3/28-3/30: Procrastination got the best of me

Hey Everyone!

Well I've just completed week 5 here in Australia and after this week of classes it's Spring Break! This past weekend was jam-packed with excitement, so I thought I would update you all.

Friday came quickly being that last Monday was Easter break, so we only had 4 days of classes. Friday afternoon, I decided that joining the Footy team would be a good idea. It's a great opportunity to meet new people and be a part of a contact sport where you can get concussions and broken bones. Okay, so those may not all be considered perks, but the first practice was actually quite enjoyable. The game is called Aussie Rules Football, which is a combination of Rugby, Soccer, and Football, none of which I played in high school. I was more into the individual sports, where I could avoid contact and severe injury. We mainly worked on ball passing and drills, but when it came time to learn how to tackle, I chickened out- big time. Sara was my partner and we were instructed to ram into eachother from the side, 30 repetitions...no thank you. Every time I made contact with her body, my brain rattled against my skull, giving me an instant headache. Now I know why I am a swimmer! On Fridays after practice, the coaches buy the team each a few beers, too bad I don't like beer! The rest of the night was pretty low-key. A lot of people rode the train into Perth, but Emily and I decided to stay in and watch a few dramas on T.V. I could barely keep my eyes open I was so exhausted!

Saturday was the day I attempted to get a good start on my paper, and a good effort it was. My biggest accomplishment on Saturday, I would have to say was running for 10 miles!! I decided that I am going to look online for a half-marathon in Australia, or some other running event, since that has always been something I wanted to do. I'll let you know how that goes.

Sunday was a gorgeous day and a full day out in the sun. We woke up at 7:45am, which we found out was actually 6:45am, because last night was daylight savings, and since it's fall here in Australia, that means we gained an hour of sleep, or in my case, gained another hour awake! A fun little fact: Australia is currently in a three-year trial period for daylight savings, which they first implemented in 2006. For the day a bunch of us headed down to the Rottnest Express ferry to spend the day riding around Rottnest Island and seeing the beautiful scenery. We biked around the coast, took lots of pictures of turquoise water, the lighthouse, quokas (looks like huge rats, the size of a cat, but kind of cute face), many huge boats anchored out in the bay, and much more! It was definitely a fun adventure and so much more fun than writing a paper! Now, back to another week of school, which is sure to fly by!

Until next time, peace and love,

Molly

3/19-3/24: Easter Break Road Trip!

Family and friends (it's a long one!)~
I'm sorry it has been awhile since I have updated my blog, but I was on Easter holiday this past week, having the time of my life, seeing new places and spending a grand total of 33 hours in a van- wowsers! So here is a recap of my adventures:

DAY 1: Road trip to Exmouth
The beginning of our adventure up north- Guillaume, French companion- doesn't know how to drive an automatic van and the stearing wheel is on the right side of the vehicle...18 hour road trip, here we come! The outback consists of red dirt, spiratic green bush; and no sight or existence of water the entire way; even where it looks like a river should be, like under a bridge, is completely dried up! Sure makes you appreciate Minnesota's 10,000 lakes! Just as dinner time approached (hour 6 in the minivan) we were dwindling on 'E' just as we passed a gas station. Next station, 148 Kilometers away. We turned back around, but much to our disadvantage, the power was out and no service could be provided. While sitting, contemplating what to do, a huge Ford pickup truck pulls up directly behind us, hops out, and they dispose of their multiple empty bottles of alcohol (great). For those of you who have heard of the horror flick 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre,' that is exactly the image running through my head- alone in a gas station with a creepy man in the window telling us there was no service. Well needless to say, I do tend to let my imagination wander and miraculously the power turned back on, we got our gas for $85 and were back on the road again, and ahead of the drinking drivers.

We made it without hitting a single kangaroo! For the first night, we stayed at Monkey Mia resort/backpackers. We had a room with 3 bunks and one twin bed, so us 7 ladies were together; while our driver G, was next door. We walked down to the beach at about 10pm and while wading in the water we saw 2 dolphins at shore, literally 10 feet away! That's just a preview of Thursday morning, when we got to go down to the shore and feed them. Until then, I would fall asleep listening to my favorite music, the Juno Soundtrack!

DAY 2: Monkey Mia to Exmouth
We woke up at 6-something a.m. thanks to the 100 degree heat in our room. We all gathered our belongings, ate some brekky, then watched the sunrise down at the beach. It was absolutely beautiful! I probably could have done without the millions of flies swarming our bodies and faces though! We were able to feed the dolphins and then headed on our way up to Exmouth. Only an 8 hour drive on that day (Thurs). The group stopped at the Shark Bay Bakery for a little breakfast ans saw more dophins at the shoreline. Next stop, the Ningaloo Reef. And today we get to listen to my Jimmy Buffet mix. I am so pumped!

Our apartment was absolutely beautiful. Basically another Pepper's Beacon in New Zealand. We went to Pinnochio's for dinner and enjoyed some Spunky Chicken pizza and garlic bread. The pool overlooks the Indian Ocean coast at Exmouth. It is so beautiful! We all piled on out HUGE couch (fits 8), paid $15.95 to watch Superbad since we only had two channels, and after 20 minutes, I was sleeping--typical. :)

DAY 3: Exmouth
Happy 1 year and 5 months to Matt and me, :) We had to check out of out luxury hotel after eating breakfast and watching some Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel, quality. Goodbye to the bathtub with jets. Luckily we'll be back for Saturday and Sunday night.

The town of Exmouth is nothing more than a grocery store, a few dive shops, and roaming wild emus (think ostrich) We are here pretty much for the diving and company of eachother! Night 3 will be spent at the Best Western, which was at one point in time, a naval base. Not much here, but there is a pool, where we spent the entire day. The maid service lady said we came at a good time, because a few days prior to our arrival, temps were at about 48 degrees Celsius- that's nearly 130 degrees Fahrenheit!

Dinner was spent at Blue Lips for burgers and fries. It was about the only place open on Good Friday- don't worry though, I didn't have any meat!

DAY 4: Exmouth
Today, two girls from the group, Tonya and Emily were out the door by 7am to go Scuba diving and work on their certification. Tomorrow Jess Goodwin and I will get to go out to the reef, I can't wait! What we thought was a free continental breakfast actually cost us $9 for a bowl of dry cereal and a piece of toast. So glad they told us that upon check out. Ha, oh well.

Back to the Novotel Resort on day 4. It's Krysta's 21st birthday! After a days at the pool, we had a gourmet dinner that Sara and Jess prepared, consisting of chicken tacos and burrito bowls- delicious. And for dessert, chocolate cake! And the best part was the icing that Jess Bauer whipped together on the spot. It was a mix of strawberry jam a little sour cream, and sugar I believe. Sounds weird, but it was sooo good. And you know me, I won't pass up anything that is sweet and looks like dessert. After dinner we headed to Mass. It was the Easter Vigil Mass, so a little longer, but I'm glad we went and experienced the mass in a different country. Some of us were asked to do the readings too, so I got to participate!

Day 5: Muiron Islands
A bright and early morning as we headed out to scuba dive. The boat ride was an hour and a half, but plently of time to brush up on the details of diving, since I haven't been in 3 years!

This dive, with my buddy Jess Goodwin, would be dive #22 (1-21 in Bonaire) and the site was J.T. 80. We're a few weeks too early to see whale sharks, mom would probably be happy to know that :) After our first dive, one of the workers said I had so much oxygen left in my tank that I must be part fish with those lungs. I was extremely calm and could live down there if possible! We saw so many beautifully colored corals and fish and even a White tip reef shark- sweet! A sting ray too! We dove after a full moon, meaning the corals were full of eggs about to be released and so it looked like little tiny beads swaying with the current on each coral. It was fascinating! We dove twice on Sunday and lunch was also provided. It was a full day event and boy did it wear us out!

Today G got to go sharking with these guys he met at the pub and he caught some fish and a shark! He was so excited and probably glad to have a little break from all that estrogen he'd been surrounded by for the past 5 days!

Day 6: Exmouth to Freo
Up and adam at 5:30am so we could leave by 6am for the long 13 hour haul home. We made it out by 6:30, so not too bad. An hour into our drive home G got pulled over. We told him to cry, beacuse that's what girls in teh United States do to get out of tickets- ha. He didn't find that necessary. The traffic officer was on patrol for drunk drivers and so G had to take a breathalizer, but obviously passed! So we were on our way again and made it home by 8pm! What a great and relaxing weekend! I hope this little recap gave a slightly exciting image of everything I was doing! Now back to school for 10 days, and then it's Spring break!

Until next time,
Peace and love~
-Molly

3/18: Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Family and friends~

Well last night was St. Patrick's Day down under, and it was low key for a few of us. Most of our group headed to Rosie O'Grady's Pub and danced the night away. I went with Sara, Emily, and Tonya, and we just went for about an hour just to say we celebrated. Everyone was dressed in green and it was a blast! Since I had class early the next morning, it had to be an earlier night in, but that's probably for the best.

Over the weekend, most of the study abroad student went the the Caversham Wildlife Park and we took tons of pictures (I'll hopefully have those up soon) of all the unique animals that are native to Australia. I got to hold a wombat! It resembles a pig, but furry, and it's a marsupial, so it has a pouch for its baby. We also got to feed and pet some kangaroos, see a Tasmanian Devil, which surprisingly, does not spin :) There were so many fun and exotic creatures there and it was the first time I had seen any of them, since it's rare you would see a koala just chillin' out in a nearby tree in the city. I can't wait to show you all pictures.

Tomorrow, which is Wednesday for me, a group of 8 of us have rented a van and we are traveling up north along the west coast of Australia for 6 fun-filled days full of adventures. We are going to stop in Monkey Mia which is 8 hours away, to swim with dolphins, and then continue on our way for another 8 hours up the coast to our destination of Exmouth. It's Easter weekend, so it's going to be very busy in the area, but we'll be able to swim and scuba dive with all the exotic fish and see beautiful corals. I will definitely update everyone on everything I do when I return the Monday after Easter. I hope everyone has a Happy Easter and I will talk to you soon!

Peace and love,
Molly

3/9: Rats by the Warf

Family and friends~

Another week has flown by here at the P&O and I was sad to discover that this trip is already 25% over! Classes go by especially fast, since we only meet once a week. Unfortunately this past week Sara (my roommate) had some issues with her computer, which is now on the fritz and may need to be sent to Japan for repairs. Yikes! It may be awhile before pictures can be uploaded, but I'll do my best.

The week has been full of planning for our trips coming up and we're trying to decide where all we want to go...so many options! So much for the critters and creatures giving me my space here at the P&O. I was sitting at the computer, talking to Matt on Skype, when I felt a little tap on my right shoulder. I just thought Sara was tapping me to get my attention, but no, little did I know there was a HUGE cockroach sitting right on my shoulder with it's 2-inch-long antennaes reaching to my chin. Instantly the girl came out in me and I screamed bloody-murder, probably blew out the little things ear drums. It quickly scurried and ran across the floor as fast as it could. Here, Matt thought I was being attacked by something huge I'm sure, but no, just cockroaches falling from the ceiling (shiver)!!

Last night a few of us ladies headed across the Esplanade Park, the one where we can't walk alone in at night or we might get thumped, to go and enjoy some frites (fries) and beer at the Little Creatures brewery. I opted for the wine, and the fries were amazing. We all split a small bucket for the hefty price of $7, and while enjoying our snack, we were pleasantly, or maybe unpleasantly greated by a little pack of rats running along the fence at the restaurant. At first I thought they were squirrels, but boy was I mistaken! I thought putting my feet up for the rest of the evening was a good choice.

Back to trip planning, I'll give you all a small preview of what adventures I will be encountering in the next month or so. First, over Easter break, which is coming up in a few weeks here, there will be 6 of us renting an RV and driving up the West coast of Australia to our destination of the Ningaloo Reef. Along the way we'll be stopping at the Pinnacles, Shark Bay, and Monkey Mia where we can swim with the dolphins. Once we reach the Ningaloo Reef, we will get to Scuba dive roughly 4 dives in two days and hopefully, I pray, see a Whale Shark! Fear not, they may be a 30 foot long mammal, but they feed on krill, not humans, too bad I won't be able to capture this phenomenon on camera, but I will try my best to explain in great detail what my experience was like. Around spring break time, our group will be flying up to Broome, in the Northern Territory to visit an Aboriginal community for 5 days. What we catch is what we eat. I'll get back to you on my thoughts about that trip later. Next is Spring Break. We're hoping for Thailand plans to follow through, but money only goes so far. Then after Matt comes in May, we're traveling out to Sydney. I can't wait for all of these fun adventures! I hope all is well with everyone, and I will update you on my life again soon.

Until then, peace and love~

2/26-3/1: Happy Leap Day!

Well I made it through my first week of Australian classes and I only have 12 more sessions of each class! That seems like so little! I know it will fly by. This week was a scorcher, reaching 104 degrees on Wednesday! On Tuesday night I went for a run to South Beach and watched the sun set. Now, this was no ordinary sunset. Granted, seeing the beautiful Twin Cities skyline from my own back porch with the setting sun behind on the horizon is definitely beautiful, but what I saw on Tuesday night was spectacular. Once I made it to the beach, I just sat there in awe of what I was seeing in front of my eyes; so I'll try to recreate this image for you, but the best idea would be for you to come see it for yourself, it's breath-taking. There were some Stratus clouds far in the distance, you know the ones that are kind of poofy, but thicker, that covered much of the sky in the distance, just on top of where the sun was setting- but not covering the sun!...Those clouds were a dark purple, and the sun was now halfway into the ocean, or so it looked like :) and it was a hot orange blaze going into the horizon. There were these other clouds directly over the ocean, almost so low you could touch them! They were thin wispy clouds and the way the sun was reflecting of off them left a pink and orange tint just floating so lightly over the ocean. With the dark outline of Rottnest Island in the background and a cruise ship coming into port, it was by far the most beautiful sunset I've seen thus far, and I'm sure there will be many more to come. Next time I'll be sure to capture it on my camera for you all to enjoy!

Thursday night the group headed down to Rosie O'Grady's Irish pub to listen to Clayton Bolger, a very talented guitarist and singer. He put on quite the show. He plays every Thursday from 8pm-12am! He has a little request book and will play almost anything. He was really good. And every week he always sings The Only Gay Eskimo. I'm not really sure why the song exists or where it came from, but it is a very interesting and entertaining act.

Last night Sara, Emily and I went to the infamous La Porchetta for some pizza and wine and it was fabulous! You can get an entire large pizza for only $9 with pineapple!! That made my day! And it also made 4 or 5 meals for me!

Today (Saturday) the group is lounging around the P&O mainly doing some of the assigned readings from our classes. I was out on the verandah and three men in suits came out drinking their champagne and they were followed by a photographer. The photographer asked for my assistance (see picture) haha, and so I got to hold a white towel to add the sun's reflection to their faces. It turns out, the groom was from St. John's University and he met his bride here in Australia when he studied abroad here some years back! Oh how romantic! And also one of the groomsmen is cousins with one of my friends, Alisha from St. Ben's, who was on this trip last spring. What a small world! Tomorrow I believe we are heading to Cottesloe beach by train and hanging out there for the day. I'll have to make sure to be back in time before the markets close! I need some more fresh bread and Zucchini! Until next time, peace and love~