Hello from Port Douglass, Australia!
I received a free hour of internet access when I booked my tour of the Great Barrier Reef so I figured I would update my faithful followers so that you may live vicariously through me :)
It's suuuuper hot here and very humid. But I'm enjoying nonetheless before I have to come home to the cold. Tomorrow, Sara and I are going Crocodile hunting! (Don't worry though, we'll have a tour guide) On Thursday, we'll be going on a tour of the Reef. Sara is just snorkeling but I'm going to take me hand at doing an intro dive! I'm a little nervous but I'll deal. Yesterday I faced a little fear by jumping off a baby cliff into Mossoman's Gorge- look it up, it's beautiful! And then on Saturday, we're going to hire a car and take our own tour of the rainforrest and go to the gorge again. Sara's a chicken so I'll be the one responsible for driving. I'm a little nervous about that one- I'll have to stay very focused with the whole other-side-of-the-road thing. I'm confident I can do it though :) Yesterday I drove around the block in a Manual that we rented with girls that we met here as soon as we arrived and I didn't even crash it!
Right now, it's roughly 96 degrees fahrenheit and I'm sweating bullets. So- rather than waisting anymore time on here, I'm going to go find Sara and drag here to the beach with me :)
See ya in 7 days, Ohio!
Monday, 12 December 2011
Thursday, 8 December 2011
The definition of bittersweet
Today was my last day of school. It was VERY sad and I'm still not fully believing that I wont be seeing these children again. On top of that, I didn't get a picture with all of them :( I got pictures of them, but not a full class picture with me. Talk about a bummer.
Now, all I have left is worrying about finishing my University assignments. Bleh. No real updating until I get them done... Sorry.
Now, all I have left is worrying about finishing my University assignments. Bleh. No real updating until I get them done... Sorry.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Christmas time is here... Happiness and Cheer!
It has been rather cold, here in Australia. It's almost if the Ohio weather is creeping over here and summoning me home. Not cool, Ohio, NOT COOL.
Anyway- tonight I spent my evening baking and listening to Christmas music :) It was the BEST. Yesterday, I went to the Blue Mountains with Sara and my host family. It was breath breathtakingly beautiful, and a really great time. I will post more about it once I make some significant headway on the six page paper I have to turn in by the end of the week.
It's really unfortunate that I can't escape the end-of-semester cram even from all the way across the world. Woof.
Alright- here I go... wish me luck!
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
For real..?
I just got attacked by yet another MASSIVE Australian bug. I swear they are out to get me. I was sitting in my room, minding my own business, doing some perusing of the internets for some things to add to my Christmas list when I hear this *zzzz, smack, zzzzz, smack* really loudly against the hall wall. All of a sudden this gigantic (no exaggeration for real) UFB {Unidentified Flying Bug} comes into my room, flying like crazy, invading my personal space (And giving me a heart attack). RUDE.
After quickly picking up a nearby shoe to swat at it, the stupid thing finally landed on the other bed in my room. Whew! I had a chance to regain what little composure I have left. Except I didn't know what to do with it there. I didn't want to get too close to it, I for sure didn't want it to start flying again, and it was waaaaay to big to just squish, plus it would have made a rather large mess, no doubt about it. I just so very desperately wanted it out of my room! Taking a page from the Molly Farris book of bug handling I went and got a tupperware bowl and a flat lid to trap it with. I successfully managed to trap it without fainting but I still didn't exactly know what to do with it. In real panic mode now because I was containing it in the tiny little bowl! Without any other options I very carefully opened the door to the foyer and threw the UFB as far from me as possible and quickly shut the door. Doesn't seem like that big of deal; however I had to do all of this without waking my host father sleeping very near the door. Also take note that I was shaking and my heart was beating pretty rapidly.
The UFB is still alive somewhere out in the foyer... Here's to hoping it isn't still there and seeking revenge tomorrow when I leave for school... Oye.
After quickly picking up a nearby shoe to swat at it, the stupid thing finally landed on the other bed in my room. Whew! I had a chance to regain what little composure I have left. Except I didn't know what to do with it there. I didn't want to get too close to it, I for sure didn't want it to start flying again, and it was waaaaay to big to just squish, plus it would have made a rather large mess, no doubt about it. I just so very desperately wanted it out of my room! Taking a page from the Molly Farris book of bug handling I went and got a tupperware bowl and a flat lid to trap it with. I successfully managed to trap it without fainting but I still didn't exactly know what to do with it. In real panic mode now because I was containing it in the tiny little bowl! Without any other options I very carefully opened the door to the foyer and threw the UFB as far from me as possible and quickly shut the door. Doesn't seem like that big of deal; however I had to do all of this without waking my host father sleeping very near the door. Also take note that I was shaking and my heart was beating pretty rapidly.
The UFB is still alive somewhere out in the foyer... Here's to hoping it isn't still there and seeking revenge tomorrow when I leave for school... Oye.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
It's a big one!
I have a feeling that this post is going to be a whopper. I haven't updated fully in a while and a lot has gone on. Just thought I'd warn you...
Let's start at the beginning, shall we?
Not this past weekend, but the weekend before (18th-20th) Sara and I traveled into the city for the weekend. We booked a hostel and a really cheesy touristy bus that would take us around to all the major sights of the city. The bus was great; we could hop on and hop off the bus and spend as much time at the sites as we pleased; very nice. We saw the Opera House, Town Hall, the Queen Victoria building (which is this really giant, really beautiful, really expensive shopping center), Darling Harbour, The Hardrock Cafe of Sydney.
When we were having lunch at the hardrock Sara noticed they were having fireworks that evening in the Harbour so we decided to find a way to spend our time until it was dark. That is how we came across Wildlife World and The Sydney Aquarium... We got a package deal and got to go to both places for a reasonable cost and we finally were able to see all of the great animals of Australia up close. (This is the most exciting part...) At Wildlife World I even got to PET A KOALA!! :) This was the best part of my weekend, by far. I was like a small child at Christmas.... So. Pumped.
Although the sightseeing and outings of the weekend, the hostel that Sara and I stayed at left MUCH to be desired. We stayed in a 32bed room. Yep, you heard it right- there were 16 bunk beds. Occupying most of those 16 bunk beds were unfriendly, stinky, and drunken guys from England. They were so rude, so stinky, and all they were looking for was a girl to fawn over them. Since neither Sara or I fit that picture we were not welcomed very kindly. Also- when we arrived it smelled slightly like death in the room. Come to find out, on of the guests had a package of unopened, and uncooked chicken breast in the basket underneath their bed. SO GROSS.
After coming it out of the hostel alive I realize that it was very cheap for our stay, and we weren't there for very much time at all. If anything, we came out of it with many stories. So- I suppose we got what we paid for...
Something else I got from the Hostel was a nasty cold/flu type illness. I spent all day Tuesday in bed with a fever. Although I didn't enjoy being sick, I didn't mind the day asleep in bed... Last week in Australia there was also a monsoon. I swear it rained nonstop from Tuesday through Saturday. On Wednesday when I had to walk/bus to school I was nearly the victim of a classic Hollywood side-of-the-road soaking. It was so great for overcoming my illness... (Sense my sarcasm? Yeah, I thought so...) ALSO- not knowing how to drive in the rain is not confined to Columbus, despite what I used to think. Picture the terrifying Sydney driving made 10 times worse because of the rain. Scary.
Despite the rain and feeling like my head was going to explode, the week wasn't a complete bust. Last Thursday was America's Thanksgiving. Although I didn't get the day off from school or get to be home with my family, the friends Sara and I have made at BUC allowed us to have an Aussie Thanksgiving of our own :) I tried my hand at making pumpkin pie (From a REAL pumpkin, not one you get from a can!) and making corn casserole without a box of Jiffy cornbread to aide me! Both dishes turned out very successful and all of our Aussie friends loved them! I was quite proud, if I do say so myself :) I felt so blessed and loved.
Let's start at the beginning, shall we?
Not this past weekend, but the weekend before (18th-20th) Sara and I traveled into the city for the weekend. We booked a hostel and a really cheesy touristy bus that would take us around to all the major sights of the city. The bus was great; we could hop on and hop off the bus and spend as much time at the sites as we pleased; very nice. We saw the Opera House, Town Hall, the Queen Victoria building (which is this really giant, really beautiful, really expensive shopping center), Darling Harbour, The Hardrock Cafe of Sydney.
When we were having lunch at the hardrock Sara noticed they were having fireworks that evening in the Harbour so we decided to find a way to spend our time until it was dark. That is how we came across Wildlife World and The Sydney Aquarium... We got a package deal and got to go to both places for a reasonable cost and we finally were able to see all of the great animals of Australia up close. (This is the most exciting part...) At Wildlife World I even got to PET A KOALA!! :) This was the best part of my weekend, by far. I was like a small child at Christmas.... So. Pumped.
Although the sightseeing and outings of the weekend, the hostel that Sara and I stayed at left MUCH to be desired. We stayed in a 32bed room. Yep, you heard it right- there were 16 bunk beds. Occupying most of those 16 bunk beds were unfriendly, stinky, and drunken guys from England. They were so rude, so stinky, and all they were looking for was a girl to fawn over them. Since neither Sara or I fit that picture we were not welcomed very kindly. Also- when we arrived it smelled slightly like death in the room. Come to find out, on of the guests had a package of unopened, and uncooked chicken breast in the basket underneath their bed. SO GROSS.
After coming it out of the hostel alive I realize that it was very cheap for our stay, and we weren't there for very much time at all. If anything, we came out of it with many stories. So- I suppose we got what we paid for...
Something else I got from the Hostel was a nasty cold/flu type illness. I spent all day Tuesday in bed with a fever. Although I didn't enjoy being sick, I didn't mind the day asleep in bed... Last week in Australia there was also a monsoon. I swear it rained nonstop from Tuesday through Saturday. On Wednesday when I had to walk/bus to school I was nearly the victim of a classic Hollywood side-of-the-road soaking. It was so great for overcoming my illness... (Sense my sarcasm? Yeah, I thought so...) ALSO- not knowing how to drive in the rain is not confined to Columbus, despite what I used to think. Picture the terrifying Sydney driving made 10 times worse because of the rain. Scary.
Despite the rain and feeling like my head was going to explode, the week wasn't a complete bust. Last Thursday was America's Thanksgiving. Although I didn't get the day off from school or get to be home with my family, the friends Sara and I have made at BUC allowed us to have an Aussie Thanksgiving of our own :) I tried my hand at making pumpkin pie (From a REAL pumpkin, not one you get from a can!) and making corn casserole without a box of Jiffy cornbread to aide me! Both dishes turned out very successful and all of our Aussie friends loved them! I was quite proud, if I do say so myself :) I felt so blessed and loved.
On Saturday night, my host mum took me to the New South Wales school spectacular. It was PHENOMENAL. There were roughly 3000 students, ages 5 through seniors in high school putting on professional grade performances. I was so blown away. And, naturally, I loved every minute of it!
Those are just small snip-its of the amazing show.
On Sunday Sara and I spent the day at the beach :) Something I am definitely going to miss when I go home... I'm pumped to go back to snowy Ohio with a really great tan ;)
Whew, that was a doozy! Alright, I'm done. I won't torture you anymore. I think this is the longest post in the history of posts. Sorry for that...
Love,
Katey
Friday, 25 November 2011
Reader's Digest Update
Hullo all-
Sorry I haven't posted in roughly 30 years; there's been a heap going on here. So- I'm going to give you the reader's digest version of my life and then update more soon. Hopefully tomorrow (we'll see)
- Sara and I stayed in a hostel in the city last weekend. Interesting, to say the least...
- We were mega tourists and spent way too much money (but got some Christmas shopping out of the way!)
- Yesterday was Thanksgiving :) We did not have the day off of school or get to spend it with family; but it was special, nonetheless.
- I've been bedridden and a walking zombie for the past four days. Oh- and it's monsooned for the whole time I've been sick (not ideal for catching buses/walking to school).
Alright- it's 10:37 on Friday night here and since I'm SO cool I'm going to bed. But only because I feel like my head may explode and it's still continuing to rain. I'm not that lame (sort of).
G'Night beautiful people!
Sorry I haven't posted in roughly 30 years; there's been a heap going on here. So- I'm going to give you the reader's digest version of my life and then update more soon. Hopefully tomorrow (we'll see)
- Sara and I stayed in a hostel in the city last weekend. Interesting, to say the least...
- We were mega tourists and spent way too much money (but got some Christmas shopping out of the way!)
- Yesterday was Thanksgiving :) We did not have the day off of school or get to spend it with family; but it was special, nonetheless.
- I've been bedridden and a walking zombie for the past four days. Oh- and it's monsooned for the whole time I've been sick (not ideal for catching buses/walking to school).
Alright- it's 10:37 on Friday night here and since I'm SO cool I'm going to bed. But only because I feel like my head may explode and it's still continuing to rain. I'm not that lame (sort of).
G'Night beautiful people!
Monday, 14 November 2011
Sara & Katey VS the spider (and other exciting tales)
First thing's first- I am NOT cut out for the bugs here... They know I'm a wimp, and are unyielding in their efforts to give me panic attacks. After a long, yet productive day of school work, Sara and I wanted to relax by the pool. We get up there and what do we find? You guessed it- another flipping spider! Only this time it was particularly menacing and rather large. It was floating on a flower IN the pool. Ugh. This spider looked uncannily similar to photos of Funnel Web spiders I've been warned to look out for. Using a bit of our poor judgement, Sara and I decided to throw a ball at it. Several unsuccessful attempts later, we finally hit the spider, smack on the flower, knocking it off of it's comfortable resting place. We thought we'd done a good job- that it'd just drown and we wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. But then it start SWIMMING. What?! Is this real life?! This spider is swimming it's little heart out to the opposite side of the pool. I felt bad for the poor thing for just a split second, but then I was also too terrified to do anything about it.
While I was feeling anxious and a bit amazed Sara look up the Funnel Web spider on the computer and found this... "They are attracted to water and hence are often found in swimming pools, into which they often fall while wandering. The spiders can survive such immersion for up to twenty-four hours and can deliver bites when removed from the water." PERFECT. After that bit of news we decided it was best if we just go on our way and leave the spider to the pool... I didn't leave, however, without mustering up enough courage to get close enough to get a picture (with my camera zoomed as far as it would go of course).
So that you can share in our terror...
We're thinking it was just a baby one, or even just a male (as they are smaller than the females). However, it was terrifying nonetheless. Let me just add- I went back up to the pool the next day, and it was STILL THERE. Just floating on the thermometer. Needless to say, I had my host father take care of it straight away. Never have I ever been so nervous to go out and lay by the pool! Woof!
Alright- I think I've ranted enough about that. Moving on...
On Sunday night after our bug scare, Sara and I went to BUC again for their young adult service. It was great, just like the week before. And we left feeling happy and uplifted, just as we always do when we leave there :) It's very bittersweet though... We realized that we really only have three more Sundays there before we return home :( As excited as I am to come home to my family for Christmas, I am developing a "family" of people here. The people here are some of the kindest, most genuine people I've ever met; both at school and at BUC. Their love of God and others just radiates off of them. They make me want to be a better person, just from interacting with them. It's refreshing and reassuring that the world might not be quite so doomed after all :)
Last night, I sat on a panel at the local Rotary meeting (to which my host father belongs) about the difference in education here in Australia, and back in the States. It went very well; though I was particularly nervous. My host father said that I spoke "beautifully" and no one gave me dirty looks so I must not have said anything too terrible. I also got a lovely bottle of Rotary label specific Shiraz as a sign of their appreciation. The dinner beforehand was delicious and I didn't make a fool of myself so I would say the night was a success!
Today, I was not with my normal Kindie class, but with the special education class, instead. There are only three students in that class and they do a lot of fun activities. Today we did some gardening, bug finding (I know know what you're thinking- bugs? Yes, bugs- but I put on my brave face for the children... And made sure not to touch a one of them!) and ended the day with a lovely craft to help the students remember the parts of an insect. It was a lovely day.
This weekend Sara and I are traveling to downtown Sydney where we will be staying in a youth hostel! We will be taking a cheesy tourist bus around to all the highlights of the city and I'm sure we'll have a great time (And Sara will get sun burnt). I cannot believe how quickly my time here is passing. It feels like just yesterday that I arrived... yet it feels as if I blink too slowly I'll be stepping off another plane, greeted by Ohio snow. Ugh- I don't even want to think about it.
For now, I am going to lesson plan and curl up with my book for the evening.
Goodnight all! (or Good morning to most of you who read this)
Love,
Katey
While I was feeling anxious and a bit amazed Sara look up the Funnel Web spider on the computer and found this... "They are attracted to water and hence are often found in swimming pools, into which they often fall while wandering. The spiders can survive such immersion for up to twenty-four hours and can deliver bites when removed from the water." PERFECT. After that bit of news we decided it was best if we just go on our way and leave the spider to the pool... I didn't leave, however, without mustering up enough courage to get close enough to get a picture (with my camera zoomed as far as it would go of course).
So that you can share in our terror...
We're thinking it was just a baby one, or even just a male (as they are smaller than the females). However, it was terrifying nonetheless. Let me just add- I went back up to the pool the next day, and it was STILL THERE. Just floating on the thermometer. Needless to say, I had my host father take care of it straight away. Never have I ever been so nervous to go out and lay by the pool! Woof!
Alright- I think I've ranted enough about that. Moving on...
On Sunday night after our bug scare, Sara and I went to BUC again for their young adult service. It was great, just like the week before. And we left feeling happy and uplifted, just as we always do when we leave there :) It's very bittersweet though... We realized that we really only have three more Sundays there before we return home :( As excited as I am to come home to my family for Christmas, I am developing a "family" of people here. The people here are some of the kindest, most genuine people I've ever met; both at school and at BUC. Their love of God and others just radiates off of them. They make me want to be a better person, just from interacting with them. It's refreshing and reassuring that the world might not be quite so doomed after all :)
Last night, I sat on a panel at the local Rotary meeting (to which my host father belongs) about the difference in education here in Australia, and back in the States. It went very well; though I was particularly nervous. My host father said that I spoke "beautifully" and no one gave me dirty looks so I must not have said anything too terrible. I also got a lovely bottle of Rotary label specific Shiraz as a sign of their appreciation. The dinner beforehand was delicious and I didn't make a fool of myself so I would say the night was a success!
Today, I was not with my normal Kindie class, but with the special education class, instead. There are only three students in that class and they do a lot of fun activities. Today we did some gardening, bug finding (I know know what you're thinking- bugs? Yes, bugs- but I put on my brave face for the children... And made sure not to touch a one of them!) and ended the day with a lovely craft to help the students remember the parts of an insect. It was a lovely day.
This weekend Sara and I are traveling to downtown Sydney where we will be staying in a youth hostel! We will be taking a cheesy tourist bus around to all the highlights of the city and I'm sure we'll have a great time (And Sara will get sun burnt). I cannot believe how quickly my time here is passing. It feels like just yesterday that I arrived... yet it feels as if I blink too slowly I'll be stepping off another plane, greeted by Ohio snow. Ugh- I don't even want to think about it.
For now, I am going to lesson plan and curl up with my book for the evening.
Goodnight all! (or Good morning to most of you who read this)
Love,
Katey
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Chris Farley lives in Australia
I'm sitting here, on Sara's bed, using her computer because she isn't home yet. Even though we planned for me come over right after school. And even though I've called her twice and she didn't answer. She sucks. LUCKILY, Sara's host brother, Daniel, was home and let me in. However, I hadn't met Daniel until this small encounter just a moment ago and he seemed a bit frazzled when he opened the door. Thanks for that, Sara. You're the greatest ;)
Also- the bus that I caught to Sara's house was being driven by Chris Farley. I could've sworn he died way back when... But- there he was today, driving my bus. He wasn't very kind either. When I asked him if the bus went to the stop I needed he replied with a gruff "I only go to Belrose." Well the stop I need is in Belrose, but how am I supposed to know if this is the right bus?! He wasn't pleasant, to say the least. Oh well, I luckily picked the right bus and made it here :) (no help to Sara, though!)
I cannot believe my second week of teaching and being in this amazing place is already over. It's gone by SO quickly. As much as I miss my mom and am excited to go home for Christmas with my family I cannot even bare thinking about how painful it's going to be to leave this place and these children. I've been SO blessed to get the opportunity to be around the children in KD (the name of my kindergarten class). They never fail to light up my day. And it's not just the children in KD it's the children in all of the classes. Not to mention the beyond welcoming staff members. There is truly a community and a family at this school, and I already feel very much a part of it. I'll be sad to leave them.
Tonight Sara and I are going to a formal at the Belrose Uniting Church! I'm very excited to get to know our new friends better :) And get all dolled up, of course! Well I'm off to do just that. There will be more to come this weekend!
Katey
Also- the bus that I caught to Sara's house was being driven by Chris Farley. I could've sworn he died way back when... But- there he was today, driving my bus. He wasn't very kind either. When I asked him if the bus went to the stop I needed he replied with a gruff "I only go to Belrose." Well the stop I need is in Belrose, but how am I supposed to know if this is the right bus?! He wasn't pleasant, to say the least. Oh well, I luckily picked the right bus and made it here :) (no help to Sara, though!)
I cannot believe my second week of teaching and being in this amazing place is already over. It's gone by SO quickly. As much as I miss my mom and am excited to go home for Christmas with my family I cannot even bare thinking about how painful it's going to be to leave this place and these children. I've been SO blessed to get the opportunity to be around the children in KD (the name of my kindergarten class). They never fail to light up my day. And it's not just the children in KD it's the children in all of the classes. Not to mention the beyond welcoming staff members. There is truly a community and a family at this school, and I already feel very much a part of it. I'll be sad to leave them.
Tonight Sara and I are going to a formal at the Belrose Uniting Church! I'm very excited to get to know our new friends better :) And get all dolled up, of course! Well I'm off to do just that. There will be more to come this weekend!
Katey
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
On the Ball
Look at me go- two posts in two days! I amaze myself sometimes... :)
I just got done reading by the pool for roughly 2 1/2 hours. It was glorious. After my walk home I was glistening (because ladies don't sweat) from head to toe. What better thing to do than take a dip in the pool and read my book that I've been dying to read? Turns out... it was a good decision. However- before I reached the pool I had another rather unpleasant encounter with a spider. I was just minding my own business, trying to walk up the steps to the pool and I nearly run smack into a spider who decided it would be a good idea to weave his large elaborate web across the walkway. After my heart rate slowed down I thought critically and got a branch to disconnect the web so I could pass. Mr. Spider climbed to a nearby branch and I cautiously went on my way.
Not even an hour later I needed to go down to the house to get something and here is Mr. Spider again. New web; same place. This spider wasn't very smart... Although I felt a tad bit bad ruining his home once again I wasn't about to touch it. Let alone walk through it! I'm not cut out for all the bugs here... Not. At. All. Goodness, what's a girl have to go through to swim and read by the pool!
On a slightly less dramatic note, I taught my first full literacy lesson today! It went swimmingly and I felt good about it, coming out. There were just a few things that could have run just a tad smoother. But those are just the "working moments" of being a new teacher. My cooperating (or master teacher, as they say here) said that she can tell I was meant to be a teacher. SO encouraging to hear :)
Well my dinner is ready, and I had better do something productive tonight. I just hope I can stay away from my book. I've only got like 3 chapters left until the end and I can barely contain myself! Woe is me.
Ta ta for now!
Katey
I just got done reading by the pool for roughly 2 1/2 hours. It was glorious. After my walk home I was glistening (because ladies don't sweat) from head to toe. What better thing to do than take a dip in the pool and read my book that I've been dying to read? Turns out... it was a good decision. However- before I reached the pool I had another rather unpleasant encounter with a spider. I was just minding my own business, trying to walk up the steps to the pool and I nearly run smack into a spider who decided it would be a good idea to weave his large elaborate web across the walkway. After my heart rate slowed down I thought critically and got a branch to disconnect the web so I could pass. Mr. Spider climbed to a nearby branch and I cautiously went on my way.
Not even an hour later I needed to go down to the house to get something and here is Mr. Spider again. New web; same place. This spider wasn't very smart... Although I felt a tad bit bad ruining his home once again I wasn't about to touch it. Let alone walk through it! I'm not cut out for all the bugs here... Not. At. All. Goodness, what's a girl have to go through to swim and read by the pool!
On a slightly less dramatic note, I taught my first full literacy lesson today! It went swimmingly and I felt good about it, coming out. There were just a few things that could have run just a tad smoother. But those are just the "working moments" of being a new teacher. My cooperating (or master teacher, as they say here) said that she can tell I was meant to be a teacher. SO encouraging to hear :)
Well my dinner is ready, and I had better do something productive tonight. I just hope I can stay away from my book. I've only got like 3 chapters left until the end and I can barely contain myself! Woe is me.
Ta ta for now!
Katey
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Sorry for not updating in a while, I am making a vow to myself that I will try to update like every other day. Ish... Hopefully. (Probably not... But here's to hoping!) There has just been so many exciting things going on to update adequately.
Well on Saturday Sara and I, with my host family, went to Sculptures by the Sea at Bondi Beach (Most popular beach in Sydney). It was gorgeous. The artwork combined with the overwhelming beauty of the view from atop the cliffs between Bondi and Tamara! It was great. Once we arrived at Bondi we all enjoyed a basket of Fish and Chips from a local shop along the shore. you know, the typical touristy thing to do ;)
On Sunday, my host family took me to their favorite beach, North Curl Curl. It was quite lovely. It was smaller and less crowded than Bondi but with all of the beauty. Not only did I get to soak up the sun and read my book I also had my first dip in the Ocean, EVER. I know what you're thinking... "You have never been to the ocean?!" Well no, I haven't. But now I have. In Australia. How many of you can say that? Huh, huh? That's what I thought... :)
I also made my first significant purchase on Sunday- a sun hat to keep my face from getting sun burnt. Although I typically never need sunscreen in the sun in America the sun is much hotter here... Being out in the sun for recess duty takes a lot from you if you don't have a hat to help keep you cool. A good investment, I think.
Also! Sara and I went to a young adult service at one of the local churches and made our first friends our age! (Sunday was a big day for me, obviously). The service was great. Just what I needed to get me out of a tiny slump of homesickness. The girl that we met is "beautiful" (here the term is used to mean wonderful or great). I think that the three of us, along with a few of the other girls are going to the mall after school on Thursday :) It's good to have friends.
I taught my first Australia lesson today! I was teaching my "kindies" about odd numbers. It's crazy how such a simple concept is so very difficult to teach... I know that I must have been formally taught about odd and even numbers but I cannot remember how. It's one of those things like riding a bike. It's difficult to teach because it's just something you know. Overall it went very well, though!
Alright. I believe that that's it for all of the eventful moments over the past few days or so. I have bought a nifty collection of post cards and stamps (that cost more than the postcards themselves!) and am writing as many as I can to get sent so they get there before I get back. So some of you should keep an eye on your mailboxes!
Now I leave you with a couple of pictures :) These are my two favorite photos from Sculpture by the Sea. Enjoy!
OH! Also- random thought from my mind. The driving here in Sydney is SCARY. I don't believe people here know what a gradual stop is. Instead of stop signs at most intersections, they have "give ways". Can't tell you how many times I thought I was going to be in a accident (sometimes with a bus!) because of these stupid roundabouts and give ways! I've finally gotten a bit used to being on the wrong side of the road, but I will never get used to the always stopping so suddenly. It's absurd. These drivers make Columbus drivers look like grandmas! Sorry "mum". Don't you fret, though. I'll be fine...Apart from several minor heart attacks. That's all... nothing major.
Alright. That's enough. I love you all!
Katey :)
Well on Saturday Sara and I, with my host family, went to Sculptures by the Sea at Bondi Beach (Most popular beach in Sydney). It was gorgeous. The artwork combined with the overwhelming beauty of the view from atop the cliffs between Bondi and Tamara! It was great. Once we arrived at Bondi we all enjoyed a basket of Fish and Chips from a local shop along the shore. you know, the typical touristy thing to do ;)
On Sunday, my host family took me to their favorite beach, North Curl Curl. It was quite lovely. It was smaller and less crowded than Bondi but with all of the beauty. Not only did I get to soak up the sun and read my book I also had my first dip in the Ocean, EVER. I know what you're thinking... "You have never been to the ocean?!" Well no, I haven't. But now I have. In Australia. How many of you can say that? Huh, huh? That's what I thought... :)
I also made my first significant purchase on Sunday- a sun hat to keep my face from getting sun burnt. Although I typically never need sunscreen in the sun in America the sun is much hotter here... Being out in the sun for recess duty takes a lot from you if you don't have a hat to help keep you cool. A good investment, I think.
Also! Sara and I went to a young adult service at one of the local churches and made our first friends our age! (Sunday was a big day for me, obviously). The service was great. Just what I needed to get me out of a tiny slump of homesickness. The girl that we met is "beautiful" (here the term is used to mean wonderful or great). I think that the three of us, along with a few of the other girls are going to the mall after school on Thursday :) It's good to have friends.
I taught my first Australia lesson today! I was teaching my "kindies" about odd numbers. It's crazy how such a simple concept is so very difficult to teach... I know that I must have been formally taught about odd and even numbers but I cannot remember how. It's one of those things like riding a bike. It's difficult to teach because it's just something you know. Overall it went very well, though!
Alright. I believe that that's it for all of the eventful moments over the past few days or so. I have bought a nifty collection of post cards and stamps (that cost more than the postcards themselves!) and am writing as many as I can to get sent so they get there before I get back. So some of you should keep an eye on your mailboxes!
Now I leave you with a couple of pictures :) These are my two favorite photos from Sculpture by the Sea. Enjoy!
OH! Also- random thought from my mind. The driving here in Sydney is SCARY. I don't believe people here know what a gradual stop is. Instead of stop signs at most intersections, they have "give ways". Can't tell you how many times I thought I was going to be in a accident (sometimes with a bus!) because of these stupid roundabouts and give ways! I've finally gotten a bit used to being on the wrong side of the road, but I will never get used to the always stopping so suddenly. It's absurd. These drivers make Columbus drivers look like grandmas! Sorry "mum". Don't you fret, though. I'll be fine...Apart from several minor heart attacks. That's all... nothing major.
Alright. That's enough. I love you all!
Katey :)
Friday, 4 November 2011
Procrastinating (How can you not in Australia?)
It's about 1:15 Saturday afternoon and I'm sitting out by my host family's pool. The weather is a beautiful 20 degress celsius (about 70 degrees fahrenheit) and sunny. The sun is hot here, but the breeze is chilly. Pretty much perfect. :) My host father is cleaning the pool and getting it ready for the warmer weather. Once it's ready I'm sure I'll be out here quite a bit!
This morning I had a rather unfortunate encounter with a spider in my shower. It was dreadful- almost gave me a heart attack. But I killed it and it's now floating down the sewage pipe somewhere, I suppose. The bugs here may be the end of me!
Yesterday during the kids' music class they were practicing the Christmas songs that they are going to sing for the school's end-of-the-year program. It was nice that they were singing the Christmas songs that I've been singing as well, growing up. Though I keep forgetting my world's upside down- practicing Christmas songs in 70 degree weather threw me off! There was one particular song that I had never heard before but LOVED. It's called "Six White Boomers" and it's about how Santa Claus gets around Australia to deliver the presents to the boys and girls. Take a look at this video and I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do :)
Great, right?
Alright- well I've got to be off. We're getting ready to go to Bondi Beach! We'll be going to the Sculptures by the Sea and then having fish and chips for our "Evening Tea" down on the coast. I'll post pictures when get back home this evening!
G'day!
Katey
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Just a "Quickie"
I'm sitting in my classroom waiting for school to start so I figured not would be as good a time as ever to make my first post. It will be a short, sweet, and to-the-point one; but a post nonetheless. A "quickie" as they say here (meaning quick point of information; not the American sense of the term. Get your minds out of the gutters!).
All I can say in a short amount of time is that it is AMAZING here. Everything is wonderful, or "beautiful," as they say here. The people are kind, the kids are superb, and the weather is certainly a nice change from the cold rain back in the States.
This is day five since I have arrived here and I will say that today is the first day that I was able to sleep in past 4:51 in the morning! Woohoo! I'm finally showing Jet Lag who's boss.
Well, the bell is about to sound to start off our day. This weekend, Sara and I have a trip planned to Sculptures by the Sea at Bondi Beach. I'll post more and definitely some picture after that. If you want to take a glimpse of what we'll be seeing feel free to check out this site: http://www.virtualtourphotographysydney.com.au/sculpturebythesea/index.html :)
Good on ya!
Katey
All I can say in a short amount of time is that it is AMAZING here. Everything is wonderful, or "beautiful," as they say here. The people are kind, the kids are superb, and the weather is certainly a nice change from the cold rain back in the States.
This is day five since I have arrived here and I will say that today is the first day that I was able to sleep in past 4:51 in the morning! Woohoo! I'm finally showing Jet Lag who's boss.
Well, the bell is about to sound to start off our day. This weekend, Sara and I have a trip planned to Sculptures by the Sea at Bondi Beach. I'll post more and definitely some picture after that. If you want to take a glimpse of what we'll be seeing feel free to check out this site: http://www.virtualtourphotographysydney.com.au/sculpturebythesea/index.html :)
Good on ya!
Katey
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