Here's a bit of information about myself: sometimes I hate not having smooth transitions. Other times...eh, not so much...but today is not one of those days. Therefore, I am once again using list form for today's blog.
1. Last Tuesday, the 22nd, Cameron Diaz was in Sydney for the premier of Shrek III. I just thought it was interesting to see an American celebrity on TV in another country and know she's only a few hours away. Now that I type it, it doesn't seem so exciting...
2. Exactly a week ago, the New South Wales (Blues) and Queensland (Maroons) rugby teams played in the State of Origin. It's almost as big of a deal as the Superbowl, but maybe not quite that. A few less jersies and chip plates.
Basically, it's called the State of Origin because it involves teams from different states and players are determined by the state they first played for. I figured that out all by myself...Alright fine, I read the first paragraph of the Wikipedia definition, hush.
3. Big Brother is a huge show over here. Of course there are those, like me, who could not possibly care any less, but in general, it's a big thing. The "Big Brother voice" creeps me out, too.
4. You know how you ask a cashier "Do you take cards?" meaning credit cards? Usually when I ask that, the response is "Excuse me?" Here, it's EFTPOS (pronounced just like that). If you ask someone what it stands for, no one knows or remembers, but it's Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale. That's a lot of words. I don't blame people for not knowing.
5. Last Thursday, I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean III. I was a little confused by the multiple Johnny Depps at first, but overall I liked it more than the second one. Have you ever seen a movie, thought it was decent and then see previews for it on TV and think, "Hey, yeah, that was pretty good. I wouldn't mind seeing it again"? Maybe not. Well, that's how I felt about it.
6. Last night, we had a dorm dinner. There were about 20 or so of us who went to Waratah Bar and Grille for a couple of hours and it was a lot of fun. I ate for $6 because I got the kids meal, which was plenty. I'm the only one who got a sucker with my meal. Some people got meals with prawns and they still had eyes. I touched one and took a picture. We also got to play pool and apparently my partner and I won, but I swear I thought we lost.
7. Thanks to the overload of criminal justice this semester, I've learned that "gaol" means jail. It's the British way, but everyone pronounces it like jail.
8. So in a little more than 5 weeks, I head home. I'm more excited about it now, but I'll still miss things here. It really doesn't feel like I've been here for 3 1/2 months. I will definitely want to come back.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Slippery dip!
I learned a new term today: slippery dip. We passed a playground and I asked what slides are called because I heard they aren't called slides here. Sharon and Dave told me the Aussie word for it and that made my day. What great terminology. Who can have a bad day in Australia when things are called such fun words? I also smile everytime someone says "right-ee-o."
"Ay, mate."
"How're you going?"
"Ah yeh, good."
"Right-ee-o."
I love it...I do get made fun of for how I say "Aussie." It's said "Ozzie," but in my defense, that's not how it's spelled.
So this past weekend was one of the laziest weekends I've had in awhile and it was great. The only work I have left to do before exams is my portfolio and an essay. The first one is due next Monday and the second is due June 11, so it was a little difficult to find motivation this weekend. For the portfolio, I have to do 13 responses to articles and media sources and the entire weekend, I wrote two paragraphs. I've already pulled, printed and referenced all my sources, which is half the battle. Last night, though, I wrote about 10 pages and finished the first four responses, so I'm sure the rest will get done in the next couple of days. I was definitely more swamped with work at the beginning of the semester, but it pays to stay on top of things.
I also gave my first solo presentation last week for my criminology class. I had one before with a partner for my media ethics class the week before and I think both went well.
Oh yeah, but back to my weekend, I did go bowling on Friday night with Pete and some people from his dorm. I came in 2nd the first round and did absolutely appalling the second time around. There was a penalty for the guys who bowled under 100, but I won't go into detail.
One of the girls who went was playing a racing game before we bowled and it was so odd to see the car on the left side of the road. It never crossed my mind that racing games would be different over here.
The next night, I got together with Charlie, Nichole and Megan to watch The Wicker Man. I was intrigued at first, but then it got too weird for me. I wouldn't watch it again.
So fast forwarding to today, a refugee from Zimbabwe came to talk to our Aboriginal studies class. (We're on the topic of immigration and refugees). She was a secretary for Mugabe (the president of Zimbabwe) eight years ago, but was later arrested and beaten because she basically knew too much. When she felt her life was in danger, she fled to Australia because she has a brother and sister here. Her cousin told her it wasn't safe to come back soon after. She worked in journalism and PR over in Zimbabwe, but has decided to get a degree for doing welfare work over here. She said she hasn't seen her daughter, who now has a two-year-old, in over 10 years, but her daughter has a degree and a good job somewhere else (I can't remember). On one hand, it was very depressing, but on the other, she was very encouraging and you could tell she really values her life and opportunities here. She also made the point that even if we don't think something in another country affects us, it probably does in one way or another.
After class, I met Astrid and we walked into town for a few groceries and stopped at a coffee shop. I got a Belgian iced chocolate drink and it came in a fancy glass. It wasn't expensive either! She was telling me she may change her flight home for an earlier time. The original plan was to stay in Australia til July 25, but money issues are catching up with everyone. Then she told me how her parents just got back from Spain on holiday. It must be nice to have so many holidays (or vacations). I don't know anyone who can just pack up and leave the country for three weeks at a time. Of course, her parents don't have to work too much and all the kids are out on their own, but still...I've met several people in Australia that are my age and have had countless opportunities to travel like that. Especially when we had our own holiday back in April, there were a bunch of people who were from other countries and in the process of traveling around Australia and everywhere else for weeks at a time. Two girls I met on our sailing trip had come from England and their next stop was Fiji, followed by somewhere in South America. Another guy was planning to go to Italy and work in a vineyard until who knows when. Who has the money for that? Maybe I should live in another country so I get more breaks and it's less stressful.
As for the rest of this week, I'll be getting a new roommate tomorrow. A bunch of people have moved out of the dorm, so now there are double rooms with only one person left and those rooms have to be filled. Sal is moving upstairs and Erin from next door is moving in here. Right now, Sal's stuff is already out and I have the room to myself for the night. I REALLY miss having my own room...although I miss my own bathroom even more. Well that's all for now I suppose. This is longer than I thought it would be...and now I'm making it longer by typing that it's long. Cheers!
P.S. A lot of people think all Americans have guns (like handguns, not rifles). Sal asked if I had one and I laughed. I told them there actually is a process for buying one and considering the population, not that many people use them..."except in Texas." ;)
"Ay, mate."
"How're you going?"
"Ah yeh, good."
"Right-ee-o."
I love it...I do get made fun of for how I say "Aussie." It's said "Ozzie," but in my defense, that's not how it's spelled.
So this past weekend was one of the laziest weekends I've had in awhile and it was great. The only work I have left to do before exams is my portfolio and an essay. The first one is due next Monday and the second is due June 11, so it was a little difficult to find motivation this weekend. For the portfolio, I have to do 13 responses to articles and media sources and the entire weekend, I wrote two paragraphs. I've already pulled, printed and referenced all my sources, which is half the battle. Last night, though, I wrote about 10 pages and finished the first four responses, so I'm sure the rest will get done in the next couple of days. I was definitely more swamped with work at the beginning of the semester, but it pays to stay on top of things.
I also gave my first solo presentation last week for my criminology class. I had one before with a partner for my media ethics class the week before and I think both went well.
Oh yeah, but back to my weekend, I did go bowling on Friday night with Pete and some people from his dorm. I came in 2nd the first round and did absolutely appalling the second time around. There was a penalty for the guys who bowled under 100, but I won't go into detail.
One of the girls who went was playing a racing game before we bowled and it was so odd to see the car on the left side of the road. It never crossed my mind that racing games would be different over here.
The next night, I got together with Charlie, Nichole and Megan to watch The Wicker Man. I was intrigued at first, but then it got too weird for me. I wouldn't watch it again.
So fast forwarding to today, a refugee from Zimbabwe came to talk to our Aboriginal studies class. (We're on the topic of immigration and refugees). She was a secretary for Mugabe (the president of Zimbabwe) eight years ago, but was later arrested and beaten because she basically knew too much. When she felt her life was in danger, she fled to Australia because she has a brother and sister here. Her cousin told her it wasn't safe to come back soon after. She worked in journalism and PR over in Zimbabwe, but has decided to get a degree for doing welfare work over here. She said she hasn't seen her daughter, who now has a two-year-old, in over 10 years, but her daughter has a degree and a good job somewhere else (I can't remember). On one hand, it was very depressing, but on the other, she was very encouraging and you could tell she really values her life and opportunities here. She also made the point that even if we don't think something in another country affects us, it probably does in one way or another.
After class, I met Astrid and we walked into town for a few groceries and stopped at a coffee shop. I got a Belgian iced chocolate drink and it came in a fancy glass. It wasn't expensive either! She was telling me she may change her flight home for an earlier time. The original plan was to stay in Australia til July 25, but money issues are catching up with everyone. Then she told me how her parents just got back from Spain on holiday. It must be nice to have so many holidays (or vacations). I don't know anyone who can just pack up and leave the country for three weeks at a time. Of course, her parents don't have to work too much and all the kids are out on their own, but still...I've met several people in Australia that are my age and have had countless opportunities to travel like that. Especially when we had our own holiday back in April, there were a bunch of people who were from other countries and in the process of traveling around Australia and everywhere else for weeks at a time. Two girls I met on our sailing trip had come from England and their next stop was Fiji, followed by somewhere in South America. Another guy was planning to go to Italy and work in a vineyard until who knows when. Who has the money for that? Maybe I should live in another country so I get more breaks and it's less stressful.
As for the rest of this week, I'll be getting a new roommate tomorrow. A bunch of people have moved out of the dorm, so now there are double rooms with only one person left and those rooms have to be filled. Sal is moving upstairs and Erin from next door is moving in here. Right now, Sal's stuff is already out and I have the room to myself for the night. I REALLY miss having my own room...although I miss my own bathroom even more. Well that's all for now I suppose. This is longer than I thought it would be...and now I'm making it longer by typing that it's long. Cheers!
P.S. A lot of people think all Americans have guns (like handguns, not rifles). Sal asked if I had one and I laughed. I told them there actually is a process for buying one and considering the population, not that many people use them..."except in Texas." ;)
Friday, May 18, 2007
Random bits
A few nights ago, I read over nearly all of my blogs since being in Australia and I realized how much I've done and learned since I've been here. I also ran across a mistake or two. Number one, because it's been bugging me, Mt. Panorama is not, as previously stated, 11 miles long. Granted, I would like to think I walked that far the day I wrote about it, but alas, there was undoubtedly a mistake in the calculation. The track is not 11, but more like 3 or 4 miles long. Yes, I know, big mistake on my part. I'd like to think of it more as an exaggeration for purposes of good storytelling...not unlike the common fishing story. HOWEVER, I do promise that I was told it was most definitely 11 miles long, so not totally my fault.
Moving on, you may have noticed I added a line to the "Australian slang" column. Although I will never understand why, dinner here is also referred to as "tea," even when tea is not involved. When I first heard people talk about going out for "tea" on a special occasion, I wondered how much fun that could be, but now it makes sense.
Along the same lines, there is no tipping in Australia. If service is just THAT great that you HAVE to tip, then by all means, go ahead and try, but for the most part, tipping is defunct. (I'm pretty sure that word implies that something must have previously been in existence and I don't think tipping here ever was, but I like the word anyway). I guess waiters and waitresses just get paid better. It is pretty nice not to do percent math in your head at the end of a meal. Actually, I usually bust out the "tip" function on my cell phone...
Speaking of prices and such, gas is really expensive here. It's measured in liters, but converted to gallons, it would be something like $4 a gallon. Yuck. If gas were that expensive at home, I would buy a moped. (Not really because getting to work downtown would be a pain and a half...and I think I'd look silly).
Next on my list of things I wanted to mention but don't fit into a transition, the pronunciation and spelling over here is something to get used to. "H" is pronounced "hay-ch," "z" is pronounced "zed" and things are still spelled with an "ou" as in "flavour" or "colour." Plus, certain words are spelled with a "c" instead of a "s," such as "defence." Oh, and Q tips are called "cotton tips." The first time I said Q tip, no one knew what I was talking about. I don't know why we call them that either. Where's the Q?
Last weekend, our dorm went on a pub run. All the dorms do it and to my knowledge, I'm the only one from my dorm who was here and didn't go. #1. I can't imagine drinking at 5:30 in the morning and going all day, #2. it sounded pretty terrible to me and #3. I didn't want to pay for it. But I thought I should mention it because it's a big deal here and everyone who's anyone goes. That makes me a nobody I guess, but in this case I'm fine with that.
Last but most certainly not least, a girl from my dorm, Dale, studied abroad in Wilmington last year and just went back to America over break. I asked her how it was and she was SO excited about Myrtle Beach and putt-putt. I saw pictures from her vacation and it was funny because at home, I probably wouldn't take a picture of half that stuff, but I can see why she'd take a picture if she's not from there. I'm sure people think the same about me. I mean, I've taken pictures of playground equipment and street signs.
Oh wait, I lied; that's not last. I just thought of something else. I also went to the Bible study tonight and Pete went as well. It's always fun to have Australians ask questions about America and hear their take on things. Apparently, a lot of people think of Australia as a big Christian continent, but that's not at all the impression I've gotten. We talked about the ways religions are different and more or less prevalent in the States compared to Australia. There seem to be a lot more Christians and church-attenders in the States, but at the same time there are always those who are Christians on Sunday and whoever they want to be the rest of the week. One guy was saying that Christianity is allowed to be talked about in schools over here, but yet there seems to be less people who know about the religion, whereas in the States, we don't talk about religion in public school, but a lot of people are brought up a certain way because of their families or churches. One guy in the study group said he thinks it's different because most people went to America to escape religious persecution and had to fight for who we wanted to be. There was a joke about Australians coming over as drunken convicts, but it was all in good humor. I really enjoy the group and being around the people here. Very interesting stuff. Something to be missed...
Moving on, you may have noticed I added a line to the "Australian slang" column. Although I will never understand why, dinner here is also referred to as "tea," even when tea is not involved. When I first heard people talk about going out for "tea" on a special occasion, I wondered how much fun that could be, but now it makes sense.
Along the same lines, there is no tipping in Australia. If service is just THAT great that you HAVE to tip, then by all means, go ahead and try, but for the most part, tipping is defunct. (I'm pretty sure that word implies that something must have previously been in existence and I don't think tipping here ever was, but I like the word anyway). I guess waiters and waitresses just get paid better. It is pretty nice not to do percent math in your head at the end of a meal. Actually, I usually bust out the "tip" function on my cell phone...
Speaking of prices and such, gas is really expensive here. It's measured in liters, but converted to gallons, it would be something like $4 a gallon. Yuck. If gas were that expensive at home, I would buy a moped. (Not really because getting to work downtown would be a pain and a half...and I think I'd look silly).
Next on my list of things I wanted to mention but don't fit into a transition, the pronunciation and spelling over here is something to get used to. "H" is pronounced "hay-ch," "z" is pronounced "zed" and things are still spelled with an "ou" as in "flavour" or "colour." Plus, certain words are spelled with a "c" instead of a "s," such as "defence." Oh, and Q tips are called "cotton tips." The first time I said Q tip, no one knew what I was talking about. I don't know why we call them that either. Where's the Q?
Last weekend, our dorm went on a pub run. All the dorms do it and to my knowledge, I'm the only one from my dorm who was here and didn't go. #1. I can't imagine drinking at 5:30 in the morning and going all day, #2. it sounded pretty terrible to me and #3. I didn't want to pay for it. But I thought I should mention it because it's a big deal here and everyone who's anyone goes. That makes me a nobody I guess, but in this case I'm fine with that.
Last but most certainly not least, a girl from my dorm, Dale, studied abroad in Wilmington last year and just went back to America over break. I asked her how it was and she was SO excited about Myrtle Beach and putt-putt. I saw pictures from her vacation and it was funny because at home, I probably wouldn't take a picture of half that stuff, but I can see why she'd take a picture if she's not from there. I'm sure people think the same about me. I mean, I've taken pictures of playground equipment and street signs.
Oh wait, I lied; that's not last. I just thought of something else. I also went to the Bible study tonight and Pete went as well. It's always fun to have Australians ask questions about America and hear their take on things. Apparently, a lot of people think of Australia as a big Christian continent, but that's not at all the impression I've gotten. We talked about the ways religions are different and more or less prevalent in the States compared to Australia. There seem to be a lot more Christians and church-attenders in the States, but at the same time there are always those who are Christians on Sunday and whoever they want to be the rest of the week. One guy was saying that Christianity is allowed to be talked about in schools over here, but yet there seems to be less people who know about the religion, whereas in the States, we don't talk about religion in public school, but a lot of people are brought up a certain way because of their families or churches. One guy in the study group said he thinks it's different because most people went to America to escape religious persecution and had to fight for who we wanted to be. There was a joke about Australians coming over as drunken convicts, but it was all in good humor. I really enjoy the group and being around the people here. Very interesting stuff. Something to be missed...
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
What's in YOUR cabinet?
It struck me last week while grocery shopping just how many different "norm" foods there are here. For instance, at home, you can go into any grocery store and find Ritz crackers, granola bars and Hershey chocolate. Here, I let out a shriek when I saw Ritz crackers while on vacation. "Aaah, Ritz! Actual Ritz crackers!" (I've always loved Ritz...that was the best part about going to my grandparents' house when I was younger because Mom only bought Saltines...I love you, Mom).
Here are some "norm" foods found here:
Jatz - a pretty good attempt to copy Ritz crackers.
Weet-Bix - "high-fiber breakfast cereal biscuits" according to Wikipedia; basically really hard, rectangular bars that I have yet to try because they look terribly bland. Wikipedia also offers the insight that the name probably came from looking like "wheat bricks." No thanks.
Muesli - like granola that may include oats, nuts, fruit and wheat...and I still can't pronounce it.
Shapes - baked crackers. They come in a variety of flavors and are shaped like hexagons...I didn't like the barbecue ones very much and am still wondering why they are ALL hexagons. Wouldn't that make the name misleading? Shouldn't it be "Shape" or "Hexagons"?
Cadbury chocolate - it's everywhere...No complaints here.
Rice Bubbles - because Rice Krispies would not suffice. They still have Snap, Crackle and Pop on the front.
A couple days ago, Adele came in my room and saw my stash of Kudos bars. "Ooh, what are these? Did you get these here? Are these from the States? I've never seen these here before." I haven't looked, but I'm guessing they aren't found here. The particular stash was mailed to me. I let her have one and she said they should have them here. I also gave my class partner one and he said Kudos was a good name.
In other, perhaps more boring news, I've done a lot of work so far this week. Considering I procrastinated Thursday through Saturday because, in my defense, it was too pretty outside to do work, I suppose my workload isn't too terrible. Sunday night, I spent six hours writing a paper and decided that no human has ever clicked on "word count" more than I did in that window of time. I always write too much, but there was only so much to say in the particular paper. I'm getting really tired of all the nooks and crannies of criminal law. There are sooo many exceptions and particulars. Thank goodness I have no desire to be a lawyer; I think I'd be bad at it. "So, what defense can you offer me?" "Oh darn, let me check my notes."
But after I write my presentation paper tonight, I only have one essay, a portfolio and 3 exams to go!
I've decided I don't like the grading here, though. It's not just me either; a few other American and Canadian students have said the same. I've heard from several people - even professors - that only a couple of people per course get "high distinction" (basically a high A) every semester and it's pretty hard to get a decent grade. I've gotten back a few things now and I always work really hard on my assignments and try to make sure I've done everything the way they want it done here, but I'm not exactly satisfied with the grading. I've done ok, but I was expecting higher grades. To me, the professors are very vague in what they want. "Critical this and analysis of that" and if you don't have exactly what they're looking for, marks off. And I could be very wrong, but I'm pretty sure I got a couple points off for not putting Crimes Act in italics for one subject essay. Good grief, take me back to UNCC where they let you know what the expectations are. Nichole and I said we should rally against the grading system.
I did, however, do well on my latest Aboriginal studies assignment. It figures - the only class that's not part of my course requirements.
Here are some "norm" foods found here:
Jatz - a pretty good attempt to copy Ritz crackers.
Weet-Bix - "high-fiber breakfast cereal biscuits" according to Wikipedia; basically really hard, rectangular bars that I have yet to try because they look terribly bland. Wikipedia also offers the insight that the name probably came from looking like "wheat bricks." No thanks.
Muesli - like granola that may include oats, nuts, fruit and wheat...and I still can't pronounce it.
Shapes - baked crackers. They come in a variety of flavors and are shaped like hexagons...I didn't like the barbecue ones very much and am still wondering why they are ALL hexagons. Wouldn't that make the name misleading? Shouldn't it be "Shape" or "Hexagons"?
Cadbury chocolate - it's everywhere...No complaints here.
Rice Bubbles - because Rice Krispies would not suffice. They still have Snap, Crackle and Pop on the front.
A couple days ago, Adele came in my room and saw my stash of Kudos bars. "Ooh, what are these? Did you get these here? Are these from the States? I've never seen these here before." I haven't looked, but I'm guessing they aren't found here. The particular stash was mailed to me. I let her have one and she said they should have them here. I also gave my class partner one and he said Kudos was a good name.
In other, perhaps more boring news, I've done a lot of work so far this week. Considering I procrastinated Thursday through Saturday because, in my defense, it was too pretty outside to do work, I suppose my workload isn't too terrible. Sunday night, I spent six hours writing a paper and decided that no human has ever clicked on "word count" more than I did in that window of time. I always write too much, but there was only so much to say in the particular paper. I'm getting really tired of all the nooks and crannies of criminal law. There are sooo many exceptions and particulars. Thank goodness I have no desire to be a lawyer; I think I'd be bad at it. "So, what defense can you offer me?" "Oh darn, let me check my notes."
But after I write my presentation paper tonight, I only have one essay, a portfolio and 3 exams to go!
I've decided I don't like the grading here, though. It's not just me either; a few other American and Canadian students have said the same. I've heard from several people - even professors - that only a couple of people per course get "high distinction" (basically a high A) every semester and it's pretty hard to get a decent grade. I've gotten back a few things now and I always work really hard on my assignments and try to make sure I've done everything the way they want it done here, but I'm not exactly satisfied with the grading. I've done ok, but I was expecting higher grades. To me, the professors are very vague in what they want. "Critical this and analysis of that" and if you don't have exactly what they're looking for, marks off. And I could be very wrong, but I'm pretty sure I got a couple points off for not putting Crimes Act in italics for one subject essay. Good grief, take me back to UNCC where they let you know what the expectations are. Nichole and I said we should rally against the grading system.
I did, however, do well on my latest Aboriginal studies assignment. It figures - the only class that's not part of my course requirements.
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