It was called Alpine Day, and that was all that we were told. It had been hyped up at our college for the past few weeks. "You'll never forget it!" they said.
"Be prepared for battle."

What kind of battle, we did not know, but we knew we had to fight. The day came, and at 8 a.m., we were all in the dining hall, drinking orange juice and champagne as a sort of farewell and good luck breakfast. We then all crowded around the pond to hear stories of past Alpine Days, and of what our mission would entail.
We would be hunting Yetis that day. Yetis.

After being quickly briefed as to our game plan, we were herded, as unknowing freshers (freshmen) always are, onto a large bus with the windows blackened so that we could not see out. Where we ended up, I could never find again, and I do believe that was their plan.

Once we arrived at the planned destination, we were sent on a wild Yeti chase. We went through fields and streams and up hills, all in search of the infamous yeti. It began raining, it became muddy; but that would not keep us from our goal. The yeti must be killed; the yeti must not win. The day included much fun despite the wet, muddy weather. In fact, it was all the better to climb the hills and mudslide back down because of it. Mud wrestling and tug-o-war ensued. By the end we were all famished. Luckily, there were reinforcements to feed us by lunchtime. After a quick lunch and a short wait, the bus returned to take us home after a successful yeti hunt. We had succeeded, and it was time to be rewarded.

The ride home was filled with song, until the freshers were kicked off the bus in the city. Muddy and tired we ran home, proud to say we had beaten the yeti. We had accepted the challenge, and we survived. The Yeti was a formidable foe, but we did not let that stop us.

It was a great day for St. Mark's residents that day, and a day that none of us will be sure to forget.

By now you may be asking. What is this great Yeti that I speak of? What is this foe that could bring out the entire college of St. Mark's at 8 a.m. on the weekend? Only to have us return bruised, bloody, and covered in mud? These are all very good questions, I agree.

However, secrets cannot be divulged. For the sake of the Yeti, and the entire future St. Mark's freshmen, that is one question that I cannot answer...

You need to understand the past in order to prepare for the future and appreciate the present...

What else would one expect from a group of four girls traveling to Sydney for the weekend with no plans other than the plane tickets?? Well, it was quite a fun time, and I am proud to say that you are now speaking to a girl who will be featured in two separate brochure guides in Sydney!

See, on the plane we began thinking about where we wanted to stay while in Sydney. (A little last minute, but that's okay, too) In the flight magazine on the airplane, there was an ad for the hotel backpack for about $12 U.S. a night plus free shuttle from the airport. So that's where we ended up. Funny thing was, once we got there, they were having a party with free food and drinks in order to get some pictures for the new brochure... So, of course, being the scene makers that we are, we managed to get our pictures taken outside the building with our backpacks, inside eating and talking, and inside in a large group picture. The photographer really liked us - what can I say.

The next day we did the bridge climb. Let me tell you, if you ever have the chance, do it!!! It was so much fun, it was a beautiful morning and we had a great time. And we will also be in the ads for that, since they had a photographer taking pictures for the next program as well. SO... we definitely made our mark in Sydney.

We also learned to master the buses, the train, the ferries, the cabs, and learned how not to get lost wandering around...

After the bridge climb, we wandered the city and eventually made it to the zoo where we saw animals that ranged from tigers to peacocks to koalas and echidnas. It is amazing how unimpressive it is to be at a zoo and see animals after you have seen them in the wild. Granted it is, in some cases, better for the animals, but I still felt that they were getting a raw deal.

For dinner, we went to Manley Beach and had fish and chips while watching the sunset. You can't get much closer to perfection when you see that. The next day we took a tour that showed us everything in the area. We saw the Olympic sites, and drove up to Katoomba where we saw echo point and the three sisters, scenery you couldn't even imagine. It was unbelievable. Even though we were all so tired from the day before, we couldn't help but be amazed with everything and completely awestruck.

On our last day there, we toured the Opera House, and wandered the wharf. There were little stands set up all along the water with local artists selling and bartering their goods. I was so proud that I was able to talk a guy down $6. Granted, it probably should have been even less than that, but hey I still got it at a better price than someone else!!

All in all it was an amazing trip that I will never forget for many reasons. It seems as though everything that comes next is better than what just happened the day before. And the thing is, everyday is good. I have experienced something new each time I wake up and by the end of the day, I can totally understand why people never want to leave. It is so relaxed and easygoing. No matter what the issue, it seems like people just let it roll off their backs.

Quick example... yesterday I went running around the city. I passed by a car with its door open. A man on his bike was riding by not really paying much attention... Low and behold, the biker ran right into the door, and smashed the window to pieces! Both men just stood there, smiled shared a mutual chuckle; apologies were made... and off the biker went!!! No harsh words, no nothing... It was so odd. Now that is a bit of an extreme, but the idea remains.

So I think I have rambled enough. Take it for what it is worth, and I will talk to you all later!!

Beth