Study Abroad Student Blog

I was originally going to lump this subject in with the previous post. But as I continued to write, I realized how disrespectful that would have been. I use the term "housemates" literally, but also it includes those who spent as much time in the Retro house as they did in their own house. My housemates during my time in Australia have perhaps made the biggest impact while studying abroad.

Housemates + Extended Family

The biggest question I asked myself during my time here has been, "What would it have been like if I lived somewhere else?" Living closer to the to city would have been more convenient to get down town. Living in the residence hall would have presented a better opportunity to meet more people. There were times when I felt as if I made the wrong decision. Yet as I reflect, I see living in the Retro house was the best thing to happen to me.

Cinco De Mayo

Living with a group of strangers is a crapshoot. Watch any reality TV show or get a new roommate off Craig's list and unpredictability ensues. The new roommate equation is this: craziness of stranger + size of accommodation = level of living success. With seven very distinct personalities, in a house that isn't exactly huge, I had dubious original thoughts.

However, it only took a few short days living together to see how special this semester was going to be. We bonded quickly regardless of age, sex, political thoughts, or body odor. For one semester at Deakin our lives were intertwined.

We slept under one roof, we shared a tiny kitchen without anyone loosing fingers, we occasionally agreed on movies, we laughed with (and at) each other, we saw each other at our best and worst, and we came together to form a terrific group that unites under one name: The Autobots.

The quote of the semester came last week as our group started to disband. "Autobots… let's roll out one last time."

It's sad to say good-bye to friends made during a semester abroad. It is an emotion harder defined to say good-bye to the people that I have shared nearly every Australian experience with. Whether it was exploring the city, sitting in the living room playing Warcraft III, giving me inspiration for the blog, or catching some rays, there was always a roommate there. I came to Melbourne from a fairly small family, and five months later, I leave with six new siblings.

The First Supper

Today, as the title suggests, is my last day in Melbourne, Australia. This is also my last week for officially blogging for ODU. I cannot wait to wake up tomorrow and start my Queensland expedition. I am ripe with anticipation. At the same time, saying farewell the place I've grown so accustomed to is never easy.

Last week I wrote a good-bye letter the #75 Tram. However, I unjustly left out a few other aspects of my everyday Melbourne life I took for granted. So on this final day, I wish to formally bid adieu to the following:

The Walk To/From Deakin

Four days a week I made this trek that was too short to tram and too long to walk. My daily plans revolved around the walk. I refused to make the walk more than once a day. Therefore, the entire day's school-related activities fell between the walk to and from Deakin Uni.

The Bottle-O

This local "convenient store" is situated just a few short steps away from the house. Being most convenient on the weekend (or after a long day of classes), our house became valued customers. I once thought their prices to be heinous, only to realize they have some of the most average prices in Australia.

Deakin YMCA

Surprisingly, this gym reminded me of home. Going to the gym provided a comfortable routine in my life. What's more, seeing the majority of patrons concentrate on the bench press/bicep curls, gave a feeling just like any American gym. While I won't miss paying $22 every two weeks for a membership, I will miss the friendly staff that took the time to almost remember my name.

The Nightrider

This late-night bus is the awkward cousin of the tram. Businessmen ride the tram with their briefcases and parents take it with their children for a day in the city. The tram is respectable. The Nightrider, which operates until 5am on the weekends, is not.

Typical Nightrider rides consist of, but are not limited to, 16 year-olds trying to pawn (allegedly) recently bought boxes of wine, Dr. Phil-esque relationship discussions, sharing of Hungry Jack's or Maccas fries, or big group sing-alongs.

Even with all of the outrageous antics of the Nightrider, there is always one given, making it home safe and sound.

I strongly believe packing/moving is the worst invention in the world. The notion even trumps algebra and stubbing a toe. I am unfit for packing. I have no sense of climate change, pack too many socks and not enough boxers, and always leave my favorite shirt behind. To make the situation even more confusing, this time I am packing two suitcases going two very separate directions.

Suitcase one, my biggest piece of luggage, is U.S.A. bound. Rather than lugging around my box on wheels throughout my travels, I decided to send it home. As an added bonus, it is cheaper to send the suitcase home instead of paying for all of those checked baggage fees.

Suitcase one is being shipped via the Australia Post's sea mail. Sea mail is hilarious and great. I'm pretty sure beloved suitcase will be traveling on a Titanic sized ship, and will go to the bow, and will sing "My heart will go on" in a near perfect bravado. Soon I will drop suitcase one at the post office, and in 2-3 months, hopefully see it on my front doorstep.

Suitcase two is more of a duffle bag. The duffle bag will be accompanying me to Queensland and so on. While the bag is going to be filled predominantly with shorts and t-shirts, that does not make the job any easier. At the time, I always believe that I am packing my best clothes. Upon arrival, I look in my bag to find nothing but ill-fitting pants and horrendous shirts that could double as a picnic tablecloth.

Once upon a time I was good at packing. When my sole responsibility was to pack my toy dinosaurs and fireworks, it was fun. There is a slight sense of lingering excitement as I clear out my room today. I know I will forget my lucky boxers, but I will only find out on the next part of my adventure.

Facebook has recently come under a great amount of scrutiny. It seems like people either love it or hate it. I fall somewhere in the middle. Obviously, like 98% of my fellow college students, I waste a disgusting amount of time perusing "The Book." Yet even with all of its shortcomings, Facebook has revolutionized studying abroad.

Before I ever left for Australia, I knew my roommates. By creepily stalking them on Facebook, I was able to make judgments of their character (luckily, most of the judgments were wrong). Facebook allowed us to get to know each other weeks before we ever met face-to-face. When we were finally all together, I already knew who liked John Mayer or The Simpsons, or who really wanted Facebook to change back to the old layout.

I am not a girl. I cannot extend my right arm while holding a camera and snap a perfect group photo. I do not own a purse. I hate adding extra bulk to my pants (reference "The Passport Wallet"). These facts plus more explain why lugging a camera around all the time is impossible.

One would think that I would be out of luck when it comes to having photos of the great times in Australia. One would be quite wrong. Having four girl roommates means having four cameras. And with the "tag" feature on Facebook, my time in Australia has been documented four times. If my science is correct, that makes the pictures 4D.

Pictures are also a great way to stay up to date with friends from home. When homesickness strikes with its powerful fists, I can live vicariously through some acquaintance's new album.

Sadly, my time studying abroad is almost over. In the months here, I have made some great friends. Besides looking cooler, having all of my new friends on Facebook will make staying in touch one "like" click away. Of course no friend will be left behind with the obligatory "happy b-day" wall post.

I have made preliminary travel plans to visit some study abroad friends some day. And you better believe Facebook will be the primary source of communication for said travel plans. It is easy, familiar, and free.

There is a debate going on in the Facebook world about how it's best utilized. Is it a digital soapbox to stand and complain about work/finals/relationships? Is it a battleground for who can post the best "text from last night?" Or is it an awesome place to stay connected with friends from around the world? I choose all of the above.

You know you have been in Melbourne for too long

1. You have seen the promising start, anti-climatic finale, and had a favorite for Australia's Got Talent.

2. It's not a joke anymore when you say "Melbin," "no worries," or "how ya going."

3. Jay-walking is not as life threatening, now knowing which way to look first.

4. "4 seasons in a day" is less baffling, but still just as every bit frustrating.

5. You think $7 for a pint is a steal.

I write this having just completed my final exam of college. However, I must write a brief tirade of the ludicrousness that is Deakin final exams. I have previously noted that exams are located an hour and a half tram ride in to the city, rather than on campus. That is not the most frustrating part.

Let me paint a mental picture of the testing center in the convention center. Imagine one student at one desk, begin to pan out to see more students at more desks separated by equal distances, now play epic music and pan out further to what appears to be an infinite amount of students sitting at an infinite amount of desks, with supervisors scurrying up and down the isles, like a scene straight out of The Matrix.

Fortunately, I will never have to do that again. I am done and only six days away from the next part of my adventure. Unfortunately, other people have ended earlier and are already on their trek home.

Saying good-byes on this side of the hemisphere is different. When I was leaving to come to Australia I made my peace knowing I would see all of my friends shortly. The good-byes now are a little more difficult. Certainly there are friends that I hope to see again, there are some that I know I will see again, and there are others that I know I will never see again.

Exams are over and I am only a few short days away from relaxing on the beach. That is reason to celebrate. On the other hand, the friends I have made and grown with over the past six months are all going their separate ways. That leaves me heavyhearted. Happiness and sadness thrown in to the blender that if life, producing a salsa that can be delicious and colorful, or sometimes can have a bit too much onion.

Ask any group of true Melbournians what their favorite burger is and you will most likely spark a debate more intense than Victorian Parliament budget discussions. Those lacking taste buds and class may say Grill'd, or even worse, Hungry Jack's. Those that respect their mouth and have respect for their city will only have two possible responses. The question of who has the "best burger" in Melbourne is between Andrew's Hamburgers and Danny's Takeaway. Thus presenting the burger wars.

VS.

Round 1: The Venue Andrew's is located in Albert Park, a quaint suburb that has the feel of small fishing town. Although it is just a few minutes from the city, I arrived feeling a million miles away. The service is nothing short of amazing. The staff is passionate about serving up the best burgers in a timely manner. Even better, the owner works along side his employees and manages to keep a giant smile during the lunch rush. Without any seats, however, finding a place to eat can be a challenge.

Danny's sits in North Fitzroy, a hipster area with an eclectic ambience. Unlike Andrew's, Danny's has a handful of bar stools in order to enjoy the feast sitting. This burger joint is no-nonsense. Come in, order, take a seat, and try not to annoy anyone. Is a burger spot a place to make friends or a place to eat grilled meat?

Round 2: The Chips (fries) It is a well known fact burgers are best with chips. At each place, chips must be ordered separately. Andrew's chips are rather expensive and fall on the stale side. And with no ketchup in sight, the cardboard sticks get in the way of the burger. Danny's, on the other hand, serves up a dish of perfectly seasoned chips. What's more, a never-ending bottle of cold ketchup sits only an arm's length away.

Round 3: The Burger To make the judging fair I ordered the same type of burger at each place. This means ordering a burger with the lot. A bored farmer must have invented the lot. It consists of tomato, lettuce, onion, bacon, and egg. It has become a necessity on all burgers.

Danny's burger was impressive. Less the burnt onions, the burger had it all: a modest size, a reasonable price, and toppings that complimented the patty. All in all, though, it could not stand up to its superior.

Danny's Burger

Winner: Andrew's Hamburgers Andrew's burger serves up a TKO of flavor explodability. Each bite is as much an adventure as getting to the place. It is messy, it is monstrous, and it put me in a burger coma.

Andrew's Burger

Eating the burger on a park bench in beautiful Albert Park is not to be missed. I came hungry, excited, and skeptical about the "best burger" in Melbourne. I left with grease on my pants, ketchup on my shirt, and a crazy combination of burger related intoxication/unconsciousness.

For most students it's actually just a few study days. Luckily for me, my first exam isn't until next Monday. Along with getting ready for exams and finishing up my final assignments, I plan on using this week to check off my final Melbourne pursuits.

Streaking a footy game, boxing a kangaroo, hi-jacking a tram, watching Australia beat America in a friendly match of soccer: all things that will be left for my next time around Melbourne. Most of what I have left to do is not as exciting. I still have to take some pictures of the city, finish up college, try a few burgers, and soak up culture in a museum or two (blog foreshadowing!!!).

Staying abreast of all of my assignments/exams has become increasingly difficult. If senioritis is native to America then I must have a case of being-in-australia-as-a-fifth-year-seniorsclerosis. Each assignment takes twice as long as it has in the past. Studying on my computer has become "let me see how many other things I can do beside studying." (Side note: I now have a flawless resume, logged a record number of hours on wikipedia, and received my Ph.D. from the University of Southern Minneapolis-Wichita Online.) I can, however, see the light at the end of the tunnel. If I can buckle down this week and put history facts in to my brain, I will soon be done.

This week is also the calm before the storm. Next week will be so chock-full of exams, going away parties, packing, planning and other various highs and lows, I will surely become nauseous on the emotional roller-coaster. As the days quickly pass, I am starting to realize how little time I have left in Melbourne…

No one told me it got cold in Australia. My wardrobe was not adequately prepared for such weather. I envisioned Australia to be sunny and beach clothing to be appropriate all year long. My suitcase was packed full of lime green tanks and other spring-like colored shirts. That is all tucked away in the back of my closet. Now I wear bulky jackets and am covered in the depressing colors of gray and black.

Luckily, Melbourne is home to the world famous "four seasons in a day."  Every so often there will be an exceptionally warm morning. I get excited and bring out the summer clothing, only to be left looking like a fool when the sun goes down and everyone has a jacket/scarf combo. Then there are other days that start out with frost on the ground and icicles hanging from Old Man Winter's nose. I am deathly afraid of cold so I dress as if I were going to brave the Arctic tundra. It would make sense then, for temperatures to skyrocket later in the day.

Layers, I have been told, layers. Whatever, I will put "four seasons in a day" on a list with the Internet and flying squirrels of things I will never comprehend.

On a different note, winter conjures many emotions. While winter is hardly exciting, it does bring a unique smell to the air and the smell of winter makes me think. The smell of winter makes me think of wearing my favorite sweatshirt, it makes me think of homemade soup, it makes me think of aggressively yelling at Dallas Cowboy fans to the point where police have to interject.

This winter will be different, however. While it is getting cold here, it is getting hot at home. Part of the excitement for coming to Australia was to leave the cold behind. I am starting to get some of the same emotions with thoughts of going home. Fortunately, my quest for the never ending summer will be answered when I leave for Queensland in two weeks.

Although Australians and Americans share a common language, English, there are many disparities in ever day slang. Of course there are some expressions that have become world known, "G'day mate," for example. I wanted to learn the real Aussie slang. I have spent the last few days taking in as much slang as I could from friends, professors, and eavesdropping on the tram. I have come up with a list that encompasses the common terms to the obscure. Consider this the Australian Slang Rosetta Stone.

• No worries - Not a problem, don't worry about it

"Thanks for making me a sandwich." "No worries."

• Hoon - A young reckless driver

"That crazy hoon just hit an old lady."

• Bogan - Someone of a lower class, redneck

"That guy with the mullet is a total bogan."

• Reckon - To figure, guess

"I reckon I should take a shower."

• Maccas - Short for McDonald's

"I'm going to Maccas to get a family meal for myself."

• Jug - A pitcher of alcohol

"Can I please have six jugs of Carlton for me and my two friends?"

• Good on ya - Good for you

"I just ate 50 chicken nuggets." "Oh good on ya!"

• How ya going - How are you doing

"How ya going Stephen? Still feeling moody?"

• Sweet as - Awesome

"Sweet as bro!"

*The word "as" can be preceded by any adjective, dumb as, hard as, etc.

• Divvy van - A cop car

"She went home in a divvy van."

Finally, here are a few old school Australian insults that I have very little idea of their true meaning:

• "Stone the crows and starve the flaming lizards."

• "Don't come to raw prawn with me sport."

Enjoy and repeat these sayings.

My time playing basketball in Australia has been rough. We are often booted from the courts to make room for indoor soccer or badminton. I loathe badminton. Basketball has simply been overshadowed by various other sports, sports such as netball. I find this strange coming for a country that has produced NBA starting center Andrew Bogut and ODU phenom Trian Iliadis.

Regardless of the lack of playing time, my proudest school related activity has been the Deakin Basketball Club. We have practices every Wednesday. Practice includes two hours of 5 vs. 5 vs. 5. I won't even get in to explaining that complicated form of basketball. We have our games on Sunday. Unfortunately, our record on Sundays has not gone very well. Our team has played with only four players numerous times this season.

With all of the basketball hardships I have endured, I had one chance for revenge. My time for vengeance was the intra-club game: Australia vs. The World.

The sun is shinning brightly on this pleasant fall Monday. This is the last week of classes for this lovely trimester. However for me, this is my last week of classes for my undergraduate career, and I think Mother Nature is as excited as I am. A matter of hours separates me from undeniable freedom. Freedom to say so long to studying, freedom from homework's hellish grasp, freedom to travel the globe… even more so.

Although classes end this week, there is still a "study" week and then final exams. This trimester students are up in arms about how the exams are being conducted. Rather than having the exams on campus, students are forced to travel in to the city during all hours of the day to take the exam at the Melbourne Convention Center. I definitely find this strange and upsetting, but understand universities sometimes have more students than they know what to do with.

With roughly three weeks before everyone starts his or her respective journey home, a strange mood has infected Deakin Uni . Some people are excited about going home, others are saddened to leave new friends behind, yet everyone is ready for end of exam parties.

I, for one, am counting down the days of this week with great anticipation. Furthermore, it is only a mere 21 days until the next part of my adventure takes place.

There is this old saying, maybe you've heard of it, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." This saying can often lead to trouble or hilarious times, or both. While in Australia, I have applied this saying when it comes to the world of fashion and grooming. I am a man that has seen a wide variety of styles. I have been in Georgetown and seen the outrageously loud Polo shirts with colors that would confuse a rainbow. I have seen the purple male scarf. Here, the colors are kept simple and the hair does all the talking.

The faux hawk is my valiant attempt to take on Australian fashion. It is part extreme, part sensational, and part unpredictable, with sprinklings of valor. With notable celebrities such as David Beckham sporting the dew, the faux hawk is a style not to be messed with.

Sweet Tackle   Photo: Paul Rovere

On Saturday night I took part in a ritual that every Melbournian man must do at some point in his life. I went to the Dreamtime footy game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG or simply the 'G.' 64,000 strong came to support either Richmond or Essendon under the bright lights at the 'G.' I, having very little knowledge or interest in either team, chose to go for Richmond. Richmond ended up getting demolished by Essendon, and the overall quality of the game was rather poor.

Regardless of the game, there are a number of aspects I find interesting at a footy game. Most notably is the price of a ticket. I have grown accustomed to paying $80 for a high-rise seat at a Redskin's game where I have a better chance of spotting my house than seeing the game. Footy tickets on concession are a mere $13, in comparison, outrageously cheap.

The second aspect is the food and drink. If America is apple pies, then Australia is meat pies. A meat pie is a scrumptious little snack consisting of meat baked in to a pie. What's more amazing is the fact that you can get a meat pie and cold beer for under $10. And let me tell you this, the more cold brews that go down, the better the meat pies taste.

The last interesting fact of a footy game is the location. Stadiums aren't team specific like in the NFL. This means that all the fans from both teams are piled in together. However, there weren't nearly as many belligerent fights as I expected, or hoped to see. People, despite team affiliation, sat side by side. I even heard people speaking outright about how crummy their team was. Again, this is a notion that would be unheard of at a Redskin's game.

All in all, the night was a great experience. While I have been to a footy game, it was not like this. Prime time at the 'G' is one for the ages. When in Melbourne, it is a must.

I had been waiting to make a post like this to see if the sentiment lasted, and it has. Since my first few days in Australia, one of my favorite pastimes has been conversing with the people from around the globe. Being in the study abroad environment has presented a great opportunity to increase my level of conversing with persons of the world. Every day is another chance to try and learn a new way to say "cheers" in a foreign language.

The group of guys I hang out with, road dogs if you will, consists of one Mexican, one Norwegian, and one Sri Lankan. We spend hours trying to teach each other hilarious expressions in our foreign tongue. And hours later I forget nearly every one. However, my one claim to language fame is my uncanny ability to sound Norwegian.