Hi!!!
Australia's Most Underrated City
Check out this link to an article about Newcastle that I found while doing research for my Tourism paper that was due the other day. It gives some good information and history about where I am!!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Classes
Hi!
Well its about that time of the semester where things start getting a bit hectic! Lots of big papers and assignments (which are called assessments here in Aussie Land) coming up in the next few days! Thought I'd let you know about how all of my classes are going so far:
1. Australia and the World- Its surprisingly difficult for a freshman level course. It goes in depth with Australia's history with other countries however I don't know much Australian history in general which makes the class a bit more difficult. My professor expects me to know my American history very thoroughly when the US comes up in the discussion and I find it very frustrating when I can't recall the specific details he wants me contribute.
2. Popular Culture and Society- I LOVE this class. It is so interesting to hear the Australian perspective on pop culture especially when the US gets mixed into the conversation. For example, we were recently discussing television in class and the fact that most TV in Australia is American. This raises issues with educating children about emergency practices because they are used to hearing "Call 911" on TV but really in Australia the emergency number is 000. People have to make extra sure that their kids know the right number to call instead of doing what they see on TV.
3.Digital Culture- This is my online class and its pretty good so far. Not too time consuming. We usually have some readings to do each week with a task that we have to complete and then write about. Lately the tasks have been dealing with search engines or wikis. Last week one of our assignments was to update a wikipedia page.
4. Tourism Principles and Practices- This class focuses on management practices in tourism. I have a paper due very soon which has to be based off a contemporary toursim issue. This is a good class because it talks a lot about Australia. Just recently we were discussing Uluru which was exciting for me because I get to go there next week!
The grading system here is much different than the US. Instead of grades A, B, C, D, and F they have High Distinction, Distinction, Pass, Credit, and Fail. Apparently High Distinctions are much harder to come by than As. All of my classes will transfer to U of A as elective credits (assuming I pass all of them). My grades will not affect my Grade Point Average. Well I better get back to work if I want to finish my assessments in time!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Well its about that time of the semester where things start getting a bit hectic! Lots of big papers and assignments (which are called assessments here in Aussie Land) coming up in the next few days! Thought I'd let you know about how all of my classes are going so far:
1. Australia and the World- Its surprisingly difficult for a freshman level course. It goes in depth with Australia's history with other countries however I don't know much Australian history in general which makes the class a bit more difficult. My professor expects me to know my American history very thoroughly when the US comes up in the discussion and I find it very frustrating when I can't recall the specific details he wants me contribute.
2. Popular Culture and Society- I LOVE this class. It is so interesting to hear the Australian perspective on pop culture especially when the US gets mixed into the conversation. For example, we were recently discussing television in class and the fact that most TV in Australia is American. This raises issues with educating children about emergency practices because they are used to hearing "Call 911" on TV but really in Australia the emergency number is 000. People have to make extra sure that their kids know the right number to call instead of doing what they see on TV.
3.Digital Culture- This is my online class and its pretty good so far. Not too time consuming. We usually have some readings to do each week with a task that we have to complete and then write about. Lately the tasks have been dealing with search engines or wikis. Last week one of our assignments was to update a wikipedia page.
4. Tourism Principles and Practices- This class focuses on management practices in tourism. I have a paper due very soon which has to be based off a contemporary toursim issue. This is a good class because it talks a lot about Australia. Just recently we were discussing Uluru which was exciting for me because I get to go there next week!
The grading system here is much different than the US. Instead of grades A, B, C, D, and F they have High Distinction, Distinction, Pass, Credit, and Fail. Apparently High Distinctions are much harder to come by than As. All of my classes will transfer to U of A as elective credits (assuming I pass all of them). My grades will not affect my Grade Point Average. Well I better get back to work if I want to finish my assessments in time!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Afternoon on Darby!
Hi!
Today Kylie and I took the train over to Darby Street for a fun little afternoon. We went to our favorite mexican food place, went into some of the super cute (but also really expensive) shops, and topped off the outing with milkshakes from 3 Monkeys! Such a lovely day! So happy I'm sharing this semester with my best friend!!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Today Kylie and I took the train over to Darby Street for a fun little afternoon. We went to our favorite mexican food place, went into some of the super cute (but also really expensive) shops, and topped off the outing with milkshakes from 3 Monkeys! Such a lovely day! So happy I'm sharing this semester with my best friend!!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Kylie and I on Darby Street!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Sydney again!
Hi!
On Friday Kylie, Amy (from the UK), Grace (an Aussie), and I took the train down to Sydney so we could be tourists and have a girls night out! It was so much fun! When we got there it was pretty rainy so we grabbed a bite to eat and went straight to the Sydney Aquarium which is located in Darling Harbor. We saw all kinds of marine creatures including giant stingrays, sharks, jellyfish, PENGUINS, crabs and the entire cast of fish from Finding Nemo. We walked around the harbor for a bit and checked out some souvenir shops. Once we had seen enough, we cabbed it back to the hostel we were staying at called "The Funk House", which was in Kings Cross. It was an interesting place to say the least. We went out for pizza and wine for dinner and then hit the town! We went to the world famous "World Bar" in Kings Cross where they serve you a drink in not just a boring old cup but a teapot! It was very unique! The next morning we were up bright and early so we could head over to Sydney Harbor. This time it was much more sunny and warm which made for better photos in front of the bridge and opera house. We ate lunch outside at a little restaurant on the harbor with a spectacular view of the Harbor Bridge. It was definitely one of those moments where I thought to myself "wow, I can't believe I'm in Australia!!" I've already been here for over a month and I still can't believe how lucky I am to be here! I am loving every minute of it! After lunch, it was back to the train for the 3 hour ride back to campus!
Until next time,
Kimmy
On Friday Kylie, Amy (from the UK), Grace (an Aussie), and I took the train down to Sydney so we could be tourists and have a girls night out! It was so much fun! When we got there it was pretty rainy so we grabbed a bite to eat and went straight to the Sydney Aquarium which is located in Darling Harbor. We saw all kinds of marine creatures including giant stingrays, sharks, jellyfish, PENGUINS, crabs and the entire cast of fish from Finding Nemo. We walked around the harbor for a bit and checked out some souvenir shops. Once we had seen enough, we cabbed it back to the hostel we were staying at called "The Funk House", which was in Kings Cross. It was an interesting place to say the least. We went out for pizza and wine for dinner and then hit the town! We went to the world famous "World Bar" in Kings Cross where they serve you a drink in not just a boring old cup but a teapot! It was very unique! The next morning we were up bright and early so we could head over to Sydney Harbor. This time it was much more sunny and warm which made for better photos in front of the bridge and opera house. We ate lunch outside at a little restaurant on the harbor with a spectacular view of the Harbor Bridge. It was definitely one of those moments where I thought to myself "wow, I can't believe I'm in Australia!!" I've already been here for over a month and I still can't believe how lucky I am to be here! I am loving every minute of it! After lunch, it was back to the train for the 3 hour ride back to campus!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbor
Group photo with the fish!
I was so excited about the penguins!!!
Fish!!
Me in one of the underwater tunnels!!
Being silly!
Darling Harbor!
Wine! (and Kylie's beer)
Teapots at World Bar
Holding up the Havasu News Herald in front of the opera house hoping they will put us in the paper!
Australian flags on top of the Harbor Bridge
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Days off
Hello!
I recently switched out of one of my pop culture classes and picked up a digital culture class instead. My two pop culture classes ended up being way too similar and repetitive. This new digital culture class is more relatable to my degree and it is an online class which means I get to spend less time in the classroom and more time exploring Australia! Since my Tuesdays are pretty much cleared up now, that means I have one more day off during the week! What do I do with these days off?? I usually catch up on homework and readings for my classes but Kylie and I have been making sure that we get off campus and do a little exploring! A couple days ago we took an afternoon just to walk around Newcastle and we went to the beach! Still a little bit chilly to really enjoy the beach but when its sunny outside its not too bad! We also found good mexican food! There's a place called Macho Nacho on Darby Street (a popular restaurant and shopping street) which has pretty good quesadillas and burritos! Finally, success!! I have some exciting things coming up within the next few weeks. Heading to Sydney this weekend, getting excited to meet up with Kristina and Rudy in a few weeks, and getting ready for Mom and Dad to come down a bit later! Can't wait!
Until next time,
Kimmy
I recently switched out of one of my pop culture classes and picked up a digital culture class instead. My two pop culture classes ended up being way too similar and repetitive. This new digital culture class is more relatable to my degree and it is an online class which means I get to spend less time in the classroom and more time exploring Australia! Since my Tuesdays are pretty much cleared up now, that means I have one more day off during the week! What do I do with these days off?? I usually catch up on homework and readings for my classes but Kylie and I have been making sure that we get off campus and do a little exploring! A couple days ago we took an afternoon just to walk around Newcastle and we went to the beach! Still a little bit chilly to really enjoy the beach but when its sunny outside its not too bad! We also found good mexican food! There's a place called Macho Nacho on Darby Street (a popular restaurant and shopping street) which has pretty good quesadillas and burritos! Finally, success!! I have some exciting things coming up within the next few weeks. Heading to Sydney this weekend, getting excited to meet up with Kristina and Rudy in a few weeks, and getting ready for Mom and Dad to come down a bit later! Can't wait!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Some of you may know that one of my goals for this trip is to come home liking sea food! You'll be proud to hear that I ordered calamari at a restaurant and liked it! So far so good!
Hanging out at the beach!
Hunter street
Nobby's Beach. The flags mark the areas that are patrolled by lifeguards.
Me in front of Customs, a popular bar and restaurant.
The sunset by the train station on campus!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Autonomy Day
"Twas the first day of January, 1965 that the illustrious University of Newcastle was declared autonomous from its forebearer, the University of New South Wales as decreed by the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Eric Winslow Woodward. Since that fateful day students at UoN have celebrated the Uni's independence with celebrations in Semester 2 of each year, and 2012 will be no different."
Hello!
The above excerpt is from a flyer describing Auto Day! Its basically just a big celebration on campus that the entire student body gets involved in! For us the celebration started at 3am!! It was so much fun! There was free food, live music, and other events all over campus!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Hello!
The above excerpt is from a flyer describing Auto Day! Its basically just a big celebration on campus that the entire student body gets involved in! For us the celebration started at 3am!! It was so much fun! There was free food, live music, and other events all over campus!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Celebrating Auto Day with Angus, Kylie, and Kevin!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Australian Slang!
Hello!!
Today's post is just about Australian slang! Some of the words aren't too different but its strange to hear different words for common things! I'm still catching myself having to ask people what things are just because they call it something else!
Heaps- A lot
Queue- line
Keen- up for something
Car park- parking lot
Park- parking spot
Arvo- afternoon
Busting- really really need to go to the bathroom
Rubbish bin- trash can
Footy- rugby---eh this is debatable
Jumper- sweater
Toasty- toasted sandwich
Mackers- McDonald's
How you goin'?- How are you?/ How's it going?
Goon- boxed wine
Take away- to go
Booking- reservation
Spew- vomit
Boot- car trunk
Air Con- A/C
Singlet- tank top
Sunnies- sunglasses
Lolly- Candy
I'm sure there's heaps more but right now this is all I can come up with!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Today's post is just about Australian slang! Some of the words aren't too different but its strange to hear different words for common things! I'm still catching myself having to ask people what things are just because they call it something else!
Heaps- A lot
Queue- line
Keen- up for something
Car park- parking lot
Park- parking spot
Arvo- afternoon
Busting- really really need to go to the bathroom
Rubbish bin- trash can
Footy- rugby---eh this is debatable
Jumper- sweater
Toasty- toasted sandwich
Mackers- McDonald's
How you goin'?- How are you?/ How's it going?
Goon- boxed wine
Take away- to go
Booking- reservation
Spew- vomit
Boot- car trunk
Air Con- A/C
Singlet- tank top
Sunnies- sunglasses
Lolly- Candy
I'm sure there's heaps more but right now this is all I can come up with!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Friday, August 3, 2012
Bush Walk!!
Hi!!
Today we went for a bush walk!! (AKA hike) We had a guided tour of Glenrock National Park which the international office organized for us. It started up in the forest and we went past a creek and a little tiny waterfall and then ended at the beach! It was so beautiful! It was nice to get some exercise too. Our guide was aboriginal so he was able to tell us a lot about how people lived there and the 'spirits' that inhabit the landscape. Before we went on our walk, he lit a small fire and we were encouraged to walk by the fire and waft some of the smoke towards us. This is to pay respect to those that once lived there and to get rid of the negative energy that we get from the city so we do not upset the spirits. Once that was over with we went on the walk and learned about where to get water and which plants are edible and which are poisonous. It was a very educational experience. Once we got back to campus I had some homework to do and got some dinner at the dining hall. Then a bunch of us went to a rugby game on campus because the Teds team was playing. It kind of reminded me of Friday night football in high school but it was fun!
Until next time,
Kimmy
Today we went for a bush walk!! (AKA hike) We had a guided tour of Glenrock National Park which the international office organized for us. It started up in the forest and we went past a creek and a little tiny waterfall and then ended at the beach! It was so beautiful! It was nice to get some exercise too. Our guide was aboriginal so he was able to tell us a lot about how people lived there and the 'spirits' that inhabit the landscape. Before we went on our walk, he lit a small fire and we were encouraged to walk by the fire and waft some of the smoke towards us. This is to pay respect to those that once lived there and to get rid of the negative energy that we get from the city so we do not upset the spirits. Once that was over with we went on the walk and learned about where to get water and which plants are edible and which are poisonous. It was a very educational experience. Once we got back to campus I had some homework to do and got some dinner at the dining hall. Then a bunch of us went to a rugby game on campus because the Teds team was playing. It kind of reminded me of Friday night football in high school but it was fun!
Until next time,
Kimmy
The Bush!
Kylie and I by the creek!
Love that ocean!
The beach was so pretty!!! Can I just live here??
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Hows the food??
Hello!
I've been getting a lot of questions about how the food is here in Aussie land. To be perfectly honest, not the best! At Teds (the nickname for my dorm, Edwards Hall) I get 16 meals a week at the dining hall here at the dorm. Monday-Friday I get breakfast and dinner. On the weekends I get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast always consists of yogurt, fruit, and toast. Lunch on the weekends is cold cut sandwiches. Lunch during the week is either noodles in my room, purchased food on campus (sushi (YUM), pasta, or baked rolls), or the free BBQ that the student services puts on twice a week. Dinner at Teds is usually a hit or miss, but I've had more misses than hits. (But its ok!! no worries!) There's usually a couple meat choices and a vegetarian choice. I seem to prefer the veggie choices. Tonight was taco night which was a pleasant surprise! It was surprisingly good! There are a few Aussie must-try foods including Tim Tams. Its a chocolate biscuit and its amazing. The Aussies were quick to teach us the correct way to drink coffee through a Tim tam. Coffee here is way different. I prefer the 'flat white' which is like a cappuccino. Hopefully I will be trying a meat pie soon!! Still haven't tried kangaroo meat yet either! I've attached a couple photos of the dining hall so you can see where I get most of my meals!
Until next time,
Kimmy
I've been getting a lot of questions about how the food is here in Aussie land. To be perfectly honest, not the best! At Teds (the nickname for my dorm, Edwards Hall) I get 16 meals a week at the dining hall here at the dorm. Monday-Friday I get breakfast and dinner. On the weekends I get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast always consists of yogurt, fruit, and toast. Lunch on the weekends is cold cut sandwiches. Lunch during the week is either noodles in my room, purchased food on campus (sushi (YUM), pasta, or baked rolls), or the free BBQ that the student services puts on twice a week. Dinner at Teds is usually a hit or miss, but I've had more misses than hits. (But its ok!! no worries!) There's usually a couple meat choices and a vegetarian choice. I seem to prefer the veggie choices. Tonight was taco night which was a pleasant surprise! It was surprisingly good! There are a few Aussie must-try foods including Tim Tams. Its a chocolate biscuit and its amazing. The Aussies were quick to teach us the correct way to drink coffee through a Tim tam. Coffee here is way different. I prefer the 'flat white' which is like a cappuccino. Hopefully I will be trying a meat pie soon!! Still haven't tried kangaroo meat yet either! I've attached a couple photos of the dining hall so you can see where I get most of my meals!
Until next time,
Kimmy
The Dining Hall. Food is served buffet style so you go through the door on the left (where you can see a line) and come out the door thats under that big colorful crab photo on the wall.
Our table!
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