A day in the life of a student in Wollongong

Australian pack of cigarettes really
cater to the customer. ($20 a pack)

      

 It was a beautiful day and a great night here. All started with a load of laundry and my first "real" cup of coffee. I finally made it to the market and bought me some good instant instead of the hotel package crap coffee. After sucking down three cups I hung the clothes to dry on the lines because in Australia they do not really use dryers.

       I got ready and laced up my tennis for a run down to the beach, which is about five minutes away. Once to the sand I run along the wet sand for about another 5 minutes. Already drenched in sweat from head to toe. You got to love the humidity here. Took the easier way back along a forestry trail. Once I arrived back at the hotel I was notified that a last minute planned trip to Nan Tien Temple was about to depart. I really wanted to go so I changed without showering, I know gross but got to go.

        Cruising down Highway 1,  I don't know if they are called highways or freeways here. Twenty-five minutes south of Wollongong we arrived at the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. As we approach the stairs to the temple the serenity just takes over your whole body and you instantly lose any thought or worry you had been pondering. Silence overcomes the atmosphere. Once the initial awe wears off the inspirational feelings start to arise and I feel that empowerment of control come back to life.

     The main shrine has five giant Buddhas all representing some virtue (Longevity, Wisdom, Inner Beauty, Peace and Confidence) but I was not allowed to take any pictures because of the significance to the temple. I was however able to take a picture of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva in the Great Compassion Hall.  This was the second Buddhist Temple I have been to in my life and I plan on seeing more.

     The next adventure of the day continued down south to a beach town on the coast call Kiama (ky-am-ah), NSW. First, we stopped at the point where you can trek out onto the rocky hills and enjoy the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. I tried to capture a spew of ocean water escape from the blowhole but it was kind of shy today.

                   

               Once we grew sick of watching the turquoise waves pound against the dark rocky cliffs and shoot huge white spray into the air we headed to city square. I chowed down on some tempura prawns and chips, B- grade. With my stomach full there was only one good activity to burn off the "carbage" and that would be shopping at the local "op" shop (thrift store). Of course I found a treasure, a white mini dress for the all white-party taking place tonight.  Four dollars for a dress, score.

Australia Life

Aussie native fashion, model: Hanah

         Back at the casa, Ari, Alyssa, Heidi and myself (all foreign exchange, 3 USA and 1 Icelandian) take off for the night. On campus all the new students to Uni (university) met at the Unibar (sick bar on campus, will post me pictures soon) for speed dating. Systematically I got matched with more girls but we made it work.  

The line outside the club. No wait for us :)

                        In the process I made new friends and ended up back at their dorms for pre-drinks and then we were off to a night at The Grand. The Grand is a club that included a variety of areas: casino, billiards, lounges, bar, dance floor and outside area.

American Roomie Ari and Alyssa

Dance floor Packed

         Music was amazing the dance floor was packed and the drinks were flowing. You have to be careful here though because the date rape drug is big here.  I was already pretty "pissed" before I got to the club. 

Kid in the middle is the dummy who pulled the alarm.

       You know it was a good night when you have all your stuff, a load of pictures and a sore body from dancing. The only thing that could have gone better is not waking up to a fire alarm at 2:45 am because some lads decided to pull it. A $750 fine before school even starts will not sit well with the parents, poor kid.