Oh Adelaide.

My 10 1/2 hour train ride from Melbourne to Adelaide proved to be very....boring. But it's about the experience, right?

Nah. Last time I'll be doing that.

I got to the train station with 20 minutes to spare, which was NOT a good idea with my hurt ankle. I had to hobble quite a bit and it didn't feel pretty. As I approached my seat, I found a cute guy sitting next to me.

SCORE.

Turns out he was from Switzerland and had no interest in talking with me. Or maybe I didn't feel like talking. Who knows.

The train was...an experience. The crew loved to get on that damn intercom to let us know about the approaching town. It was rather annoying, but I understood that the other passengers were excited about it. Or some gay stuff.

Oh. Did I mention the other passengers were all retirees? Yup. I felt like I was back in Florida. There was one couple from the States -- never got a chance to ask them where abouts, but they were asking all the Adelaide natives where to go. Cute.

About an hour into the ride, I got up to find a "powerpoint" -- i.e. a plug. I found several in the cafe area, but I quickly discovered that my power outlet is completely shot. Due to the stress of using an adapter, it's become worn and tired. Looks like I'll have to be buying a new one.

Go. Me.

So, I retired back to my seat and watched the farmlands fly by me.

I did see Giraffes from a zoo.

And the Murray Bridge.

The end.

Finally, the train ride was over. I called up my friend Nellie, remember her? She was in Adelaide for a few days in between WWOOFing experiences. She actually was able to go to Kangaroo Island and WWOOF there, but she said she felt trapped and the head guy was really quite the jerk. I think she was there a few days too long though. But, thus is life.

We were going to try to meet up, but I got in at 6:30pm and her bus left at 8pm. With my sprained ankle and tons of luggage, there just was no way we could see each other. Le sigh. But we vouched that we will run into each other, even if our lives depend on it.

Okay. Not that severe.

I hopped a smoked-infested taxi to my WWOOF arrangements.

Cost me a grand total of $22.60. WTF. Thanks for the ride, host.

But after arriving to her beach bungalow, which literally is on the beach, I forgot the money pains.

She happened to be coming outside, so we met on the veranda. Ha! I just had to use that word. Okay, the porch.

Guys. I couldn't even get onto the sidewalk without her help. How pathetic. The weight of the bag and my sprained ankle was just too much to handle. If I had done it on my own, I would've fallen over for sure.

Damn. That would've been a really good picture tho.

She welcomed me inside and her boyfriend/husband/lover/pimp took me on a tour of the hizzy. They showed me the "tv lounge" I'd be staying in. The toilet that was literally a toilet in a room. The shower that's located next to the kitchen and in the laundry room. And that was all I was allowed to see.

I also met their Japanese exchange student. Her name is A-yeah or at least pronounced that way. They call her Princess Ahya. I guess because of Princess Leia. Whatever. It don't matter. I feel like I'm sleeping next door to the grudge *shivers* She barely speaks English and apparently cried for the first week of being here. She tried an olive and made some really strange noises. Needless to say, she didn't like it.

Anyway. We had a few beers on the porch, watching the sun SET. Yes. I said set. On the water.

HELLO WEST COAST.

What a magical thing. I've always seen the sunrise over the ocean, but no -- sunset. Hardly. And this was no different. It was a spectacular view. Something I will always have etched in my mind. Gorgeous.

Then we went inside, had some spicy curry vegetarian dish (which I enjoyed a lot) and watched a crap movie called Silver City. I don't know. I thought it sucked.

The best part of the evening was meeting her daughter Scarlett. This kid hates her mom. It's really sad. But she's also 15, so I think it's an age thing. But the kicker. Being it was Saturday night, the boyfriend of Miss Scarlett was spending the night. WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA??!?

My parents would NEVER let my b/f spend the night at the age of 15. That was insane. But hey -- we're in Australia. Rules don't apply, obviously.

The next morning I arose around 9am. Whoa. Late sleeper. Barbara, the WWOOF host, had just gotten back from taking a walk on the beach and decided to go for a swim. When she came back, she showed me the linen closet and asked me to re-arrange everything. Sweet.

Once I was done with that, I was to clean....

The Bathroom.

BASTARDS! How nasty! Of course, I did a really good job, or so I thought and she came behind me and pointed out the spots I should..."go over again."

Why don't you just give me a toothbrush and ask me to scrub the grout on my knees?!?!

She did.

After that fiasco, she asked me to dust her bedroom and sweep, mop the floors. As I was cleaned her room of luxury, I noticed a picture on the wall. It was of a naked woman in a downward dog pose with a little naked kid right underneath her. I'm guessin this is Barbara and her daughter. It was bizarre and I looked away immediately.

Freaks.

After that debacle, I took a shower and then contemplated the rest of my day. As I finished getting dressed, the PIMP daddy handed me a sudoku puzzle and told me to figure it out. Then left to go to the pub to get a beer.

Nice one. I, of course, took one look at the puzzle, finished one square then thought F this..I'm out. Hobble and all.

I hobbled myself up to the square where I found a ton of restaurants/bars waiting to feed me alcohol. I walked into one pub and quickly walked out. There was a live band (sweet), but it was filled with old people who were dressed like they were 17. One lady even had a wig -- a long blond wig -- and she had to be 70 years old. Frightening.

I went over to a place called Evida, which overlooked the ocean and got a nice glass of house Riesling. It was $3.90. Um. Yes, please.

I sat there for quite sometime thinking about the day's activities. There was a family next to me eating dinner who must've had a foreign exchange student living with them. I noticed the 10 year old daughter just hugging on her dad.

That didn't make me feel very good. It actually really broke my heart in more than one way. Not the time to go into it, but a tear was shed, for sure.

Moving on. I met this guy named Peter who offered to take me to some cool places in Adelaide. I figured, why the hell not, so we hopped in his car (after shaking hands to not murder one another) and before I knew it, we were in Glenelg -- a famous beach in Adelaide.

Glenelg's Old Townhall.

And by famous, I mean well-known or the beach to go to. We sat and had coffee on the ocean as we chatted about life's little mishaps. As we chatted, I noticed the sun was about to set again and of course, being the neurotic girl that I am, I asked if we could go watch it as it fell. Apparently I wasn't the only one who wanted to do so.

Spectacular or what?

Afterwards, we hobbled our way through the massive groups of people and went to see a great sight. The whole city of Adelaide.

How awesome, eh?

It was about 9pm at this time and I was starving. So we stopped at this truck stop to get some infamous meat pies.

EW.

I actually had a chicken pie, which was just like a chicken pot pie. And the factory that makes all of these, is attached to the restaurant. Couldn't get 'em any fresher. That was an experience to say the least.

He dropped me off at my WWOOF host's house and I found them finishing off that terrible movie. We hadn't finished it before because there was an awful noise coming from the television. Everyone went to bed and I tried to fall asleep with the light on.

Two things. Their cat was meowing it's head off from outside wanting in. So, of course I left her in and she just purred and purred rubbing herself against me.

Awwww. Made me miss my Charcoaly. Turns out in the morning, the hosts found half a dead mouse on the porch. She was trying to show them her prize. I told Barbara that she was meowing away last night and she thanked me for not letting her in. Whoops. Haha.

Second thing. There was a HUGE Huntsman spider on the ceiling that threatened to kill me while I slept. When I awoke in the morning, he was nowhere to be found.

Perfect. Just perfect.

This morning SUCKED worse than yesterday. Host lady had me sweep the front porch, the pathway to the backyard (which was FILLED with leaves), weed her garden, vacuum the floors, mop the floors, clean the kitchen cabinets and fridge and I was supposed to dust, but HA! I fooled her!

See. I can pretend to be happy.

As I was sweeping the pathway, listening to my ipod, rocking out, I looked up and found a MASSIVE spider just chillin.

And by looked up, I mean we were face to face. Eye to eyes. And I wasn't a happy camper. I stopped my job right there. They can clean up the rest, damnit.

After all of that, I literally did nothing. I sat in their hammock in the front of their house, watching the waves crash ferociously into the sand. It was crazy windy and quite the sight.

I took a shower and here I am now. Writing this blog. Took me awhile too. I had a lot to cover for such a boring, little town.

I leave hella early in the am. Hella early. 6:30am to be exact. I have to get another damn cab, which will be at the house at 5:15. The airport is literally right up the road, so that's nice. Other than that -- that sucks. I'll be calling my mom since I'll have nothing better to do in the airport.

Off to Perth, everybody. And to meet Danny Lietz's good friend, George. Before you know it, you'll be reading a post about me meeting my "Grandfather."

WTF.

Goodbye, my little Adelaide. I actually enjoyed this city. Everyone says it's boring, but I had a good time. Like they say -- it's all about the people you're with. Those hosts can bugger off.

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!

My Date with Sydney

It's too hot to write everything I want to write. Just too effin' hot these past few days. I'm talking about to the point where you don't want to do anything but veg it's that hot. Your body sweats uncontrollably because it doesn't know what else to do. Who thought Summertime in Australia was a good idea? Srsly!

So. Here is a list of things that happened to me these past few days:

Topic One:
I worked a 11.75 hour day on Thursday. I went in at 6:45am, got off at 3pm, stayed til 4pm (we usually all stay and have lunch), went home, slept, went back to work at 6pm and got off at 9:30pm. All to do it over again at 9am the next day. Luckily, I got off at 1:30pm that afternoon. Sweet.

Topic Two:
I saw a Burlesque show. It was. Something. Else. I don't think it was quite the Burlesque show most people go to, but then again, I don't know what one really is. Honestly, I felt like I was a peeping-tom watching some girl dance around naked in her living room. I'm not going to say isn't wasn't an experience, because, damn, it was one hell of an experience.
Although, it was amazing in the right that it was at the Sydney Opera House. Very cool.

Topic Three:
I ate dinner with Minelle (who also went to the Burlesque show with me) at the Meat and Wine Co. It's known for...it's meat. and wine. I know, shocking. Of course we ordered an entree (which means appetizer)

a main (which means entree)

*No Photo Taken*

and dessert...which means...well, dessert.

Everything was phenomenal although we did order a cheeseburger for our main (hence the reason for no photo). Which was delicious, but nothing to write home about. Oh well. The wine was good. Haha. Had me some cheap Yellow Tail!

Although. We were sitting outside, downstairs and our view was literally feet. This woman didn't mind. Ew.

Topic Four:
After the show, I dragged Minelle to this party hosted by Couchsurfing.com -- thought it'd be a great way to meet new people.

Wrong.

The DJ. *Yawn*

Minelle trying to shoot herself.

This made it all better.

Topic Five:

Before dinner and a show, Minelle and I met up at that famous Blackbird Cafe. They have a GREAT Happy Hour -- 1/2 price cocktails, wine, beer and $5 pizza. So. Being in Darling Harbour, that was a must do.


Topic Six:
I took a walk along the coast. It started to drizzle a bit, but I just had to capture the beauty of this walk. Amazing. I didn't go very far, just to Maroubra Beach and back. Maroubra is by far one of my favorite beaches. It's huge and has WAY less people.

Topic Seven:
One of the chef's, JR, you remember him, made me the most amazing meal ever yesterday. I didn't know what I wanted for lunch, just knew I wanted fish. Our FOD (Fish of the Day) was Mahi-Mahi, so why not. He cooked that up with me and put it all on top of pesto mashed potatoes, field mushrooms and asparagus.

It was divine.

Topic Eight:
I just sent my first WWOOF email to a host on Kangaroo Island. I really hope to hear back from them, preferably positive. This place is an amazing island. Expensive to get to, but com'on, look at those views.

All in all. Sydney didn't really deliver the date I was hoping for. But, you know, it was an experience and not an unpleasant one at that. What the hey -- Thanks for material for me to post on my blog, Sydney! 'Preciate it!

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. :-)