the morning, some waves a lot less successful than my first, but I enjoyed every single minute of it. Usually, I get bored of doing the same thing over and over, but this was just totally gnarly as they say it. After our first session was over, I realized how physically exhausting surfing is! No wonder surfers always seems to appear Photoshopped!

These things are heavy!

We then went back to the camp for lunch and rest, and then headed right back out for round two! This time, we were more on our own; however, the waves were rough. It was an effort just paddling out. Every time I paddled five feet forward, the waves pulled me six feet back! Anyways, the afternoon session was another success, and I felt like I did a pretty good job for my first time! As the Aussies say, it was loose (fun).
After the second session, we lounged on the beach for awhile, taking pictures, and hanging out. When we got back, we got to shower and keep the bathroom frog, Freddy, company. Then we had a barbie, and got to watch a slideshow of the pictures that were taken of us surfing. For our barbie, we had steak, burgers, sausage, salad, and grilled veggies. It was all delicious. I seriously ate more food this past weekend than I have my entire time at Uni.

Then, to wrap up the evening, we walked to "The Hump" for a bonfire on the beach. We took our goon and all sat around the fire talking and relaxing. A few of us girls ventured down the path and chilled on the beach, and danced in the moonlight. It was just too cool! It's a lifestyle I could live and love.

The girls with one of our instructors

The next morning we woke up and had our final session before heading back, eating lunch, and  buying too many souvenirs! We loaded back onto the bus and began our trek home.

Every inch of my body is so incredibly sore, but it is all worth it. I knew the surfing trip was going to be fun, but I didn't expect myself to actually crave for the next time I get to try it again. As of right now, I see myself moving south to the Carolinas, buying a beach house (haha with my English degree), waking up for a morning jog on the beach, and teaching myself to surf on the weekends. I know, I know, keep dreaming, but hey, it could happen!

Well, that's it for the night, so shakamalaka and I'll be posting soon about more of my Aussie adventures!

Heaps fun this weekend!

So this past weekend was an absolute blast and I really feel like I'm finally getting to know this "junglesesque" place! I say this because there are dozens of different species of birds swooping down as you walk. I have a bird that sits outside my window and whistles a soothing tune in the morning, but has this treacherous "SQUAWK" at night time. We have cockatoos, lorikeets, and kookaburras. It seriously sounds like it's dying. We have these other birds that sound like wild monkeys, which is kind of cool. But the overall atmosphere looks like an actual jungle. There are trees everywhere and some swampy looking areas.

My first week here, I went for an exploratory run through campus and passed one of these swampy areas. My first thought and biggest fear was crocodiles! I quickly sprinted, like my life depended on it, past the swamp. When I returned, I asked my floor mates if there were a lot of crocodile sightings on campus. Needless to say, I was laughed at. There are no crocs in Newcastle apparently. It's too chilly for them here.

But back to my weekend. Friday night was TEDS formal dinner. Everyone got dressed up and kept it classy by actually sipping goon out of a wine glass rather than simply chugging it from the box! hahah. We got to wear these awesome Harry Potter robes and eat a "delicious" meal.

The next day, Lauren, Tori, and myself met up with our friend Gina who lives at Bar Beach. We successfully completed our first attempt at public transportation. Besides getting lost on our way back to the train, almost missing the train, and risking our lives sprinting across the highway, the train was a breeze!

We ventured to Darby Street, which is a main shopping and cafe spot in the city of Newcastle. We looked in heaps (catching onto the lingo!) stores for jewelry, dresses, and bathing suits. I found an adorable owl necklace that I'm very excited about, and I got a new bathing suit on clearance! When in Australia, bargain shop!

After we got back from out day out, we finally fed ourselves and began planning for Easter break. Our thought right now is traveling to Melbourne! Then, at the last minute, we decided to join my awesome floor mates for a night out. I got to bond with some of them, and meet some other awesome people. We caught the train again and went to Finnegans, an Irish Pub, and danced, danced, danced. It was a blast. Then we walked through the city of Newcastle and went to the Brewery, which is this awesome bar that sits right on the harbour. It was an amazing view, and so Australian!

So after a long night out, we went to the swimming carnival today. Each residence hall here is known as a college, so I live at TEDS college since I live in Edwards Hall. Our biggest rival is Evatt House. There's a song, but it's not very appropriate! Anyways, the swimming carnival took place all afternoon, and it was a competitive swimming competition between the colleges. Edwards won, and everyone was happy.

I left early though for church, and met some new people again! We had another delicious potluck style picnic, and afterward, we all played a game of soccer. It was so much fun and such a good workout.

So to wrap up my whole weekend, all I can say is I had heaps of fun! I'm looking forward to a long night sleep and my second week of classes, and then this weekend it's off to Sydney for a weekend surf getaway!

Check back to hear about my attempt at surfing, if I don't get eaten by the sharks first!

O-Week and classes

Well I officially survived Uni's O-Week and my first week of classes! O-week, also known as orientation week, was seven straight days of themed parties, scavenger hunts, relaxing by the pool, and going to the beach. I met so many wonderful American friends, as well as Aussie friends from my floor! I'm referred to as, "hey, American!"

My lovely corridor mates at the cowboys and Indians trivia night!

It's so interesting to just sit and talk with the people in my corridor and compare traditions, foods, families, and dialect. There are so many differences between two English speaking countries. They had me try Vegemite, which is really not that good! It's this salty, yeast extract eaten with butter on top of toast or a crimpet. People eat it for brekky all the time, or just as a snack! According to my corridor mates, I have never even lived until I try milo and kebabs.

Milo is a chocolately malt powder mixed with milk, and kebabs are not your ordinary chicken and shrimp on a stick. Apparently, they are complete "wonderfullness," consisting of chicken, sauce, veggies, and meat, stuffed inside some sort of burrito. One of my Aussie friends told me he couldn't wait to introduce me to milo, and I responded in the most American way by saying, "Yay, I can't wait to meet him!"

So after a week of sun bathing, relaxing, and meeting new people, I joined a Christian group for brekky on the beach. It was amazing. Saturday morning we took a bus to Nelson Bay and had eggs and bacon on the grill, tons of watermelon and grapes, and Tim Tams!! These chocolate wafer cookies are absolutely amazing and I WILL be bringing them home to the states. We also tried a Tim Tam Slam. To successfully experience the goodness of a Tim Tam, you bite off a tiny bit of each end of the cookie. Then you use it as a straw to slurp up hot chocolate. The drink melts and hollows out the cookie, and just as it's about to fall from your fingers and into the pool of hot chocolate, you shove it all in your mouth. Voila, you have just experience complete heaven in your mouth!

So back to the Christian group I met. They were so generous, kind, and awesome. There were a few students from Uni, but it mostly consisted of families and their children. We sat on the beach all day and watched the guys play water rugby and just talked. Then one of the older men brought out his guitar and played. On our way home, we made a pit stop at the Sand Dunes. All I can say is wow. It looked like vast desserts that ran on forever. It was so beautiful.
 
I've kept in touch with the woman in charge of the group, Yvette and I definitely plan on continuing Sunday worship with them. Every Sunday, she picks me up and we go to mass together, then have a giant potluck style dinner after. She even brought me homemade chocolate chip cookies, and offered to make me a pumpkin pie so I don't get too homesick. It's the small gestures like hers that can really make you appreciate life and good, down-to-earth people.

I then ventured into my first week of lectures. What a difference from Etown. My lectures consisted of three hundred students, and the campus is about four times the size of my familiar bubble at Etown! Luckily, I came across very friendly Aussies who could clearly see my sense of confusion. "Are ya alright, darling?" I heard this about three times from random people, who then directed me to the correct building. After this week though, I have a pretty good grip on where I'm heading, so no worries!

Well, tonight we have our formal dinner and I get to wear an ever so dreamy Harry Potter robe! I must say, I'm pretty pumped. I'll be posting about it soon, so check back.

Until then, I'm gonna have to bugger out and clean myself up. Hopefully this pissy weather clears up soon!

Grab your thongs and flippers and watch out for the boomers!

Needless to say, Cairns was a tropical paradise. Palm trees at every corner and super tan people EVERYWHERE made me feel like I was in the picture of the Sandals Vacation advertisement.

The first full day in Cairns, my new friend Gina and I journeyed to the Lagoon and got our tan...well sun burn on. The lagoon was beautiful, clean, and best of all, free! Later that night, I was definitely feeling the results of the city located under the hole in the ozone. Ouch!

The next day, we went out on Passions Sailboat and spent the day on the Great Barrier Reef. This experience alone can replace everything else on my bucket list. It was absolutely amazing. The water was so blue and clean. Australia has this unique and sublime feeling. The water mesmerizes you, but the mountains surrounding the horizons are breathtaking. It's a truly beautiful sight.

So after about a two hour boat ride, we arrived to the reef. We were given flippers, snorkels, goggles, and rubber suits, and thrown into the wonderful 80 degree water! I was lucky enough to have my underwater camera and got to shoot some pretty neat footage of the marine life. Sorry the video is a little shaky, but my butt was trying to float to the top as I was trying to swim downwards, so it was a little tough!

After about 45 minutes of snorkeling, we were given the option to pay extra for scuba diving. Of course I had to jump at this opportunity, and it was worth every penny! We were put in suits and super heavy oxygen tanks and once again, thrown into the water. We went down in groups of four with an instructor. Luckily for me, I got to link arms with him. I was terrified about seeing a shark and we actually did! We saw an epileptic shark hiding under a rock, and it was definitely a little intimidating!

After that we traveled to a small island to explore, and the skipper let me sit in the captain's seat and look out for obstacles haha! It was an incredible view up there.

After we arrived back on land, I basically passed out for a two hour nap, ate dinner, went to bed, and got up for a day at the Rain Forest! We went to the Rainforestation, which used to be a coffee plantation but was ruined due to frost.

The first thing we did was meet the Aboriginal people and learned how to throw boomerangs. Then we watched their tribal dances and they asked for volunteers. Guess who got picked?? That's right, this girl right here! I got to do the shaky leg dance in front of a ton of people. It was so fun!

 So this brings me to the end of my Cairns getaway, and to the beginning of a week at the University of Newcastle -or Uni as they say here- that is most definitely something I've never experienced before!

Check back to hear all about the adventures of O-week ;)

You are now free to move about the cabin...

My amazing sister and I on the bus to BWI!

I finally have internet access (cross my fingers)! I'm finally settled and cozy in the wonderful Newcastle, New South Wales. I arrived in Cairns last week for a week long orientation, after hours beyond hours on a plane. Before I get in to all of my adventures, I need to recap the day of my departure.

I experienced so many different emotions of excitement and nervousness. My family took me to the airport and my grandparents and Uncle David already planned on meeting us there. But to make things even better, my Aunt Chrissy, Uncle Joey, and Jonny surprised me! It was so special. I had the whole crew to see my off at BWI. When I got on the plane, I was super excited to have gotten a window seat. My major disappointment, however, was I did not receive any complimentary shortbread cookies. Elyse talked and talked these free airplane cookies up to no end, and I didn't get any! But things did get better. For the endless flight from LAX to Sydney, I got to sit next to a true Aussie named Damion. He was so incredibly friendly and chatty! When he sat down next to me, I almost squealed. The best part was he told me I would make friends easily because of my accent! haha MY ACCENT! Unfortunately, halfway through the flight, he had to switch to the aisle seat because he had a bad bladder. He apologized for "dumping" me, which I thought was pretty funny.

We finally arrived in Sydney at about 9:30am, but we still had about another full day of traveling and layovers until we made it to Cairns. We arrived at Gilligan's backpack resort that evening, and let me tell you, the Aussies sure love their leisure time!

The hostel was located right above the bar which played live music until about 3am every morning. The slide and glass doors in our rooms were definitely vibrating all night.

One of the nights I went down to the bar and there was a group of Germans, Americans, Norwegians, and Australians who just finished a three-day diving adventure and were celebrating with a few drinks and dancing. They lured me into their group and we all danced for a while. It was a blast!

 I experienced a million and one other amazing experiences that week, but they are for the next post! Check back to hear about my snorkeling and scuba diving adventures in the Great Barrier Reef, my encounters with kangaroos and koalas, and my meet and greet with the Aboriginal people!