Hi!
Last night, 23 May 2014, was an amazing night. It was the start to Vivid Sydney which is a light, music and idea festival that happens every year for two weeks at Circular Quay, where the Opera House is. Since several people had work and other plans, Sydney Libby and I headed down to Circular Quay at 6:30 to grab a few drinks at Opera Bar, look at the artwork on the Opera House and experience the Vivid Sydney experience. After shattering a glass at Opera Bar, digging glass out of Sydney's toe and taking tons of pictures, we headed across the Harbour to Argyle for dinner, a couple free drinks and to see Rachel, who works there. On our way to Argyle we were able to see more light and music shows. It truly is something everyone should see! Approaching the Argyle I noticed that the Rocks Market tents were up but this time they were not selling knick knacks. They were selling food! Let me tell you, this food was amazing, they had all different types of food ranging from Chinese food to soft pretzels to kebabs to cheeseburgers. I ordered a meatball pita with cheese and lettuce, it was absolutely delicious and so cheap! After finishing our food we headed up the street to Argyle and got a couple drinks because everyone started showing up. I had no idea that everyone from Oaks Harmony was showing up but it ended up being a great night. We all bonded and danced and laughed. I really am going to miss these people! Since I did not know I was going to be staying at Argyle until 1:30 in the morning, when Sami and I left and took the last train home, I was dressed in jeans, a sweater and sandals, definitely not a going out outfit for myself but I rocked it. After a couple drinks and tearing up the dance floor Sami and I called it a successful night and headed home. Upon arriving home I went to bed. I had my alarm set for 5:30 am to wake up and go see the sunrise and Bondi beach and do the coastal walk but Rachel suggested we do it tomorrow, 25 May, and we all agreed. Tonight will be a relaxing night home after last nights crazy shenanigans. I plan on headed back down to the Opera house to see the lights because they change every night.
Miss you all!
From Down Under
Em
WOOHOO!
It's official I have an apartment in Tampa with two of my good friends. We are very lucky to have this apartment, and it means so much to us that our parents are allowing us to live in such a great place. Its a beautiful two bed two bath apartment in the most perfect location. As stated before, Ashley and I will be sharing the master and Kelsey, who has a very long and crazy school schedule, will have the other room to herself. She is a nursing student and we agreed to let her have the room to herself. I literally am the happiest camper in the world looking at the pictures of this place. Thanks to mom and Rick for doing some secret investigating we were able to sign and send the lease with no problems at all! I am so proud of myself for handling uni and trying to find an apartment in Tampa from 10,000 miles away and 14 hour time difference. I had many long nights calling via Google phone contacting realtor after realtor and calling ad after ad. This apartment is the apartment we had our eyes on for a while and it is our dream to live here. I guess it is true, dreams do come true! Thank you mom and Rick for letting me live here! You're more than welcome anytime :-*
With good news always comes bad news...Unfortunately, Thailand is in a small but dangerous civil war in Bangkok because of the government issues. This could stop me from going to Thailand as planned in three weeks. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to make it there because going to Asia is on my bucket list. Please lets all keep our fingers crossed that I will be able to get to Thailand this semester!
Today, May 21, was Sam's birthday celebration. In Sydney, Wednesday night is one of the best nights to go out. The 17th floor held pre-drinks and we all sang happy birthday to Sam with little miniature cupcakes, of course I got a fireball picture. Seeing as how I did not get much sleep last night I planned on not going out. I hung out while everyone got ready to go out but went to my room once everyone started to leave. I am happy that I decided to stay home because I really need my sleep.
This weekend, Kelley Rachel Nicole and I have big plans. I cannot wait to keep you updated with everything we plan to do. I only have 5 weeks left in Sydney (so sad I know) so we are trying to conquer everything a tourist should do even though we live here. We have a whole list so I cannot wait to share pictures and keep you updated.
Miss and love you all!!
From Down Under
Em
HI!
Last night, May 16, was amazing. At first I had no intentions of going out but I did want to hang out with the people who were going out so I headed upstairs while they were all getting ready to go out. Eventually, Justin & Sami convinced me to go to Big Mike's brand new pent house. Apparently, it was a pent house that was in Darling Harbour with an incredible view, I was not going to believe it until I saw it. After a long walk there, finally all 8 of us made it. Big Mike is our friend from Newcastle, he was senior at school but only had 2 classes to finish so he decided to study abroad to finish those classes. A couple days/weeks ago he was informed that his school messed up his credits and that he had enough credits to graduate. Because of this news Big Mike dropped out of TEAN and Newcastle and got a job in Sydney and moved into a penthouse with 6 other people. This pent house was amazing, the kitchen was bigger than my whole apartment. When we walked in there were people from all over the world from Germany to London to USA. The view was amazing, you could see all of Darling Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. After hanging out for a little Sami and Cassie and the boys and I decided to head home. That is when the trouble started. Lets just say we didn't know there was a thing known as a service elevator but last night we found out because we couldn't get to the lobby it would only bring us to a trash room or kitchen or other floors of the apartment complex. We were freaking out for close to 20 minutes before we decided to head back to the pent house to ask for help that is when we discovered what a 'service elevator' was. Yes, we might be dumb. Finally after getting in the right elevator we headed to Harry's Famous Meat Pies since we were in Woolloomooloo where we were on our orientation for TEAN. Knowing we were in Woolloomooloo we realized how far away from home we were. Luckily enough for us, we payed attention during our Sydney walking tour and knew how to get home. We did have to ask how to start our journey back because at night you cannot walk through the Botanical Gardens and that was our plan. Finally after 1.5 hours of walking we made it back to the Oaks Harmony Hotel! Phewf, never thought I could be so excited to see my cockroach infested room!
Today, I woke up early this morning to FaceTime with the boys from Tampa. I was so happy to see them! Good news, Ashley and I found the most perfect apartment and are working on signing a lease!
From Down Under
Em!
Hello!
Nothing too crazy has happened since I last checked in with all of you. This past week I was able to venture around Sydney and try out new restaurants. I went to Tom N Toms on Friday, May 9. Tom N Toms is a coffee shop that sells soft pretzels. Not as good as Auntie Anne's but still pretty good. Last night, May 10, Sam and I headed to Pancakes On The Rocks because we didn't want to go out. The pancakes and hash browns were amazing. I woke up extremely full this morning May 11 so I knew I ate way way way too much last night. The pancakes were totally worth it though.
Other than trying new foods I am on the hunt for an apartment back in Tampa. I am so excited that I will be living with two of the greatest girls I know, Ashley and Kelsey. Although there are 3 of us living together we compromised for a 2 bed room 2 bathroom apartment, Ashley and I will be sharing the master bedroom. This might seem strange to many people but if you think about it, at college we shared a small room with sometimes 2 or 3 girls so it will be no different. A 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment is far much cheaper and easier to find than a 3 bedroom place. I cannot wait to live with these two girls.
Well for now I have nothing else to say but I hope Alli gets better soon!
From Down Under
Em
Hi!
Sunday, May 4 2014 (May The Fourth Be With You), started off slowly until Sami texted me. She, as well as myself, were determined not to sit in the apartment all day seeing as how the weather was beautiful. We agreed to walk down to the Rocks & Circular Quay, where the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are located and go to the markets on The Rocks. On the walk there we saw a huge commotion near China town and took a detour to check it out. As we approached the scene we saw a bus in the side of a Chinese restaurant. The driver must have lost control and drove right into the restaurant. Because of this detour we were able to walk on Sussex street, avoiding all people on George, and make it to The Rocks within record time, although we did get lost at one point. The markets were beautiful and had great things, I started to make a list while window shopping for presents for everyone. I have some great ideas, I hope they'll love. Surprisingly, Sami and I found a small little vendor selling fresh lemonade. It was great to finally drink something besides water! After looking at every vendor we walked around to get the best view of the Opera House. Finally I got my completely tourist-y picture of me in front of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge on a sunny day. The weather was beautiful, it felt like a fall day. After taking pictures we then headed to the Botanical Gardens to watch the sun set over Sydney skyline. Sitting on a rock over looking the Harbour was a perfect way to end our adventure through the town. Upon arriving home, we were lazy and took the train home because it was getting cold and dark and our feet started to hurt, I headed to the grocery store to buy apples, lettuce and milk since I found Rice Krispies! I love cereal, yum! The rest of the night was a relaxing one which was filled with The Big Bang Theory and a nice huge salad.
Today, May 5 (CINCO DE MAYO/CINCO DE DRINKO), was nothing out of the ordinary except since my sports class finished in week 8, I no longer have to go back to Uni after finishing my Asian class at 1. When I got home, I made myself a bowl of cereal and spent the afternoon watching movies (We're The Miller and Mean Girls) with Kelley and Rachel. Relaxation is needed every once and a while. Half way through one more I told my self I would get up and finish my paper to send to Al cause it is due in 15 days, over achiever, I know. Seeing as how it is Cinco De Mayo, the people upstairs were having a little get together full of Mexican food and tequila. Since it was a school night I did not partake in any bending of the elbows but I did attend for the company. We heard about everyone's weekend and just had friendly conversation. Overall, today was a lovely day. I am trying to cherish every moment I have left in Australia because I am not sure when the next time I will be back after this semester.
I love being in Australia so much and I will miss my Australian life. I cannot wait to come here with mom and Rick and be their personal tour guide. Sydney is by far one of the best places I have visited and recommend it to everyone if they have a chance to travel here, you will not regret it. I cannot believe I have less than 2 months here. I am one lucky girl to have been able to study abroad here and I will never forget these 4 months of my life.
From Down Under
Em
Hello!
Yesterday, Friday May 2, Sam Tanner and I headed to Manly beach. We caught the 10:00 ferry over to Manly and were able to lay in the sun for an hour or two until the clouds came in and breeze started to blow. Sydney and Libby were suppose to meet us there but lets just say they had a late night the night before. When it started to get cold Sam and I head to the town to shop around and get lunch. Eventually we worked our way back to the ferry wharf after stopping to get some gelato YUM! Upon arriving home I took a rest and then preceded to get ready for my big night at the Opera House. TEAN set us up with tickets to go to Strictly Luhrmann which starred the Sydney Symphony playing songs from well known movies including Moulin Rouge and Great Gatsby. Before the show all the TEAN kids in Ultimo that were headed to the Opera House went to Opera Bar for a couple drinks. It was great to get to be with everyone. We walked into the Concert Hall of the Opera House and sat in our seats, the very very very last row in the place. Half way through the performance I was not sure if I was going to die of heat stroke or boredom or both. Let me tell you, I am in no way shape or form a symphony/opera goer. Damn, it bored me to death and I was counting down the minutes until I could leave. Once I got home I curled up in bed and slept like a baby, I was exhausted!
Today, Saturday May 3, was nothing too exciting but my last field trip for my sports class woohoo! Sam Sydney and I ventured to Sydney Uni to watch the Sydney Uni rugby team play. After about 40 minutes of watching I thought my ears were going to fall off because of how cold it was, we then decided to head back home. I planned on going out tonight but ended up staying in. Although I didn't go out tonight, I did hang out with everyone on the 17th floor while they prepared to go out. Having a relaxing week full of nothing but sleeping in and resting was much needed. A couple days ago we passed the "2 months left" mark and now I'm getting depressed. I want to stay in Sydney forever but cannot wait to see my mom! Today another big event happened because I picked my horses for the Kentucky Derby. Tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby and hopefully I wake up early enough to watch it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my horses either win place or show!
Tonight we played ELTON (LOL) John and 50 (LOL) cent/dollars.
Miss you all and love you so much!
From Down Under
Em :-*
