Heel clicks and poppy fields.

After school on Friday I left for Melbourne via train. The only thing that eased some of my apprehensions of taking public transportation was getting to tell people I was "catching the train". It really made it sound so cute and nonchalant. It ended up not being a big deal (of course I had worked it up in my head to be a very scary experience), and after Danny dropped me off at the train station in Geelong, I rode an hour into Melbourne.

Tiffany met me at the Flinders Street station, and my goodness, it felt so amazing to see a familiar face! We wandered around the South Bank shops and then grabbed some dinner. I found some amazing Indian food and thoroughly enjoyed every last bite. We then caught the train back to Tiffany's host family's house because it was getting late and we needed to rest up for the next day.

Her host family is tres sweet and they welcomed me in with open arms. They offered me their air mattress for the night, and I took over the remaining floor space in Tiffany's room. Meg is the 20 year old daughter who Tiffany is staying with, and the three of us sat around gossiping and having some good girl talk.

The next morning Tiffany and I ate breakfast prepared by John (her host dad), showered, and got ourselves all touristed up! I opted to wear my University of Georgia shirt to give Melbourne a little taste of the Bulldog Nation (GO DAWGS!). Our first stop was the Queen Victoria Market, which was a humongous flea market complete with fruits, veggies, meats, clothing, animals, jewelry, and you-name-it-they've-got-it kind of stuff. I purchased a Nepalese hat and almost convinced myself it would be the cool thing to do to wear it around all day. I spared Tiffany.

After lunch (not complete without a curry puff!) we continued to make our way through the streets of Melbourne. We found ourselves in Chinatown, and we happened to stumble upon Target! Now, at this point I had already experienced a Target in Australia. I made the decision to not share about it on the blog before because of how tragic the experience was, but I guess there's no better time than now. Target in Australia is not the wonderful place that Target in America is. There is no Dollar Spot or designer-for-discount section or even anything remotely as cute as what Target is known for in the U.S. In any case, we bought some Kinder Egg Surprises and tried to revive our disappointed souls. Mmmm, chocolate.

After this we really kicked our tourist butts into gear. We asked people to take pictures of us, looked at our maps, and had confused looks on our faces, but we managed to see some pretty awesome sights! We went home a little earlier (after getting some more chocolate along the way) and ate dinner with the Scerris. John put in an Australian mockumentary for us called "Kenny". It was pretty hilarious, and I would recommend anyone to rent it if you can find it in the States. It follows an employee of a port-a-potty company and is very comical.

On Sunday morning I ate my first crumpet for breakfast and headed off for a few more sights in Melbourne. We thought we should try Mackers (McDonald's) to see how it compared to the U.S., and honestly I can't really tell you anything because I haven't eaten there in 3 years. I was hungry so I ate it and my body didn't reject it, sooo two thumbs up? They also have the McCafe, which is a Starbucks-esque area of the Mackers. I don't know if this is happening in the States or not. Tiffany and I parted ways but not before seeing that a full dozen of Krispy Kreme doughnuts would set you back Au$15.95 (probably around $11.00 U.S....whaaaa??).

Overall, very cultural city, fantastic food, lots of walking, too many pictures, the train is now my best friend, and I hope to spend more time in Melbourne.

Hold on to this kite.

I really feel like I threw my clock out the window because I am just at the end of 2 weeks in the classroom. I am already getting worried that I will not have enough time here!


Last weekend, I stayed in Friday and Saturday to just watch movies (Jenny, it was a me and you kind of day) because of a cold that had taken over my immune system. I think jet lag, homesickness, stress, and starting at a new school really wore me out, and I was very ready to just sit and relax. This worked out well, and Sunday I was ready to leave the house. Luckily, Danny and Samuel offered to take me for an afternoon drive along Great Ocean Road. Everyone had mentioned Great Ocean Road as a tourist attraction, and I had researched it online, but nothing could have prepared me for this drive. Even though it was an overcast day, the natural beauty of the southern coast of Australia took my breath away. I found myself stuck to the passenger's side window in the car as Danny drove along.

We started off at Anglesea where Danny showed me their beach house and then continued along the long winding road. There were plenty of places to stop and admire the view so Danny and Samuel made sure to let me get out and take my pictures. I was such a tourist. The entire coast is filled with little beach towns where everyone who is anyone has a vacation home. We stopped in Lorne, a little town with shops and a park, for lunch, and I sampled a pie. A pie here has meat in it as opposed to fruit, so when you go ask for a pie at a bakery, don't expect a pumpkin pie. And speaking of pumpin, the girls I am living with are appalled that anyone would think of eating pumpkin as a dessert or putting marshmallows on yams. Obviously I am going to have to set them straight because pumpkin pie is one of the most amazing things America has to offer. Anyway, there were surfers in the spots with the best waves, and I hope to find a wet suit soon and see how I fair out on the water on a surfboard.


The day finished with a stop by the golf course to see the kangaroos. Yes, the kangaroos live at the golf course...they're just asking to be shipped to Peachtree City if you ask me. They were everywhere, and the golfers just went about their business with their game; the kangaroos were polite enough to move out of their way. These are also the cutest animals when they hop! I could not get over it! I told the children in school today about how excited I was that I saw my first kangaroo over the weekend, and they told me stories about how to dodge a kangaroo if it tries to punch you. Fiesty little things like to punch you in the stomach evidently; I'll have to get confirmation because this came from 7 year olds, but they were pretty confident in what they were saying.

I have started teaching lessons, and I kicked off the poetry unit this week! Tomorrow we're going to finish up and use all of their poems to compile a poetry book. Next week Brie wants me to maybe teach a full day...yikes, bikes! I know that I am capable of teaching for a full day, but Bellaire is so regimented in their school days and lessons that I am always afraid that I am forgetting to do something. I definitely feel more comfortable this week around the school, so hopefully next week I will be ready for a full day.

Today Maree took me to get a phone. I have been so content in the past 2 weeks without a phone that I was actually really hesitant about being connected to the outside world again. I guess it's a good idea for when I am traveling around and find myself in a pickle. Tomorrow I am catching the train to Melbourne to spend the weekend with Tiffany and do some sightseeing around the city. Yay for my first travel weekend!

Good food:
-Today I went with Brie during lunch time to the bakery around the corner and picked up a chocolate croissant. It was one of the most fresh and wonderful things I had ever tasted. Almost as good as Belgium, Mom :) Seth, I hope you have a chance to get one while you're in Europe! -We also ordered pizza tonight, and I noticed Satay Chicken on the menu and knew I had to sample it. It was delicious. Soo much satay sauce, I cannot wait to take it for lunch tomorrow!

Wear your trackees and runners.

$10 to the first person to translate that phrase.

Just as I thought I was getting used to Australia, I started school this week and found out just how wrong I was. I started the week in Andrea's class, and after 2 days there, the principal came and asked me if I would mind moving to Brie's class. Brie recently had a new student join her class who has made it difficult to manage her classroom, so I am there to "let her get her sanity back". I have been working with this particular student from the beginning of school at 9 am until they leave at 11 am. The student really responds well with one-on-one instruction so I am almost completely drained by the time they leave, but oh my goodness it is so worth it. The student is finally working and not giving us any problems! I am still trying to get used to how Bellaire runs their school days, but most of the teachers are young so it is easy to talk and get to know them.

The teachers here are not just co-workers; they are friends. Just this past week, I went to two different events outside of the school day with the teachers. The work ethic here is very interesting because even though they are laid back, they definitely know what they have to do get a task done. It is almost as if they have found the right balance between work and play. They are able to combine the two in moderation and succeed in both work and social life very well.

I had my first taste of Vegemite this week. After my students kept asking me if I had tried it, I figured it was about time to sample the infamous spread. I'm sorry to report back that I was less than impressed. I only put a tiny amount on my buttered toast and found myself reaching for my juice after every bite. It is very salty, and I have never been a fan of salt in the first place but the last corner was the only thing I didn't finish of my toast and Vegemite. So Uncle Gary, the $3 might be spent towards something else now.

Another new thing that I tried this week was hanging my laundry on a line. After my clothes were done in the washing machine, I was in the laundry room looking for the dryer - opening every door and cabinet. I went out and asked Maree where the dryer was, and she just laughed and said that I had to go outside to hang my clothes. I stared at her and she pretty much had to clarify that there was a line and pegs outside where I would hang my clothes to dry. She then mentioned that they had a dryer in the garage that they never used and said I could use that if I wanted. Supposedly clothes in Australia are made to shrink if they are put in the dryer, so even their panties go out on display for the neighbors and passerbys to see. No shame. I opted to use the dryer - that I had to dust off! - for some things but hung the rest.

I got my first feel for the Geelong winds today. The wind was so extreme that the excursion (field trip) that I was supposed to go on with the preps (kindergarteners) to the Botanical Gardens was postponed until next week. Tomorrow is supposed to be even colder, so I might have to skip out on the football game. Mom, send more clothes!

All you got to do is watch me.

The past few days have been full of running errands with Maree and familiarizing myself with Geelong. As most of you know, I am not the best with directions, so I find myself turned around quite a bit. I am also a mess when it comes to the car and road: I try to get in on the driver's side more often than not, and I look the wrong direction when I go to cross the road. It's really funny how it is such an instinct because I don't even realize I am doing it until Maree points it out.

I went on a run the other day along the route that I will take to school every day and took a few pictures. This one has the roundabout that is right near the house. There are roundabouts everywhere over here! I think that would probably also be a challenge if I got my international license over here. Geelong has some pretty big hills that will definitely make my runs rigorous; they give Baxter and Lumpkin a run for their money! Right now I'm taking it easy though and trying to find the flattest routes possible.

Maree and I went to buy roses the other day for her mum for Mother's day (mommy, I love you!) at a rose garden. There were rows of greenhouses full of beautiful roses being grown. I usually don't like roses, but seeing all of the fresh cut roses in so many different colors and being overwhelmed by the smell made me change my mind. At least for a few days.


On Friday, I went by Bellaire to get a tour of the school and meet my teacher. The school atmosphere was so great. The classroom doors are all left open and most of them partner up with another class to work together throughout the day. I stopped into Andrea's (me and my mentor teacher having the same name should be interesting) classroom and met everyone. The children were gawking at me when I spoke, and that's when I really realized that I was the one with the accent. The classroom environment is very colorful and Andrea might just be one of the most cheerful people ever. She laughs at everything and it's going to be so great to work with (Gretchen, you would love her!). Andrea asked the class where they would go if they went to the states, and they all said Disney! She told me that this was a very interesting class to work with because of all the characters that are in it. One girl walked up to Andrea, Ms. Eddy (the principal who gave me the tour), and I and this is the dialogue that followed:

Blonde girl: Guess what I can do.
Andrea: What's that?
Blonde girl: I can eat a lemon without making a funny face.
(Andrea, Ms. Eddy, and I laugh)
Ms. Eddy: But can you read?

Andrea said that was a prime example of what she was talking about when she said there were characters in the class! I only stayed a little while and then walked home to find Samuel arriving home from camp. He really is an active child like Maree said, and my goodness he can eat. He loves his Nintendo DS and other video games (Hof, you 2 would get along splendidly), and of course he loves footy.


Saturday was a big day for me. I went to my first footy match to watch the Geelong Cats play the Sydney Swans. The last stadium I was in was Sanford, so naturally I was expecting a roaring crowd and being on my feet for the entirety of the game. Most of the fans are listening to the game on their radio though so things stay fairly mild. The game itself involves a lot of drop kicking with a ball shaped almost like an American football but a little rounder. The players wear no padding, and they run into each other so hard! Send me out on the field, and I think I would break every bone in my body and a nail or two. Geelong loves their cats though, and everyone is decked out head to toe in white and navy blue footy apparel. Richard, I heard the Geelong Cats song and was almost able to sing along thanks to your post.

That evening we had tea (dinner) at a family friend's house and then that night I went to town with Erin and some of her friends. I've probably reversed any progress that I was making on my jet lag because it was a pretty late night, but at least starting tomorrow I'll have a regular schedule because I start school.

School starts at 9:00 am and lets out at 3:30 pm. Can we talk about how excited I am that I don't have to wake up before 7:00 am? Anyway, I need to start getting ready for tomorrow - Andrea said to just show up, so I probably am just going to sit on facebook and go to sleep, per usual.

Oh, and Mom, I bought a pair of slippers...my tootsies were getting cold around the house! I hope these pictures turn out alright; this is my first time doing this so hopefully they are decent quality. If not, a fb album will be popping up soon for everyone's viewing pleasure.

Have a wonderful Mother's day and wish me luck for tomorrow on my first day of school!

Just Say Yes

I made it. After a trip comparable to the bottomless chips at Chili's - they just kept on giving me more and more hours to travel - I arrived in Melbourne to be greeted by Maree and her 19 year old daughter, Erin. We had an hour long ride to Geelong and I was home! For the next 3 months at least.

Highlights from the flight:
- ATL-O'Hare I sat next to a mean, mean man who wouldn't talk to me :(
- I sprinted through O'Hare again only to find that I hadn't reset my watch and was actually early.
- I met a Chinese boy with red hair at LAX who owned his own trucking company and encouraged me to email him if I had any questions, so he gave me "his card"
- I had an open seat next to me on the 16 hr flight which made it a little more comfortable.
- I woke up on the 16 hr flight at the beginning of "Bride Wars" and was able to catch most of it. Definitely enjoyed it, but that could have been the sleep deprivation influencing me.
- Almost freezed to death because United decided to take all of their blankets off of the planes because of Swine Flu.
- I only saw 2 people total with a mask, so I didn't have to break out mine for protection from the H1N1 virus :)
- I was thermally scanned upon entering Australia and barely passed.

Besides Erin, there is Johanna who is 17 and Samuel who is 8. Samuel is away at school camp for a few days so I won't get to meet him until tomorrow. After I unpacked, Maree, Danny, Erin, and I went to lunch at Brewster's. All 3 of them raved about the Brewster's burger from there, so I decided to get the same. It wasn't a hamburger at all; it was actually a chicken fillet with sour cream, bacon, cheese, sweet chili sauce, and lettuce. I was a little messy with it while everyone managed keep their intact, but it was so good! I never would have thought to put those ingredients together, but it was amazing, especially after all of the airplane food I had consumed. I took a little siesta after a much needed shower and woke up to get ready for the evening.

My host family was celebrating their family name. It is a Serbian tradition that on one day every year, there is a large celebration with lots of food and the entire family. Maree's parents are Serbian Orthodox, so we went over to their house and I met ALOT of family! All of the food was homemade down to the noodles in the chicken noodle soup! There were 5 courses during the entire dinner, and everything was so good. There were cabbage rolls and roasted vegetables and a feta cheese concoction wrapped with a flaky pastry. When it came time for dessert, I was only able to have one delicious brownie. After all, it was about 5 am for me, and that's not when I am usually eating a feast.

Erin, Johanna, and I left early. Johanna had to finish some homework, and Erin and I were a little tired. We all sat in the living room and watched tv. They have alot of American shows here. "Hannah Montana" was on last night, so needless to say I feel right at home; a little Miley Cyrus always brightens a day.

I went to bed a little after 10 pm and woke up only once to go to the restroom. I was up a little before 7 am and tried to fall back asleep with not much success, but I think jetlag is going to be easy to get over! I am about to go to the grocery store with Maree. I need to exchange out my American money for Australian dollars soon as well.

All in all, the accents are a little hard to understand sometimes, the people are friendly, and the weather is getting colder. That's pretty much all I can say after 24 hours here! As inspired by Ms. Michelle Dowst, just say yes to lots of things, which I plan on doing so I can experience Geelong and Australia to the fullest extent.

Love and miss you all!