the edge...

I teetered on the edge of my new journey. A land of gold, an unexplored horizon, all glaring at me. I will discover. My flesh and the heavy heart will traverse this continent with a swift tempo of the aboriginal drum. The beats of my soul move beyond the echo of blue.

Climbing to the top of the very needle that pin-pointed my new home, catapulted me to an explorer claiming my destination. I floated above the vibrant blue and growing green, stark silver and the hollow black. All Man-made. The Man-made lake and the edifices of silver and gray containing domains of power and the cluster of knowledge.

I soared above the roads that etched out concentric circles and bubbled the land as inhabitable suburbs. Amid the soft feathery clouds and the lush green earth, the green blue water and the bounty of the sun, my mind fluttered. Although we etch out our world, what have we truly made?

My toes curl over the edge of the world. A step into tomorrow, a free fall to my volition.

Journey to Oz

I have to admit I cried. It's no easy feat leaving those you love for a different new place. I had anticipated this day for almost 4 months and the illusion a future became a reality the moment I stepped on that plane. It was real. I was going to Australia. I clung to my cell phone and salvaged the last few minutes of US airtime I could spare saying Good bye. The Good-byes made me laugh and almost cry, but confined spaces and crying do not really work hand in hand.

Comparing the Aussie Passport to the American. Quite a difference.

My flight was a grueling 10 hours from LAX to FIJI. The food was almost sickening and the service was alright. The black hole screen of the mini TV and the malfunctioning light did not help ease my comfort. But, I was okay. I had my handy dandy notebook and I scribbled away in the dim light about the past few joyous days. I twisted and turned in the uncomfortable seat to catch a bit of sleep, but screaming babies and jolts of turbulence made my possible 10 hour beauty rest into a mess of erratic turns and awkward slips in and out of sleep. But, I landed in Fiji. The weather there was musty, resembling the Philippines and the terminal was small. I watched as the airport security guards took pleasure in absolving helpless Australians of their newly purchased duty free items. A couple had bought a really expensive liquor and the guard, poured it out in the trash in front of their faces.

Anyhow, my layover was 4 hours in the hot terminal. I hung out with this Australian I met on the plane in the terminal. I drank a bottle of Fiji water, in Fiji. Yes, I know.


We boarded our plane. And I got to prepare my finals thoughts before really reaching my destination. My nerves started to kick. I had gotten an isle seat. I could only peer through the window, when the Dutch girl would move her head. The first glimpse of land was almost a shock to my system.



Welcome to Sydney, Australia.

First order of business was working the stupid phone. After purchasing a phone card and squandering 10 dollars with the machine, I called my mom. I landed safely in Sydney without any hitch. I finally called my uncle edo to let him know I was there too. I will say the scariest moment after getting out of the terminal is figuring what out what to do next. When I couldn't get the pay phone to work and I needed to look for the bus, my frustration hit a high point. It may seem like a little detail to know where the bus stop is, but believe me, that doubt and uncertainty almost brought me to tears. But, I recovered. Traveling is like a maze. When you hit a dead, you turn back and take another path- find another solution.


There was my first few hours: Pay phone, phone card, coffee, food.


My first Australian Meal: Cappacino and a Mackers (Aussie nick name for mickie d's) Bacon and BBQ sauce cheese burger from the dollar menu.
After figuring out the phone calls, I went outside a plopped down on a bench near the bus stop. I started talking to this amazing Indonesian Masters student from ANU. We ended up sitting together on the three hour bus ride to Canberra. We discussed politics and development studies. She is doing her masters in Public Policy and prior to that majored in forestry. I have studied a lot about Indonesia, but all of it is scattered in my memory bank. I racked my head to remember my readings about Indonesia. What was amazing was the similarities we had in the discussion of policy and disaster relief and implementation. She had worked with the Disaster Coordinating committee post - Indonesian tsunami's. I look forward to working with her in the future. Aside from that the scenery was beautiful. Very open and very raw, with a crystal blue sky. There are endless forests and plains of yellows and greens.

And driving is on the wrong side. Yes I said it. The WRONG side. The drivers seat is on the right and you drive on the other side of the road. As much as I knew that fact going in, it is disturbing! When my uncle was driving, I anticipated different turn and thought he was going the wrong way, when he was going the right way! I was baffled by the difference in turning. It is a lot for the mind to process. Twice, I tried to get on the driver's side of the car already (because it's our passenger side!)All my uncle edo would do is laugh at me! It takes passenger seat driving to a whole new level.

I made it to Canberra.

I had a real meal.

And I spent quality time with my uncle!

Departure

As my kuya says, "Hurricane Michelle touched ground!"

I learned that rolling is conducive to space. Packing is truly a pain. How do you really pack for seven months abroad? I just grabbed my favorite clothes and a range from Summer to Winter.

Then off to the airport I go...

Air Pacific had no "que", instead I went straight to check in and they didn't even x-ray my bags! Straight into the resting point of the terminal

for happy visitors. The Caballa's! Daddy lito and Auntie V.


My mom gazed in awe at my last American Meal

Snapple and Red Velvet Cake at the airport. Does no justice to red velvet, but you have to end somewhere.


I ended hugging my mom. Thank you Mom for letting me do this. For being my strength and the support I needed, the patience with my packing capabilities and the endless love. Thank you mom, for having the strength, courage, and love to let me go. I love you and I miss you already.


Concerned** about the journey ahead (haha **that face is for sara & joshua!)

Pre-Departure Parties

Thank you for making every moment precious before my departure. First was the party in Berkeley & by Oakland & SPL. In which we tortured Gino and Diane.

But Oakland was sweet with the farewell cakes:

Then my happy visitors
















And a last stab at the happiest place on earth.













My bestie remembered me and "folded panties with me"

And the fantastic gift I received:


All leading up to the Australian Departure.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

this is to clarify all the questions everyone asks me about my trip.

Q.1) Where are you going?

A. I'm studying abroad in Australia and Philippines.

Q.2) Where in Australia?

A. Canberra

Q.3)What? (Weird confused face) What was the name of name of the city again?

A. Canberra, the Capital of Australia. No worries, no body knows that its the capital- everyone thinks it's Sydney.

Q.4) Why did you chose to go there?

A. My Uncle Edo lives there. Funny story. He told me to visit Australia and there was this good university where he lives, called Australian National University. So, I thought Okay sure. Went to the EAP office (educational abroad program) and applied for ANU. I then got accepted. ANU turned out to be one the best research institutions in Australia. I had no idea. I just applied because my uncle said it was close to him.

Q.5) What are you going to study there?

A. My major is Development studies and ANU has a very good South East-Asian studies program. I plan to propose my research there and meet a few professor to help me construct my research field work. Plus, Australia just sounds sexy. =)

Q.6) Where are you going to stay there?

A. I'm going to dorm at APP Burton & Garran Hall for the period of Semester 1 2010 (13 Feb 2010-03 Jul 2010).

Q.7) When are you going?

A. I'm flying out of LAX on Tuesday, January 26th.

Q.8) When are you coming back?

A. That's a tricky question. I got accepted to intern at the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines. So, right when I get done with school in Australia (End of June) I plan to fly to Manila and work there. Then by mid-August. I plan to come back to US for my Senior year at Berkeley.

Q.9) What is going to be your job at the US Embassy?

A.

Ms. Thomas,

U.S. Embassy Manila would like to offer you an internship in the Information section of our Public Affairs Office. The Press Intern will assist the Information staff with compiling electronic summaries, hard-copy clippings, and Media Reaction summaries of editorial comment on issues of interest to the U.S., from the Philippine news media; draft correspondence, media advisories, press releases, and possibly speeches; gather input and information for responses to taskings from Washington; prepare speech transcripts, photos, and news items for posting to the Embassy web site; and take on special projects such as reorganizing press photo archives. When appropriate, provide public affairs/press support at Embassy public events, to include facilitating interaction with the news media for the Ambassador and other Embassy officials.

The housing for interns in Manila has not yet been determined, but will likely be a townhouse shared by more than one intern.

That is all I know so far. I will learn more as the summer draws closer.

Q.9) How does your mom feel about this?

A. My mom sees it as a new place to visit! My sister and I are forcing her to travel. Of course she'll miss her baby, but she realizes it's an amazing opportunity.

Q.10) How do you feel about it?

A. I'm terrified, excited, adventurous, nervous, but most of all, I feel blessed. It's an amazing opportunity to explore the world. I am going to be abroad for 8 months and I know I will sincerely miss all of my friends. But, I know everyday will be an adventure. Nothing is constant, everything changes, mutates, culminates, cultivates, and grows. I hope my personality will too. Humans are migratory people. I feel it's my time to wander and pursue my dreams.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to comment and leave them for me to answer.

Simple beginnings.

I am beginning that "blog", I told everyone to follow for me. (finally, I know!)

Yes, so I will write about my travels to Australia and to Philippines, and my experiences. I'll try to focus on shiny pictures and little words that will get you to smile and journey with me. I hope that you will follow me and take some time to read my little musings.

Thanks!