Welcome to the life of Anne everyone. So race day finally arrived and I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow a beautiful pink dress, hat, matching bag, and flower for my shirt. So I was dressed to the nines and ready to start surveying the first 100 people that I saw so I could get on with enjoying my day! I was finished my surveys after being there for 1 hour. The first one done. I saw people from school all dressed up and looking fine. Everyone there was hott. Al the guys were wearing shirtss and ties if not suit and all the ladies had hats or hair pieces and plenty of cocktail dresses. Anyways, I return the surveys to center field. My staff badge gets me out there. This is where only the poeple that paid lots and got a gree wrist band. Center field is so great because you sit in shaddy tents and get served food and drink for free all day. SO after my hour of surveying... I was free to sit and enjoy being served for the rest on the afternoon. I was introduced to another two younger girls who did surveys and they taught me how to place a bet. So for the big race, the Gold Cup race, I picked a hourse I liked and bet $1. (I know, last of the big spender) and my horse won!!!!! By a long shot!!! So I won $5. Sweet as. So there were still two races left after the big one and I decided it was ok to take a break and go to the toilets. Anyways, on my way out of the trailer thing where the toilets were, I was stopped by a hot aussie who's green shirt made his eyes stand out and capture my attention. He asked me if he could buy my hat. So I thought this was very odd and was quite confused. He's a boy. Boys don't wear hats. Anyways, I told him it wasn't my hat so I couldn't sell it to him. But then he heard that I had an accent and asked where I was from. So after I told him I was from Canada, he took me to the tent he was sitting in and introduced me to all his friends as "Anne the Canadian" (at least he didn't call me "Canadi-anne" like everyone at school). Anywasy, these people were very nice and I stayed to visit with them for a bit. There was a young married couple there and the girl (I forget her name) and I talked very easily and talked for a long time. So when the races were over I was invited to join them back in town for tea (supper). So since I didn't come to the races with anyone, I accepted. So there were 6 of us heading to the Star Hotel. This is a very popular pub to head to after races I guess. So when we got ther (taking the bus) it was already full. So we all headed down to the Thai place for supper. These people are all relatively new in town too. They've been here since January working on the freeway that's going to be bypassing Albury-Wodonga so the big trucks don't have to drive through the city. So Damion (the big funny guy who seriously had me laughing all night) is the safety manager, Lee (one of the engineers), and the married couple (engineer and human resources lady). So it was a great evening. After tea, Damion, Lee and I went to another place to go dancing. How fun was that? Damion ws again, hilarious!!! lol. Such the moves.... nothing like ballroom dancing... more like a comedy act. Anyways, a great night had by all and it was my first time out to experience the "night life" in Albury. There were loads of people walking all over Dean street and everyone is so friendly. It was a good experience. I'm glad I went. Not something I'll make a ritual or anything. Anyways, the races were great and there were such beautiful people all around. And all the better that I got all 100 survey's done in the first hour so I could enjoy it all!!
And now MArcey is here and it feels good. I like when she comes. It almost feels like I'm at home in a strange country. hmm... But she'll be off for some solo adventures soon, so I guess I won't see her again until my Easter break when we adventure to Tazzie and the east coast. Something to look forward too.
So I'm enjoying my fresh adventures and meeting new friends!! What a great place to live. Kinda like Cheers... you know, where everyone knows your name? Anyways, enjoy the spring and capri weather.
PS try not to miss me too much.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Albury Gold Cup
Introdicing Anne's inability to say no. Ok, so I was at Gateway Villiage last week. This is the Park/Informaiton Centre righ ton the border between Albury-Wodonga. So I stopped in and just asked about the volunteer program they had there. By the time I was leaving I was commited to Wednesday afternoons for then next few months. So I was a bit scared... I think I have a fear of commitment. Anyways, yesterday was Wednesday and my first day "on the job". I arrived and got orientated and then was being taken on a quick tour. This is when I was introduced to another staff member in passing. She said " hi nice to meet you would you like to volunteer on Friday?" Just take a guess at what I said. "uh.. ok" what else. lol. So I'm volunteering on Friday at the Albury Gold Cup. This is the biggest horse race around. So I will have to dress up in a poofy dress or smoething and a hat. Think Pretty Woman. And walk around and survey people. So here's my plan. Just survay everyone I see until I get 100 done (they're really short) and then enjoy the rest of the day, my free entry, and my "refreshment ticket" so I'm really excited about that actually. And then Marcey will drive Volvita to visit me again! Sounds like a good deal to me!!
Tomorrow is race day!! I'm excited! The whole town actually shuts down from noon - 5. Everyone is supoposed to be at the race from all around! It will be huge!!!
love, me
Tomorrow is race day!! I'm excited! The whole town actually shuts down from noon - 5. Everyone is supoposed to be at the race from all around! It will be huge!!!
love, me
My weekend and more. :)
Well, I haven't got any pictures of my school yet... mostly I keep forgetting my camera.
But I'm sure I can still write something even if I dont' have pictures to add with it. Ok, So Canberra with school. Well, we started the four hour drive to the Countires capital and stopped at a small place along the way. Here is where the HUGEST tour attraction is. I think it's so huge as a joke. I had heard lots about the "dog on the tucker box" and there is even a nursery song here about it. Well, I saw it. The dog on the tucker box. WOW what a site. It's actually really small. this brass of something dog on a lunch box in the middle of a pond thing. so we got a picture with the pond cleaner guy. He was nice. Anyways, onward to the capitals National Park office for a stuffy presentation of old pamphlets. And after enduring that, we were off to the National Park itself!!! Off the bus, another speach, and back on! No walk!! who does that?? Oh well, then we stopped at Australia's oldest dairy farm. Tere isn't much left now, only ruins. But it's a great historic sight. and I really liked it there. Some history and a bit of a story and something of a cool building left. I liked that. And now off to the bottle shop. This is what Aussies call the liquor sotre. Yes, a school field trip stopped at the bottle shop. So I bought cookies!! :) Yeah, I'm cool. Then we were taken to our camp site/ motor home where we were staying for the night. We were put up in these super nice cabins! Three girls to a cabin with a double bed, single bed, bunks, hida bed, kitchen, tv, and bathroom! WOW! then we went for dinner in the mess hall and then a guest speaker that night. She talked about interpretation of massecure sights. That was a bit morbid and interesting all at the same time. I don't think I'll chose that as my job. Then we walked for 45 min for uni night at some famous club in town. It was a very cool building with a sweet as light show. I'm glad I went.
Day 2. Got up nice and early for brekkie and a trip to Parliament square. This is actually breath taking. Never in my life did I think something man made could take my breath like natural wonders. but this was actually a stunning sight. I'll have to show you a picture or two when I get back. And I'm sure pictures won't do it justice. Anyways, My group was assigned to ... THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES!!! Talk about borring and a half. Let me give you all a tip. If you're going to aCanberra, don't waste your time here. Go to QUESTACON!!! So I'm in the archives with some guys from my class and one of them gets a call on his mobile. So his buddy is in Questacon adn tells us to come over because it's pretty sweet as. so we go. and it is!! Think of the science centre in Regina and make it 1000 times cooler!!!!!!!! So the first room has carnival games, a free fall, a virtual roller coaster, and more. then we walk into the spots type room all Common Wealth Games theme kinda thing. That was pretty cool. I throw the slowest out of all the guys I was with. And then we go up the ramp to the next floor. They're all cool but let me metion the last room. The music room!! I was in paradise!!! I'm sure I could have spent all day in this room. My favorite part was the section with about 5 different zilophones. So we each got a mallot and made differnt rhythems. Eahc thing was made out of something different, glass, brass, wood, you get the idea. It was so cool. paradise.
Whew, I'm almost out of breath!! But now it's only liunch time and we ate outside the parliament building. Then we bussed it to the National Museum. Oh my word. what else can I say about that?? Incredible!! so incredible. So we had a speaker here and then were taken on a guided tour. It was so great. So here's another tip. Take all the time you were going to spend on the Archives, and go here. OH WOW!!! the architecture for startes is genious! very smart. then there was nothing left to do head back to albury. So when we finally got into town, I was whisked straight away to the AFL footy match in the Lavington Panthers Stadium. Now this is an incredible game with is a mix of rugby, football, and soccer. SO cool!!! I wish it was a girls sport! It looked so fun. The guys on the feild were absolutely huge, so I wouldn't want to play with them.... but maybe a team of girls?? Anywyas, I was there with Shane, his dad, his sister, and his friend Scott. Shane's dad knew all about each and every single player... so I was well informed. Shane was on the other side telling me all the rules and scoring and all that. So it was good. lol.
Next day is Saturday. Marcey drives to town in an old red volvo we named Volvita. We emediately drove Volvita to Jeremy's house and got from my buddy from school, two tickets to the common wealth games in Melbourne. Then we stopped at Coles (the 24 hour grocery store) and stocked up for our 4 hour road trip to Melbourne! Yes, we drove by a town called Seymour. We both thought it was hilarious and yes, we stopped to takes pictures. Well, just one. and you'll only get to see it if you ask really nicely. Oh and onward to Dave's house. Dave is Kristen's friend from when she was here last year. Very nice, let us stay at his house. neat. Bright and early the next morning we were off to the Melbourne Cricket Ground. We watched Athletics all day. Best part of the day was watching the wimmer of the woman's marathon run her last 400m. I was almost in tears and I'm not even and aussie! I felt so much pride for her!!! She was coming in right with another girl from Kenya and they were tight. anyones race. as soon as they stepped into the stadium and croud just erupted with enormous energy! i flet my heart in my chest. the energy serged to this woman and she sprinted the last 400m after running for the past 2.5 hours. wow. Talk about support from your counrty!! a truley moving and inspirational moment. I got a ride back to Albury with Caleb, Robin's son. and that was the end on my weekend.
On to another big Monday. It ended off with a nice treat at the Hogs Breath Cafe. This is a resaraunt in town here... I haven't eaten out at all so I had no idea and hadn't heard anything either... So I enjoyed my meal. YUMM!!!! It was actually really really good food. On the way out I noticed the daily paper with the woman's marathon runner right on the front page. I was there!! Oh, and jeremy from school also told me he saw me on TV at the footy match too! I'm famous! lol
Please enjoy the spring for me over there. I'm sad I will miss it.
Love, me
But I'm sure I can still write something even if I dont' have pictures to add with it. Ok, So Canberra with school. Well, we started the four hour drive to the Countires capital and stopped at a small place along the way. Here is where the HUGEST tour attraction is. I think it's so huge as a joke. I had heard lots about the "dog on the tucker box" and there is even a nursery song here about it. Well, I saw it. The dog on the tucker box. WOW what a site. It's actually really small. this brass of something dog on a lunch box in the middle of a pond thing. so we got a picture with the pond cleaner guy. He was nice. Anyways, onward to the capitals National Park office for a stuffy presentation of old pamphlets. And after enduring that, we were off to the National Park itself!!! Off the bus, another speach, and back on! No walk!! who does that?? Oh well, then we stopped at Australia's oldest dairy farm. Tere isn't much left now, only ruins. But it's a great historic sight. and I really liked it there. Some history and a bit of a story and something of a cool building left. I liked that. And now off to the bottle shop. This is what Aussies call the liquor sotre. Yes, a school field trip stopped at the bottle shop. So I bought cookies!! :) Yeah, I'm cool. Then we were taken to our camp site/ motor home where we were staying for the night. We were put up in these super nice cabins! Three girls to a cabin with a double bed, single bed, bunks, hida bed, kitchen, tv, and bathroom! WOW! then we went for dinner in the mess hall and then a guest speaker that night. She talked about interpretation of massecure sights. That was a bit morbid and interesting all at the same time. I don't think I'll chose that as my job. Then we walked for 45 min for uni night at some famous club in town. It was a very cool building with a sweet as light show. I'm glad I went.
Day 2. Got up nice and early for brekkie and a trip to Parliament square. This is actually breath taking. Never in my life did I think something man made could take my breath like natural wonders. but this was actually a stunning sight. I'll have to show you a picture or two when I get back. And I'm sure pictures won't do it justice. Anyways, My group was assigned to ... THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES!!! Talk about borring and a half. Let me give you all a tip. If you're going to aCanberra, don't waste your time here. Go to QUESTACON!!! So I'm in the archives with some guys from my class and one of them gets a call on his mobile. So his buddy is in Questacon adn tells us to come over because it's pretty sweet as. so we go. and it is!! Think of the science centre in Regina and make it 1000 times cooler!!!!!!!! So the first room has carnival games, a free fall, a virtual roller coaster, and more. then we walk into the spots type room all Common Wealth Games theme kinda thing. That was pretty cool. I throw the slowest out of all the guys I was with. And then we go up the ramp to the next floor. They're all cool but let me metion the last room. The music room!! I was in paradise!!! I'm sure I could have spent all day in this room. My favorite part was the section with about 5 different zilophones. So we each got a mallot and made differnt rhythems. Eahc thing was made out of something different, glass, brass, wood, you get the idea. It was so cool. paradise.
Whew, I'm almost out of breath!! But now it's only liunch time and we ate outside the parliament building. Then we bussed it to the National Museum. Oh my word. what else can I say about that?? Incredible!! so incredible. So we had a speaker here and then were taken on a guided tour. It was so great. So here's another tip. Take all the time you were going to spend on the Archives, and go here. OH WOW!!! the architecture for startes is genious! very smart. then there was nothing left to do head back to albury. So when we finally got into town, I was whisked straight away to the AFL footy match in the Lavington Panthers Stadium. Now this is an incredible game with is a mix of rugby, football, and soccer. SO cool!!! I wish it was a girls sport! It looked so fun. The guys on the feild were absolutely huge, so I wouldn't want to play with them.... but maybe a team of girls?? Anywyas, I was there with Shane, his dad, his sister, and his friend Scott. Shane's dad knew all about each and every single player... so I was well informed. Shane was on the other side telling me all the rules and scoring and all that. So it was good. lol.
Next day is Saturday. Marcey drives to town in an old red volvo we named Volvita. We emediately drove Volvita to Jeremy's house and got from my buddy from school, two tickets to the common wealth games in Melbourne. Then we stopped at Coles (the 24 hour grocery store) and stocked up for our 4 hour road trip to Melbourne! Yes, we drove by a town called Seymour. We both thought it was hilarious and yes, we stopped to takes pictures. Well, just one. and you'll only get to see it if you ask really nicely. Oh and onward to Dave's house. Dave is Kristen's friend from when she was here last year. Very nice, let us stay at his house. neat. Bright and early the next morning we were off to the Melbourne Cricket Ground. We watched Athletics all day. Best part of the day was watching the wimmer of the woman's marathon run her last 400m. I was almost in tears and I'm not even and aussie! I felt so much pride for her!!! She was coming in right with another girl from Kenya and they were tight. anyones race. as soon as they stepped into the stadium and croud just erupted with enormous energy! i flet my heart in my chest. the energy serged to this woman and she sprinted the last 400m after running for the past 2.5 hours. wow. Talk about support from your counrty!! a truley moving and inspirational moment. I got a ride back to Albury with Caleb, Robin's son. and that was the end on my weekend.
On to another big Monday. It ended off with a nice treat at the Hogs Breath Cafe. This is a resaraunt in town here... I haven't eaten out at all so I had no idea and hadn't heard anything either... So I enjoyed my meal. YUMM!!!! It was actually really really good food. On the way out I noticed the daily paper with the woman's marathon runner right on the front page. I was there!! Oh, and jeremy from school also told me he saw me on TV at the footy match too! I'm famous! lol
Please enjoy the spring for me over there. I'm sad I will miss it.
Love, me
Friday, March 10, 2006
This is for you mom.
And this is where I live:
Where I sleep.
Where I study.
The veiw from the front porch. Great at dusk with coffee and a book.
Melbourne
Marcey is part of the Melbourne sky line!
I am part of the National Art Gallery.
Fire show from the other side of the river at the Crow Casino
Right outside of the Crown Casino. I had to hold Marcey back from running through the water with all the kids in their swimmers. (well, not really hold her back... ok, maybe not at all) lol
Canada represents at the Common Wealth Games float!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Hey now...
Hey guys, what's the deal?? I would like to comment of the lack of mail I had been recieving at my new address. I didn't post it just so you could say, "hmm, that's nice, she has an address." you're supposed to actually send me a letter or something to let me know you haven't forgotten about me. So a BIG THANK YOU to my mom. The only person who has succesfully sent me mail in Australia!! Thanks mom!! I love you.
So we have had one assignment due for school so far, and one more due on Tuesday. The projects we are meant to do for classes are pretty cool. I'm glad there's an element of fun along with the element of education. So this weekend will most likely be a stay in Albury and do homework kind of weekend.
Last weekend, let me tell you. SO, Thursday night Marcey and I saw Rent in Melbourne's National Theatre. So the musical was good, but the building was sensational!! MArbel, moldings, chandeleirs!! wow!! Talk about classy! It was very pretty. Almost took my breath away! Well, Almost made me fall up the marbel stairs because I was watching the ceiling instead... Friday morning we left on our make shift two day tour of the Great Ocean Road. Make shift because the tour we wanted that was two days wasn't going that weekend. So we got on a one day tour, got off half way, and got back on the next day. So for our first day we drove on a highway, the great ocean road. Well, it is a highway. beside an ocean. wow. (note the sarcasm). I mean, sure it was pretty to have rock face on one side and ocean on the other, not too often I have been driven beside an ocean... but it was just water. So I was a bit dissapointed as we hopped of the bus for the day. It was HOT, as it usually is down under, so we headed straight for the ocean. AH!! The water is actually cold on the South Coast! So it was very refreshing. So nice. So after we had cooled off, we had a bit of time to explore Apollo Bay. Very cute, lots of surfer shops (finally replaced my bathing suit), great places to eat, a GIANT folding chair which Marcey was actually really excited about. lol. Anyways, we tried to watch the sun set in the evening... so we walked down to the beach... through snake infested grass and Marcey forgot to mention on her blog that we also saw some eggs in the bush. This is where Marcey stopps stomping away and actually RUNS as fast as she can. I'm not sure if they were snake eggs, but I think Marcey wasn't excited about finding out. So the sun set behind us and we walked along the beach with mist rising from the ocean and soft sand between our toes. How rotic. (romantic without the man for those of you who don't know)
Saturday we were picked up and taken to the Twelve Apostles. WOW!!!!! Incredible. Took my breath away!!!!!! So the veiw was better then sensational. just great!!! But let me tell you the most exciting part!!! Australia gets cold!!!!!!!!! Yes, Saturday was windy and cool. I wore a jacket at 2 in the afternoon in Australia! It was nice. so nice. Anyways, the veiw of the "shipwreck coast" was amazing. I'm so glad we saw the twelve apostles, london bridge, and the site of some ship wreck (hence the name). So beautiful!
Saturday evening back in Melbourne we walked to the Crow Casino. Which, yes, has a casino, but it has SO MUCH MORE!! I ate the best cheese cake ever at one of the many cafes, we did some shopping in clothing stores (yes, more than one), we opted not to see a movie or visit any of the nights clubs also in the building, we watched a light show on the ceiling where the colous changed on the crystals and a chandelier dropped from the mass of crystals on the ceiling, the fire ball show outside from close up and from across the river, and saw the dancing water outside. It was great!
Sunday we went to church at St. Paul's cathedral. They were very welcoming and friendly there. Then we spent heaps of time in the National Art Gallery. Oh was it great! with the two story glass wall with water flowing down it. and the 5 floors of art! I'm so glad MArcey stayed with me... Then we walked down the river and took a picture of a float with Canada's flag on it. the float was a chain of flags and fish, some sort of Common Wealth Games thing... then we walked back to the main drag via the botanic gardens. Such a pretty day. Then I rode the train home with two girls from school! April, and Diane (from the states). What a great weekend!!!
Yes, so this weekend I'kll be staying home.
And next weekend!!! I'm off to Canberra. It's tought I know. School feild trip. I have to go, there's really no choice. and we have to go to three of the attractions. Parliament House, National Gallery of Austalia, Nature Park, Museum. Gonna be rough.
And yes, there is Starbucks here. BUT NO TIMMY HO'S!!!!!
So we have had one assignment due for school so far, and one more due on Tuesday. The projects we are meant to do for classes are pretty cool. I'm glad there's an element of fun along with the element of education. So this weekend will most likely be a stay in Albury and do homework kind of weekend.
Last weekend, let me tell you. SO, Thursday night Marcey and I saw Rent in Melbourne's National Theatre. So the musical was good, but the building was sensational!! MArbel, moldings, chandeleirs!! wow!! Talk about classy! It was very pretty. Almost took my breath away! Well, Almost made me fall up the marbel stairs because I was watching the ceiling instead... Friday morning we left on our make shift two day tour of the Great Ocean Road. Make shift because the tour we wanted that was two days wasn't going that weekend. So we got on a one day tour, got off half way, and got back on the next day. So for our first day we drove on a highway, the great ocean road. Well, it is a highway. beside an ocean. wow. (note the sarcasm). I mean, sure it was pretty to have rock face on one side and ocean on the other, not too often I have been driven beside an ocean... but it was just water. So I was a bit dissapointed as we hopped of the bus for the day. It was HOT, as it usually is down under, so we headed straight for the ocean. AH!! The water is actually cold on the South Coast! So it was very refreshing. So nice. So after we had cooled off, we had a bit of time to explore Apollo Bay. Very cute, lots of surfer shops (finally replaced my bathing suit), great places to eat, a GIANT folding chair which Marcey was actually really excited about. lol. Anyways, we tried to watch the sun set in the evening... so we walked down to the beach... through snake infested grass and Marcey forgot to mention on her blog that we also saw some eggs in the bush. This is where Marcey stopps stomping away and actually RUNS as fast as she can. I'm not sure if they were snake eggs, but I think Marcey wasn't excited about finding out. So the sun set behind us and we walked along the beach with mist rising from the ocean and soft sand between our toes. How rotic. (romantic without the man for those of you who don't know)
Saturday we were picked up and taken to the Twelve Apostles. WOW!!!!! Incredible. Took my breath away!!!!!! So the veiw was better then sensational. just great!!! But let me tell you the most exciting part!!! Australia gets cold!!!!!!!!! Yes, Saturday was windy and cool. I wore a jacket at 2 in the afternoon in Australia! It was nice. so nice. Anyways, the veiw of the "shipwreck coast" was amazing. I'm so glad we saw the twelve apostles, london bridge, and the site of some ship wreck (hence the name). So beautiful!
Saturday evening back in Melbourne we walked to the Crow Casino. Which, yes, has a casino, but it has SO MUCH MORE!! I ate the best cheese cake ever at one of the many cafes, we did some shopping in clothing stores (yes, more than one), we opted not to see a movie or visit any of the nights clubs also in the building, we watched a light show on the ceiling where the colous changed on the crystals and a chandelier dropped from the mass of crystals on the ceiling, the fire ball show outside from close up and from across the river, and saw the dancing water outside. It was great!
Sunday we went to church at St. Paul's cathedral. They were very welcoming and friendly there. Then we spent heaps of time in the National Art Gallery. Oh was it great! with the two story glass wall with water flowing down it. and the 5 floors of art! I'm so glad MArcey stayed with me... Then we walked down the river and took a picture of a float with Canada's flag on it. the float was a chain of flags and fish, some sort of Common Wealth Games thing... then we walked back to the main drag via the botanic gardens. Such a pretty day. Then I rode the train home with two girls from school! April, and Diane (from the states). What a great weekend!!!
Yes, so this weekend I'kll be staying home.
And next weekend!!! I'm off to Canberra. It's tought I know. School feild trip. I have to go, there's really no choice. and we have to go to three of the attractions. Parliament House, National Gallery of Austalia, Nature Park, Museum. Gonna be rough.
And yes, there is Starbucks here. BUT NO TIMMY HO'S!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
