The Sunshine Coast

Friday was Kara's 21st birthday, so we went out Thursday night to a bar in the city called Down Under. It's a backpackers bar, so there are a lot of international students. Mikey and Vince picked me up because I was too lazy to walk and I was there non sober form of entertainment for the night. You're welcome, guys!

Friday evening we grilled out on our rooftop to celebrate Kara's birthday. We were planning on going out, but were all so exhausted from the night before, we decided to keep it low key.

A group of us headed up to the Sunshine Coast on Saturday morning. The Sunshine Coast is a region about an hour and a half train ride north of Brisbane full of beautiful beaches. We caught the train, then switched to a bus, and finally made it to King's Beach in a town called Caloundra by 10:30 am. We spent the day jumping in the waves, drawing in the sand, and laying in the sun. The sand was so fine, and there was a slight breeze, we couldn't have asked for better weather. Laying on the beach, looking out, and realizing it was February and freezing back home was one of the most wonderful feelings ever. By mid afternoon, we all were fried, and decided to head home. Even if you apply sunscreen multiple times a day here, it's almost impossible to avoid getting burnt, and I definitely felt the affects of that. I had the most horrible sunburn all over my feet, and up my ankle. It looked like I was wearing red socks-- :-P! We got back pretty late Saturday, and I was finally able to meet Aliey, Vince's little sister. She is coming to college here, and is living in our same apartment building.



Sunday I slept in! I was so exhausted from spending the day at the beach, I managed to sleep past 9 am. Vince, Mikey, Geoff, and Aliey headed in to the city for lunch. We got ramen noodles, and the cutest sorbet! I got peach, and it was served in a frozen, hollowed out peach. We spent the afternoon wandering around the city, which is pretty much a daily occurance. In the evening Vince, Geoff and Mikey all brought their mattresses into the living room, and a group of us watched Hercules!

I have spent the past few weeks here in desperate search of a fan! EVERY single store is sold out. I think I have gone to at least 10 different stores. Annoying!

This morning Vince, Mikey, Aliey, Kate, Chelsea, Val, Mary and I headed over to University of Queensland for part of their orientation week. Kate, Chelsea, Val and Mary all are from Rutgers University and are all attending UQ. Vince and Aliey both attend UQ as well. Mikey and I just tagged along, as I wanted to see the campus. I was finally able to run into Julie as well! For those of you who don't know, Julie is from back home. She is in Alpha Chi with me, and is studying at UQ. It will definitely be nice to spend some time with someone from back home! We took the City Cat back from UQ to our apartments. The City Cat is a ferry that runs down the Brisbane River and can be used instead of taking the bus or train.

I started classes on Monday. I think I will wait until my first week is completed, and then put a whole post up about it.

A few more:
Cotton candy = Fairy floss
A lot = Heaps
Friend = Mate
Sunglasses = Sunnies
Restroom = Toilet
To call = To ring
Boxed wine = Goon

I have finally gotten photos up on Facebook of my week in Cairns! Sorry it took forever but enjoy! If you don't have Facebook and would still like to see the photos, email me at ande9234@umn.edu to let me know and I will put them on a different site for you to view!