Take-off Time & Hellos

G'day,

So on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 I woke up (after four hours of sleep) to finish throwing things into my suitcase and rushing off to the airport. It was a pretty dapple of a morning - grey, chilly, and somber. We stopped by West Beach before we went to the airport. It was beautiful even though it was a cloudy morning. I always think cloudy days are the best days. And the worst days to get sunburnt. The sea was grey and I think it knew we were about to depart. We got to the airport and started to check in. I was holding up the line because I was trying to fit my wine into my luggage. I had five bottles, but only packed two. I wanted to pack more, but was quite fearful of being over my baggage limit. I wasn't over so that was good. We went and got brekky at Cibo and then got ready to go. I said my good-byes to Helen and started crying again (I swear I am sick of crying) and then we were off. The plane ride to Sydney was almost 2 hours. I fell asleep before take-off. Or maybe that was a later flight. I can't remember. We landed in Sydney and found our next gate. I was about to officially leave Australia. I can't believe 3 months just flew by like that. Snap your fingers and it's over.

We boarded and I thought that this trip was definitely looking up - my seat could recline this time! Throughout the flight I learned that no - my seat will not recline because of the bastard behind me. He would push my chair back up while I was sleeping so that I would be sitting straight up when I woke up. And he kept pushing his knees into my back through my chair. I was not happy and he was lucky I was feeling generous enough to not turn around and rip him a new one right then and there. He then started complaining that Morgan's air was blowing directly on his daughter. Uh - can't your fourteen year old daughter speak for herself? And secondly, how is Morgan supposed to breathe then? I know that I get claustrophobic when I can't get any air on an airplane. Then this man asked me to sit up while I was eating dinner - this wouldn't have been a problem except for the fact that the main in front of me was reclining while eating his dinner. That leaves no space for me to eat or do anything. I had to move up because the flight attendant asked me to, but didn't ask the man in front of me to. And when I say I was reclining, I mean that I was just barely reclining. Hardly at all. But enough to make the man behind me become an ass. And to make the trek seem even longer: there was a man two rows in front of me who farted every half hour and they were raunchy.

That flight was 14 hours. The movies were better this time around: The Express (AMAZING), Frost/Nixon (decent if you can understand Nixon), Seven Pounds, and there was another one I can't remember. The dinner served was really good (especially for airplane food) and the breakfast made M, E and I all sick. They served warm yogurt and warm fruit. Now I don't know about you, but I don't eat warm fruit or yogurt. I don't like yogurt in general, but I will eat it if I have to or if it is the only thing available.

As soon as we landed in LAX and went through customs, I bought some food (clam chowder and a sourdough bread bowl - this made me excited to go to Panera Bread soon!) to make me feel a bit better. Clam chowder was the only thing that seemed relatively safe to eat since Mexican and Macca's would make my stomache feel worse. Customs was relatively easy - I got everything through. The only question the man asked was: do you have any food in your luggage? No sir. I could have packed all my wine then. Darn it! After that we bummed around the gate for a couple of hours calling and texting people before we boarded for the next flight. It was this flight that I fell asleep before take-off. Not the first one. It was a pretty low-key flight and I tried sleeping most of it. I did some sudoku and read about the Maldives and how they will be under the sea soon because of global warming. No more tropical get-away there after that happens. So don't run your car while you go to the grocery store - turn it off. And unplug your appliances when you aren't using them (toasters, cell phone chargers, coffee pot, radio, etc.) because it will save electricity. Walk everywhere that you can. Or bike. Be healthy. Compost.

Before we landed in Chicago I looked at our flight itinerary and boarding passes and saw that the times of the last flight had changed. We would be getting in later! Ugh. So much for Kathy saying nothing changed. I told the other girls about it and we thought we could try and maybe get on another flight that would get us home earlier. United only had this one to Cedar Rapids going so we just stayed on that. The gate attendee did say that it was funny that no one informed us that the flight had changed because they had informed the person who booked our tickets. This was funny to us because the lady who had booked our tickets told our supervisor that nothing had changed. However, my mom knew that it had changed and even had a printed copy of our itinerary from both times we flew.

We hung around the last gate and then finally we were on our last flight! I'm almost home at this time and really excited. I'm sad at the same time, but ready for my bed, to see family and to sleep not sitting up. The flight took only 34 minutes from Chicago to Cedar Rapids and it was great! I slept a bit of it and listened to some music the other parts. We landed and then off to the baggage claim area. Mom and Mike were there to pick me up and so it was wonderful to see them again! We got my luggage (the wine made it through and didn't break!) and were off to Sonics! I love Sonics. It was great and then we took the long way home and just chatted and stuff. I didn't actually walk into the door until maybe midnight. I got to see my cat and gave him a big hug. I sure had missed him. Then I did a bit unpacking and ended up putting it all back in the suitcases where they now sit untouched in my room. Then it was sleep time for me because morning comes early.

Cheers. Until my next adventures abroad! :)

Granite Island and wineries

Hello,

On Sunday, April 19th, 2009 - M, E and I got up and caught a train to Yvonne's town so we could spend the day with her and Richard. They were taking us to Granite Island and a few wineries along the way. They picked us up and we were off to Victor Harbor. We tootled down the road (fast tootling!) and chatted about our going-away party last night and our experiences in Australia. We stopped at the Paxton winery because our friend Matt had recommended it last night. Good wine, BEAUTIFUL location and buildings. We did the entire list of wines. I bought the dessert wine (as usual). We then stopped at a winery called Simon Hackett, but I didn't find that it quite as tasteful as Paxton or any of the others we've been to. Not all of the wine was made in that location, but I did get to do my photo op of standing in the vineyard. I've got my UGGs on. Sigh.

We hopped back in the car and continued our journey to Victor Harbor. We were there in no time and it never ceases to amaze me that places that seem far away - are actually just a short distance away in reality. We went to this place to eat, but it was full. The view was phenomenal though. And I got to see an actual game of lawn bowling! We ended up eating at this really good restuarant in Victor and it was really cold and windy outside. I got my usual - butterfish and chips. I'm sure going to miss that when I get back to the States. After this we journeyed down the road where there was a parade honoring those who served in the forces as well as on ambulances, fire rescues, etc. Beyond that was a carnival in full swing. We passed that and walked across this big bridge to Granite Island.

Granite Island was amazing. It was cloudy out and that was perfect for photography! I got to run all over the island looking for penguins, dolphins, sea lions and numerous birds. We found one penguin (thank goodness for Richard looking all over because if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have seen a penguin!) and he was the cutest thing ever! I'm glad I wore my UGGs because it was cold and I wouldn't have been happy in flip flops. I climbed many rocks and took photos and had some photo shoots myself. We made it around the entire island and I just soaked it up. I was hoping to see a whale, but it's not the right season for that yet. This area is big in whale watching and squid catching. After goofing off and running around all afternoon it was time to get back to Adelaide for our last night at Malvern. Richard and Yvonne have been nothing short of amazing while I've been here and I just want to thank them for taking the time to drag me all over South Australia and answering my endless questions.

We got to Malvern at about 6:30pm and jumped in on the conversations taking place in the cafe. Tonight they were trying out a different type of service that involved more dialogue and getting to know people and the Bible better. It was interesting and I enjoyed the parts I was there for. I wish I could have been there the entire time, but then again I wouldn't have traded any of my time with Yvonne and Richard for church. Sorry God. I got to eat (I didn't have tea so anything was good with me) and just get to know people more. Eleanor is funny and I love that she asks so many comparison questions between the US and AUS because it gets me thinking and looking at the bigger picture in all of this. Morgan left at about 8:30 because she was tired. El and I stayed until about 11 something and just chilled with Antwone, Esti and Josh. Good times. Times I won't forget any time soon. Esti dropped us off and then it was bed time because Monday morning comes early and so do more good-byes.

Paxton Winery

Me in the Simon Hackett vineyards

Granite Island sign

The long bridge we walked across and the view of the mainland

The view of Encounter Bay from Granite Island

Cheers.

The Beginnings of Good-byes

Hey there,

[April 16, 2009]

Today was the beginning of the end... I had to start saying good-bye to those I have worked with over the past 3 months. I spent my day working at the Sefton Park office doing the Foster Care Services information booklet. I was given the task yesterday and finished it today. At about 3:30ish Helen took me over to Blair Athol so that I could say good-bye to Natalie.

Natalie is the manager of the op shops. She's so much fun and just has these crazy stories to tell. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and spending my Mondays at the shop. One of my favorite days was when she just busted out in the vegemite song and then all the ladies in the shop started joining in! She also bought me some pop-tarts and cans of Dr. Pepper because I was going through Dr. Pepper withdrawal. She's great. She is leaving this Saturday to do a 900km bike ride from Geelong to Salisbury (pronounced SOLESbury). That would be almost 560 miles. She's doing it for a great cause... H.A.N.D.S. She's raising money for another country to build pre-schools and other necessary buildings. Visit http://www.hands.org.au/ to learn more and to see what they're doing. I think her team is up to 12 members now. Good 'un ya Nat! :) I sponsored Natalie on her bike ride and had one last chance to say good-bye. It was a good ending and I'm really glad that I have met her.

After saying goodbye it was back to Sefton Park where I worked a bit longer before I caught a ride home with Jeff. I was taking E, M's and my money home from work so I was not allowed to take public transportation. Haha. I enjoy the rides with Jeff though because I am never sure what the discussion of the day is going to be about. It was the weather today.

I got home and was going to run a video back to the movie store, when it started downpouring on me. My new bag (my other purse from Sassy's went belly up) got wet to the point where the colors were bleeding. So I turned around and went home. I got ready to go to Helene's house instead.

Jeremy came and picked us up and we were off to their house for tea. Tea was delicious as it always is at their home. We then journeyed out to the top of the Morialta Conservation Park. We

(I will finish this blog later, gotta run!)

Natalie and I

The city lights at night...

View from the top of Morialta Conservation Park at night

Cheers.

Daily Schedule

Hey there,

So I decided that I better give you a run-down of how my day typically looks.

6:00am (sometimes earlier): Get up, shower, eat brekky, make lunch, etc.
7:40am: Jeff picks me up for work or I catch the bus
8am - 5pm: Monday work at Blair Athol, Tues-Fri I work at Sefton Park (sometimes I work late or work some more when I get home)
5pm - 6pm: get home (by Jeff, Ian or bus)
6:30pm: watch the news! (I love the news - it's an addiction.)
7pm: El and I watch Two and A Half Men (Australia's #1 comedy)
7pm-9pm: whatever needs to be done or just veg for the day.
Bedtime - this was hard at first because I don't go to bed until 1 am when I'm back in the States. But I get tired after a long day at work.

Then the process starts all over again. :)

Here's some photos from work.

This is my desk. I LOVE having TWO screens!

Foster Carers mug

The sign outside the door - adminstration only...

Cheers.

Barossa Vintage Festival & Wineries

G'day,

So Saturday morning I woke up feeling like rubbish. I felt bad because Gabby and Tiarna had spent the night for Ellie and Tiarna's 'Movie and KFC Mash Potatoes Night'. I didn't get to say good-bye to them because I spent time in my room since I wasn't feeling well. I think my body knows it's getting time to go home and is getting anxious. I ended up getting up, showering and heading down to Helen's house to head to the Barossa Valley. The Barossa Valley is known worldwide for it's amazing vineyards.

We started off and got a tour (in the car) through North Adelaide, Elizabeth, Mawson Lakes and other suburbs. We arrived about an hour later in Lyndoch where we at a wonderful bakery. I got potato soup to-go since my stomache wasn't feeling so well. It was good and then we were off to Jacob's Creek. The wine tasting was good - I'm still not a fan of the reds so I didn't really touch those. The whites were good though. While everyone was tasting the reds I went and took some video footage and photos. We spent some time looking at the heritage of the place.

Then we were off to visit the Grant Burge Winery. This place was absolutely beautiful! I would have my wedding there, and I bet people do have their weddings there. They had this one room that the roof of it was vines with growing grapes. It was so amazing. I posted some photos of the place. There were roses everywhere too - even though I don't like roses I will say that they made the place just glow. They didn't smell that bad either. The wine there was really good! They have Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego wines there - and I tried them and they didn't taste well for me. I also learned that Dr. Fred Strickert was taken to this winery when he came to Adelaide last August. So we have something in common. I tried a Lilly Farm Frontignan and it was so good I had to get some. I will be shipping a crate of wine home. I'm not kidding!

We spent the rest of the afternoon traveling through the valley and visiting towns. In Tanunda we got to see where Helen grew up and where her father and grandpa pastored at. The church is really beautiful. It has four wooden statutes that look like stone. The statues are Jeremiah, Moses, Peter and Elijah. Their so detailed that it's incredible. I wish I could have gotten photos, but I felt like they were very sacred. I got to see the first Lutheran pastor in Australia's gravestone. We then got in the car and drove to Mengler Hill.

On the way to Mengler Hill we kept seeing all of these scarecrow people. They were in yards, cars and in fields. We kept laughing cause they were amusing and were doing unexpected things. We arrived at Mengler Hill and it was beautiful. We got to see the Barossa Valley in all its vastness and glory. The sunset was stunning too, no video or pictures can do it any justice. Below where I was standing there was a little pathway that you could walk around and look at all the artwork there. There was an eagle down there - he looked good. I took a ton of photos of the sky and surroundings. We got some people at the Hill to take a group photo of us there.

After Mengler Hill we journeyed to 'The Junction' which is a restaurant/hotel made completely out of train cars! It was SO cool! It was dark or else I'd have photos for you. Peter kept getting up to check the footy game - Carlton was playing Essedon. Carlton won which was good since that's Peter's team. The food was delicious. I got some kind of fish and chips, as well as chocolate pudding for desert. The chocolate pudding isn't what you would think it is - it's cake! It was bomb! The hot chocloate was good too. After tea we headed back to the car and to Adelaide. I wasn't feeling the greatest (I don't think that wine and chocolate mix) so I slept in the car on the ride back. We got home and I went to bed since Easter morning service comes early.

The Jacob's Creek sign

Doing some tasting...

The vineyards of Jacob's Creek (they have heaps more than just these ones!)

The view from Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre

One of the kangaroos sunning himself at Jacob's Creek animal enclosure

"Welcome to Our Place"

Grant Burge's roses and vineyards

Through the looking window...

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego wines!

Grant Burge's Grape Ceiling

Grant Burge Winery

The view from Mengler Hill

The sunset at Mengler Hill

Morgan, Ellie, Helen, Peter and I at Mengler Hill at sunset

Cheers.

HAPPY EASTER!

Happy Easter to you!

It's amazing what this day means you know? Jesus is alive again! He went to hell and paid the price for my sin and your sin. And we're free now...

I woke up today and was going to go to the 7am "under the gum tree" service at the Malvern Uniting Church, but I had a massive headache. A bit too much wine for me yesterday, so I slept a little longer and told myself I'd go to another service. I didn't (I already knew I was going to the 6pm service). I can't really bring myself to go when I know that I won't be singing the "Every Morning is Easter Morning" song. I really like that song and I only get to sing it once a year. So instead I got ready for the beach! I'd been planning to go all week. I don't ever get to spend time at the beach on Easter because Iowa doesn't have a beach! So why not spend it where I normally wouldn't?

I would typically spend Easter with the family, have a listen to the Joshua Tree album by U2 and eat some delicious food. I did have good food today, but no family. Which is a bummer, but I'll be seeing them soon. My brother is becoming Catholic this weekend so the whole family went up to the ceremony this weekend. I hope he doesn't mess up in the ceremony. :)

I got a bus into the city and then caught the tram to Glenelg beach. It was a nice ride except for when the tram had to stop suddenly and this lady's umbrella handle got jammed right into my tailbone. It hurt for a bit, but I was not going to let that stop me so I shrugged it off and went on. I arrived at the beach to find camel rides! I almost got one, but then decided that I really just wanted to get my tan on. I found a spot and camped out for a few hours. I kept putting sunscreen on and enjoyed finding some shells on the shore. The water was so warm today!

I listened to the Joshua Tree album (plus Beautiful Day since it was!), Alli Rogers and finished up with some Genesis. Solid music day for me and I was quite pleased. After a few hours I could feel myself getting burnt so I decided to pack. I watched some man perform tricks and he stated that he owns the copyright to them. Blah, blah, blah. I walked through some of the shops, but there were too many people and I hate crowds. So I caught the tram back to the city. I couldn't find my bus ticket when I got on the tram and I was freaking out. In order to ride you are suppose to put your ticket into the machine and get it "stamped." Only I couldn't find mine. And you can get kicked off the tram, bus or train if you don't get your ticket verified. The ticket man was right beside me the whole ride back and since I was freaking out inside my head, I got off at Greenhill Rd which is somewhat near where I live. I had paid almost $14 for that ticket since it's a multi-trip ticket and it only had 2 punches on it! I was so mad at myself. I ended up walking an hour home, but guess what? I found my ticket right after I got off the tram! Ugh, life is funny like that. Guess God wanted me to "be active" today. (Check out this commercial - http://www.beactive.com.au/TV%20Ads/DRS0031%20Final%20Lift%20TVC.mpg - South Australia has a "Be Active" campaign and this is one of the ads- I find it hilarious!) They also have signs on the bus that say "Get off a stop earlier." No thank you on most days for me.

So I finally arrived home after walking a ways and stopping at the Broadway Fish & Chips shop on Unley. I think I made that man's day by coming in on Easter. I went home and had some free time to watch the news and then got ready to go to church at Malvern. The service was good. The music was good. And I was just excited to be at a service were I was actually getting something out of the message for once since I've been here. I stayed for pancakes (we can eat them now that lent/Easter is over) and a cuppa. I chatted with Eleanor, Estee and Tahnee before heading back to Helen's where we were having tea and pavlova. The lasagna was amazing and the pavlova was delicious! I think I've actually had them before, but it was still good and it's an Australian thing I guess. I watched an Agatha Christie tv show afterwards with Peter (the other two girls were looking at KI photos which I'd already seen) before heading home. I love Agatha Christie's books - I've read all of them when I was young and I think I am going to re-read them over the summer. Yeah!

I hope your Easter was wonderful and filled with blessings. :)

The sign on the buses.

The water looked really green from afar, but blue up close.

The camels I was talking about.

The beach from another view

My 'Happy Easter' video!

Cheers.

Post-Easter Monday

Happy Tuesday everybody!

The Monday after Easter here in South Australia is a public holiday. That means that I had the day off, which was nice since I was sick. I woke up at 4 something in the morning because Morgan and Ellie were getting ready to head off to Kangaroo Island for their three-day tour. I know your next question will be – "Why aren’t you going Hilary?" This was my mom’s question when I told her why I was still sleeping when she called at 8:30 this morning. So here's the answers to your question:

1.) I really like what I am doing at work and want to get as much done as I can before I leave next Thursday.

2.) Also, I have a hard time spending nearly $600 on a three-day tour to Kangaroo Island. I can go to Victor Harbor and see the same thing if I really wanted. Minus the honey they make on KI, but I can buy that in a gift shop at Hahndorf if I really want it.

3.) I am at the point in my trip here that I am sick of seeing and doing new things. I am so ready to be home.

So I finally fell back asleep at about 6:30. I slept until my mother called and I chatted with her for a bit – it was Easter in the states so she called to say ‘Happy Easter’. I was trying to decide if I should bring something back from Australia to be auctioned off at Doug’s benefit, but the only thing I could think of is a painting that is hanging on my boss’ wall so I am going to ask her to see if I can get a copy somewhere. If no one else bids, I will because I like it. We discussed Doug's benefit on the phone and that's where those thoughts came from, most of you don't know Doug unless you're from Dysart.

I stayed in bed a bit longer and then got up and ate some cereal while watching the news. I love to hear the news, just not some of the extra crap that comes along with it. For example: how much those in Hollywood make, who in Hollywood is going to stay together, break up or have a baby in 2009, if Madonna will end up getting Mercy from Malawi after all, the ridiculous things that they sell on the tv shows (although I do kind of secretly want a PedEgg – I don’t need it, I just want to see if it works. Look at the commercial here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvFqrnEXxmM. I am just amazed that the balloon doesn't pop!)

I then crawled back in bed for a bit. Where I got hit by the umbrella yesterday hurts quite badly today. It didn’t at all yesterday, but she got my tailbone and it’s quite painful just to move around. It also didn’t help that I just felt like complete crud when I woke up and throughout the day. So I spent the day lounging around the house, doing laundry, and just catching up on some rest. I had to cancel on going to Sam and Christian’s barbie tonight. I’ll have to catch up with them sometime before I head back to the States.

I watched Ellen today… it was a rerun, but one I hadn’t seen. She got George Clooney on her show by baiting him with two of his favorite baseball players who have retired. It was a good show – even if it was a rerun from Martin Luther King Jr. day this year. I have decided that one of my goals in life is to be on The Ellen Show. I know you are thinking – great aspirations Hilary. (This is me being sarcastic by the way – not about my goal, but your thoughts about my goal.) Seriously though, they have so much fun on that show and you get free things. And Ellen is hilarious. I took a nap and then watched Three Dollars. That movie takes you on so many rollercoasters when you least expect it. I will not give any of the plot away, but will say that you should watch it and it comes highly recommended by me.

I made some egg salad last night, tried making a sweet potato (it wouldn't cook all the way through) and watched some of the movie Picture Perfect. It has Jennifer Aniston in it and it's pretty decent. I watched the news again. The protests in Bangkok are quite frightening. I know a few people who went there for holidays this week so I'm hoping that they are alright and will be able to get back. They were saying that the airport is being closed. On the other side of Oz, there are floods again in Queensland. Wildfires in Oklahoma and the Captain was rescued from the pirates. The world just seems so chaotic and crazy right now. I'll leave you to ponder.

Cheers.

Hahndorf - Again!

Hello,

[Tuesday, 7 April 2009]

Today I was able to go to Hahndorf again. Only this time I went with Ellie and Estee – whom I had met at church on Sunday night. We departed Adelaide at about 10:30ish am and headed for the Hills. We arrived in Hahndorf and moseyed around the art gallery for a bit. Estee was selling her jewelry there so she had a meeting with the manager of the gallery. Ellie and I headed out and wandered down the street. It was a bit chilly this morning, but who doesn’t mind a brisk morning breeze? Not me. We hit up the UGG shop (it sells Australiana for a way good price) and I decided to go back when Estee was with us so that I could have some help in the UGG sizing since Australia sizes are quite a bit different than US sizing. We meandered in and out of shops and enjoyed the morning. I went back to the Beeswax shop where I bought my mom’s hand cream and got her some more. She said it’s been working well so I thought why not get another since I am still in Oz? I also bought myself some more lip balm only this time I got vanilla flavored. I was going to get kiwi since that was available last time, but it wasn’t available this time. Drats!

After that the two of us caught back up with Estee and we headed back to the Australiana shop and Estee helped me with sizing. I got an amazing pair!!! They were priced at $99 which is a VERY good price compared to the US – and if I think about the exchange rate I am getting one heck of a deal. When I went to purchase the boots, the man only charged me $89! I told him that they were priced at $99, but he said, “No - $89 dollars” in a very stern voice. So I got an even better deal than I was expecting. Plus I haven’t taken the boots off since I got home. They are so comfortable!! And the pictures seriously don't do them any justice!

After hoofing around Hahndorf, we drove to Stirling and caught lunch with Estee’s friend Liz at an organic market/restaurant. The food was good – I had chunky vegetable with barley, parsley and pepper. We chatted a bit about traveling since Liz is leaving for Sydney, Spain, Morocco, Germany and other places for a community band tour. Estee used to work as a travel agent so I learned the inside scoop on how all of that works: commissioning, sales, paychecks, hours, etc. I have no desire to work in that industry at all.

Then we came back to Adelaide so that Estee could say good-bye to her Nana before she caught a flight back to Canberra. Ellie and I hung out at the Burnside Village Centre. The shopping center there is ridiculous. Purses (handbags as they are known here) cost $400 dollars and I swear I don’t think I saw a single person wearing jeans other than Ellie and I. They dress up all day, every day and wear Gucci, Chanel or Armani clothing and glasses. I didn’t buy anything in the stores since things were just so outrageously priced. Even books were expensive – a little kids book was $26 dollars, a paperback novel was $30 and cds were $26. Yikes! I don’t know how people can afford to live a lifestyle like that. It makes me sick just thinking about it – what about all of those who can’t get food to eat? Can’t take care of their sick children? Spending $500 on a purse when it could save someone’s life is more appealing to me.

In part of the Burnside Village Centre

The Athlete's Foot - funny name for a store, eh?

No one's store would be called that in the States!

Estee dropped us off at our house after the Burnside extravaganza… and I ate tea and watched the news. A woman named Helen White was sentenced to 13 years in jail with a minimum of 9 years served for starting some bushfires in the Hills a few years ago. They reported that she might try to appeal, but I don’t think that the appeal will be accepted. She has some mental health issues that her lawyer tried to get her acquitted on, but the judge dismissed the issues completely saying that she “terrorized her community.” Bushfires are a serious thing and the fact that she set them deliberately is a big deal.

Also my heart goes out to those who lost their homes and all their belongings, and those who lost their lives in the in earthquake that happened in Italy. To think that everything can be taken away and lives ripped apart by a mere matter of seconds.

On a different note, the Rudd government is going to be spending 43 billion dollars on a broadband plan nationwide. Over 4.7 billion of that money will be coming from taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. The rest will be made up with government iniquities and other monies. This will be quite nice because Australia really is behind the technical times here. They do have internet, but it is quite expensive so I am curious as to see how this will play out and how it will affect the citizens. On a happier note, a dolphin was released back into the wild off the coast of Queensland. And families were reunited on Finding My Family - a show about people being reunited after adoption.

I’m off to bed now, work comes early these days.

Cheers.

International Sevens Adelaide Rugby Tournament

G'day,

[April 4, 2009]

On Saturday I slept in! This was exciting because I rarely get to sleep in - 5:45am or 6am comes early. Anyway, I got up and got around for the day. What day was today - RUGBY DAY!!!!!! The Interntional Sevens rugby tournament was being held in Adelaide so I thought I'd go. I mentioned it to Ellie and she was in. As was Morgan. We caught the 172 bus into the city and then hoofed it to Adelaide Oval which is where the three-day event was taking place.

I paid $19 to see 16 countries play rugby - which is a pretty good deal for one day. When we arrived South Africa was playing someone and they kicked butt. I decided I was hungry so I was going to get something to eat. I waited in line for 20 minutes before I finally got some hot chips (fries for you Americans) and a chiko roll. I was getting a little impatient because the boy was only bringing two holders with chips in them at a time, and hello - there were 50 people in line and everyone wanted hot chips. I could also see them cooking the chips so I know there were more than 2 holders of chips coming out at one time. But whatever I ended up getting them and they were heaps better than the ones at AAMI Stadium last night. The chiko roll was really good too.

I found our seats. We sat pretty close to the field and the action was in front of us for most of the day, which was good. I have to say the atmosphere of the place was outstanding. One section of the crowd was purely Kenyans rooting for Kenya. I was rooting for Kenya too. They stomped whoever they were playing in the first match I saw them play. Tonga played Wales; England versus Samoa; New Zealand kicked the US's butt; Argentina versus Fiji; France beat Scotland; Australia beat Portugal and the last match of the day was South Africa and Kenya.

The United States did not play very well I thought. Of course, New Zealand won the World Cup recently and are hellaciously good. I know that the US did score 5 points near the end of the match, but NZ had at least 20 some. I kept thinking, "If you lived in the United States - why in the world would you want to play rugby when you have football?" I mean come on. Rugby is just not well-known in the United States I guess. I was told that the US finished fourth overall in the tourney so they must be half-way decent. When the tournament comes to the US they play in San Diego so maybe rugby is big there? I'll have to check it out. Ellie and I are going when it comes to the US next year. Hopefully it coincides with Winter Break [everyone else calls this Spring Break - I don't know why Wartburg has to be so difficult and call it something else.]

After the US/NZ match ended Morgan left to go to Paradise Church where someone from Hillsong was supposed to be performing. Hillsong is the equivalent to David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, etc. in America. Ellie and I had planned on going, but when we saw that South Africa was playing Kenya we knew we were staying for that game. Rugby, cricket and footy are like religion here okay? So we were staying with all the other religious people to watch some more rugby. Besides Ellie is a South Africa fan and I'm a Kenya fan and how often do we get to see our favorite teams play each other - let alone in Australia? Exactly.

Now the Kenya and South Africa match was worth more than what I paid to see everyone play. The match was very close and Kenya ended up coming out on top with the victory. The oval ERUPTED into cheers, chants, dancing and screaming. It was amazing. Did you know that the Kenyan national anthem has "hakuna matata" in it - you know the saying from The Lion King? I didn't know that. The Kenya team after their victory came over and stood in front of the stands and were thanking the fans. It was great and quite the sight to see. And it was a great ending to a wonderful day of rugby.

El and I caught the bus back to the house and then we finished off the day by watching "Just Like Heaven" which stars Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo and eating spinach and cheese pasta. Good movie, great meal and rugby = one heck of an amazing day!

Enjoy some of the photos from the rugby tournament. I have some videos I will upload later.

The logo...

Some of the entertainment throughout the day...

my favorites were the Jamaican bobsled team and the nun that was a man.

Kenya v. South Africa

The match-ups!

KENYA BEAT SOUTH AFRICA!

Cheers.

Australian Rules Football... otherwise known as 'footy'

Hello everyone,

[3 April 2009]

On Friday I had a normal day a usual - work and more work. WhichI definitely don't mind. I cranked out quite a few forms that day. Trev basically kicked us out of the office so Andrea drove me home and I got home about an hour and a half early. This was nice because it allowed me time to race the videos I had rented back to Video Ezy and get some new ones before I needed to catch a bus into the city to meet Jeremy for some Adelaide Crows footy. I ate a quick supper and brought some snacks with me.

E, M and I got off the bus and crossed the street to meet Jeremy and grab another bus... the footy express. That's right - footy gets it's own royal bus treatment to AAMI Stadium. Only I wouldn't say it's royal treatment by Buckingham Palace standards. There is even an express lane that is only for the bus going to the stadium. The bus ride was fun - I chatted with Jeremy, got made fun of for my semi-Australian accent and met some cute, drunk boys. The one (I don't remember his name) had just arrived back from 4 years in Ireland. He informed me that I looked Irish and I informed him that I am - via America. They picked up our accents right away. I hate that the American accent is a dead give away. Ugh. He then went into his dissertation on American politics - which mainly consisted of his hatred for George W. Bush. I kept informing him that I myself don't even like George. But whatever. He kept making statements like, "people in the south are just backwards aren't they?" "The north is where it's at isn't it?" And "the south voted Barack (only his accent made it sound like Brack) in man." I then turned to him and said, "Iowa, now that's my state, voted for Barack Obama in the primary caucus - which is the first primary in the country. That was HUGE for our country and people didn't expect that to happen. And that also means that people in the North voted for Barack, not just Southerners." Then he said something about how George W. Bush was the Devil and f'd up the world's economy. The bus arrived at the stadium at this time so I ignored his last comment and departed the bus. I was glad to get on with the footy match!

We found our seats and got the show rolling. Now I have no idea or concept about footy. They just run around and throw or kick the ball to each other. What about plays? Time outs? There is no protective gear used at all. The entire thing makes absolutely NO sense to me. Ellie and I just sat there and talked about how it's like a conglomeration of all these sports combined. Here's what we came up with:

horse racing
interpretive dance
sprinting
ribbon dancing (the flag man was hilarious to watch)
basketball
American football
soccer
hockey
ballet
boxing
gymnastics

There were many more, but that's all I can remember.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgnM9gNlMgk
Go to the link above to see the AFL commerical and to see how on El and I were with our assumptions!

Out of 41,189 people in attendance, I got stuck sitting next to these two little boys. They weren't bad until I asked what that the two sections of numbers in front of the score mean. They mean the goals and points. But after that the kid next to me would not shut up. He kept flirting with me and telling me about when he first started playing footy. I finally asked him what his name was and how old he was. I don't remember his name, but he said he was 14! There was NO way he was 14! He looked like he was 8. The girl in front of me kept turning around and giving me apologetic looks because he wouldn't shut up. I was even talking like, "uh huh, yeah, that's cool, oh man." You know, the things people say when they are not interested in what you have to say. I wanted to watch the footy man! I must add in here that the hot chips I paid $4.20 for were not good - they were cold and unsalty. Nasty.

After the match was over (Adelaide lost) we met Jess and wandered across the way to go to the Crow's Shed which is where fans can come and meet, drink more alcohol, buy more food and hear some of the players thoughts no the game. It was pretty good, I enjoyed the entertainment. Many of the people who go to the Shed are diehards and they were all upset about the umpires in this match. And the free kick count was Adelaide 11 and St. Kilda 30. So not even at all. After 4 players and 1 coach came out and talked, we left. I didn't think the players' or the coach's talk was anything special. Jess dropped us off at our house and I went and crashed in my bed. I've got a big day ahead with rugby tourney tomorrow!

Enjoy the photos!

AAMI Stadium

The field and pregame ceremonies

Some footy action

Jeremy, Morgan, Ellie & I at the Adelaide Crows v. St. Kilda footy match

Inside the Crow's Shed

Some Australian Rules Football Videos

Cheers.

We did it!!!

YES!!

We are OFFICIALLY on the government's Service Providers panel!!! We got our letter the other day!

Andrea and I are really excited and I just had to let you all know! :)

Cheers!

Wrong Bus Stops, 3km walks and Chocolate Factory Tours - sounds like a scene out of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory eh?

G'day,


[Happy April's Fool - this post is about March 31 & April 1, 2009 who doesn't love combo posts?]

On the 31st I had a mix-up of a day. I got up late - I overslept my alarm clock by almost an hour. But so had everyone else this morning so it was interesting. I was rushing around and then missed the bus I needed to get to Magill. I was supposed to go to the ending day of the DV/Self-Defense class, but knew I wouldn't make it in time since I had gotten up late. I missed another bus in the city because it was leaving just as I was arriving. I finally got to Magill and discovered Morgan there - the end of Self Defense class was LAST week. Which was a bummer and I would have missed it either way. So I spent the day blogging (or trying to) and catching up on my schedule and emailing stuff back home. I've been having some real issues with my Wartburg email account and it's just a big pain in my ass really.

I chatted with Andrea and we squared away the night to go and see He's Just Not That Into You. Morgan and I caught a bus back to the city and then off to our house to change quick before the movie. We came back, I dropped my computer off, changed and then caught a bus back to the city. There we met up with Ellie and took a bus out to the Greater Union Megaplex... only we never made it. Online it said to get off at stop 29A. Well 29A never presented itself, but 29 did and then 30. So we got off even though I said this didn't look anything like the Marion Mall (I've been there before) so we walked across the street and asked these two men that came out of a Thai restaurant that was reserved for a private party where the Greater Union Megaplex was at. The older man offered to take us in his car, but the younger man said no. They said it was 5km down the road and when you get to the end go left on Sturt Rd. So we started walking... Ellie didn't like this idea too much, but then again she's had a lot on her mind and had a rough day transportation wise. I kept trying to call Andrea to let her know what we might (no might about it we were going to be) late. She was driving so she didn't answer her phone. I think we walked almost 3kms before Andrea came and picked us up. She was already at the theater when I was able to get ahold of her. She was willing to drive around and find us. We ended up walking through: Glenelg, Kensington, Hove and Brighton. There was another on in there too, but I don't remember the name. We made it back to the theater, but were too late to get into a movie. 9:30 is when movies are last shown at this theater. It was a bummer that we missed out, but then again there is always another time.

April Fool's - April 1st

[Sadly, I don't think that April Fool's is a big deal here...]

Today I got up and went into work at Sefton. I cranked out a few contracts, paperwork, etc. and laughed with Andrea about last night's events. I got my weekly exercise in man. I got some solid work in before I headed off to catch a bus back to Parkside to go to Haigh's Chocolate Factory where we had booked a tour. The tour lasted only 20 minutes, but it was one of the best tours of my life. We went in and sat in a little room with 20 other tourists - most Australian, others from different countries. There was a girl there who had summered in Okoboji - small world! So we got some free tasting of the milk chocolates and dark chocolates... CHOCOLATE LIKE I'VE NEVER TASTED BEFORE! We were given the history of how Haigh's was started.

Basically, the third generation of Haigh's went and lived in Switzerland with a family for a year as a tutor for their son while they taught him everything they knew about making chocolate. They helped him purchase machines since nothing like that was being made in Australia. This family gave Mr. Haigh the secret to making chocolate - and they were the only family out of 10 that would help him. Thank God they did, or I wouldn't be here writing this. We got to tour the factory and see how everything is made. We learned where they get their beans from, how they use them, etc. There are 60 full time employees who are trained in every aspect of the chocolate making from the hand-wrapping of all candies, to the shining of the chocolates to sorting the boxes and labeling. It was so amazing to see and I don't think I would be getting a tour like that at Hershey's or Nestle's anytime soon. I wish we could've taken pictures, but that's not allowed. I did discover some photos on the walls when I went to find the toilet. So enjoy the ones I've posted. I didn't buy any chocolates that day, but plan on going back. I might bring some back so you can taste some real chocolate - and Haigh's doesn't export. Bummer.

After the tour, Ellie and I headed down Unley Rd and did some shopping and window browsing. I bought a new purse because my zebra stripped one from Sassy's went all dodgy and broke on me. Once again - don't buy a purse at Sassy's. Seriously. I got some gifts for people and then Ellie and I got Unley Civic Library cards. Whoo! I love libraries and owning library cards. :)

Enjoy the photos of the factory!

The sign out front welcoming us to the centre and factory.

All of these eggs are individually hand-wrapped... take that Hershey's!

Another photo on the wall... I love the way the chocolate is falling in this one!

A photo of the beans that are used in making their chocolate.

The Haigh's factory and visitors centre

Cheers.

Good-bye Mt. Gambier and the fresh farm air!

Howdy!

[This post is about Sunday, March 29th, 2009 - read the March 28th post before this one!]

So everyone one else was waking up at about six to go and see the cattle herded onto a truck to be sold off. Jess and Ellie tried to wake me up to see if I wanted to go, but I guess informed them that I was staying right where I was. I don't remember any of that - I was sleeping! I did wake up about five minutes after they climbed into the ute to go see the cattle. I really wasn't too keen to go and see the cattle herded onto a truck - I've seen it before and have seen other animals done the same way. It's hard coming from a farming community to not have seen something like that before you know? Sleep was of the essence anyway or I would have been one growly bear the rest of the day. Plus I was achey from horse back riding the day before and knew if I didn't get more sleep there would be a giant black bear growling around the farm and the countryside of Australia.


I ended up getting up and making beds and getting my stuff around to leave for the day. I chatted with the girls and Emil when they arrived back and while I had brekky I talked to Maren. Maren is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota and has been in South Australia for 29 years. She talked about the differences she noticed between Australia and America. Strollers are called prams here and there are a lot of other words associated with babies that differ. After the chat, I went to shower and got ready for church. We road to church in Amil's car and got to see Mt. Gambier in the daylight hours. It is a small country town with 33,000 people. It doesn't feel any bigger than Dysart really.

We went to a church that was/is located in a school. The service was held in a big gymnasium with chairs set up in rows. I could tell that many of the people in the congregation are farmers because the sermon, songs, etc. were geared towards harvest, growth, seeds, etc. It was a really good service and I enjoyed it. The only downside is that the projection screen was used a bit too much for my liking, but what can you do? After the service there was morning tea and conversations. I met many people and the food was delicious. I couldn't get over how good it was and I had to stop eating before I ate it all.

I ended up ducking out a little bit early so that I could call my mom since it was her birthday in the States. I was hoping to catch her since she had tried calling earlier and I had missed it. I was practically in tears because of it. I have a very good relationship with my mother and it gets hard when I can't talk to her for weeks at a time. I was able to get a hold of her (she was on the other line with my sister) and chatted with her for a bit. She said that the entire family was together last night and tried calling me, but since I was on the farm and had NO reception, I didn't know that they were calling. I cried a little, I haven't talked to my brother or sister since I came to Australia. Only on facebook, but that's not really talking you know? Anyway, after that I got up on all my Dysart knowledge and was back in fullswing. I chatted some more with my mom and then hopped in the car to go and order some fish and chips.

We ordered our butterfish and chips and then hopped back in the car and headed off to some quick sight seeing before coming back to get the food. We saw the Valley Lakes, Lady Nelson, and the Blue Lake in daylight. We went back and got our food and then headed to the Gardens. There I met Amil and Marty's oldest brother Philip. His wife and daughter were there as well as a couple who were expecting their first child. It was a really good lunch conversation and the butterfish was AMAZING! We got more fish and potato chips than we ordered, but hey that's okay. Marty ended up finishing what Amil couldn't eat.

Then we journeyed down to the sinkhole with the garden in it. It was quite extraordinary. I've never seen anything like it before. There were 100 ft. palm trees, giant ferns, a cave and a shit-load of kudzu just hanging down from the top of the sinkhole. There was a man-made waterfall and all kinds of flowers. It's unreal. We took our time in there and then we headed back on up to ground level. We said our goodbyes and went back to Amil and Marty's to pack-up and head to the Naracoorte Caves.

We ended up not going to the Naracoorte Caves and instead played a game of cricket. Ellie and I learned how to bat correctly and then we took our turns bowling and batting. It was a fun (and sweaty) afternoon. I think cricket was the best way to end our time on the farm. Before we left I went and saw Phoenix, Honey and the other horse (I can't remember his name for the life of me) and bid them farewell. Phoenix was being a pain and wouldn't let me touch her so Amil and I got some oats and then I fed the nameless horse, Phoenix and Honey. It was a good way to top of the weekend. After that we loaded up and hit the road for Adelaide.

On the way back I said I wanted to stop and look for the St. Hilary vineyard. I don't think the other two believed me that I had seen the sign, until Ellie yelled from the front seat - St. Hilary!!! So we stopped so I could get a picture with it. Glorious! We stopped at a truck-stop place for tea and then headed back out on the road. We scooted into Malvern at about 10:30pm. I was off to bed after bidding Jess good-bye and thanking her for driving to Mt. Gambier. I must say, the city air was quite depressing after having fresh farm air all weekend long. Gosh I can't wait to get back to Iowa! :)

Enjoy the photos of the day.

The Valley Lakes

Taking a picture with a giant fern

The garden in the sinkhole

The view from the bottom of the sinkhole

Playing some cricket in the driveway

This is Phoenix - isn't she beautiful?

Giving Phoenix (as well as Honey) some oats

Me with the St. Hilary vineyard sign

401 km left to Adelaide!

The sunset on the way home

Cheers!