Orientation Week

This week we finally found our way to our University campus. It’s kind of in the middle of nowhere in a suburb that has a mall and not much else, but the campus itself is beautiful, even if we have to take a tram, a train and a bus to get there. At least Kristina and I can keep each other company. There was an organized trip for all the exchange students to china town Melbourne. It really did make me feel at home going to an all you can eat dumpling house. We almost ran into a serious altercation when Kristina’s clumsiness made her kick over a homeless man’s change cup and we had to make a run for it because he started cursing us and thought we were trying to steal his coin. After we were all full to the nines the big group of approx. 80 people headed to a local bar called euro trash. I didn’t know Tuesdays could even be remotely a fun bar night. We were amused by a drunken fellow from Colorado that dressed like euro trash (ironically) and sat by us rapping all the lyrics to slim shady. Needless to say drinks were 5$ each before midnight which was easy on the bank account (for once) but we had an early morning orientation the next day so we didn’t stay late or get too out of hand.

The early mornings in orientation helped us learn some Aussie slang and the best and cheapest ways to get around the city as well as allowed us to meet many different people. Each day was filled with a few questions of Australian trivia and Kristina and I happened to answer questions correctly, meaning we won some cool Aussie souvenirs. Kristina won a traditional boomerang while I won an Aussie football (so exciting since we’re becoming real footy fans as it’s as religious as hockey is back home).

Thursday night consisted of going out to a restaurant lounge called Lucky Coq with the big group for 4$ pizzas. It was so busy when we got there and my stomach couldn’t handle the wait so Kristina, myself and our new found British friend Ellen went in search for something to eat. The bar was located on Chapel Street which is a really funky part of town. After wandering into a set of doors and up and around 4 flights of stairs we found a cool resto called Kernel Tams. It was Asian infused and totally hipster; it also had a live DJ. We ate our crazy spicy stir fries and met up with the group back at Lucky Coq. All these places have really random décor which allows you to look around for hours on end and be amused. The following day we ended the orientation week with a big Amazing Race around campus. Our team was very diverse and although we all ran to each pit stop our polite Canadian nature left us in 5^th out of 12 teams (but number one in our hearts). That night we had our ‘official welcome party’ and it was a formal event at a banquet hall called red scooter. Other than losing my favourite ring (and voice) during a dance off vs. the Swedes it was a fun night that ended late….er….early.

Today I woke up to beautiful sunshine but headed straight to work for my second shift. I didn’t get to see much outside because it was busy all day and I worked from 11am to 11pm with only a short break. I was just about ready to collapse but I suppose it’ll be worth it once my pay check rolls in and I’ll be able to pay my heating and electricity bills J

Bad thing is we’ve gotten sucked into Australian soap operas and reality TV. I guess it was bound to happen since we only have 6 channels and no wifi at the flat as of yet. It also doesn’t help that we have a small kitchen meaning our kitchen table is the couch. Anyways, good news is my new job at Rococo will keep me busy. . The best part is that it’s literally a 5 minute walk from home so convenient and minimum wage is double what it is back home J

We love our neighbourhood, our neighbours, and our apartment is really starting to feel like home. There really isn’t anything negative I could say about our apartment complex…..oh right except that there is a cat that sits outside our bathroom window and meows as if he was dying a long painful death. I guess all Aussie animals are weird and different from back home. Also the minor fact that we found a gas leak coming from our fireplace. Lucky we caught it because apparently it was a very bad leak (said the emergency plumbing services on Sunday night at 11pm). We handled it like adults though by freaking out first and then finding the main gas valve and turning it off, airing out the place and calling someone. :) Safe and sound and not to worry...oh the adventures of living on your own.

More updates to come, stay tuned.