Saturday I went to Glebe Market! A little bit more hippie, laid back part of town! We then went to the fish market, once you got past the smell it was really cool! So many fish packed into display cases and tanks of water! We then went to Darling Harbour, my favorite harbour so far I think!
On a fluke the Maritime research vessel was parked there on its last of 7-days of free tours! Scientists apply for a grant to spend a month doing research on the ship! All of the tools they have for getting water and sand samples was pretty neat and to see the controls, labs, living quarters, etc.
I then met with the family I'm hopefully going to be nannying for! Just waiting on a few details to work out!
Otherwise I've been staying with a friend of a friend the last two nights (so far I haven't had to pay for any accommodations...granted, I spent a night on a hostel floor...) Ed and his dad have been so nice and hospitable! I went out with a bunch of his friends Saturday night to a birthday party at a club at a beach club! There was free food and drinks, I pretty much looked like American trash because I wore my nicest outfit (not saying much when you're backpacking) and inhaled all the food because it was free :) But, thery were all so nice and great to chat with!
The questions people ask is amazing...people are very concerned about the banks. They have heard it is just awful in the states, don't get me wrong I know things are bad but people here think we are starving left and right. They are also SO curious and anxious to talk about the elections! Who you are going to vote for, what americans think, what they think - they are very up to date with our elections! More so then a lot of Americans...
Anyways, after the bday party we went to a fun hole in the wall bar with some great karaoke! I've noticed Australians have a love for American 80's hits! But, I requested "Don't Stop Believin'" and they didn't have it :(
Sunday they took me out with for one of their surf-lifesaving trainings! They took me out on a rescue boat - it was so cool, like really intense tubing! They work as volunteers who patrol the beaches and then they also have competitions in everything from beach running to rowing to surfing! Their national competition is the second largest competition in the world in terms of number of competitors (behind the olympics)
They then took my to a view different incredible viewpoints that overlooked all the harbours, bays, city and the ocean. It is so beautiful here in so many different ways. They pointed out some neat history things - like a lot of different spots where in the 19th century the Aussies had made camp spots and were prepared for the US to raid them and take over the land. They also have a quarantine center where they used to migrants stay for 6-weeks when they first arrived. If they didn't break out they assumed they were okay - they tried very hard to keep this country free of imperfections.
Last night Ed and his dad made me a great dinner - fresh, delicious prawns :) And it was really neat talking to them about Australia and the way their government works (parliment, with a queen and appointed general)...they get a lot of benefits after three years so a lot of times the government will call early elections in order to get to them sooner but for the most part they tend to be well liked by the people.
As an aussie, being in the mining industry is the most wealthy. The mines fun 24, 7...It costs so much to fire up most of the equipment and there are always trains and ships waiting to be filled and exported - the mines are all up north and minerals is definitely australia's biggest export.
I said it doesn't seem like their are any problems here and they told me that is a problem itself - they are can be a bit of apathy (although so far everyone I've met works darn close to 7 days a week with at least 4 of those being 10-12 hour days). The are also dealing with figuring out how to handle a lack of water and a booming population that no one was prepared for.
Well, this entry got long! Sorry! I need to sleep - headed to the reef tomorrow :)
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4 comments:
Congrats on getting that nanny job!.. Now remember, you can't beat the kids if they arent yours... So channel that agression into some other sort of medium... Like ultimate fighting or binge drinking.
Hi Love,
First, you know I love you so much!!!! I miss you--but have peace knowing you are well and so mature,capable! Loved your story-I am sorry I just realized this was up and running-Brandon clued me in--thanks Brandon! Loved your writings, always feel your emotions and care in your writing-good job! I will now keep reading and as always loving you more every moment! Mom
Hi! Congrats on your job--you will be great at that. I am glad that all work out. I can not wait to hear about your scuba trip and all the beauty under the sea. Love you! Mom
Hi Kalsey!
You are certainly missed here, but we are all very excited about your experiences and adventures!
I think that it is awesome that you are finding out so much about the Aussie's view of the US and our politics. I'm also glad that you are such an outstanding ambassador! :)
Everyone sends their love, and the request for more photos!
With Love,
Stacie, Mike, Connor and Anna
P.S. Have a meat pasty with your next brew - not Kangaroo, though!
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