Never a Dull Moment

So let's see. Last Saturday I decided to explore the city of Geelong. I went to the Ford Discovery Center, the Wool Museum and the Geelong Art Gallery. The Wool Museum was just as exciting as it sounds . . . snore. I do have to admit it was cool to see a ginormous loom, but that was about it.

There were a lot of people out and about, and that means lunch was busy. And, it also means that a restaurant will seat a party of one and then forget about them. So, after waiting entirely too long, I left and was too mad to try and eat anywhere else. I'm sure my starvation totally rubbed their faces in my pissed off point.

On Sunday, Katrina's parents drove me to Lorne again — the scenery is gorgeous. They were very intent on my seeing kangaroos in the wild, so we drove around a golf course. I know, very wild. We did find one in a sand trap, but that was about it. The fact that they tried so hard was impressive.

Last night was my first Wednesday night dinner with the family. We all sat down to eat, but before I could get my fork to my mouth, Katrina's mom was like, 'Oh wait, Jess might like to say grace.' What?!?! I was completely caught off guard. So, I graciously declined to say grace. Can that be done? Well if you think so or not, I did it anyway. [Grace was not said, they were just being considerate to the foreigner] On the way home Katrina's brother said, "Man, I thought you were going to have to recite the Lord's prayer before dinner." I was like, "I know!!" They have all been super nice the whole time I've been here. I just felt like a total heathen.

Below are some pics of the animals and of my day in Geelong. The first cat is named Ash and the other one is name Charcoal Charlie of the Night. Yes, that is his whole name. I was a little too nice to him actually. He had just been shaved a couple of weeks ago, he's a bit embarrassed by the whole matter. Kizzy the dog, was scared of the camera, so this was the best I could get.

Hold Your Horses

So yesterday was spent at the horse tracks. My parents should be so proud — I've become quite the gambler. And — all modesty aside, I am pretty darn proud of myself for going. Let me just tell you why.

The Geelong Cup was yesterday. It's treated as a national holiday in Geelong, with many places closing for the day. It's apparently quite a big deal and a formal affair. I had to ask numerous people if it was okay that I didn't dress up. Every answer was, "No you'll be fine, they'll be all sorts." Just what I wanted to be, at the bottom of 'all sorts.' 

In order to get there I had to take a bus into Geelong and then walk 3 miles. Not bad. I only started feeling a little uneasy when I saw busloads of people in formal wear, feathers and hats. It was such a big occasion, all the ladies [and I use the term loosely] went to go get their hair done. It was probably just my paranoia, but I was feeling a bit out of place. I probably only saw ten people [out of thousands] in jeans. Halfway through, I realized I did bring dresses with me. I was better off anyway. It was windy as hell and I wasn't walking 3 miles in a dress. 

Anyway, I was there and I wasn't going back. First thing I saw was Fashion on the Fairway. Anybody could get a number and walk down the runway. The hats and feathers were crazy/ridiculous. I think the prize was a grand or so if they won. After the show I immediately headed towards the bar and got a beer for each hand, thus feeling much more comfortable. I somehow managed to plant myself on the grass right by the finish line. I watched a few races and also watched tons of people make idiots out of themselves, which made it totally worth it. 

I decided I had had enough and was ready to trek back, but on my way out somebody stopped me and asked me to take their picture. I didn't know what to say, so I just went with it and took the picture. It took her a minute, but then she said, "Did I just ask a random person to take our picture?" 

"Ummm, yeah, you did."

Anyway, we started talking and then I hung out with them the rest of the day. They were fun and I was glad I ran into them. 

I think in the end, my betting landed me in the red, but from my previous winnings, I believe I'm about even. So my life as a gambler lives on. Next is the Melbourne Cup, 'the celebration that stops a nation.' I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it, but I'll have to definitely consider.  

I Will Walk 500 Miles . . .

I do believe the cats I'm watching are conspiring against me. The smug looks on their faces just scream 'we're up to no good.' One of the cats winked at me the other day. She was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, clearly winked at me, and then ran up the stairs. Oh it happened all right — I speak the truth. 

Anyway, the past few days I've been walking around quite a bit — pretty much walking my legs off. I tried to tire Kizzy out one day, but I can't break her, she's a ball of energy. 

Yesterday, I decided to go by myself and take my camera. I couldn't stop taking pictures. I kept taking photos and taking photos, and I still don't think I'll be able to capture how gorgeous the scenery really is. I'm not that good of a photographer :) The bluff was amazing. I eventually made it to the other side, which has to be my favorite spot so far. 

So the one negative to traveling alone is having no one to take your picture, so I'm going to have to work my way around it. At least this way I don't have to worry about looking like an ass in front of my self timer.

And lastly, this evening the satellite isn't working for the TV — so now I have the pleasure of watching the first three seasons of Magnum P.I. Awesome.

A Day in Lorne

So yesterday Ian and Katrina drove me along some of the Great Ocean Road. We were headed to her parents holiday house. The drive was amazing and her family was great. Did I mention, I love the water? I was invited to Wednesday night family dinners, a bit Gilmore Girlish, but I don't mind. :)

Today, I roamed around the park and the river. I have to admit they have the biggest birds I've ever seen. I know it's sad, but at times, I'd rather see them behind cages and fences. Birds scare me. I probably should wear a helmet, so I don't have to worry about them pecking the crap out of my head. 

Tonight was my last dinner with Ian and Katrina before they leave for their vacation. We went to the local pub, which had some pokies (slot machines) in one of the rooms. I won $23.00. I think I found my day job.

Champagne, Caviar, and Hot Towels

There are a few things I want you to realize before you start judging my blog. Numero 1, I'm not a writer. Numero 2, I've grown a liking for cuss words. And, numero 3, I'm sarcastic [and rad] as hell.

So as most of you know I am in Australia. Pretty crazy, I can't believe it myself. The fourteen hour  flight wasn't too bad from LA. It might be due to the fact that I got to fly business class the whole way. (I would like to take a brief moment to give a shout out to a certain Uncle Denny — [If Sarah Palin can do it, so can I]). This was my first time experiencing hot towels on an airplane, which I, at one point, thought was a myth. Of course being the classy lady that I am, I had to look at what other people were doing first before I humiliated myself and got kicked out of business class. I did, however, start off the flight with a glass of champagne and a few glasses of wine. (Sorry about the misleading title, but there was no caviar. I just needed to get hold of your attention.) 

I pretty much slept a good portion of the flight (that could have something to do with the wine), so I was in Australia before I knew it. The people I'm house sitting for were there to pick me up, Ian and Katrina. They are quite funny — but I do have to stop them every once in a while because I don't understand some of their words. I know that makes me sound like an idiot being that they speak English, but hey, you knew that before I left for this trip. I'm sure you know what jangles, dongles, and dunas are. 

Anyway, jet lag really wasn't a problem for me. I basically stared jet lag in the face and then kicked it in the junk. 

Their house is pretty sweet and it's a 15 minute walk to the water, which is great. I won't get tired of that. Ian's been a bit funny about what I have to eat. Since I have never had lamb before that's what we ate last night. It was in fact, pretty good. Then this morning he wanted me to try vegimite (yeast extract) because everyone loves it down here. They eat it on toast. He made me smell it first, which was a mistake, because it smelled like shit. But, I did try it and it wasn't half bad. If peanut butter and vegimite were in a fight though, peanut butter would definitely win. The other food item Ian wanted me to try was their meat pies. He made it very clear it wasn't anything like a chicken pot pie. They were quite good as well. The meat pies are big down here apparently. He still wants me to try kangaroo (katrina thinks it's horrible to eat the national animal, so she won't have any part in it) and goat (katrina doesn't know where he got that from because she knows no one that eats goat down here). 

Yesterday, we went to the butcher shop and they loaded up on meat, which I thought was strange since they are leaving in about 2 days. I figured they would probably freeze most of it. I was completely wrong. They cooked all of it for tonight's dinner. I think they were a bit disappointed that I couldn't eat sausage, a full steak, and a full giant chicken breast. I hate to disappoint, but it was damn near impossible for me to consume that much meat in one sitting. They laughed when I asked for a sampler platter. 

It's only day number 2 and I already got to pet a koala—be jealous. ha jk. They live about 10 minutes away from a wildlife sanctuary, so I'll definitely be going back. 

Oh yeah, and I am watching three of their pets: a mutt named Kizzy, a cat named Ash and another cat named Charcoal Charlie Rules the World (he just got shaved today and is in hiding). All is well so far, and hopefully I'll be able to start posting pictures. 

I do have skype by the way, so if you want to talk to me for free, download it and my name is jessieknuth.