So week one of classes complete. As I post this week's update, let me say, first and foremost, that I'm lucky to be here. This experience was something that I had dreamed about for a long time. And now to be experiencing this is truly great.
That aside, now to an update. The first week of class was great--the classes that I'm taking are as follows:
Advanced Writing for the Media
Australian Magazine and Print Culture
Book Production and Publishing Business
Network Society
In a nutshell, these classes will teach me a great deal about publishing--and not only just book, but all three: Internet, Magazine, and Book. Each class requires a substantial amount of reading and writing. I plan on working real hard on all subjects. I'm searching for freelance work and a part time job in Sydney, but we'll see what happens. Not much more to report. I went to Manly today and had a home cooked meal at the Curl's house which was awesome. I'll be sure to post more frequently.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Walkin'
Greetings. Apologies for not posting sooner. I figure a lot of people aren't reading this anyways, so it is more for my own good.
My last week here has been up to my expectations. There are times of loneliness and boredom that I try to pass in productive ways. For example, I'm now trying to formulate a spread sheet complete with a budget, but along with that, tracking every dollar I spend. Kind of intense.
One of the most interesting parts of this is the way it feels like freshmen year of college. You meet new people, are unsure what to do with yourself at times, and have a downright sense of being clueless in a big city. That is a difference from JMU. Harrisonburg does not compare in one bit to the gargantuan city that is Sydney (or from my perspective it is really big).
A few big events of the past week: Orientation for International Students, which was a comprehensive lecture covering everything you need to know about Sydney and Australia. We learned how to use the transportation system, how to protect ourselves from the sun, what to do, where to go, and generally everything you need to know. I love hearing about the box jellyfish. I can't imagine a creature that carries a sting that makes you scream even while unconscious. I met people from all over the world at the orientation: Germany, China, Ghana, Mexico, Spain, Italy. Such a cool feeling to know that so many people are going through the same thing (being in a totally new place) and that they aren't from your country too. Although most of my time I still spend with Americans, I am excited to meet and hang out with some Australians (who knows when that will happen but I'm sure it will).
I am learning a lot about myself now too. For example, the question of "going out" and hitting a bar. With such a tight budget, it is something very low on my list of priorities. I would much rather travel to Melbourne, Perth, or just about anywhere in this region than have $100 nights out. Last night I made an exception, watching All Blacks v Wallabies in the deciding match for the Tri-Nations and then Japan v Australia in the Asian Cup. I'm going to start a serious job hunt come tomorrow using the resources I have in front of me. Oh, and I read the last Harry Potter book yesterday. The whole thing.
Classes are starting tomorrow. Between searching for a job, working on another manuscript, and starting my novel writing process, I will have plenty to do. Hope everyone is well.
My last week here has been up to my expectations. There are times of loneliness and boredom that I try to pass in productive ways. For example, I'm now trying to formulate a spread sheet complete with a budget, but along with that, tracking every dollar I spend. Kind of intense.
One of the most interesting parts of this is the way it feels like freshmen year of college. You meet new people, are unsure what to do with yourself at times, and have a downright sense of being clueless in a big city. That is a difference from JMU. Harrisonburg does not compare in one bit to the gargantuan city that is Sydney (or from my perspective it is really big).
A few big events of the past week: Orientation for International Students, which was a comprehensive lecture covering everything you need to know about Sydney and Australia. We learned how to use the transportation system, how to protect ourselves from the sun, what to do, where to go, and generally everything you need to know. I love hearing about the box jellyfish. I can't imagine a creature that carries a sting that makes you scream even while unconscious. I met people from all over the world at the orientation: Germany, China, Ghana, Mexico, Spain, Italy. Such a cool feeling to know that so many people are going through the same thing (being in a totally new place) and that they aren't from your country too. Although most of my time I still spend with Americans, I am excited to meet and hang out with some Australians (who knows when that will happen but I'm sure it will).
I am learning a lot about myself now too. For example, the question of "going out" and hitting a bar. With such a tight budget, it is something very low on my list of priorities. I would much rather travel to Melbourne, Perth, or just about anywhere in this region than have $100 nights out. Last night I made an exception, watching All Blacks v Wallabies in the deciding match for the Tri-Nations and then Japan v Australia in the Asian Cup. I'm going to start a serious job hunt come tomorrow using the resources I have in front of me. Oh, and I read the last Harry Potter book yesterday. The whole thing.
Classes are starting tomorrow. Between searching for a job, working on another manuscript, and starting my novel writing process, I will have plenty to do. Hope everyone is well.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sydney
Holy heck, I've made it. My flight arrived safely at Kingsford Smith Airport. I got my bags soon enough, headed through customs, and found a taxi over to the University Village. There is so much to talk about and not a lot of time, thanks to the fact that the internet costs money here (stupid I know!). I'm kind of thankful for that though. It will help me remain focused on the important things, like studying.
Funny side note: in Australia it gets pretty cold. I stepped off the plane and it was around 10 degrees C. You do the math on that one. But I'll address that much later.
After my cab ride I found myself in a bit of a pickle. No one was at the reception desk! How was I supposed to get into my room then? Fortunately, I met my first friend, another American named Eamen from Boston. So we figured things out and we tracked down an RA to let us into our rooms.
Unpacking took me no more than 10 minutes. I threw my stuff in the closet. I was ready to go.
We first walked through the campus, which was beautiful. If you didn't know, USyd is Australia's first University, and the quad is full of architecture that looks either really nifty or real ugly. Not sure. Also, they have lawn tennis courts here! No one else is probably excited about that, but I sure am. We walked through campus and decided to go all the way into the city.
Moving towards the city was like living a dream. I couldn't believe that I was back! Paddy's Market, Darling Harbor, the Rocks, and the Quay were all familiar sites. It was a cool feeling to be back at a place you never thought you'd see again. After walking around all day, we headed back to the Village and took it easy. The night was no fun. Having failed to purchase sheets, and thanks to the jet lag, I was asleep until 2 AM. Then the elevator on the 5th floor kept opening and closing. All night. And it squeaked and squealed and drove me crazy. I didn't manage to fall asleep again until around 7 AM, and that was only because I met Holly, who kindly lent me her heater. But other than that little mishap, all is good! I'll post more about classes and such later. Make sure to email me at tcla5974@usyd.edu.au or gmail if you want to hear more. Later.
Funny side note: in Australia it gets pretty cold. I stepped off the plane and it was around 10 degrees C. You do the math on that one. But I'll address that much later.
After my cab ride I found myself in a bit of a pickle. No one was at the reception desk! How was I supposed to get into my room then? Fortunately, I met my first friend, another American named Eamen from Boston. So we figured things out and we tracked down an RA to let us into our rooms.
Unpacking took me no more than 10 minutes. I threw my stuff in the closet. I was ready to go.
We first walked through the campus, which was beautiful. If you didn't know, USyd is Australia's first University, and the quad is full of architecture that looks either really nifty or real ugly. Not sure. Also, they have lawn tennis courts here! No one else is probably excited about that, but I sure am. We walked through campus and decided to go all the way into the city.
Moving towards the city was like living a dream. I couldn't believe that I was back! Paddy's Market, Darling Harbor, the Rocks, and the Quay were all familiar sites. It was a cool feeling to be back at a place you never thought you'd see again. After walking around all day, we headed back to the Village and took it easy. The night was no fun. Having failed to purchase sheets, and thanks to the jet lag, I was asleep until 2 AM. Then the elevator on the 5th floor kept opening and closing. All night. And it squeaked and squealed and drove me crazy. I didn't manage to fall asleep again until around 7 AM, and that was only because I met Holly, who kindly lent me her heater. But other than that little mishap, all is good! I'll post more about classes and such later. Make sure to email me at tcla5974@usyd.edu.au or gmail if you want to hear more. Later.
Friday, July 13, 2007
The Waiting
So bored. I arrived here in LAX at 10:30 AM local time and have yet to do anything of substance. All I've done is complain and complain about how tired I am. And that is a result of not sleeping much in the past 36 hours.
I guess the only highlight of the experience was talking to this random guy who was on his way back from Cincinnati. He talked about everything, from the difference between East and West Coast weather, to the overcrowded situation at the UC system.
Another item of note: it has begun to sunk in what I'm actually doing. The absurdity of going 10,000 miles away from home is something I have yet to adjust to. But here's to an adventure. Only four hours til my flight takes off. Next update will come from Sydney.
I guess the only highlight of the experience was talking to this random guy who was on his way back from Cincinnati. He talked about everything, from the difference between East and West Coast weather, to the overcrowded situation at the UC system.
Another item of note: it has begun to sunk in what I'm actually doing. The absurdity of going 10,000 miles away from home is something I have yet to adjust to. But here's to an adventure. Only four hours til my flight takes off. Next update will come from Sydney.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Going Back to Cali
Well here goes nothing. I know that blogs are lame, but I can't think of a better way to keep a large group of people updated with my life.
Right now, I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. I am leaving Berwyn, PA at around 3:15 AM and heading up to Newark. From there I catch a 6:15 AM flight to LA. Unfortunately, an hour lay over in Cleveland also awaits. After that a layover of around 11 hours in LA awaits me. Not sure of what I'll do; maybe I'll see the sights but most likely just cower in a corner of the airport and hope nothing happens to impede my journey.
I'm leaving America for good at 11:55 PM PST on Qantas flight 150 (for those of you following the flight at home. I hit the streets of Sydney at 7:30 AM on Sunday July 15th. Interesting that something I've been working towards and planning for so long is actually happening. I'm updating my address on facebook, and shoot me an email if you want more details. I'll leave you with some words from the inspiration for this post:
"When the lala hits ya lyrics just splits ya
Head so hard, that ya hat can't fit ya
Either I'm witcha or against ya
Format venture, back through that maze I sent ya"
Right now, I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. I am leaving Berwyn, PA at around 3:15 AM and heading up to Newark. From there I catch a 6:15 AM flight to LA. Unfortunately, an hour lay over in Cleveland also awaits. After that a layover of around 11 hours in LA awaits me. Not sure of what I'll do; maybe I'll see the sights but most likely just cower in a corner of the airport and hope nothing happens to impede my journey.
I'm leaving America for good at 11:55 PM PST on Qantas flight 150 (for those of you following the flight at home. I hit the streets of Sydney at 7:30 AM on Sunday July 15th. Interesting that something I've been working towards and planning for so long is actually happening. I'm updating my address on facebook, and shoot me an email if you want more details. I'll leave you with some words from the inspiration for this post:
"When the lala hits ya lyrics just splits ya
Head so hard, that ya hat can't fit ya
Either I'm witcha or against ya
Format venture, back through that maze I sent ya"
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