Rollercoaster

Hey folks,

I am writing this post at the end of a tumultuous week filled with fond memories but also mired with tragedy. The other night after our inter-college get-together a friend of mine Jarrad Waites had an accident, slipping and falling on his way down the stairs while returning to his bedroom in our residence. He ended up suffering serious injuries to the head and spine and passed away on the scene. There was nothing anyone could have done to prevent this horrible twist of fate. Needless to say, the entire college was rocked by the incident that has completely overshadowed the prior events of orientation week.

Jarrad, or "Waitsy" as we called him was a great guy and was always welcoming and willing to chat. We had a few discussions about Canada as he had recently returned from a trip and had loved the country. Just hours before the accident I had taught him the game of beer pong outside in the courtyard and he had bought me a beer at the party. It seems trivial now, but I remember thinking to myself that I could see myself really getting along with him in the five months that I have here in Australia. It just goes to show everyone how fragile life is.

The last couple of days have been quite upsetting but also encouraging to see all the residents come together to support each other through the tough times. I got to chat with my Mum and Dad yesterday morning and it was great to hear their voice. I had never felt so far away from home. I hope anyone and everyone who reads this will keep Waitsy and his family in your prayers.

To put a positive spin to end this post here are some high points in this rollercoaster of a week: -last night I spent a night at a beach house with a few friends
-I watched Canada mens hockey muscle their way into the gold medal game for a shot at redemption vs. the Seppos. (Seppos=Septics=Septic Tanks=Yanks)
-I got my tickets to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Yves Klein Blue
-I registered for my classes which get underway on Monday
-I signed up for the La Trobe Soccer Club and am training on Tuesdays and Thursday to find out which of the four teams I am selected for
-I was introduced to $4 pizzas at a place called Bimbos. It reminded me very much of Morris East in Halifax....but dare I say it better?
-I slept in a swag....how very Australian of me.

I love to hear your comments so anyone who cares to leave one, feel free.

Take care, stay golden
love,
D

Goon Guzzler

Hey kids,
well I have the first week under my belt and it has been nothing short of fantastic. I keep having to remind myself that I am actually here to study and that I have class coming up on March 1st. Between then and now I have to prove my natural selection by getting through Survival Of The Fittest O-week and a surf trip this weekend. I'm pretty amped about those but can't say the same for my liver....or my wallet.

Since my last post I have swam in the Tasman sea twice, had four bbqs, seen a band called the Mess Hall play live at the St. Kilda festival, sailed around on a harbour cruise, showered twice, and changed my underwear once.....I think I am getting the hang of the Australian culture.

The majority of my days have bee taken up by seminars and meetings for all of the international and exchange students. There are people from all over. There was a point last week when I stopped and looked around me to realize that I was surrounded by people from Norway, Sweden, Italy, Germany, France, England, Canada and the mighty US and A. To quote Australian singer Ben Lee, "We are all in this together". They have also been putting on events for us at night. After the boat cruise I met up with the Aussies at the local pub, Stolberg, before taking the party back to res. Four of them thought it would be a good idea to climb down the chute of the salvation army clothes donation box that you would find outside your local grocery store. Of course, the way these things are designed you can get in....but you can't get back out. It was probably the funniest thing that has happened since I got here. All of us smart individuals that chose not to climb in and were relishing their misfortune. They ended up spending the night in the box I'm pretty sure before someone helped them to get out in the morning. Unreal.

Yesterday afternoon a group of us trekked to St. Kilda Beach. We went to the grocery store and bought some stuff to make sandwiches on the cheap and then got a box of wine. The cheap boxed wine here has the nickname "Goon" and the taste of gasoline. But my goodness it goes down easily if chilled to perfection. We sat on the beach for the rest of the afternoon just hanging out, swimming, and relaxing. There's nothing like it. A group of lads from Ireland were sitting off to our right and it wasn't long before they asked us for a game of football. Now we're talking. My team lost 20-11 but it was a good laugh with plenty of banter.

I will leave it at that for now. Hope everyone back hope is keeping well and are taking in the Olympics as much as you can. I watched the highlights from the Canada vs. Norway game and was swelling with pride. Hopefully we can keep it up and bring the gold back where it belongs. Did anyone else watch Sean White in the men's half-pipe today? That kid is an animal! Love watching that ginger fly through the air. Class above the rest.

Updates after my surf trip this weekend. Stay Tuned
Love,
D

First Impressions are Everything

Hey kids,

so I have safely arrived in Melbourne and am settled into my dorm room at Glenn College. School doesn't start up until March 1st but I had to register my arrival with the international office and whatnot. So right now, the international students are slowly arriving and moving in but apparently not to my floor. I have been hanging out with a small group of Americans in these first few days which can be pretty taxing. Some of them are hard to handle but I'm trying to not let that show. I feel like I can relate a lot easier to the Australians than the Americans. The Res Fellows and student mentors are all here for their training before school starts up so it has been good having them around. We went out with them on my first night here for some drinks at a local pub and they were all really welcoming. I wasn't suffering as badly as I thought following my ridiculously long trip so I lasted longer than the Americans at the pub and got some props from the locals for doing so. Just doing my part to rep Canada as much as I can!

Since the drinking age is 21 in the States I think the novelty and appeal of getting absolutely plastered in a new country hasn't completely worn off for my American counterparts. Since I have been going to bars for two years already, my highest priority isn't to get mangled as fast as I can but to enjoy a jug of Bogues and chat with the locals. The Australians are like me in that sense since the drinking age is 18 here. I think that's the way it should be.

Last night we took the tram into the city centre which takes about an hour. We wandered about for a while figuring out where we wanted to eat. We settled on a Japanese place. I wasn't a huge fan but by that point I was so tired of flip flopping back and forth trying to accommodate everyone that I would have eaten anywhere. After that, some of the group wanted to go bar hopping. I wasn't in the mood as it was 7:30 pm and there was still so much of the city that I wanted to see. It took me having to stand up to the group and say that I wouldn't be coming with them. I was joined by Jenna, a really nice girl from San Diego who wasn't interested in bar hopping either at that point in the night (probably has something to do with the fact she is 21)

So from there, Jenna and I wandered around and came across some gorgeous parts of the city just as the sun was coming down. The Yarra canal was really nice and everyone was out and about enjoying the lovely weather. We picked up some gelato and just strolled around taking pictures. Something that you don't see too much in North America is people just sitting and taking in the scenery but there were small groups all over the place just chillen' out, maxin', relaxin' all cool, shootin' some b-ball outside of the school. It was refreshing to see.

I've been checking out a lot of the concerts that are coming up in Melbourne and there seems to be a really good scene. Franz Ferdinand, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Massive Attack, and OkGo are all playing within the next two months. Edward Sharpe is already sold out but I will not lie down until I get my hands on a ticket. Watch this space.

Well that's about it for now. More updates to come as things start to pick up but just know that I am here safe, and lovin' it.
Stay Golden

Dom

Peace Out, Cougar Card

Hey everyone!

I am currently sitting in Ottawa airport in a zombie-like state, running on about two hours of sleep and watching the sun slowly creep up on us. Last night was quite the night to say the least. What I had planned on being a low-key, relaxed night turned into one of the most memorable times of my university career. I had never been the subject of a surprise party of any sort until last night and it definitely took me off guard. Ordering in some indian food with a couple of friends was all I was expecting until it was announced that Maggie's mum really wanted to take us out for a hot chocolate. I was so oblivious that I lemminged my way into the back of the SUV and was quite content to be on my way to a cafe of some sort for a hot beverage. Little did I know, a gathering of some of my closest friends was waiting for me at the Heart and Crown Pub. The mayhem would ensue...

Papa Bear, Tyler, Brock, Mal, Krystal, Colin, Rose, Mo, Jordan, Meg-0, Amelia, Emily, Lisa Marie, Courtney, Jamye, MagsBags, Menglebert, Alex, Sonny, Alisa, Grace, and everyone that I knew would have loved to be there....you guys are fantastic and I can't imagine giving my "surprise party v-card" to anyone else but you.....or the cougar that gave me that lap dance (I think I found true love)

Three part harmonies, buccaneer cheers, Irish car bombs, group hugs, and singing Pearl Jam at the top of our lungs. One day these will be the good ol' days.

It's comforting to know that people will miss me when I'm abroad and rest assured the feeling is mutual. You guys mean the world to me. See you back in Ottawa, god willing, for some more adventures.

Voltron, out

Travel Bug

On Sunday morning I am set to embark on an epic journey. I am traveling to Australia for a semester to study at LaTrobe University in Melbourne. It should be a blasty blast. I'm going to try and keep you all updated on the shenanigans and misadventures that I am sure to get up to while Down Under. I have 26 hours in the air ahead of me but couldn't be more excited for the challenge.

Here's a list of things I wish to experience:

-Wrestle a kangaroo to the ground with my bare hands
-Throw multiple shrimp on the barby
-Witness a dingo eating a baby
-Pick up the accent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpBYnL5fAXE
-sing an aria in the Sydney opera house
-kick the stingray that killed Steve Irwin
-surf just like my hero Cody Maverick
-finally be in a country that actually has a team in the World Cup!

I'm going to miss you all so much so I plan on keeping this updated regularly.
Special thanks go out to everyone that helped me out with preparations for the trip and encouraged me. Most of all my family. Mum, Dad, Matt, Roisin, Mairead, Heather...I love you all and appreciate your support more than you know.

Wish me Luck! Here goes nothing!
D