Discovering Melbourne : Letters
Meh. Im terrible. Its been ages since I blogged.
I hardly know my password anymore and have to reset the damn thing every single time.
I am that pathetic.
Then again, this could be a good sign. It just might mean I am actually living life in the real world for a change and therefore, find it unnecessary to bitch about my life like a million emo fags do on zee computorrr.
Lets start with the two MAJOR updates:-
I am ENGAGED and in MELBOURNE.
Right. Now that that is over with I will update yall by copying and pasting the body of emails I have been sending to my parents. Yes. I suck that bad.
Feb 22, 2007
Things are going well out here. Daniels parents live a little way out of the city (They actually call it the farm), so it will be pretty exciting to head out to the city tommorow and check the place out. The sun sets at 9pm, and seeing Ive been waking up at 7am and the sun is already up, it makes my days extremely long. I bet you guys are real happy about that. Your daughter is no longer a night mongrel. haha
As for work, I still have been applying online, but when I go into town I will be registering at some job agencies.
Am yet to talk to Daniel to consider looking at bar work. The last couple days I have been doing odds and ends, though I have been going to work with Daniel too and helping out with some paint work for this house he was working on--he finished today, and will be taking the next week off so that we could do a bit of travelling around here. Hes talking about checking out the Great Ocean Road. Daniel has also mentioned that we might take the boat down to Tasmania one of these days. Which would be real nice. Theres a huge cruiser that goes every so often to Tasmania and back, and we have friends out there too.
Tommorow night, Daniel got us tickets to a show as a suprise for (A belated) Valentines Day. The next couple of weekends are booked. Filled with meeting more friends, family and places to go in Melbourne.
So far I have been guzzling on stuff that I miss. Theres plenty of Ribena, Fish Fingers and Fish n Chip Shops as well as Kebabs and Shawarma places to keep me filled. The first day I arrived, Daniels Mum made a little lamb roast. :)
Like I said, the family has been real great. I got a chance to meet Daniels grandmother and his brothers on the weekend, and after we went out for dinner and a drink with the youngest brother, Andrew, who is my age. Been here less than a week, and there is heaps to do to keep me entertained.
Additionally, while I remember to mention: It was extremely easy getting through customs and immigration. They barely battered an eyelid at me, and I just walked on through. Funny enough, they have this reality tv show out here about customs and immigration and all the people who are smuggled into the country...and bizzare food items. Its pretty funny when you think about it. Americans obsess over the more hollywood type things and love seeing it on tv, and the aussies over illegal items and people in the country.
On a side note, Mum...remember one of my friends from high school...Christine Meers? Apparently she now lives in Sydney, but frequents Melbourne, so I might have a chance to catch up with her (and possibly even SHirley eventually) when the opportunity arises.
Sounds like a real nice place to be staying at Dad, shame you have to move on so soon. No matter, I am sure there will be plenty more opportunities for something just as great.
I didnt get a text message, but I have a feeling I might need to get some prepaid credit for my phone for me to recieve messages. I will figure it out soon. I can recieve calls, so if either of you need to touch base, you can get a hold of me either through my phone or Daniels.
Oh and Mum, I have already gone swimming at the beach. I am pleased to report, that I am still 100% intact, and none of my limbs are being digested in the belly of a shark as I write.
I will send pictures of everything soon. Daniel is home, and I think his parents have made some plans for the evening.
Feb 24, 2007
Its Saturday afternoon, Daniel and I started today out a little later than planned, so this will be a short one.
We went into the city yesterday, I have a few pictures for you which I will send over to you as soon as I get the program for my phone installed properly into the computer. The city is great, over the next few weeks I suppose we will be going in more often to see stuff like galleries, the huge library and other parks and stuff around the area. I dont think that there is anything I can really compare it to, who can? Its got the hussle and bussle of any modern day city, but the architecture is really something else. Modern buildings errected over the last few years and lots and lots of beautiful old buildings which have been gentrified through time.
Daniel said he'll show me how to use the public transport, which means taking a train into town..exciting nevertheless.
After a whole day of tramping around town we went to a gig of a US band that was playing in the area. So we pretty much crammed the whole day, and were knackered by the time we got home.
Today though, we are visiting friends. One of Daniels friends has invited us over to his house, and the other has a birthday party in the evening...another long day.
Got to wrap this up, will send you both updates soon.
March 4, 2007
Daniel and I went to the beach yesterday with Andrew, Daniels brother. We were hoping for better weather, but the water was a little chilly and choppy, so we spent a good part of the afternoon mooching around a rocky beach hanging out and talking, then at a little pub for a couple ales, fish and chips before heading back into the city.
Andrew and the other brother Tim live with Daniels grandma, Baka (Means grandmother in croatian), which is around a 15 to 20 minute drive into the city center. Needless to say a trip to Bakas entails in lots of food and hanging about with the family. Baka actually came over to the house today and made what looked like a million donuts. The kitchen counter and dinner table was covered in plates of donuts, and then she made lunch. Fish. Ofcourse, like all grandmothers I was haggled to the table and told to eat. So that I could be a big, strong girl. hahaha. She also checks if I keep in regular contact with you guys, and told me to tell you both to come over to eat her cooking because she makes the best strudel. I havent tried it yet. But I wont argue. Baka's cooking is something awesome.
We did manage to get down the Great Ocean Road, but did not get as far as the 12 apostles just yet. Ive been down with a bit of the flu, nothing serious..I think its just because of the change of weather for me. We plan to do it another day when it is a little warmer so we can enjoy it more. Down that stretch are tons of beautiful beaches and theres heaps to do for everyone. I made mental notes of things to go and do when you all come down and visit some time. For instance, there is this little airportwhere you can even check out the sights of the Great Ocean Road in a Tiger Moth! (Totally Dad's thing) not to mention they even have a museum of those old planes. There is also this little hub of shops which are all surf brands which Nik would absolutley adore--I took pictures for her and showed them to her today when I caught her online.
Since my last email I have had a few more opportunities to hit the city, which is absolutley gorgegous in its own way. It exudes a certain charm to it. Old and new buildings, and the slow easy going pace of the Australians despite its busy roads and people rushing to places. I have had my first train and tram experience, which is a common commute form if youre trying to get into the city and from point A to B.
It really is quite exciting. There is lots to do and see, theaters, shows, exhibitions..so providing our funds allow it, we will be busy over the next couple weeks.
I have also now met a fair few of Daniels friends, who have been great. The diversity in the people out in Melbourne is something that keeps me intruiged. One birthday party we went to kept our stomachs heavy with fabulous authentic italian food, in true italian spirit. There is just this vast contrast between your typical Aussie, to European immigrants as well as Asian and Middle Eastern immigrants that you cant help but indulge in the moment.
My high school friend Shanti left me a message today too. She is staying in Melbourne. I will be contacting her within the week so perhaps we will have the opportunity to catch up. :)
As for work, I had my first call back this week.
It was advertised as a marketing position and I went in for an interview on Thursday. The company is an advertising company that handles a fair few prominent clients like vodafone down to charitable organizations like WWF and Red Cross. I was quickly screened then paired with this lovely Scottish girl who is out here backpacking her way through New Zealand and Australia.
I got to meet a few more English backpackers too. T
urns out that I would be working on behalf of a charity, trying to get people on the streets to sign up for "x" cause. It would be commision based, 8-5, five days a week. Sounds like a blast, and the people I would be working with would be fantastic, but the market is just way too difficult to tap into. While I was offered the job, I have had to decline after discussing the prospect with both Daniel and his Mum over the long term opportunities it would entail. It just would not be practical on my part--simply after working out how much I would really end up earning after taxes, a daily commute and so on.
Ah well, I guess I have to take it as a learning experience, and keep on trying. The upside is, that talking to all these backpackers I now have a better feel of certain things, like starting up a bank account and getting a tax number etc. to really get me going. Street tips from other travellers. You cant really go wrong with that.
I'll throw in some pictures taken so far, for good measure :D
NOte: There are more pictures but interweb has decided to be super gay right now and take its time to upload all my shit. So here you go for shits and giggles and to get the appetite going.
Leaving it here. Much Love. N.
I hardly know my password anymore and have to reset the damn thing every single time.
I am that pathetic.
Then again, this could be a good sign. It just might mean I am actually living life in the real world for a change and therefore, find it unnecessary to bitch about my life like a million emo fags do on zee computorrr.
Lets start with the two MAJOR updates:-
I am ENGAGED and in MELBOURNE.
Right. Now that that is over with I will update yall by copying and pasting the body of emails I have been sending to my parents. Yes. I suck that bad.
Feb 22, 2007
Things are going well out here. Daniels parents live a little way out of the city (They actually call it the farm), so it will be pretty exciting to head out to the city tommorow and check the place out. The sun sets at 9pm, and seeing Ive been waking up at 7am and the sun is already up, it makes my days extremely long. I bet you guys are real happy about that. Your daughter is no longer a night mongrel. haha
As for work, I still have been applying online, but when I go into town I will be registering at some job agencies.
Am yet to talk to Daniel to consider looking at bar work. The last couple days I have been doing odds and ends, though I have been going to work with Daniel too and helping out with some paint work for this house he was working on--he finished today, and will be taking the next week off so that we could do a bit of travelling around here. Hes talking about checking out the Great Ocean Road. Daniel has also mentioned that we might take the boat down to Tasmania one of these days. Which would be real nice. Theres a huge cruiser that goes every so often to Tasmania and back, and we have friends out there too.
Tommorow night, Daniel got us tickets to a show as a suprise for (A belated) Valentines Day. The next couple of weekends are booked. Filled with meeting more friends, family and places to go in Melbourne.
So far I have been guzzling on stuff that I miss. Theres plenty of Ribena, Fish Fingers and Fish n Chip Shops as well as Kebabs and Shawarma places to keep me filled. The first day I arrived, Daniels Mum made a little lamb roast. :)
Like I said, the family has been real great. I got a chance to meet Daniels grandmother and his brothers on the weekend, and after we went out for dinner and a drink with the youngest brother, Andrew, who is my age. Been here less than a week, and there is heaps to do to keep me entertained.
Additionally, while I remember to mention: It was extremely easy getting through customs and immigration. They barely battered an eyelid at me, and I just walked on through. Funny enough, they have this reality tv show out here about customs and immigration and all the people who are smuggled into the country...and bizzare food items. Its pretty funny when you think about it. Americans obsess over the more hollywood type things and love seeing it on tv, and the aussies over illegal items and people in the country.
On a side note, Mum...remember one of my friends from high school...Christine Meers? Apparently she now lives in Sydney, but frequents Melbourne, so I might have a chance to catch up with her (and possibly even SHirley eventually) when the opportunity arises.
Sounds like a real nice place to be staying at Dad, shame you have to move on so soon. No matter, I am sure there will be plenty more opportunities for something just as great.
I didnt get a text message, but I have a feeling I might need to get some prepaid credit for my phone for me to recieve messages. I will figure it out soon. I can recieve calls, so if either of you need to touch base, you can get a hold of me either through my phone or Daniels.
Oh and Mum, I have already gone swimming at the beach. I am pleased to report, that I am still 100% intact, and none of my limbs are being digested in the belly of a shark as I write.
I will send pictures of everything soon. Daniel is home, and I think his parents have made some plans for the evening.
Feb 24, 2007
Its Saturday afternoon, Daniel and I started today out a little later than planned, so this will be a short one.
We went into the city yesterday, I have a few pictures for you which I will send over to you as soon as I get the program for my phone installed properly into the computer. The city is great, over the next few weeks I suppose we will be going in more often to see stuff like galleries, the huge library and other parks and stuff around the area. I dont think that there is anything I can really compare it to, who can? Its got the hussle and bussle of any modern day city, but the architecture is really something else. Modern buildings errected over the last few years and lots and lots of beautiful old buildings which have been gentrified through time.
Daniel said he'll show me how to use the public transport, which means taking a train into town..exciting nevertheless.
After a whole day of tramping around town we went to a gig of a US band that was playing in the area. So we pretty much crammed the whole day, and were knackered by the time we got home.
Today though, we are visiting friends. One of Daniels friends has invited us over to his house, and the other has a birthday party in the evening...another long day.
Got to wrap this up, will send you both updates soon.
March 4, 2007
Daniel and I went to the beach yesterday with Andrew, Daniels brother. We were hoping for better weather, but the water was a little chilly and choppy, so we spent a good part of the afternoon mooching around a rocky beach hanging out and talking, then at a little pub for a couple ales, fish and chips before heading back into the city.
Andrew and the other brother Tim live with Daniels grandma, Baka (Means grandmother in croatian), which is around a 15 to 20 minute drive into the city center. Needless to say a trip to Bakas entails in lots of food and hanging about with the family. Baka actually came over to the house today and made what looked like a million donuts. The kitchen counter and dinner table was covered in plates of donuts, and then she made lunch. Fish. Ofcourse, like all grandmothers I was haggled to the table and told to eat. So that I could be a big, strong girl. hahaha. She also checks if I keep in regular contact with you guys, and told me to tell you both to come over to eat her cooking because she makes the best strudel. I havent tried it yet. But I wont argue. Baka's cooking is something awesome.
We did manage to get down the Great Ocean Road, but did not get as far as the 12 apostles just yet. Ive been down with a bit of the flu, nothing serious..I think its just because of the change of weather for me. We plan to do it another day when it is a little warmer so we can enjoy it more. Down that stretch are tons of beautiful beaches and theres heaps to do for everyone. I made mental notes of things to go and do when you all come down and visit some time. For instance, there is this little airportwhere you can even check out the sights of the Great Ocean Road in a Tiger Moth! (Totally Dad's thing) not to mention they even have a museum of those old planes. There is also this little hub of shops which are all surf brands which Nik would absolutley adore--I took pictures for her and showed them to her today when I caught her online.
Since my last email I have had a few more opportunities to hit the city, which is absolutley gorgegous in its own way. It exudes a certain charm to it. Old and new buildings, and the slow easy going pace of the Australians despite its busy roads and people rushing to places. I have had my first train and tram experience, which is a common commute form if youre trying to get into the city and from point A to B.
It really is quite exciting. There is lots to do and see, theaters, shows, exhibitions..so providing our funds allow it, we will be busy over the next couple weeks.
I have also now met a fair few of Daniels friends, who have been great. The diversity in the people out in Melbourne is something that keeps me intruiged. One birthday party we went to kept our stomachs heavy with fabulous authentic italian food, in true italian spirit. There is just this vast contrast between your typical Aussie, to European immigrants as well as Asian and Middle Eastern immigrants that you cant help but indulge in the moment.
My high school friend Shanti left me a message today too. She is staying in Melbourne. I will be contacting her within the week so perhaps we will have the opportunity to catch up. :)
As for work, I had my first call back this week.
It was advertised as a marketing position and I went in for an interview on Thursday. The company is an advertising company that handles a fair few prominent clients like vodafone down to charitable organizations like WWF and Red Cross. I was quickly screened then paired with this lovely Scottish girl who is out here backpacking her way through New Zealand and Australia.
I got to meet a few more English backpackers too. T
urns out that I would be working on behalf of a charity, trying to get people on the streets to sign up for "x" cause. It would be commision based, 8-5, five days a week. Sounds like a blast, and the people I would be working with would be fantastic, but the market is just way too difficult to tap into. While I was offered the job, I have had to decline after discussing the prospect with both Daniel and his Mum over the long term opportunities it would entail. It just would not be practical on my part--simply after working out how much I would really end up earning after taxes, a daily commute and so on.
Ah well, I guess I have to take it as a learning experience, and keep on trying. The upside is, that talking to all these backpackers I now have a better feel of certain things, like starting up a bank account and getting a tax number etc. to really get me going. Street tips from other travellers. You cant really go wrong with that.
I'll throw in some pictures taken so far, for good measure :D
NOte: There are more pictures but interweb has decided to be super gay right now and take its time to upload all my shit. So here you go for shits and giggles and to get the appetite going.
Leaving it here. Much Love. N.