Always Travelling

Being a student advisor has its perks 

On Sunday Loren and I took the US students to the city centre for a scavenger hunt, or what we call the 'Race Around Perth'. It's not really a race though... pretty relaxed pace to it. It's more about getting used to public transport, getting familiar with the city, and having fun. Afterwards we all (minus Tiana who we somehow managed to get separated from!) went to the footy, where Freo managed to get a beating in a really scrappy game. In the pics below 1) The winning group with their Australiana prizes and 2) Australian Rules game at Subiaco Oval.




I've just came back from a great 3 days of activities and bonding at a camp up at Yanchep, which is an hour north of Perth. This morning I had a wonderful long sleep and woke up feeling happy and refreshed (is there a better feeling than waking up refreshed?). And now you are up to date with my life!

The last 2 weeks have been very very busy. Even though I knew I would be tired, being tired is not really something you can do much to prepare for. Looking over my calendar -

• I've spent time with Cata and Isa which has been so much fun, I think I'll even attempt to gain basic Spanish with their help (this also makes me feel a bit more comfortable correcting their English, as they'll be correcting my very basic Spanish).
• Irvine arrived from Nairobi and I showed him around - once again I love sharing Perth with newcomers. He's an awesome guy and we've met up half a dozen times in about a week; we grew up on different continents in different circumstances but in many ways I think we are pretty similar.
• I've learnt quite a lot about Kenya, and made a resolution to learn much more.
• Had driving lessons and passed my Medium Rigid driving test at the first go. Now I can drive fairly large vehicles (legally) and more importantly up to a 45 seater bus with 2 axles. I'll be driving a bus this Tuesday to Yanchep and on John Curtin Weekend later in the year.

• Sumbitted my tax return and already got it!
• I'm all set for class a fortnight before it starts. I should be an old hand at this... 12th semester coming up...
• Played volleyball on Thursday last week and had a BBQ at my place the following Saturday. Watched Knocked Up yesterday - hilarious movie, I loved it! It also left me with a real feel good warmth.
• Ran 12kms on Sunday.
• Received my exam results - I kicked ass last semester.
• And the biggest thing over the last 2 weeks has been the airport pickup and orientation programme for the new batch of US students. So many changes to schedule due to delayed flights and missed connections, which then affected hotel bookings, bus bookings and housing orientations. I was very lucky to work with Loren who is super organised and supportive and flexible friends (colleagues) around - in the end, it worked out great and we have everyone here safe and sound. Just under 50 students on about 8 flights. They all seem pretty cool which is a bonus.
• The Race Around Perth today went well and so did the footy match afterwards. 
• Pascaline arrives (hopefully if the visa is not delayed) in less than 2 weeks.

Maybe that should be my job title :)

On Tuesday I received a random email from Colombia. It was from a guy named Tomas and he was worried about his friend who had just arrived in Perth to learn English and was having a difficult time. He asked if I could introduce her to some friends and show her around. Of course, I was happy to! I exchanged emails with his friend, Catalina, and went out of Friday night with her, Annabel, Jess and three of her friends from the English school, Isabel and Alberto (both Colombian) and Jan (German). We had a great time!

Saturday Gosia (Curtin's first incoming trainee!) arrived in Perth and I was at the airport with Bec, Fatin and Vivien to meet her. We took her to her new home, had a walk, sat down for coffee, went shopping for some basics, then took her home and let her rest. At night I met up with Catalina, Isabel and Jan again and spent some time in the city and King's Park.

I love meeting people and I love sharing my beautiful city with newcomers. Most of all though, and it's no surprise to people who know me, but I love learning about different cultures and spending time with people from different places with different backgrounds. It's a thrill to spend a few hours with someone and help them have a great time - it can be tough moving to a foreign country where you have to establish anew your network of friends and acquaintances.

In the photos below 1) Vivien and Gosia at the airport, 2) In Beaufort St, 3) What to choose?, 4) Catalina, Jan and Isabel in King's Park overlooking the city, 5) Isabel, myself and Catalina, 6) At the Flame of Remembrance.

Photo sets here and here.