"Australia is number one, America is number 2!"
-Me, after a few Bulmer's at the Ivanhoe bar
Don't get me wrong, I didn't come here to drink nor have I even been drunk since I have arrived in Australia, but the freedom is new and I immediately realized drinking is just part of the culture. It's also amazing to see how proud Australians are of their sports teams (more specific, rugby). The rugby world cup is well in progress and the union league is also of popular demand. On Sunday, the local Manly Sea Eagles played the New Zealand Warriors and I can honestly say I've never seen so many people excited for one game. Everyone in this city wearing Manly maroon and white, flags on cars and banners waving downtown, store employees wearing Sea Eagle shirts....it was all pretty exciting, even for someone who knows very little about rugby. The night of the game, ever bar/restaurant was packed, an enormous screen was set up in a town square, and even the church was crowded where people could see the game. Basically any public gathering place became a place of worship for the Manly Sea Eagles. All in all, it was really fun to see the people of Manly be so supportive of their team and the energy level high. I'm pleased to say the Sea Eagles won and I have a new found respect for the game of rugby.
I speak the English language but here, it is somewhat difficult to understand what the Australians are talking about with their constant abbreviated words. Today in class, my professor talked about "pokie laws," which took me a good ten minutes to realize it meant poker/gambling. In fact, I will share with you a few terms of the Aussie language...
Sunnies-sunglasses
Footies-soccer/rugby game
Meusli=granola
Rice Bubbles=rice krispies
Hungry Jacks=Burger King
ankle biters-mosquitoes
etc
I would also like to share the fact that one of the more rewarding things about traveling is talking to the random people I encounter on the street, in restaurants/bars and along the beach. Whether they are local or from a foreign country, I seem to learn just within 5 minutes that we have something in common. It's obvious that there is a bit of curiosity inside of everyone because of the questions asked between two strangers. Even just a small encounter with someone new after a hard day can remind me why I chose to live 12,000 miles away.
Welcome to Cairns. (pronounced Cans for those who haven't adapted to the Aussie accent)
First I'd like to point out that this city is windy. Its a beautiful, tropical place that kind of resembles Key West. I am impressed by the wide selection of Asian cuisine here in Australia (sometimes I forget how close I actually am to Asia..). A few of us ate at the Banana Leaf and enjoyed some delicious (and expensive) Thai food. In this first week, I also came to notice what a big part bars play in Aussie culture. Contrary to the common belief, Fosters is not widely consumed in this country. I have yet to see it in bars, clubs, ferries, and anywhere else alcohol is served.
Note to those who enjoy beer: Carlton Draught and Bulmer's Cider beer are both delish.
In addition to going out to restaurants, AustraLearn took us to Rainforestation Nature Park up in the Kuranda Rainforest. These pictures are featured on my wonderful Facebook fan page. Activities within the nature park included holding a koala, petting/feeding kangaroos, meeting dingos, and learning about Aboriginal culture (boomerang throwing included).
Later in the week, we went back to the rainforest to help with the Conservation Volunteers of Australia to help plant over 1,000 trees and take a look at the interesting wildlife in the area. One of the few plants/berries that humans are able to eat in the rainforest without dying is the Quandong. Disgusting if eaten raw...later had a cooked version and, with added sugar of course, tasted a lot better. That night we got to experience Ochre, a popular restaurant focused primarily on regional Australian cuisine. We tried kangaroo, wallaby, trout, emu, and various bush foods (berries, seeds, etc.). If ever in Cairns, I highly suggest this restaurant for a night out.
Lastly, I ended my week with a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. I was unaware the in order to get there, one must take a two hour boat ride out to snorkel and scuba dive. It was well worth the trip, however, and I decided to try scuba diving for my first time. This was one of the coolest things I have ever tried and I got to see ten times more than what snorkelers can see. I saw Nemo and Dori and got about a foot away from a turtle. The most colorful fish and coral I've ever seen and pictures certainly do not do justice. I am so thankful I got to see the Reef and I recommend travelers make the trip.
Note: for non-bird lovers, do not go to the island out by the reef. Some 8,000 birds cover the island which is the size of...a normal neighborhood park. Its loud, disgusting and you will without a doubt get pooped on. Have fun!
PS. on this picture, the black areas = birds.
