“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”



27 August, 2010

First Adventure out of Sydney!

Hey everyone!

First off, Autumn, I just got your letter tonight. I just sent off letters to everyone that wrote me like two days ago, so don't feel like I forgot you when everyone gets mail. You will get yours, just a couple days later :) But your letter completely surprised me and it totally made my day! I read it several times and hung it right up on my bulletin board!

Today was really fun. Philip and I went on a triple date with my aussie friends. We got the full aussie experience, Vegemite and all. Yuck. That is all I have to say. But, I have to admit that they DO in fact have the best hot chocolate in the world. It was wonderful. The ingredients? Melted chocolate with a tiny but of full cream milk. Wow was that ever good. But it was over a days worth of calories in a small glass. Worth it? Yes.

Today my friends (and I guess Philip's friends too now!) showed us around Australian stores. They told us which each store meant to them. Some stores were known to be where the lower class go, others were for the rich. I thought it was really fascinating. We went to the biggest mall in the southern hemisphere I guess? It was huge. But, it isn't called a mall here. It's a 'shopping centre." I don't get why things are spelled differently here. It's the same language. Like harbor is harbour. And fiber is fibre. And center is centre. So confusing! My professors probably think I'm an idiot :)

You should hear the Australians try to do an American accent. So funny! It's always a texas/australian accent. Hilarious!

Philip and I always learn a lot when we hang out with Australians. We learned a lot about their politics, their laws, their ideas of fun and their ways of life. Did you know that Sydney and some other cities such as Melbourne fought over which could be named the "Gay city?" Yeah. Literally fought. None really won, just Australia in general is just really proud of being gay friendly. It's really weird for me coming from a small town and not knowing hardly any. But it's cool. Just be careful not to go into a gay bar. Or a gay club. And mardigras is not a bead festival. It's a gay party/parade. We learned that today. But apparently the aussies still go to these events for fun. I don't think I could, but good to know!!!!

Tomorrow we are leaving at 5:00 am for the Blue Mountains. I will post pictures as soon as I get back! I'm really excited. I will see wild kangaroos, koalas, emus, and possibly a platypus! That would be awesome. Did you know that Australia is the only country with wild camels left? Yup. Wild camels. I won't see them in the blue mountains though.

We're also going on the worlds steepest railway... up a mountain!!! Don't worry though, the seats are basically cages.

Well it's nearly midnight here and I have to be up in four hours :( I want to be as well rested as possible. I miss and love you all!

Love,

Brittaney


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