Adventure happens when something goes wrong

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , ,
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in 3 words, i can sum up everything i know about life: it goes on."  - robert frost

I'll be honest. I don't like Melbourne Uni. I thought it would be great to go to a big school in the city like I wanted, plus the Uni is in the suburbs like American University. Unfortunately, it's not the same. It's worth getting adjusted to if I had an extra semester to spare. I love living in the city, though. A lot has happened in the past 48 days. We're in finals now, but I'll be back to talk about it.

One great thing: I'm officially legal to drink in the U-S-of-A. My birthday was October 11th and I celebrated my birth week with a bang. I have all of my friends in Oz to thank. Every night was something new. Conveniently, there was a bar crawl with the student exchange program, MUSEX. If anything, the one thing I like about Melbourne Uni is MUSEX. I even went to the gala at the end of the semester. Granted, it was only for the 3 free drinks that came with the tickets; nevertheless, I got to see people that I will probably never see again unless by chance.

I'll save the down side of living in Melbourne -- away from home, family, parents, and friends -- for the next time.

And it's been a bit of love and hell. Next time ;)

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...capture this moment and hope it do[es]n't pass...*

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Eleven hours in a car for an 8 hour trip with three (3) friends and 1 driver. We rented a Silver Ford Falcon for 3 days. We had 5 mixtapes (CDs) to keep us going on such a long ride. Honestly, I slept for a good chunk of the time, but when I was awake, the backseat driver in me came out...so I think I'll need to keep myself distracted when someone else is driving for a long period next time (especially when its not my parents).

Nevertheless, we arrived at the Sydney Central YHA Hostel. It's a "5-star hostel," so it's almost as good as a hotel, sans room service. There was a sauna and cinema in the hostel, as well as ScuBar - "Sydney's bar 'down under'" (literally). We got a room with four (4) beds to ourselves and crashed upon our 2AM arrival Saturday morning. Our Saturday morning start turned into a search for day parking, then a look for brunch (1PM).

We ended up by North Shore, where the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are, so the food was quite expensive. After my first and last experience eating the traditional UK meal, fish and chips, we enjoyed a nice, cold beer in a brown paper bag on the side of the street -- classy. Seeing that I did not want my food, I thought the birds might be hungry, so the pigeons surrounded me...waiting....

Picture taken by Arianna F.
An aboriginal family/group was performing in front of the harbour. They called me to come up and join their music jam session (sesh), which was pretty fun. The guy playing the didjeridu (on right) also gave Washington, DC a shout out, naming the United States the best place he has been to.

Picture taken by Arianna F.

After making my first musical debut with the Aboriginal musicians, we headed to the infamous Sydney Opera House. We caught a glimpse of the Royal Botanical Gardens next to the Opera House, but the Harbour Bridge (World's largest, not longest, steel arch bridge) and sailboats captured our attention. 

Picture taken by Arianna F.
What better way to experience the Opera House when you're not seeing a show than to check out the washroom?! I'm pretty sure the toilets were heated and the bathrooms smelled like Bath and Body Works (I miss you...). Aside from checking out the loo, my friends and I decided we should get a coffee or beer at the Opera House -- when is that going to happen again!? Beer, it is.

As we were waiting to order, my eyes were set on a keyboard, stage, and microphone; as well as a beautiful Australian singer, performing for spectators of the Sydney Opera House. The pianist and another guy with him approached me, so I smiled, and we engaged in dialogue. About 4-5 questions in, I was offered a beer and a chance to sing in front of the Sydney Opera House.  WHY NOT (my motto while being in Australia). Who can say that they've gone to a country on exchange and been able to perform in front of a [inter]national icon, such as the Sydney Opera House. (Video of performance below)

Eminem:  Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity ; To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment ; Would you capture it or just let it slip?


The day continued to get better. We went to Sydney's 360 Bar and Dining, a restaurant with revolving floors so you get the view of the entire city,  for cocktail hour...but left with no cocktails or coffee. One of my friends from Belgium/the hostel that I went to Penguin Parade with on Phillip Island met up with my friends and I. It was so nice to have someone in the city to show us around! :)

Off to Darling Harbour for dinner. We only spent $10 on for our meals at Lizard Lounge. There were a lot of burger and fries (chips) options, but with all of the junk we had been eating throughout the road trip was enough for the weekend. Salad and kababs are never a bad idea.

It was Saturday night and we were in Sydney. I was prepared and excited to experience the Sydney nightlife. Unfortunately, my friends were exhausted and didn't have the energy to make it. So, I ventured alone to ScuBar. I didn't think it was too far of a distance to worry; after all, it was right "down" stairs. I bought myself a few drinks and danced the night away. Per usual, I met some cool people for the night and made one new friend from England that I already met up with again in Melbourne! ;)

The night ended for me at 6AM and I think it was all worth it. I mean, it's Sydney.
Three (3) hours later, I woke up to shower and check out of the room. I retold stories of my night with my friends over brunch and coffee. It was a beautiful day, so we headed to Bondi Beach -- one of Sydney's most famous beach.

Of course we entered the water for the sake of opportunity and felt the waves thrush as high as our knees, until the water began to come up too high. When in Sydney...

Bondi Beach in Sydney sounds like a great excuse for a new piercing. Arianna and I talked about getting our ears pierced together when we first met, so here was another chance to do something. We spotted a tattoo parlor across from the beach and headed over to create a memory. I got my left cartilage ear pierced and she got her tragus done. Afterward, we sat down at a Brazilian restaurant with a perfect view of  the beach.

 Our trip was coming to an end and for a day and a half, it was enough for now. I definitely think I'll be returning to Sydney. I'm not sure when, but we had something...


 *Eminem - Lose Yourself

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It's better to Know than to Wonder

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Take every experience as a new start. Trust your judgment.

Classes started on the 25th of July, and things are starting to get REAL. I really needed to get a job  in order to afford an Australian lifestyle for basic survival ($10-20/ avg. meal). So, I did at AegisDirect; and with many benefits. Essentially, I love my job. The atmosphere is great, as are the people. One point on the chart for Oz.

It took some time, but my schedule has been perfected. I'm taking four (4) courses/subjects:
  • Television and Popular Culture  - watch classic and modern TV shows that shape what we watch today and talk about it
  • Self and Other - psycho-social-political aspect of the relationship between Me and You and Everyone We Know
  • New Media and Future Technologies - we talk about the internet; new media vs. old media
  • Human Rights and Global Justice - talk about refugees; asylum seekers; and their rights to self-determination in political, medical, legal, social, and cultural aspects...interesting

My  group of friends at the Uni has grown. I've met several more Europeans and made some good friends from India (yup, we're staying away from most of the Americans around). To say the least, I may have found my "niche" with an excellent crowd (age 23.24.25); where my days and nights are usually long. We all contribute our own thing to the group and we have different outlooks on many things, but we always have fun. We go out and have fun; but with a touch of class. Home cooked  dinner (most of the time)and wine have become weeknight specials. Kindof like a family. One of my Italian friends (Arianna, from the hostel and Uni) made the most amazing tiramisu I've ever had. It was so good, I thought I'd take a picture so it could last longer…



I'm still curious about where all the Australians are -- or is that just me?
  
I also went to my first Aussie Rules Football (AFL) game - Collingwood versus Brisbane Lions. It took 5 minutes into the game to realize that I did NOT like/care about footy. Collingwood had already scored a point and I didn't understand why we needed to know how many 6-point and 1-point points were scored, separate from the total score...and I didn't see where the quarter/game time was, but that could be based on my inability to pay attention to the field after those first 5 minutes. Instead, my attention went to asking questions about the game and anything I didn't understand (sorry to the people who actually wanted to "enjoy" the game). Luckily (kindof), my friend and I were saved from 2 hours of boredom when our friend got kicked out for bringing outside beer into the stadium. I'm sure he was upset, but it was the perfect excuse to leave.
 
Too much has happened within the past few weeks. I was in a 24 hour musical where a show was written, produced, rehearsed, and performed within 24 hours. That means writers came together at 7PM the night before and we came in at 9AM to learn the script and music written specifically for the Mudfest 24 Hour Musical. I think it was quite a success. (SCENE: 1960s, Catholic school girls, abortion, acid trips, and grades becoming a determinant of the future).



On another note, any previous short-term 'like-affairs' mentioned in the past are now over. I've met a lot of guys since I've been here. None of them have made it very far because, of course, you need both physics and chemistry. It's funny because I've made good friends based on great chemistry and no physics. As expected, anything based solely on physics probably isn't worth my time.

Onto the next one....next: ROADTRIP TO SYDNEY 2011 ...of course there are stories ;)

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So far gone

Posted by Christine V. Edmond ,
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Enter into my world. It's been a crazy 6 weeks. The best week of my life was the first week in Australia - filled with adventure.  I was motivated to do more, get out more, experience more, and learn more. I learned a little something about myself. I realized who I can count on; who my friends are back home;  how to live my life when no one I care about is looking; that kisses are a precious gift that can't be shared with everyone; that chocolate is God's gift that can be shared (esp. Nutella); that no matter where I am, I'm only going to have fun being myself; that the people constantly around me should always bring positive energy; that nothing is impossible -- absolutely nothing.
My life has been crazy, which is crazy.
I anticipated a crazy experience and I got what I wanted.
Sex. Drugs. Rock n Roll. (well, less of some things than others *sigh*)

I'm ready for what's next. I'm ready to continue having fun while staying grounded. I want a partner to join my journey.

It all comes down to what girl I want to be and the way I want other people to see me. You too.

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Chocolate. Wine. And sweet kisses..

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , , , , ,
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I've learned not to rush here. I've learned to take it slow and I try to be careful. I try not to say too much too soon but I like to say enough so that my message is clear. I like just waiting for things to happen.

My days came closer to leaving the hostel. I didn't want to stop the adventures, but I did want some privacy. After an Open Mic Night in none other than U-Bar (the pub below the hostel), I spent the night with some friends who came to support my singing. It was the final call.

I went to the Royal Botanical Garden in Melbourne with some of my European (Poland, France, Belgium) mates from the hostel. It was certainly beautiful -- even though it's winter/wet. There's a lot of tea and trees I've never heard of or seen, but look really cool there.

 We watched the sunset from the garden, which gave a beautiful glimpse of the sun moving across the buildings. It was like something you would see in a magazine or on the movie screen. Moments.



I moved to my place in Carlton, Victoria. I live within a 10 minute walking distance (2 min tram) to Melbourne University. Glorious location! Not only am I convenient to the school, but I have Little Italy as my neighbor! The street I live on is filled with Italian restaurants and shops. People are eating outside on the sidewalk with heaters keeping the tents warm. In the middle of all this fun lies your local supermarket and cinema. Inside the apartment complex (sponsored by YMCA College Square) includes a gym, sauna, grocery store downstairs and Chinese carryout. I'm sure one of those things will be useful within the next five months that I'm here.

And I met my roommate. He seems to be a good man. He's from Korea studying his PhD in architecture. Quiet, Virtuous.

I keep in touch with my friends from the hostel. I hope that lasts longer than they think. I guess I understand. I've moved around a lot and learned what it is to have had true friends that would stick around or never lose touch. It's great. That's how I got to see many of my friends from Florida and Georgia when I went back a few weeks ago. We met up for some dancing over the weekend, which just became a trend for the following weekend (and may continue).

In between meeting new people and staying connected with friends, there was still this French guy that I had been hanging out with a lot through the past week and a half.

There we were, sitting. Enjoying the moment. I glanced at the time. 11:11PM (Make a wish). It was like a dream, and then the night ended.
Until the next time…11:22PM.

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Living a Dream

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,
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SIX DAYS have past (Aus - UTC/GMT +10 hours) and of course there are more stories!

My new friends from Belgium and England (from the Penguin Parade!) made their way back to Sydney. Before they left, a fiesta was set in order! First, we went to Eureka Skydeck 88 (click!!), a A$17.50 semi-notworthit tourist attraction (A$10 extra for the Edge Experience), as well as Melbourne's highest building point.  It was definitely a beautiful site of the city and I appreciate the city even more because of the view. BUT all of my pics came out blurry. :(

Next trip - we would go to the Crown Casino! Since the Casino is open 24 hours, we headed out around 2AM. Gambling isn't my taste, but one guy we were with put in AUD$1 and got back 77 cents. I'm not sure how that worked out since Australia doesn't have pennies…but alright. 
Interesting Aussie fact: Prices will either be rounded up or down to the nearest 5th because, indeed, there are no pennies ($1 and $2 are coins).

The next few days were filled with lots of walking and new discoveries. Did I mention a couple of dates (just one guy:)? One thing is for certain, things seem to go pretty fast here. Perfect pace for me. What are the chances.

On the road to adventure and the State Library (free internet!), I journeyed into a different part of Melbourne. I went to Melbourne's well-known Queen Victoria Market. It's much comparable to Flea Markets in flea markets in places like Fort Lauderdale, FL (Swap Shop).  There were cool deals and I heard QVM is the best place to get fresh produce and eggs. I decided to eat lunch there at a corner café. If you're gluten-free, enjoy almost every café and restaurant in Melbourne, as they seem to have adopted special meals.

I stumbled upon the University of Melbourne and decided to explore the campus, confiscate a map, and see what I can learn within an hour. I was informed that UMel. is THE uni (short for University in Oz) in Victoria. I also heard it was THE uni in Australia, but I could be wrong.




The campus was so beautiful and perfect. It reminds me of a college campus you would see in a movie or on Boy MeetsWorld. The theme: Dream Large (not big…lol). I like it.

More adventures came throughout the week, but I'll let you take in the first three days. ;)

I'm really just looking for the thrill of it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGUU7CiK7YU).
Melbourne, Australia is #2 most livable place on Earth (The Economist).  Good life decisions.

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All She Ever Wanted

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , ,
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I could probably name all of the streets in Melbourne CBD (Central Business District) by now. Every street is followed by a little street or lane and chances are, I have been on that street. I understand that trams are the way around the city, but I really prefer walking around and getting to know my surroundings. I probably walk about 5-7 miles everyday. If something catches my eye, I just go without thinking.

The best thing about being in a new city is that everything is new. The people, the streets, the shops, the smell. It's all fresh. I love new things. I love to learn and soak up information. Since I don't really have plans and everything is situated (housing, money, etc), I just use my days to enjoy the city (although I need a job...).

Thus, I made my way to the State Library. I passed by the most beautiful "museum" with artistic architecture. I admired the building and continued to find the library. When I crossed the street, I realized that somewhere along my path I had missed the library. The beautiful building was the library.



After indulging on some free internet, I was invited over for dinner by the girl that I am renting the apartment from. On my way to my new apartment, I encountered a strange experience. I felt as if I was being followed. Indeed, I was.

Through a 20 minute conversation (yes, I let it last that long), I learned that the man was from China and he had been in Australia for 10 years. I was asked a series of questions such as: Am I African, what are my origins, do I like white/black men and what is my preference, and do I like/know Obama (I get that a lot). Statements were made such as: Americans are violent/dangerous, love pornography (he stated repeatedly), obese, racist, politics are corrupt, we have the most homeless people in the world (?), and white men have many girlfriends.


With a lighthearted spirit, I could do nothing but laugh. Is this what we are really thought of as Americans?? As someone from France told met: America makes the best as well as the worst.


Let's do better, America.

After eating a delicious homemade Malaysian meal, I took the tram and headed home. The cool thing about the tram is that if you stand, you can still rest your butt/rear.


By the time I got back to the hostel, I immediately wanted to go to the bar downstairs -- so I did, alone. 


I found that even though I go to the bar alone, I never leave alone. There's always an adventure. And tonight, the mission was to play in the park, then fly a kite on the beautiful boardwalk. If I move to Melbourne, I know where I need to live. In an apartment on the Yarra River (doesn't that already sound expensive?). It's gorgeous. We played in the park like children and (again) I felt like I was in a Skins episode. Perfect.







 I love this city.

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