Fireworks, France, Frisbee and Food.

Last Saturday I went to River Fire which was the most spectacular fireworks show that I have ever seen. Fireworks were set off from the tops of skyscrapers and barges set up all along the Brisbane river. There was even a miraculous glowing substance flowing from the nearest bridge into the river. Great music played throughout the show which only added to the excitement. I honestly felt like a child watching the display. It was absolutely awesome and we skipped waiting for the ferry to grab some pizza that night at Southbank.



The next morning we set off bright and early for what we hoped would be another amazing event during Brisbane Festival, turn-a-bridge-into-France day. I cannot remember the actual name of the event, but it was supposed to include a free breakfast and some French fun. As we left we realized that the weather was not being agreeable and it turned out to be cloudy all morning. Although we did enjoy a free breakfast and each got a crepe, I was not too impressed with the French bridge event overall. It was nice, however, to spend some more time in the city and hang out with a small Dickinson crew. Lately we have been doing a lot of work and not so much play. Most of us from Dickinson agree that it is strange to be in the middle of school work while our peers are off beginning their adventures in other countries just like we were a few weeks ago. I'm very jealous of their sightseeing when I am stuck doing an assignment with everyone else mildly stressed around me.

Some pretty chalk drawings at the French festival:


On Monday, we went out for Starscream's birthday dinner at Sizzler. This was just like a typical American buffet, but it was an awesome night with the ladies of Top Cock.



This week has not been all work though. Tuesday I had an awesome practice with my team who is going to Mixed Nationals. I actually got to work on some things I had been hoping to practice and get better at while down unda. I also found a ride down to Bathurst (Sydney) for Mixed Nationals, which will be cheaper than flying and also a really fun road trip. The road trip crew includes Josh (fellow UQlover), Trev (recently back from a frisbee stint in Europe), and Katie (exchange student from U. Toronto). It is quite a motley crew, but I think we will have a phenomenal ~12 hour road trip. We'll also be camping out which will be super cheap!

I was excited to watch my first Crommie rugby game on Wednesday and support the team. The only bad thing about the game was that I did not know any of the rules which made it difficult at times. (also the part where we lost) I cheered at the wrong moment multiple times, but I don't think the others minded too much. Part of the reason I went down to the game was because Mussels needed to snap a picture of Ross (Cromwell President) supporting the rugby team to give to him as a present. Tonight my corridor and I was invited over to Ross and Jenny's house for dinner. These two are new to college and this is their first semester being fully in charge. Therefore, they are making a grand effort to get to know everyone and hear everyone's input about college. I can assure you that this was the very best meal I have had here in Australia thus far. Lamb, pesto pasta, bread with home-made hummus, walnut and goat cheese salad, AND this melting chocolate cake with ice cream. Jenny is an absolute food goddess. We got to hear about how Jenny and Ross met and how Ross proposed, among other lovely table topics. I have been thoroughly impressed by Ross's leadership thus far. He is warm, genuine, and sincerely cares about each of the students here at Cromwell. It certainly warms my heart to be treated with such fondness even though I'm only here for a few months.

Although everything is well and good here in Australia, I had a pang of homesickness nearly the size of a house when I was watching When Harry Met Sally. First of all, this is now one of my favorite movies of all time. Secondly, I almost cried at the part when Harry and Sally went to buy a Christmas Tree in NYC when it was snowing and while Winter Wonderland was playing in the background. The only thing that kept me from losing it was realizing that I will be home in time to enjoy the holiday season when I get home. So no stress.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the Crommiegirls AFL team when we went to the Grand Finals!


Tomorrow afternoon I will be going on my weekly lunch date with Megan to our favorite Asian restaurant at the Ville. More exciting events are coming very, very soon. This post was more to give my momma something nice to read about her favorite daughter.

P.S. Please offer a moment of silence for my fallen camera. You will be missed.