"Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want. We're young enough to say, 'Oh, this has gotta be the good life. This has gotta be the good life. This could be a really good life, good life."
- Good Life, One Republic
February 11, 2013. The day that I finally left home. Officially! :)
I started that day by going to St. Clare with my Mom. I usually go there by myself but that day, Mom went with me. "Last few hours with the daughter," I suppose. Clare and I met up after that for brunch. Pang-finale! Hehe. Mom tagged along as well!
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| At Banapple, Katipunan. Sunod ka na dito sakin, Clare! |
We went home and ate my last lunch (I sounded like I was going to die. Haha!) with my family. Tears hadn't fallen off until my brother squeezed my shoulder and bid me goodbye. He had a hospital duty that afternoon so he wasn't able to go with us to the airport. My tears couldn't seem to stop falling from the moment I stepped out of the gate and gave our house a last look. I plugged in my earphones while on the way to the airport and hoped that some happy music would help me stop crying. Well, it did. Intermittently.
The time to bid the rest of my family goodbye had come when we got to the airport. I tried so hard not to cry (and remind myself that I was wearing eyeliner! Hahaha.) but I just couldn't. My mom reminded me, "O, ginusto mo yan," to help me stop crying. The parting moment was briefer than I expected since people were not allowed to stand for long by the front. The airport infrastructure (In my opinion. I mean, just look at NAIA Terminal 2. Or probably there were just too many people leaving and using that old airport more often for international flights. Not that it's any of my business. Anyway. Just saying.) ruined what could have been a set of longer hugs. :(
All my tears seemed to roll back up to my lacrimal glands when I had to lift my luggages onto the x-ray machine. Oh. Em. Geeeee. I thought I was going to pull a muscle or break a bone! Haha! And the scene at the airport? It was freakin' insaaane (Obviously, it was my first time to be on that terminal)! There were flocks of people everywhere, lining up on every check-in counter for every airline you can think of. I couldn't even find my line! Anyway, while I was checking in, of course, they weighed my luggage and one of the bags exceeded 3 kg (My luggage alone weigh more than me!). I know that two were the only allowable number for the hand-carry bags but I had three. I wasn't sure if my luggage weighed exactly 23kg each. If they weighed exactly the same, I was going to give that excess hand-carry to my parents so they can bring it home. Since I already had that excess kilogram, I moved aside first and placed the contents of my hand-carry (which weighed 5kg, by the way) in that bag. I was already in excess so might as well maximize that 32kg excess limit. (You are probably wondering why I had too much kilograms for my baggage. I was given additional 23 kg because I am under a student visa. So if any of you are going out under a student visa and you're like me who has gazillion of things, ask about this. I don't know if this is a general rule for all airlines but for Qantas they do. Unfortunately, my friend and my classmates didn't know about this. My friend was shocked when she picked me up from the airport and saw I had two humongous luggage.) My stress levels were about to shoot up as I stuff everything in and sit on it while I close it. A workout for my arms and back! But then, I wasn't the only one doing that though so who cares, really? Haha. My mom had actually foreseen that my things were going to go beyond its limit so she already gave me money for that. Heehee. 2,000+Php wasn't too painful to pay for that 8 kg. That is worth a lot of things compared to using that money here in Australia to purchase.
After I passed through the immigration, I called my family, who were still waiting for me outside, just in case I needed to hand that excess hand-carry bag to them. And I cried again. Of course, Jana. While waiting for my flight, I sent farewell messages to the people (that actually mattered and actually cared) in my phonebook.
At about 6:00 in the evening, the plane had arrived. I was excited to board the plane and fly away! When the plane started to fly out, I locked my eyes out the window and watched the lights from the Philippines fade away from my sight.
My flight to Australia was a 7 hour flight. We weren't halfway on the trip but my legs were starting to numb already. I had never been on a plane longer than 1 and 1/2 hour. I couldn't stretch my legs more than I could have, given the limited space. I tried sleeping but I couldn't seem to position myself comfortably. I watched movies and series episodes to pass time. I got dizzy and fell asleep for an hour or so but the lights went on and they served a snack. Great. The pilot announced that we would be in Brisbane in an hour so I didn't even bother going back to sleep either.
"I turn the music up, I got my records on. I shut the world outside until the lights come on. Maybe the streets alight, maybe the trees are gone. I feel my heart start beating to my favorite song."
- Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, Coldplay
February 12, 2013. Touchdown, Land down Under!
I arrived 4:00 AM, Queensland time (2:00 AM, Philippines time). Another challenge was posed on me: retrieving my luggage (that, may I remind you, weighs more than me) from that moving-whatever-you-call-it-machine. My muscles and bones could handle it but my energy level wasn't even proportional to their weight. I was like wrestling with that moving thing for my luggage! Hahaha! When I was in line for the immigration check, I was sort of nervous! Not that I didn't declare things that needed to be declared on that immigration form nor did I bring any illegal stuff. I mean, the mere fact that I am in a different country and I had to pass through that tough security is kind of... Hmm, intimidating? Like, what if I get deported or something? What if the dogs smelled something weird in my things? Paranoid, I know. Haha! The idea of me being sent back home was and will never be part of the plan. I could imagine I would have cried like an infant when that happens. True enough, that was just the paranoid version of myself. Haha! I passed by the immigration check as smoothly as it can ever be.
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| Brisbane Airport |
While waiting for my friend to pick me up, I tried to be... Present. I tried to digest the fact that my bum is sitting on a metal chair that is miles away from home. I reached my destination! I am here and I arrived safely! But I just couldn't. My excitement upon leaving and as I board the plane seemed to be left behind somewhere in the sky. It was overpowered by my muscle pain, my tiresome body and sleepiness. That wasn't the feeling I wanted and had expected to feel the moment I stepped out of the airport and breathe in the oxygen from Australia. Haha! I mean, I just wanted to sleep so bad.
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| First glimpse of the city |
My friend and her landlord picked me up and brought me to my new home. I am currently living with a Filipino mom and her half-Australian daughter in the suburb of Mitchelton. After my very first breakfast in Australia, even though I was deadly sleepy, I unpacked immediately. My friend and I were supposed to meet after lunch so I thought of unpacking first rather than do it later, when I am more tired. I could feel more relaxed and comfortable knowing I had placed my things to where they were supposed to be. True enough, I immediately dozed off the moment I lay on the bed after unpacking. I only had an hour and a half of sleep but it was like, the best sleep ever. :)
My friend picked me up as scheduled and accompanied me to University of Queensland, St. Lucia Campus.
The first crucial thing that I did for my first week in Australia was to get my ID. Fares here are expensive so that student ID is ultimately necessary for me to have that concession card for transportation.
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| Well, hello there, newbie! (Eiw, don't mind my face. Haha!) |
Brisbane is a quiet, laid-back kind of place. The city is, of course, the busiest place. A lot of people are walking in and out of stores, walking on streets. There are a lot of cars and buses but it still isn't as noisy as the busy Makati. Or Manila.
People are more disciplined here with regards to crossing the street. You would notice buttons on both ends of pedestrian lanes and you would need to press that prior to crossing. The sign wouldn't turn to green if you don't press it. Although some people still cross even though they didn't press the button and the stoplight for cars is in red but I wouldn't dare (Why would I, in the first place?). I might be fined for who-knows-what-amount! Or worse, I might be punished! I am considered a foreigner here and it will not be a lovely situation if I get punished in a country very different from my own. Haha!
The temperature when I got here was a bit cool but the sun shines so mad that you think it hates you on some days. There were occasional showers, too. But last week, there days when it was raining incessantly. Oh, global warming. It was supposed to be summer here at this time.
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| A friend requested to have a picture of me with kangaroos taken |
We had an early dinner at Hanaichi. She introduced me to this place. If ever you are in Australia, you have to try to eat at Hanaichi. Their Japanese food are yummm!!! I can't say they offer the best Japanese food since this is the first Japanese food I ate in Australia but I can definitely tell you that it is a must-try!
While ordering, I noticed that people who were in corporate attires were at the mall. Time check: 3-something in the afternoon. Too late for lunch break and too early to roam around. I asked my friend about it. To my great surprise, office hours end here at 3:00 pm! Yes, similar to when school hours usually end. Work starts at 8 or 9 in the morning, the usual time. Oh, my parents were shocked when I told them about it. For someone who works an 8/9-5 job, an 8/9-3 one is enviable!
My friend and I headed home but we had to go separate ways at around 5 or 5:30, I think. I went home by myself. Like I really know how to get home. Haha. When I got out of the station at around 6, it was so dark already! Like, 10-11pm provincial, spooky kind of dark (I did not just invent that kind of description, did I? Haha!). Only a few cars were passing by. Their lamp posts could be any more brighter! No one else was walking except for me! I was like, seriously? I couldn't even find (and remember!) where the exit of the train station was! I walked out through the parking lot exit and images of those murder scenes at the parking lot were playing inside my head! Goodness. When I got out of the parking lot (Alive, yey! Hahaha!), I saw lights from store signs and cars toward the end of the street. It was like an 'Alleluia! Light at the end of tunnel!' moment for me! The first thought that came to my mind was, 'Yay! People!' When I got to the end of the street, there were a few people but what bothered me was the street name. Oh boy, where exactly am I? I walked back to the station and tried the other parking lot exit. I noticed the familiar stores my friend and I passed by earlier. I am definitely on the right street, I thought. I walked to the end of street again. And that highway is familiar, too. I walked more while alternately trying to locate the street of my house and looking back, left and right because someone behind those trees and plants might grab me! I will never go home past 5 again! It's not like this in the Philippines! I found the street so I walked further. Yay! I reached an intersection and the written street sign was a different name again! Craaappp! Time check: 7 pm. Holy moly. I wasn't this scared at 7pm in the Philippines! I turned around and walked back when a car stopped beside me. My landlady!!! I wanted to jump and hug her when I saw her. She said I scared the hell out of her because my friend called her and asked if I was home already. I should have been home earlier than she was. My landlady thought I would show up 15 minutes after that call. I didn't. She waited for 15 more. I was still not home. She drove with her daughter just in time to see me turning back when I should have walked further. The house was approximately 30 steps away from me already! Stupid me, why didn't I realize that I was standing at the street intersection? The other side of that intersection would definitely still be called that same street name. The street name that I saw was for the intersecting one. Thank God, she found me or else! Hahaha!
I hadn't been in Australia for 24 hours and I got lost already. Very Jana. Me and my nil, if not poor, sense of direction. But you have to admit, it was a fun start! :)
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| Like these maps could really help elevate my sense of direction. Haha! But seriously. I need maps. Here's to hoping that the chances me getting lost will be lesser than I expected. ;p |
February 13, 2012. School requirements and the first visit to my campus.
My day started a bit early. My friend accompanied me to the University of Queensland, Ipswich Campus, where the School of Nursing is, so I can submit the requirements needed before the clinical practicum.
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| Where School of Nursing is |
This wasn't the main campus but this was bigger than I expected. Classed hadn't started yet so the campus is free of people.
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| Library |
We also dropped by the bank to retrieve my ATM card, which was unsuccessful because the branch where I was supposed to get it closes at 2-freakin-'o clock in the afternoon! Anyway, we just headed back to the city. Since my very memorable adventure the day before, I have decided to fast forward purchasing a new phone. Just in case, I get lost again, which in my case, happens more often than not. Hahaha! My friend also introduced me Nando's. :) We ordered one whole plate of chicken and just chose over their variety of hot sauces. I love that they had level of hotness for sauces.
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| Isn't their tissues cute? :) |
February 14, 2013. Made out briefly with a dummy.
As I had been recently and shockingly nonchalant about the recent development in my lovelife, I thought I had to endure the sight of bouquets and stuff toys and cheesy couples parading around. Not that I am bitter or anything but the least thing a young woman who just moved to Australia is to be reminded of some asdfghjkl and how purposelessly cruel (not that you need to have a purpose to be cruel) and coward he was. Well, good heavens, no, I didn't have to endure that. For one, I only saw a few bouquets and stuff toys and cheesy couples. Two, I woke up without realizing it was Valentine's Day. And I couldn't care less if it was Valentine's Day. Three, I realized I was in a better place and situation that the thought of him didn't even cross my mind at all. Four, I didn't want to be late for my CPR-First Aid lesson if I actually bothered thinking or noticing those three things that I mentioned. Haha!
The day started with me stealing glances to the cute guy in class and ended with a sugar overload treat for myself. :)
February 15, 2013. More requirements.
I went to St. Lucia Campus to schedule a blood test. Luckily enough, they accommodated me immediately so I won't need to come back. I wasn't surprised when I got lost again. In campus, this time. Haha! I had to go to the Student Center to ask and they gave me a campus map. Oh, girl!
I just took random photos of the campus while I was finding my way to the school clinic and waiting for the next bus. :)
Aaannnddd that's all, folks! :) That was how my first week in Australia went. :)
Now, I know you're probably wondering why I decided to move to Australia and live (sort of) independently.
Well, to answer your query (and as if you really care what my reason is), I believe it's about time to do something drastic and conquer one of the (Yes, I said, ONE OF THE. This doesn't end here, honey.) unfamiliar, unchartered-Jana territories I plan to go to and live in. :D
For someone who has been raised 'like a princess' in someway, ironically, it was an easy, random decision. 7 months after I turned 23 and I was enjoying the waters in Boracay when the thought occured to me: I want to do something big and drastic in my life before I turn 25. I figured my seemingly nonexistent career in the Philippines will not get me anywhere. No, don't get me wrong, my life there, career-wise, was not as bad as it may seem. With the surplus of nurses, there just wasn't any growth for me there. And will never have, I suppose. Unfortunately. The good side of it though was I was able to do other things that I have always wanted to do: have an online business and study fashion design. But you know, I am not getting younger. I have to make something happen in my life and I know in my gut it will not be in my home country. I tried but I just feel like it is meant to happen in a different place. Where there are more opportunities and better options. Gratefully enough, God answered my prayer faster than the speed of light. But of course, this wouldn't actually materialize if it weren't for my uncle and parents. :) So I owe them a lot for granting me this opportunity, for allowing me to grow and explore.
Truly, I know my direction skills are almost nil. My friends can attest to that. My story above is one classic example.
I am not much of a domesticated goddess.
I don't have enough survival skills to save my life.
But who freakin' cares?
I want this. It's about time to get out of my comfort zone and do things outside of the box. I'm going to live on my own (and pay for my bills at some point soon. Hehe.) and enjoy the gazillions of adventure life will throw me every single day. And of course, mishaps, included. Let's not forget that one. :p
A gift of change for myself brought me here. This isn't going to be easy, I know. But I'll survive. :) I know it'll all be worth it. Cheers to independence, to being young and free and to a better version of myself! :)
Before I wrap this entry out, let me share random photos from last week:
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| Goodies from Orientation Week! :) |
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| Where I spent half of my allowance. Ho-hum. Yes, clothes should not be missed. Hehe. ;p |