Beth Dietrich, a 2000 graduate of Grand Island High School, is currently studying in Australia, the land down under. Beth is going to be sharing her experiences on this page. You can email her at bethalyn32@hotmail.com. Please allow a few minutes for the pictures to load.
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
The Difference between America and Australia
Some things in Australia just don't make sense...
Jumper – Sweatshirt
Dodgy -- Sketchy, Shady, Questionable
Winge – Whine
Yakka – Hard work
Shout -- "Drink is on me!"
Pudding -- a cake; not something made by JELLO
Toilets -- not restrooms, not ladies' rooms, not washrooms. Just direct and to the point.
Aussie BBQ -- Consists of schnitzel (why I don't know), sausage, bread (not rolls) and lettuce (salad some might call it)
Sharps Containers -- in every bathroom, still haven't figured out why
Two buttons on the Toilets -- one 1/2 a flush the other a full.
McDonald's Ice Cream - 40 cents Australian, yes, that means 20 cents US. Anyone want to take a guess on what I am going to be eating a lot of?
Crosswalks -- couldn't think they could be fun?? Yours never played music did they? Crossing the street now has theme music.
Outlets -- not only do you turn the appliance you want on, you also need to turn on the outlet
Uni -- College or University
College -- dormitories. Run much like frat and sorority houses. Take that, as you will!!
Happy Hour -- One at every pub, every night. Usually lasting 2 to 3 hours.
Heaps -- used like our lots.
Moulin Rouge -- movie of times. EVERY other song on the radio is a remix of it
Maid at the college -- NEED to be in your room solely to change the garbage at 9:00 a.m. Forget the idea you don't need it. It's their job.
Late night Pizza -- one place, AUS $3.90 for a pizza enough for two. Yes that's right. That
means it's only about 90 cents US for a full meal. You can't get much better.
Courses -- I have am taking 3 classes here, spending 9 hours between lecture and tutorial time. And I am getting nearly the same credit as if I was taking 6 classes with 19 credit hours. I truly feel that the US is behind and needs to figure out a system
like Australia. Nothing beats this, let me tell you.
Beth