Saturday, June 27, 2009
The past few days...
My pictures went in backwards, but in the past few days I have gone on a walk and seen...
St. Andrews Pool - It is outside on the Harbor!
Mrs. Macquaries Chair - Look up the history behind this place!
The Sydney Opera House and Bridge from a different angle!
We also walked through the Royal Botanic Gardens and saw some really awesome flowers and trees.
This is everyone who went - Lydia, Kristin, Heather H., Me, AJ and Heather H.
In my last post I think I mentioned the art gallery I went to. It is called Honey Ant Gallery and here are some pictures from there.
The artist who painted this scratches the pain instead of dotting it like most Aboriginal artwork you see.
This is the typical Aboriginal work you see, they dot the paint.
I also went to a game of Footie - Sydney Swans AFL team on the second night I was here. There are no rules to the game and the clock never stops. It was very entertaining.
We watched the game at the Olympic Stadium!!!
And were 7 rows from the field!!! Lucky for me the Sydney Swans were red, so I was able to support the team and show my Western Oregon pride!
This is Heather P., Me and Lydia waiting at the bus stop before the game. I have a lot of fun hanging out with them! Heather is from Florida and Lydia is from Minnesota.
St. Andrews Pool - It is outside on the Harbor!
Mrs. Macquaries Chair - Look up the history behind this place!
The Sydney Opera House and Bridge from a different angle!
We also walked through the Royal Botanic Gardens and saw some really awesome flowers and trees.
This is everyone who went - Lydia, Kristin, Heather H., Me, AJ and Heather H.In my last post I think I mentioned the art gallery I went to. It is called Honey Ant Gallery and here are some pictures from there.
The artist who painted this scratches the pain instead of dotting it like most Aboriginal artwork you see.
This is the typical Aboriginal work you see, they dot the paint.I also went to a game of Footie - Sydney Swans AFL team on the second night I was here. There are no rules to the game and the clock never stops. It was very entertaining.
We watched the game at the Olympic Stadium!!!
And were 7 rows from the field!!! Lucky for me the Sydney Swans were red, so I was able to support the team and show my Western Oregon pride!
This is Heather P., Me and Lydia waiting at the bus stop before the game. I have a lot of fun hanging out with them! Heather is from Florida and Lydia is from Minnesota.The following is a video from the Royal Botanic Gardens of the MASSIVE fish they have! There are even EELS in the pond but I didn't get a picture of them.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Last time I updated I had gone down to Circular Quay. Since then I had attempted to find my school but got lost. I ended up back down at Circular Quay and went...
Out into the harbor...
And saw the Sydney Opera House up close and went to the ocean to see....
WHALES!!!!!!!
Splashing in the water and...
Jumping!
Out into the harbor...
And saw the Sydney Opera House up close and went to the ocean to see....
WHALES!!!!!!!
Splashing in the water and...
Jumping!I had a great time whale watching, I went on the boat in only jeans and a t-shirt and was asked many times if I was freezing to death. I thought it was warm.
After the whale watching tour I walked around the Quay and then headed back home.
I also found the University of Sydney and walked around some and found an entire bush of birds of paradise! It was beautiful. I will upload pictures of these sighting later as I am unable to do that at the moment.
Today was also my FIRST day of school and I absolutely LOVE it! The school is amazing and my teacher is fabulous. The students were so much fun and so excited to meet me! I cannot wait to go back again tomorrow!
After the whale watching tour I walked around the Quay and then headed back home.
I also found the University of Sydney and walked around some and found an entire bush of birds of paradise! It was beautiful. I will upload pictures of these sighting later as I am unable to do that at the moment.
Today was also my FIRST day of school and I absolutely LOVE it! The school is amazing and my teacher is fabulous. The students were so much fun and so excited to meet me! I cannot wait to go back again tomorrow!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
I'm alive and I have proof!
HERE I AM!!!
in front of the Sydney Harbor Bridge!
I took a bus and a subway (train) to get down here yesterday (Sunday) with Heather, she is staying at the same place as me. We decided we needed to feel like we were in Sydney, so we went to find one of the most famous landmarks.
I definitely am getting more confident in using the public transportation here, but am still nervous I am going to get lost! Good thing everyone speaks English here!
I went down to Patty's the other day with some friends. Patty's is a famous market here. It is open 7 days a week and house hundreds and hundreds of vendors selling souvenirs and goods. We even saw people selling fish and rabbits!
We have also found the place to get grocery's. It is in a building on Broadway or called Broadway, I haven't figured it out yet. But it's a four-story building with all kinds of department stores and even a target! I picked up some food so that I can start making my own meals here instead of going out all the time.
Also, we discovered that American DVD's don't work here in their players. I picked up a few movies to have something to watch at night instead of the snow on t.v. The weather here is rainy most of the time with some nice breaks of sun. Yesterday was the first day of winter! Crazy!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Friday, June 19, 2009
I'm Here!!
I finally made it to Australia!
My first flight to LA was short. I got lost trying to find the International Airport because the security guards pointed me in the wrong direction, but my 4 hour layover was more than enough time to find where I was going, grab something to eat and get through security again.
There was a group of People to People students in the airport and they ended up being on my flight to Sydney! For those of you who remember or know, this is the same group I traveled with to Australia and Europe. I ended up sitting next to two boys, Tom and Sam, who were with them and they had so much energy and so many questions for me about what they were doing and what I did with the group. One of the leaders even spent some time talking to me about my experience and what I was doing this time in Australia. They really kept my mind off the fact that I was flying over water. :)
The flight to Sydney was about 15.5 hours and went by fast once I fell asleep. I woke up with 4 hours of the flight left. They served us a good dinner of salmon and rice and a breakfast of ham, sausage, quiche and hash browns.
Once we landed I headed through to get my passport stamped, picked up my bags and went through customs, declaring I had medicine and pencils, since you have to declare both medicine and wood. I made it through customs and hopped on a taxi to get the keys to my new place. The taxi driver was very friendly and made me feel welcomed. He got lost for a short time, but didn't charge me for his mistake. I got my keys and caught another taxi to the place where I am staying.
The first room I was put in, was not what I expected. I had a hard time thinking that it was where I was going to stay. It was really dirty and my bed was up a ladder, on a loft with a railing that would of broke if I touched it. The site manager told me he was upset that I had been placed in that room and let me look at two others rooms. I chose a new room and I am much happier with it and feel more at home. The pictures to follow show the first room and second room.
This picture shows the one window and t.v. and closet I had. The bathroom is the door you see.
As soon as you walked in, to your left was this small hallway which led to the kitchen. There was a backdoor that went out to an alley way.
This was the kitchen, an oven, fridge, sink and full supply of silverware, dishes and cooking items.
This was the ladder I had to climb up to get to my bed. Not only was it straight up, but you could barely even sit up in the bed.
This is the loft, showing the railing that I was talking about.
This was the bed in my first room. Two twin mattresses put together.
This is just another look at the couch and bathroom of the first room I was in.
WELCOME TO MY NEW HOME!
This is my new room! This shows the door I come in, the closet and set of dressers, tv and table in my room.
As you walk in the door, this is what you see. My bed, two twin beds put together, but very comfortable. The doors you see lead to my small kitchen and bathroom.
This is my lovely little kitchen. I have a refrigerator, oven, hot plates, sink, water jug and microwave. I also was furnished with lots of plates, bowls, cups and cooking pots and utensils. To the right is the bathroom door.
This is my bathroom, it has the toilet you see, shower and a small little sink. And no, the toilet does not flush backwards. It flushes straight down, there swirling. :)
On the top you may see a little button. Australia is and has been on water restriction for quite some time. This button allows you to flush two different ways. I'll let you figure that one out.
Now you have seen where I am staying. It is a nice little place that feels like home.
Last night I met up with two girls who have already been here, Lydia and Heather. They took me out to a pub to get a meal and drink. I had a cheeseburger that included lettuce, tomato, cucumber, beets and those green leafy things restaurants put on your plate to make it look nice. I also discovered Australian Tomato Sauce (Ketchup) and it tastes SO much better than our ketchup. Lydia and Heather took me to get a bus pass and explained transportation to me some. Heather took me back to my place so that I wouldn't get lost.
It gets dark here around 5pm-6pm, but there is plenty to do even late at night. I haven't branched out too far yet. Another girl named Heather, will be arriving today (Saturday) and is staying at the same place as me. It will be nice to know someone where I am staying to hang out with.
That's it for now. I will do my best to keep pictures coming of everything I am doing and keep everyone updated!
My first flight to LA was short. I got lost trying to find the International Airport because the security guards pointed me in the wrong direction, but my 4 hour layover was more than enough time to find where I was going, grab something to eat and get through security again.
There was a group of People to People students in the airport and they ended up being on my flight to Sydney! For those of you who remember or know, this is the same group I traveled with to Australia and Europe. I ended up sitting next to two boys, Tom and Sam, who were with them and they had so much energy and so many questions for me about what they were doing and what I did with the group. One of the leaders even spent some time talking to me about my experience and what I was doing this time in Australia. They really kept my mind off the fact that I was flying over water. :)
The flight to Sydney was about 15.5 hours and went by fast once I fell asleep. I woke up with 4 hours of the flight left. They served us a good dinner of salmon and rice and a breakfast of ham, sausage, quiche and hash browns.
Once we landed I headed through to get my passport stamped, picked up my bags and went through customs, declaring I had medicine and pencils, since you have to declare both medicine and wood. I made it through customs and hopped on a taxi to get the keys to my new place. The taxi driver was very friendly and made me feel welcomed. He got lost for a short time, but didn't charge me for his mistake. I got my keys and caught another taxi to the place where I am staying.
The first room I was put in, was not what I expected. I had a hard time thinking that it was where I was going to stay. It was really dirty and my bed was up a ladder, on a loft with a railing that would of broke if I touched it. The site manager told me he was upset that I had been placed in that room and let me look at two others rooms. I chose a new room and I am much happier with it and feel more at home. The pictures to follow show the first room and second room.
This picture shows the one window and t.v. and closet I had. The bathroom is the door you see.
As soon as you walked in, to your left was this small hallway which led to the kitchen. There was a backdoor that went out to an alley way.
This was the kitchen, an oven, fridge, sink and full supply of silverware, dishes and cooking items.
This was the ladder I had to climb up to get to my bed. Not only was it straight up, but you could barely even sit up in the bed.
This is the loft, showing the railing that I was talking about.
This was the bed in my first room. Two twin mattresses put together.
This is just another look at the couch and bathroom of the first room I was in.WELCOME TO MY NEW HOME!
This is my new room! This shows the door I come in, the closet and set of dressers, tv and table in my room.
As you walk in the door, this is what you see. My bed, two twin beds put together, but very comfortable. The doors you see lead to my small kitchen and bathroom.
This is my lovely little kitchen. I have a refrigerator, oven, hot plates, sink, water jug and microwave. I also was furnished with lots of plates, bowls, cups and cooking pots and utensils. To the right is the bathroom door.
This is my bathroom, it has the toilet you see, shower and a small little sink. And no, the toilet does not flush backwards. It flushes straight down, there swirling. :)On the top you may see a little button. Australia is and has been on water restriction for quite some time. This button allows you to flush two different ways. I'll let you figure that one out.
Now you have seen where I am staying. It is a nice little place that feels like home.
Last night I met up with two girls who have already been here, Lydia and Heather. They took me out to a pub to get a meal and drink. I had a cheeseburger that included lettuce, tomato, cucumber, beets and those green leafy things restaurants put on your plate to make it look nice. I also discovered Australian Tomato Sauce (Ketchup) and it tastes SO much better than our ketchup. Lydia and Heather took me to get a bus pass and explained transportation to me some. Heather took me back to my place so that I wouldn't get lost.
It gets dark here around 5pm-6pm, but there is plenty to do even late at night. I haven't branched out too far yet. Another girl named Heather, will be arriving today (Saturday) and is staying at the same place as me. It will be nice to know someone where I am staying to hang out with.
That's it for now. I will do my best to keep pictures coming of everything I am doing and keep everyone updated!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Get Ready, Get Set . . . Here I go!!!!
The next time I post I will be in Australia!!!!
I'm done packing and everything is in its place. Believe it or not, I only packed my suitcase one time and have plenty of room to bring things back. I've picked up some things to leave for my classroom in Australia. I am bringing over Oregon quarters, some American flags, WOU pencils, a few books and some pens to leave with the teacher and principal. I also picked up a bunch of Thank You cards so that I can leave a message for each student and the other faculty and staff members I work with.
I have been put into contact with the teacher I am working with. Her name is Carlie and she teaches Stage 1, or grades 1 and 2 combined. She is in charge of Sport (an extracurricular activity) and I am hoping to be able to help with that or some other after school activities once I get set over there. They have a carnival in July that I am hoping to help with and go to!
I have already learned some new lingo and will try to remember to post the new things I learn on my blog, so keep an eye out for it.
I also am able to receive mail where I am staying. If you would like that address, please e-mail me at Angel63162@aol.com so that I can e-mail it to you.
6 more days!
I'm done packing and everything is in its place. Believe it or not, I only packed my suitcase one time and have plenty of room to bring things back. I've picked up some things to leave for my classroom in Australia. I am bringing over Oregon quarters, some American flags, WOU pencils, a few books and some pens to leave with the teacher and principal. I also picked up a bunch of Thank You cards so that I can leave a message for each student and the other faculty and staff members I work with.
I have been put into contact with the teacher I am working with. Her name is Carlie and she teaches Stage 1, or grades 1 and 2 combined. She is in charge of Sport (an extracurricular activity) and I am hoping to be able to help with that or some other after school activities once I get set over there. They have a carnival in July that I am hoping to help with and go to!
I have already learned some new lingo and will try to remember to post the new things I learn on my blog, so keep an eye out for it.
I also am able to receive mail where I am staying. If you would like that address, please e-mail me at Angel63162@aol.com so that I can e-mail it to you.
6 more days!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Getting Closer
I've been on a countdown for awhile and the numbers are getting smaller. I am now at 11 days until I leave for Australia!
I've been asked when I'm leaving and how long I'll be gone. My response to both is not soon enough and not long enough. I am eager to meet my new school, staff and students! The school has it's own website at http://www.rozelle-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ feel free to check it out!
I originally was supposed to start my internship Monday the 22nd, but because I am coming from the United States where the swine flu is prevalent, I must wait 7 days before I can attend school in case I should come into contact with it. Therefore, I am starting my internship on Thursday the 25th. This will give me a good week to get used to my surroundings and used to the transportation system.
I've got a 17-day school vacation break in July and will hopefully be doing some traveling outside of Sydney during that time. I am also working Monday through Thursday so I will have 3 days to explore Australia and everything it has to offer.
I've met a few other students who are doing internships in Australia through the same program as me, who will be living in the same lodging place as me. I am excited to meet them in person and have others to travel and explore Australia with.
Sydney has many day tours I am excited to go on. I will be learning so much and I cannot wait!
I've been asked when I'm leaving and how long I'll be gone. My response to both is not soon enough and not long enough. I am eager to meet my new school, staff and students! The school has it's own website at http://www.rozelle-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ feel free to check it out!
I originally was supposed to start my internship Monday the 22nd, but because I am coming from the United States where the swine flu is prevalent, I must wait 7 days before I can attend school in case I should come into contact with it. Therefore, I am starting my internship on Thursday the 25th. This will give me a good week to get used to my surroundings and used to the transportation system.
I've got a 17-day school vacation break in July and will hopefully be doing some traveling outside of Sydney during that time. I am also working Monday through Thursday so I will have 3 days to explore Australia and everything it has to offer.
I've met a few other students who are doing internships in Australia through the same program as me, who will be living in the same lodging place as me. I am excited to meet them in person and have others to travel and explore Australia with.
Sydney has many day tours I am excited to go on. I will be learning so much and I cannot wait!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)