New Year's Eve In Sydney!

After Christmas I had just a few days before I headed out for over a month to travel around Australia. The last few days were busy, busy. I found someone to take over my room in the apartment for when I was gone. That was a huge relief. I had to pack up everything for my trip plus pack up everything I wasn't going to take so it could be stored at Liam's while I am gone. It was a bit of a headache but was a huge weight off my back when it was all done. Who knew I had so much stuff here!

Then it was time to go to Sydney. Laura, Greg and I rented a car to drive up there. Greg and I went to pick it up from the city, while Laura stayed back and got us snacks. It was interesting driving it back to the apartment out of the city. The city is a little crazy with it's no turns, tram lines, bike riders and of left-side of the road driving. Once that part was done it was a breeze. We packed up the car and was on our way. A few hours in we found an awesome submarine statue that had to be 30 feet long. We stopped and had to jump on it to take pictures. We talked and played games on the car and had a blast. We even stopped in the big town of 500 for dinner. We ate at it's only pub and met probably around 1/3 of the towns patrons.
We got into Rosehill a suburb outside Sydney late that night. The next morning we got up and ate lunch at no other than Hooters. It was a massive hooters right beside where we were staying. I hadn't had buffola wings since I had been to Australia, so I was actually quite excited. It was then time to hit the city. We of course headed to the harbor to take picutres at the bridge and opera house. At the harbor there were a few abororginals performing their didrodoos. One of them was so cute.
He was telling everyone to take as many photos as they like, which is unusual because many aborginals believe photos capture their souls. After all that picutre taking time, it was time to go shopping! I found two dresses while shopping in this great shopping area of Sydney. Then we met up with Josh. He lives in Sydney and let all of us stay with him because two of his roomates were out of town. It was great because he lived right in the city.

At his place we all went on his roof and chilled up there because his apartment building had purposefully set up where each apartment has a enclosed rooftop spot. It was really cool. Afterwhile it was time to get all dressed up and go out for a night on the town in Sydney! Laura and I both dressed up in nice dresses and Greg wore his new white shirt he got that day and a lose tie. We first went to this classy looking bar and met all kinds of nice people.
Shayna and one of her friends met up with us as well. Then we were off to the World Bar which was so cool and had good dancing. They also served drinks in tea pots!

The next day was New Year's Eve day and we had to figure out what we were going to do. Our friend Matt had invited us to a house party but we knew our main concern was
to see the fireworks. We got to North Sydney to park the car and then walked across the oh so famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. It had amazing views of all the people getting their spots for the New Year's celebration plus the Opera House.
We got some pictures taken from a very nice Australia man who loved America and Canada which is good since Laura and I are from America and Greg is Canadian. We then made it to the side where the fireworks would be let off. We found a great spot but then realize that it was still 4 hours before they were going to go off. We saw that there was an entry that people kept coming in and out from so we figured that we probably could get back to the spot later if we tried. We were venturing around and stumble across that most amazing thing.....a party in the street!
A bar had a live band playing on the roof and everyone was dancing and drinking in the street. It was something you would think would come from a movie. We joined right in and had the most amazing the night. We sang along, danced like crazy and met a million people.
I even met a girl who was Australian but had lived in Houston for 12 years, crazy huh! I met people from Western Australia and they were giving me advice on were to go when I go there plus they were so excited for me because they said it was the most amazing place. One very unexpected but fun thing that happened was this guy turned around and said hi to me then gave me a yellow rose I LOVE YELLOW ROSES! They truly are my favorite flowers. It was so funny. We hung out with his group for a bit because it was time to go see the 9pm fireworks. We all ran over under the bridge and watch the fireworks go over the Sydney Harbor. They were awesome and they were coming from everywhere. . We had a few more hours to spare and continue the fun in the street. Then it was time for us to find our good spot again to watch the fireworks come off the bridge. We along with a million plus people were all scrunched in to watch the spectular site. The bridge had a lit up bit that counted down and then there they were the most fabulous, dazzling fireworks display ever! They actually came off the bridge and above the bridge. Then they even had a waterfall of fireworks coming down. I know I just can't describe how beautiful they were. I was a dream come true to be there to see them on New Year's Eve. It was even better than I could imagine.

So it was past midnight and time to follow the sea of people to the train station. We went down a few different streets and every single one just as packed with people walking down them then the next. Cars were obviously not allow in the area because there would be no room for them. We finally got to the train station and was on our way to North Sydney. We met some interesting people on the train and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Greg even started the chant Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi. A lot of people joined in. It was really funny! We then took a bus and walked a bit to find Matt's friends apartment. When we finally did, we started the party up again. They were all sitting on the couch winding down because it was almost 3am but then we walked in hype and they all got up.
The view from their balcony was amazing. It showed all of the beautiful city of Sydney. The boys started singing to their video of Live and I quickly found out they were all amazing singers. Then Connor got out his guitar and we all had a sing along on the balcony. I couldn't believe that the night could get any better but these boys really made it that much more memorialable. We stayed up all night and watch the sun rise over the city.


We then did the hike to Matt's house so I could have just enough time to shower and make it to the airport for my flight to Perth. I knew when I booked the ticket it was going to be a hard morning to get to my 10am flight on New Year's Day but it had to be done because I was starting nannying on the 2nd of January so the mum needed to pick me up on the 1st.
Even though I was exhuasted getting there it was all worth it. LUckily I had no problem sleeping the whole entire 5 hour flight, dreaming of nothing but the amazing events of the night before!

Christmas in Australia

This Christmas season was a little different from most. For one it is summer here so not your typical white Christmas weather. Secondly I wasn't around my family. Despite missing my family I did enjoy myself and found ways to get into the holiday spirit.
In Melbourne I went to the tree lighting early on in December with some of my friends. There were carols sung and performers, plus a visit by Santa and his elves:) When I was in Adelaide I also stumbled upon the Carlos by Candlelight, which was a great way to get me stoked for the season.

When I got back from my trip from Adelaide I had just a few days before Christmas. Laura and I went Christmas shopping and got santa hats to stroll around town with.
The next day was Christmas Eve and I had big plans to fit in what I wanted to do plus learn how the Aussies do it. I found out there was a church service with Christmas songs at the gorgeous historic church across from Federation Square.
It was a beautiful service with famous Christmas songs sung in multiple languages. It helped me remember the reason for the season. Then I met up with the rest of the gang for the Australian style of Christmas Eve. I quickly realize here in Australia everything is a reason to drink. Liam took my friends and I to meet up with his friends at the Espy for a great social night plus dancing.


The next morning was Christmas morning. There was still excitement in the air but not quite like when I am at home running downstairs with my niece to open pressies. This was new and different excitement. When I woke up, I had flatmates cooking in the kitchen. I was off to an early start to meet up with Liam and his family. First I went to his house and saw his dad and brother. I brought fudge for them and a gift for Liam. Liam had given my gift the night before, which was amazing smelling perfume. He opened his up on Christmas morning. I can't remember the name they call it but I got him this certain kind of hat that I had seen him looking at a few weeks back.
He seemed to really like it and wore it all day. We were then off to his mum's house but not before stopping off at the liquor store. They got a big case of beer and I got a cherry cordial for his mum. I got to meet his uncles and his mum's boyfriend that day. We all talked and had a great Christmas morning. It was truly different from how my family does things but was really nice to be invited to join in on this Aussie family's Christmas day.

By afternoon it was time for me to report back to the my apartment for the North American Christmas dinner. We had it all turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, Christmas cookies, fudge (my contribution), ect. We all sat around the table and pigged out. We then exchanged our secret santa gifts. It was great fun. After that we started a few drinking games and then a few of us had a dance party in the lounge room until late hours into the night. It really was a blast.

The next day was actually Christmas in America so all morning long I skyped with family. First I got up at 6:30 to skype with my Grandma and my aunts on my dad's side of the family. It was nice to see their beautiful faces. Then I skype with my mom, dad and sis. After all that it was time for me to go to my first cricket game. That is the tradition here in Australia to got see Australia versus England on boxing day. It was interesting and cool to see. The atmosphere was the best. We made sure to find seats in the roudiest section to ensure the full experience. Unfortunately this is the first time in 12 plus years that Australia had started off boxing day with such a huge loss. Nonetheless Laura, Greg and I fully enjoyed ourselves.


Afterwards I went to see after Liam. The boys and him were all napping when I came over because they had, had such a big night the night before (christmas) and that day as well (boxing day). Poor boys were very out of it and I drove them to go get some food. I love being able to drive here in Australia. I have gotten quite good at it and Liam is nice enough to let me drive every once in awhile. Then we went back to his place and watched the great Christmas movie, Elf!


The next morning I got up super early to finally do Christmas with my family....via webcam. My niece had Christmas at her dad's so we waited until the 26th in America (my 27th) to open all our presents. I had sent them a package and they had sent me a package. Technology is so wonderful these days it felt like I was really part of it. I got to see my beautiful niece's reaction to all her million and one gifts. We were all smiles. Even though it was like I was there I must admit that it wasn't quite the same and this was probably the most I had gotten homesick the whole time I have been here.
But on the another note it just made me feel so blessed and reminded me that I have such a great family. Not a fact I forget often but one I do take for granted everyonce and awhile.

Adelaide: Southern Australia at Christmas Time

So once school was out it was time for me to start my holiday travels. The first place I traveled to was Adelaide. Adelaide is cosidered the state of South Australia. It is know for it's wineries and one of it's biggest tourist attractions is Kangaroo Island.

Getting to Adeliade wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Laura had said she wanted to go with me so I booked the tickets for both of us. The morning it came for me to fly out it turned out Liam who was orginally going to take me to the aiport couldn't anymore. So he actually called his mum to take me. I felt terrible to have to make her take me. When we were about to leave Laura was too sick to go and had to forfeit her trip. So I was off by myself to Adelaide. I had packed quickly and mainly sun dresses but the weather wasn't on my side and the beautiful summer weather felt more like winter.


So once I was there I went ahead and toured around some of the more known streets in Adelaide and stummbled across some good food. I found the center of town and saw their beautiful christmas tree in the square. However by time I got back to the hostel I wasn't feeling so good. It might of been the lack of sleep from the week before, sharing the bed with Laura the sick girl before coming over, over eating, or the quick change of weather but whatever it was didn't allow me to meet up with my friend Carla for a few drinks.


Luckily I woke up the next day feeling much better! I got up and went to read a bit while sipping on some amazing coffee. A little while later Shayna flew in and met up with me. We spent the rest of the day walking through town then we were off to the beach. When we got there we fought the wind to make it to the end of the pier. Right before we got to the rails it starting coming down like a monsoon! We ran all the way back to the shops and dove into a cafe. It turned out to have over 20 different types of hot chocolate and we indulged into our nice hot cuppas. After the rain died down it turned out to be quite a beautiful day. We walked around the rest of the beach town and headed back to Adelaide. We found the botanical gardens and walked through the beauty.


The best came after, when we stumbled upon the Carols by Candlight site. We had heard about it and wanted to go but wasn't sure where it would be. It turned out to be a lot larger than we thought. I just assumed it would be a few townspeople singing Christmas Carols.
When we got in and crawled our way to the front we saw there was a huge stage with a choir and a symphony. There were many performers during the 2 hour concert including a harp player, kids choir, all boys choir, a few famous Australian singers and a famous Australian pop star that we had seen at the Oprah show just a week before in Melbourne.
It was beautiful and we sang along with the carols. Santa even showed up for a few songs. It really helped to get us in the Christmas spirit.

The next morning we got up for our tour to the famous Barossa Valley. This is where many great wines in Australia come from. We were able to go to 4 wineries but before we got to the first we stopped at this place called the whispering wall.
It is a water reserve that was built in a curve. THey didn't realize it until they were building it but the way the wall bent allowed sound to travel from one side to the other. So I ran across the bridge and tested it out. The whole tour could hear me without me even raising my voice and I could hear them even though I was on the complete opposite side of this at 200 meter bridge.
It was really cool. Then we were off to the more important part of the day, tasting wines! I loved the wineries and all the beauty. The wines were delicious but mainly Cabernets. Each winery had some amazing wines. I got a beautiful riesling from the second winery and a delicious sparkling shiraz from Wolf Blass.By the end of the tour I was feeling quite good that is for sure and enjoyed myself very much.

That night I met up with my friend Carla. We talked and talked!(be surprise) She had mentioned to she needed a change and that she knew a lot of people moving to Melbourne. About a week after I left Adelaide I got a text that she was moving here! So we are now thinking of living together since my lease is up very soon. We enjoyed ourselves then it was off to the hostel for some sleep since I had to wake up at 5:30 then next morning for Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island was beautiful but truly a full day. We left the bus station around 6:30 for an hour drive to the ferry then a 45 minute ferry ride to the island. Shayna and I were pumped to see what it had to offer but also snoozing every chance we got. The first stop on the island was seal cove, where we saw an amazing amount of seal and seal babbies (calves I believe they are called).
Some were sun bathing, others jumping the waves, fighting with each other and even some babbies crying for their mommies then waddling up to them. It was great to see. We then had the most amazing buffet lunch....yummy!
After lunch we saw the birds of flight show. It sounds nerdy but it was awesome. They brought out different birds and they did tricks. We saw an owl, kookaburras, the largest eagle in the world and a few more. I even got to wear the trainer glove and two kookaburras (australian birds) flew unto my arm. It was so cool. Then we saw the arch which had an amazing view and had different kind of seals playing in the cove. It was a great day but by time we got back to the hostel it was almost 11pm and I was absolutely exhausted.


The next morning I flew back into town and was ready to start the Christmas celebration!

Wilsons Promontory Camping Trip

So I guess in hearing it so much I forgot that this beloved camping spot sounds like an actually person's high school dance. After putting it as my status on facebook I quickly remembered what we American's think of when we here prom. Wilsons Promotory is Victoria's only National Park. I went for a weekend camping trip with Liam and his buddies to celebrate Liam's birthday.

We decided to leave Friday night when everyone got off work. It was a slow week so Shayna and I actually didn't get work that day but luckily enough got to go see Oprah instead. It was her day to arrive in Melbourne to do a quick interview. It was held in Federation Square and there was a massive crowd awaiting her arrival. They had famous Australia performers come and entertain us until she got there. It was a great afternoon listening to music and the excitement built to see her live. It's funny I had to come all the way to Australia to see Oprah live. Oprah and the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard finally arrived. It was so cool and Oprah said her recently famous lines.... I LOVE AUSTRALIA. She spoke about how Melbourne was the most welcoming city yet. I bet she says that to all the cities she visits. It was really cool.

After the Oprah apparence I got a phone call from Liam asking if we were ready...opps we were not. So Shayna and I got home as fast as we could to pack up for our camping trip. Luckily for us but not so great for Liam, his friends were running late too. They came picked us up a few hours later and we finally got to Liam's around 8. He wanted to leave at 6. But we finally got on the road.

On the way we ended up seeing this big thing in the road and we thought it was a wombat. It turned out to be a massive male koloa. It was just strolling from one side of the road to the next. This is very rare for koloas because they tend to stay in trees and you hardly catch them awake. I tried to get a picture but Gezzer got out and pet it before I could, so of course it scurried off. The rest of the drive was uneventful other than going through a drinking and driving stopping point. Thankfully Liam had not been drinking so we were all good.


We finally got to Wilsons Prom around midnight and drove around and around to find the perfect camping spot. We were trying to find one with not too many people around so we wouldn't disturb anyone. We finally set on one and got out to set up camp. I felt very helpful in putting up the shelter and the tent. I was surprised at my skills:) Since we got a late start we had a lot to catch up on. Once the shelter was put up we got the chairs out and the drinking began. we all talked and laughed and had a great time. So much that we stayed up all night. At one point Liam was like do you see that and it turned out to be a wombat and I got to see one for the very first time. I started basically following it around our site but it was too dark to get a good pic. That night we also saw a ringtail possium. It was much, much cuter than the possiums in America. Then come 6am in the morning when Liam and I were trying to blow up the air matress but the pump wasn't working so well. I am sure it was quite a commical site to see. It took forever. Finally my air matress was all set. I might even been one of the only ones who ended up sleeping in a tent. When I woke up only a few hours later I saw most had retreated to the truck or car. The boys cooked breakfast and we started the day off right.


After awhile we made our way to Whiskey cove one of the beautiful beaches there at Wilsons Prom. It was a bit chilly but we had a good time. The boys being boys were wrestling around. Funny enough Shayna and I started talking about which one we think could beat the other, of course we both thought that we could beat the other one. This could only lead to one thing; us wrestling it out. I to know surprise took her down but not without a struggle. It was a close one but I won. Feeling a bit proud I did a surprise attack on Liam and pinned him down too. Though the gesture was returned not to long later and I was left completely helpless in a lock. We ran in and out of the water and had a good afternoon. That night we went back to the campsite for dinner and some more social time. When people started falling over I realized it was time to go to sleep. I think we all called it a decently early night since most of us hadn't slept much the night before. The next morning I thought the tent was going to blow in because it kept flapping and then leaning so much that at some point it was touching my head but it never flew away or fell down. We got up to get coffee and clean up the site before going off to bbq. The boys made some great food and then we were off on the road again.


I being of sound and mind was able to drive Liam's truck all the way home. Poor boy slept most of the ride only to wake up to complain about me being too close to the white line. He didn't know what he was talking about. I never once made the side of the road make that noise it makes when you get too close. I enjoyed being behind the wheel on the left side of the road. I had missed driving since I have been using public transport for everything. However we had to make a few stops because the other car that Adian was driving light kept coming on. We tried to figure out what was wrong and were going to haed back to the last town when the light turned off. We then drove the rest of the way home. It was late by time we got back so Liam, chris and I ran to the shop to pick up quick oven ready treats for dinner. It nice and simple. I felt so lucky to find some Aussie that have welcomed me into the group and allowed me to share this experience with them. I hope to go to Wilsons Prom again and this time climb the mountain and caneo a little across the river.