melbourne – Page 2 – Rooted Gracefully

Eureka Skydeck

Today was a very eventful day for me! At work today, we had to go on a fire call. We got all geared up and headed out to the scene. It was a 2 alarm fire and the house was completely destroyed by the end. It was really scary but interesting at the same time!

After work, a small group of us went to the Eureka Skydeck. This is the tallest building in all of Australia, and I believe the tallest residential building in the southern hemisphere. We took an elevator to the 88th floor and viewed the entire city during sunset. It was amazing how tiny everything looked.

We also paid $15 extra in order to experience “The Edge.” This was a completely glass room that extends out from the edge of the building over the city. I thought this was going to be the coolest thing in the world, but I was extremely disappointed. It was not thrilling, and the views from the room were mediocre. At least we can say that we did it.

My favorite part of the entire night was when the city lights came on. It was beautiful.

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

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

Landed in Melbourne!

After over 24 long hours of traveling, I am finally in Melbourne! I am sitting out on a bench in a little garden next to my hotel wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and I couldn’t be happier. The locals keep telling us that it is a chilly day – but it’s almost 80 degrees.

My first flight from Boston to LA was horrible. I have never felt so sick, so suddenly. My mom and grandma both had a terrible cold before I left, and sure enough I must have caught it. I was afraid that I was going to have to stay the night in LA and wouldn’t be able to make it another 16 hours on a plane. My face was burning, but I was so cold that I couldn’t stop shivering – it was miserable. I bought some medicine at LAX, chugged two Powerades, and boarded my next long flight with hopes that I would feel better soon.

Luckily, I slept almost 12 hours straight on the leg of our flight from LAX to Melbourne and it really helped me feel better. I also got extremely lucky that I was in an aisle seat and the two seats next to me were completely empty! I was able to spread out and lay down a bit.

Right now I am waiting for two of my friends to finish showering, and then we are going to head down to the beach. We are also meeting our advisors for dinner tonight since we are the first students here. 🙂

I will try to post some pictures later tonight.

xo,

Jaclyn