to quote oprah... we're going to sydney

Congratulations! Today is your lucky day- both Nic and I are contributing to the blog. I am sorry my voice is so annoying in the video- it even makes me cringe. I think it's because I knew I was on camera... but I sound like a 5 year old, I sincerely hope I don't sound like that in everyday life and no one's told me.

Turns out going to the airport with absolutely no destination in mind is not a great idea after all... if you're on a budget. We got to the airport on Monday night and after approaching a couple different airline counters, we met Rita. Rita is actually marrying a guy in Windsor, Ontario this coming November (she invited us to the wedding, unfortunately we can not attend). While she searched for our best deal, I wrote down the best honeymoon destinations for her and hubby. She had heard that Mexico was dirty and was planning on staying in Canada. After I told her what the weather will be like, Mexico doesn't seem so dirty anymore. So, we were all set to go to Sydney (for 200 each one way) when Rita told us about a flight on Wednesday for $79 each. We buckled and decided it was in our best interest, so home we went.

We flew out Wednesday at 4, but our plane got delayed (probably why flying with Tiger Airlines is only $79), so we ended up arriving in Sydney around 6:30. We had planned on staying in a hostel- in short, we did the first night... with Tim from Brisbane. We got a 3 bed dorm because we were going to be money conscious this trip- and we ended up completely avoiding that. We could have gone somewhere tropical for how much we spent. However, that first night at the hostel, I met a girl who dated a guy from Goderich... and he also cheated on her with a girl from Goderich--- she clearly was still a tad angry. I didn't sleep much that night, it was right in the heart of King's Cross (party central) and the room smelled of cat urine and hadn't been cleaned since the guests before us (his shirt was hanging on Nic's bunkbed and his garbage scattered on the floor. I was going to make the best of it though. We got up early the next morning (no shower for either of us- if Nic was hesitant about the shower you can only imagine how I felt). We headed down to Darling Harbour. It was really pretty. We took a cruise and felt like we were 40 years old and promised to never do anything like that again. We got back to the hostel around 4. At the first hostel we stayed at- we shared bathroom facilities but it wasn't stalls- it was a private bathroom. I haven't been able to get over public bathrooms and I ended up crying in the hostel that day. Nic felt bad for me and voila we ended up in a swanky hotel... it was normally 500 a night but we found IWANTTHATHOTEL.com and we got a huge deal.

The next morning we rented a car and made our way to the Blue Mountains. It was about a 2 hour drive outside of the city-- but it wasn't too busy at all. Sydney has over 4 million people, but just being 2 hours out felt more like home. We went to this place called Scenic World- where we traveled on a railcar that looked like it had been built in the 20's, a cable car that was 290 meters in the air and then a skybus- which was the most frightening for me. We were able to walk down in the Rainforest. There was this waterfall which of course Nicholas climbed up-- it wasn't hot enough to swim out in the Mountains... but it was still really pretty. From what I gathered the Blue Mountains is 6 National Parks all put together- it was bigger than the state of Alabama- their statistic, not mine. We stayed in Katoomba that night- went out for dinner (Kangaroo was on the menu, but it wasn't the day to try it). Our hotel was right next to a cinema so we went and saw Wall Street- going to the movies was cheaper in Katoomba than Melbourne.

The next morning we were off to Jenolan which is a town dedicated to it's caves. We traveled on the most rickety, twisty, turny road in the world for like 20 kms to get to this place. We chose to go inside only one cave and I am glad because that took 2 hours of my life that I'll never get back. It was neat being in the cave, but I thought it would be like "Go Play". Sam, our tour guide had other plans. He would shine his flashlight on every single formation and he had some name for it, such as the Ice Skating Dancing Fairies- I kid you not. There was also this highly annoying child who kept asking stupid questions- even his mother abandoned him in the cave- so that added to the delight. Nic was much more tolerant than me. We got out of Jenolan at like 5 and decided to were just going to drive until we were hungry and tired. We saw so much roadkill- and it's animal neither of us can identify- but there were lots of signs that it could cross at any time. I resisted taking pictures. We ended up staying at a place in Lithgow-- maybe a quarter step up from our hostel. I was actually okay with this place but Nic thought it was the scene of a horror movie. We went for dinner in the town and Nic was so uncomfortable. I imagine it's just how people feel when they go to eat in Goderich and they are from out of town. These people knew we did not belong and on top of that I am certain they thought we were American. We ate and bailed. The Footy finals were going on, which I'll let Nic talk about because he's more aware of what's happening. All I know is that we left Melbourne to avoid the craziness.... and it's coming back this weekend.

I've been informed that it's my turn to tell stories. So here we go, oh yes the "grand finals." It's our game seven, Stanley Cup finals. So you can likely tell me that you wouldn't think twice about whether or not there would end up being a champion after the game. Can you believe that 3 times in their 124 year old league they have finished their big game with a draw, which means they stop the game and have another game next saturday called "grand final.....replay." So the city is buzzed again, another week of grand final talk, yay.

So we left Lithgow alive, no murder scene, just a slight chill as to the fact that the heater didn't work in the room. It was a nice place to get up early and take off on the road, and thats just what we did, off to find a beach. We knew that the weather was supposed to be very nice that day, a high of 26. So we found one of the nicest beaches in Sydney area, called Manly Beach. It is a very popular tourist destination and I can see why now. It was a little like Grand Bend just not a jammed into one spot, it was spread out a lot more. Once night rolled around we decided that we should go treat ourselves to a nice dinner and it was the most expensive meal either of us have ever had in our lives- but it was worth it. Shauna has had a few more then I.

Which bring me to this point, I would like to thank Phil and Joan for raising such a delicate little princess who has such an acquired taste for expensive meals and top of the line hotel rooms. Forget about the hostels, no backpacking for this girl. That all being said, I really did enjoy the fact that we stayed in a hotel that I would have defintely not chosen over the one across the way for $100 less. After this week away it's a wonder that rubber boots and subway meals make her happy.

So the next day was our last day in Sydney and we decided that we should stay at the beach as we would not likely get the chance to go to a beach any time soon. After dropping off our rental car and taking a ferry back to the beach we were there for the afternoon and it sure was nice to have a snooze on the beach. Like all good things, it had to come to an end sometime and it was time to head to the airport.

So the thing with our flight was that it was with Virgin airlines. That normally would not be worth thinking twice about, but the day before our flight was their worst computer crash they have ever had. They had cancelled all flights on Sunday and delayed numerous flights Monday. Shauna was worried all day about this, checking the internet whenever she had a chance. All in all it worked out just fine, our flight left Sydney on schedule and they had everything pretty much sorted out by the time we left. As the flight was getting ready to leave the pilot reminded us about how lucky we were to be heading back to Melbourne as the temperature was 24 in Sydney and a bombing 9 degrees in Melbourne. It was great to be back.

None the less the trip was time well spent away from here, it was a perfect little holiday away from were the city we love so much. It really has inspired us to get out and do some traveling sooner then later. We are back to work for the next 10 weeks, then we plan on hitting up the east coast from top to bottom during peek beach season.

On that note I best head down to the gym and try to do myself some justice, just between you and I, I don't think I turned any heads down at the beach on Monday.

Shauna again, or, the delicate Princess as I prefer to go by now. I am fine in hostels, just not ones that smell like litter boxes and have hookers roaming around the front door. Sometimes I think Nic forgets I am a girl and not one of the boys. It's Survivor night in Oz, and I am hoping I can convince Nic to go get some treats. Since we arrived here, he's lost like 20 lbs. The walking everywhere sure helps. Every Canadian tells us they lost weight at the beginning and then put it back on. Australian clothing sizes are smaller here so I thought I had put on weight... A size 2 back home is a size 6 here... and I'm rambling- better wrap this bad boy up.

We had a good trip and doing this traveling together has been really great. We complement each other in the way that my weaknesses are Nic's strengths and vice versa. In fact, I think we'd be A-Okay in The Amazing Race. (Side Note: Dad, you would be so impressed with my navigational skills- which I am certain are due to the many hours spent on the road for our holidays).

For the record, I will always love rubber boots and cold beer as well as a pair of heels and a glass of champagne.

yep- alcohol does the same thing here too

Heller (how the Aussie's say it).

Nic actually does have a blog entry saved... however, it's 7:30 am and I can't sleep so, here we are.

We are both done work for the next 2 weeks. On Tuesday, we're packing our bags, going to the airport and taking the first domestic flight out. Nic is petrified of ending up in Perth, so I would not be surprised if someone sneaks a peak at the flights before we leave. We're really excited about it. We'll get paid next Friday, but after that, no cheques until October 22nd. So we've put away our rent early to see what we're working with. That $1600 for our shoebox takes a large chunk. I should maybe just set up shop on my balcony and hope to get some sun. Either way, the only way to contact us is through email because we're not telling anyone where we end up until we return.

Last night was end of term drinks (where my bosses pay for us). After my glorious week, there was no way I was missing. The highlights of this grade were: my engagement ring getting stolen (has been recovered), having my first in class puker- I couldn't even help him because I was gagging so bad... I literally threw a bucket at the poor kid. Everyone says when it's your own it's easier... I don't see that happening. Then the cherry to this sundae was breaking up a 3/4 fight and getting punched/kicked and called a F****** C***. Really, he was a darling. The theif missed gym, my puker got 2 others sick (which I was okay with the smaller class) and fight club got suspended. This aside, my class was brutal the first week, but by the 2nd week- things were good. I made a table and carpet seating plan and they told me I was more strict than their usual teacher... and even I felt mean. I didn't let them get away with anything. However, on the last day, I got cards and hugs so I don't think they minded the time outs, staying in at recess, getting sent to another room too badly. I added a lot of craft to their day plans as the teacher said I could modify it any way I wanted to. Insects was the theme so we made stained glass butterflies, egg carton lady bugs and marshmallow ants. I sent Nic out on a mad search for pretzels to make the ants. In Australia they don't come in sticks. Nicki and his abundance of common sense went into the internation aisle and was able to find D'SENZTHE (I made that up) which were pretzel sticks. The kids were happy to have food insects and I was pleased that they were able to have legs, antennae and eyes. Oh yeah, and I was requested back to this school in October- so I am in grade 1/2 for a week--- apparently they're good.

Nic is also overjoyed to be done his job. He enjoyed the work but 1) they never knew what the next step was and 2) they didn't have the tools to achieve the next step when they finally figured it out. He said it wasn't the most complicated set of prints he had ever seen- but they didn't want to hear from him. In their opinion Canadians knew nothing about carpentry. So- he'll have to get a new job after vacation. He claims these past couple of days he's been in "school"- studying business.

Oh man, I feel like a sack of poop. Like I said, last night was drinks. So 2 of my friends came here to meet up. While waiting for them, Nic got me my favourite fast food here and I started the wine. Us 3 got to drinks at like 8:30. I took full advantage of them paying, and in the end, I am regretful. I ended up meeting like 5 people that I had mutual friends in common with. So that was fun. Some of the girls came later because they had friends arriving from Canada that morning- at this point, I was in fine shape. It was a really great time. My friend Amanda later on asked where Nic was because her boyfriend was there- so I texted him that he should come as there were a lot of guys. I don't know when Nic arrived, but at home time- he must have been around because I am safe. I wonder if he met anyone that he had mutual friends with??

Looking through my phone this morning, looks like I called my parents and Lisa. Hope we had a delightful conversation. I called Dad this morning to apologize and but turns out there was no need. When I am out and about and call them in Canada- it's usually an ungodly hour.. but it was 9:30 am when I called. Anyway, I got sick- into one of our cereal bowls. Looking next to the bed right now, Nic put out papers like you would for training a puppy (and he emptied the bowl), he put my hair in a pony (with a rubber band I might add) and changed me into his clothes. What a good kid... and now, I just want to sleep. I ran to 7/11 this morning to get ice cold water and I thought I was feeling good- wrong.

Today we are supposed to go to a Footy match but I think the bed and I will be making sweet love all day. I am bundled up in my quilt made by my oldest mate, Doris. Doris, I am thinking when I return to Canada that we should go into business together. I can be marketing and you'll be production- what do you think? Nic and I need to save our energy because on Sunday we are going to see Tim McGraw (Nic is ashamed of this and I am pumped). I was supposed to go with Steph- she originally bought the tickets, but turns out Weaver had the opportunity to go to New Zealand- so she took it. Can't blame you my friend. So then she gave her ticket to Nic. I have the feeling Nic will not dress in a white tank top and jean skirt like steph would--- but I think he'll enjoy it even though he thinks otherwise. Then Monday is our day of rest and we're off. I have quite a few friends going to Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane... we will be going to all of those places in January (when we travel up the East Coast) so I'd be okay wherever. I am picturing waterfalls and heat--- so I hopefully am not disappointed.

I've been in wedding mode this month. We have everything but a DJ- if anyone knows of a DJ, please send me a message. Oh that reminds me, I also need to look into someone for the ceremony. Okay, so I don't have everything done... but most of it that needs to be done for our stage of the game. I am not stressed at all... but back at my parents place sounds like a different story. My oldest sister has registered as me (I had no idea about this) because my mom requested she go to the bridal expo's with her. Talking with Dad, he's getting the orchard ready this year so next year it looks great. I do wish I could go and visit my dress. I forgot to bring pictures with me. Oh crap, and I forgot to call that guy about the heaters... can't have you kids sporting THO all night. Maybe I'll forward that on to my parents. By the way, thank you so much P & J for everything you're doing. You're real peaches... and we appreciate everything you're doing getting stuff ready. And, I really miss you two- more than anyone else. Isn't that weird? Missing your parents the most? -Next topic, I am about to cry.

I still don't love the city- but I don't hate it as much as I did 2 weeks ago... probably because I worked in the countryside for that time. Even at 6:30 this morning there were tons of people out and not doing what appeared to be the walk of shame.. they legit looked like they were going somewhere. Alright, I need to lay down- enough of this.

I have to say, I am really shocked by the amount of people who send us messages saying they read our blog... so I'll try and have something fun to spice it up after our vacation. I've promised Nic I'll go skydiving or any possibly life ending event. So these could be my last written words and I am totally on board with Lululemon. Floss, Dance, Travel (Flossing is much more important than you think- talk to your dentist).

Until next time, keep it real.

the kraft dinner cheese comes in a can

Hello Loves,

It's Shauna again. It's 8:35 am and Nicholas is still fast asleep and he won't want to write in the blog today because there's nothing overly exciting to write about. We're at a point where we are just living our life in another country- yet we get so many messages from people thinking that we're living an exotic life right now... not for another 3 months my friends.

Last week was tough on me- because I realized just how much I hate living in such a large city. The Great Ocean road trip was so much more Nic & I and it was depressing to return back home. The city of Melbourne itself is very clean, has lots to do and great public transport. If I lived outside of it, I'd probaby come to visit often. I just can't handle all of the people and how rushed it is. Obviously there are pros and cons to city and country life- but for Nic and myself- we've decided upon a small city (like London) or actual rural Southern Ontario. We may all know when someone cheats on their spouse, or when a girl is pregnant before she decides to wait until the 3rd trimester to tell people and there is a lot of intolerance for minority groups- but at the end of the day, I like seeing people I know at Zehrs, or when people from the community bring you dinner during times of distress and how I can pick my nephews up from Daycare without having to show ID and call my sister because the woman who runs the daycare also taught me. In short, we are really excited to move.

This weekend reminded me of when I was 19. On Friday, my work hosted drinks at a busy bar. I thought this would be a casual thing as we were told that our bosses would be arriving at 5:30... so I got there at 7 and met up with some girls I work with. The bar was crazy busy and lots of people brought along non-ANZUK workers- so Nicki came along to. It was nice I didn't have to hold his hand and introduce him to people- he was able to hold his own fine. At around 10:30- a group of us decided to go to another bar where a girl I had met at school works- so essentially, I guess I devised this plan. Annnnnd guess what- bars are extremely similar to bars in Canada. We had the couple all over each other that made me want to puke, the old drunk guy trying to fit in but not realizing that they were laughing at him- not with him, guys in Ed Hardy from head to toe and of course, the bar stars.... which I thought was ironic because it was more of a pub and these girls looked like they just walked straight out of TOPS and into Melbourne. We got home late on Friday--- we usually never take the train past 10 pm- but we were at a point where neither of us really cared (and we should because Current Affair has been showing lots of innocent people getting beat up in the train stations-- especially travelers)- however, we made it home safe and sound after a good night. I woke up at 7 am then the entire rest of my day consisted of eating cereal, talking to my sister, going for a swim (there was a girl there that did 72 laps -show off), and then I napped until 4:30. I have absolutely no idea what Nic did... for all I know he could have been romancing a bar star that he met the night before.

So, I got showered and ready because I had bought us tickets to a comedy club for 7 o'clock. It was actually cheap I thought- a 3 hour show and a 3 course meal was only $84.00. Anyhow, when we got there- we were sat in table number 5--- DIRECTLY INFRONT of the stage. Nic had never been to a Yuk Yuk's environment before but I assumed we were doomed- I thought maybe when I called in the girl marked American down so they had a prime target, or she thought I was really nice on the phone and thought she was giving me a great seat.. I dunno. All I know is that I wasn't going to drink on Saturday but as soon as we got seated, I started stressing and somehow ended up with a bottle of wine to myself. The first guy was great- he talked to Nic first and said something about his accent-- but we dodged a huge bullet because there were American siblings in the crowd. Most Australians aren't crazy about us Canadians because we're close to the Americans..... but they really really dislike "The Yanks". The second guy was going good and then he made a joke about gays and it was completely silent... after that he wasn't able to bounce back and the people next to us (who I think were a lesbian couple) left. My favourite was the last guy. He had a mullet, a flannel shirt and a beer in his hand. He looked like he belonged in Dungannon actually (just kidding colly). He was successful at being funny without targeting anyone. He made some references to Canada but mainly our accents and sharing the border with America. He also sang a song and included that he enjoyed "my knockers"- I felt privileged to be noticed (just kidding mom).

We got home around mid-night and of course my Mother skypes us.... now, skyping with Mom is never a bad thing, but skyping with your mother while your drunk probably isn't your best decision. Nic was making macaroni and cheese... which turned into quite a problem because we don't have a can opener. Why would one need a can opener for macaroni and cheese?? Well my friends, the cheese comes in a can here and it looks like bile. However, Nicki Mcguivered the can open... I have no idea how because I was too busy with Joan. All I really remember is my mom saying... "you look drunk" ding ding ding Joanie- you win the prize.

So now it's Sunday... grocery shopping day. I am in Prep for the next 2 weeks. My class is particularly rowdy and I think it's going to be a long long week. Also- they do the letters different here and me being in prep I really have to focus when I am writing. They teach the children how to do cursive letters individually but don't teach printing.. and of course there is always that one kid quick to point out... miss clark you did the "b" wrong. Oh well, two more weeks and then it is vacation time! We're talking about going away for a week- but we haven't set anything yet.

Good luck to all of my friends returning to school- both as students and as teachers. The jealous part of me is glad to see you stop posting pictures of glorious beach days where you're all together and having fun.... but the compassionate part of me wishes you all the best. It's spring here, oh, and it's father's day. So happy father's day Dad- you're a real gem.

Maybe I'll talk Nic into posting something because I am also fielding complaints that he isn't pulling his weight in the blogging department. Oh, and to answer all of the questions from concerned friends and family about how I am REALLY doing and if Nic and I are getting along- I obviously don't go into great detail on here, but I truly am quite fine. I miss home but not to the point that I am boarding the plane, or even considering it. I am enjoying my time here- even though the city is depressing- I still feel like we are discovering as much of it as we can. I especially love teaching- I'll be heartbroken if I return to Canada next year and there are no jobs. Regarding Nic and I- obviously I get annoyed of him sometimes and I vocalize it... he must get annoyed of me but he doesn't say much. Ooor if I insult him (you really need to shave- you look like a hobo) he usually responds with "I could say something mean but I know better."

I haven't had to ask my parent's for money in 2 and a half months and I am paying all of my own bills and managing to save. I am living in what's considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, doing a job I love. I am marrying a boy who I didn't think existed in the world and who treats me like gold (and if you follow the stock market- you know the value of gold is going up). Trust me- I am well.

Have a super Saturday (I'll try to force Nic into writing--- I realize I get kind of boring).