From December – March, Queen ‘Vic’ Market is open from 5pm-10pm
every Wednesday. Last Wednesday night
was the last one and I am SO glad I was able to go. The market is transformed
from flea market to festival, with food stalls lining the streets on both
sides. Cuisine from all over the world- Malaysian, Indian, Mexican, Turkish-
you name it. It’s all about the food. There are live musical performances going
on the whole time. There are still a few shops open but not nearly as many as
usual. I bought myself a henna cone and harem pants. I had a Turkish flatbread
with lamb, mushrooms, cheese, and spinach and a pistachio gelato for dessert. The
atmosphere was so cheerful and carefree; reminded me a lot of the Greek
festivals we have in NY, but on a much bigger, broader, scale. Too bad it was the last of the season, I
would have loved to go again.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Sustainability: You're doing it right
Australia is far more environmentally conscious than anywhere I've ever been. It's great to see a society put so much effort into implementing simple, sustainable solutions.
I'll start with my housing. All the lights in the building are motion-sensitive, meaning they'll turn off after a certain amount of time if no one's there. In our showers, we have little timers that are suctioned to the wall, reminding you that, "Reducing your time in the shower from 7 to 5 minutes can save up to 30 litres of water!" Also, our room "keys" are actually cards that you insert in a slot in the wall to activate the electricity (most hotels use this system as well), which makes it impossible for anyone to forget their lights on all day while they're in class because they need to take their key with them to get back into the building. The fridge beeps after a certain amount of time if it's been left open for too long, a good reminder if you happen to not close it all the way. The air conditioning only works if it's 28 degrees celsius outside (about 82 F), meaning you can't just turn the AC on because you need the room to be a certain temperature or what not.
On campus, you'll find several "refill stations" where they've designed fountains especially for refilling water bottles (TO REDUCE THE USE OF 'DISPOSABLE' PLASTIC BOTTLES YAY) as well as having only wooden utensils at all café's. They've even got paper STRAWS. Real fancy stuff. There are very little plastic products on campus and it's great.
Just a few things I've noticed since I've been here.
I'll start with my housing. All the lights in the building are motion-sensitive, meaning they'll turn off after a certain amount of time if no one's there. In our showers, we have little timers that are suctioned to the wall, reminding you that, "Reducing your time in the shower from 7 to 5 minutes can save up to 30 litres of water!" Also, our room "keys" are actually cards that you insert in a slot in the wall to activate the electricity (most hotels use this system as well), which makes it impossible for anyone to forget their lights on all day while they're in class because they need to take their key with them to get back into the building. The fridge beeps after a certain amount of time if it's been left open for too long, a good reminder if you happen to not close it all the way. The air conditioning only works if it's 28 degrees celsius outside (about 82 F), meaning you can't just turn the AC on because you need the room to be a certain temperature or what not.
On campus, you'll find several "refill stations" where they've designed fountains especially for refilling water bottles (TO REDUCE THE USE OF 'DISPOSABLE' PLASTIC BOTTLES YAY) as well as having only wooden utensils at all café's. They've even got paper STRAWS. Real fancy stuff. There are very little plastic products on campus and it's great.
Just a few things I've noticed since I've been here.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
So far, so good
Yesterday marked my first month in Melbourne! About one month ago, February 23rd, Mommy and I arrived in Australia and spent our first night at the Best Western Box Hill Tudor. We had severe jetlag and were up at 2:30 am. We were dressed and out shopping by 7am. We had jetlag/problems sleeping for nearly 10 days. We managed to see most of what Victoria has to offer in under 2 weeks. Still don't know how we did it.
I've accomplished a lot in this one month, especially with the help of Mama dearest. Got the tram system DOWN, know some of the best spots in the city, and can comfortably get around campus without asking for directions! I've made some nice, close friends and met people from all across the world. This experience overall has made me so thankful for the lifestyle I've been living, as a frequent traveller and well-cultured citizen. It's becoming increasingly obvious how lucky I am to have been brought up in such a culturally rich environment like New York. It's so easy to tell who has been exposed to and educated in different cultures.......and who hasn't.
Today was a really nice day. Had an early brekky at Hopetoun Tea Rooms, went to the Melbourne Museum to see National Geographic's exhibit, Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures, and browsed the Queen Victoria Market. My friends from Germany and Norway came along too.
The gals in the Block Arcade
Flinders Station
Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures- I had no idea the afghans were such a successful and unique ancient civilization. I had been looking forward to this exhibit since I first heard about it back in February. I've always had a special interest in afghan culture, from food to language to history, I find it all very interesting and I was very keen on seeing this exhibition. They were known as the "Bactrians" (Bactria being the Greek name for northern Afghanistan) and were heavily influenced by Greek, Roman, Syrian, Egyptian, Indian, and Mesopotamian cultures. Afghanistan's location at the crossroad of the Silk Road provided ideal conditions for a prosperous economy.
The Tilya Tepe region was so rich in gold that pearls were considered to be more valuable. People of higher social classes lined the soles of their shoes in gold to indicate their status.
This crown belonged to a wealthy nomad. It's made of six separate parts that can be taken apart and reconstructed for easy travel. You know, for whenever you need to take your gold crown on the go.
Farsi calligraphy at the end of the exhibit.
These treasures were thought to have been destroyed in the midst of the rise of the Taliban. Brave afghans managed to safely store these artifacts buried beneath the presidential palace, where they remained secretly hidden for decades. They were discovered in 2007 and have been travelling all over the world. Hopefully, these artifacts will be brought back to the National Museum of Kabul, where renovations of the museum have been underway, after having been demolished by the Taliban.
Queen Victoria Market: A giant flea market! Definitely have to go back again. Reminded me a lot of Manhattan's "Eataly", with all the different stations/booths of food. It's basically a flea/farmer's market. Lots of souvenirs and knick-knacks, interesting pottery, iPhone cases, tacky T-shirts, fresh fruits & veggies, and plenty of preservatives/jams/honey/health food! It's a shame we arrived an hour before the shops started to close. It's a short walk from the Museum and also accessible by tram.
All in all, I am happy. I am comfortably situated in an exciting city that is easy to get around. I've made friends, learned a thing or two about Australian culture, and seen creatures I never thought I'd see in person. So alhamdulilah, thank God, for everything!
I've accomplished a lot in this one month, especially with the help of Mama dearest. Got the tram system DOWN, know some of the best spots in the city, and can comfortably get around campus without asking for directions! I've made some nice, close friends and met people from all across the world. This experience overall has made me so thankful for the lifestyle I've been living, as a frequent traveller and well-cultured citizen. It's becoming increasingly obvious how lucky I am to have been brought up in such a culturally rich environment like New York. It's so easy to tell who has been exposed to and educated in different cultures.......and who hasn't.
Today was a really nice day. Had an early brekky at Hopetoun Tea Rooms, went to the Melbourne Museum to see National Geographic's exhibit, Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures, and browsed the Queen Victoria Market. My friends from Germany and Norway came along too.
The gals in the Block Arcade
Festive Easter "Bilbeys" what
Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures- I had no idea the afghans were such a successful and unique ancient civilization. I had been looking forward to this exhibit since I first heard about it back in February. I've always had a special interest in afghan culture, from food to language to history, I find it all very interesting and I was very keen on seeing this exhibition. They were known as the "Bactrians" (Bactria being the Greek name for northern Afghanistan) and were heavily influenced by Greek, Roman, Syrian, Egyptian, Indian, and Mesopotamian cultures. Afghanistan's location at the crossroad of the Silk Road provided ideal conditions for a prosperous economy.
This crown belonged to a wealthy nomad. It's made of six separate parts that can be taken apart and reconstructed for easy travel. You know, for whenever you need to take your gold crown on the go.
Farsi calligraphy at the end of the exhibit.
These treasures were thought to have been destroyed in the midst of the rise of the Taliban. Brave afghans managed to safely store these artifacts buried beneath the presidential palace, where they remained secretly hidden for decades. They were discovered in 2007 and have been travelling all over the world. Hopefully, these artifacts will be brought back to the National Museum of Kabul, where renovations of the museum have been underway, after having been demolished by the Taliban.
Queen Victoria Market: A giant flea market! Definitely have to go back again. Reminded me a lot of Manhattan's "Eataly", with all the different stations/booths of food. It's basically a flea/farmer's market. Lots of souvenirs and knick-knacks, interesting pottery, iPhone cases, tacky T-shirts, fresh fruits & veggies, and plenty of preservatives/jams/honey/health food! It's a shame we arrived an hour before the shops started to close. It's a short walk from the Museum and also accessible by tram.
All in all, I am happy. I am comfortably situated in an exciting city that is easy to get around. I've made friends, learned a thing or two about Australian culture, and seen creatures I never thought I'd see in person. So alhamdulilah, thank God, for everything!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The Birds
One of my FAVORITE things about Australia has been the huge range of bird species. I do double-takes in the street all the time when I see a parrot or lorikeet and I'm sure people must think I'm crazy but what else is new.
The locals are unfazed, understandably, being as some of the birds are considered a nuisance. However, I can't seem to get enough of them! Granted, I've been lucky to have grown up around Red Cardinals, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and Ospreys in New York; as well as the occasional Eurasian Hoopoe and Kingfisher, who are native to Egypt, but I never thought I'd see wild parrots, who I've only seen on TV or in pet stores.
It's a little heart-breaking that I've only ever heard or seen some of these species exclusively in pet stores, advertised as exotic novelties, and not as a displaced species being traded for our pleasure. (I admit, we had been the guilty owners of a Cockatiel; dear Twinkie, may she rest in peace, who are also native to Australia).
The most beautiful thing about these birds is that they are living the way God intended.
(Aside from the picture of the cockatoo, these are not my photos, just ones I found on the Internet.)
Sulfur-crested Cockatoo: Not many in Melbourne, but there are practically more cockatoos than people in Lorne.
Little Lorikeet: The first time I saw these guys I stopped dead in my tracks and gasped. So beautiful. I don't see them too often, but every once in a while a flock will pass through campus.
Galah: The galahs are a funny bunch. They hang out in large flocks and like to pick at the grass. They are extremely agile and are known for their unique flight- style, making very sharp turns and sudden dives. They can get pretty noisy at times:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUWCPmbdGrk
Australian Magpie: They're EVERYWHERE and they're probably one of my favorites! They're really loud, especially in the early morning, when they're most vocal. The song of the Australian Magpie sounds like a tuning orchestra...that's the best I could do to describe it. Have a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=oYEYc8Ge3nw&feature=endscreen
Noisy Miner: Pretty little guys who like to hang out in bushes. I see them all the time on campus.
The locals are unfazed, understandably, being as some of the birds are considered a nuisance. However, I can't seem to get enough of them! Granted, I've been lucky to have grown up around Red Cardinals, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and Ospreys in New York; as well as the occasional Eurasian Hoopoe and Kingfisher, who are native to Egypt, but I never thought I'd see wild parrots, who I've only seen on TV or in pet stores.
It's a little heart-breaking that I've only ever heard or seen some of these species exclusively in pet stores, advertised as exotic novelties, and not as a displaced species being traded for our pleasure. (I admit, we had been the guilty owners of a Cockatiel; dear Twinkie, may she rest in peace, who are also native to Australia).
The most beautiful thing about these birds is that they are living the way God intended.
(Aside from the picture of the cockatoo, these are not my photos, just ones I found on the Internet.)
Sulfur-crested Cockatoo: Not many in Melbourne, but there are practically more cockatoos than people in Lorne.
Little Lorikeet: The first time I saw these guys I stopped dead in my tracks and gasped. So beautiful. I don't see them too often, but every once in a while a flock will pass through campus.
Galah: The galahs are a funny bunch. They hang out in large flocks and like to pick at the grass. They are extremely agile and are known for their unique flight- style, making very sharp turns and sudden dives. They can get pretty noisy at times:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUWCPmbdGrk
Australian Magpie: They're EVERYWHERE and they're probably one of my favorites! They're really loud, especially in the early morning, when they're most vocal. The song of the Australian Magpie sounds like a tuning orchestra...that's the best I could do to describe it. Have a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=oYEYc8Ge3nw&feature=endscreen
Noisy Miner: Pretty little guys who like to hang out in bushes. I see them all the time on campus.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Campus Life
I'm finally "settled in" in my suite and I've gotten to know the rest of my suite mates. They're all very friendly and easy to get along with. Two from Australia, one from Sri Lanka, and one from Canada. That being said, I LOVE my accommodation here. I'm assigned to the housing for international students that just recently opened a few months back. I'm the first one to live in my room! The building is beautiful; brightly colored walls and streamlined furniture (think 'IKEA'). It's very clean and offers lots of venues for socializing, including a recreation room with 2 pool tables, 2 ping pong tables, and a "movie room" with bean bags and a projector screen.
The process of meeting new people has been a slow one. Most social events are associated with alcohol so I've been really keen on making friends in class. It's only Wednesday but I've met some very interesting people so far.
One thing I love about campus is that there are always people walking their dogs or going out for a jog- people who aren't students- and I always find that to be reassuring. In a sense, living on a college campus is a lot like being trapped in a bubble. Surrounded by people who are all around your same age, all there for the same reason (for the most part), all there doing the same thing. Back in NY I made it a point to get off campus at least once a week, to stay in touch with the "real" world, the world outside of academics and studying and stress. I like that I get a taste of that here without even trying. A good reminder that life exists outside the world of university. Keeps me sane.
Homesickness is a funny thing. Some days I find that my mind has wandered off thousands of miles from where I am. It's like something's tugging at me or turning my head; a longing in a sense, but for what, I'm not sure. It's hard for me to feel "homesick" since I've long dismissed "home" as being just one place, or a place at all. What I do know is that on these days, nothing is more pleasant than running into an old friend, and for me, that has been the trees. I find it so comforting that on my way to the tram I can stop and smell the peony bush that spills over the fence, or smile at the lantana camara blossoms that line some of the streets. I always linger around the willow with the smooth, peeling bark on my way to class and make it a point to greet the palms and the pines. Each one is significant of a time or place that I love.
Class has finally started and I'm hoping to start developing a routine. I have a pretty relaxed 4-day school week, leaving plenty of time for adventure!
The process of meeting new people has been a slow one. Most social events are associated with alcohol so I've been really keen on making friends in class. It's only Wednesday but I've met some very interesting people so far.
One thing I love about campus is that there are always people walking their dogs or going out for a jog- people who aren't students- and I always find that to be reassuring. In a sense, living on a college campus is a lot like being trapped in a bubble. Surrounded by people who are all around your same age, all there for the same reason (for the most part), all there doing the same thing. Back in NY I made it a point to get off campus at least once a week, to stay in touch with the "real" world, the world outside of academics and studying and stress. I like that I get a taste of that here without even trying. A good reminder that life exists outside the world of university. Keeps me sane.
Homesickness is a funny thing. Some days I find that my mind has wandered off thousands of miles from where I am. It's like something's tugging at me or turning my head; a longing in a sense, but for what, I'm not sure. It's hard for me to feel "homesick" since I've long dismissed "home" as being just one place, or a place at all. What I do know is that on these days, nothing is more pleasant than running into an old friend, and for me, that has been the trees. I find it so comforting that on my way to the tram I can stop and smell the peony bush that spills over the fence, or smile at the lantana camara blossoms that line some of the streets. I always linger around the willow with the smooth, peeling bark on my way to class and make it a point to greet the palms and the pines. Each one is significant of a time or place that I love.
Class has finally started and I'm hoping to start developing a routine. I have a pretty relaxed 4-day school week, leaving plenty of time for adventure!
Friday, March 8, 2013
OZ Slang
The basics:
Melbourne = Melbin
Australia = 'Straya
the letter 'h' = HAYtch
a lot = heaps; "There were heaps of people at the beach on Friday" or "thanks heaps for your help"
Aussies don't say "you're welcome", it's either = 'no worries' or 'it's ok'
breakfast = brekky
sunglasses = sunnies
bathing suit = bathers
sweatshirt = jumper
flip-flops = thongs
bogans = "rednecks"
My favorites:
"just a little bit, just a tad" = just a whiska' (whisker)
"good for you, well done" = good on ya
some guy = bloke
cup of tea/coffee = cuppa
raisins = sultanas; Sultana Bran exists, guys
"true or false" = truth or trash
The Great Ocean Road
What a day. Mommy and I booked a day tour for the Great Ocean Road- lots to see in such little time! There are so many beaches to see and stops to make and we didn't have time to stop in every town, but we did get to do some breathtaking sight-seeing. We had a great guide, his name's Greg and he's your typical easy-going, always friendly, light-hearted Australian. His enthusiasm and sense of humor kept us going all day.
I'll go in order, first stop-WILD KANGAROOS. Greg said he's never seen so many out in the open before, we were very lucky. The whole herd was on the go.
I'll go in order, first stop-WILD KANGAROOS. Greg said he's never seen so many out in the open before, we were very lucky. The whole herd was on the go.
Bells Beach
Aireys Inlet
WILD KOALAS. Very sleepy and sluggish. The most action we got was one scratching its head and another readjusting itself lower on the branch. It's surreal to see them so up close.
Cape Otway
The Lighthouse
Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge
And of course, the Twelve Apostles.....originally named the Sow and Piglets, it was changed to the Twelve Apostles to encourage tourism; the Twelve Apostles sounding a little more polished than the Sow and Piglets.
I literally gasped when I walked out onto the boardwalk and caught my first glimpse of these stacks of towering limestone.
I had such a great time. The drive is so scenic and smooth. Rolling hills and hay stacks- really refreshing and very different from what I'm used to. We drove by many herds of dairy cows and sheep, just hangin' out, eatin' grass.
It was a very cleansing day. Makes you realize how small you actually are, how little and insignificant our problems are. This beautiful planet is alive and changing. There is power much greater than our own, that is shifting and shaping rock and sea, while we are waging wars over money and people. It's all nonsense. This trip makes you realize you owe the ground you walk on so much more than what you're giving. I've definitely made the right decision in terms of my degree. This is what I love.
City Adventures with Mama
Mommy was only staying for 2 weeks so most of the time I spent with her was spent sight-seeing and being tourists. We tackled Melbourne first. Melbourne's mood is far from that of Manhattan's. It's definitely not as glamorous as New York, but it has its own pace. Walking around Melbourne made me homesick for New York, and I've really come to appreciate its unique character. I miss the Big Apple, there really is nowhere else like it.
The Melbourne Museum- nothing to write home about, especially coming from New York and all its grand museums. I will say, however, the museum had a fantastic array of insects and spider displays, which is where I spent most of my time anyway. As a science museum, it's great- but if you're looking for some art and history, you won't find it here.
The Melbourne Aquarium- your typical aquarium. The usual display of corals and exotic fish. I was pleasantly surprised to see they had a special sea horse exhibit going on. That was nice. Also saw some sassy penguins.
The Tram Car Restaurant- the primary method of public transport here in Melbourne is via tram, which I think is much easier to navigate than the subway. The tram car restaurant is furnished like an antique train with red velvet drapes and bronze light appliques. Dim lighting, makes ya feel classy. It's only by reservation so we called in a day prior. It takes you all around Melbourne while serving you a full course meal. I had higher expectations for the food but the overall experience made up for it. It's a one-time thing, but it's definitely worth it.
Crown Plaza Entertainment- situated on the Yarra River, this entertainment complex features a hotel, casino, cinema, and mall. A great way to spend the day. Great location- we were lucky with the weather and enjoyed a nice walk along the river. Mama and I saw Silver Linings Playbook at the cinema (great acting!).
Hopetoun Tea Room- by far my favorite place in Melbourne. The original tea house was established in 1892 and stood where it still stands today. Located in the posh Block Arcade, Hopetoun offers a very european atmosphere. It's beautifully decorated with crystal chandeliers and forest green fleurie wallpaper. There's always great music playing, be it '20s jazz or soft classical music, it really takes you far from the busy streets of Melbourne. It's best known for its whimsical display of pastries- of all kinds; tarts, sponge cakes, cheesecakes, macarons- you name it. There's always a crowd outside, either lined up to be seated or to take a picture with the delicate sweets on display. And the food is amazing, by the way. Best breakfast menu in Melbourne.
Immigration Museum- had it not been for the fact that my mom was catching a plane later that day, I think we would have been able to spend a good few hours more at this museum. It's full of personal accounts of immigrants leaving their homelands in search of a better life. Each person's story is different and all the details are so interesting. Melbourne is a big melting pot!
The Melbourne Museum- nothing to write home about, especially coming from New York and all its grand museums. I will say, however, the museum had a fantastic array of insects and spider displays, which is where I spent most of my time anyway. As a science museum, it's great- but if you're looking for some art and history, you won't find it here.
The Melbourne Aquarium- your typical aquarium. The usual display of corals and exotic fish. I was pleasantly surprised to see they had a special sea horse exhibit going on. That was nice. Also saw some sassy penguins.
The Tram Car Restaurant- the primary method of public transport here in Melbourne is via tram, which I think is much easier to navigate than the subway. The tram car restaurant is furnished like an antique train with red velvet drapes and bronze light appliques. Dim lighting, makes ya feel classy. It's only by reservation so we called in a day prior. It takes you all around Melbourne while serving you a full course meal. I had higher expectations for the food but the overall experience made up for it. It's a one-time thing, but it's definitely worth it.
Crown Plaza Entertainment- situated on the Yarra River, this entertainment complex features a hotel, casino, cinema, and mall. A great way to spend the day. Great location- we were lucky with the weather and enjoyed a nice walk along the river. Mama and I saw Silver Linings Playbook at the cinema (great acting!).
Hopetoun Tea Room- by far my favorite place in Melbourne. The original tea house was established in 1892 and stood where it still stands today. Located in the posh Block Arcade, Hopetoun offers a very european atmosphere. It's beautifully decorated with crystal chandeliers and forest green fleurie wallpaper. There's always great music playing, be it '20s jazz or soft classical music, it really takes you far from the busy streets of Melbourne. It's best known for its whimsical display of pastries- of all kinds; tarts, sponge cakes, cheesecakes, macarons- you name it. There's always a crowd outside, either lined up to be seated or to take a picture with the delicate sweets on display. And the food is amazing, by the way. Best breakfast menu in Melbourne.
Immigration Museum- had it not been for the fact that my mom was catching a plane later that day, I think we would have been able to spend a good few hours more at this museum. It's full of personal accounts of immigrants leaving their homelands in search of a better life. Each person's story is different and all the details are so interesting. Melbourne is a big melting pot!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Beach Welcome Trip
Finally! Some time to myself to update this thing. The past 2 weeks have been such a blur. It feels like I've been in Melbourne for 2 months. My mom and I arrived on Feb 23 and two days later, on the 25th, I was shipped off to Lorne for Deakin Univesity's "Beach Welcome Trip", arranged specifically for International/Exchange students. Lorne is an iconic beach town just off the Great Ocean Road and is often nicknamed "The Mediterranean". It's very quaint with its neat little boutiques and high end villas, a great summer location. There were a few activities planned for us on the trip, but it was hard for me to keep up as I was still trying to recover from 24 hours of travel. I did yoga in the morning and sat on the beach in the afternoon. It was nice to finally get some sun. Our accommodations in Lorne were beautiful- we stayed at the Grand Pacific Hotel; me and 6 other girls were placed in a 3 bedroom apartment. I shared a room with a very nice girl from Germany, Christine. There are students here from ALL over the world: Chile, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, etc. it's very refreshing to be able to mingle with so many different cultures.
Lorne, Day 2: "had a go at" surfing, which is impossible. BUT I am satisfied with my surfing skills, I managed to stand up once, which was all I had asked for. I'd do it again in a heart-beat, it's a lot of fun. Showered and browsed through the boutiques with Christine in the afternoon.
All the activities that were planned were great and it was fun to try new things and meet new people but the highlight of the trip, by far, had to be the WILD COCKATOOS. Yes, there wild cockatoos everywhere, they pretty much own the place. They're most active early in the morning and at dusk and you can expect at least two to perch themselves on your balcony. They're considered pests by the locals because they like to eat the wooden shingles off the nice expensive summer houses haha. I got such a kick out of them; couldn't believe how friendly they were! I was standing in the balcony one afternoon and one flew over and landed right next to me and NUDGED MY ARM WITH ITS BEAK. Probably one of the most exciting things that's ever happened to me, by my standards.
All in all, Lorne was nice, but I was happy to be heading home for some much needed rest.
Lorne, Day 2: "had a go at" surfing, which is impossible. BUT I am satisfied with my surfing skills, I managed to stand up once, which was all I had asked for. I'd do it again in a heart-beat, it's a lot of fun. Showered and browsed through the boutiques with Christine in the afternoon.
All the activities that were planned were great and it was fun to try new things and meet new people but the highlight of the trip, by far, had to be the WILD COCKATOOS. Yes, there wild cockatoos everywhere, they pretty much own the place. They're most active early in the morning and at dusk and you can expect at least two to perch themselves on your balcony. They're considered pests by the locals because they like to eat the wooden shingles off the nice expensive summer houses haha. I got such a kick out of them; couldn't believe how friendly they were! I was standing in the balcony one afternoon and one flew over and landed right next to me and NUDGED MY ARM WITH ITS BEAK. Probably one of the most exciting things that's ever happened to me, by my standards.
All in all, Lorne was nice, but I was happy to be heading home for some much needed rest.
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