Brisbane

Hello all,

I am in my new home. Brisbane, Australia. I love it here.

I have already experienced so many things.... I never know where to start when I am writing blogs.

First of all, I am living in a super modern apartment building, right in the heart of the city - Southbank. I am a 10-15 minute walk to the main shopping areas and a 15 minute walk to the hippie part of town, West End. I can see my school from my window - it's about a 3 minute walk. I am attending Griffith University's Queensland College of Art. It's great.

THESE ARE MY ROOMMATES

(we each have our own rooms and bathrooms - we share a kitchen and living space)

alejandra, lauren, anna, me, amber

The first week I was here, I just walked around a lot and became used to the city. I met so many new people and checked out all the farmers markets. I even went climbing (a few posts down i posted pics - this blog is somewhat out of order!)

Anyways, school started last week. I am taking four classes:

1. Painting

2. Printmaking

3. Life Drawing

4. Issues of Contemporary Studio Practice

the studios

They are all really good classes. I know I am going to learn so much in them. My style of art right now is all self taught and comes straight from the soul. I am excited to learn how to paint, do life drawings (my absolute weakness), and make prints. I think it will all make a huge impact on my art and my future career.

Anyways, here are some pictures from the past couple weeks.

my new friend Gerry and his wife Gab drove me here: (30 mins away?!)

in a dress. at a club. happy bloody 21st birthday, anna!

alan and me. Really cool guy who takes amazing pictures.

international students at the club

my roommate, amber, and i

me. matt. amber.

the city ferris wheel

my roommates, anna and amber, at the fake beach in the city

statue and beautiful tree in the city

skyline

walkway on campus

I usually go to 3 farmers markets a week - wednesdays, saturdays, and an organic one on sundays. I have been eating heaps of papaya, bananas, fresh OJ, and cane sugar juice. I've also had some really good avocados lately. For all you raw foodies, I also got to meet Anne Osborne - author of "Fruitarianism - the path to paradise." She has been fruitarian for 20 years!

anne, cappi, and i

With the good experiences there are also negative ones. I am constantly learning on this journey.

For instance, yesterday I went to the ATM to get money out. I chose to get $50 out from credit. Nothing came out. I tried again with Checking, and it worked. The problem is that my online banking says I received money from the first try, which i didn't.

Right after that I went to the bus station to put money on my bus card. I put $50 in the machine. It didn't put money on my card. It didn't give me a receipt. It didn't give me my money back. I cried in public. A kind lady (and witness) walked me to the train station but they couldn't help me. I called the number on the back of the card and I think it's all under control. They will see if there's an extra $50 in there and refund me in the next 10 days via my card. I just have to keep a positive mindset and i know everything will be okay.

Everything is a learning experience. I've been lost on buses many times so far here. The transportation system really takes some getting used to.

I feel independent and free.