Oh, how I need to write. It’s been far too long, so I guess it’s blog time…it has been a month since my last entry, so it is well overdue.
Firstly, I’d like to direct you all to the fact that the genius who created Ashton X has added a …well I don’t really know what to call it, but I’ll say a teaser to his blog. Following that link, you can also follow the link to Creepy Lamingtons, Luke has also added a crazy short story to that. He’s been busy apparently!
Well, for those of you who are aware, I’ve been in Canada for the past few months. But those months abroad are coming to an end, quite quickly as well. I leave Canada in just a few days, and while I most definitely will be back, within a year I hope, I can’t help but be sad about that. As I look back on the time I’ve had over here, the fantastic people I have met, and the amazing cities, and countries, I have visited while here. These are most certainly untradeable memories, and every moment of my time here has come with no regrets, and no real…’if I do it again, I’d do…’
However, as I look forward in the coming weeks, I’m also excited to be going home. To have the comfort of my own bed, a kitchen that has food that I haven’t bought, the occasional (as in, when I am home) wholesome meal served to me… the little things! The friends I have missed, and wished were here experiencing all these wonderful things with me, the family, in particular my mother. I’m a mumma’s boy, through and through, I’m not ashamed to admit it.
This week has kind of been the buffer week between leaving the exchange environment and returning home, and it has been spent in Vancouver, one of my favourite cities of Canada. It’s up there with Montreal, I’m still torn. Thankfully, I have had met Kyle here, one of the avid blog readers of mine. Been very welcoming, and a great tour guide. Together, along with a few of his friends, we’ve been to a Poetry Slam (and interesting experience, if I do say so), and a comedy club. And I’ve seen some parts of Vancouver I don’t recall seeing in my brief visit prior to my exchange.
I get to see Ms. Clare, one of the Aussies who was on exchange with me, this Friday. As she comes to visit me in Vancouver, and perhaps see her brother. It’s ironic, I’m looking forward to seeing her so much, and so excited to have her company yet… she’s still going to be the first person I see post-exchange, once I’m at home. In fact, one week from the date I leave her in Vancouver, I’ll be at her house for her 21st!
Anyway, sorry for the short update, and lack of extremely interesting topic…just needed to write, and had no idea what to write about!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Gravenhurst
Tim Horton's
"Every cup has a story"
Indeed, it is true as it seems every cup does have a story. The story behind this cup involves five ordinary Australians, living in Ontario, Canada on Exchange - finding the fabled glorious knee-deep snow. It was our mission, as such, to travel as far as needed to find a lot of snow.
The talk began on Monday, that week, two Aussies had brought about an idea to see real snow. By real, they meant snow other than the type they seem to get in the most southern point of Canada, in Windsor, Ontario. In Windsor, the snow is a bit different to what Canada is famous for (despite some of that fame being a misrepresentation of the country), in that it may snow heavily overnight, but by midday the next day it is nothing but slush and annoying puddles of water. The temperature in Windsor is so erratic, no snow has the opportunity to stay around for long. Given this, the two aforementioned Aussies decided it was high time to see the snow, at least knee-deep, more than what we naturally get on the Mountains in the Great Dividing Range of Australia.
The murmurs, talks and general rumble of the endeavour spread quickly through the horde of Exchange students here at the University of Windsor. It soon became apparent who were serious about discovering this snow. Not surprisingly, all the Australians on exchange were serious, and very willing to travel as far as necessary to see the snow. Conclusive enough, there were five Australians and five seats in the car...The trip was set. Friday night, after a certain interesting event that took place with some of these Australians (which many of you will learn of upon my return), we were to pick up the car from Windsor International Airport, and begin the journey to Muskoka, in northern Ontario.
All was fine, and unlike many roadtrips before it, there were no issues in hiring the car, no question, and no underage fee. It appears the Australian accent does buy you a few great deals, here and there. However, by the time we were all packed and ready to go, it was already late on Friday night, so we proposed to postpone the departure until bright and early (in fact not so bright, as it would still be dark) Saturday morning. All agreed that this was probably the safest option, given we intended to drive in the snow.
Saturday morning arrived, at 5:00am I find myself struggling to find the will to leave my warm and cosy bed, to shower. Once I convinced myself, I was ready and roaring to go. The road trip began at 6.30am on Saturday. After a long drive of about 7 hours, we found ourselves in Bracebridge, a town of Muskoka. We travelled along Santas' Village Road, next to a lake - through snow, and amazing scenery. The town was picturesque, the exact image that comes to mind when one usually thinks of Canada. We knew we had found what we were looking for, finding what was most likely a car park (we were not totally sure about this, there was much too much snow to really know for sure), we built a snow man, made snow angels, and had a snowball fight.
After frollicking and general frivolty in the car park of what could have been Santa's Village, we decided we would head off for lunch and to secure some accommodation for the evening. Given a slight mishap in our sense of direction, we ended up heading South (back the way we came), and instead of turning back we set our sights on staying, and eating in Gravenhurst, the first town of Muskoka. Finding a quaint pub in the centre of town in Gravenhurst, we ate a very hearty, and fulfilling meal with great, friendly service from a waitress with a truly Canadian accent. Inquiring about accommodation revealed to us that a cheap Hotel was nearby, and after trekking there through the snow we asked about availability. With luck there was one room left with just enough space for all five of us... at a rate of about one person (further proof that the Australian accent gets you a good deal).
After securing accommodation, and taking a siesta, we had a light dinner in the Restaurant attached to the Hotel, and made for some more snow fun. Sliding, skidding, jumping, throwing, angels, snow cones...all too much fun for Australians who have either seen little, or no snow! It was an amazing experience. From a distance, we could see rising out of rather deep snow a sign "Tim Horton's - Always Fresh". We would make that trek next, not really knowing where any of the roads were as they were covered in snow... we hiked our way there through the knee-deep sand of ice.
That was how the cups came into our hands, the cups of a Tim Horton's double-double. With the friendly assistance of the people of Gravenhurst, Muskoka, we had our picture taken as a group. Evidence of the story behind the cup... We came, saw and conquered the knee-deep fables of snow. And that is all that we did, the following morning at 9am...we were back on the road. It appeared to snow everywhere through Ontario that night, so we were very cautious on the road, so timing was not as good. However, we were fortunate enough not to be one of the seven accidents we saw that day.
That is the story of five Australians, finding snow. The story of our Cup.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Censorship
It's time to bring out those debating shoes again, or more, the reasonable critic shoes. However, unreasonable, I may end up being.
Firstly, I would just like to say I am angry. I voted Kevin Rudd, and I am not ashamed to admit that, for the other option - was not at all desirable. But now, I'll end up with egg on my face. I have directly supported a political leader, in their endeavour to thrust religious, and self-righteous views onto us all.
I am fundamentally opposed to censorship of any kind, I don't believe it the right of the government to exercise our right to choose, on our behalf. Nor should anyone, remove our right to choose. While the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution does not stipulate such a right, explicitly or implicitly (by lack of a High Court ruling on the matter), these are rights generally thought to be, by most Australians, as basic and rightfully ours - regardless of institution or establishment. I am, admittedly, one of those who assume this as a right of my own, despite its lack of protection.
It seems incredibly backward, and incredibly insane, to block internet sites in any number, based on them being 'unwanted'. Given that no definition of the term 'unwanted' has been revealed by the government, I can't quite argue the logistics of it. However, I can say I am not comfortable with any person having the right to deem something as unwanted.
This is to prevent child pornography, and violent webpages being accessed, or at least that is what we are told. While I don't disagree with the concept of this, as these websites are abhorrent in many ways, and for many, many reasons... where will it stop? The only protection the High Court can give us is that our 'Freedom to Political Speech' is protected. Not our Freedom to Speech, just political speech.
I can't support anyone, government or individual in favour of this. It is honestly, an unnecessary, thoughtless, drain on federal funds. We are entering into a time of economic uncertainty, and the government is spending money on implementing software which doesn't guard against all avenues of child pornography, in fact it doesn't even guard against the number one avenue (in which 99.9% of child pornography is found).
Another down side is that it is likely to slow our internet speeds by up to 80%. Australia may be very advanced in some areas, for example, mobile phone technology. Being in Canada, I have learned that we're a little more ahead than Canada. But when it comes to the internet, we are very, very far behind. We already have slow, and extremely expensive internet. We are the only developed nation to have internet caps, and here we are slowing the internet down, on a mindless exercise. Particularly, given that Kevin07 was meant to implement policies in favour of improving national broadband.
And obviously, if the government are to be truly successful in restricting access to these websites, it should never publish them publicly. So that they can avoid being accessed even with the software, in case someone is smart enough to get through it (which most of us people who've ever used the internet for more than five minutes are). There's a giant issue with that, if we never know what we are not allowed to see, we are living in ignorance. I am not comfortable being ignorant. If I'm not allowed to access something, I want to know what it is I'm restricted from seeing, and for what reasons I cannot see it. On top of that, if there is no disclosure, how are we ever going to know if something that is very much 'wanted' has been deemed 'unwanted' by the powers that be?
Maybe I missed the memo, but when did Australia say it was OK, for the government to treat our country, and its people, like it belonged to them and it was for them to decide how to parent. When did it become OK, to realise the incredibly '1984' mentality in our Government?
It would be nice, but quite clearly not going to happen, for the Governor-General to step in, and not give assent to such legislation. Or simply depose of Kevin Rudd. Some people, in fact a lot, and many of which I know, would say this is going too far. But this idea, is going too far. Leave the censoring of unwanted material to ourselves, and the parents of young children. We are capable, have faith in your 'subjects'.
Mostly, ladies and gentlemen who read this from home, please don't sit back and let our government decide what we see. We already have enough censorship already, while you're at it, try and get rid of that too!
Firstly, I would just like to say I am angry. I voted Kevin Rudd, and I am not ashamed to admit that, for the other option - was not at all desirable. But now, I'll end up with egg on my face. I have directly supported a political leader, in their endeavour to thrust religious, and self-righteous views onto us all.
I am fundamentally opposed to censorship of any kind, I don't believe it the right of the government to exercise our right to choose, on our behalf. Nor should anyone, remove our right to choose. While the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution does not stipulate such a right, explicitly or implicitly (by lack of a High Court ruling on the matter), these are rights generally thought to be, by most Australians, as basic and rightfully ours - regardless of institution or establishment. I am, admittedly, one of those who assume this as a right of my own, despite its lack of protection.
It seems incredibly backward, and incredibly insane, to block internet sites in any number, based on them being 'unwanted'. Given that no definition of the term 'unwanted' has been revealed by the government, I can't quite argue the logistics of it. However, I can say I am not comfortable with any person having the right to deem something as unwanted.
This is to prevent child pornography, and violent webpages being accessed, or at least that is what we are told. While I don't disagree with the concept of this, as these websites are abhorrent in many ways, and for many, many reasons... where will it stop? The only protection the High Court can give us is that our 'Freedom to Political Speech' is protected. Not our Freedom to Speech, just political speech.
I can't support anyone, government or individual in favour of this. It is honestly, an unnecessary, thoughtless, drain on federal funds. We are entering into a time of economic uncertainty, and the government is spending money on implementing software which doesn't guard against all avenues of child pornography, in fact it doesn't even guard against the number one avenue (in which 99.9% of child pornography is found).
Another down side is that it is likely to slow our internet speeds by up to 80%. Australia may be very advanced in some areas, for example, mobile phone technology. Being in Canada, I have learned that we're a little more ahead than Canada. But when it comes to the internet, we are very, very far behind. We already have slow, and extremely expensive internet. We are the only developed nation to have internet caps, and here we are slowing the internet down, on a mindless exercise. Particularly, given that Kevin07 was meant to implement policies in favour of improving national broadband.
And obviously, if the government are to be truly successful in restricting access to these websites, it should never publish them publicly. So that they can avoid being accessed even with the software, in case someone is smart enough to get through it (which most of us people who've ever used the internet for more than five minutes are). There's a giant issue with that, if we never know what we are not allowed to see, we are living in ignorance. I am not comfortable being ignorant. If I'm not allowed to access something, I want to know what it is I'm restricted from seeing, and for what reasons I cannot see it. On top of that, if there is no disclosure, how are we ever going to know if something that is very much 'wanted' has been deemed 'unwanted' by the powers that be?
Maybe I missed the memo, but when did Australia say it was OK, for the government to treat our country, and its people, like it belonged to them and it was for them to decide how to parent. When did it become OK, to realise the incredibly '1984' mentality in our Government?
It would be nice, but quite clearly not going to happen, for the Governor-General to step in, and not give assent to such legislation. Or simply depose of Kevin Rudd. Some people, in fact a lot, and many of which I know, would say this is going too far. But this idea, is going too far. Leave the censoring of unwanted material to ourselves, and the parents of young children. We are capable, have faith in your 'subjects'.
Mostly, ladies and gentlemen who read this from home, please don't sit back and let our government decide what we see. We already have enough censorship already, while you're at it, try and get rid of that too!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Attack
So I am aware that I have not been maintaining my blog, even remotely, since I came to Canada. Possibly because I am sending mass emails, and I feel that simply copying these mass emails … is a bit of a cop out. I have wanted to write many things in my blog since I got here, but in amongst the crazy things I have been doing, and the stress and intense work load of an express semester (as a result of a faculty strike), I really haven't had much time.
What calls for a blog now, you ask. Well, I need to get something off my chest, and it isn’t exactly something that calls for a mass email or, more pointedly, is appropriate for a mass email. Sure, I could turn to one of my friends on exchange, but really…It’s not what I want to do.
So I’ll give you the low down. My residence is a really nice place, and the staff running it are really respectful and caring. My housemates generally, are a great bunch of people, and although many of us have a lot of differences in personality and opinions, we get along pretty well and I wouldn’t change my living arrangements because of them. Until now, that is.
In the past two weeks there has been…some questionable objects discovered in our house. And rather than beat around the bush, I’ll tell you and many of you (whoever bothers to read this, that is) would not be surprised. It was two used condoms. Sure enough, it is not all that surprising giving it is a student residence after all, and perhaps that is what prevents me from being totally grossed out. That, or something is wrong in my head, but I don’t think it’s that.
They were discovered in different places and at different times, and naturally, most of the house are offended and disgusted. And while I don’t really have the disgusted notion under my belt, I am offended that someone would disrespect our house like that, particularly if it is a resident. Upon finding the first one, our head of house asked us all, honestly, if we did it or knew anything about it. I answered honestly, in the same fashion in which I was asked, and bluntly said no.
Despite the fact I might not be totally revolted, I would never do it – because to me those things are extremely private. It’s not something I would want anyone else to see, that only comparison I can make to this is a girl leaving a used tampon out for the world to see. It’s not something any average girl would do, and in the same way, leaving a used condom out for the world to see is not something I’d do. I figure my house mates know me well enough to know that I am a clean guy, sure my room might be untidy, but while I have been here I have shown nothing but good hygiene. In fact, I am the cleanest person in the kitchen, my dishes are never left around and I always clean up immediately after myself (and unfortunately before I cook, or make any food).
Unfortunately however, my hygiene or more so, my personal integrity has come under question following the discovery of the second one. Admittedly, I got the impression my Head of House kind of thought it was me initially, I honestly thought I’d quashed that idea. But it was extremely disheartening to learn that, however diplomatic my housemate (and not the head of house mind you, he seems to be avoiding me at the moment) was in telling me, that my name seems to be coming up a bit as a suspect. No, beyond that, they are convinced it is me. Apparently I am the most sexually active housemate, or the most likely person to do it. From that I can gather two things… actually it kind of bounces back to the one.
Plain and simple, it’s because I’m gay, and I haven’t exactly hid that fact from my housemates. And while my housemate, as diplomatic as he was, assures me that this is not the case, I cannot think of any other reason for it. The assumption that I must be the most sexually active housemate must come from somewhere, and I have certainly not given any of them reason to believe I am having a lot of sex, or even sex in this house. While it’s only conjecture, I’m assuming it comes from the age-old stereotype that gays are promiscuous. Secondly, being the most likely person to do it, is an attack on me. Despite the fact that I don’t believe I’ve given any reason to warrant the accusation that I am disturbed enough to run around placing used condoms of mine anywhere, they seem to think so. That interlocks with what I was saying in the first place.
I keep repeating that my housemate was very diplomatic, that’s because I was impressed at the level of diplomacy I saw. It was, under any normal circumstances, something I would compliment him on. But not this time. Obviously, I responded just as tactfully as he did me. Naturally that means I hid my anger, and yes, hurt, at the accusation.
The point is, my housemates without me, at some point have come together and concluded that it must have been me (or, without seeming too convinced by this point, someone outside of the house). That is hurtful on so many levels. How can you live with people, who hold you with such little regard? Should I assume that for every disgusting thing that we are yet to see (or hopefully not see), that I am the likely suspect?
Apparently the college are going to be undertaking an investigation, I welcome that; I have absolutely nothing to hide. And I do hope that it is someone in this house, just so that they can be revealed to be the person they are convinced I am. In the meantime, I have a mid-term to study for, which I have been successfully distracted from as a result of a few tinges of anger and hurt.
Gah! I promise, I did like my housemates until now.
What calls for a blog now, you ask. Well, I need to get something off my chest, and it isn’t exactly something that calls for a mass email or, more pointedly, is appropriate for a mass email. Sure, I could turn to one of my friends on exchange, but really…It’s not what I want to do.
So I’ll give you the low down. My residence is a really nice place, and the staff running it are really respectful and caring. My housemates generally, are a great bunch of people, and although many of us have a lot of differences in personality and opinions, we get along pretty well and I wouldn’t change my living arrangements because of them. Until now, that is.
In the past two weeks there has been…some questionable objects discovered in our house. And rather than beat around the bush, I’ll tell you and many of you (whoever bothers to read this, that is) would not be surprised. It was two used condoms. Sure enough, it is not all that surprising giving it is a student residence after all, and perhaps that is what prevents me from being totally grossed out. That, or something is wrong in my head, but I don’t think it’s that.
They were discovered in different places and at different times, and naturally, most of the house are offended and disgusted. And while I don’t really have the disgusted notion under my belt, I am offended that someone would disrespect our house like that, particularly if it is a resident. Upon finding the first one, our head of house asked us all, honestly, if we did it or knew anything about it. I answered honestly, in the same fashion in which I was asked, and bluntly said no.
Despite the fact I might not be totally revolted, I would never do it – because to me those things are extremely private. It’s not something I would want anyone else to see, that only comparison I can make to this is a girl leaving a used tampon out for the world to see. It’s not something any average girl would do, and in the same way, leaving a used condom out for the world to see is not something I’d do. I figure my house mates know me well enough to know that I am a clean guy, sure my room might be untidy, but while I have been here I have shown nothing but good hygiene. In fact, I am the cleanest person in the kitchen, my dishes are never left around and I always clean up immediately after myself (and unfortunately before I cook, or make any food).
Unfortunately however, my hygiene or more so, my personal integrity has come under question following the discovery of the second one. Admittedly, I got the impression my Head of House kind of thought it was me initially, I honestly thought I’d quashed that idea. But it was extremely disheartening to learn that, however diplomatic my housemate (and not the head of house mind you, he seems to be avoiding me at the moment) was in telling me, that my name seems to be coming up a bit as a suspect. No, beyond that, they are convinced it is me. Apparently I am the most sexually active housemate, or the most likely person to do it. From that I can gather two things… actually it kind of bounces back to the one.
Plain and simple, it’s because I’m gay, and I haven’t exactly hid that fact from my housemates. And while my housemate, as diplomatic as he was, assures me that this is not the case, I cannot think of any other reason for it. The assumption that I must be the most sexually active housemate must come from somewhere, and I have certainly not given any of them reason to believe I am having a lot of sex, or even sex in this house. While it’s only conjecture, I’m assuming it comes from the age-old stereotype that gays are promiscuous. Secondly, being the most likely person to do it, is an attack on me. Despite the fact that I don’t believe I’ve given any reason to warrant the accusation that I am disturbed enough to run around placing used condoms of mine anywhere, they seem to think so. That interlocks with what I was saying in the first place.
I keep repeating that my housemate was very diplomatic, that’s because I was impressed at the level of diplomacy I saw. It was, under any normal circumstances, something I would compliment him on. But not this time. Obviously, I responded just as tactfully as he did me. Naturally that means I hid my anger, and yes, hurt, at the accusation.
The point is, my housemates without me, at some point have come together and concluded that it must have been me (or, without seeming too convinced by this point, someone outside of the house). That is hurtful on so many levels. How can you live with people, who hold you with such little regard? Should I assume that for every disgusting thing that we are yet to see (or hopefully not see), that I am the likely suspect?
Apparently the college are going to be undertaking an investigation, I welcome that; I have absolutely nothing to hide. And I do hope that it is someone in this house, just so that they can be revealed to be the person they are convinced I am. In the meantime, I have a mid-term to study for, which I have been successfully distracted from as a result of a few tinges of anger and hurt.
Gah! I promise, I did like my housemates until now.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Arrival
Hello all!
I have arrived in Windsor, my home for the next few months or so. It’s important that I stress to you that because it might be named Windsor, it does not quite carry the majestic undertone. Windsor is, at least it was by first impressions, a tiny sun-scorched town in south west Ontario, right on the border of Detroit. Thus, much of it appeared to be very ghetto! However, like my first impressions in Toronto, further discovery had me realize just what kind of city it is.
Windsor is indeed a small town, of sorts, but actually a lot larger than what we would call a small town. In fact, in terms of population it has twice the number of Frankston. Despite this however, it is still considered a small-town by Canadian standards. Basically Windsor is a University town, business thrives on patronage during semester, and all advertising it appears, is geared towards students. In fact, many places had welcome back students signs plastered around the front. This gives you an indication of the somewhat ‘dry’ summer they had.
In terms of weather... Windsor is infamous for actually being one of the hottest parts of Canada, yet also one of the coldest. Not only does it get to 30 degrees Celsius, it actually heads toward Melbourne summer weather of 40 degrees Celsius and more. In winter it snows, but often it actually gets too cold to snow.
So a few things... the drive to Windsor is as interesting as watching the clock tick by. Its all farmland between here and Toronto. Canadians are extremely polite, over here Australians are renowned for our laid back culture, and being easily approachable etc. May I just say, we are nothing on them. Even ‘gang’ types are friendly and would gladly help you if you were lost. Sometimes, you can walk through Windsor and think that at any time you could get shot. Seriously, the West is like ghetto town, however – its so ridiculously safe!
So I feel I need to elaborate on the safety of Windsor. Basically, Windsor is a border town – my room is literally about 100 metres from the US border...to Detroit. We all know the kind of rap Detroit has. Windsor basically doesn’t want to be associated with that kind of rap, and who can blame them? For that reason, police presence is amazing! On Saturday night we went ‘downtown’, and without a word of a lie, there was a police car with at least two police officers on each block of the strip. Also handy to note, there were also paramedics nearby. The mere presence and numbers act as a deterrent, and there is rarely any trouble except for the occasional overly intoxicated person who spends the night sobering up in a nice, cosy jail cell.
Life on res here at Windsor has been pretty crazy so far... I’m home from my third night of drinking, with plans to continue drinking the following night. So far, we’ve been ‘downtown’ which is the night club district, we went to a graffiti party held by the student alliance, and to a toga ‘kegger’ party tonight. Tomorrow night is ‘multi-level’ foam night. This is where the three levels of the student centre are filled with foam... pretty interesting!
Everyone I have made friends with here have been really amazing, Canadians are so polite, its astonishing. The other exchange students are really friendly, and we’re all helping each other out. In terms of accommodation, our rooms are excellent, but given that we are exchange students its not the most convenient housing. We have to supply a lot of our own cooking utensils, and the like...and such things are relatively annoying, particularly when you don’t have all that much room to take them home.
I mentioned my three nights of drinking, I would just like to point out that I am not drinking that much. For example, tonight I spent $8 on alcohol...admittedly alcohol is extremely cheap, and I was a tad tipsy... by no means was I going to be spending a night in a cosy jail cell!
Anyway, a few more things and I'll leave it. This is getting extremely long! Yesterday we had a Welcome Convocation, and if my camera was working properly I would show you all the craziness that it was. Unfortunately the building we were in wasn't exactly designed for photography. Basically the concept is similar to graduation, a little bit formal, but actually - really not. All first years gather in this hall, and they are arranged in the faculty that they are in. Exchange students are their own little group, so that was cool. The idea of this is to officially welcome and admit the students into the university, and its also a bit of a noise-off. It is a battle between which group can make the most noise, and which groups can insult the other in chants etc. It's just amazing, I wish I could remember some of the chants... they were hilarious. The only thing one I can remember is the chant from the engineering side of the room "We are, we are, we are the engineers...we can, we can, we can demolish 40 beers". The drama group made a chant that had everyone in fits of laughter, it was something about preferring to be dead than an engineer. The commerce group, which filled my heart with pride to hear their chant, which had something to do with the fact they'd all be working for them one day. It was pretty insane, and extremely fun!
Today my classes start and my first class is at 4pm, I finish at 10pm. I have never had such an odd timetable... but I will live I'm sure!
Anyway, this is enough!!!
Missing you all! (I swear!)
I have arrived in Windsor, my home for the next few months or so. It’s important that I stress to you that because it might be named Windsor, it does not quite carry the majestic undertone. Windsor is, at least it was by first impressions, a tiny sun-scorched town in south west Ontario, right on the border of Detroit. Thus, much of it appeared to be very ghetto! However, like my first impressions in Toronto, further discovery had me realize just what kind of city it is.
Windsor is indeed a small town, of sorts, but actually a lot larger than what we would call a small town. In fact, in terms of population it has twice the number of Frankston. Despite this however, it is still considered a small-town by Canadian standards. Basically Windsor is a University town, business thrives on patronage during semester, and all advertising it appears, is geared towards students. In fact, many places had welcome back students signs plastered around the front. This gives you an indication of the somewhat ‘dry’ summer they had.
In terms of weather... Windsor is infamous for actually being one of the hottest parts of Canada, yet also one of the coldest. Not only does it get to 30 degrees Celsius, it actually heads toward Melbourne summer weather of 40 degrees Celsius and more. In winter it snows, but often it actually gets too cold to snow.
So a few things... the drive to Windsor is as interesting as watching the clock tick by. Its all farmland between here and Toronto. Canadians are extremely polite, over here Australians are renowned for our laid back culture, and being easily approachable etc. May I just say, we are nothing on them. Even ‘gang’ types are friendly and would gladly help you if you were lost. Sometimes, you can walk through Windsor and think that at any time you could get shot. Seriously, the West is like ghetto town, however – its so ridiculously safe!
So I feel I need to elaborate on the safety of Windsor. Basically, Windsor is a border town – my room is literally about 100 metres from the US border...to Detroit. We all know the kind of rap Detroit has. Windsor basically doesn’t want to be associated with that kind of rap, and who can blame them? For that reason, police presence is amazing! On Saturday night we went ‘downtown’, and without a word of a lie, there was a police car with at least two police officers on each block of the strip. Also handy to note, there were also paramedics nearby. The mere presence and numbers act as a deterrent, and there is rarely any trouble except for the occasional overly intoxicated person who spends the night sobering up in a nice, cosy jail cell.
Life on res here at Windsor has been pretty crazy so far... I’m home from my third night of drinking, with plans to continue drinking the following night. So far, we’ve been ‘downtown’ which is the night club district, we went to a graffiti party held by the student alliance, and to a toga ‘kegger’ party tonight. Tomorrow night is ‘multi-level’ foam night. This is where the three levels of the student centre are filled with foam... pretty interesting!
Everyone I have made friends with here have been really amazing, Canadians are so polite, its astonishing. The other exchange students are really friendly, and we’re all helping each other out. In terms of accommodation, our rooms are excellent, but given that we are exchange students its not the most convenient housing. We have to supply a lot of our own cooking utensils, and the like...and such things are relatively annoying, particularly when you don’t have all that much room to take them home.
I mentioned my three nights of drinking, I would just like to point out that I am not drinking that much. For example, tonight I spent $8 on alcohol...admittedly alcohol is extremely cheap, and I was a tad tipsy... by no means was I going to be spending a night in a cosy jail cell!
Anyway, a few more things and I'll leave it. This is getting extremely long! Yesterday we had a Welcome Convocation, and if my camera was working properly I would show you all the craziness that it was. Unfortunately the building we were in wasn't exactly designed for photography. Basically the concept is similar to graduation, a little bit formal, but actually - really not. All first years gather in this hall, and they are arranged in the faculty that they are in. Exchange students are their own little group, so that was cool. The idea of this is to officially welcome and admit the students into the university, and its also a bit of a noise-off. It is a battle between which group can make the most noise, and which groups can insult the other in chants etc. It's just amazing, I wish I could remember some of the chants... they were hilarious. The only thing one I can remember is the chant from the engineering side of the room "We are, we are, we are the engineers...we can, we can, we can demolish 40 beers". The drama group made a chant that had everyone in fits of laughter, it was something about preferring to be dead than an engineer. The commerce group, which filled my heart with pride to hear their chant, which had something to do with the fact they'd all be working for them one day. It was pretty insane, and extremely fun!
Today my classes start and my first class is at 4pm, I finish at 10pm. I have never had such an odd timetable... but I will live I'm sure!
Anyway, this is enough!!!
Missing you all! (I swear!)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Hotel
So!
I'm at a Hotel in Tullamarine, anticipating my flight at a ridiculously early hour...6am! I'm feeling a bit scared, a little bit excited...paranoid I've forgotten something. I'm also pretty tired, 6 hours til my flight leaves - not too sure if I should bother sleeping.
It doesn't feel real yet, I think...hrm!
Ok!
Speak to you all soon when I land!
I'm at a Hotel in Tullamarine, anticipating my flight at a ridiculously early hour...6am! I'm feeling a bit scared, a little bit excited...paranoid I've forgotten something. I'm also pretty tired, 6 hours til my flight leaves - not too sure if I should bother sleeping.
It doesn't feel real yet, I think...hrm!
Ok!
Speak to you all soon when I land!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Aftermath
As most of you are aware, last night was dedicated to celebrating my departure to Canada for 6ish months, and to the 22nd birthday of one of my best friends Aaron. Naturally, such a momentous occassion cannot go un-posted/blogged/bulletinised. So, I have a few things to say about the night, a few thankyou messages and of course, photos to upload and share.
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone that came! Even if you were for the Aaron side of the party! It was an amazing night, and it was really great to catch up with so many people I haven't seen in some time, and just as good seeing all of those who I see more frequently. Many of you had to juggle plans, come after work, and even sacrifice other relatively important events to be there. I am truely thankful, and I really hope it was worth it for you. I would like to reiterate the fact that I had an amazing night, and apologise for my intoxication and any inappropriate behaviour that resulted!
I would also like to thank everyone that brought me gifts. For those of you that didn't, I will comment on the fact that I did not expect gifts, nor did I even realise farewells were a gift-giving affair. But that does not mean I did not appreciate the thoughtfulness, and the gifts themselves, that I received. The gifts I did receive will come in handy for in-flight entertainment, and for knowing where the hell I am going when I am in Canada!
Another thankyou to everyone who signed my card! It really is hilarious to read over, and just see how drunk some people were. Endless entertainment. There were a number of heartfelt messages that got me a little emotional, like I may have gotten at a few points in the night. Also to those who signed Aaron's as if it were mine, and vice versa, you need to learn to handle your alcohol better!!
The biggest thankyou of all however, goes to Aaron. It was Aaron's idea to have a joint party, for a number of reasons, and it was a great idea from the get-go. I had no reservations sharing a party with Aaron, simply because we share a lot of the same friends, and Aaron is a true friend and didn't hog the limelight!! Aaron was the mastermind, and executor of all the party plans. He did all the organising and my only input was financial, and buying ice. I feel I am in huge debt to him, not even I expected such an amazing set up. Thankyou also goes to his mother, who allowed all of us into her house, to farewell me and celebrate Aaron's birthday. Phil's mother also gets a mention for providing the mini quiches that I loved!
A few things I need to mention. There were a few serious conversations I had last night. Most of you who I shared these with would probably think I don't remember them. But for those of you who got these exclusive talks, I do remember, and I meant every word of what I said.
Thank you everyone for coming, giving me your well wishes, and the rest! I won't forget the night, despite my intoxication, and I won't forget any of you. I will be doing my best to keep in touch with everyone while I am overseas. I would also like to remind everyone that Aaron's actual birthday is this Monday, 18th of August... so, flood his inbox, phone and any other medium you can think of to wish him a happy birthday.
That is all.
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone that came! Even if you were for the Aaron side of the party! It was an amazing night, and it was really great to catch up with so many people I haven't seen in some time, and just as good seeing all of those who I see more frequently. Many of you had to juggle plans, come after work, and even sacrifice other relatively important events to be there. I am truely thankful, and I really hope it was worth it for you. I would like to reiterate the fact that I had an amazing night, and apologise for my intoxication and any inappropriate behaviour that resulted!
I would also like to thank everyone that brought me gifts. For those of you that didn't, I will comment on the fact that I did not expect gifts, nor did I even realise farewells were a gift-giving affair. But that does not mean I did not appreciate the thoughtfulness, and the gifts themselves, that I received. The gifts I did receive will come in handy for in-flight entertainment, and for knowing where the hell I am going when I am in Canada!
Another thankyou to everyone who signed my card! It really is hilarious to read over, and just see how drunk some people were. Endless entertainment. There were a number of heartfelt messages that got me a little emotional, like I may have gotten at a few points in the night. Also to those who signed Aaron's as if it were mine, and vice versa, you need to learn to handle your alcohol better!!
The biggest thankyou of all however, goes to Aaron. It was Aaron's idea to have a joint party, for a number of reasons, and it was a great idea from the get-go. I had no reservations sharing a party with Aaron, simply because we share a lot of the same friends, and Aaron is a true friend and didn't hog the limelight!! Aaron was the mastermind, and executor of all the party plans. He did all the organising and my only input was financial, and buying ice. I feel I am in huge debt to him, not even I expected such an amazing set up. Thankyou also goes to his mother, who allowed all of us into her house, to farewell me and celebrate Aaron's birthday. Phil's mother also gets a mention for providing the mini quiches that I loved!
A few things I need to mention. There were a few serious conversations I had last night. Most of you who I shared these with would probably think I don't remember them. But for those of you who got these exclusive talks, I do remember, and I meant every word of what I said.
Thank you everyone for coming, giving me your well wishes, and the rest! I won't forget the night, despite my intoxication, and I won't forget any of you. I will be doing my best to keep in touch with everyone while I am overseas. I would also like to remind everyone that Aaron's actual birthday is this Monday, 18th of August... so, flood his inbox, phone and any other medium you can think of to wish him a happy birthday.
That is all.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Change
Firstly, for those even remotely interested - I will be removing my Kinsmen of Aquium blog (my story blog) until I get momentum to keep going. Even though only the prologue is posted, and have written almost an entire bibles worth of story, I'm not liking where its going...so some changes will be made. Thus, the blog will shortly be removed.
Secondly, I'm leaving for Canada shortly - I have compiled a mailing list of people I'll be emailing with updates. Rest assured that if you haven't made it to the list (due to my oversight and severe lack of organisation) that updates will be available via blog. On that topic, I can't decide if I want to create a new blog just for Canada, or just use this blog.
Feedback on this thought anyone?
Anyway, that is all for now.
Secondly, I'm leaving for Canada shortly - I have compiled a mailing list of people I'll be emailing with updates. Rest assured that if you haven't made it to the list (due to my oversight and severe lack of organisation) that updates will be available via blog. On that topic, I can't decide if I want to create a new blog just for Canada, or just use this blog.
Feedback on this thought anyone?
Anyway, that is all for now.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Anxious
The 25th of August is getting ever-closer, and the date is daunting me. I am so worried about not being ready to leave the country for five months. I have barely been away from home for a weekend alone, I think schoolies week was possibly my longest period away from home without my parents. Naturally, I am beginning to stress. So now, I'm going to write a list of things I need to do, to organise, to get before I head overseas. Please, allow me to bore you with my list.
- Buy new memory card(s) for digital camera and video camera
- Buy new video camera case
- Get new mobile phone! (this is something relatively new on my to do list, because my phone decided to go all crap on me today)
- US Consulate interview! (gah, the effort)
- Go to Deakin Education Abroad fair
- Add my mother as a signatory to my bank account
- Learn how to use Skype!
- Create email group for people I want to keep updated
- Buy travel socks!! (my mother is forcing me to)
- Buy new digital camera case as well...
- Convert some money!
Anyway, I can't think of anything else at this point...there is probably 20million things to add to that, but for now that will do...
Only 25 days!!!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Revelations
OK, so completely neglecting my initial plan of a "friends" series of posts, I have begun my new story blog!
http://aquium.blogspot.com
For those of you who take the time to read it, please remember I am not a professional writer :P, just dabbling in the area. My inspiration for writing lies in the fact, that no story exists in this way. It is a story I want to read, it merges a lot of concepts and ideas from other movies and films I have picked up over the years. In that sense, its somewhat borrowed, but it is not so much that it is illegal. Certainly, it is not so 'borrowed' that the story could be read from a better writer. That is why, I wrote it...so I could read, something I want to read, but does not exist yet!
In other news, a very bitchy blog will arrive shortly. I am having conversations with the head of a particularly new political party that is gaining some ground in Australia, particularly with University students. It is bitchy because, what I believe are their core values, are heavily contradicted in their activity. And despite many of my friends being directly involved, I detest some of the things they do, and how blatantly ignorant they are of Australian law, and the implications of the Australian Consitution (the embedded Commonwealth one, not the state try-hard versions) both in terms of structure, and 'freedoms'. So, that is coming...but before I randomly blog with a point of view that could easily be disregarded for its lack of credibility, I am attempting a well-researched blog.
That is all for now!
http://aquium.blogspot.com
For those of you who take the time to read it, please remember I am not a professional writer :P, just dabbling in the area. My inspiration for writing lies in the fact, that no story exists in this way. It is a story I want to read, it merges a lot of concepts and ideas from other movies and films I have picked up over the years. In that sense, its somewhat borrowed, but it is not so much that it is illegal. Certainly, it is not so 'borrowed' that the story could be read from a better writer. That is why, I wrote it...so I could read, something I want to read, but does not exist yet!
In other news, a very bitchy blog will arrive shortly. I am having conversations with the head of a particularly new political party that is gaining some ground in Australia, particularly with University students. It is bitchy because, what I believe are their core values, are heavily contradicted in their activity. And despite many of my friends being directly involved, I detest some of the things they do, and how blatantly ignorant they are of Australian law, and the implications of the Australian Consitution (the embedded Commonwealth one, not the state try-hard versions) both in terms of structure, and 'freedoms'. So, that is coming...but before I randomly blog with a point of view that could easily be disregarded for its lack of credibility, I am attempting a well-researched blog.
That is all for now!
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