The Grand Tour
Woei Lin requested pictures of my room, so here they are!
This is me in my room! Ignore how pale I look - I swear it's just the lighting!
This is my comfy bed. I love my bed. Quilt is provided! (Although I'll need to get an electric blanket when it gets cold - and for reference, not all electric blankets are real blankets - some are mat-type things you put UNDER the sheets)
This is my in-room sink! Only Normanby House people get a sink - we pay about a dollar extra for it but it's worth it, especially as you can drink from the tap (cold water only)
This is my very organized closet. (Hahaha)
....Okay no really, it is! I put them all there myself okay!
This is what you see upon immediately entering my room. It would've looked worse a few days ago, this is tidy okay!
My desk and shelves, along with my clothes airer. I don't actually use it to air clothes (yet) I used the dryer just a few days ago! For the first time hehe. But apparently dryers shrink clothes and I'm not supposed to use them if I can help it, so I expect I'll be using that more often.
Monies! The smallest ones are two Australian dollars each, so..yeah, I have a lot of change :P
This is a slightly wider shot, from the sink - you can see the armchair and bed. Yes I know my desk is messy. It's called 'ordered chaos' :P
We all have our own 'Do Not Disturb' signs (so like a hotel xD) but nobody ever actually uses them. If we close the door it's generally a sign that we don't really want to interact (unless you knock, I guess) Although there was this one guy who knocked, I was changing and said 'just a minute' and he heard 'just come in' or something, and nearly barged in =.= Scared the heck out of me.
Our own set of keys - the dog tag thing is to open the door to the stairway, the key is to open my mailbox, the code is for the showers (very ?!?!? right I know :P) the neon green tag is my room number..and another key you can't see is to open my room door. We apparently can't lock our doors from the inside =.= Don't ask me why.
The first thing I've actually cooked since being here :P
Doesn't it make you drool?
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Okay not really, I got sick of it after like half the bowl, but that was dinner :(
You see how I've been starving!
This is what happened to my back after I fell down the stairs two days ago (don't ask x.x) It doesn't look like much but it kinda hurts to stand up straight, so I've been walking around slightly hunchbacked haha.
There you go Woei Lin, hope you're happy now :P
My goings-on
Things here in Melbourne have been pretty crazy lately. I would really be in bed by now if it weren't for the fact that I've just showered and my hair's wet (don't ask me why I showered at 12 am, it was freaking freezing) and so I really have nothing better to do. Now that I'm actually out and about so much, Achaea..somehow doesn't hold that much of an interest for me any more.
I suppose that's technically a good thing, hmm?
But yes, updates, let's see..
Two nights ago I went to a club as part of the Host Scheme event, where they stuffed (reportedly) 1700 people into a three-storey club (it sounds huge, but actually wasn't really). It was called the Colonial Hotel, which to me conjured images of grandeur, but in all reality when we got there it was just a dingy little building with bars on every level and a dance floor. Though, it did have a disco ball.
I wanted to say I couldn't be bothered to put pictures up, but well, I don't have a whole lot else to do at 1.16 am.
So here you go.
This is me before the event started. 'Make up' and all.
These were the people I hung out with most of the night. From top: Josh, his Malaysian girlfriend Kim, me, and Tom.
The dance floor of the club. If you think that's packed, you should've seen it an hour later. People were complaining that the music was horrible but personally I really wouldn't have known - it was all bass beats anyway.
Josh, Kim, me and Micah. Just for reference, Micah said he was roughly 6 foot 3, and Josh is about the same height.
Just us Malaysian girls.
Yeah, to put things into perspective. That's not even their full height. :(
Johnny, me and Micah.
So yeah, my first clubbing experience. I guess it wasn't totally horrible, I met new friends and things, but yeah if you don't drink it wasn't really that much fun - it could potentially be if you have a giant group of friends and you go take over the dance floor, but otherwise..yeah, this is why clubbing isn't really my scene. Before that just getting there had a lot of drama - first I needed to get my O-Week card, then I needed my passport (apparently Malaysian ICs would work as well but the girl who announced it didn't say that) bleh. On the bright side, having to join another bus meant meeting another new friend - Singaporean Paul, from my house as well. We had quite a nice chat during the roughly 20 minute ride to the club.
Adam (president of our Normanby Society thing) had told us that the earliest bus that would take us back to campus would come at 1.30 am. I was dead bored by 10.30 - me and Micah kept looking at our watches! Kim kept trying to leave the club but Josh wouldn't let her, because Melbourne isn't exactly the safest city at night (drunkards and all).
I wanted to leave early too, so what we did in the end was Josh and I followed Kim back to her apartment near Caulfield, and spent the night there. I felt bad leaving Micah alone at the club but Josh said he'd be okay. It was a little awkward spending the night there, especially as (again) I didn't have many of my things with me and had my faculty Orientation the day after at Caulfield.
Consequently, I wasn't really social during Orientation - I mean, I tried to be, but none of the people that I met were A) studying the same thing I was and B) really willing to be social to people outside of their own groups. I have to say honestly, I got so used to the efficiency and outgoingness of Normanby activities that the Caulfield orientation stuff just paled in comparison. I called Josh to pick me up about halfway through and skip the lecture tour thing - whatever that was.
We wandered around with Kim for a bit before he drove me back to Clayton. I was so happy to see my room again! P licenses in Australia are actually quite annoying - you can only take one passenger at a time between the ages of 16-22. I felt bad because Josh had to take me home and Kim had to take the bus, but I didn't really say anything because I was still quite tired.
That night we had Singaporean noodles and gado-gado for dinner - and then we had trivia night! We got separated into groups and then various trivia questions were asked. Most of them were Australian but I did know one - who Manchester United was owned by (Malcolm Glazer) but ironically, did not know the date when the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese. Major fail hahaha.
When the time came for the last answer sheet to be handed in, I volunteered to because I was closest to the table. What none of the representatives knew, though, was that there was a 'bonus round' that we 'cannot back out of', and it involved a dance off.
Can you imagine ME?
In a DANCE OFF?
Was I freaked out? Yes, yes I was. Immensely.
And I wished that I'd paid better attention or continued going to the hip hop classes when I was in Taylor's.
So off we went, one by one, to our dooms dances. I was lucky number 4, and the girl before me (Amelia) had prior training in ballet and just started doing pirouettes mid-dance, which got many claps. Me, I was just hoping not to freeze mid stage.
So I went out, and I don't even remember what music they played for me any more - all I knew is that when it started, I just started doing what little hip hop stuff I remembered, and I honestly cannot remember what sort of reaction it got, I was that nervous. After that I did a bit of salsa-ish stuff (although I'm sure it didn't resemble salsa at all) which I'd picked up from the Monash Fun Day at Clayton on the 19th. And then I did a bit of random dancing..and back to the hip hop..and finally looked pleadingly at the guy who was manning the radio, and he shut it off. I then scurried to my seat and sank thankfully down into it.
The funniest part was, I ended up getting second place - first place was a guy who did an invisible tango, and I think his dance also incorporated the chicken dance. When they announced my name I think my mouth was gaping like :O
It was funny though, Josh actually came over later when we were in the pool room and was like, 'I didn't know you could dance!' and I was like 'I can't!' My hands were still shaking for a while after that, hehe. A small part of me had thought that 'this is good for you, it's something you'd never normally do, and coming here is about testing your boundaries'. I think that was really the only thing that gave me that extra bit of courage - otherwise I really do not know what I would have done.
Today, I basically lounged about in my room, went out to the city for a bit and came back just before dinner. I had a mini-breakdown just about lunchtime because I discovered that I somehow managed to go 50 bucks above my phone plan (before you gasp in horror, let me first explain that I am on a phone plan, and if I use anything above my limit it's more expensive, PLUS call rates here are like 80 cents a minute), had to buy a new transportation ticket because I'd missed it by 2 minutes (cannot be bothered to explain Melbourne transport now) and to top it all off, the restaurant I'd wanted to go to was full and we ended up eating a pitiful plate at Nando's for 30 bucks.
I got to thinking about how horrendously overbudget I'd gone, and how in Malaysia it was never a problem because you only take care of what you do with your own allowance, and how it was scarcely a problem in Malaysia because everything was so cheap..and started getting quite homesick. In fact, it didn't really wear away until dinnertime.
Dinnertime today at Normanby House was pizza! Don't ask me what they're called, but I had two slices. I find that I'm either going to grow thin from lack of food (because I have nothing to cook with yet) or grow fat from eating junk food. So far anything I've eaten that hasn't been provided or eating out has been Uncle Tobys bars, biscuits and chocolate. Plus a lollipop.
I need pots and pans..even Maggi Mee is better than nothing.
After that we went ice skating at a rink somewhere in Huntingdale, not very far from our house. We skated for about three hours. I haven't been skating for something like 2-3 years (possibly longer) so the first time I stepped on the ice it was like starting all over again. I wobbled my way once around the rink, did it a few more times, then adjusted my boots so that my jeans were outside instead of inside the boots, which felt a lot better because then they weren't pressing against my ankle. The tradeoff was a slightly raw shin, but it wasn't nearly as bad as Michael's or Johnny's - both theirs had pretty bad injuries on them. But they STILL continued skating.
Silly boys and their pride.
But anyway, it was a pretty fun (albeit tiring) 3 hours - I ran around the track, talked to people, did a few extremely minor tricks (like going backwards), and even took a picture or two..although I would have no idea where to get the pictures from. Possibly Lily, hmm.
Then we had hot chocolate in the common room after freezing our hands and noses off at the rink, talked for a bit, I popped into the pool room, popped out again and sat online for a while.
I am now very sleepy so that's it from me for now.
Little Facebook statuses
I swear that it's not my fault I can't post - I really don't have time to post. I woke up today to get breakfast at McDonald's at 8, and then after that we left on a scavenger hunt for the entire day, and I only -just- got home to catch my breath - and then apparently we have to go down for dinner and some compulsory talk about life here in Normanby House, so I don't have a lot of time if I want to go and shower and stuff (although honestly if we're going to be playing games like last night, I feel like I'm wasting water).
Short short updates..
Today was fun. I did things I'd never normally do, like climb on top of a human pyramid, give a guy a piggyback (no mean feat mind you), get a piggyback from a guy to buy ice cream from McDonald's (don't ask), sleep on the stairs of Flinders Street Station, and lots more crazy things. I'll try and get the pictures if I can but they were taken by a disposable camera.
Today was also hot, hot hothothot. It wasn't completely unbearable like Malaysian heat sometimes but yeah, it was hot. The sun here is a lot more glaring than Malaysian sun, though I do honestly like the lack of humidity.
My legs are very tired and will be declaring a strike soon.
I am contemplating going clubbing. (I know right? What is the world coming to?)
And that's all because I think I actually do need a shower.
First Melbourne Post.
So here I am in Melbourne.
As expected, morning of the flight all the way till departure was horrible. Dad said to go out and eat dim sum, I really didn't want to but what choice did I have? I was halfway finishing writing a letter for my brother (cliche, yes I know) and shed a tear or two after that, and it all went downhill from there - cried in the restaurant, in the car, at home before I left (especially when my maid said 'rindukan you ya') and then when we hugged goodbye in the airport.
I really, really hate goodbyes. Even worse than I hate scary movies. Goodbyes are just..meh. I don't want to think about it any more. Bad enough I'll have to do it all over again when Dad goes home on the 20th.
Sleeping helps though, when I woke up today it didn't feel as devastating. I used to have a tendency to put myself into a self-induced sleep coma when I felt particularly depressed.
I guess you want to know what Melbourne is like?
Well, Melbourne is cold, that's for sure. And it's supposed to be summer. It reminds me a bit of London - only not as gloomy.
It's also a bit wet here now.
We arrived in the middle of the night, and I swear the housing area was like a ghost town. EVERYONE had their lights COMPLETELY off, and even the street lights were white and dim. It was surreal. In Malaysia, there're yellow streetlamps everywhere and everyone has at least their porch lights left on.
It still feels like I'm just here on holiday.
But it's not. This is my life for the next 2 years, so I guess I'll have to live with it.
Right now I'm staying at my dad's friend's house, and while the house is nice, his son's girlfriend has a super cute dog (Maltese I think) named Cinnamon, and everyone in general is just really nice, it just feels..I don't know. It's just not home, I guess? That, and I guess I'm just not in the mood to be overly attentive and outgoing - it just isn't in my nature. I'm having a hard time warming up to them, especially since all of them are outgoing and clever and good-looking - and I guess I just feel a bit alone. It's better being able to come online, but to tell you the truth, no matter how small or how horrible the room in Clayton (touch wood) I'd rather go there right now and settle in instead of being like a parasite in someone else's house where I obviously don't belong.
I guess it can only get better from here. *shrug* I just have to talk louder and more and try not to look so bored. I seem to have a permanently neutral/bored expression on my face (because generally I am, honestly). But I can try.
And if it doesn't work out, at least it's only a while more till I can move in. No guarantees it'll be any better there, but at least I'll have my own room.
Anyway, random phone pictures (because my camera was in my bag and I wasn't very eager to dig through the mountains of stuff)
It looks a bit like Pride Rock, no?
Light and dark.
The colours are so pretty.
It didn't last very long but I saw a rainbow twice - one was under that wisp of cloud in the centre there. I took it as a sign that everything will be fine. :)
It looks like the sea almost.
Just got to remember that when life seems gray and dull, you just have to get past it to the blue sky above.
You can barely see it, but that's Melbourne.
My home for the next 2 years.
Last day in Malaysia..for now.
It's 12.02 am right now. This time tomorrow, I'll probably be somewhere in Melbourne Airport, or sitting in a taxi heading towards Uncle Ai Tong's house.
I look around, and the room is still as chaotic as ever. It doesn't even look like I'm going.
But I know I am. Time doesn't wait for anyone.
Am I ready?
I don't know.
The logical part of me has conceded that it is a bit ridiculous to get tears welling up in my eyes almost every few minutes, like when I went and took pictures of the house, or..just thought about leaving in general.
The emotional side of me doesn't care.
I wish I was more logical.
I don't LIKE crying. I wish I could be more unemotional, like my dad. It's not exactly the most attractive thing in the world, having a red nose and swollen eyes for the whole world to know you've been crying.
It's going to be horrible at the airport and when Daddy leaves, I just know it. I should bring tissues.
But anyway, sad stuff aside, let's have a look at some pictures.
I went around my house and took these, and nearly cried again. Being emotional really sucks.
My room at a glance.
Darling bed..I'll miss you :(
My brother playing something (WoW, probably) at the computer in the 'study' area.
My maid watching Madagascar at the 3rd floor game room thingy.
Dry kitchen. Or you can call it 'Mission Control', especially during Japanese food day.
Dining area..with the Happy New Year words I printed out. You can see me if you look carefully.
Mom calls the wall with the gold square a 'feature wall' - it's what you see when you walk in the house.
This sofa actually isn't that nice to relax on, but it is conducive for sleeping, I guess.
Another sofa view, with TV this time!
My babies, some of who have been with me for years.
Mom asked, "Aren't you even bringing one?" I said I had no space, and it was true. :(
I really need to stop thinking about all this stuff or I'm sure I'm going to cry again. And I haven't even left yet. It's ridiculous. Stop it!
On another note, Soo Yoong (SueE? What do you want me to call you? :P) treated me to Baskin Robbin ice cream tonight, hee.
Yes I know my self-taking photo skills are horrendous. Give me a break, I haven't exactly been actively using a camera. :(
More Baskin Robbins than girls. Fail I know, shut up. ._.
See the pro do it :P
Ok la this pic the best k? :P
I wouldn't sleep tonight if I could but I'll probably collapse tomorrow so I had better go. I guess the point is, I have to try and think of it as a long working holiday, and less like OMG I'M LEAVING EVERYONE.
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It still feels like it though. :(
