Finally a Great Weekend!

Finally a great weekend! Ah, this weekend was muy bueno!

Friday- Friday I had a long day of work, and a frustrating one at that. I came home and hung out till my roomie got back. Once she got back, she was super tired and so was I. We took a nap; I slept on the floor and she slept on the couch. We passed out for about an hour and a half. I was going to sleep longer, but I was woken up by Mel’s typical moans, although they were different this time. When I yelled at her to stop, I then realized she was doing it because the TV was left on an episode of “My first puppy.” The puppies were so freaking cute, and it definitely had me missing my Roxy aka Booj. We both could not change the channel because we missed our pups from back home.  Anyways, Mel got up to get ready for the night, as I still lay on the floor. Usually by Friday I’m exhausted and the last thing I want to do is 1) Be on my feet and 2) go out. Everyone was giving me a hard time, and trying to convince me to go out—but there was no budging for me! All the girls went out, and stayed behind and edited pictures forever. I started putting pictures on Facebook when my wireless USB drive stopped working. Ugh. So, it was perfect timing when Mel came home. I got to skype with Ma and Dad for a while, Rocko, and Max! It was good catching up with everyone. Mel really wanted to talk to Max, as they wouldn’t stop making fun of me. Womp. We didn’t go to bed till like4:30!!! So much for trying to get rest….

Saturday- Got up to have an American Breakfast that all the North American girls were craving. We ate at Pancakes on the Rocks. It’s located near there Harbour Bridge in a really quaint area. While walking there the whole area was covered in flea markets. There was a lot great things, but so expensive and if you tried to bargain they would only take $5 off. Stupid. Anyways breakfast was fabulousJ. We were all in heaven and definitely in a food coma after that. We walked near the bridge and took some pictures. We slowly meandered back, stopping in shops to grab some things. I got tired from walking, and really wanted to take a nap. I came back and passed out. Once I got up I missed dinner with the girls, so I just started to get ready. By the time I got ready the girls were back and ready to go. Me, Danielle, and Jenn went down the street to this really chill backpacker bar, which we’ve been to before. We didn’t realize it was singles night, so that was a plus ;-). We got our drinks, and headed to a table to chill out until it started getting livelier. The girls went to get their second drinks, as I stayed at the table to keep our spots. There were two guys standing at our table, but on the opposite side so I made conversation. First guy was Zieren and the second guy was named David….both from Germany travelling for Holiday. Zieren was really chill, but his friend David was a little out there! David, was trying to have a conversation with me, but his yelling sounded more like Hitler giving a speech—my ear was vibrating. Anyways, we all just chilled and I pushed Danielle towards him to talk so I could dance to the five hip hop songs they played every so often. The Germans walked away, and we had new guys show up at our table. These guys were fun, sarcastic and really good company. We had a really good time just dancing and having drinks. We found out they were from England, and moved here to work. Joe, Jayme, and Billy all mad us laugh with their accents and sense of humor. It was all good and fun, until the crazy German, David came back and literally dragged me to the main dance floor. I was in my element and did not want to go to the dance floor. David, not listening pulled/ dragged me to the dance floor and started to dance with me and hold my hand….yuck—I hate that. I was really uncomfortable as he was just being weird. I quickly said “oh, I will be right back I’m going to go get the girls (totally not coming back)”; he said No, and I said Yes. Lol. He pointed to the ground and stated don’t move I will get them (WOW). He left and this other kid came over and started to salsa with me during a techno song. Well, I told him that the German was my boyfriend, and he shrugged and waved him off like he was nothing. David saw this and pulled me away from him. Haha. He pulled me in to start dancing again, and I was glaring at Jenn to get her to help me out. She took my hand and spun me around to get me away from him. Then I grabbed Danielle’s hand to make sure he didn’t go for my other arm. I then stated let’s get out of here and head to the bathroom. Went to the bathroom, then back to the guys we were chillin with. This blonde-hair-blue-eyed boy that would be considered pretty cute, could barely speak clear English for me to understand. He kept asking me odd questions and telling me how beautiful I was. The last thing he asked if I was Catholic or Protestant????? WHHHHHHHHHHAT? After all that ruckus, we headed to the stage to dance. We were like the GoGo dancers of the bar, as we had the whole upper stage. Pretty fun and it kept me away from the German. We left the bar, and exchange numbers with the guys we met to go to the beach. As we were leaving, we noticed our boys we met…got into a little bar trouble. Womp. We got back home and made a pizza, and went to bed

Sunday- Got up super early to head to Bondii Beach with the girls. We stopped at Boost to get our morning smoothies. We got to the train station that would take us right to Bondii. Once there we hopped on the bus that leads us to the beach waterfront. Wow, is Bondii Beach beautiful. I’m supposed to be biased to Manly…..though I think Bondii takes cake. We got burnt/bronzed all morning and afternoon. The water was crystal blue and so much fun to be in. I also noticed it was a topless beach—SCORE! I would’ve gone topless with every other girl, but our guy friends met up with us….didn’t think that would be appropriate haha. I’m really glad we got to meet some really good mates. As much as I love the girls, definitely love to be around guys more. Hopefully we can have them to chill with on weekends. It got to be around 4ish, so we finally had our first meal of the day at Gabby’s. After Gabby’s we headed to the train station. I got back and got ready for my dinner date with Mel, since she ditched the Global girls all weekend. After our delicious dinner (sorta) we headed to the bar on the next street from our flat to be up with the boys again for a drink at O’Briens, as well as two of the girls from last semesters Global Experience. It was a really good time, but then we all got tired and headed back.

Monday- Today was a pretty good day. Hard to get up from such a fun filled weekend. I got to work, and noticed I got a great-mail from Domo. Love hearing from friends, and what’s going on with them. Anyways got to work on the ad portfolio, and then stopped to head to lunch with Meegan to go over the last few things on the grant. Finished my part in the grantJ. Came back to the office to finish the grant, and then I started to download music. I came home from work late, so I could finish a few things. I went to grocery store to pick-up some fruit for my breakfast. I got back to the flat and Mel was waiting for me to take a swim. I worked out in the pool, and then we relaxed in the Sauna with some really good conversation. Headed back upstairs to shower and rinse off, because we were craving Sushi. I must say it’s surprising that Japan and China are so close to Australia, yet the sushi sucks here. WOMP. At dinner Mel reprimanded me in my untidiness, so I came back to the flat to clean…in which the flat is now immaculate. Exhausted as of right now, and have to be in Manly by 7:30 for a meeting. Going to be a rough one tomorrow.

Good Night from Australia

So tireddd

Thursday- It was tough to come back to work from Holiday, but it was nice to know that there was only two more days left. I got up early, and headed to work, in which I was the first to arrive. I checked my e-mails, and procrastinated a little to catch up from life back home, before anyone showed up at work. Once we Meegan arrived, we headed around town to pick up all of the charity buckets we had displaced for the Queensland Flood Victims. I picked the wrong day to where jeans, because I was dripping sweat through my jeans because of the heat at 9:30am. Womp. After grabbing all the buckets I headed back to the office to work on the EBAY auction package that we will be putting live on Monday or Tuesday of next week. We’ve created a $10,000 ‘Manly Experience’ package of gift vouchers, shopping, food, surfing lessons and more. Once we go live, I encourage everyone to bid, because after all it would be quite nice to get to Australia for gifts worth $10,000.  After I started the incentives and explaining what we are trying to do for the EBay auction, I had to type up a letter encouraging council men to send reviews of the Surfing Festival for the grant application I am working on. It’s nice to get positive feedback from my boss, when she does a quick edit of my memo skills, and gives notes in her e-mails that the language is quite good. J! After work, I caught my usually 5:25 ferry back home. It was definitely a slow walk, as my feet were at it’s peak of exhaustion and of the heat. I must add in a quick blurb that everyone is Sydney and Manly are loving my sister, Chelsea’s [Red-I] line. I have numerous people staring, nodding, and acknowledging my necklaces that I have been given from Christmas and her wedding. Let’s see if you can take Australia by storm with [Red-I]!!!!!!

Once I got back from work, I came back to a sleeping beauty on the couch—my roommate. I hung out and watched the news until we had a Global Experience get-together with our ‘host Mom’ Margaux. Every few weeks Global Experience gets together for treats or excursions courtesy of the agency. Last night we met up at one of the oldest bars at the Rocks, which is located right beside the Opera house. We had small snacks, and chats about work and what we’ve been up to. It was a nice girls night. It was past 10, and we were all exhausted so we headed back to the flat. Our host Mom thought we were going out, but little does she know we are working non-paid slaves. Lol just kidding…well sorta;-).

Friday- Today was Friday, and I got to work feeling a bit out of it. Mel is coming down with a cold, and I fear I might be catching wind of it as well. I got to work, and I settled in with my normal green tea and e-mails. I finally got a response back from an old academic advisor, which I have lost touch with over the year. I got to hear a little bit of how he’s doing in the South, as well as be asked a million questions about the hell I decided to come all the way to Australia. Lol. Little does he know that there were quite a few reasons!

Anyways, work today was pretty good. Meegan, asked me to put all the press clippings of the Manly Festival of Surfing into a Portfolio book. So for a few hours I was cutting and putting together all the press clips, and positioning them in the portfolio. I actually really enjoyed that. I was stopped briefly to run an errand, in which I ran to grab a quick lunch. Once I got back to the office, I had to put down my lunch, and go to a an APP meeting. Manly/Meegan is looking to design an app for a smartphone of a directory to Manly. We went through it with this IT guy who creates apps and products, which was really interesting. After the meeting, Meegan was telling me had another one in that I needed to speak up more and not be so quiet. Well, if anyone knows me I’m not very quiet. I get reserved when I go in on things blindly. The two meetings we had today I had no idea about, or what we were discussing. I had to go and hold the first meeting for five minutes, because Meegan had to do something in Council before we met. So I went in blindly, not realizing what we were meeting about, and he was asking me all these questions. I told him I was the intern and only been for two weeks. Yet, he still carried on with things I had no idea about. I held it together and made conversation—but it’s definitely a pet peeve of mine when I’m doing things that I have no idea about…..if that makes sense. Anyways, we were meeting with one of the business owners that it well liked, and has a lot of restaurants in NSW.  We went to Manly Pavilion which is an up-scale restaurant off of the Manly Cove. Now, Meegan dressed really cute vintage, and I dressed really cute vintage punk. Manly Pavilion is a really nice, and I’m dressed in a vest, linen pants and a bandana in my hair. I didn’t feel comfortable when it was all suits, and four forks lay out in front of me. I didn’t feel the part, nor want to be there when again I didn’t know what anything they were talking about. Still, I enjoyed the conversation and learned a lot about the restaurant business. I excused myself from the two bottle of wines, appetizer, and $50 meal to head back to the office after the meeting last a bit over 2 hours, and still going. Prior to the meeting, Meegan said I could leave early as these meetings run over. During the meeting I saw her keep looking over at me, as I took a hint that sometimes not everything is for my ears. I collected my things from the office, and headed to get an early ferry. I caught the 4:45 back and started to write this blog post on the ferry. So here I am finishing up at the flat, waiting for the roomie to get home. I’m exhausted and tired of spending money….this might be a night in. Hmmm…..z

Australia Day

Aussie Aussie Aussie….Oy Oy Oy! Happy Australia day!

Today is Wednesday, almost Thursday but I’m still up after an eventful day! I had the day off, because of Australia day which is the equivalent to our 4^th of July. It couldn’t be a more perfect day. I got up and got to skype with my Ma, Dad and……ROCKO! It’s always nice to hear from my boys and my parents. It was definitely a great day to start my morning. After skype seshs I went back to bed, because I was exhausted. I woke up from Jenn’s phone call, which was perfect to get up and get going. All the girls got together and headed over to Manly for a beach day on everyone’s day off. We had a great day. At first the weather was over-casted, but the sun came out and it got really hot. Mel left to go meet up with her friend Abby in the city, but we all wanted to stay. We stayed at the beach for a while longer, but then around 4ish I needed food due to not eating all day. We ate at Sugar Lounge right on the waterfront. After a late lunch we walked our way over to Shelley Beach to try to get the last rays of the day. On the way there the sights kept getting even more beautiful so we ended up taking so any pictures on the way there. We found Rock baths (pool of rocks that’s right above the beach that you can swim in), so we stopped and played in there for a while. Before we knew it time got late so we headed back to the wharf. We just made the630 ferry back to the city. We got back around 730ish, in which we scurried to get ready so we could head down to Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour had the fireworks, so we headed up on the bridge to watch the display. Holy crap it was AMAZING. There was a time where I thought I was going to get hit by a firework.  Everything was so close. After the firework display, we headed down to the Aquarium to meet up with some of the Global Experience girls from last semester. Some of them stayed around so we all went out to a bar called Scary Canary with really cheap drinks. It was a really good time, but I can’t stay out late when I know I have work tomorrow morning.

Tuesday—after work I headed back to the flat, in which Mel finally came home. We were both starving so we headed over to the other side of Darling Harbour Bridge to the Middle Eastern restaurant. Such good food that was hard, and we got HookahJ. I was happy. After hanging out at the restaurant for a while we headed back to the hotel because Mel’s friend was coming over to chill. We had a great NIGHTJ.

I’m exhausted and can’t write anymore. Ps-The McDonaldsfoodhereis10xbetterthan America’s, although they give you less food here. Maybe America should learn something?

Marvelous Monday

No the best start to a Monday, but things got better as theday went on. I got up at my usual time, although I didn't leave my apartment till 9. I didn't mention in my last post, that I left my debit card at the Ivy bar on Saturday because my Dad or Mom would have reprimanded me about--or hear about it in an e-mail lol. BUT, I had called and they stated they were holding onto it for me in a safe location (relax Mom and Dad). When I got to the bar in the morning for their regular office hours, the woman was not there. So, I was bit pissed that I waited and  no one showed up. I stopped to pick-up my dry cleaning, and then headed towards the ferry. Well, little to my knowledge the fast ferry stops running in the morning at 9:10. So I couldn't use my ferry pass, nor a quick commute. They guy that always says Hi to me in the morning saw me, and came walking over to tell me they stop operation with the last ferry at 9:10. He felt bad, but it wasn't his fault. Before I could head to catch the regular (slow) ferry to Manly on Wharf 3 hestarted up conversation askingme how my weekend was, and what I did. I equally inquired about hi, as he told me how pissed he was the entire weekend. I at least got a laugh out of it.

As I headed to the next ferry, I was a bit pissed that I had to take an almost 30 min ferry ride. Thank goodness is was a beautiful day. I rushed to the office, and was greeted by two warm and friendly faces: My boss (Meegan) and Lauryin (a local boutique owner in Manly who does work in our office). I immediately got to work, in which got interrupted to pick up more of the vouchers, and going around to ask for more donations. I'm definitely getting the hnag of customer service, and sales. I fudge up sometimes, but when I get the hang of what I'm trying to do with direct eye contact, everything seems to go right. It also is a boost of confidence. Funny thing that happened though, as I walking to Manly Wine restaurant I asked for the manager. She was the necessary friendly, but not that genuine friendly that you wish to receive. However, she donated a $100 voucher to our package. At the end she stated that my forehead was bleeding, which means as I walked to streets people saw me bleeding....oh man. I suppose that is what I get for picking at my forehead (Mom, you do not get to banter me on this lol). I learned my lesson.

After my brief stint in the town, I headed my way back to the office to finish doing work. I got interrupted by a skype call from my best friend, MAX! It was about time a friend hit me up. As much as I'm happy, and doing my own thing--I've been a little disappointed from the lack of contact of friends. But, I know that is also what comes with beingso far away. Anyways, I got all caught up with him, and I was so happy to finally see a smiling familiar face. Miss him too much.

Meegan, was in and out of the office today so we didn't have a lot of interaction. She leaned over and said e-mail me so we can fit in an hour andjust talk, and make sure everything is going okay. Could she be anymore terrific? Anyways,  it was perfect timing because I needed some more info. on things that need to be achieved for the next Manly Festival of Surfing. On my way out from work, she followed me and said don't forget I want to at least chat for an hour, so I feel as though we've talked lol. I really am blessed that I have her to mentor from--I'm learning a lot already from business point of view to self-confidence and how to sell yourself. I love it.

I got the ferry home, and once I got back I immediately engorged myself with something to eat. I'm really loving my wheat toast, little bit of cream cheese, smoked salmon and capers. I seriously die for it al the time. Danielle came up after she got back from her first day of work. Her interview went great, ands she was immediately put to work. I think this time around will be a lot better, and a better atmosphere. There's already two girls from last semester interns that stayed on board here. They wanted to meet all of us, so hopefully we get to meet them!  Tomorrow, is work and then drinks after. Wednesday is a no-work day since it is Australia Day:)! Wooo hooooo

Going to head to bed....need all the sleep I can get

1 Week In

Afternoon everyone.It's currently 5:30pm on Sunday, and after a really long and stressful day I got my internet to work again in my flat. I will get into that after I give you a weekend update:

Friday: Well Friday was a tough day; going out the night before definitely wasn't the best idea because I was exhausted for Friday. I had to get up even earlier on Friday to make a Council meeting at 8:30. After the council meeting I had to go around to the shop owners and hand out a memo regarding Australia Day. Australia day is the comparison to the 4th of July for America. Australia Day so happens to be on Wednesday, so no work:). Although, I'm sure I will be at the beach in Manly regardless. Friday was really blah and the whole jetlag,and going on Thursday didn't equate right.I really am an old woman who has no social life, or can't keep up with one. Anyways, I got home on the 5:30 ferry and I literally passed out on it. After getting off the ferry it was a very slow walk back to the flat. Remember how I mentioned how bad my feet were on my last blog? Well, once I got back to the flat I couldn't even bend my foot due to having blisters in between my toes, on the sides of my feet, and on top of my toes. No matter what type of shoe I where, I get blisters. I could barely walk, because I was in so much pain. I had plans with the girls to go out for drinks, but there was noway I could. I stayed in and stayed off my feet for the whole night (not fun) and edited the pictures I've been taking since I've been here.  It was such a great night....NOT.

Saturday- Well my body's clock went off at 6:45:(. Layed in bed and watched the same 2 episodes of Kendra and the Kardashians since E! is the only channel we basically get here. I waited till 10:30, before I ran and jumed on Mel's bed to get her up. We all got up and got dressed to head to Manly for a beach day. 82 degrees, sun shinning, and water so blue was awaiting us when we got there. We all laid out, and had some water time, until Danielle just couldn't take it anymore. When Danielle came to Manly with me the one day on my work day, she was on the beach and got burned. Little did she or anyone know how bad it was, until the next few days passed. It got really bad, and then when we went to the beach on Saturday it got worse. She headed back early to stay out of the sun, and relaxed till we all got back. We headed back to Sydney around 5:30, because Jenn had an appointment at the Mac store. I definitely could have stayed awhile longer because it was simply the perfect day. I stopped at the grocery store to pick up some things,so I could down some costs, but it honestly didn't make a difference because it's still, if not more expensive. After my grocery visit I came back, and then headed downstairs to see how Danielle was holding up. We ended up getting pizza because everyone was having issues and a shitty day. We got two family sized pizzas that is equivalent to a personal pizza in states. RIP OFF! After dinner and frozen yogurt, I headed back upstairs to go to sleep. Being in the sun all afternoon and the water made me sleep. As I was just about to fall asleep, Mel and her friend that she met on exchange (she now lives in Australia) a few years ago came back to the flat. Mel was yelling and she literally dragged me out of the bed to go out with them. Since my feet were feeling a little better and how I really wanted to have a my first night out in Sydney in a club. So, even though I was tired I got up and got ready. Since the age to drink here is 18, and how I never get carded--when you go to a club-bar-or lounge you have to have an ID. Well I didn't know that and so I had to go back to the flat to get it. Once we got up to the bar, it was like I was at the Jersey shore. All the guys were gorilla juiceheads, women were ridiculously drunk and falling all over the place, and to top it all off TECHNO music...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

I wanted to go out and have fun, so I tried to keep an open mind. I had a great time with Mel! I got really lucky with her being my roommate. We are too alike, and she was a lot of fun to be around/watch when we got out. After watching all the gorilla juiceheads fist pump (wearing tight open shirts, fake tans)/ all the white people who can't dance tear it up to the weirdest techno music....I headed out. I'm glad I experienced it, but it is definitely not my scene or felt comfortable in. I walked back to the flat, and passed out. I got up early once again, but forced myself back to sleep.I had brekfast and then headed to Telestraso they could fix my usb wireless that has failed me terribly. Once I got there I had to wait forever. I was there for literally over 2 hours until everything was done. The guy who was helping me fet really bad, but it's not like he can magically appear and send me wifi to my apartment. After I got done I headed to meet up with Danielle to pick out a work-shirt. I just got back and had a late lunch, and filling you all in. Tomorrow is another work day, and I have to admit that I could really use another day off. Womp.....welcome to the real world.

Jenn's Birthday Celebration

At the time I was starting my post at 8, which then leaded to a delay. I had to get into the office early today, because I had to be in a 8:30am Council meeting. Since we went out last tonight (describe at the bottom) I was nervous that I would over sleep. I woke up at 5:45 got dressed, and headed for the 7:25 ferry. I wassad thatI didn't get to see the youngman that always greets me in the morning, and always sends me off with well wishes for my day. This morning was absolutely beautiful with a high of 80 degrees today, as well as clear blue skies. When I passed the opera house on my way to work, it was the first time I got an up close and personal view of the sun shinning down on all the points. Breath-taking. The Council meeting went well this morning, learned all about the safety and preventatives to keep manly safe on Australian Day. A lot of preparation goes into it, that you don't really think does (if that makes sense). Once the meeting dissolved, Meegan and I headed back to the office to send out memo's to all the shop owners of all the things being put into place for Australian day. We finished the e-mail, and then walked around to all the shop owners. As much as I hate to walk right now (I will get into that), it has really helped familiarize my surroundings, and getting to know the shop owners. I have met a lot of the shop owners that range from every nationality. It is truly a blessing to meet so many different people, and work for them to bring a better light to Manly'scommunity as well as to their business.

I also just got back from walking around again trying to collect all the vouchers and prizes being auctioned off on EBay for a 'Manly Experience' Package for the Flood Relief Victims in Queensland. We've received numerous donations from shop-owners, which will make this package super special. Whoever wins is one lucky person!

So, since I missed a day in writing...I will update the events of last night. Last night was the first night out in the city with the girls! We had a good reasons to go out and celebrate on a Thursday. First, let me begin to talk about how wonderful my boss is again. I was in charge of finding a great up-scale restaurant for dinner; Meegan gave me a huge list of options, let me borrow a designer dress of hers, and bought me lunch. She is the probably the nicest woman ever. I already wrote her a Thank-you note for the first time she took me out, but I am going to run out of Thank-you cards if she keeps doing all these kind gestures. I was so lucky to have this mentoring from her, as well as her kindness. She has made this transition so easy! All the girls want to meet her, because I always talk about her--how great she is. So after I did a lot of running around, I ran and caught the 5:30 ferry back to Sydney. I ran back home and got dressed.

Reason 1 of going out on Thursday: Jenn's Flirty 30 Birthday
Jenn, from Ontario, whom works for Camilla Franks turned 30 (even though she doesn't look a day over 23). We went out to the Meritale restaurant, which consists of 7 lounges, bars, and different dinning areas. Each room is different (meritale.com to check it out). Everything is upscale, and a lot of the young professional crowd hangs out there. Cute men, all dressed in their professional clothes scowering over the young gorgeous working women crowd (Men love to buy the women drinks; we learned first-hand:)). After waiting for our table at Uccello, we hungout in the pool lounge/cabana andhad birthday cocktails. The weather was perfect and closing in a warm breeze. We met a few men who decided to start buying champagne for Melanie and Danille, and shots+mojitoes for the birthday girl. Everyone was feeling great, and dinner came about at exactly the right time. We dined like queens. We were surrounded by businessmen who stared and watchedour every step. For instance, Mel got up to go to the bathroom and when she got back, this man jumped from his table to pick up her napkin from the ground and place it on her lap....WOW!

Reason 2: Welcome to Sydney!
We had to celebrate our arrival and journey we are going to endure while we are here in Sydney for the next 3 months. After dinner we headed back to the flat to have birthday cake, and goof around. Everyone was supper excited to go out and just dance. We went to me and Danielle's favorite hang-out/drinks/dancing. I believe it's called Bungalow 8? Anyways, we took all the girls. Once we got there, there was a band covering all the latest songs. They were really good, but took a break after we walked in. They started playing music videos of the latest songs out! Fun fun fun. We got comp'd beverages from the band, which was fun. After sitting and relaxing....then realizing it was past 1am, I had to head back. Everyone had a great night, and I'm glad we could make Jenn's birthday special.

Walking issue: I WALK EVERYONE. This has been a good thing in the beginning because I basically walk over half hour to work everyday, but it has certainly caught up with me. Any shoe (comfy or not) has worn out the sole of foot and blisters EVERYWHERE. I love to walk and get the exercise, but I am slowly dying a slow death from walking. lol. Feel bad for me, because I ache everywhere.

So tonight (Friday) we are doing drinks after work...although all I want to do is SLEEP. We will see how the night plays out and will update tomorrow:)

Ps.-Remind me to update how beautiful my boss' flat is---major WOW!

19 Wednesday 2011

Today is Wednesday and it is slowly closing. I wrote early yesterday, in which I didn't get the chance to write about my night. So, as I stated that Danielle came with me to Manly...along came Melanie (roommate from Cyprus). Manly is a beautiful, quiant, warm town that definitely exemplifies a small surf community. Manly is known to the be the originator or surfing, as well as the first competition and first place to ever surf in the entire world. Although, it's historical background it still remains such a small town. Since Danielle was in Manly for the day--Melanie decided to come in and meet us for dinner. As I'm still getting familiar with the town myself, we found this cute hole in the wall Mexico restuarant. Finally a place that my bill was under $10 (this is a first--Sydney is SO expensive). My food wasn't the greatest, but it was a really cute setup. After dinner Danielle and I stopped to get a gelato before the ferry ride. On the ferry/ the whole day I was yawning. I have been so exhausted with work, jetleg, and getting up at 5am for really no fucking reason. lol. Once we got back to Circular Quay, we walked back to the hotel. Melanie and I got up to our room, and I literally passed out at 9:30. I hope this isn't real life, because if this is going to be how I am in the real world...I'm going to be super boring/old lady.

Today, was a good day. I got up and got dressed to meet Danielle in the lobby. Danielle, decided to not come back to Manly like she had planned due to severe burningthe day before on her face:(. I headed my way to work, in which I was getting stared at by everyone with my lime green checkered glasses. I got a lot of 'those are cool'and 'those are really weird'. Either way it was fun to strut my stuff, and stand out:). I got to my wharf and the guy that always stands at the FastFerry sign greeted me and asked me how I am. He asks everyday when I see him--too sweet, and nice to be greeted with a smile every morning and night. I got to work, and got my usual fruit salad and coffee at BareFoot cafe. They are pretty shocked when I ask them to make an Iced Chai Latte, as for 1)They never heard of it 2) Don't have ice 3) Ask if cold milk will suffice. It's kinda crazy, but they are so sweet. I got to the office and worked on the grant proposal. My boss has had a dilemma with her tooth, so she had to go in for her first of six appointments. She got in, and Ifelt bad because she was all numb and couldn't really talk. I took my lunch break in the office.Had a really good veggie wrap and cole slaw...yum! I had some issues with the proposal, so Meegan decided to take me for coffee to go over the proposal and talk. WELL, she has quite the way of coercing me, in which the coffee turned into a wine break. I told her that I think I prefer a coffee break, because I don't think that it would look too good drinking on the job. She stated that it's normal and we can do it. lol. So we had a lovely sit down in a french-classic-style bistro over-looking the water. It was just an amazing time to get to know her better, and just talk about things pertaining to her job/past. We talked about event planning and all the positive/negative things that come along with it. We also talked about improvements for the Manly Festival of Surfing. With a glass of Pinot and pastrami assortment, one glass turned into two. Lol. She is just the perfect woman, and someone I would love to look up to. She's got all the talents and traits I would like to have, and learn from. Once we realized that it was 5, we headed back to the office and looked over so PR objectives we need for the grant. Finished up at made it for 5:25 ferry. I got back to the flat, and plopped down to relax. I was about to take a nap, just when my body woke itself up. I went downstairs to Danielle and Rebecca's room to hang out (we were supposed to bake a cake). I was craving Greek food, but we later found out when we went our 15minute walk to the other side of Darling Harbour that they didn't do take away (to-go). We walked back and went to Nando's (what I had for lunch today), and got the same veggie wrap that I had gotten earlier. I picked up some fruit to make my own fruit salad, and to save some money.

I finally unpacked my stuff, as Melanie forced me to! I made the pull-out bed up, and now I'm writing in bed. Melanie went out for the night with this SydneySider (local) she met the week early she got here. It's now 11, and it is way past my bedtime. Tomorrow is Jen's 30th birthday, whom we've planned a special going out night. Were doing a fine dinning, and getting all dressed up. I'm excited. Now, I just need to find the perfect restuarant to celebrate her flirty 30:)

Sweet dreams from Aussieland;-)

4 Day Catch Up

Saturday 15th (Friday USA time)- Traveling the past two days were crazy. I got through customs pretty easily, although saying goodbye to your best friend is never easy. We left from York, around 9:30am and headed to Allentown to get my glasses adjusted and to eat a Sal's hoagie (Shalena I know you are jealous). We headed onto the road to JFK. Loads of traffic through the city to Long Island. It was nice to pass through Bryant Park on my way out of the city....it was sort of bittersweet. Once I got to the airport, I had the chance to talk to my love L.A. She made me laugh, and just cracking up on dumb YouTube videos which we love to watch. Arrived at the airport and checked in. Dad waited in line with me, but as soon as I got up to the front I told him not to make me cry. Well as we all know, I did, and Dad started shaking. It's never easy to let go and do something so grand and not have your family to enjoy the ride. Anyways, Tom took the intiative to walk away as he stated, "I don't want the secruity guards to see your eyes red, and think you were smoking the doobs" lol. Only Tom! After getting through security, I had to wait for about 3 hours for the flight, as well as a little delay because of wind patterns. My flight to LAX was great, and easy. I sat in a four seater row which was all mine to take over. Huge plane that was brand new...thank goodness for not being crowded. I got to sprawl out on the four seats and make a bed. During that time I knew I should lay out, because I had a really bad feeling I wouldn't have this luxury from LAX to Sydney. We landed in LAX and took a shuttle over to the other terminal, in which we got dropped off in the opposite side of the terminal. It was annoying, but probably the best when I had to walk to miles to get to my gate. When I arrived at the gate there were numerous amounts of people, in which I knew this plane ride was going to be packed. So I was right once I boarded the plane and realized I was in the last row, in the middle section of a four seater row. Luckily, the two men sitting next to me as well as the girl that was around my age got along great. We all bared the terrible turbulence and cramping. I did a lot of sleeping, walking around, stretching, drinking water, and watching movies over my 16 hour plane trip.

Finally arrival in Sydney. Too exciting. I walked to immigration to be asked numerous questions I could not answer. I guess that is one fail of the Global Experience, to which I did not have any information leading up to my arrival. The man in immigration must have thought I was crazy, because I'm in a foreign country and unable to tell him where I am staying, and who will be in charge of the program. Lol. Well he certified me on the basis that they did not have my middle name...so I had to wait 10 minutes to get cleared. My baggage came out fairly quickly and then I had to wait through customs to get cleared one more time. I came out of customs thinking I would see my name on a board to be picked up, but NOTHING!I didn't freak out, because I knew things would be okay. I searched around, but still did not see anyone. I went to the pay phones to call the Global Experience head offices. In the meantime, my phone now is completely cut off so I had to call collect. They would not take my collect call, and kept asking the asian operator to answer my questions. When I was waiting, I finally found my host Margeux with the Global Experience sign. She apologized, because she had walked off due to the other girl Danielle (from England) was arriving at the same time. Once, Margeux saw me waving she scurried over and took me to the meeting sight in the airport. We hung out at the airport to wait for one other girl, Rebecca from Chicago to arrive. Once she got in we headed to the bus that would take us and our things to our flat. We are staying at the 361 Oaks Flat on Kent. St, between King St. We are five minutes from a lovely harbour called Darling. It is competent to Inner Harbor in Baltimore (almost exactly the same set-up).

We all get set-up in the hotel, and found out our roommates. My roommate is from Cyprus, but now resides in London too. Her name is Melanie and she is great. A very dry sense of humur, but great to be around. She definitely loves to go out and party, as I met her when she was struggling severely with a hangover...lol. The four of us girls had the rest of the day to ourselves, so we decided to walk down to the Harbour and get a late lunch at Helm Bar & Restuarant. It was great atmoshpere with everyone betting on horse races, and slowing betting eachother on who horsewould win, to which wesaw some friends coming out in women's clothing for losing against their friends. It was pretty funny. I had a squid salad, which was delicious:). After lunch, Melanie couldn't stay awake any logner so she went back, andthe three of us girls continued to walkover the bridge and go into the shopping mall. A lot of cute things, and you can pick out the Australian style almost instantly. We walked back to the hotel, because we all wanted to unpack and get situated with our stuff in our flats. Although, since we did not have wifi in the buildings, and I was in dire need to get in contact with the parentals I left the flat and wondered up King Street to the main area of shopping to buy a USB wireless card. As I searched, all the shops were closing so I did not make it in time to buy one. I headed back, and then decided to work out in the gym/pool downstairs. After I finished my work-out, I was extremely tired. I got back upstairs and watched some TV on the couch until I knew the rest of the girls were ready for dinner. Well, I didn't quite make it to dinner. I passed out on the sofa, in which Melanie called me out for falling asleep. I woke up, but I was so exhausted. I couldn't move, so Melanie and went out and bought me food and brought it back for me. I woke up to eat, and passed right back out.

Sunday 16th-I woke up pretty early (6am maybe), andhad nothing to do so I watched a cooking show. I fell back asleep until 11:45 because we were meeting everyone up in the agency to go for a boat tour. We met at Darling Harbour, which we added to more girls to the agency. Jen from Vancouver is working for fashion designer Camilla and Monica who is from Columbia is working for a finance firm. Great girls. We had an orientation meeting at the harbour which we found out everyone's purpose for choosing to do the internship, and what we were doing. We grabbed quick coffee's and headed for the boat tour. Starting in Darling, we traveled all the way up to Manly (45min.away). The sights were incredible, as I got goose bumps leading up to the sights of the opera house. When you see historical monuments in books, you never picture yourself seeing them up close and personal. It was amazing to be witnessing such beauty, and realizing I would be seeing this for the next 4 months. I can't even begin to talk about how blessed I feel for this opportunity--Thank you Mom and Dad:). After the boat trip, and all getting burned--we all wanted to find our way to work to get acculmated to the area. I have the best way to work, in which I walk 15minutes to Circular Quay and catch the ferry to Manly. We shopped our way along everyone's way to work (Got to new pair of shoes that are so cute). We walked everywhere. We stopped and lounged in Circular Quay right in front of the Opera house. I can't believe that is going to be a normal thing--sitting on the lawn of the Opera house area. CRAZY!

It was getting late, so we headed back to the flat so everyone could relax a bit. Melanie went out, and I helped Danielle dress for her first day of work. She is too cute, and I love her to death. We didn't realize that it was now 10:30, so we could hurried down to Darling to pick up food. Everything was closed, so we got the last sub at Subway before the closed at 11. We sat at the harbour and ate our food. After a quick dinner, we went to this really cute bar overlooking the harbour to have drink, and get to know one another better. We had a great night. Melanie gave me her number to meet up with her friends that live in the area, but the connection could not go through on the pay phones. Once I got back, I set-up my wireless card, which I got today!

Monday 18th- First day of work. I got up super early to get ready, and have enough time to prepare my bag. I walked out of my apartment and took on my commute. It is crazy how weird the dynamics change in the city on weekdays. Everyone is hustling and bustling to work, when you're so used to everyone wearing jean shorts and loose shirts. It was a bit refreshing and cute to see the surfer guys all dressed up for work. Once I got to Circular Quay, I was immediately helped by one of the info boys for the Manly FastFerry. Greeted me and wished agreat day with nothing but big smiling white teeth:). Once I boarded the boat the staff was even nicer, as I stick out like a sore thumb because of my states accent. They helped me out, and told me all about the specials on Thursday and Fridays for drink specials. Australian's are huge on drinking and happy hours. I got to Manly, and was greeted by my boss, Meegan, who is absolutely lovely and as I describe her as an old hollywood betty. She made me put down my stuff, and go on a walk with her to show me the lay of the town, as well as introduce me to the town. She took me for a coffee, and meet some of the cutest boys who run a really cute hole in the wall cafe. She told me how friendly and warm Manly is, and how everyone is a tight family/community. Met lots of the shop owners who I will be dealing with for thenext 4 months. Overall the day was great and already learned so much. At the end of the day, my boss took me for a drink on the wharf to celebrate my first day, and addition to the staff. It was great getting to know her on a personal level, as we have much in common. I headed home on the 6 o'clock ferry. I got back, and walked home and noticed how all the bars were packed with people from work on a Monday. I was told this is very common thing...I was stunned. I got back to the room, and since I missed lunch I told Melanie I had to eat right away. We headed to Darling to eat at Waggamama's (Thai Rest.) and ate some of the best Thai. Melanie and I bonded, and got to know eachother on a closer personal level. We came back and we hung out with the girls and got our PHONES:). The girls hung around, as we all wanted to hear about eachother's first day. I felt bad for the girls, because the majority of everyone had a really bad first day. Australians are known to not be very good with interns, and everyone must of had that bad employer. Everyone vented, and when it got to me, I didn't want to boast how great my day and how lovely my boss was, but everyone was really happy for me. Danielle was not going into work the next day because her internship was so bad, that shewanted to come to work with me/ spend the day in Manly. Passed out and went to bed.

Tuesday (Today)-Got up and met Danielle in the lobby. We took the ferry over and she thought it was so cool that my commute consisted of the Sydney Harbour. She loved it. I took her into meet my boss, and my boss let me go out and show her around. I left her at a cafe, while I went back to work. Today I worked on a grant proposal which will take some time. I was stopped to go walk around the town to work on the Queensland Relief Fund Event that we are hosting in the town for the next 5 days to raise money for the victims. I got to meet a lot of the shop owners, and hand out fliers. Majority of my job will be doing, and going out to help struggling shop owners, or the ones that want to bitch about the town:). After running around I met up with Danielle for lunc, and then came back to do work. So here I am writing in the office on and off. Melanie is coming over to meet me and Danielle for dinner on The Corso of Manly. I'm excited. Manly is a great town, and I wish everyone could enjoy this opportunity like I am. Aright. It's 5:46 pm, and I'm done.finish up tomorrow:)