Sydney and Campus

I'm finally caught up. Almost. We got to Sydney and I relished my single room. I have a mini-fridge, a balcony, and a sink. I wish dorms were like this in Berkeley. The campus is very sleek and modern.

We went into the city for the first time two nights ago to see the symphony at the Opera House. I couldn't believe how gorgeous it was seeing the Opera House in the stone. It wasn't on a postcard, it wasn't on a billboard, or in a movie. It was right in front of me. After I got over that, we went into it and found ourselves sitting in the front row, right behind the percussion. It was mindblowing. We saw the didgeridoo performance and I sneaked in a little nap during a strange piano concerto. Afterwards, still hungry, we snacked on tacos and burritos at a Mexican food truck.

After class the next day, we had a mini shopping trip in the immediate area. During the bus ride, I spotted a Joseph Gordan-Levitt look-a-like. I tried to be obscure, but I think he spotted me taking his picture since his expression was strange. The girls in the group were particularly taken with the store cotton-on. I was less impressed since we have it back home. Still, the clothes were impossibly cheap and I got a few things myself. We went to Bondi Junction, then to Randwick shopping centre. But this shopping trip was nothing compared to the day after.

Originally a group of 8, we split into two groups to scour downtown Sydney. It was funny, because I ended up with the Cal crew: me, Hannah, and Karissa. Hannah is Chinese and hilarious. She loves imitating accents and always has an opinion. Karissa is Japanese and a sorority girl. They are both good-natured and we all get along very well. Hannah was recommended by a friend to try a pancake place by The Rocks. We made it there and ordered a heaping breakfast. Lots of nomnoming. We then explored the Saturday market, which resembled Mindil Markets. I bought three pairs of earrings: one butterfly, one with golden hoops and a set of pearls with a complimentary shell case. I stopped by a boutique and found UGGs on sale for $99. I couldn't help myself and purchased a lovely purple pair. I adore them.We made our way to the malls where we were overwhelmed by the sheer number and size of the stores there. Much of it was beyond our budget including name brands like Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu and Chanel. We walked into Miu Miu and immediately felt judged. But everything inside was so beautiful. If only. I bought the typical kangaroo crossing road sign, and a vintage sweater with elephants and camels. I'm doing a powerpoint presentation on feral camels, so I believe I found my outfit for it.

The architecture in the mall was stunning. Even the food court was beautiful. I couldn't stop taking pictures despite the stares I was getting from people. We finally left the mall for some fresh air and walked to the St. Mary's Cathedral, which was also quite beautiful. We decided to end our trip there, for we had been out from 9-5, a full working day. We had dinner back near the campus at a Siam fusion restaurant. Sydney's portion sizes are impressive. Karissa, who I'm half-convinced has a tape-worm inside of her, ordered two entrees.

Now, I am truly caught up. Currently typing this in my warm room, snug in my new purple UGGs. My plan today is just to chill around as most people are on the Hunter Valley wine tasting trip. I've been told to watch for their arrival as it is always a sh*t show, according to our adviser. Perhaps I'll make a trip to the beach if it isn't too cold.