My First Full Week.

Hello Friends and Family!

So I’ve decided to commit to updating my blog once a week. So check back every weekend for new info. K? Are you all sureee you don’t want to come over for a visit!? ;)

I had a fantastic and FULL first week. Last Saturday we didn’t end up do anything all morning, which was nice because we’ve been so busy lately. But in the evening, after a rushed dinner, the three roommates, Ty, Jason, and I went into Sydney’s Olympic Park for a Latin music festival. There were many extremely talented musicians from Brazil and others from around the area. While the majority of people watched from a distance on the surrounding lawn, there was a large dance pad in front of the stage, where we stood and danced. We even got little salsa lessons from a friendly Australian Lady. It was definitely a worthwhile and fun experience. Tomorrow, The Eagles are putting on a FREE show, so we will definitely be going back.


Sunday, we walked to Holy Trinity Anglican church, about 30 minutes away. The people were extremely friendly and very interested in getting to know us. It will definitely be a place where I will go back to. We went for lunch at a little café just a short walk from the church. The staff was extremely friendly and the food was great. Later on, we headed into the city for Sony Tropfest, the world’s largest short-film festival. We arrived fashionably late; little did we know that there wouldn’t be one seat open! There must have been tens of thousands of people crammed on the lawns surrounding the movie screens.


Monday began the first day of classes. I know I am really going to enjoy my theology and ethics class. We’re talking about stuff that is relevant and challenging. Stuff I actually care about. I think they’ll also be good for next semester in drawing 3 or painting. I’ve been kind of putting together concepts for art pieces later down the road. But the art classes here, are not great. The quality of craft and amount of work is nothing compared to Messiah’s program. I was warned about this going in, but I guess I didn’t really care. After my first weeks experience, I’ll probably switch out of one of the art courses.

Anyway, enough about school. Monday was also the start of service projects. I went to a nursing/assisted living home after school for my service learning. We have to complete 35hrs. before the end of the semester. So it’s been fun. The old people enjoy having me, especially since I’m from the states. I played bingo, watched a Clint Eastwood western, and talked with the folks. Laurel Gardens is a much nicer facility. They don’t even have AC in most of the building. Speaking of which, almost nowhere here has AC! Lol. Dad would not be able to survive. But all in all, it hasn’t been to crazily hot because there is always a breeze flowing. Dad- I’m sure if you come here for vacation, you would have AC in the hotel. :) Anyway, I’ll be going every Monday and Tuesday to St. Mary’s Villa until I complete my hours.


Yesterday I hit Manly Beach with Amy after class. It actually turned out to be a lovely day, and the ferry ride was refreshing. Even though Australia some prime beaches, I would have to say New Jersey beaches are better! And even Rhode Island’s too. So all of you back home, don’t be too jealous. :)


Today we went into the city to explore “The Rocks” which is a famous area where a colony formed in the 1700’s. It’s called the Rocks because the town was literally built on or within huge sandstone rock. It’s an absolutely beautiful area, and there is so much to do and explore. I’m thinking about going there tomorrow morning.
Anyway, I’m not sure exactly what I’ll be doing tomorrow. I’ll probably go into the city and explore and then hit Bondi beach when some other ladies get of their service projects, but I’m not really sure. I actually have a lot of work to get done. But who cares, Im in Oz. So we’ll see what tomorrow brings.



Well, I hope you all are enjoying my blog! Let me know how things are going in your lives.

Peace and Love.
LYBLA

*Terms of the day*

Lift= elevator
Holiday= vacation “I went on holiday to china”
F-Pass = Debit Card/Check Card
Footpath= sidewalk
“how ya going” = “whats up?” Or “how are you?”
***sweet as!= cool, awesome...
If you come over here, never EVER say, bloody, root, or fanny. There not good words. Lol.


*** Definitely my favorite phrase thus far.

Saturday moring thoughts...

So some of you may be wondering what the food is like here in Australia... and it’s great! About 40% of Australia’s population is recent immigrants so there are heaps of different types of restaurants all around. And since there is a very large Asian population here, there are plenty Mongolian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean places to eat.
Australians have morning tea, which falls between breakfast and lunch, and afternoon tea, which falls between lunch and dinner. While we can drink tea, mostly it is a time for snacking on crackers, fruit, cheese, etc. I thoroughly enjoy these meals because it’s a form of healthy snacking that holds you off until the next meal and keeps your metabolism going.
Most of the food I’ve eaten is similar to what I would eat in America. The two dinners that I’ve eaten so far have been pasta with meat sauce and Asian stir-fry. My host mom, Lisa, is an excellent cook and our family strongly believes in eating together every night. So it’s a nice time to bond with the family and catch up with each others’ days.
I’ve been having a pretty lazy morning so far so it’s nice to have a break from the jam packed activities. I went for a run around the area. It’s a short run to a park and the waterfront. I got a little lost, but eventually found my way back. Either way the area is absolutely gorgeous, comfortable, and safe. I’m not sure what’s in store for the rest of the day. I think my housemates and I are going to go into the city and explore a little, but who knows. We were planning to go to Bondi Beach, a world renowned beach, but it looks like it might rain. Keep me posted on what’s happening back in the states and in your lives. Miss you all!

<3<3<3
LYDZDIA

*Terms of the Day*
Canteen= Cafeteria
Heaps= Lots
Mueli-Bar= Granola Bar

PS. the pic below is a PAN-O-RAM of my room.

The First Few Days...

Helloooo my American friends! (and Peruvian friend)

I’ve arrived safely, and it’s been a great experience so far. Sydney is gorgeous! Too bad it’s not in the states. I’ve had a full 3 days of orientation, which included information sessions packed with advice and program expectations, tours of the city and school, and lessons on public transportation (which I’m still figuring out!). So far, most of my learning has been through my mistakes. So contrary to popular belief, failing is not necessarily a bad thing. J You remember how to do things the right way after getting off at a stop 5 blocks early, not reapplying sunscreen every thirty minutes in the only place in the world that has a hole in the ozone layer (producing rays 7x stronger than in the states), and punching a shark*.

Anyway- not too many great stories yet, but I’m sure there will be some to come. Here is a little more detail of what I did yesterday…

We woke up early to catch the bus to school. Our host Dad, John actually came with us on the bus route to explain how the system worked, and to make sure we were able to get to Wesley alright. It is not too complicated, so I should catch on quickly. There’s a target and little shopping area just a short bus ride away from our house, which is really convenient.

When we got to school in the morning, we had a time of worship, and then orientation sessions until lunch time. We walked down to the bay for lunch- it’s such a short walk from the school! After lunch, we went into “the city” (Sydney) and did a 2 hour scavenger hunt in groups. We met back at the walk for a cruise of the harbor. After the tour, we went to a Mongolian BBQ all you can eat restaurant. You go through a line, pick up all the raw food you want, and the chef cooks it up for you in about a minute- very tasty.

Sydney is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. It is by far the nicest city I’ve been to, which is exciting, since I will be here for four months. Its pristine and very laid back. The people aren’t in a hurry, they just enjoy they’re walk instead of pushing past you. Anyway, I’m excited to explore the city more when we have free time.

Our host family is wonderful, and their kids are very sweet. I generally like the group of students, and can tell that I’m going to be good friends with many of them. Also, we’ve been hanging out with a bunch of aussie students, and they are incredibly friendly—I really like them. I haven’t taken many pictures yet- I figure we’ll be here for a while. Well, that’s all for now… It’s been fun so far. Don’t worry everyone- I haven’t met my husband yet ;)

LOVEEEEEE YOU ALL.

<3>

*J/king obviously

New terms of the day

Rubbish=trash

Servo=gas station

Poppers= juice box

Power point= electrical outlet/plug

Swimmers= swimsuit

Almost ready....

Good morning America! In a short while, I will be putting my bags in the car and heading off to the airport to endure 8 hours of travel to Los Angelos! At 11:45pm (2:45am according to my internal clock) we will fly out, making a stop in New Zealand before arriving in Sydney. It's been a long break and I am ready and excited for this new adventure. Saying goodbye to friends and family is difficult, but I will be back before you know it!