I still have my jelly sting (just itchy). Now I have also have sand flea bites on my foot, at least 10 bug bites on my arms and legs (and one unsightly bite on my face). My eyes have not stopped itching for three and a half days, minor marks around my mouth (tequila allergy?) and a mysterious burn or scratch on my jaw...
I still feel great though. It's all slightly annoying. Just wanted to let you know.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Adventures on our way to, and then at Tangalooma.
I'm sorry if the following story is boring... I've already told the stories enough times that my mind is now a little mushy. Here are the events as best as I can now write them.
So, Sadie and I got up at 6 am on Saturday to get started on our journey to Moreton Island. Sadie and looked online the night before and found it was going to be pretty difficult to take the bus there, but possible. So we just out at 6:45. Seconds later Sadie realized neither of us had grabbed the vouchers! She went back inside and grabbed them. We then headed up the hill. A few blocks later we realized neither of us had grabbed the bag of food after we'd gone back for the vouchers. Sadie took of running down the hill, got the food and met me back where she's left me. We figured we'd lost too much time so we axed getting coffees at my favorite little place. We made it to the bus stop with 15 minutes to spare... amazingly. Our bus arrived on time and we began the long journey to the no-where area where we would transfer. Upon arrival, we checked the bus time and found we had an hour of waiting to do. Better too early than too late, right?
We set up camp in the bus shelter and shared a few tim tams with the guy sitting next to us. Half way through, a bus pulled up across the street which we could have caught to bring us to where we were, had the transit web site told us about it. Oh well, better too early than too late. Shortly after, our bus arrived. We smiled and flagged the driver (as one must to in Bris to get it to stop) only to be informed the bus wouldn't be going to our stop again until 2:30! I was only 8:30 then and the boat was leaving at noon. I walked across the street to ask a woman there if she knew a taxi number. She didn't. I then went to ask a woman about to enter her front yard if she knew a taxi number. She recited the number for me and asked my situation. I filled her in and she said "Well, best of luck to you" and turned to walk away. Then she stopped and said "ah, what the heck. I'll drive you there." We were thrilled and so thankful! When we arrived we found out there was a 10 am boat as well, and that we could go on it!
We arrived on the island at around 11:30. It was kind of like chaos. We didn't really know where to go, but an employee who didn't really speak English told us we could come on the bus to reception. We got in the maybe 30 seat bus with two other people and went along for the one (maybe two) minute drive. We quickly realized this place was very poorly set up and the employees were not made to provide very friendly service. We were told our room might not be ready until as late at 3 (contrary to 2 o'clock check in time the website said) but they would announce on the loud speaker if it was ready early. Although it was raining, we decided to suit up and go for a swim in the ocean. That was nice for a while but it was a little chilly with the wind. Plus, we'd heard that there were some announcements but couldn't make out what they were saying. We got dressed again and went back to the... blah blah blah... they were impatient and unapologetic and we were annoyed they were that way... went for a walk... came back at 2:45, still no room... so we sat and watched them and waited for 3:00. At 3:02 we went to the desk and no one looked up to help us. Then a manager walked in and asked "has anyone helped you?" we told him not really and were about to ask about the room when a girl working there interrupted and said "here is your room key" etc. We went to our room and found that it was nothing like our expectations. We had been told it was a "luxury room" by our travel agent. It was unclean and awful. There was a twin size bed and a single bed. What a bummer. The couch was made of plastic like material and felt sticky and there was grime in the shower. We couldn't accept that we were paying over $300 per night for a dive. I called reception and explained our disappointment and issues with the uncleanliness and told her we would like a less expensive room if we were going to get a dive no matter what the cost... and she said she could send house keeping over but otherwise there were no options. If we left we would sacrifice all our money. If we had further complaints we could send an email to "feedback@tangalooma.au".. obviously that would be less than instant results. We hung up and filled Sadie in. Then I called back and talked with a supervisor and was a little more forward about it. He was extremely apologetic and seemed to feel it was his fault. I reassured him and he told me he would do anything he could to help us enjoy our stay. After much discussion he offered us a free upgrade to a room on the 4th floor in the kookaburra
building (which we soon realized was the nicest of the buildings) we were unsure at first because unlike our current dumpster room, the new room didn't have a kitchenette. We agreed to go look. We were sold almost immediately by the king size bed, gorgeous bathroom and balcony with picturesque ocean view. We were cemented with the complimentary bottle of wine and chocolates. It was all better from then on.
Although it rained almost the whole time we were there, we had a great time. We spent the rest of the first day looking around the resort and getting sorted. The next day after we went to the breakfast buffet at 7 am (a huge let down - awful food and super crowded with kids and idiots) we went for an adventure walk up the beach. We figured we would walk around the norther tip of the island and check out the other side. Then we got a map and started walking. After about half an hour, we walked past "the wrecks", a feature for which Moreton Island is known. I just checked online to see if I could find out why the ships sank there, but I couldn't find anything, leading me to believe what my friend Alan told me, that they were sunk there to attract fish... We check the map and saw we hadn't really covered any distance at all. check it out: http://moretonislandrecreationcamps.com/Pages/Map.html
We started half way up the island at Tangalooma and it was an exhausting walk to the wrecks in the sand.
Then we climbed a huuuuge sand dune and ran down it. That was SO fun. I've never done anything like it. We got about half way up the red dotted road at Cowan Pt in an hour and a half and decided to go back. We were back around 11:30 for our lunch of cheese and crackers, mango, and three shots of Jose. Then we went to the beach and had a great talk. We went back to the room to grab Sadie's bathing suit (I wore mine all day for three days) had a shot and went for a swim. Then as you can imagine, knowing me, we passed out cold for about 2 hours in our room.
Both nights we boiled noodles in the kettle and then ate them with cold sauce from a jar and cheese. I am proud to have not purchased any food from the "restaurant" as it was obscenely priced. We were planning to get a small bowl of seasoned fries ($9) at some point and an ice cream cone ($5.5) but we didn't get around to it.
I've learned that your surroundings can be as awesome as the people you're with. Although the resort was pretty lame, Sadie and I had lots of fun. Even though it was cloudy, we both got some nice colour (and some not so nice colour despite being slathered in the 'sun milk' UVA,B,&C coverage) I learned to look into "typical weather" reports for a given time of year when I expect to be on vacation, and to not let the rain get me down when it pours for three days in the height of summer.
Today is Tuesday and Chris will be here on Thursday. I am soo soo sooo soooo excited. I've booked a room in a hostel for three nights from the day he gets here. I'm not sure what we'll after but I am sure no matter what it is, it will be great and I will be thrilled. Chris has basically got us jobs at a resort if we choose to take them (I think...?) and we'll scope that out. The breeze coming through the door is lovely as I sit on my bed writing this. Last night I had my first touch of homesickness. I hope everyone will update me on how you're doing. I love getting messages and emails. Talk soon!!
So, Sadie and I got up at 6 am on Saturday to get started on our journey to Moreton Island. Sadie and looked online the night before and found it was going to be pretty difficult to take the bus there, but possible. So we just out at 6:45. Seconds later Sadie realized neither of us had grabbed the vouchers! She went back inside and grabbed them. We then headed up the hill. A few blocks later we realized neither of us had grabbed the bag of food after we'd gone back for the vouchers. Sadie took of running down the hill, got the food and met me back where she's left me. We figured we'd lost too much time so we axed getting coffees at my favorite little place. We made it to the bus stop with 15 minutes to spare... amazingly. Our bus arrived on time and we began the long journey to the no-where area where we would transfer. Upon arrival, we checked the bus time and found we had an hour of waiting to do. Better too early than too late, right?
We set up camp in the bus shelter and shared a few tim tams with the guy sitting next to us. Half way through, a bus pulled up across the street which we could have caught to bring us to where we were, had the transit web site told us about it. Oh well, better too early than too late. Shortly after, our bus arrived. We smiled and flagged the driver (as one must to in Bris to get it to stop) only to be informed the bus wouldn't be going to our stop again until 2:30! I was only 8:30 then and the boat was leaving at noon. I walked across the street to ask a woman there if she knew a taxi number. She didn't. I then went to ask a woman about to enter her front yard if she knew a taxi number. She recited the number for me and asked my situation. I filled her in and she said "Well, best of luck to you" and turned to walk away. Then she stopped and said "ah, what the heck. I'll drive you there." We were thrilled and so thankful! When we arrived we found out there was a 10 am boat as well, and that we could go on it!
We arrived on the island at around 11:30. It was kind of like chaos. We didn't really know where to go, but an employee who didn't really speak English told us we could come on the bus to reception. We got in the maybe 30 seat bus with two other people and went along for the one (maybe two) minute drive. We quickly realized this place was very poorly set up and the employees were not made to provide very friendly service. We were told our room might not be ready until as late at 3 (contrary to 2 o'clock check in time the website said) but they would announce on the loud speaker if it was ready early. Although it was raining, we decided to suit up and go for a swim in the ocean. That was nice for a while but it was a little chilly with the wind. Plus, we'd heard that there were some announcements but couldn't make out what they were saying. We got dressed again and went back to the... blah blah blah... they were impatient and unapologetic and we were annoyed they were that way... went for a walk... came back at 2:45, still no room... so we sat and watched them and waited for 3:00. At 3:02 we went to the desk and no one looked up to help us. Then a manager walked in and asked "has anyone helped you?" we told him not really and were about to ask about the room when a girl working there interrupted and said "here is your room key" etc. We went to our room and found that it was nothing like our expectations. We had been told it was a "luxury room" by our travel agent. It was unclean and awful. There was a twin size bed and a single bed. What a bummer. The couch was made of plastic like material and felt sticky and there was grime in the shower. We couldn't accept that we were paying over $300 per night for a dive. I called reception and explained our disappointment and issues with the uncleanliness and told her we would like a less expensive room if we were going to get a dive no matter what the cost... and she said she could send house keeping over but otherwise there were no options. If we left we would sacrifice all our money. If we had further complaints we could send an email to "feedback@tangalooma.au".. obviously that would be less than instant results. We hung up and filled Sadie in. Then I called back and talked with a supervisor and was a little more forward about it. He was extremely apologetic and seemed to feel it was his fault. I reassured him and he told me he would do anything he could to help us enjoy our stay. After much discussion he offered us a free upgrade to a room on the 4th floor in the kookaburra
building (which we soon realized was the nicest of the buildings) we were unsure at first because unlike our current dumpster room, the new room didn't have a kitchenette. We agreed to go look. We were sold almost immediately by the king size bed, gorgeous bathroom and balcony with picturesque ocean view. We were cemented with the complimentary bottle of wine and chocolates. It was all better from then on.
Although it rained almost the whole time we were there, we had a great time. We spent the rest of the first day looking around the resort and getting sorted. The next day after we went to the breakfast buffet at 7 am (a huge let down - awful food and super crowded with kids and idiots) we went for an adventure walk up the beach. We figured we would walk around the norther tip of the island and check out the other side. Then we got a map and started walking. After about half an hour, we walked past "the wrecks", a feature for which Moreton Island is known. I just checked online to see if I could find out why the ships sank there, but I couldn't find anything, leading me to believe what my friend Alan told me, that they were sunk there to attract fish... We check the map and saw we hadn't really covered any distance at all. check it out: http://moretonislandrecreationcamps.com/Pages/Map.html
We started half way up the island at Tangalooma and it was an exhausting walk to the wrecks in the sand.
Then we climbed a huuuuge sand dune and ran down it. That was SO fun. I've never done anything like it. We got about half way up the red dotted road at Cowan Pt in an hour and a half and decided to go back. We were back around 11:30 for our lunch of cheese and crackers, mango, and three shots of Jose. Then we went to the beach and had a great talk. We went back to the room to grab Sadie's bathing suit (I wore mine all day for three days) had a shot and went for a swim. Then as you can imagine, knowing me, we passed out cold for about 2 hours in our room.
Both nights we boiled noodles in the kettle and then ate them with cold sauce from a jar and cheese. I am proud to have not purchased any food from the "restaurant" as it was obscenely priced. We were planning to get a small bowl of seasoned fries ($9) at some point and an ice cream cone ($5.5) but we didn't get around to it.
I've learned that your surroundings can be as awesome as the people you're with. Although the resort was pretty lame, Sadie and I had lots of fun. Even though it was cloudy, we both got some nice colour (and some not so nice colour despite being slathered in the 'sun milk' UVA,B,&C coverage) I learned to look into "typical weather" reports for a given time of year when I expect to be on vacation, and to not let the rain get me down when it pours for three days in the height of summer.
Today is Tuesday and Chris will be here on Thursday. I am soo soo sooo soooo excited. I've booked a room in a hostel for three nights from the day he gets here. I'm not sure what we'll after but I am sure no matter what it is, it will be great and I will be thrilled. Chris has basically got us jobs at a resort if we choose to take them (I think...?) and we'll scope that out. The breeze coming through the door is lovely as I sit on my bed writing this. Last night I had my first touch of homesickness. I hope everyone will update me on how you're doing. I love getting messages and emails. Talk soon!!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Going away.
Okay. So I figured I should update this before disappearing for 2 nights and 3 days. Sadie and I are leaving early in the a.m. to go to Tangalooma on Moreton Island. We have purchased foodies for lunch and dinner as the breakfast will be included. We have also purchased 700ml of Jose Cuervo... each. And 5 limes. For $2. So.. pretty set.
I went to the sunshine coast today! I went to a little town called Noosa. It was a pretty far drive and I only ate junk food so I've been grumpy. After the two and a half hours of driving plus a half our stop at a shopping centre for snacks, we arrived at the beach. Almost in the same second Demitri turned off the engine, rain began to dot the windshield. We were not to be deterred. We got our stuff out of the car and walked through the current of people more or less running from the beach to get out of the rain. So we were three of few left when we were all set up. The rain had stopped by then. We sat under the overcast sky and chatted the afternoon away. Then went for a long swim in the warm gentle waves. Then the sky opened up again and it poured. I decided to call it a day and we headed back to the car for the long journey home.
It's 10 pm and I'm very tired. I'll keep a diary so I can blog all of the cool stuff that happens in the next three days. Then three days after that Chris will be here.
I went to the sunshine coast today! I went to a little town called Noosa. It was a pretty far drive and I only ate junk food so I've been grumpy. After the two and a half hours of driving plus a half our stop at a shopping centre for snacks, we arrived at the beach. Almost in the same second Demitri turned off the engine, rain began to dot the windshield. We were not to be deterred. We got our stuff out of the car and walked through the current of people more or less running from the beach to get out of the rain. So we were three of few left when we were all set up. The rain had stopped by then. We sat under the overcast sky and chatted the afternoon away. Then went for a long swim in the warm gentle waves. Then the sky opened up again and it poured. I decided to call it a day and we headed back to the car for the long journey home.
It's 10 pm and I'm very tired. I'll keep a diary so I can blog all of the cool stuff that happens in the next three days. Then three days after that Chris will be here.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Washed out.
Today as I was talking with Mumma on Skype, I heard through the window behind me that it had started to rain. This isn't unusual for Queensland... one moment it's a clear sky and then with little warning the dark clouds slide in and it is POURING... then 5 or 10 minutes later it stops and the sun comes back. I figured we were mostly done for the day so I set out in my summer clothes to get coffee with Sadie before she started work.
While I was sitting out front of Sadie's work, enjoying my "George's Yogurt" and sipping my flat white, it began to sprinkle once again... then it began to pour. Sadie had had the sense to bring an umbrella which she was kind enough to lend to me. I walked a ways to the wednesday market on George St (assumedly not the same George as the Yogurt maker, but what do I know? I'm new here) where Andrea was selling "Andrea's Cupcakes". Along the way I encountered rain from all directions and puddles about 4 inches deep. My Birkenstocks were filled with water - something that's not allowed. I stopped by to say a quick hello to Andrea before setting off in search of rubber thong sandals that would be better suited for the weather. I found some along with some super touristy Australian flag beach shorts and some patriotic shot glasses.
When I arrived back at Andrea's table with my new digs I was delighted to be presented with my choice of cupcake from Andrea's selection. I chose a vanilla cupcakes with chocolate buttercream. Mmmmm. They are a sophisticated cupcake - not too sweet - with a great buttery flavor and light texture covered in a delicious and sweet topping (of chocolate buttercrem - as I said - duh). A great pair! Andrea and I then headed out to grab a quick bite for lunch. I had my first kebab. Hmm...
I then set off for home and along the bridge back to the West End, I got SPLASHED by a BUS. Well, it could have been worse. I didn't get my face splashed but it did soak the front of my skirt and much of my shirt. I had a quick little chat with two people near by that saw it happen. We all agreed that this sort of thing isn't supposed to happen in real life. The water may have spoiled my outfit for the day but it did no dampen my mood! Ha.
Since I got home and have dried off, I've been working through the lengthly and at times mind numbing process of re-writing my resume and cover letter to applying online for Hamilton Island. I am very hopeful we will get hired on for the December 15th intake. Cross your fingers for us!!
Three sleeps until Sadie's and my vacation and eight sleeps until Chris gets here.
While I was sitting out front of Sadie's work, enjoying my "George's Yogurt" and sipping my flat white, it began to sprinkle once again... then it began to pour. Sadie had had the sense to bring an umbrella which she was kind enough to lend to me. I walked a ways to the wednesday market on George St (assumedly not the same George as the Yogurt maker, but what do I know? I'm new here) where Andrea was selling "Andrea's Cupcakes". Along the way I encountered rain from all directions and puddles about 4 inches deep. My Birkenstocks were filled with water - something that's not allowed. I stopped by to say a quick hello to Andrea before setting off in search of rubber thong sandals that would be better suited for the weather. I found some along with some super touristy Australian flag beach shorts and some patriotic shot glasses.
When I arrived back at Andrea's table with my new digs I was delighted to be presented with my choice of cupcake from Andrea's selection. I chose a vanilla cupcakes with chocolate buttercream. Mmmmm. They are a sophisticated cupcake - not too sweet - with a great buttery flavor and light texture covered in a delicious and sweet topping (of chocolate buttercrem - as I said - duh). A great pair! Andrea and I then headed out to grab a quick bite for lunch. I had my first kebab. Hmm...
I then set off for home and along the bridge back to the West End, I got SPLASHED by a BUS. Well, it could have been worse. I didn't get my face splashed but it did soak the front of my skirt and much of my shirt. I had a quick little chat with two people near by that saw it happen. We all agreed that this sort of thing isn't supposed to happen in real life. The water may have spoiled my outfit for the day but it did no dampen my mood! Ha.
Since I got home and have dried off, I've been working through the lengthly and at times mind numbing process of re-writing my resume and cover letter to applying online for Hamilton Island. I am very hopeful we will get hired on for the December 15th intake. Cross your fingers for us!!
Three sleeps until Sadie's and my vacation and eight sleeps until Chris gets here.
Monday, November 29, 2010
BEACH DAY
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! Today was SO much fun!! Andrea took me to the beach! I don't know the name of the exact beach we went to... but it was very close to a place called "Surfers Paradise" - I'm sure you can look it up. For some reason I can't upload photos (I'll have Chris fix that when he gets here) so I can't show you how AMAZING it was. I was simply enamored with everything I saw (except one thing - more on that in a moment) The sky was the most beautiful blue and full of perfect white fluffy clouds. The water was a mix of the most picturesque tropical colours. The breeze was lovely... the sand was lovely... the temperature was quite warm but not scorching. I enjoyed looking at the tiny little seagulls. They are about the size of crows and many of them, rather than having black eyes, have little yellow-y/ orange eyes. Pretty cute... and they leave the cutest little flipper prints in the freshly exposed sand.
The water was so warm and it was so fun to stand and let the waves crash into us! I got pulled under once when I wasn't standing properly. I fell right now and got pulled along a very quick 15 or so feet. I was perfectly fine other than having my sopping wet hair in my face, a little salt water inside my face, and plenty of sand in my bikini bottom.
So here's the lame part... just moments after arriving at the first beach, we went into the water for a little walk around. We couldn't have gone more than 10 steps before Andrea screamed and bent down to grab her food. I immediately thought she had stepped on glass but it was actually a tiny little jelly fish with a very thin stinger about 3 feet long that had washed over her foot! (she knew it was called a 'blue bottle' which is in some situations - like this one - is referred to as a 'f****** blue bottle') It seemed to hurt a lot so we got out of the water to find the life guard. He offered her some sting spray of some sort and she decided she was okay and could go back in. When we got back to the water we noticed many more of these damned little things all over the place. They were washing up left right and center with their flippin' stingers hanging out waiting to be stepped on. I figured it would be better to walk a little further out where they weren't washed up... but seconds later I myself was letting out a scream of panic when I found one was wrapped around my ankle! Owwww. It felt like shock from an electric fence the way it went zap zap zap. Andrea (fast thinking) scooped up some sand and wiped it off pretty quick... but obviously the damage was done... We went to have a little rest on our towel to survey the damage on each of our feet. Andrea was starting to feel nauseous so we decided to break from the beach for lunch. We went to this super cute little cafe and had exactly what I had requested earlier in the day - paninis! (Roasted red pepper, hummus, arugula {called 'rocket' here}, egg plant, haloumi (sp?) cheese, that may be it... but maybe not) Mmm.. we were both experiencing stomach cramps (whatever - when am I not?) and Andrea was feeling a shooting pain up her leg and was convinced she'd been stung all the way up her leg. A quick google search on her iPhone revealed these were all common symptoms of a Blue Bottle jelly fish sting. Laaaaaame.
After lunch we went to a 2nd beach which is where I saw the cutie seagulls and went in the water and had tons of fun... we left at about 4:45. Far too soon for either of us but, alas, Andrea has responsibilities.
Tomorrow I will be researching Hamilton Island resorts as I have decided that it the place to be. An island paradise just waiting for Chris and me to come work on it!
I'm feeling great about being here now that I've figured out I belong on the beach. Covered in sunscreen. As I was today. In case you were wondering.
The water was so warm and it was so fun to stand and let the waves crash into us! I got pulled under once when I wasn't standing properly. I fell right now and got pulled along a very quick 15 or so feet. I was perfectly fine other than having my sopping wet hair in my face, a little salt water inside my face, and plenty of sand in my bikini bottom.
So here's the lame part... just moments after arriving at the first beach, we went into the water for a little walk around. We couldn't have gone more than 10 steps before Andrea screamed and bent down to grab her food. I immediately thought she had stepped on glass but it was actually a tiny little jelly fish with a very thin stinger about 3 feet long that had washed over her foot! (she knew it was called a 'blue bottle' which is in some situations - like this one - is referred to as a 'f****** blue bottle') It seemed to hurt a lot so we got out of the water to find the life guard. He offered her some sting spray of some sort and she decided she was okay and could go back in. When we got back to the water we noticed many more of these damned little things all over the place. They were washing up left right and center with their flippin' stingers hanging out waiting to be stepped on. I figured it would be better to walk a little further out where they weren't washed up... but seconds later I myself was letting out a scream of panic when I found one was wrapped around my ankle! Owwww. It felt like shock from an electric fence the way it went zap zap zap. Andrea (fast thinking) scooped up some sand and wiped it off pretty quick... but obviously the damage was done... We went to have a little rest on our towel to survey the damage on each of our feet. Andrea was starting to feel nauseous so we decided to break from the beach for lunch. We went to this super cute little cafe and had exactly what I had requested earlier in the day - paninis! (Roasted red pepper, hummus, arugula {called 'rocket' here}, egg plant, haloumi (sp?) cheese, that may be it... but maybe not) Mmm.. we were both experiencing stomach cramps (whatever - when am I not?) and Andrea was feeling a shooting pain up her leg and was convinced she'd been stung all the way up her leg. A quick google search on her iPhone revealed these were all common symptoms of a Blue Bottle jelly fish sting. Laaaaaame.
After lunch we went to a 2nd beach which is where I saw the cutie seagulls and went in the water and had tons of fun... we left at about 4:45. Far too soon for either of us but, alas, Andrea has responsibilities.
Tomorrow I will be researching Hamilton Island resorts as I have decided that it the place to be. An island paradise just waiting for Chris and me to come work on it!
I'm feeling great about being here now that I've figured out I belong on the beach. Covered in sunscreen. As I was today. In case you were wondering.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Not much to report.
Okay... so I've been quite the bum these last few days. I haven't ventured very far and I've been eating mostly chocolate (in a bad way). I do have a few things to say though...
1) My tummy doesn't like being full of chocolate.
2) I have mostly decided that I for sure do not want to stay in Brisbane and that I will look for a job in a little piece of paradise somewhere on the coast (any coast will do).
3) Guess what the newest most interesting trend to hit Brisbane is!! Just guess. No, seriously, you'd never in a million years guess it...
It's granola.
Sadie was talking with a group of girlfriends the other day and one said "You have to go to *(insert unknown trendy breakfast place name here)* they've got this amazing thing called 'granola'" and all the other girls were like "What is it?" And she described this exciting new food no one knew about... HA.
4) Twelve days until Chris arrives.
1) My tummy doesn't like being full of chocolate.
2) I have mostly decided that I for sure do not want to stay in Brisbane and that I will look for a job in a little piece of paradise somewhere on the coast (any coast will do).
3) Guess what the newest most interesting trend to hit Brisbane is!! Just guess. No, seriously, you'd never in a million years guess it...
It's granola.
Sadie was talking with a group of girlfriends the other day and one said "You have to go to *(insert unknown trendy breakfast place name here)* they've got this amazing thing called 'granola'" and all the other girls were like "What is it?" And she described this exciting new food no one knew about... HA.
4) Twelve days until Chris arrives.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Jeri vs. The Ants
I awoke this morning at 6:30 and decided to see if anyone was on Skype. I had a very nice conversation with Jena.
After skype I noticed a brochure Sadie had picked up (for job application purposes - not as a hint) to a hostel called "Somewhere To Stay." Rather than go through the hassle of turning on my internet again (it is a bit of a chore) I figured I would send Chris a quick message from Sadie's open lap top on the kitchen table (I was and am home alone)
I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. It took me a moment to register that what I was looking at was a mass of black ants crawling in through the cracks under the window frame. I jumped out of my chair and assessed the situation further. There were hundreds of ants crawling in and out of the kitchen via the closed window and up and down the window frame and down the wall onto the floor. I refocused my eyes on the dark wood floor and followed their path all across the kitchen floor and into the garbage can where another probably 2 hundred ants were crawling all over and in the garbage. I spent probably half an hour sweeping them up and dumping them outside and then sweeping more and dumping more. Then I washed the walls and window frames. Hopefully that does it.
But who cares about ANTS! As I was typing the last bit, the "landlady" came by to ask if the plumber had come (he had). I then told her about the ants and she then told me about the PYTHONS. Yes. The pythons. Apparently all the suburbs with lots of trees have pythons in the trees and living in the roofs. She assured me in all the years she's lived here (20) she has never heard of a python in any of the suites - except in her house. Which is next door. She shared some stories.
One evening many years ago, she had just arrived home and was walking down a hallway and noticed out of the corner of her eye a python curled up on the floor in her room. She called for her then-husband and he came running. Together they prodded the snake with a mop and a broom out of the house. YUCK.
She noticed a week or so ago a python making its way into her gutter. She said they live in her roof but not ours.
She also told me of a camping trip many years ago where she woke up with a python wrapped tightly around her leg. It bit her. Her advice: Don't leave the zipper open even an inch. All they have to fit in there is the tip of their face and they slip the rest of their bodies in easily. Also, don't leave the windows open at night.
The woman who lives across from us' kitten was killed by a python (I think she saw it happen...?)
A mother and daughter who used to live in the house had to pry a python of their very small dog.
I got a cel phone number yesterday but then realized today I have to "unlock" my phone to have it work on other networks. That will cost some money for sure. On the bright side, when I do get my phone unlocked I will have **warning: the rest of this paragraph is super boring** 500 megs of data (GPS - hollaaaaaa) and unlimited calling to any cel phone on Aus' most popular network and one other called "3", and $350 worth of calling Aus land lines or texting or international calling. All for $35/ month with NO CONTRACT. Woo woooo.
When Chris gets here we may switch to the $45 monthly plan with unlimited calling in Aus, unlimited texting in Aus and internationally, unlimited access to facebook, 1 gig of data, and $45 toward international calls and voicemail. Wooo
Big news: We booked a TRIP!! December 5th Sadie and I are going for two nights to Tangalooma Resort (link attached) Where we will feed dolphins, go snorkeling,
We're staying in a Resort Unit (double in the low season in case you are wondering) $340 for two nights, each. It's supposed to be "paradise". I hope we get fantastic weather but we will live it up to the max even if it's crap weather.
http://www.tangalooma.com/info/home/
I am going to go find some shade at the river and read my book. Miss you all!! Looking forward to updates via comment or facebook. Anything at all. Please. Thank you.
After skype I noticed a brochure Sadie had picked up (for job application purposes - not as a hint) to a hostel called "Somewhere To Stay." Rather than go through the hassle of turning on my internet again (it is a bit of a chore) I figured I would send Chris a quick message from Sadie's open lap top on the kitchen table (I was and am home alone)
I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. It took me a moment to register that what I was looking at was a mass of black ants crawling in through the cracks under the window frame. I jumped out of my chair and assessed the situation further. There were hundreds of ants crawling in and out of the kitchen via the closed window and up and down the window frame and down the wall onto the floor. I refocused my eyes on the dark wood floor and followed their path all across the kitchen floor and into the garbage can where another probably 2 hundred ants were crawling all over and in the garbage. I spent probably half an hour sweeping them up and dumping them outside and then sweeping more and dumping more. Then I washed the walls and window frames. Hopefully that does it.
But who cares about ANTS! As I was typing the last bit, the "landlady" came by to ask if the plumber had come (he had). I then told her about the ants and she then told me about the PYTHONS. Yes. The pythons. Apparently all the suburbs with lots of trees have pythons in the trees and living in the roofs. She assured me in all the years she's lived here (20) she has never heard of a python in any of the suites - except in her house. Which is next door. She shared some stories.
One evening many years ago, she had just arrived home and was walking down a hallway and noticed out of the corner of her eye a python curled up on the floor in her room. She called for her then-husband and he came running. Together they prodded the snake with a mop and a broom out of the house. YUCK.
She noticed a week or so ago a python making its way into her gutter. She said they live in her roof but not ours.
She also told me of a camping trip many years ago where she woke up with a python wrapped tightly around her leg. It bit her. Her advice: Don't leave the zipper open even an inch. All they have to fit in there is the tip of their face and they slip the rest of their bodies in easily. Also, don't leave the windows open at night.
The woman who lives across from us' kitten was killed by a python (I think she saw it happen...?)
A mother and daughter who used to live in the house had to pry a python of their very small dog.
I got a cel phone number yesterday but then realized today I have to "unlock" my phone to have it work on other networks. That will cost some money for sure. On the bright side, when I do get my phone unlocked I will have **warning: the rest of this paragraph is super boring** 500 megs of data (GPS - hollaaaaaa) and unlimited calling to any cel phone on Aus' most popular network and one other called "3", and $350 worth of calling Aus land lines or texting or international calling. All for $35/ month with NO CONTRACT. Woo woooo.
When Chris gets here we may switch to the $45 monthly plan with unlimited calling in Aus, unlimited texting in Aus and internationally, unlimited access to facebook, 1 gig of data, and $45 toward international calls and voicemail. Wooo
Big news: We booked a TRIP!! December 5th Sadie and I are going for two nights to Tangalooma Resort (link attached) Where we will feed dolphins, go snorkeling,
We're staying in a Resort Unit (double in the low season in case you are wondering) $340 for two nights, each. It's supposed to be "paradise". I hope we get fantastic weather but we will live it up to the max even if it's crap weather.
http://www.tangalooma.com/info/home/
I am going to go find some shade at the river and read my book. Miss you all!! Looking forward to updates via comment or facebook. Anything at all. Please. Thank you.
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