Aussie Day 2011

January 26th is an absolutely wonderful day to be in Australia. Chooksie's uber-cool friend Andrew Jones invited me to a house party hosted by his brothers. I arrived around 10 am and we just barely beat the rush. Then in typical Aussie form, the house and yard began to fill itself quite quickly. Wave after wave of friendly lovely people introduced themselves to me, initially believing me to be a yank. To quell these rumours, I created a name-tag which stated that I was "Mica from Canada." Funny enough, I gained the name "Canadia" as the day grew longer. Not sure why.

The hospitality of Australians was once again on full display. Truly special stuff. It was also the perfect day weather wise. The sun was golden, spirits were high, and punch bowls were always full. I feel really lucky, that at each of these gatherings I seem to meet people one at a time. In Australia, there is such an emphasis on being outdoors, and in general, on conversation. Only on a few occasions did full fledged dance parties burst out (when they did they rocked), but I was extremely satisfied getting to know everyone. Also, Australia has an incredible tradition that really adds to the excitement of the day...

A national radio station known as the Triple J (kind of like the Peak 100.5 in Vancouver) has the world's largest countdown on Aussie Day. Essentially millions of people vote, and they play the most popular songs on the radio live, from 100-1. Seems simple enough, however it really is a focal aspect of the day. Whatever party you find yourself in, its going to be blasting somewhere. I cannot think of an equivalent in Canada.

The company during the day was outstanding; whether it was Isabelle with the Polaroid, Lloyd and Frances with the Rainbow Fish, GIFE, Myles and Gen with the tennis connection, Katie with the work connection, Beyonce live and in the Flesh.... (I could go on and on)

It was lovely meeting everyone. Australians make it very easy to feel welcome.

Sweet Caroline (Karaoke Version)

Hello Everyone!

It has been a few days, and for that I apologize. However, there is a lot to update you fine folks on. So I figure the best way to do it is to simply list these happenings:

1) I am now employed. I will be a sales representative for an electricity company called Integral. I get to work out of an office in a cool part of town, known as Fortitude Valley. What I liked most about the company was the sense of community they are attempting to create. And for the sake of a 'backpacker' like myself, this is most welcome.

2) Seeing Chooksie was a dream come true. What an amazing woman! We haven't skipped a beat, and I feel so lucky to have met her in the first place. She has a way about her that makes anyone she meets want to know her more. Even at the pub we attended last night, captains and first officers for Emirates airlines were telling me how much they will miss having Chooksie on their flight crew. And I 100% believed them too. We all sincerely love Chooksie, and to see her again has been a revelation.

3) My relationship with Chooksie has had another positive impact. Namely her wonderful group of friends, that have been taking care of me since I arrived in Brisbane. I have shared wonderful nights with them so far, and that is really going to become a common trend.

4) The natural beauty of Brisbane is refreshing. In North Vancouver, I was always in awe of the mountains and the trees. Well Brisbane, predictably has impressed other natural wonders upon me. Firstly, the lush tropical wildlife and flora is surprising me all the time. There are geckos everywhere, giant elaborate spider webs, and even the odd wild turkey. Also, there is a giant toad here called the "cane toad" that was initially brought in as pest removal, namely to remove bugs from the cane itself. Then the cane toad started to eat the cane itself, and is now seen as a tubby, loud, pest of a creature. There are so despised, that gangs of kids are encouraged to walk around with cricket bats, and smash them high into the sky. I will try and get a photo of a big ugly one.

5) Cricket! I really like it. The sports stadium flooded in Brisbane, so there hasn't been any rugby or Aussie Rules Football yet. But I must say, I'm beginning to like this sport. How can you not like a sport where the breaks are literally called 'lunch time' and 'tea time?'

6) The general rule of thumb I have had with Australia is that, things here are twice as expensive (for the most part) but the people get paid twice as much. This is all fine and dandy if you live and work here, but it certainly makes Australia a tough place to travel without work. Unless you are only here for a short while, it appears the work holiday is the place to go.

7) I'm learning slowly and surely how to use Skype. Adding more and more people, so if you feel like adding me my Skype ID is "micaisabroad." Let's catch up soon.

I figure thats about all I can think of right now. I want to say to hello to Sasha, Milan, Mom and Dad. I hope you are all doing well. Sasha, are you getting excited for Australia? Milan, I want to talk to you about the energy company I will be working for. Dad, I wouldn't mind climbing the grind with you in the cold crisp, much-less-humid Vancouver air. And Mom, I hope your friends and work are bringing you a lot of joy.

To the friends, all I can say, is that a surprise is on the way. Lastly, hope Mr. Torres and the History 12 kids are enjoy a good balance, of productivity and grad excitement.

If anyone has any questions, that perhaps I havent answered well, don't hesitate to ask. Toodle loo.

You Make My Dreams Come True

Well, it's been a few days. I have to say so far the trip has really been a series of individuals adventures. Here in Brisbane, I'm starting to get into the flow of things. So much so, that I would even say the last 3 days has had a theme, or in this case a song.

We all remember that Hall and Oates song "You Make My Dreams Come True." With 500 Days of Summer, it rose from the ashes of the early 1980s and reminded us of how care-free true love could be. I swear that song has been in my head for days. But trust me in, it isn't my fault.

1) I've been having wacky dreams (means I'm sleeping well) lately. In one dream, I was on a date in the forest. The date began as a wholesome picnic, with a very 1950s feel. The girl was in a lovely dress, I had my hair parted, the birds were chirping. But at random moments, the dream would become an apocalyptic nightmare. Seriously, it became the Mel Gibson movie, 'Apocalypto.' It was gory and it was disgusting, and then very quickly the carnage would stop and the birds would start chirping again, and it was back to the 1950s picnic. So Strange.

2) Hall and Oates has been playing in the Alexander house. Rob and Jeannine ever started to boogie a bit the other day.

Today, I experienced a tropical 'flash-shower." I was gardening, and the rain just came out of nowhere in buckets. The weather patterns here are so unpredictable. Sun-Rain-Thunder-Sun-Thunder. I would never want to be a meteorologist in the city of Brisbane.

I'm really starting to get a sense for the city of Brisbane, as well as getting to know some of the people. Chooksie has some amazing friends here, and I've been kind of adopted into the group. We are going to do some Karaoke on Friday Night to celebrate Chooksie's return. I still cannot believe I haven't seen her in 5 years. That is incredible.

I hope everyone is well.

Channel Nine Drinking Game

          The Brisbane floods have offered me an accelerated portrayal of Australian life. While in Sydney, the ongoing floods in Queensland were referred to, but never really a topic of conversation. Just as in Canada, Australia is country of great distances and space. Canadians, by and large, live at the southern border, and Australians likewise live by the sea. But there is still great distance between these cities.

          One consistent factor of this flood crisis for me has been the coverage of the Channel 9 News. (essentially the CBC News) Since it is a national station, I have watched the same anchors and reporters in both Sydney and Brisbane. There has been a distinct shift in the “theme” of the coverage pre-flood and post-flood. Essentially, the initial focus was on the ‘worst-case scenario’, a responsible move if you asked me. After all, some of the loss of life was avoidable.

           In the days leading to up the worst of the floods, it came to my attention that the cities of Brisbane had developed a drinking game known as the “Channel 9 Drinking Game.” Essentially, whenever the word “1974” (the year of the last major flood) or “inundated” was said, people throughout the city drank. I initially found it strange, but really who am I to judge?

           We played this game on the evening before Brisbane was hit hard. My friend Willi and his roommate Dan (my newfound Aussie musical soulmate) had water approach their driveway but no closer. One of Willi’s friends Isaac, wasn’t as lucky.

            Isaac and his family had recently moved into a comfortable pleasant suburb known as Auchenflower. That morning, the water level was almost 9 metres above its usual levels; as a result, his entire lower floor was underwater, and 8 feet of his upper floor. His house was completely flooded.

Instead of waiting for the waters to recede, he sprung into action. Within 24 hours, he had an army of willing friends, a boat, and a power generator. He was lucky, because most people have no access to their houses right now. With each passing hour, it makes clean up more and more difficult. I watched in dismay, as older couples with no means of accessing their flooded houses, watched on. It was a bleak situation outside, inside was another story.

           The room of bustling with energy, but I’ll admit, we were initially overwhelmed. Most of the furniture was destroyed, and there was mud and debris everywhere. However, it quickly became obvious that we just had to clean one room at a time. We carried all the debris and ‘rubbish’ to the back porch, and began cleaning. In the video I have posted, I worried that my camera would be ruined in the mess, so you only see the “after” footage. However, I can assure you, the stench was foul, and it seemed an impossible mess.

            By the end of the morning, as Willi put it “the house was looking like a house again.” It was incredible achievement. All these friends, had answered the call, and simply worked hard. One room at a time. One room that really affected me was the baby room; scattered on the floor were books, toys, pictures, and remnants of a crib. I wanted this room to once again be spotless, and spotless we made it. I left that house with such an overwhelming positive energy it was revelatory. I have signed up to continue to clean houses, and hopefully I will be hired for the next few months. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but I’m starting to think that all the grueling landscaping/labour work may have been leading me this way. It’s nice to know, that those skills I developed can be used here. As Isaac put it, “It was overwhelming, and there certainly were tears as the water rose…but in end, we have to start again.”

           

           At this time, I am overwhelmed and amazed at the importance of being a good neighbour. This could have been a terrible day, but it was a glorious day.

Brisbane, Rain, and the year 1974

In Sydney, we had been reading reports regarding the flood 'situation' in Queensland. Small towns were being devastated, and the military was being flown in to assist the residents. TV telethons with Australia's biggest stars were being planned, and the national news offered occasional coverage of the floods. With that being said, there was no indication that Brisbane and its nearby suburbs would be hit hard. So I purchased my $79 dollar ticket, and got on a plane to Brisbane.

Brooke Alexander (usually known as "Chooksie") is one of my favourite people in the world. I can safely say this even though I haven't seen her for 5 years. I often wondered how so much love could come out of one human being. Well, I can say this; after being picked up from the airport by her parents, Jeannine and Rob, I understand where it came from.

As I exited the plane, I saw two adult figures dancing away with excitement. In the car ride, we hadn't even left the airport parking lot when they saw a lonely backpacker looking lost and confused. They pulled up to the young boy, turned out to be a German traveller named Marvin, and demanded that he hop into the car. We drove him to a hostel called the "Yellow Submarine" and then we were on our way; Jeannine sternly warned him "Don't get into any more cars with any more strangers."

Jeannine and Rob have four children. Brooke, Dane, Bill, and Joe. None of the children were home that evening, so I was the first of what is to be a glorious parade. Over the following days, Bill and Joe, (the youngest of the children) both returned, and the house is becoming more and more occupied. Dane and Chooksie are going to be here as well, in little over a week. The excitement level within this house is magical; unfortunately, there are natural forces at work that are out of our control.

The flood crisis has hit Brisbane incredibly hard. The television and radio stations are covering the crisis live 24 hours a day. The downtown core is empty, the buildings have had their power cut off, and emergency crews are everywhere. Two of my other friends have already had to evacuate (we are luckily on higher ground) and the outlook is getting gloomier and gloomier.

My initial prospect of living and working here may need some re-adjustment, but at this point it is too early to tell. Either way, as grim as the situation is outside, I applaud the positivity of the Alexanders in their loving home. Jeannine especially, is a beacon of love and energy, which makes life in a crisis, feel safe as can be.

P.S. You are probably wondering why I included the year 1974 in this post's title. I simply included it because I have never heard the word "1974" said so often in such a short period. This is because there was a similar flood in 1974, which crippled a much less populated Brisbane at the time. This flood is easily going to eclipse that flood in terms of devastation, according to the local media.

Cuz Night

One thing I immediately associate with Sydney television is the practical 24 hour/a day cricket coverage. Traditionally, these matches (or tests) take a number of days, with breaks in the 'action' that are actually called "Lunch Time" and "Tea Time."

However, my cousins Ivanka and Ksenia told me of a league match being played in the Olympic Park (home of the 2000 Sydney Olympics) between New South Wales and Western Australia.

Our plan was fool proof. I would meet the cousins at Circular Quay (essentially a larger Lonsdale Key) and we would transit to the match. We deemed it 'Cuz Night.' It was pretty glorious. Though the weather was initially gorgeous, it was not willing to remain cooperative. Although we ourselves may have been dampened, our spirits were not.

It was a wonderful evening, ending a lovely stay in Sydney. The parallels between Sydney and Vancouver are certainly there, and I found Sydney to be more than familiar. Perhaps what I most admired, was the natural foundation that the entire city plan appeared to be based upon. Parks are very important, and just as in North Vancouver, trees and natural beauty are put in the forefront.

I really want to thank Aras and Chris once again for hosting me so graciously. It was also lovely to meet all of Aras' friendly, welcoming group of friends. I even got to see Hannon before she departed for Canada! It was an exceptional start to a journey full of unknowns.

Wrong Country

It has been a lovely 3 days thus far in Sydney. I have found it impossible to start reading my book (starting with "The Odyssey" via Sam Sackeroff), which was meant to be a new years resolution of mine. I guess when things normalize themselves in Brisbane it will become an easier goal to achieve. Sydney has been a whirlwind of introductions, crazy nights, and lovely afternoons of exploration. I've got to say, (barring Europe) I think the beach side communities of Sydney have got to be the most romantic locales I've seen in my life. Outstanding.

I continue to post my favourite photos so far on Facebook, and I like the idea of this page being my little spot for thoughts and observations. In terms of Sydney as a city, it is an incredible place to visit. To live here would be a dream, but it is indeed costly. I always have to remember, that although the cost of living here is about twice as high, the people here get paid about twice as much. However, as a visitor who is currently not-yet-working, it is a daunting locale. Essentially, without the free accommodation that makes this visit possible, a full time job is entirely necessary to live in this city.

Remember that economic study we learned about called the "Big Mac Index?" Essentially, it compares the price of a universal object worldwide, like a Big Mac. What I have been doing has been the California Roll Index. I'd say the average cost of California Rolls in Vancouver is about $2.50. In Australia, I have averaged them at $7.75! If you want to start a Sushi restaurant, come here! You will make a killing.

Tonight, I am heading to a cricket match with my cousins Ksenia and Ivanka. It's going to be oodles of fun. We are going to dress for the part, and lather ourselves constantly with sunscreen. So far, my feet have been victimized. Sunburnt, and covered in blistered from my cheap set of "thongs" they are swearing at me every step of the way. Wearing tennis shoes feels like a day at the spa.

Photos and video will be posted soon. In terms of a few shout outs, I hope all the friends (or at least, those that remain) in North Vancouver are doing well. Want to thank all the people that wrote cards for my trip once again, some truly lovely things said. Hope Scotty is rocking out on the boat once more (see you in Brisbane) and I hope Sasha is keeping life interesting for Mom and Dad.

Mom and Dad, thanks so much. Take care everyone.

Day 1 Sydney

Following a 5 hour layover in Tokyo (made much easier by a little online cribbage with Hefe) I hopped onto a Boeing 777 heading for Sydney.

I sat next to this Australian, who believe it or not, was really friendly and outgoing. He pointed out an interesting thing that Japan Airlines loading crew does when they have completely loaded the luggage onto the plane. As you taxi towards the runway, the crew stands in an orderly line waving, and then they bow to the plane politely and walk away. Neat little cultural moment, I love those.

I arrived in sunny Sydney, and the heat hit me pretty quick. It was a jump from -4 to 32 Celsius. But all in all, I thought it would be worse considering the time of year. As I walked towards customs, I realized I had no idea where I was staying that night in terms of the address.

(something required on your customs form) So I tried to situate myself in a line where I wouldn't have any trouble. I estimated that if I put myself behind an attractive young backpacker, her looks would distract the customs agent. Turns out the backpacker was suspicious for some reason, and I waited anxiously behind her 20 minutes, when she was promptly escorted to another room. I walked up, and the guy let me right through.

My friend Aras picked me up, and what a host he has been! We have had good food, drink, and he lives a beautiful part of town. GET THIS! The area we live in, on the north side of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House is called "the North Shore." Guess what bus I take to get home? THE 246! Honestly, what are the chances of that?

Then, something glorious occurred. Jessica Hannon, whom I am forever devoted to, pops by. She is going to spend the night! Aras and I decided to brave the heat and go play some tennis. We had ourselves an excellent game, and I managed to obtain my first sunburn. I look like someone who went downhill skiing all day, while only wearing swimming goggles.

After a lovely dinner, where I met Chris, the ridiculous roommate of Aras. You will see more of him, in the video I have posted. Also met his girlfriend Rebecca, and his friend 'Duckie."

Needless to say, the hospitality has been wonderful thus far. That night we went a famous local bar called the Oaks, which was brilliant. It is actually an old hotel, with dozens and dozens of different rooms, about half of which are designated pool halls. The vibe was really welcoming and unassuming, and it is a place I would definitely recommend.

Most memorable was our stroll home. Hannon and Aras wanted a kebab, and we walked into a place called "The Bay". Aras firmly believed that the gentleman looked like the famous 'Soup Nazi" from Seinfeld. Turns out, he acted like him too. His performance in the video is that of pure perfection.

So that's that for now, hope all is well at home with the family. Hope the friends are happy and healthy, and I hope my mid-December History 12, managed to achieve its purpose. If I recall correctly, the goal was to 'plant the seed for the new year.' Any growth?

Cheerio everyone.

p.s. Was watching the World Junior game. That was a tough pill to swallow, especially considering the only thing to watch after was Cricket.....