DUDE! I'm Loving It!

Melbourne has proven to blow me away each minute!

After I finished up my blog, I walked over to the National Gallery of Victoria. I didn't go inside, it was too late in the day to take my time, so I sat outside against the art sculptures and focused on my next leg of travels.

Bird chillin with me.

I didn't really have a plan, just knew I'd be leaving during the weekend sometime.

I called a few Kangaroo Island WWOOFing places -- all of which were too busy. So I decided to call the lady that owns a Beach bungalow in Adelaide. She picked up and apologized for not getting back to me sooner -- I had called her from the airport on Friday. She said if I could only stay for 3 days, she'd love to house me. SH-WEETT! She must know how boring Adelaide is -- so a few days would be a perfect fit! Plus, it'll get me over to Perth much sooner.

We spoke a little bit about the living situation -- I'll be staying in the lounge room on the couch and be doing a few household chores for her. Hey. It's free accommodation and free food. I can put up with anything.

After hanging up with my new WWOOF host, Barbara, I was so excited I called my mom. Little did I know she had gone out of town and my bro was staying at her house. We chatted a bit about our lives and all was good.

I decided to text Mr. Denby, to see if he was still in Melbourne and of course he had already left. BUT. He turned around just to be able to see me -- one. more. time.

Man. I feel special.

So, we met up where we "first met" and went and had a beer on the balcony of a restaurant called Blue Train. It overlooks the Yarra river which runs through Melbourne's downtown area. We had a great little chat about his job -- he's an elementary school teacher of 3-4th graders. How cute! He was telling me about his kids and how much he really enjoys his job.

*my heart melts*

We were going to say our goodbyes, but instead we heard some live music coming from the bar downstairs. It's an Irish pub called P.J. O'Brien's and there was a one-man band singing Irish ditties that, of course, everyone in the pub knew. It was really wonderful.

Denby invited me to see his band play on Wednesday -- he's in a band with his mom.

Not. Lying.

He plays bass and his mom plays the violin. Too. Cute.

I said yes, but later on I found out there isn't a late night train from his hometown, so I'd have to stay the night. Not sure I'm ready for that........

Anyway. We said our goodbyes -- awwwkkwwaarrdd -- he's a nervous little guy, so it wasn't the best of hugs...it was like a half hug with our butts sticking out.

Anyway. I met up with a guy I met from the net a few months back -- when I still was in the States. We went to a drive-in movie, yes I know what you're thinking, and, being that this was my first time EVER to a drive-in, I was more than enthusiastic about the movie. THE MOVIE. Not him. Not him in the slightest, actually. Although he was rather attractive. Romanian to be exact.

Anyway. That was night and I walked my happy ass home to my hostel in North Melbourne.

The next morning, I woke up ready to move into my new hostel. Had breakfast with Gemma (whoopty-doo!) and then took a cab to Urban Central. I got there around noon, but couldn't check in til 2pm, so I setup shop in the kitchen on my laptop for the next TWO HOURS.

Finally, two hours were up and I made my way to check in.

"Oh sorry, our clean-up crew is taking too long, check out is at 2:30pm"

So, I went into the bar area and watched some movie with George Clooney. I was just starting to get into it when, BAM, the damn barmaid turns on the lights and turns the movie off.

Huh? Weird. But whatever.

I check in and get to my HUGE room. There are two bunk beds but there's so much room! I love it! Another girl comes in, she's actually from San Fransisco. So we get to chatting about our experiences thus far and she takes off to meet a girl she met online.

Another girl, who had already been staying there, comes in and we talk about where she's been, that she's leaving the next day to go to Sydney and she's from Switzerland -- on her way home in a few days.

I leave her to go meet up with Minelle and Tracy and some of Tracy's new co-workers. We meet up at a bar called Young & Jacksons -- right across the street from Findlers station and Federation Square. Of course, they're on the rooftop which proved to be cool...but not that cool -- we couldn't see anything but walls and the tall buildings next to it. Eh. We were still outside and that's cool.

We move on to a bar called The Public Bar. It's a $5 cover charge and after looking in the mirror, I decide it would be in my best interest NOT to drink. But. The jugs (pitchers) were only $4.50. I mean. I can't resist that!

So, we start drinking and Paul, Tracy's co-worker at a coffeeshop, who's from the UK, starts cracking me up. This guy is so funny. We just go back and forth making fun of accents. We had the Aussie hillbilly accent, the Dirty South accent, the Ghetto accent, etc. We didn't stop. All night we kept going back and forth. It was a bit...O.O.C. -- out of control.

We left that bar and went to this dive in the middle of the city. You would've NEVER known it was there unless a local took you. Luckily, Paul's very friendly so he's gotten to know A LOT of people. Not sure the name of this place but it was located at Elizabeth St and Abeckett St. You go up 2 flights of stairs and then you're in this really chill, relaxed atmosphere. We sat and chitchatted while Tracy fell asleep. She left shortly after and then we decided to do a few shots.

The first being, tequila. Paul's choice.

That quickly brought back memories of Mexico. Oh dear god, did that bring back memories. Eeek.

We started talking about modern art and how f'd up it is. We actually got to thinking and BAM, we officially have our own idea for a new piece. We're going to win a Pulitzer price. or something comparable. I think. Maybe one day I'll explain it to you. But the piece's name is SICK.

After another shot, called Skittles (say that with a British accent) which is cointreau and red bull -- and yes, it actually does taste like skittles, we moved on to a bar you would NEVER find on your own. NEVER.

It was located in Chinatown down a dark, dark, graffiti'd alleyway. An alleyway you'd only go down if you didn't value your life. But hey! I'm in Melbourne, with two people, what could go wrong?!

It was called the Croft Institute -- located on Croft Ave. It was designed like a 1950's mental institution with syringes and straight-jackets sporadically decorated around. The colors of that place really made you feel like you were in a mental institution. It was pretty awesome. Paul ordered all of us a mojito, minus the soda and the rum. What does that give you? Oo -- tequila, apple, sugar water and mint. W.T.F.

Paul & Minelle doing what they do best.

Anyway... after a few sips of those...it was time to take care of business. The worst part being...the ladies' bathroom. I thought I was going to die. There was no light except for a soft blue hue and there was definitely a stretcher located in the bathroom.

I. Couldn't. Pee.

I had to go use the men's bathroom since it had a bit more light. But yes. I ran down the stairs fearing for my life. FEARING.

Anyway. We all decide it's time to call it a night. On our walk home, Paul and I kept doing our ridiculous country/ghetto/southern/redneck accents all the while Minelle kept telling us to be quiet. She was definitely playing the Mom role that night.

A sign for a bar -- on the sidewalk.

We walk by a bar that's still open, and being the curious threesome we are, we decide to walk in. Too bad the bartender was a DICK. He tells us he'll serve us, but we have 5 minutes to drink it. Of course, I want nothing to do with the asshole-ish bartender, but Paul decides to have a shot of vodka. Belvedere to be exact.

He loves it and I profess it's my mom's favorite vodka. Awwwww.

Afterwards, Paul and Minelle hop a cab back to Richmond area. And I walk my happy ass home. This place is really that cool that a girl can walk home by herself. Well. I did contemplate how heavy my purse was and how much damage it could really do. And I say, heaps. Besides. I felt safer walkin in the streets in the dark all by my lonesome, more so than that damn ladies' room at the Institution. Srsly.

The best part -- when I walked into the hostel, I ran into a guy I worked with at the Peat's Ridge Music Festival during New Years. HOW RANDOM!

He recognized me right away and took me over to meet his friends. We played a round of pool and then I called it a night.

Woke up the next day feeling grrrr-eat and took a 10K walk around Albert's Lake.
It's right up Clarendon st which I found all kinds of cool bars, cafes, restaurants and shops. Thrift shops included. (Don't worry, I held myself back).

Here's a good idea of the kinds of "artwork" you'll find on Melbourne's walls.

Then I met up with Minelle (and Gemma..ugh) for lunch (um, a veggie steamed bun from some Asian shop -- delicious!) and walked over to Tracy's coffeehouse. Minelle's looking for a job and thought she'd talk to the boss to see what kind of hook-up he has around Melbourne.

Minelle and I walked to the Big W (comparable to Wal-Mart) so I could buy me some new pants. I told you. My ass is getting too big. We found this AMAZING shop (called the QV) that had pretty much anything and everything you could want. I love discovering things in Melbourne. It's so easy and so much better than the touristy stuff!!

We split our ways, she went to see the movie "He's just not that into you" -- which I've already seen and I went home to change.

Yes. I said change. I found a Hot Yoga place just a couple blocks from the hostel. It's a $19 introductory fee and you basically can go as much as you want for 10 days. I say, no prob -- I'm only here for 5...why not go twice a day.

Yeah. It sucked. I sweated my life out and had to sit out a few times. That sh!t is crazy hard. It's called Bikram Yoga. Which is the practice of yoga in the HEAT. The 40 degree heat. And by 40 Celcius, I mean 104 degrees people. Insanity. The first few minutes were okay, but the next 75 minutes of the class (for a total of 90 minutes) was crucial. I wanted to die.

Die.

Now, I did try it once in Jax, unsuccessfully I might add, but thought I'd try something different while in Australia. And you know what -- I felt special that I got through it and convinced myself to go at least one more time...

Count my words. Count 'em.

Off to dinner in Lygon street (a.k.a. Little Italy) so I can consume more calories than I burned today! Yay, Fatty!

Va Va Room!

A little recap of my day...

I worked today only from 8-3. We were busy as H! It was awesome though because all of the sudden it was noon. Then it was 3 and I was like...OKAY! Would've made some awesome cash if we didn't have so many people on, but it's all good -- we needed everyone.

I also received several compliments from the "manager on duty" -- it was Pedro....remember him? He said he was impressed at how well I have really grown as a waitress...at Barzura.

Oh man. How sad does that sound?!? Sucks I'm leaving in less than two weeks and no one knows yet. I feel bad, honestly, I do. But. Such is life. I can't help that I want to move on and explore what this country has to offer. Some customers told me today that I HAD to go to Queensland. They say they never go, but it's a must....how does that work?

Anyway. After we sat around and ate lunch awkwardly......

Oh. I should probably explain the awkwardness. Basically. Pedro (the M.O.D.) is dating another girl named Lisa. You met her when we played Spin the Bottle at CBH. Anyway. This is all fine and dandy, except, Pedro's ex-girlfriend, Conti, is not so happy. Why? Because they all used to be best friends. Conti had to leave to extend her working visa and BAM. The goods were taken and life with Pedro was over for her.

Whoops. The kicker -- they all work together at Barzura.

How awful is that? I'd be getting myself a new job, a new place and a new life. The end.

So, after awkward lunch, we went over to CBH and had ourselves a few pitchers (ah-hem, jugs) of beer. The music was right, the sun was HOT and the company...was grand. Love these people. Srsly.

We ended up going our separate ways. I had a few things I could've done afterwards -- gone into the city and do an IEP event with Minelle -- who cancelled cuz she was tired. Can't blame the girl.

Or go to Bondi to...well...replace my old camera.

Or perhaps go to dinner with my roommate or at least hang out with the people I live with.

Nope. Instead, randomly, I got a call from my friend Dave, remember him? Yeah. Been awhile, eh? We kind of stopped talking after he took Melanie and me to a gay bar our third night in Sydney. Wonder why we haven't been in touched?

Regardless, he had a $120,000 car on loaner from his company and wanted to go driving. I said, "Yes PLEASE." We ended up going over to Bondi, except everything was closed. Although. Kmart was open.

People. I love me some KMart over here. In the States, that place SUCKS, but here -- it's glorious. And the prices are always so right.

Except I didn't buy a camera. Oh no, I had to be picky about that. Instead I bought clothes. And a ton of clothes at that. What is WRONG with me?! Hey. They're really cute. If I had a camera, I'd do a fashion show. But, alas, I do not.

However.
Here's a pic of my bday dress I got the other day in Cronulla for $15. Amazing.
How. Cute. Eh?
It came with a black ribbon around the waist, but I bought a blue one...since...blue's my fav color. Duh.
(Sorry for the sh!tty quality..taken with my computer)

After that, he took me back to his place (OoooOoooo -- no...not like that) where we made some din-din and watched his roommates play video games. *cough* Nerds.

On the way home. I'm not sure if I can admit this openly. But. He stopped the car. Put it in park and....

Let. Me. Drive.

WTF! I freaked. I haven't driven in two months and I haven't driven on the WRONG side of the road. It was a feat. And he kept telling me to move over more because I was a little too close to the parked cars on my LEFT.

I'm not gonna lie. I could get used to this. But I need some practice. BIG TIME.

Anyway. That was my Sunday. It was a good one. As soon as I really start to feel comfortable in this place, I have to leave. Bummer. But it's all good. Off to explore the WORLD. Sort of.

WWOOF Post Number One

I've been doing research on where I'd like to have my first WWOOFing experience. Yes. I may have a couple, if not several, or I might just have one. I don't know yet. Exciting stuff here, people.

ANYWAY. Came across the post below. I almost fell over and died. And I think you will too.

MaMa's NurFarms, Maryborough. 300 km. north of Brisbane or 4-6 hrs train or bus to city's Lennox Street bus/train depot where WWOOFers are normally collected. Telephone or e-mail to confirm space 3-14 days before expected arrival. Arrive before 1500 Mon-Sat. because we take you food shopping immediately. We provide $A60.00 for food which you select per week upon arrival and shop only weekly thereafter. We grow essential oil crops, bamboo & mixed fruit & vegies. WWOOFers normally work M-Fr 0800-1200 or 4-hour days for 20 hours a week. Normally Sat. and Sun. are free days. Plan to stay at minimum of 5 days or for full 20 hours of work. Normally you weed or do some very simple tasks. WWOOFers stay by themselves in a flat. You cook your own food (good for vegans & vegies) and keep the flat clean. There is a swimming pool.

Here's the kicker:

The owner is a Gay male nudist but there is mixed bag of residents and workers (2-5). We prefer nudists and have clothing-optional safe areas. If you are not comfortable around naked people - stay away. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, free thinkers, artists, musicians, students, earth mother, assorted OM chanters, seekers, Mensa members, esotericists, Greenpeace members, horticulturists, nursery people, computer types and extra trannie-terrestrials and assorted Wiccans are on the VIP list.


Should I do it? No poll for this one...I'll let you make your own decision. :-)

Awkward BJ.

Things have been a bit boring these past few days. Honestly, I've been all work and no play. Monday I worked from 12pm-8pm. Wanted to go to a movie with my roommate, but she was worried about being out too late since she had to be at work at 7am. We both ended up doing nothing.

Tuesday I worked 12pm-9pm and I was the one worried about being up late. I even told myself to go to bed early (since I've had this slight cold since Sunday). That wasn't the greatest idea since, whoops, I was late to work by 15 minutes this morning. Uh oh. I thought I was going to get chewed a new one, but alas, no one noticed. It was slightly eerie. Everyone just went about their business and said, "Good morning Maria." No. That's not a typo. Everyone STILL calls me Maria even after a month of being there. It's actually become a joke. If you're not calling me Maria, you're calling me Marie or Murah or Marvin or whatever you want. No one calls me Mariah and when they do. I get excited. A little glimmer of hope pops up inside me and I said, YES! FINALLY! All to have it crushed within a few minutes. It's sad, really. Apparently, Mariah (that's Ma-Rye-Ah), is too unusual to grasp. God. I'd hate to see someone with the name Shithead (that's Sha-Theed) or Lakrisha to come over here. Something would go terribly wrong.

Anyway. Got off work around 4pm today, went to the store and bought me some Vitamin C and Zinc and now I'm ready to get better.

My friend Murray, remember him? Well he came out to Coogee tonight so we could hang out again. He's really quite a nice guy, a little awkward (hence the title), but nice overall. Very gentlemanly as well. His Momma taught him right.

Sidenote: I took this pic for my Mom.

What is this? No. Seriously? Instant Mashed Potatoes named...Deb. Wow.

Back to the story. We went to an Italian restaurant up the road called La Spiaggia.

It was delicious. Melanie and I walked by it a week ago and I thought to myself, I must try this. Unfortunately, Melanie's tight on her budget and doesn't like to splurge on din-din, so I have to wait for someone else. I hate to eat alone. It just feels unnecessary since eating is really just an excuse for a social event. IMO. Thanks.

See? Much better pic than me crying with a glass of wine in hand. By. Myself.

Anyway. Murray had a beer

And I had two glasses of wine which was AWESOME.

Been awhile since I've really been able to enjoy a drink -- No really. I'm serious. Shut up. Why are you laughing?

We had okay conversation, nothing out of the norm. I told him he was too shy and needed to tell me some stories. So, he told me a few stories that were a lot like mine. Meaningless with no point. Was a bit...refreshing, actually.

We were going to go chug a couple of Guinness but my mind got the better of me and told me to go to bed. Since he was driving back to Brooklyn (pretty far), we decided to sober up on the beach. It was gorgeous. Just the waves crashing in front of us. The atmosphere of all the romantic couples. It was exactly what I wanted. But. We still acted like friends and nothing more. I'm not complaining, I'd be okay with either. We're still too new to each other to be anything other than just friends. However.

I was joking around with him because he was wearing black socks with his pure white outfit. I called him Billy Jean (since he's obsessed with Michael Jackson, remember?) Then for short, I decided to call him BJ. And since he's a DJ, he's now known as DJ BJ. Hence, again, the title.

I walked him back to his car and we said our goodbyes. I don't know if it was the beer talking or the....whatever....but he kind of broke into a sweat and asked me, "so...what are we?" I was taken aback, not sure what his intentions were, but I told him, very sweetly I might add, that I like him and would like to continue hanging out, but I ain't going to be calling him my b/f anytime soon. KThxBye.

What is up with these guys that "fall in love with me" and I just can't bring myself to do the same?! Am I just that judgemental? Or is it because I know I'll be moving on in a month? Or is it because I've been so broken in the past I can't bring myself to like someone as much as they like me?!

WHY!?

Anyway. Awkwardness ensued and that was that. Off he drove away probably as confused as I was.

So. What's one word to sum up my night? Lemme spell it out for you.

A.W.K.W.A.R.D.

And....Scene. Where I'll be going next? Nobody knows.

Although, I do know I have plans with Ronnie, Kristi and her brother to watch the Gators play (at Noon on Friday, Australian time). I. Is. So. Happy. GO FREAKIN' GATORS!

But for now, off to bed I go. Have to be at work ON TIME tomorrow. Another 6:45am day. UGH.

The Last Few Days...

Fortune says: "Sometimes traveling to a new place leads to great transformation" ... And, boy, do I need some transformation.

Technically, I don't exactly start my adventure for another 10 days, but it's my last few days here in the Corporate World.

And, honestly. Things couldn't be more awkward.

I say this in a loving way, really I do, but I can't help but feel like I really am just that replaceable.

The Marketing group has moved on, doing what they do best -- coping with the added pressure of losing someone.

But. It feels weird. Really weird. And I can't help but feel torn between two things.

A. Living out my few days here with a smile.

B. Getting the 'h' outta here for the sake of my sanity.

Alas, I prevail. And stick it out with as much biting my tongue as possible. I never said it would be easy.

In other news, things are REALLY starting to get down to the wire. And I don't really have a plan. All I know is -- I need to start packing. Not only my backpack, but my life as well.

I have this awful condo to contend with and so far, it's winning. So, I'm trying to mend my pride and succeed with a victory (as much as possible) in the end. We'll see what happens, but I know it's going to involve a lot of heavy lifting. Boo.

Sidenote: The time it took me to write this, I down an entire cup of hot chocolate. And I will not make any apologies for it. It. Was. Delicious.