Happy Canada Day!

Today is Canada Day, and all my Canadian coworkers aren't here. Some are coming back but don't know when, other went back to Canada a couple weeks ago. So I could have a drink to celebrate, but no one to "cheers" with. Oh well.

Today I went out to lunch again with some korean students. It's been a while since I've done this, but it was nice again. One of the guys, after service and he was waiting around for lunch asked if I was going. I said no, but then he said he'd like to have lunch with me and he went on about his "situation". I wasn't totally understanding the whole thing so I went to lunch, but didn't get to talk to him. Perhaps another week. But I wonder to myself, do some of these guys like me because I am an asian who can speak english? Last time I went out to eat with them, one of the guys I met who was not part of the larger group mentioned that to me, that these korean students wish "envy" me because I can speak english. Oh, these korean students are all here to learn english. So it got me thinking, that I could really get to know them and help them by just getting to know them more in english. Interesting.

Last week I told one of the people at the church that I'd like to help out somehow, anything. She asked me, well what would you like to do, which is a valid question. However, I said to her that it did not matter to me. That I felt that I could do anything, I can't do everything good nor do I think I will be good at doing everything, but if it needed help then I'd be up for the challenge. She and everyone else looked at me weird, they were like "you don't know what you are saying". Whereas I felt I surely do know, I just felt I don't want to just do things I may be good at, or what people think I would be good at (something computer related), I want to challenge myself to try new things even if I felt I wouldn't be good at it, I may be surprised that I have a gift I have not yet discovered. I'm not sure they were convinced.

Church I attend. New Hope Brisbane.

So today I talked to her again and said the same thing, and perhaps she gave in and she said to me, "do you think you can be at the church office at 6AM?". I was thinking, you are kidding right? So apparently the group that sets up the church (the office and church are not the same place) meet at 6AM. Man, what these people need is to be more efficient, maybe that's what I can do, is make them cut that down to like 7AM, maybe even 8AM. If it takes 4 hours to set up, there must be something wrong! So next week I will make the half hour walk to meet them at the church office at 6AM. We'll see how things go.

Last week I went to the Brisbane Broncos game. That is Rugby League, which is the more worldwide known rugby game. The PM on the project is from Accenture, and apparently many Accenture office have season seats at stadiums for the managers to take their teams out for. So my coworker who used to work in London said his office used to have three sets of seats for the Arsenal team because he was a fan of Arsenal. And so the Brisbane office has 10 seats (10!) for the Suncorp stadium where the Brisbane Broncos play! The game itself is ok, I prefer the Aussie Rules game more. But the stadium is beautiful, very comfortable. I did not get the sense that people were saying how steep it is, cause we were sitting towards the bottom.

Brisbane Broncos vs. West Tigers @ Suncorp Stadium

I started playing soccer here with my coworkers! We are team "Witness the Fitness". hahaha, not that it happens. We played two games so far and I think we've gotten better already. And we got our new jerseys. I really like them, they have red and black stripes running vertically. they looks so much like soccer jerseys, I'd wear it on a normal day. But this game is really good, it really has a team spirit kind of thing. And it's really great to do some stuff outside of the office with coworkers. And it gives me some consolation for not getting to play softball and ultimate this summer.

Something interesting about houses here in Australia is it is not standard to have central heating. It surprised me a bit when I was in Melbourne when my apartment did not have it, and then the same thing in Brisbane. I was really cold some nights, had to put on all the blankets I had. Luckily the apartment I have now does have central heating but it isn't that good. However, this really hit me when I went to a church friend's place and he greeted me with full jacket and tuque on. I was like, is this normal. It looked so weird. And they have this one unit on the wall that has A/C and heat, but they don't always turn it on. I was talking about it and apparently some people are in denial that it actually gets cold here in Brisbane. I guess I can see, I mean it's cold maybe 2 months of the year and not even that cold, it's bearable. So perhaps it's not such a great investment? But it's just surprising that most homes don't have it. Guess I'll just bundle up a bit more.

Too much rain in Sydney

After a three day work week, I took off on Thursday night to Sydney. It was my first time flying out of Brisbane since I've arrived. I knew I had to do Sydney, so I didn't go anywhere until I got that finished. Luckily I have a coworker who lives there, and so I crashed with him. He was really great and hospitable, he had everything arranged for me.

Sydney Streets

The first day I arrived it rained so hard that I considered cancelling my tour the next day. But I stuck with it and I went to the Blue Mountains. The Blue mountains are listed as one of the 1000 Must see Places in the world. I don't know if I'd say they were that amazing, but 1000 is a lot of places so if it hit at #1000 I wouldn't blame the authors. Anyways, I walked onto the bus and there were people there already. I got my first cup of starbucks since I arrived in Australia. By the way, people don't really drink regular coffee here in Australia. They either have cappuchinnos, lattes, or flat white. No flavoured coffee. Anyways, so i got a normal coffee from Starbucks cause I just like drinking it. I walked on and instantly it was a conversation started. I don't know why, but perhaps it's an early morning and people are tired, and they see what a great idea such a large cup of coffee is. The people I travelled with were all quite young, mostly from different countries and travelling around, backpacker people. Got to meet some Canadian to-be doctors, an English teacher, an English architect, and some kiwis who just came from Dubai.

Part of the group on the tour. Behind us is the three sisters. See below for story on Three Sisters.

So we got to the blue mountains and it was raining all around, couldn't really see any long distances because of the fog. But the interesting part was we waited for the fog to appear and it's like the beauty is revealed at certain moments. Reminds how such beautiful things in life can be given and taken away, and the fog representing this was perfect. We did some bushwalks and the funny thing about this tour was the tour guide, he would lead us around seeing stuff, then he'd be like, "ok, here is where I leave you to get the car. You guys will take the road, veer left when you get to a split, and keep on walking and I'll meet you at the end." He did this type of thing twice, which was quite funny, because what if we got lost. But actually I rather enjoyed it because it left some bit of excitement, we're walking through the rainforest and moutain terrain alone without a map, with directions drawn on the ground with his finger in air.

Really cool walk. I really liked this one.

The second time he did it, we were seeing the three sisters. So here's the story behind the three sisters. There was this old man who had this magic staff and three daughters. One day as they were walking they encountered some vicious creature. The creature were after his three daughters so in desperation he used his magic staff and turned them into stone so the creature could not get to them. So the creature went after the old man who then fled, but the creature was too fast and so he turned himself into some bird. But what happened was he dropped his magical cane so he could not turn himself nor his three daughters back to human form. So the legend is if you see a bird of his type messing around the ground around the three sisters, it's the old man looking for his magical cane so he can turn himself and his daughters back to human form. And that's the legend of the three sisters.

At one of the "sisters". Right up close to it.

So around the three sisters is this National Park with a staircase that has 100 steps (really not that much) and we walked down to the bottom where the tour guide told us to follow the path all the way until we reach the scenic railway. It's about a 30 mins walk all the way there, but we get to see some beautiful trees, can pssibly see the three sisters from a distance (all three of them) because we couldn't see them before because of the fog. And we were not let down, as the walk was really nice with some waterfalls, really nice trees, and the view of the three sisters. The scenic railway is apparently the steepest railway in the world, at some point going 51 degrees. It was short, not a whole lot of interesting stuff. Under the mountains though, is a coal mine. So back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the mined for coal underneath. It was really cool seeing these passageways underneath the mountain. Too bad we could not walk into them and experience it, I would do that.

Sydney itself wasn't that great actually. It reminded me of London a bit, with the constant rain and the buildings of brick. But it didn't do it for me like London did, and the rain really made me feel detestable to Sydney. It did have some decent chinese food as I had a craving for some congee and yau tiu, which I did satisfy. I went to see the Opera house, quite a nice building. The QVB is this historic building that looks like some other malls that both Melbourne and Brisbane have, though this one is much bigger. There were sales everywhere at this time, but I really wasn't interested in shopping nor buying.

The QVB. That's a really cool clock right in the middle.

Went to Liechhardt where they had some amazing Italian food. This hole we went to looks family run, but it was Italian on the outside (wait staff) and chinese on the inside (in the kitchen), was quite funny. but the pasta was homemade and superb. They keps everything simple, not too much meat in anything really. And a gelati store next door. A must visit if you ever go to Sydney.

Dave and I at the Opera house

Harbour Bridge. The pride of Sydney. But it didnt do it for me.

Sunday morning I went to Hillsong, on the hill. Hillsong has many campuses all throughout Sydney surrounding areas, but I wanted to go to where it all started, on the Hill. This campus is massive, it has several buildings, and this sancuary that didn't impress me much in terms of its size, but when I thought about the amount of seating that must be in there, it was quite big. The worship service was on the mark, and really spoke to me about how to live for our Lord. This Brian Houston is quite funny, and the way he talks is quite funny, the mannerisms he has, and the way he pumps his arm to emphasize. Oh, I remember smething that I found funny. I have a feeling he's been doing this television thing too long. Because I found that many of the things he did when talking, were directed as if he was being taped. Like pointing straight out to the crowd when addressing people, like picture he says "..and He want you!" and he points his finger straight ahead as if he's staring right into the camera. Too funny. But the one thing that amazed me about this church was the graphics going on behind in real time. All the different pictures going on, and the overlapping of images and real time feeds. it was amazing, made me want to learn how they do such a thing, because it totally makes watching more interesting. Anyways, was good to go here. they have Hillsong conference going on in two weeks, some amazing speakers coming for keynote addresses. I wish I knew, I'd definately like to go, but I don't think I can as it's just too soon after I was just there. Too bad. But not all is lost, because I have a great church that I'm looking forward to going back to, and really living out the life He calls me to live in the city of Brisbane.

Alright, I'll blog again soon hopefully.

Noosa and Mooloolaba

It's a long weekend here in Australia so I tried my best to find somewhere to go, but flights were just too expensive. So I decided to rent a car, and drive up the coast to see the Sunshine Coast. My first stop was to see the Glass House Mountains. so the story about these mountains is so there was this family of mountains, a mother, father, and several children. One day there was a fire and the father was trying to save all the children. However he then found out that the mother was far behind and he was too wrapped up with saving the children. So he asked his eldest son who was closer to the mother to save her. However, the son ended up saving himself and leaving his mother behind. So the father was so infuriated that he took out his staff and hit his son leaving the son with a broken neck. Thus the reason for the mountain with that looks like it's leaning over. The son tried to apologize after but the father would have none of it and they forever were seperated. And that's the story of the Glass House Mountains. Got that story from Lonely Planet. It's a real amazing view seeing these mountains, they are quite beautiful. Where the name comes from I do not know.

This is the mountain that represents the son.

I then went to Coloundra which is a town that is towards the bottom of the sunshine coast, where I met up with two coworkers. One of my coworkers has been a novice kite surfer so he invited us both on perhaps a kite surf. But what ended up happening is we helped him get in the water, his kite all set up, and he went off leaving us two on the beach just watching him struggle trying to control his kite and get his board which was drifting in the other direction. At the end he ended up getting some nice surfs in, but alas we were left watching. It looks really fun though, might be worth trying in the future. So basically it's a small board that is strapped to your feet, and the wind blows the kite and pulls you around. Quite nice.

The kite that brings you around.

You can see the people kite surfing in the background.

Afterwards I was on my own, and I drove up the famous beach of Noosa. The Noosa beach has become a really nice tourist area, and you can tell from its main strip. I found a hostel to sleep at, and just looked at the nice beach. The hostel was really quite nice, the rooms weren't the best, but it was far from the worst I've ever stayed in. The people there were really cool, there was a mix of people travelling through Australia, and people there for the weekend trying to get away.

The hostel I stayed at, had that nice colonial feeling.

In the morning I went for an early morning walk at Noosa National Park. I decided to take the slightly harder trail which was all uphill, and inland rather than the easy coastal walk. It was actually really nice to do it, I was there all alone until the end when I saw some poeple. But it's just an amazement seeing the trees and forestation around me. It was quite a nice and peaceful bushwalk. After I finished it I got back to the beginning and there were heaps of people now, luckily I started early. I decided to try out the easier coastal trail but I stopped 3/4 of the way to the end, cause it just wasn't comfortable, it's not protected from the sun and you were always getting out the way for people. Nevertheless, the coast is really nice, I only wish I had a beach towel to lie down on the beach.

The nice coastal view from the easy walk.

I drove down to Mooloolaba, another nice beach town south of Noosa. I took the really nice coastal drive which was an amazing drive the whole way, stopping at some points to see the surfers, and at one point some guys who had a kayak and something that looked like it shot out arrows for killing. Anyways, I arrived in Mooloolaba where I went searching for a hostel again. Found one and I got a room all to myself

To prove I was here.

Amazing view right on the edge of the rocks.

Both towns are quite amazing places, and I drove this swedish guy back to brisbane cause well I had a car, and it would be nice to help him out. But just meeting many people at some of these places, especially at the hostel in Mooloolaba, they just spend their whole day looking forward to the night where they can get drunk all night. They even had this drinking game which was basically a few words, some change in direction, when it gets the seven the person can call someone out to drink their life away. Quite pointless. Anyways, I don't know their story so can't judge too much, but I just realize how different things are, and I just didn't even want to be around them.

At the end of he weekend, I can't say I did much, but I saw some really nice places that I would recommend for a nice weekend trip, and on a day that's hot. The beaches are just quite amazinng, especially the one in Mooloolaba. That beach had rocks on one side where they were all flat, almost like the water had dried up. You can walk right up the edge and it's quite an amazing feeling that you feel so close into the water, yet you are not in it. such a beautiful sight.

No More Jokes!

I thought of what I wanted to talk about, cause it happened again today. So basically I've been meeting a lot of people from Asia (Koreans, Japanese, Thai, Indonesians, etc) and they all ask me where I am from. Then I say "Canada", because well I am from Canada. Then they look at me weird. So it happened today when I met two girls, one from Korea and one from Japan. So they looked at me weird, and so I go, "Don't I look Canadian" hahah. Of course i don't! I'm Chinese! Thing is, their question is "Where am I from?". There is no way I can answer that question "Hong Kong" or "China", because before last fall I had never been to both. So of course I am Canadian. So I explained to the girls why I had no choice but to say Canadian. Their english is not that great, so I was explaining to them the difference between the questions "Where are you from?" and "What is your background?" Because if they asked the second question I could answer "Chinese", and it'd make more sense to them. FOr some reason it doesn't make sense to them that a Chinese person can be from Canada. then one of the girls was like, so you have two nationalities? I guess so, I guess it depends what "Nationality" means. Anyways, I do consider myself I Chinese Canadian, so I guess I do have two. She found that really interesting. But then I explained to her, well if I was mixed, then I'd have two background as well (kind of).

Last week I was eating with a bunch of korean students, learning english in Australia. One of the pastors came later, and was talking and meeting some of whom he never met. I had never met him so he came to me, and I was thinking to myself, I should put on some Asian accent to see if I can fool him. everyone else has an Asian accent and can't speak english, he may be taken aback from someone who can speak english (well kind of, mine ain't that great either). But I didn't, but I told him my plan, he found it quite funny. Good times!

I'm finding it a small challenge talking to english students, but it's a good thing. It gives me patience, and helps me speak more clearly, simply, and not talk with jokes. I talked with the Japanese girl after service today and she was telling me she found it hard to understand the pastor today. The Pastor who spoke today is the "Sr. Pastor", but he was in Hawaii last couple of weeks, so she's never heard him speak. She told me he spoke so fast, and with many jokes that she does not understand. So i told her that was really good feedback and I think the pastor really needs to hear that. Because there are a lot of foreign exchange students from different countries, and the pastor should really understand that when he gives his sermons. Make things clear and simple. It's a part of cross-cultural ministries, and very important. You can't reach the unreached if they don't understand you. I think I will mention it to the pastor when I get a chance, because he really needs to hear it. He probably doesn't even realize, so he needs to know. The other pastor, who spoke last few weeks. she found him better. It's probably because he works with the students during the week, so he understands it more. Just some good honest feedback.

My First AFL Game!

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post, mostly because I didn't subscribe to internet last week. give a little perspective, I'm still living in a hotel but am moving into my place next week. so I'm paying hotel-like rates for internet, and last week I got notice that work may not pay for my internet. it's really absurd, something I fought, but i subscribed again this week and going to expense it again. So now I'm gonna upload more pictures.

I've learned a lot about myself last couple of weeks, God has been doing massive teaching. This morning I read Matthew 6 about not advertising the good deeds you do, be humble and keep secret the things you do. this really spoke to me because this morning i did some community work with my church. i don't think by me saying i'm trying to get people to think more of me, but i want people to know who I am (a Christian), and what I believe. I did some personal training at the gym on Friday and the trainer asked what I was doing this weekend, I told him I was doing some community work, helping people clean their homes and stuff. He then asks "Why?" in this tone like "why in the world would you do that?". So I explained well I do it because there are people who do not have the ability to do it for themselves, so the churches get together to help those who need help. Anyways, yes I've told people what I am doing this weekend, but only if they asked. It was just a good reminder to be careful to not boast, but be humble. I was also reading this morning about about giving up all our worries to God. I've been worrying a lot lately about many things like money, love, friends, and just life. But this was kind of like something a friend said last week too, putting our faith in God and giving Him all our worries. can't get enough of these reminders. It reminds me a lot of a couple I know, every time I see them I know they have a lot of worries and a lot of things going on in their lives. I know they struggle a lot at times, but I also know that they are strong in their faith, and no matter waht happens in their life, they remind themselves that they have God, and that's really all that's necessary. I need to convince myself that a lot.

So I live in the downtown of Brisbane, and it has given me a lot of revelation of how hard it is to live downtown Toronto. The thing is most of the people you tend to meet live outside of the downtown, in fact you must be really lucky to have friends in the downtown. But so here is the thing, if the people you meet are not downtown then you always have to travel to the suburbs to meet them. Man this is hard for me, I feel so demanding to only do things if I can get a ride. So I have respect for the people who live in downtown Toronto that I know. How they will travel uptown and stuff. I shall do the same thing too, travelling is expensive.

A good night shot of Brisbane

Tonight I went to eat at a restaurant by myself for the first time here in Brisbane. When I travel in the States I have no problem doing this anymore, I just find a place with a bar and I sit there. I feel like the guy in Lost in Translation, except there isn't much lost in the translation, because they speak English here. But just being lonely in a foreign country. Anyways, I didn't feel too bad about it, in fact I didn't mind it at all. I bought the Entertainment book while I am here, so I have to use it to get my money back. And I can't always go and eat with people, and can't always wait until I do. So I just go myself to those I can get discount when eating alone. I don't mind, I can try and speak to those around me a little. So I went to this Turkish restaurant that people said was really good, and it was good. I had this casserole and rice pudding for dessert, both really good stuff. Tender lamb in the casserole, and a just right not too sweet rice pudding. Good stuff!

I did my free personal training sessions this week at the gym, and man I was sore the whole week. I did a lot of back workouts, and my back was killing me until Thursday (I trained on Tuesday). But this is a good thing, it means I am working out my muscles that I had not been working out. It may mean I am overexerting myself, but it was meant to see what my peak is, so it's ok. So I'm on a training program now, need to get in shape.

Met a couple today, and it gave me hope. The guy was Chinese and the girl was caucasian. This is the first couple I've met that is this mix, it's always the other way around. This gives me hope that it can happen. Good for this guy!

Did I even talk about anything and what I've done here? oh, last weekend, finally remembered. Went to see an Aussie Rules Football league game. My new coworker who is from Brisbane and I had never met brought me. It was really cool, I picked up most of the game pretty fast.

View of "The Gabba" in Wolloongabba, where the Brisbane Lions play!

But I was looking forward to was three quarter time getting myself a meat pie. Now for all those who do not know, apparently Australia is known for its meat pies, and the place to get it is at footy matches. So I had beer in one hand, a meat pie in the other. So here's what happened, three quarter time, I go to the shop that I had been eyeing the whole time that sells meat pies. A guy was standing there with money in his hand, and the guy behind the counter was putting the pies in a box. He ignored both of us, and also the other girls just went about their thing, both ignoring us. So then finally I said to the guy, you closed still selling, then they yell "we're closed." But that time me and the other guy had been standing there for like a minute waiting, and they didn't say anything to us. Needless to say we were both pissed cause not by the fact that they were closing and we didn't get our meat pies despite seeing they had plenty to sell, but the fact they didn't say a thing knowing we were standing there. How inconsiderate! Anyways, the game was really fun, it was soo competitive and funny how the fans of the different sides were at each other throat, but not dangerous threat. The funniest thing was the away team was beating the home team, and then near the end some guys held up a banner that was in the colours of the away team saying "Game Over" on one side, and "Thanks for coming" on the other. This was funny cause this was not their home stadium. hahaha. Anyways, it's my goal now to go to rugby game so I can get into the aussie sports.

This is the view from my seat, yes I am close. But apparently if you sit up high it's better and more expensive. Totally different than anything else.

On Sunday I went to church, and then afterwards went out to lunch with a bunch of korean people. They were all "students" by the fact that they came here to study English. And oh man it was hard talking to them, I could hardly understand them. In fact, as one of the guys I met had clarified for me later, they got the impression I worked for Woolworths, the grocery chain. When I meant that I was going to Woolworth, to buy groceries. I think I thought they asked (and perhaps they did), what I was doing today. But in fact what they meant to ask was what I do (like as a job). So when I thought, what am I doing today, well I am going grocery shopping. Anyways, when it was clarified, it was too hard to straighten them out, so I just let them think I work for the supermarket, no biggie, what's so bad about that? Anyways, it's amazing how many korean students there are here studying english, most of them are still in school but some have graduated or out of school, and have still come. One guy works in Korea for a cosmetics company, and has travelled around alot to I guess promote their products. But he still came to study, his english isn't so bad, not as bad as others, but it's amazing how everyone comes here to learn.

Next week, I am going to Noosa and Maloolaba. Await more pictures.

Took this one morning this week, after it just rained. Right outside of my window. Beautiful. But the rainbow disappeared within seconds.

And here are a few more light boxes with design that I like.

Here is my photo album so far. I don't upload everything, only the ones I like or I think are interesting and worth seeing from someone else's perspective. And also not to bore everyone with everything. My Photoalbum

Found a Church!

Today is Sunday, and I came back from church this morning. I think I have finally decided to attend this one church regularly. I spoke about it in my last post, it's called New Hope Brisbane. Although some of the other churches offer some items that are better than this church (one has been the friendliest, one is a slightly nicer walk, one of prettier girls), this one I find has the best teaching for me, the worship each time I go I can feel God's presence, and is most different but still similar to what I want. By that I mean the other churches I've gone to are primarily Asian, and so that is comfortable. This one is definitely not Asian, but still it feels that it is inviting and comfortable. Not comfortable in the fact I can jsut go and fit in, but that I don't feel uncomfortable when I go to the point that I find it hard to meet God there.

These past two weeks thinking back I haven't been too happy with myself, and I don't think God is happy with me either. I have been anything but humble, anything but gracious for what the Lord provides. I have been trying to find a place to live more permanently, but I am definitely being too picky, and asking for too much. I have been grumpy when I get rejected after applying to a few apartments. I think it's God saying "Jonathan, you are being too greedy and expecting too much. I am going to take this away to show you whose in control and show you what type of person you are right now." I am still finding a place, but I am going to look for something decent, that may not satisfy all my criteria, but that's ok, because no matter, it is already more than anything I should have.

On the other hand, these past two weeks I have been reading the Bible daily. Two weeks ago when I went to New Hope, the pastor challenged us all to read the Bible everyday for the next 28 days. I raised my hand with fear saying I would do it. So since then I wake up half hour earlier to read the Bible and pray before eating breakfast and getting ready for work. It has been really great cause truthfully I have never done this. I have been reading the gospel of John because back home at Westside, the class I was taking, the pastor asked us to read John a chapter a day, and I never did. I only went for two weeks, but not once during those two weeks have did I read it. So now I have started, and actually it amazed how much I do not know about Jesus. I've been learning so much about Jesus just in these two weeks. They say it takes 28 days to form a habit (that's why it was a 28 day challenge), so I really hope I can form this habit.

Onto my travels. Well I still have not travelled out of Brisbane yet. But I did book my flight to Sydney, going mid June. I am looking forward to that, my coworker there will be housing me, and I already made plans to go to Hillsong!

Yesterday I went to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It's the only place where it is legal to hug koalas. Let me tell you, koalas must be the softest and friendliest animal. I hugged one, and ohhh, they are so adorable. So soft, and they just rest right on you and make you feel all tingly, how could you not love an animal that just hugs you without screaming.

Me hugging a Koala

I saw other animals there too, some kangaroos and wallabies. There was this house with snakes/reptiles inside. I walked in, but no one was in there. It gave me the creeps and I had to get out of there. I think I've watched too many movies where people are trapped in a room full of snakes and they are crawling everywhere. I was really scared something would jump out.

Birds of Prey presentation, an amazing looking bird!

Me with a Wallaby!

How could you not fall in love with an animal like this!

Then, later I was gonna go back and and try and conquer this fear, when I saw two people on one of the benches outside getting it on. The guy was sitting down, and the girl was literally on top of him and they were getting it on. Tell me, what about a zoo turns you on? I don't get it. Anyways, I couldn't bear to walk by them. There was a microphone nearby, and I really wanted to just go on it and tell everyone there are two mammals over there getting it on, children, do not go over. It's sick!

who really knows where/what country Ottawa is in?

Oh, so around the city they have those boxes at every other corner that controls the traffic lights. However, everyone is painted differently. I am going to try and collect as many as I can and put them on this blog, just cause I find it interesting to see them.




I bought a pair of crocs today. I walk around so much and it's so hot here it just made sense. I need a good pair of shoes that are good for my feet, are breathable, and don't hurt my feet after walking in it a long time. I wore them the whole day today and I like!

It for now, on the agenda this week, going to the "work" group at New Hope. End of the week might go to an AFL (Aussie rules football) game with a new coworker. Will let you know more later.

Cooking a Roast!

Right now I am sitting on the patio of my apartment looking out on the Brisbane River, with my laptop plugged in, sipping a glass of wine i got at the Yarra Valley vineyards a few weeks ago, reading a book. The scenery here is just so nice. Someone said that I'm living the good life, but really it's just a pretty life. I mean it's not that "good", yes I enjoy it, but I have no friends here. I knew that already coming here, so I don't regret it.

view from my patio

I went to another church this morning, I was late leaving my place and was rushing to get there. Had to walk 5K again to church, although I think I walked further last week. Anyways, I found this church online this week, never found it before.

little creature on the path from city to church

This church is called New Hope Brisbane. It's held inside an auditorium, i enjoyed the music a lot this week. I instantly felt that warm feeling when I stepped inside. However, I had one problem at the beginning. At the door outside they had a welcoming people who welcomed people, wrote down your name on a "My Name is.." sticker for you. However, I stood there for about 20 seconds seeing if anybody would approach me. I was also trying to cool myself off as I just walked 5K in 25 degree weather. Nobody came up to me, so I walked in. I even walked out once more to see if I could cool myself faster, then walked back in. Nothing. So I didn't feel totally welcomed, but whatever, no big deal.

Anyways, so I sat down in the auditorium as the pastor was introducing and about to pray. Then the worship started, and instantly I felt at home. One thing that I really liked though was feeling comfortable to raise my hands to God, and then something I've never heard. The worship leader, she did a little intro on why we raise our hands. To someone who comes to church for first time, or came from a more traditional church, I'd say the act of raising of hands is quite confusing to those new to it, but I found it really great that the worship leader introduces people to why we do it, it just made the atmosphere so much more comfortable for everyone.

The message was really great too, it was about "Is the Bible Reliable?". He provided several good points along with many quotes from reputable people in history. I don't know whether quotes from people really prove that the Bible is reliable, but he used logic to prove his points. For example, he showed how several historically old and significant books that were written a hundred or so years after Jesus only had less than ten original manuscripts. However, there are over 1500 copies from that time of the Bible. So his argument was if so many copies have survived the test of time, then it must be true. Given the fact that it was written by so many writers before several acts of history in Ancient Rome, and that is argued that because some of these significant happenings are not accounted for in the Bible, that it must of been written before that time, within the lifetime of the apostles or something like that. Anyways, it was more logical arguments, not bad ones I wouldn't say. Nevertheless, my point is I found it applicable to the audience.

Anyways, another good thing that I enjoyed about this church that they really showed to me how they are living out the Christian life. The events that they have just bring happiness to me because they are available. In June they have this event where they go out and help clean for some people who are just down on their luck. I found this really gives people the opportunity to serve others, and help ourselves know that being a Christian in this world is all about others, and not ourselves.

I still haven't decided where I want to go though. Both churches I've been to are quite far, I like this one I went to today, but the walk there just isn't that nice. I think I may go try one more, this other one I have to take the ferry there. It's even further, but at least there is another way of getting there. Oh, one thing that surprised me just a bit, was how willing people were to drive me to their church. Both times I was telling someone that I didn't like the walk, and they both offered to either drive me home, or drive me to the church. I was impressed. I don't want to give the impression that I don't like walking, or I'm unwilling to walk to the church. It's just I wonder why I can't find one closer to home. That's me thing, I want to find something close to my home. So I can walk there quickly, and I feel like I'm a part of the community. So I wonder why the central city does not have more churches. And all these ones just outside the city call themselves "inner city churches" when they are not in the city. That's another thing, when I hear inner-city, I associate it to neighbourhoods that are like Harlem, West Hollywood, neighbourhoods that have are not the most safe, but the church is there to reach to the people who are the most lost in this world. Perhaps I had a bad view, but anyways, inner-city here at least means "in the city", however none of these churches are even "in the city"!
So yesterday, I decided in the morning that I'd go do something I've never done. So I looked up my Frommers, knowing there was something in there. I was thinking of doing abseiling (which is rock climbing, but coming down the cliff, instead of going up). But then I went to the website, and was like, ohh, they have kayaking. Now I've done kayaking before at camps, but never officially learned. So I decided I'd cross the river to where the place is, and learn how to kayak. They didn't really teach it very well, but I got to do it which was the real thing. So I kayaked for about little more than an hour. It was so fun, and we had to steer ourselves away from the ferries that run along the same river.

river I kayaked!

Then afterwards, I'm like, I gotta do rock climbing, so i joined that too. This is real rock climbing, not indoor where you know where you gotta put your feet. This is a real cliff, and you gotta find your own holes to put your feet and hands in. It was so exciting, and when I did it for the first time, I'm thinking ok, what do I do here? Where do I put my hands and feet. I got up only a quarter of the way, but it was so exciting. I just couldn't do it. I had enough strength, but I just could not figure out what to do up there. I need to do it more. But it was so great and fun doing both those things!

wall I climbed (almost)

this is abseiling, coming from the top to the bottom.

Tonight, I am cooking a roast. I bought this pre-marinated roast at the market, and I am cooking it myself! So exciting, yes I know I didn't do the whole process in marinating it myself, but one step at a time.

my roast!

What I gotta do is find a rice cooker, ones to cook rice in a microwave. I hear they work very well, so I gotta find one. Oh, one thing they do different down here is although they eat sushi rolls, they buy them by the roll uncut, and just shove the whole roll from the ends in the mouth. No wasabi, not always soya sauce. It's so weird to not eat sushi in cut pieces, I haven't done it yet. I may try it out, I imagine it to be convenient, but it just can't be that great.

I'll update again later this week.

Two Weeks in Oz!

So I have been in Australia for over two weeks now, been working for more than one week. Was in Melbourne for four days to rest from the flight, and then came straight to Brisbane where I started work the day after I arrived. The flight and food was horrible, luckily I did have a seat next to me on the flight from LAX to MEL, which made things better. LAX is a pretty ugly airport, not what I expected at all.

So Melbourne, it's such a beautiful city, reminds me a lot of Europe, in particular Italy. It has the sidewalk cafes, the short buildings with walk-only paths, the restaurants down alleys, the vineyards outside of the city, and the river running through it.

Federation Square

kind of reminds me of Barcelona, river and palm trees

It's a Bombardier (actually I don't know that, it just reminded me of the commercial

The Cappuccino's are just as good as Italy I think, and I had the most amazing Almond croissant the first day I arrived. I walked into the Weston, asked where I can get a good pastry/coffee, and was guided to "Laurent". Little did I know this place was not only expensive ($7.20 for the two), but also a lot of other people like it too, as I was told multiple times afterwards to go there.

One of the malls, so nice!

Italian Style street cafes

I didn't do much there, I just now want to relax in the city, walk around seeing things, not go to much. I went to this old jail where Ned Kelly was killed, I've never been to a jail so I thought I'd give it a try. Churches/museums I have been to, jails no. And I don't think I'll go anymore unless I get more commentary, because it was boring/morbid/depressing.

I have family in Melbourne, an aunt, uncle, and cousin. I have not seen the cousin in more 15 years, so it was really nice meeting her again. She took me to the wine vineyards for wine tastings! Australia, being a place that generates some really good wine, this was a must-do. So we had lunch at one of the vineyards, then went to two vineyards for tastings. It's obvious we don't do that much, as we just kept going and going as fast as possible. Whereas I suppose we should only choose ones we really wanted to try and buy, drink really little, then either spit out the rest from out mouth, and/or dump the rest from the glass. No we did not finish each glass (very little in each glass), but we were speeding our way through them. But it was very nice to spend time with my cousin, and I was so happy that she took me out for a nice day.

Off to Brisbane I went on sunday morning, the guy who sat next to me would not stop talking. We talked for one straight hour and unfortunately the plane did not take off cause they had to replace some part, and we still had a two hour plane ride to go. He wasn't asking me short questions either, he was asking deep/long question. Things like "what did you want to do with your life?", "are you happy at your job?", "what did you want to get out of your job?". Luckily these are all questions I have thought about recently, and I'm really not one to shy away from telling total strangers what I think if they truly ask, and I have the time and energy. I just did not expect this guy to keep on asking and asking, and talking. He also told me about what he does (unfortunately I asked him), and he went into the same thing that he asked me. And then I realized why he asked me all these questions, his ultimate goal was to recruit me to sell vitamin supplements. Basically it operates like a pyramid, whether he gets money from people he recruits I do not know, but the structure of people finding people is definitely pyramid. Anyways, no big deal.

I got to Brisbane, hired a taxi, and the taxi driver was funny too. He started asking me about Toronto, what to do there, and then he asks me do i have a girlfriend back home. I say no, and then he starts telling me where the best places to go to meet girls. Hilarious stuff! All the while, I am mesmerized by the scenery I am about to see. Driving along the river I see many sailboats, and just an amazing scenery. It was hot too, had to take off all my layers.

Beautiful Brisbane View

I arrive at my place, and I am amazed by how beautiful it is. I see this very cool street flea market just outside my building right along the boardwalk. I quickly put down my stuff, go down and walk it, while also finding food cause I had not eaten all day. And I continue to be amazed how beautiful this place is made that much better by the weather.

My new place!

The washroom

View looking out my window

My first week at work was boring. I am reading docs for assessment, and it is so boring cause I don't really understand them all because it's a piece of the program I have not seen yet. I seriously could not do more of that, and luckily this week has started better in that I have something else to do as well. I get to go to meetings. When I am happy to go to meetings, it must mean that the previous work was really boring.

Some friends of mine are travelling in Australia, and just so happens I am here in Brisbane while they are. I don't have space for them, but I met up with them which was really nice. It's always nice to see people from back home in places you go, it makes it feel very warm. Then this weekend I met up with them on the gold coast at surfers paradise. I rented a car and drove on the WRONG (left) side of the road for the first time. My first turn was a bit hard, I turned wide, but after that things came easier. I was very weary about driving too fast, as I was told at least in Victoria, even if you drive 5km/h over the limit they will give you a ticket. I don't really want to get a ticket. They apparently have speed cameras everywhere, and just send you the bill. Anyways, driving was no problem, had two minor problems, but I conquered those without problems.

I got to surfers paradise, and I went surfing. Now I was just a bit hesitant cause I don't swim, but I wasn't too scared. I tried and tried, but I couldn't really get up. And worse, the waves just got bigger and bigger, and I just got tired of being thrown around by the waves. I also got really self conscious of people on the shore looking at me and laughing that I could not do it. hahaha. And one thing, oceans have salt water, and it sucks drinking it. Really nasty. The weather kind of sucked on that day, but it turned out to be a good thing cause we had less people to fight the waves with. Anyways, I think I'll try to go again to try it out again even though I hated the salt water.

The empty beach, cause it's a cloudy day

There is this really nice park right behind my building, i have walked it twice. the first time I spotted tent right in the middle of the trees, I guess someone camped out there. not a bad idea as long as you aren't worried of anyone mugging you in the middle of the night. you don't have anywhere to go if you were mugged. This park reminds me of central park in that it has a lot of different things in it like a cafe, a bandstand, however I think it has more foresty areas. I even saw a wedding there with a horse drawn carriage. really nice, I could walk and sit in this park all day. If only they had lawn chairs for me like in Hyde Park in London.

I had a holiday the third day I was in Brisbane, it was Anzac day (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) and they had this march right in the middle of the city. I imagine it might be the same thing if there is a march in Toronto/Canada, but this march was huge, and everyone was clapping for these people. Amazing scene. I walked to Chinatown that day, just one street so not much. But get this, Char Siu sells for $24/kg, that's like $11/lb! Insane! Not only this, but all food is expensive here in Australia. General cost of living is just so much higher here in Australia than it is in Toronto.

Alright, this is it for now. I'll let you know what I do on my long weekend coming up this week. Yes, two holidays in two weeks in Brisbane! I'll post pictures later, because I had trouble uploading this post itself.