Sep 14

Readit1st “The Help”

Posted in Observations->Philosophical Thoughts      Tagged , , , Comments Off on Readit1st “The Help”

Hey Everyone,
Not a travel blog, but a worthy thought nonetheless-

You know the movie that came out recently, The Help, about a bold young reporter who realized it was time to change the way the help was being treated in Jackson Mississippi in the ’60s. Well, I really wanted to watch it and was planning to go with a friend. But then I was here at the house and suddenly saw the book. I wouldn’t have looked at it twice among the abundant and varied pile of books, but having been interested in the movie, I picked it up and gave it a chance. I was immediately entranced. The writing is so genuine, written from the perspectives of the different characters and I couldn’t put it down. After about ten pages, I decided that I would not watch the movie until I finished this book. It turned out to be a great idea. First of all, it really pushed me to read as fast as I could with the incentive of seeing the movie after. (Not that I really needed it though, since the book was so engrossing!)
And secondly, because the movie was so much more enjoyable after. I felt like the relationship between Skeeter and Stuart was a lot more complex and involved in the book than the simple construction portrayed in the movie. This led me to realize that the pages and pages of dialogue and thought that I read gave me a fuller picture of the story and the back-story and the interweaving plot lines. Despite the simplicity in the movie, it was still really wonderful to watch since I knew everything and was not busy constructing the story, but was then able to really focus on production, costumes, cinematography- other elements of the movie that make it uniquely a movie experience- without being bogged down with ‘catching’ the story. Basically, by reading the book first, I got a layered experience rather than a one-dimensional one of simply following the plot in the movie.


The wonderful Hank Green (DFTBA!!!) has started a new initiative called readit1st, which advocated reading books of movies before watching them. I wholeheartedly support this initiative and think you should consider pledging as well.
Many of you know that I am a nerdfighter, but I will be the first to shamefully admit that I have never read/seen the Lord of the Rings series. The book, ‘The Hobbit’ is sitting on my desk waiting to be read- and I’m making a decision now- in my blog for all to witness/read 🙂 -I will read the hobbit and the next two Lord of the rings books before watching the movies! My disclaimer is I am not putting a time limit on myself, but do have a week break next week, so you might be hearing a lot of ‘noooooo froddo’s from me soon.

All the best,
Lil
http://www.youtube.com/user/AnHourInAMinuteLG?feature=mhum

Sep 12

Unfamiliarity Abroad (An AUSome Vlog)

Posted in An Hour In A Minute Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad Observations->Philosophical Thoughts      Tagged , , , , , Comments Off on Unfamiliarity Abroad (An AUSome Vlog)

Does it happen to you too?

Leave a comment!
Lilach

Sep 03

Footy at “The G”

Posted in An Hour In A Minute Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad      Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off on Footy at “The G”

“Now don’t you go calling this Australian Rules Football, American tourist, it’s footy and it’s serious business!”

Best game I’ve ever been to- (also, only game I’ve ever been to:) But I feel converted. Go BLUES!

 

Doesn’t get more Aussie than Footy at the MCG!

Enjoy,

Lilach

 

 

Sep 01

Happy 1st day of Spring! {Sep. 1st}

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad      Tagged , , , , , Comments Off on Happy 1st day of Spring! {Sep. 1st}

Pinch, Punch, First of the month! Except you have to add “no returns” or else you’re getting it right back! This is the game I painfully found out about on the first of July when I got here and painfully reminded of again on the first of August. But this time I remembered!…Only I didn’t say “no returns.” Pinch/punch fail.

Don't tunnels just invite these type of pics!

In other news, because I am currently in Melbourne, the Economist Intelligence Unit had the insight to recognize my generous contributions to the city and named it ‘most livable city in the world!” (EIU link.)
Only joking, but you gotta admit, I know how to pick ’em!

Happy 1st day of Spring! or in the case of the other hemisphere, Happy Back to School!

Smiles,
Lilach

Aug 28

Healthy living in Melbourne!

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad Observations->Philosophical Thoughts      Tagged , , , , , , , 2 Comments »

Hey Everyone!
One of the things that’s immediately striking about living in Melbourne is how health/environment conscious people seem to be. My host family is really good at this and I’m learning so much by living here. First of all, we never use plastic plates or cups in the house- what a waste! and we compost everything too. You know, when you peel potatoes and you just throw all those peels away? Well, if you saved them and composted them you’d have beautiful mulch for your garden- plus you’d be saving lots on sanitation costs since you produce about half as much garbage. Naturally, we recycle too, reducing our carbon footprint even more. The new (and controversial) carbon tax is pushing Australia even further towards renewable and/or sustainable energy sources.
Regarding health, vegetables are the way to go. A big hearty salad filled with fresh produce from the market AND parsley and celery that I cut from the garden right before putting it in the salad. Top it off with sesame seeds and whatever nuts we have lying around for protein- and tuna if you want even more. AMAZING, or as we say here, “boootiful!”

 

 

Conservation of water is clearly seen in parks that have signs telling you about their use of recycled water.

There’s even a really growing “op shop” culture that means things like clothes, books, toys etc. are being resold and reused. The ‘op’ in “op shop” is short for opportunity and is basically the same thing as a thrift store, but really organized and pleasant. I’ve been to five different shops already and even found two shirts!

It’s one thing to learn about and be aware of my actions as a consumer and quite another to live it. To hang laundry when the sun shines instead of using the dryer and to rinse a glass instead of wasting another plastic cup.

Aug 22

Graffiti & Garage Sales in Melb!

Posted in An Hour In A Minute Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad Observations->Philosophical Thoughts Uncategorized      Tagged , , , , , Comments Off on Graffiti & Garage Sales in Melb!

I love your comments!
L

Aug 14

Royal Botanical Garden

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad      Tagged , , , , , 1 Comment »

Hey! Although it’s a Sunday and not a “Touring Tuesday,” I did a little touring today. The sun was shining bright and I felt I had to take advantage of the beautiful day by doing something outside. Back home, I probably would’ve gone for a walk on the boardwalk or Marine Park in Brooklyn, but here my destination was the Royal Botanical Gardens! The tall Eucalyptus and Palm trees were so sweepingly beautiful.

The flowers were unique and bright- reflecting my day and mood:)

 

 

The coolest was a whomping willow-esque tree that is specifically pruned this way to make all the flowers blossom in clusters. It’s supposed to be really beautiful in early summer- which I just might catch, given that summer starts at the end of November.

 

 

Amid all the greenery was this photoheliograph house that houses a special camera that takes pictures of the sun. It was built in 1868 and also housed the largest telescope of its day.

All in all, a beautiful park on a beautiful day.

Here’s to a great week!

Lilach

Aug 05

My favorite…Yoghurt!

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad My Favorite...      1 Comment »

Yup folks, that’s YOGHURT, with an ‘h.’  Which, while i’m at it, I should mention is pronounced “heitch” with an aspiration, not “eich” like norm-I mean Americans.

I put together a small video to show you my campus and the recent lovely weather-two things I’ve been getting a lot of questions about. Also, the best frozen yoghurt I’ve ever tasted- igloo zoo!

Enjoy,
Lilach

Aug 02

{ Tourist Tuesday } * { August First }

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad Observations->Philosophical Thoughts      Tagged , , , , , , , Comments Off on { Tourist Tuesday } * { August First }

Yesterday’s date was August 1st which means I’ve been here for a month! How amazingly exciting is that! I had two distinct thoughts yesterday because of this significant “monthversary”
1. I proudly realize just how adaptive I could be. I love Melbourne as much as, if not more so, than I expected I would. Like I talked about in my previous post, I feel like I can figure my way around with public transportation, I absolutely love my ‘family’ here and am even making friends! Granted, there’s no language barrier and it’s not really such a different cultural experience, but there are always differences that still challenge your ability to cope and adapt. Not to mention being away from family, friends and everything familiar. (Hey, that’s some great alliteration there!) Anyway, just thought I’d give myself a nice pat on the back for successfully completing a month in this new environment and truly enjoying my time here at that!

This Tourist Tuesday, I visited the Immigration Museum and their exhibit about Identity really got me thinking. It explored why people relocate and travel to Australia and how the ensuing multiculturalism leaves many Australians searching for identity. Often people are fleeing persecution and poverty while hoping for the promise of a better life in another country. The exhibit was really interactive and informative inside of such a beautiful building. I highly recommend giving it a visit, especially if you’re a student who gets in for free!

 

 

 

2. The second thing that dawned on me happened in class when I was writing the date at the top of my paper. The rather odd thought I had was that never in my life had I written any school notes with the date August-anything on the top. The whole ‘different hemispheres’ thing comes into play when everyone is looking forward to their summer vacations in January while wearing coats in the beginning of August. Every August I can ever remember includes watermelons and swimming pools- and definitely no school. So, while writing the date on my paper I realized that there’s always another perspective. However you see the world, there’s automatically going to be someone who sees it differently. And again I conclude; “I guess that’s why you travel!”

Cheers,
Lilach

And also, I’m now one of Australia’s official bloggers from North America. Check it out! http://www.gostudyinaustralia.org/student-blogging-program

Jul 27

Comraderie on the Tram

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad Observations->Philosophical Thoughts      Tagged , , , , , Comments Off on Comraderie on the Tram

In my previous “episode” of My AUSome Adventure” I discussed the different public transportation options in Melbourne. For me to get to Uni every day, I have to ride two trams. It’s a near hour commute each way and the way I’ve spent that hour has evolved from week 1 to now, in week 3. In the beginning, I rode with my map in hand and my eyes glued to the window, taking in the street names, stores and shops and mostly keeping an eye on the stop number. Each stop has a designated number which makes it easier if you know where you need to get off. For example, if your destination is in stop 15, and you get on at stop 38, you could track the stop numbers as you pass them and make sure they are descending. If you’re anything like me, it might take you a few go’s to realize that you’re on the right tram line, but not the right tram or that you missed stop 15 because you were trying to find the streets on your map. Of course, having the opposite lanes going in different directions doesn’t really make it any easier. In those first few days of riding the tram, I would stand at the intersection for half a minute just analyzing the traffic to understand which corner stop I’d need to wait for the tram to ensure I’d be going the right way. Oh, the plight of an international traveler!

Well that confusion and disorientation is in the past!  By now, I know the direction and the stops, where I need to transfer and even how the complicated ticketing system works. In week 3, I’m comfortable with my tram route and even figured out how to get into the city this past “Touring Tuesday.” And today, something wonderful happened. I was sitting quite at ease on the tram, creating a mental checklist for this week’s assignments, when the girl sitting next to me tapped me on the shoulder. She asked if I knew how far we were from a certain street.  At first, I told her ‘No,’ but soon realized that I knew how to get that answer. I directed her to the hanging route map and showed her which stop number we had just passed and the stop number of the street she asked about. “The difference between the stop numbers will tell you how far away we are!”  I was so excited to have figured something out and helped another person find her way on the tram. It just goes to show that when you feel lost and confused, give it a little time, a little effort, and before you know it you’ll be helping others find their way!

 

 

Jul 24

Cool Transportation in Melbourne

Posted in An Hour In A Minute Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad      Tagged , , , , , Comments Off on Cool Transportation in Melbourne

I ride the tram for an hour each way to Uni, so I’ve been spending a lot of time on trams, thinking about trams.

Jul 23

Cool Buildings in Melbourne

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad Observations->Philosophical Thoughts      Tagged , , , Comments Off on Cool Buildings in Melbourne

Turns out that one of the things I’m really enjoying about Melbourne is how creative, expressive and colorful the architecture is. Just walking around the  city, I’ve been able to capture some beautiful buildings and wondering just what was going through the designer’s mind while picking colors, angles and materials for their buildings.

When I think about it, the design quite accurately reflects the Melbourne-ian attitude. Very colorful and playful. People here know how to work hard…and play hard! From reveling in their footy to scouting out cafes for the best coffee to jogging or biking in the many large and open public parks. When you’re new to a place you notice things like the color of the buildings. When I point things like that out to the locals with me, they find it amusing that I even notice it.  I’m sure that when I get back home, I’ll notice things I’d forgotten ever existed on my block or in my neighborhood. Maybe that’s even the point of traveling.

Jul 13

Touring Tuesdays!

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad      Tagged , , , , , 1 Comment »

Hey Everyone!

My uni schedule works out that I have no class on Tuesdays! In order to take as much advantage of my time here in Melbourne, I’ve dubbed these days, Touring Tuesdays. (Actually my host Mum came up with that one!-Thanks.)
Naturally, I decided to do the most tourist-y thing of all which is take the free, guided, tourist tram around the city. It starts off at the Victorian Art Center, that is easily spot-able due to the spire coming out from the top of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next stop is at Federation Square which is a must-see, central meeting place for both people and transportation. The architecture of the square is fresh and new, putting you in a creative mood just by walking around it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right across the street from Fed Square is Flinders Street Station, a cultural icon of Melbourne city. You can also see Melbourne’s tallest building, Eureka Tower, in the background.
You can also see the series of clocks that show the time in different time-zones around the world.
The city tourist tram took us on to see the MCG, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s biggest stadium, and tenth in size in the world. Consistent with the Australian habit of truncating words, calling this stadium MCG takes too many syllables and most people refer to it as “The G.”
I really enjoyed the tour of the city and as we passed by each stop and attraction, I marked my map for future “Tourist Tuesday” excursions.
Till next time,

Lilach

Jul 10

Hayagoin’

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad      Tagged , , , , , 1 Comment »

“How are you?” “How are you doing?” “How’s it going?”

These questions sound familiar and are an appropriate way to greet someone and inquire about their well-being and current affairs.
In America that is.
Not in Australia, (or should I say “straya,”) where words are always shortened, intonation does not necessarily  indicate meaning and people often ask you “How are you going?” or more accurately, “Hayagoin’?”

It’s been quite the linguistic exercise for me and I love analyzing people’s speech patterns, diction and accent. This is why I wanted to come here, to Melbourne, in the first place and I have been delighting in my amateur analysis since I got here! My host family is surprisingly tolerant when I scoff at the words they use for familiar objects, and for shortening perfectly pronounceable words, just because it’s easier. And they in turn are patient and understanding when I use “American” words that they find equally amusing.

If you want some french fries with ketchup, you’ll be ordering “chips and tomato sauce.” That’s tomato as it rhymes with gelato. Not “tum-ay-tow” but “tum-ah-to”

If you’d like to wipe your fingers with a tissue, you’ll be asking for a “serviette” and if you’re thirsty, you could pour some water from a “jug,” not a pitcher.

If you’re around a baby in Australia, you’ll hear the words “nappy” (diaper) “dummy” (pacifier) and “pram” (carriage/stroller).
And even though it’s the most cliched Australia expression, people really do say “G’deye mate.”

But my favorite expression of all comes when you’ve done something admirable or worthwhile.
Instead of saying “good for you” or “good job,” you’ll be clopped on the back with a hearty “Good on you” —or, as you might’ve guessed by now, “Goodonya!”

I’m loving it here. I hardly miss you back home and I can’t wait for my first Uni (that’s University!) lecture with “legit” Aussies.
Smiles,
Lilach

Ps. Around here, I’m “Lil” now. Since all two syllables in my name are just too long!!!

Jul 06

International Student Orientation Trip

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad      Tagged , , , , Comments Off on International Student Orientation Trip

As an international student, my Australian University offers a three day beach trip before the semester. It was simply sublime! We drove two hours south of Melb, to a coastal city with the most spectacular view of the ocean- and what an ocean it was. Just so blue and turquoise and green and CLEAN looking! I’d bet any poem written near the ocean would be written on and about THIS beach. Wow.p1010905

There were about 80 students and 20 peer advisors on the trip. The students were all the international students, which was AMAZING! People from all over the world were there, to name a few countries of origin: Japan, Taiwan, Denmark, Austria, Italy, S. Korea, France, Canada, other Americans of course. Plus lots of fun Australian students, who have all been on exchange somewhere else in the world and now serve as peer advisors for the international student community.

I was having a field day meeting all these great people and talking to them. We spoke a lot about accents and different customs in your home country. Coming from Brooklyn, I didn’t think it could get much more multicultural, but this group of people had such an energy of mutual interest and respect for other intellectual, worldly students.

It was really interesting getting into everyone’s life and seeing what other humans are all about, regardless of which country you are from. And all in this beautiful scenery of a town overlooking the ocean and gorgeous trees.
p1010904
Driving down the Great Ocean Road’s windy, narrow and opposite lanes, I reflected on how incredibly lucky I am to be here and that a wonderful semester surely awaits.
Classes start on Monday!
For the exciting video representation of said events, enjoy this week’s AUSome Episode.

Signing off,
Lilach

Jun 30

I’m in Melbourne!!!

Posted in Australia...AUSome! Study Abroad      Tagged , , , , , , 1 Comment »


It’s really cool that I am in Melbourne. I love it. I’m currently getting over jetlag, but you can expect more fun and exciting things from me, like starting Uni– which if you don’t know- stands for university, or simply, school.
Enjoy,
Lilach
(or as I have been nicknamed, Lil! rhymes with Bill.)

Previous Entries Next Entries

My AUSome Trip