The End Is Approaching

As of tomorrow, I will have taken my last actual classes in Australia. I will then spend the month of June studying and taking exams (after a brief, much-needed excursion to Sydney). This shocking realization has forced me to think about what I actually have learned while being here. Not surprisingly, only about .5% of these things were learned in the actual classroom.
For instance, I learned that Australians in general, and friendly outgoing lovely people. I have a deep respect for their society, because nowhere else can I leave my laptop and wallet in the library while I go use the toilet, print things, and refill on coffee. Australians actually trust each other. This is a country where you can leave your back door open all night, and the only thing that will come into your house is a carpet python.
I can walk from school to the train in the dark and not be concerned when six strange men stop me to ask if I am alright walking alone. It is not uncommon for you to know your bus driver by name and be able to recount the details of their recent fishing trip. Likewise, my coffee man checks on how my exams went as frequently as my own mother. People in Australia actually want to help you.
My teacher as school actually care about me. When I was late my professor asked me if I was alright, rather than being annoyed at my tardiness. This experience has taught me that good teachers are what make an educational experience. The class that I actually learned a lot in, was taught by a group of teachers who were so enthusiastic, I barely have to study for the final. They made me remember everything the first time around. Granted, I already liked bugs, but I didn't think I could spend this many hours in a bug class every week and want to learn MORE. But I do, and it's great.
My other classes however, that you may have noticed me complaining about, were taught by possibly the most boring people that I have ever met. If they can't be excited about the subject, how should I be excited about the subject? Exactly.
In my free time I learned to crochet slippers, and hats, and now I am making a blanket. I learned about the mind of three year old in more detail than I had ever planned. I learned that it takes time to get to know people, and that I will likely change my mind about them ten times in the first three months.
I learned how to deal with leeches. I learned how to recognize the smell of Eucalyptus. I learned many uses for Eucalypus oil.
I will come home with cravings for meat pies and nutella. I will say funny words and use funny phrases, and probably not notice it until everyone laughs.
I will have pet a kangaroo, and swam with sea turtles.
More importantly, I now have a passion for biological conservation, writing, and traveling. I've read books for fun (for the first time during an actual school season).
This was truly the breath of Australian air that I needed to push me to consider graduate school. I am actually excited about learning, and experiencing things again.
Most of these things that I've learned still need to float around my head for awhile before I do anything with them, but really, these are the things that Australia has given me. And most of them, were not found in class. In fact, I am willing to bet that I learned more by skipping class than going. Tell that to the dean.
Now to plan my next trip... ;)

Also, I think I look more and more like my mother.

Crocs, Roos, ECHIDNA! Oh my.

On Friday I went on a school field trip to the Australia Zoo. It was bomb. I pet an echidna. For those of you who don't understand the magnitude of this experience, let me explain: I pet an animal that slightly resembles a hedgehog, but is the only remaining animal in the group of monotremes, which are egg laying mammals. Essentially, nowhere else in the world will I ever run across an animal from the same group. It is very cool. Plus, they are stinking cute.

See:

Also at the zoo where some Wombats, that were actually moving around instead of sleeping, so I must share a picture of them with you for my mother's sake:

Now, for an in depth review of the crocodile show.
We walked into a large arena, took our seats, and waited while exotic birds were circling over head as part of a show that was just ending. They were very cool, although also very noisy. As they left, two people entered the middle fenced-off area. One of them was the croc handler, and the other was his... backup. They then coaxed "Monty" out into the pond in the center, where they were standing at the edge. It was a little unnerving to see that the handler himself was quite nervous. It is apparently not good when the crocodile stares at you, rather than the small treat in your hand. Anyway, they showed us how big he was by convincing him to come on land, showed us how he could do a tail-stand while in the water to reach at birds and things to eat, and were overall very impressive. Monty is quite the crocodile. It was awesome. However, I would probably not chose to be a crocodile handler right off the bat.
After all, I was in love with the Echidnas.
Because we were there with a class, we got to go to the education center, and the staff gave presentations about all the various animals including birds, crocs, snakes, koalas, and tasmanian devils. The Devil was really cute to because it was a baby and just stayed curled up in the care taker's arms.
Afterwards we were allowed to wander around the remainder of the zoo where we saw elephants, tigers, and a very neat tortoise.

A further note on devils: Apparently in the wild they are currently facing an infectious facial cancer that is wiping out all their populations. It is very sad because they really are a special creature and are so cute. Because of this, zoos and sanctuaries are breeding a population that is free of the cancer, and could potentially be re-introduced into the wild. A very interesting conservation project.

Overall the day was spectacular, and I have found that I am absolutely in love with Australian Wildlife. Maybe if this whole medicine thing doesn't work out, and the wine making thing also doesn't work out, and I can't find a satisfying job in conservation, I should open a zoo back home to pay homage to the Australian creatures. Just a thought.
Because, really, koala girl is a good look on me.

Birthday Coffee :)

In honor of my birthday, I am treating myself to a coffee in a coffee shop on campus with these wonderful pink walls. If I am not much mistaken they resemble the color of my new closet back home... I think it complements my eyes, don't you? Just kidding...
In other, yet related news I had a wonderful weekend with a nice birthday dinner comprising of various sea foods cooked by my host family. It was wonderful. And I made myself a birthday cheesecake, which seemed to be a hit. The neighbors came, they were all very very sweet to me. I felt rather special. And then yesterday my host mom took me to get a birthday pedicure with her, which was again just very nice. I feel very loved.
Also, I spent last week opening birthday cards that my family sent, which was just very nice of them. So overall, it seems like turning 20 is a pretty good thing. Thank you everyone who is making it special for me. <3

Oh the Horror

Dear homework,
What is this "focus" you speak of? I want to learn about sea turtles, infections disease, and mario crochet patters. I have no time for your genetic antics. This is madness.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Kate


I am really starting to understand why school is getting in the way of my education.
That, and it's far more fun to write stories that search weird data for trends...
Am I right?

The Chills

Hello! I just wanted to let you all know that Australia is now a brisk 68 degrees. According to locals this is the time to bring out sweatpants, sweatshirts, scarves, and boots. I couldn't agree more. Now that I am so used to the smoldering weather, 68 feels really rather nippy. Oh the woes of the tropics...

Kate Is Crafty

Last weekend while sick, I thought to myself "this stone floor is really cold. I need thick socks... HEY maybe I should just make them". Right.
Well, turns out I am a terrible sock maker. However, I can make some rather comfy slippers. So I made one last weekend while sitting there in bed, and then I made the other this morning whilst listening to online lectures. A very good use of time in my opinion. I feel accomplished.

Lamington

This my friends, is Lamington National Park. It is a wonderful park. My class took a "walk" there which was actually a 14k hike, and we got to see an extensive amount of it's natural splendor. There are vines hanging across the path, waterfalls, giant stinging trees, and about ever toxic fruit you could imagine. It's like walking straight into the Tarzan movie, only significantly more dangerous.
We were allowed to taste a natural lime though, as they are the one non-toxic fruit there. It was extremely sour, but had an oddly nice aftertaste.

Now, it is worth mentioning that the term "Lamington" refers not just to a place, but also to a fabulous chocolate covered sponge cake dessert. Sometimes they also have a dusting of coconut, which really just ruins it for me, but if you can find the kind without that, or get your hands on some homemade Lamingtons, they really are special. Enough to ruin any diet. I must learn to make them.

The Healing Properties of Coffee

Ever have one of those nights where you stay up studying thinking, "Wow, I will never understand what this teacher meant", and then you look at the clock and realize it's 3a.m.? Well, I had one of those nights.
Or mornings I guess as the case was. And after three short hours of sleep I made my way to school to take the exam. Now, a couple hours later, I can't actually remember what the exam was about. I simply remembering answering all the questions and then staring at the wall for five minutes afterwards until they let us leave.
Luckily, I have a solution for mornings such as these. A vanilla latte.
Until this week I had successfully cut my coffee intake down to a once a week treat. I was so proud of myself. But then projects and exams got in my way. I hate how they always sneak up on me like this...

So the coffee addiction has hit again. I will go back to my abstinence from it's creamy goodness next week. Maybe. Wish me luck.

Okay, It's Official

I am ready to be done with school. I was clearing old papers off my computer, and I realized that I have written about a hundred papers that meant almost nothing, and that I can't recall writing in the first place. Clearly school has required far too many useless assignments. Almost all of my biology classes I have taken information away from that will stay in my head for plenty of future years, but I have also taken far too many classes that I barely remember.
It's sad. Sad that I wasted that time when I should have been in classes that actually meant something to me. Not filling credits into random requirements. I am ready to be done. I want to move on to graduate school or medical school where I will be only taking courses that apply to my area of interest. That actually sounds like fun.

My Current Irritation

You know that feeling when you go to take a test and you're all "Hey, this will be fine, I know these things". It's a good feeling. However, there are times when that feeling goes away instantly because you sit down, and half your test is missing. It simply is not printed. Then half the questions are missing because they are on an unprinted page, your professors cell phone starts ringing, the whole class laughs because the entire thing is absurd... and there goes all that mental calm along with your expected decent grade.
Really, if you are going to write an exam that is worth 50% of your student's grade, you should at least allow them to take the whole exam. But that's just my opinion. Also, the no cell phone rule should apply to professors, because it's just as distracting for the students as for them.

Pathogens and Bug Bites

Last night I was meant to be studying. Instead, I counted my bug bites. I have 42. They itch like mad. I am also taking a class that is all about the pathogens transmitted by arthropods. I am not convinced that I am going to come home with one. That or I need to get a blood test before I come home clearing myself of all possible sicknesses. Really, 42.
Also, the 3 year old I am living with yesterday walked into my room and said "There is heaps of your messes on this floor". Yes, thank you, I am aware. Unfortunately, when I get stressed out, I make messes. Due to the number of exams and assignments due in the next couple weeks, I am becoming stressed out.
Plus, obviously I need to worry about dying suddenly due to a pathogen. I am going to come home paranoid, and bleach-happy. Also, did you know that on average 100,000 mites live in a square meter of carpet. Yes, that is a lovely little fact I learned in class. Just in case you wanted to know.

Brampton: The Complete Story

Alright. I sit here with my cup of tea ready to tell you the full story of my time on the Island. Or... more likely, the short version that I will embellish in later posts. Let's just see what happens.

First of all, I left my Australian home at a really terribly early hour to catch a train. That train took me to another train. I took that train to the airport, where I took a plane to Mackay. I then took a taxi to the marina, where we took a sailboat to the Island. It was during this sailing leg of the journey that I met the people who were running the project, and had time to talk to the other girls on the trip (there was one boy on the trip, a German dude who I think was a little overwhelmed by being surrounded by the rest of us talkative females). It was very interesting. At first, we tried to leave the marina on the boat, but ended up going back because someone had wired something wrong and the steering was rather ineffective. After that hiccup was resolved, we were back to the open ocean. At which point a couple of the girls got sea sick, and the rest of us, sitting at the front of the boat got soaking wet. Little did I know that thi
s would be the start to days of soggy-ness.

Due to the steering problem we finally arrived to the Island just as the sun was setting, and got to set up camp in the semi-darkness. This would have been okay, but my tent mate and I were helping set up the German boy's tent, and were getting very frustrated because we couldn't make the rain fly fit properly (We found out the next morning that the rain fly was actually built wrong, and there was no way to make it fit correctly in the first place).

Anyway, our frustrated selves went over to the cooking area where we made a wonderful BBQ and tea. It was warm and good and wonderful. We went to bed with warm little bubbles in our chests. And then it poured. I'm talking a storm. Our tents sounded like they were going to take flight in the wind. And the rain was loud enough to keep even me awake. For those of you who have ever seen me sleep, you understand that this noise must have been akin to a drum in my ear.

Over the next couple days our routine was somewhat the same. We woke up, waited for a break in the rain, RAN to the cooking shelter, had tea, coffee, Milo (a wonderful Australian invention that deserves it's own blog post), eggs, bacon, and cereal, and waited for the rain/wind to die down enough to do something. During these rainy days we actually accomplished quite a bit. We weeded out some invasive plant species, had the guy who knows everything about everything tell us about all the native plants and animals, got stuck out on the reef in a storm, went on a hike around the island and again got stuck in a storm... see the trend? Storm. Outdoors in the storm. Needless to say we went through a LOT of tea. We were all very cold. It was... special. I did however love everything that I was learning. It was amazing to have someone there who could answer every question you came up with, and the food was great, and I was in little bio-nerd heaven. It made me so happy. Plus, during our hike we saw some wild kangaroos, some really awesome birds, and some fish. However, on one of the beaches we also saw a frightening amount of garbage and plastic (sea turtles eat it and then it gives them infections. Bad news. Please recycle). The trail was also covered in invasive species, since WildMob hadn't had the time to work to that side of the Island yet. But I have no doubt that by the time the Brampton Island project is done they will have made a very notable positive impact.

The last couple days on the Island were quite sunny. We were very happy with this change in the weather, as it allowed for snorkeling, and dry clothes. We were able to walk on the reef during low tide and not get caught in a storm, which meant we could actually see and hear properly. That was amazing. We saw all sorts of corals, had the turtle sighting, saw some crabs, the whole lot really. And then when we were snorkeling we saw sharks, turtles, all sorts of fish (I will save you from the long explanation that I subjected my nemesis to), some sting rays, and a whole mess of corals, plants, and little crabs. It was amazing. However, let me just say, wetsuits are not the most comfortable things I have ever put on, nor are they flattering in the slightest. But there you are.

After this we unfortunately needed to head back to civilization, so off we went on the boat.. then the taxi, then the plane, then another taxi, then a train, and then a final taxi.
Upon my arrival home I had an Easter package from my mother containing some much appreciated chocolate, socks, and a season of Big Bang Theory. I then promptly slept for 12 hours.
I should also note that a couple days later I got another much appreciated box of chocolate in the mail from my grandparents. It made the whole ugh-I-am-back-at-school-not-swimming-with-sea-turtles thing much more bearable. So thank you.

Now, I will finish my tea, and start studying. I hope you enjoy reading about the island.

Photos of Brampton Island

Sweet Grass, Sky Gods

The night before we left Brampton Island the weather had finally cleared so that all the stars were visible. The group of us ended up sitting on the beach looking up at the constellations. At first we just found the Southern Cross, something that looked like the big dipper, and other constellations that we knew about. Then one of the leaders started pointing out shapes in the sky that were important to indigenous tribes. Now, the aboriginal people used to smoke a sweet grass and stare into the sky late at night. Rather than looking at the patterns of the stars, they looked at the shapes of the dark patches between stars. There is one patch that is a god, and he lays down and then slowly stands up as the night goes on and everything rotates. It's pretty cool. There is also a kangaroo, and emu, and some other random creatures. The God is the only one that really obviously stands out without the sweet grass. But hey, we did our best. After a little while we pointed out all the constellations that we knew about, and started just making up our own.
The first was a smiley face. Pointed out by one of the project leaders. She was the only one who could see it. Regardless of how many times she gave us directions to it via the God's shoulder, we really couldn't see it.
Not until she mentioned that you needed to look sideways.
Great. So we are all sitting there with our necks all folded looking for this smiley face. They she goes "well, it's not a face, there are no eyes. It's just the smile. SO really it's just a half circle. Sort of". At that point we all saw it. It was indeed sort of a half circle if you torqued your neck the proper way.
Meanwhile another girl had found what looked like a shark (to her) right next to the God. So at this point we had a God, a shark, and a smile.
"I've got myself a house" comes a comment from the same leader who found the "smile". So we all spent quite a few minutes trying to see her house. It didn't happen. Not until the shark girl found a three leaf clover right under it. Now, the clover actually stands out really obviously, so that was rather easy to see, and by giving us instructions via the clover, we were all able to imagine the leader's house.
Now, this particular leader has a really good imagination because she saw a coffee percolator above the God's head. Now, granted, if you added an extra star in, and had rather a vivid imagination, the percolator was CLEARLY there.
Adding these things, mixed with aboriginal creatures and the moral goes like this:
One upon a time, you rode your kangaroo across the tree leaf clover to your house. The next morning you wake up and ride your kangaroo over to the God, who is obviously also a barista (makes for a really cool aboriginal God, don't you think?) who uses the coffee percolator above his head to make two cups of coffee. One for you, and one for the shark next to him. This sequence of events makes everyone happy, as seen by the smile.
It's a great myth.
For some reason, the other leader didn't want to hear about it in detail.

See That Tail? It's Not A Tail.

Male sea turtles apparently have rather large penises that are easily mistaken for tails. I found this out while on Brampton Island with a conservation project. I was there for six days, and it was by far the best week I have had in Australia. We were talking on top of the Great Barrier Reef during low tide, and behold! A sea turtle. It was massive. Probably around seventy years old. Just chillin in a shallow pool, all by it's lonesome. Now, this island usually attracts the female turtles because it's a popular egg laying spot for them during the summer, so everyone was referring to the turtles as "she". The marine biologist on the trip started laughing and said, no that's for sure a "he". We all looked rather confused, so another biologist on the trip explained by saying "you see that tail? That's no tail. This poor bloke is hiding in the pool from his lady friends".
We laughed.
For ages.

Waterfalls, Puddles, Leeches

The week before last I went on a escapade with a friend into the mountains north of Brisbane. It was glorious. We skipped school and got some good old nature time in. The park was beautiful, with trails that lead to campsites via waterfalls.Unfortunately, the weather was dreadful. However, I can now say that I experienced the Australian rainforest in the pouring rain. For two days. And slept in a puddle. Or rather... didn't sleep in a puddle I suppose. Although, this is Australia we are talking about, so even with sleeping in a puddle I was very warm all night. Either way, the views along the trails were totally worth the rain and wind and soggy-ness, and the experience was cool all in itself. Parts of the forest that contained the eucalyptus were particularly nice because of the smell. It smelled like fresh rain and eucalyptus. Simply wonderful.

Now, I don't know if you are aware or not, but when you go into the mountains during a rather wet couple of days, the leeches come out to play. They tried about forty times to eat me alive. It was interesting. I stupidly cut my fingernails the day before we left on this trip, so the only way to get them off was to scrape them away with a stick. Even then, with this caveman tool of mine, they attacked me for the entire trip. It was annoying. I was bloody. My clothes were wet, smelly, and bloody. I am surprised my host mom didn't think someone had tried to murder me when I got home. Although, a vampire attack would have been more reasonable since I was having my blood sucked.
Australia does seem to be the place to experience all forms of wildlife. However, again, though the weather didn't share it's love with us, and we were being bled by the annelids, I am quite happy that I got out on this little camping trip and away from the stress of education and social constructs. Just us, the waterfalls, and the mud. Almost perfect.