Academic Week 1

I've been doing so many exciting things it's going to be hard to remember them all! The main thing this week is that I started my classes. I love three of them but am in the process of (hopefully) changing one of them, because it's about politics, and I don't like politics- at all.

I'm usually the person to be telling people about events that are on and forcing my friends to come and join me, but there seems to be so much going on here that even I missed 'Bounceback Market Day'. Probably my best day so far was when we went on the Wheel of Brisbane and then on the Cityhopper ferry...

Fun on the wheel (featuring Anette and Alex):

A quick revisit to the noodle festival, because we loved it that much:

On the Cityhopper with Anette and Tord:

 

Southbank:

Controlled Bush Fires are common in Toohey Forrest (where i'm living and studying) as it help regenerate the foliage:

One of my favourite nights was when a family friend (Sandra) invited me for tea. We had a bonfire in the garden with her next-door neighbour (Adam) and roasted chicken on the cinders. I went from never seeing a possum to feeding one on her porch as it sat in my lap! I also spotted a cheeky one on Nathan campus having a scavenge through the bins:

Adam has very kindly taken it upon himself to show me all that Brisbane has to offer, here's a view from The Lookout (although it does the real thing no justice at all):

I Made It!

After a long and tiring journey I'm finally here. For the first few days I still couldn't find my ankle bones from the swelling from the plane, and I still have a funny voice as the air-con has dried me out, but I'm here and I'm happy!

 Admittedly the accommodation isn't as good as Westminster Halls, but to be honest nothing would really compare:

 

But Brisbane is beautiful and I've already met some lovely people.

Already I've experienced some perks of 'O-week'; free food, fun and games, quizzes, tours, massages, henna and card readings, and I won a movie voucher! I also sweet-talked my way into a free Griffith t-shirt (thanks to a new Norwegian friend, Alex).

Brisbane seems to have a lot to offer, there are so many upcoming events, I've already experienced the noodle-festival at Southbank which was great:

 

The man-made beach at Southbank looks amazing, I can't wait until it gets a bit warmer (it's surprisingly cool (not cold) at the moment).

I'm a bit baffled by the bus system but they seem to be friendly enough:

I am unreasonably disappointed at the fact I haven't woken up with a Koala smiling at me through the window yet, or seen a Kangaroo (although I've eaten one) or a Possum; but yesterday I saw my first Kookaburra and today I was introduced to some wild animals:

 

(Alex with his new friend)

So far my first 4 days have been fun-filled, I have to keep reminding myself I'm not on holiday! I'm proud of myself for having carried out what I've been planning for so long; now it's time to just enjoy every second.