australia – Page 2 – Jaclyn Grace

Night Market

Last night around 8pm, our group ventured out to the Queen Victoria Night Market. We weren’t really sure what we were in for, but we knew it was supposed to be fun and have a lot of food. As we walked closer and closer, we could hear loud music and crowds of people – the market was nothing like I expected!

There were tons of food vendors everywhere. They ranged from selling kangaroo burgers to homemade macaroons of every flavor. Most of the group tried the kangaroo for dinner, but I wasn’t that hungry. I held out for dessert and had a nutella and strawberry filled crepe. 😊

The market almost reminded me of the Woodstock fair with all of the little souvenir stands, music, and people. It was really fun and I can’t wait to go again. It runs every Wednesday night in the summer here. Unfortunately, since the end of summer is coming, next week is the last one. I’m really glad we got here in time to at least see it though!

I am so happy tomorrow is Friday! This has been the longest work week ever it feels like. This weekend we are visiting Phillip Island on Saturday and going on the Yarra Valley Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese tour on Sunday. I’m very excited for both!

Also here are a few more pictures from the wildlife sanctuary that my professor passed along

xo,

Jaclyn

Sunday Night Fun

I love everything about the city of Melbourne. If this was a place in the United States, I would move here in a heartbeat. The city is so clean, beautiful, and full of art. Instead of profane graffiti all over alley walls, there are detailed murals everywhere. There are also street performers everywhere and they are so talented!! The tram system (though annoying at times) is also very efficient and environmentally friendly.

Last night we walked down to the waterfront in hopes of finding live music and an outdoor dinner.

We came across a restaurant called “World” that was more than I could have imagined. It was right on the river and there was an extremely talented woman singing. Unfortunately, my meal was absolutely disgusting because I accidentally ordered the spiciest pizza on the menu. It tasted like I was just eating a bottle of chili peppers. Regardless- I would go back again just for the atmosphere.

After we finished eating we walked down the boardwalk a bit. There were performers about every five feet! There were jugglers, bagpipers, singers, and artists all along the boardwalk. There was this phenomenal duet performing…

and most impressively, there was this artist!

I could not create a drawing like that if my life depended on it.

I wish my whole family and my best friends were here so that they could see everything because this blog is not doing it justice at all. I hope to be back here someday with them.

Also, sorry for the bad quality pictures! The group never wants to stop so I have to take them on the go…

xo,

Jaclyn

St. Kilda Beach

Last night we went out for a sushi dinner and dancing. The sushi place that we went to was not my favorite. All of the sushi was on a rotating conveyor belt and you just picked off what you wanted. The idea of that just was not my favorite so I got a made-to-order dish of tuna maki instead. It was tiny and I spent the rest of the night starving until I got home.

IMAG1717 — Part of our group just before we went dancing

Today it was over 80 degrees Fahrenheit so we went to St. Kilda’s beach. It was a very relaxed, low key day – which is exactly what we needed. The only disappointment was that the water was freezing cold. I didn’t go in further than my ankles.

It was a lot different than beaches in the US, just based on the way that people were acting. There were no umbrellas, coolers, or beach toys. Most people were just laying on a single towel asleep. We were an exception to this of course.

Right now my apartment is making pasta and relaxing for a little while. Being in the sun all day definitely wore us out!

xo,

Jaclyn

Meeting Our Sponsor

Today we went to the company that we will be working with for the next 7 weeks and it was awesome. It was about a 35 minute commute by tram, train, and then walking. It wasn’t too bad though since it is beautiful outside. It will probably also be quicker when we actually know where we are going.

We got some nice little perks upon our arrival – including our own locker and the use of a full gym onsite! We also have access to the showers there. My group plans on taking full advantage of the facility since there are no other cheap gyms in the area. It may be a little strange though just because it is used mainly by firefighters…

We also got fitted for our firefighting gear just incase there is an incident while we are here.

After work my group had a light lunch at a little outdoor cafe. All the boys had beer, but I had a vanilla caramel latte instead. It was delicious. Everyone keeps telling us that Melbourne is known for the coffee, and now I believe it. There was also a live street performer singing right by our table who was very talented. I almost bought his CD I enjoyed it so much.

After lunch we wondered around the city a bit more and picked up some groceries. Along the way we came across the cutest area. It was a little alleyway filled with small restaurants, bakeries, cafes, etc. There was a band playing and the whole atmosphere was awesome. I took a picture but unfortunately the internet at our apartment complex isn’t great and I can’t upload it from my phone. 🙁 I am going to try to put it on here soon though.

xo,

Jaclyn

Around Melbourne

Yesterday, we ended up walking all around the area that we will be living for the next 7 weeks. It is so clean, modern, and beautiful! It feels strange that we are going to be here for so long and it isn’t just a weekend long trip.

Here are a few photos of the area that we are staying in…

One thing that makes it so different from home is the greenery everywhere! There are huge parks all over the area. They would be perfect for running or biking in.

After we walked around for a bit, we decided to stop for lunch at a waterfront restaurant. They were having a deal of a personal pizza and a pint of beer for only $11 in American currency. I had a pizza loaded with spinach, beets, and goat cheese. It was delicious.

I did not like the beer – but even that combo was cheaper than a pizza alone. We all really enjoyed our lunch!

Here are a few more highlights of the area…

This church was absolutely stunning, especially surrounded by so many gardens.

They also have a lock of love bridge. I wish Cfab were here so that we could add to it! Maybe someday 🙂

After walking around in the sun all day, we were exhausted. We came home and passed out for a good 3.5 hours – almost missing dinner with our advisor! We luckily woke up just in time and made it to the gentleman’s apartment that we were visiting. He was a professor at my college for 30 years and then moved down here. He had a lot of insight on the area – especially in terms of safety.

Now we are moving to the apartment complex that we will be staying in for the next 7 weeks!

xo,

Jaclyn