Mary Ann's Experience in UQ, St Lucia
her dream experience
pls click words above to navigate
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
I know it has taken me so long to update on my status in the land down under. But forgive me, there has been a lot going on and I couldn't find enough time to do this up!
Anyways, to start off from the very beginning...
This post shall be on WEEK ONE
>>The day I landed in Brisbane...
We took some time to clear immigrations and customs. And when we got out of immigration, we still had to wait to get our car. And by the time we were done, I think it was close to 11am already. And so we made our way to Brisbane city to pick my baggage up from Citigate Hotel by Ann St and Roma St. Went a couple of rounds before we got there because it was one-way streets all the way (just like Shenton Way) and we kept missing the turns. Oh well, I don't ever think i'll make the same mistake again. Haha.
Picked it up, tipped the bell boy and went off! We drove into a garage and then realised how expensive the parking was. $13 for an hr! and it starts the very moment you go through the gantry. thank goodness there wasn't any car behind us so we backed up and drove away. I suggested holding on to our stomachs till we get to the suburbs. However, as we drove by, we saw some place with free parking (on the outskirts of the city) and just across the street was an italian restaurant. And so voila! We landed ourselves an italiano luncheon!
Lunch was fabulous! However, by Australian standards, it's never cheap. But we had a wonderful time! The most interesting place about this eatery is that they had mahjong papers lining the table tops and they provide crayons in a cup! YEAP! You must have guessed right. You're supposed to use them to scribble and doodle on it! So as to keep you from being impatient with the wait. Pizzas and calzones take a long time to cook!
Right. So after that, we set off to St Lucia to my new home, The Manors! (I have yet to take some photos of what it looks from the outside and at the pool/bbq area [this you would see in later in parts of photos of a bbq session we had] and its surroundings)
Here are some pictures of what my apartment looks like.
My very messy room
My super messy table
My neatest closet!
The other half of it
My pretty well stocked kitchen
From another angle...
My laundry area (it's in my toilet)
My shower area (shiok right? But I don't do bubble bath)
my balcony
my dining table/living room area
For the first two days since my arrival, I've been shopping to stock up on all the things I need. The first day I arrived, it was pretty late by the time we set off to buy stuff. Because I had to get my bank account done first. Hence, we only got to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre (a good 10min drive from where I live) at about 4ish. Not to forget we did a little tour around campus before we found the Commonwealth bank on campus (intended to do it at indooroopilly actually)
So off to Woolly's (Woolworths Supermarket) we went to get the more important groceries. Thinking that they close around 5.30pm. Little did we know that they close at 9pm! Oh yes, we rushed for NOTHING. Then we went to K-mart to get pillows and i got myself a mini fan too! so cute pls! just nice for my desk (not that i really use the desk anyways. it's just too small to study! so not condusive)
Right. So that was end of day 1. Worse thing here was finding a place to eat because most of the places close early! :( So we ended up eating simply at any place that served dinner.
>>Day 2!
We couldn't get up early and so I dismissed the idea of going to school to settle my stuff. After we had dinner and were about to set off to do my internet/mobile phone, it was only to our horror that the car couldn't start! Dangs... So we had to call Avis to send a road rescue guy to us. Suspected that the battery went flat for don't know what reason (cos the lights are automatic so they should have been switched off when the engine is off and it would have been too glaring not to notice since the car was parked in the garage). But anyways, we lost a good hour there waiting for the guy to come and rectify the issues with the car.
And based on his recommendations we had to set off to Ikea at Logan first to allow the car to have a good long drive to charge up the battery. Well I was about to go there that day anyway just not that early. And yeap. Did some good shopping at Ikea and spent 400 odd dollars. Arghs. A killer on the wallet. Basically got the pots/pans/wok, cutlery/plates/bowls and all the kitchen essentials. Also got my quilt and quilt cover (oh so comfy and pretty) from there. Got myself a nice book shelf because there wasn't much storage space given in my room. Also got those organisers for the cupboards for all my undies and other stuff...
And then on our way back, we went to toowong village, rushing to get my internet done. See, I knew nuts about where everything was located and I have no internet so everything went by very primitively and instinctively. But the result was pretty rewarding! Everything went so smoothly and the hiccups that occured where probably just some missed turns due to the confusing Aussie roads (you will think Singapore's roads are a million times better when you come to Brisbane). But! I was there only to discover that they were not going to process the application for internet/mobile phone for me only if i had a bank statement. Asswipe. Another wasted trip. Definitely had to go back to the bank to get it done.
On discovery, we went grocery shopping at coles then. This time we know it closes late so we took our time to shop. And then again, a huge damage was done. I think i should dig a hole and hide my face for spending too much hard earned money. Oh and I also went to K-mart to get some more stuff and to Retravision to buy a colour printer. Only $99 for a new Canon colour printer. Awesome!!!
Dinner was back at the same area again. haha. Now at a different restaurant though. and justin gave a treat. awww... so sweet right? haha.
Well well. on to
>> day 3...
Today I got up earlier to go to school to settle all the admin stuff. First I went to commonwealth bank to try and get the statement printed. But instead of doing that, they only gave me some letter. Then I headed to the student centre to get my first name changed because they mixed it up with my chinese name (you know la. Singaporeans have funny names). So I couldn't do my student ID card that day because it takes a day for the change to take place in the system. Stupid and slow but yeah. that's the case. Anyway, there was a network failure that day so I also couldn't get my student ID card done. while i was at school, my dad was out to play golf. so we met back at my place after i was done. we had brunch then set off to toowong village to do my internet and mobile phone. again, they refused the bank's letter and needed a statement. so i had to go to the bank and get it printed out. then went back there to get everything fixed up...
By the time I was done, it was too late to go anywhere because it was already 4ish... And most shops close around 5. So we took a drive to Dan Murphy's instead to get some wine for my father to bring back to Singapore. Spent a good deal of time there selecting the wines and then daddy bought some beer for me! Haha. He even commented "What kind of father am I? Encouraging my daughter to drink" Haha! so cute right? But yeah, my daddy taught me to drink and I should thank him for that because I'd be making a fool of myself if anyone could easily get me drunk! And well, I'm in college! I should be out to have some fun too! :)
Well then we thought of going to Ikea to have dinner but they were closed by the time we got there so we went searching for food... Drove by this place that had lots of asian restaurants so we settled for a Malaysian one. Food wasn't exceptionally good but it was satisfying. ;) End of day 3.
Thursday...
>> Day 4
We woke up a little later but were going to head to the gold coast nevertheless. Dropped my dad off at Robina Woods Golf Course and then Justin and I headed to Harbourtown. Along the way, we detoured to take a drive by surfers' paradise. It was a scorching hot day with the sun blazing so we decided not to step out of the car. Justin snapped some photos as I drove by.
Harbourtown is getting more expensive. Nothing that great. Seriously nothing compared to the Folsom factory outlets in Sacramento, USA. That was da bomb! :) Spent a bomb there too. Well I guess after all the shopping in the US, there wasn't really much to shop.. But I managed to get some stuff from cotton on. :) yeah. Justin didn't get anything for himself.
Lacoste shoes were going for cheap and I really wanted to get a pair for Ernest but they didn't have it in his size. There were just a few sizes left so yeah. Too bad.
I got caught buying some stuff (havaianas) while Justin waited for me in the car. Then we rushed off to pick my dad up while he was enjoying happy hour at the club. haha. good old daddy. loves his golf and drinks. *winks. As we set off to Robina, it started to pour a little. And then as we entered the motorway, goodness. The jam was terrible! So yeah, we were extremely late in picking my dad up! But we caught a really nice view of a rainbow along the way and it was rather breathtaking. =D
After we got my dad, we went to Pacific Fair to shop again. haha. We had dinner at the food court first though. But then again, there wasn't much there to shop so after awhile, we left.
>> Day 5!
I woke up early to go to school with Kevin to get my student ID done. He was really nice cos he waited for me when I woke up late and he accompanied me to school just for me to get my ID card done. He didn't have to go to school at all! So finally. everything was settled. And today, my father and brother will be going back at night. So yup, to satisfy Justin and fulfill the promise we made to him for following and for helping out, I sent my father and brother to DreamWorld. As I was the least interested in the theme park and to save some money on the admission ticket, I went shopping on my own! :) And so... I went back to harbourtown and Pacific Fair. Then came back to pick them up and then went back for dinner and for them to pack and leave for the airport.
Along the way we were supposed to have dinner at Lonestar but we couldn't find and it we couldn't risk joining the evening traffic jam so we headed back to St Lucia and then ended up going to Hawken Village to eat since I also wanted to check out the place while we still have the car. So to end off my father and brother's trip, we had italian again at Gregorio's! And you bet, it was fantabulous! About the tastiest and most delicious meal I've had since my arrival! And it was relatively inexpensive for the generous portions and cuisine. :) Satisfaction (bounces to Benny Benassi's tune)
Rushed to Coles after dinner to get the last minute groceries before I no longer have the car and have to concede to inconvenience. Then it was back to the manors for them to pack and leave!
At about 9pm, daddy and Justin left for the airport. This is when the loneliness sets in. The test of my resilience and independence! But I stood strong. As my father left, he kept making sure I was ok and told me to take care and stuff! Gave daddy a big fat hug and thanked him for everything. I love him so much! He's always been my pillar of support and my guiding star! Could tell my dad couldn't bear to leave me alone too! heh. In fact, I was really touched when he told my uncle over skype that he couldn't bear to leave his darling daughter alone in Brisbane. And I swear as I am typing this, I still feel so touched about it that I'm on the verge of tearing. It's a love so strong that he possesses for me even when he doesn't show it but it can all be felt. No amount of words can describe the kind of love our family possess.
>> Saturday...
Day 1 in Brisbane all alone...
I followed Daisy and her parents to the West End market. Woke up really early cos if you don't get there early then you won't be able to find fresh produce. We bought some fresh fruits and veggies from there. and on the whole, some are a lot cheaper than the supermarkets. :) The sweet potatoes here are really huge and sweet. Love 'em. Oh and the fruits too! Awesome! And then we tried some Hungarian foodstuff. Langos and something. Can't remember what it is but it starts with "L" too. Here are some photos.
flowers here are so fresh, pretty and CHEAP!
this is LANGOS :)
tastes a bit like deep fried dough (you tiao/you zhar kway)
nectarines were only $2.99/kg!
lo and behold! the malaysia/singaporean curry puff craze!
After eating, Daisy and her parents left while I waited at the market for Eileen to come meet me. Shopped for more veggies and fruits at the market before we left for my place to put her stuff. Then we walked all the way to UQ to take the bus to Indooroopilly to go shopping! YEAH! So by about 3+ we got too tired and decided to head back. Waited under the hot sun for the bus and it just got too hot that we had to find shelter. Took awhile for the bus to come.. As we all know that in countries like these, you can't expect the transportation system to be that great. ;) She came back to my place to pick up her groceries from that morning's shopping and then left. I waited for Daisy and her parents to come home and her mom kindly cooked dinner for us! Ahhh... Refreshing man! :) Shiokshiok!
>> Sunday...
I slept in and when I got up I was on my computer the whole time and lazing around. Total couch potato! Vanessa came with her housemate's gf to come pick me up in a beat up BMW 3 series and we headed to Toowong for late lunch! Had mackers (Mac Donald's) and a good chat. :) Then went back to Vanessa's place after some grocery shopping at Coles. Hung out for a bit then I left for church. Mass was like only less than 45mins lah! But the walk up to church is treacherous! Considering the two steep slopes that I have to climb... But I managed. After church, went back to Vanessa's place. Then she had to come over to my place to do her timetable stuff and print some stuff out since her internet wasn't up yet...
When we got back to my place, Vanessa spotted some of her foundation friends at my apartment block. Haha. So she introduced them to me. And that was how I got to know Jolene. She stays at unit 16 and in a 1br apartment. I requested to see the layout of her apartment and she agreed. So she came over to mine to see as well! We asked Jolene if she was interested to join us at Hawken since she hasn't been there and she said yeah, so she went to change and then came back up to my apartment. And then we started talking more and realised that we had a lot of things in common and even have mutual friends! What a small world right? And she lives quite near me in Singapore as well! :) BFF already man. So by the time we were ready to go to Hawken, it was way too late to catch the bus so we gave Hawken a miss and ended up eating Instant Noodles instead. Haha.
So my week one draws to an end and that's how my life started off in St Lucia, Queensland, Australia. I shall update Week 2 and 3 as soon as possible. :)
Anyways, to start off from the very beginning...
This post shall be on WEEK ONE
>>The day I landed in Brisbane...
We took some time to clear immigrations and customs. And when we got out of immigration, we still had to wait to get our car. And by the time we were done, I think it was close to 11am already. And so we made our way to Brisbane city to pick my baggage up from Citigate Hotel by Ann St and Roma St. Went a couple of rounds before we got there because it was one-way streets all the way (just like Shenton Way) and we kept missing the turns. Oh well, I don't ever think i'll make the same mistake again. Haha.
Picked it up, tipped the bell boy and went off! We drove into a garage and then realised how expensive the parking was. $13 for an hr! and it starts the very moment you go through the gantry. thank goodness there wasn't any car behind us so we backed up and drove away. I suggested holding on to our stomachs till we get to the suburbs. However, as we drove by, we saw some place with free parking (on the outskirts of the city) and just across the street was an italian restaurant. And so voila! We landed ourselves an italiano luncheon!
Lunch was fabulous! However, by Australian standards, it's never cheap. But we had a wonderful time! The most interesting place about this eatery is that they had mahjong papers lining the table tops and they provide crayons in a cup! YEAP! You must have guessed right. You're supposed to use them to scribble and doodle on it! So as to keep you from being impatient with the wait. Pizzas and calzones take a long time to cook!
Right. So after that, we set off to St Lucia to my new home, The Manors! (I have yet to take some photos of what it looks from the outside and at the pool/bbq area [this you would see in later in parts of photos of a bbq session we had] and its surroundings)
Here are some pictures of what my apartment looks like.
My very messy room
My super messy table
My neatest closet!
The other half of it
My pretty well stocked kitchen
From another angle...
My laundry area (it's in my toilet)
My shower area (shiok right? But I don't do bubble bath).
The general look of my toilet/bathroom
The general look of my toilet/bathroom
my balcony
my dining table/living room areaFor the first two days since my arrival, I've been shopping to stock up on all the things I need. The first day I arrived, it was pretty late by the time we set off to buy stuff. Because I had to get my bank account done first. Hence, we only got to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre (a good 10min drive from where I live) at about 4ish. Not to forget we did a little tour around campus before we found the Commonwealth bank on campus (intended to do it at indooroopilly actually)
So off to Woolly's (Woolworths Supermarket) we went to get the more important groceries. Thinking that they close around 5.30pm. Little did we know that they close at 9pm! Oh yes, we rushed for NOTHING. Then we went to K-mart to get pillows and i got myself a mini fan too! so cute pls! just nice for my desk (not that i really use the desk anyways. it's just too small to study! so not condusive)
Right. So that was end of day 1. Worse thing here was finding a place to eat because most of the places close early! :( So we ended up eating simply at any place that served dinner.
>>Day 2!
We couldn't get up early and so I dismissed the idea of going to school to settle my stuff. After we had dinner and were about to set off to do my internet/mobile phone, it was only to our horror that the car couldn't start! Dangs... So we had to call Avis to send a road rescue guy to us. Suspected that the battery went flat for don't know what reason (cos the lights are automatic so they should have been switched off when the engine is off and it would have been too glaring not to notice since the car was parked in the garage). But anyways, we lost a good hour there waiting for the guy to come and rectify the issues with the car.
And based on his recommendations we had to set off to Ikea at Logan first to allow the car to have a good long drive to charge up the battery. Well I was about to go there that day anyway just not that early. And yeap. Did some good shopping at Ikea and spent 400 odd dollars. Arghs. A killer on the wallet. Basically got the pots/pans/wok, cutlery/plates/bowls and all the kitchen essentials. Also got my quilt and quilt cover (oh so comfy and pretty) from there. Got myself a nice book shelf because there wasn't much storage space given in my room. Also got those organisers for the cupboards for all my undies and other stuff...
And then on our way back, we went to toowong village, rushing to get my internet done. See, I knew nuts about where everything was located and I have no internet so everything went by very primitively and instinctively. But the result was pretty rewarding! Everything went so smoothly and the hiccups that occured where probably just some missed turns due to the confusing Aussie roads (you will think Singapore's roads are a million times better when you come to Brisbane). But! I was there only to discover that they were not going to process the application for internet/mobile phone for me only if i had a bank statement. Asswipe. Another wasted trip. Definitely had to go back to the bank to get it done.
On discovery, we went grocery shopping at coles then. This time we know it closes late so we took our time to shop. And then again, a huge damage was done. I think i should dig a hole and hide my face for spending too much hard earned money. Oh and I also went to K-mart to get some more stuff and to Retravision to buy a colour printer. Only $99 for a new Canon colour printer. Awesome!!!
Dinner was back at the same area again. haha. Now at a different restaurant though. and justin gave a treat. awww... so sweet right? haha.
Well well. on to
>> day 3...
Today I got up earlier to go to school to settle all the admin stuff. First I went to commonwealth bank to try and get the statement printed. But instead of doing that, they only gave me some letter. Then I headed to the student centre to get my first name changed because they mixed it up with my chinese name (you know la. Singaporeans have funny names). So I couldn't do my student ID card that day because it takes a day for the change to take place in the system. Stupid and slow but yeah. that's the case. Anyway, there was a network failure that day so I also couldn't get my student ID card done. while i was at school, my dad was out to play golf. so we met back at my place after i was done. we had brunch then set off to toowong village to do my internet and mobile phone. again, they refused the bank's letter and needed a statement. so i had to go to the bank and get it printed out. then went back there to get everything fixed up...
By the time I was done, it was too late to go anywhere because it was already 4ish... And most shops close around 5. So we took a drive to Dan Murphy's instead to get some wine for my father to bring back to Singapore. Spent a good deal of time there selecting the wines and then daddy bought some beer for me! Haha. He even commented "What kind of father am I? Encouraging my daughter to drink" Haha! so cute right? But yeah, my daddy taught me to drink and I should thank him for that because I'd be making a fool of myself if anyone could easily get me drunk! And well, I'm in college! I should be out to have some fun too! :)
Well then we thought of going to Ikea to have dinner but they were closed by the time we got there so we went searching for food... Drove by this place that had lots of asian restaurants so we settled for a Malaysian one. Food wasn't exceptionally good but it was satisfying. ;) End of day 3.
Thursday...
>> Day 4
We woke up a little later but were going to head to the gold coast nevertheless. Dropped my dad off at Robina Woods Golf Course and then Justin and I headed to Harbourtown. Along the way, we detoured to take a drive by surfers' paradise. It was a scorching hot day with the sun blazing so we decided not to step out of the car. Justin snapped some photos as I drove by.
Harbourtown is getting more expensive. Nothing that great. Seriously nothing compared to the Folsom factory outlets in Sacramento, USA. That was da bomb! :) Spent a bomb there too. Well I guess after all the shopping in the US, there wasn't really much to shop.. But I managed to get some stuff from cotton on. :) yeah. Justin didn't get anything for himself.
Lacoste shoes were going for cheap and I really wanted to get a pair for Ernest but they didn't have it in his size. There were just a few sizes left so yeah. Too bad.
I got caught buying some stuff (havaianas) while Justin waited for me in the car. Then we rushed off to pick my dad up while he was enjoying happy hour at the club. haha. good old daddy. loves his golf and drinks. *winks. As we set off to Robina, it started to pour a little. And then as we entered the motorway, goodness. The jam was terrible! So yeah, we were extremely late in picking my dad up! But we caught a really nice view of a rainbow along the way and it was rather breathtaking. =D
After we got my dad, we went to Pacific Fair to shop again. haha. We had dinner at the food court first though. But then again, there wasn't much there to shop so after awhile, we left.
>> Day 5!
I woke up early to go to school with Kevin to get my student ID done. He was really nice cos he waited for me when I woke up late and he accompanied me to school just for me to get my ID card done. He didn't have to go to school at all! So finally. everything was settled. And today, my father and brother will be going back at night. So yup, to satisfy Justin and fulfill the promise we made to him for following and for helping out, I sent my father and brother to DreamWorld. As I was the least interested in the theme park and to save some money on the admission ticket, I went shopping on my own! :) And so... I went back to harbourtown and Pacific Fair. Then came back to pick them up and then went back for dinner and for them to pack and leave for the airport.
Along the way we were supposed to have dinner at Lonestar but we couldn't find and it we couldn't risk joining the evening traffic jam so we headed back to St Lucia and then ended up going to Hawken Village to eat since I also wanted to check out the place while we still have the car. So to end off my father and brother's trip, we had italian again at Gregorio's! And you bet, it was fantabulous! About the tastiest and most delicious meal I've had since my arrival! And it was relatively inexpensive for the generous portions and cuisine. :) Satisfaction (bounces to Benny Benassi's tune)
Rushed to Coles after dinner to get the last minute groceries before I no longer have the car and have to concede to inconvenience. Then it was back to the manors for them to pack and leave!
At about 9pm, daddy and Justin left for the airport. This is when the loneliness sets in. The test of my resilience and independence! But I stood strong. As my father left, he kept making sure I was ok and told me to take care and stuff! Gave daddy a big fat hug and thanked him for everything. I love him so much! He's always been my pillar of support and my guiding star! Could tell my dad couldn't bear to leave me alone too! heh. In fact, I was really touched when he told my uncle over skype that he couldn't bear to leave his darling daughter alone in Brisbane. And I swear as I am typing this, I still feel so touched about it that I'm on the verge of tearing. It's a love so strong that he possesses for me even when he doesn't show it but it can all be felt. No amount of words can describe the kind of love our family possess.
>> Saturday...
Day 1 in Brisbane all alone...
I followed Daisy and her parents to the West End market. Woke up really early cos if you don't get there early then you won't be able to find fresh produce. We bought some fresh fruits and veggies from there. and on the whole, some are a lot cheaper than the supermarkets. :) The sweet potatoes here are really huge and sweet. Love 'em. Oh and the fruits too! Awesome! And then we tried some Hungarian foodstuff. Langos and something. Can't remember what it is but it starts with "L" too. Here are some photos.
flowers here are so fresh, pretty and CHEAP!
this is LANGOS :)tastes a bit like deep fried dough (you tiao/you zhar kway)
nectarines were only $2.99/kg!
lo and behold! the malaysia/singaporean curry puff craze!>> Sunday...
I slept in and when I got up I was on my computer the whole time and lazing around. Total couch potato! Vanessa came with her housemate's gf to come pick me up in a beat up BMW 3 series and we headed to Toowong for late lunch! Had mackers (Mac Donald's) and a good chat. :) Then went back to Vanessa's place after some grocery shopping at Coles. Hung out for a bit then I left for church. Mass was like only less than 45mins lah! But the walk up to church is treacherous! Considering the two steep slopes that I have to climb... But I managed. After church, went back to Vanessa's place. Then she had to come over to my place to do her timetable stuff and print some stuff out since her internet wasn't up yet...
When we got back to my place, Vanessa spotted some of her foundation friends at my apartment block. Haha. So she introduced them to me. And that was how I got to know Jolene. She stays at unit 16 and in a 1br apartment. I requested to see the layout of her apartment and she agreed. So she came over to mine to see as well! We asked Jolene if she was interested to join us at Hawken since she hasn't been there and she said yeah, so she went to change and then came back up to my apartment. And then we started talking more and realised that we had a lot of things in common and even have mutual friends! What a small world right? And she lives quite near me in Singapore as well! :) BFF already man. So by the time we were ready to go to Hawken, it was way too late to catch the bus so we gave Hawken a miss and ended up eating Instant Noodles instead. Haha.
So my week one draws to an end and that's how my life started off in St Lucia, Queensland, Australia. I shall update Week 2 and 3 as soon as possible. :)