Experiences.

One of my contacts here broached the topic of culture shock with me, then quickly added, "oh, our cultures aren't so different, you probably won't have to worry about it," and it was dismissed. On one level she was right. The similarities between the US and AUS have made my adjustment here quite easy. But there are differences, they are just subtle ones. And those differences can build up. Take how they drive on the left-hand side of the road. Yeah, its different, but its really not that big of deal; its actually kind of exciting. Like you are finally getting a chance to do something you never should do, or could do, back at home. But soon, it becomes something that can grate on your nerves, creating the itch in the back of your mind....

Honestly though, its not creating any issues, it only makes the comparisons of the cultures in your mind more realistic I think.

It also leads to an more honest examination of ones own life perhaps? We'll see. This is a big experience, and there are just so many facets to them. And because the cultures are so similar, I think I am worried that I will miss out on many of the experiences other interns may have in other countries. But i doubt that is true at the same time. All of our experiences are different, and they are all our own. As they says goes, life is what you make it. The same goes for experiences.

Cheers!

Well, I've officially been here over a week now, and man, things are a happenin'!

The internship started yesterday, and I have to say, it is going to be much better than I thought it would be! I've already done some research for my work supervisor, and have gotten myself somewhat familiar with the event design industry, and she is already impressed with me! Or, so she says.....

Wednesday, I will get to accompany the team out to help set up an event. That way I can really get a feel for what it is they do. I am super excited, as it means I won't be in front of a computer all day long, haha. It will be a long day for me at work tomorrow. But it will be the end of my work week, and my first evening at the Australian Open! Haha! Everyone loves their tennis here! By the time I leave, I suppose I will be too.

But, on a more social note, there are a few things I've noticed....

For one is the prevalent use of "cheers" in the place of "thank-you." I have manners, and tend to thank everyone for everything, and I've gotten a few odd looks on the buses because it. I am slowly morphing it into my language though... I've been signing everything with "cheers"!

Secondly, I'm the only one who uses a napkin at the dinner table? What? Maybe that's just me. I am a messy eater. But perhaps that is because I haven't mastered the deft use of the fork AND the butter knife to eat everything, including salad, on my plate.

Thirdly, there is almost no Spanish/Mexican/Latin whathaveyou anything here! AH! I miss the food! However, I am being exposed to delicious Lebanese, Turkish and other Middle Eastern foods. And man, are they good. Lots of Asian influences too, but I was prepared for that.

Lastly, the people are super friendly. I have yet to run into a rude person. Perhaps it is the way they talk... "Love" is an term of endearment applied to everyone it seems. But I don't know for sure. And, I've just been in contact with some distant relatives here in Australia, and they are already offering to take me everywhere. I love them already, and I haven't even met them!

I will continue to try and post at least once a week here, keep you all in the loop, and give myself an outlet for the strange observations I make.....

Cheers!!

Melbourne!

Well, I guess its about time I got back on here. Its just hard when I don't really have a special reason to... But, now I do.

After all the paperwork, and interviews, packing and re-packing, and more or less 16hrs of overall air-time, I have finally arrived in Melbourne, Australia at about 11am yesterday morning. I know where I am going to be working, and I have spoken to the mother of the family I will be living with. I even know when I start working, and what I'll be doing. Things are definitely in motion. But, the catch is, now that I'm here, I've about a week till I actually even start my internship. What?! Ha, I was so gung-ho and prepared for working, that now that I am here, and have some free time, I've no idea what to do with myself.

I am spending two nights in hostel in St. Kilda. It is very nice, but not very much of my sort of "scene." Lots of young, social, backpackers coming to and fro all the time. I'm glad I spent the extra money to get my own room and bathroom. I came here to work, and that's the sort of mind-set I am in. I mean, I am here to have fun too, but St. Kilda isn't even the area I'll be in. Rather, I'll be situated north of Melbourne proper, in Essendon and Brunswick, (which, I have been told by the kind people who helped me get my sim card for my phone, is a much nicer place...I wonder what their definition of nice is?). Nothing against the backpackers. That's what they are here for, and I'm not.

However, the hostel is like a 10min walk from Port Phillip Bay, which is just beautiful! I spent some time there eating a bit of fruit for breakfast, (grapes! fresh grapes!! Why I love summer!), before the phone store opened up at 9am. Then later, I walked a bit further, past St. Kilda West, and into what may be called Middle Park? Anyhow, on the ocean there, it was breezy and quite comfy. But I did regret wearing jeans when the sun came out on my way back.... It'll be a bit of process switching clothing gears again, from winter to summer... might have packed too many long sleeves. But no matter; by the time I leave, it'll be fall here!

Tomorrow afternoon, I catch a cab to my host family! I don't know what the internet will be like there, but I will make updates as often as possible. Part of this internship requires that I document, document, document. For my university requirements for my capstone, and for IE3, the company that got me here, they want me to write. So, this is just a good thing for me to keep up on!

I'm a bit jet-lagged by the way. Its 4pm here, but 10pm back in the states... Must stay awake! When I finally got to the hostel yesterday, and into my bed, I totally just crashed out. I slept from 2pm till 6am the next day. What is that? 16hrs? Ha.

More updates later!

Oh, by the way, I might post a few photos on here, but prolly not many. It just takes too long to load. Check out my FB often, as that's where I'll be posting most of them!