Brisbane x Gold Coast x Graduation 2.0

Recently, my good friend since way back in high school and my parents paid me a visit here in Brisbane.

I portrayed the role of a tourist guide while they were here. Without a van or coaster bus and microphone and with only the best of my "touring ability", I showed and introduced them to Brisbane (Forgive the lack of photos, by the way. Most of the photos are with them in it so I only selected a few.).

Be a solid commuter
In as much as it is way more convenient to ride a car, program your GPS and drive to your chosen destination, Australian experience will be incomplete if you hadn't experienced first-hand how to commute here and the hassle that comes with it (Haha!). This is what I made my parents and friend to do (Even if I have a car or I can rent a car, my driving skills are nil).

Setting the practicality aside that most people prefer and generally speaking, I think using the public transportation and walking around (with or without a map, it's up to you) are the best ways to explore a place. You know the saying, "stop and smell the flowers"? I believe it goes with that same principle. When you commute by bus or train and walk, you would be able to notice little, random things you wouldn't have probably noticed when you are in a car. It is also a simple way to get in touch or immerse yourself in one's culture. Do not just travel; learn. Get lost. Maximize your indulgence of the experience. Yes, there may be places that are best left for driving to get there and this may not work with everybody, but I suggest to just try it for at least a day or even just once (then rent a car?). This is one of my tips to everyone who wants to travel not just in Australia but in other parts of the globe, too.

Explore the capital city

Apart from the shops and restaurants, there are also a few landmarks in the city that you can go to. A few of the ones that we saw and went into were Cathedral of St. Stephen (photo on the top left), Brisbane City Hall (photo on bottom left), a view of South Bank (photo on top right), Treasury Casino and Brisbane City Library (photo taken on bottom right is on Queen Street, near the Casino, the Library and shops).

If you want to explore further the Brisbane City, I suggest checking out the City Center Heritage Trail. Check this site for further details and to access a downloadable brochure. For more photos of the city, you can check out an entry from last year.

See koalas, kangaroos and more in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

It was my friend's request to go here and see a koala. A trip to Australia would also be incomplete without seeing the famous Australian icon, wouldn't it? Surprisingly, in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you can see more than a koala. Other animals, such as kangaroos, a Tasmanian devil, perentie, a few different birds such as kookaburra and parrots, platypus, dingo and different snakes to name some, can also be found there.

So cuddlyyyyy!!!

Stroll in South Bank

Personally, South Bank is my favorite hangout place. It reminds of Ayala Triangle in Makati, Greenbelt, Luneta Park and Manila Bay (minus the atmosphere of what is Manila Bay now) in the Philippines. It has a gorgeous and massive park with luscious trees and foliage called The Parklands, where you can sit and have picnic or barbecue with your friends and family. It even has a beach right in the middle named Streets Beach. Little Stanley Street houses good restaurants, cafes and bars and even boutiques. It has a good view of the Brisbane River and the city skyline. Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Performing Arts Center and cinemas can be located in Grey Street. The Wheel of Brisbane and Queensland Museum are also situated in South Bank. 

Gold Coast, Famous for fun!

From the city's tagline itself, Gold Coast is clearly a good place for fun. Located south-east of Brisbane, the city boasts some of Australia's top beautiful beaches. In fact, I strongly believe that Queensland owns most of the best beaches in Australia. It is not called The Sunshine State for nothing! Oh my gosh, don't. Even. Get. Me. Started (Okay, try google-ing Great Barrier Reef -- maybe that's way enough already! Whitsundays or Noosa, to name a few). Gold Coast is also famous for its theme parks -- Dreamworld, Movieworld, Sea World and Wet n' Wild. Unfortunately, my parents didn't feel like going to the beaches or the theme parks (When my brothers arrive in a few months' time, I will talk further about Gold Coast) so we traveled all the way there just to have lunch (refer to photo below) instead. Teehee.

Some foodporn shots: Zen Restaurant (Chinese) in Gold Coast (top left and bottom right) and Mazri Kitchen (Japanese) in Sunnybank (top right and bottom left)

Satisfy your Asian cravings at Sunnybank

It was my friend from work who invited and treated us for some good, Asian food in Sunnybank. It was like THE hub of Asian restaurants. Asian food everywhere I looked. We had Japanese at Mazri Kitchen (refer to photo above). It was lovely!

Eat anywhere. Try the benches.

When I was in the Philippines, no matter how hungry I am, I would rather take my food out, eat in a cab or at home than sit in a restaurant and eat. I do not like the idea of eating alone when I'm out so I never do it. I can't even imagine myself doing it. I am uncomfortable with the idea that there may be people staring at me because I am alone and I have no one to eat with. You never know who among the creeps everywhere might sit beside or in front of you. They might even follow you because they know you are alone! Yes! I can be paranoid like that! Haha! However, "there is always a first time for everything." You got it right; I was able to eat alone for the very first time. It wasn't even on a bench; it was on a cemented wall thing surrounding plants (Haha! I don't know how you call it. I hope you get what I mean though.). Apparently, I didn't die doing that. No one even stared at me! Haha! Trust me though, I was really hesitant. I thought of walking and pretending I'm shopping while eating. Then, I noticed that there were a lot of people doing that. No one cared and no one even bothered to care if they are eating alone. I was like, 'Screw this. They don't know me. I'm eating right here.' I brought out my phone and started browsing so I will not notice just in case someone will look at me. Hahaha! But no one really did.

Anyway, my simple point is if you are so conscious like me, just go for it, take a seat wherever, chew and gulp. Just like what my friend and I did. No single Australian (or Asian, British, Irish or any person living in Australia) would even look at you. That's another Australian experience that can be ticked off on your list! If you are unlike me though, well, do not bother and skip this part (which might be impossible since you probably have read the rest before reaching this part). You are probably a pro and enjoying this already.

Taste Australian Beer

Just because my dad wanted to try some.

Tasted it. Didn't like it. I've never liked any brand of beer anyway. But if you appreciate beer, why not try the Australian ones if you're here, right?

Vegemite, mate!

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Another Aussie thingamajig! I forgot to prepare one for my parents to try so we bought one before they went back home. The trick in using vegemite is to know how to appropriately apply it on your toast to avoid... hmm... vomiting. :D

and, if applicable...

Attend a Conferral of Awards Ceremony


The main reason why my parents visited me here was to attend my graduation. Yayyy! Congratulations, Class of 2013 and to the new batch of nurses (One can never have enough Bachelor of Nursing degrees and nursing licenses, you know. Haha!)! :) Obviously, this is an entirely different topic but might as well throw it in here, too. :)

There you go, my few ideas that you can try when you go to Brisbane. This entry will definitely have a second part so hang tight as I explore further. :)

More random photos to wrap it up! :)

Hold on! One last thing.

TRY to avoid live broadcast.

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Technology made keeping in touch easier; social networking made it faster. Personally, I'm among those people who share to keep their family and friends updated or to make their page full of memorable or random and pretty thoughts (or rants at times -- oops. I'm learning to avoid posting things like that now) and snaps. However, I am also the type who defeats the very obvious purpose of putting insta- in Instagram by preferring the #latergram. Or "the late upload" or #throwbackthursday. I was once a hardcore 'tweeter-slash-status updater,' especially during NBA, Oscars, VMAs and the likes. I eventually got tired of the 'hold, type, put down, repeat' moves with my phone. So if you're out travelling or exploring, I suggest putting posting aside and just enjoy! If, however, you mastered doing it altogether at the same time without sacrificing your enjoyment then, good on you and go ahead! :)  

What's up?

It has been a while since I had the chance to sit down in front of the computer and pour my thoughts over something that is 'less academic' (Let's hope this is sensible at the very least!) and not a requirement. It is refreshing, I must say.

Almost finished! :D

So what's up with me these past several months? Apart from uni, work, the occasional social life, a fair amount of 'me' time and a little bit of travel (which I will talk about in my next entry) are the things that are keeping me pretty much busy. Was there ever a time I felt homesick? Well, I cried once when I saw my brother's graduation ball photos. Haha! His graduation was the first family affair that I was not present. Other than that, nothing else. I guess I'm too busy or too tired to even feel homesick. But definitely, I miss the little things back home like the food or when my mom or brother gives me a back massage or the longer mall operating hours.

It has been almost eight months since I left. I'm lucky that I didn't have a hard time adjusting. Even if I don't have any relatives here, having a friend and living with a half-Filipino family who willingly and voluntarily helped me was a big factor in my smooth transition into a new environment. Let me share snaps, random instances and spontaneous light bulb moments from these past several months.

I have learned how to smile at and greet random strangers. I have learned how to say thank you to bus drivers. I have already developed a standard reply such as, 'Hi! Yeah, I'm good. Thanks.' and 'Oh no, I'm good. I'm just looking around.' to basic questions that I am repeatedly asked of when I go out.

In true Jana fashion, smiling at strangers is not me. It is not. My. Thing. Ever. (Well, until recently, that is.) I am a happy, giddy, smiling person -- to people that I know, not with strangers. I can even greet you as wildly as I can, call or scream out your name in public for all I care, if we are friends. I even find a smile from a stranger, depending on the situation or the way that person smiles, either: 1. quite creepy; 2. weird; or 3. no big deal. So when someone smiled and greeted me randomly here for the very first time, I was like this:

Or this.

Okay, NOT REALLY. Hahaha!

More of like this. I think.

HAHAHAHA! Less funnier, though, I suppose! (Jess, FTW! ;p)

ANYWAY... You get the point.

I eventually got used to smiling back and responding to anyone who greets me. I am actually starting to initiate the greeting a few times now. Saying thank you everytime I get off the bus is already like a reflex for me. Don't get me wrong. My parents and teachers taught me so well but we don't practice saying thank you to bus or jeepney drivers (I say thank you to a cab driver though) in the Philippines. We just say 'Para' or 'Sa tabi lang po' when we want to get off.


I thought I knew English perfectly well until I heard an Australian speak.

There was definitely something wrong with my ears or my comprehension during my first few months here. I remember having a conversation with my patients and there were moments wherein I totally didn't get what they were saying. It's either I didn't understand what he/she meant (like an Australian slang or some sort of an Australian idiomatic expression) or my ears didn't quite catch what he/she said (like talking too fast in a very strong Australian tongue). Sometimes, it becomes too obvious in my face because I'm trying to think of what he/she said or meant and trying to smile at the same time. Hahaha. So I apologize and ask them to repeat what they said or ask them what they meant. Or I just nod and smile and pretend I understood (Unless I think it is something important!). Or they just tell me straight away, 'You didn't get what I said, did you?' then they laugh. Luckily, my patients gladly explain things to me. It's quite embarrassing and totally funny at the same time.


"So where are you from?" I'm from the Philippines.
"How come you don't look like a Filipino?" Uhhh, I do not know? Haha.

"You sound American. Are you from America?" No.
"But did you study in America?" Nope.
"How come you sound American?" I don't know. Haha.

"So are you Chinese or Korean?" None of the above.
"Japanese?" Nope.
"Then what are you?" I'm Filipino.
"How do you say Good morning in your language?" Magandang umaga.
"Ah. Definitely not Chinese." 

(Speaks to me in English)
(I reply in English)
Few minutes later.
"Uhm, are you Filipino?" Opo.
"Ay, ano ba yan! Ini-english pa kita! Di kasi ako sigurado, para ka kasing Korean."

Usual, curious questions that I get from my patients, workmates or the nurses working at the hospital where I had my pracs.

Korean/Chinese/Japanese saan banda? Filipina na Filipina kaya ako!

I have learned how to juggle school and work.

In full gear. (First day of pracs!) 

Back home, I was amazed with students who managed to juggle working and studying because I wouldn't be able to do that. Until I moved here. I am studying full-time here (the load is way lighter than my load back in uni in the Philippines though) and working part-time, too. It was tiring during the first few weeks of doing it both but I eventually got a hold of it so it's all G.


I realized I need two jobs or one job and one activity that are totally unrelated with each other.

First out of town getaway. :)

My enjoyment at work always seems like a fleeting feeling. :D Back in the Philippines, I thought the problem was with the job that I had or the people I was working with. Apparently, I realized it is me who is the problem. I find myself either bored, too stressed or fed up if it's too much of the same, damn thing every single day because I am stuck in one job. This is probably why I was so stressed in college because I stopped my extra-curricular activities the moment I started freshman year. The degree that I was working on was my excuse. Now that I am a working student here, I am looking forward to working by the start of the week and going back to my schoolworks by the end of the week. So yeah, I need (Yes, NEED.) another job or another major activity or project in between to break that. A change of scenery every once in a while or else, I'll go cray! Haha.


My poor or seemingly non-existent sense of direction actually exists and is improving!

Probably the longest walk in my entire life.

My friends can attest how bad I am with directions and I get lost most, if not all, of the time. When I moved here, definitely, I have no one to call to pick me up when I get lost and no one is there to actually get me when I get lost. Nevertheless, I must survive and unleash the inner and hidden Dora! Hence, Google Maps is my new bestfriend. Maps are starting to make sense to me now. I'm not entirely good with it because I still get confused and lost (less frequent than I used to!) but at least I can somehow understand it now. Cheers to that, y'all! Hahaha!


I prefer brown hair and brown eyes than blonde and blue eyes. But regardless of the hair and eye color, I believe my heart will still beat for a Filipino man.

My eyes seem to pop out of their socket and my smile shines so bright that it is so obvious whenever I see an Australian guy with brown hair and brown eyes and dresses really nice. It makes me imagine how cute our babies will be like. (WHAT?! Hahaha.) However, when I snap back to reality, I still prefer Filipino men. I am not saying Filipinos are better but I prefer a man who belongs to same culture as I am. I prefer how Filipino men pursue a woman. I prefer how Filipinos express their love in general. I prefer how Filipino families are. Even if we live in a modern age, I believe Filipino men are still quite conservative. Being exposed to a different culture makes me appreciate even further not just Filipino men but our own culture as well.

Then again, you never know. I might fall in love with an Australian after all! Haha.


We have good education system in the Philippines.

We asked ourselves countless times why we need to study all of these subjects and why we have to repeatedly do some of it until college. We thought it was all too much and too hassle. We thought our teachers and professors were downright cruel for making us stay up all night, for making ridiculous deadlines and for making us do gazillion of things just because they say so. We answered questions in exams about topics that weren't even discussed because our teachers and professors can ask these questions. However, trust me when I say IT WAS ALL WORTH GOING THROUGH. :)


You do not wait for an opportunity. You chase it or you make it. At your own pace. At the right time.

Opportunities are everywhere. If you are lucky, it is sometimes handed out to you or you just have to dig deeper to find one. Either way, you choose which one you want to embark yourself in. If you haven't found one that suits you then widen your horizon and look further. If all else fails, go and make one for yourself. It is not as easy as I make it sound like. Mine took four long years. Four long years of chasing and trying until I realized out what I really want and what is right for me, in accordance to God's plan. Apparently, what I need is a set of more, if not better, opportunities. Maybe, probably, this is my right time. When I am totally ready to come armed and grab that opportunity God has laid out for me.


Life is good. And it can be better.

Australia didn't taught me that. It is just worth saying all over again to remind ourselves that life is superb! Regardless of what is going on in between and the highs and the lows, the mere fact that we are alive, breathing and screaming is already amazing enough. How we choose to live it is solely up to us, which is the exciting and challenging part. :)

And I choose to live my life in the best way that I know. :) 

More photos to wrap this entry up! :)

Kareena's despedida

For first sem. :)

Silver Lining

Dear 25-year old me,

Happy Birthday, woman!

It's your first birthday without your family and your regular birthday dates. But hey, you got some new friends to spend it with! You had a good celebration last night, I must say.

I want to congratulate you for taking the biggest risk and starting probably the most exciting adventure of your life. You're doing great so far! This is you, starting to actually live your life. Never forget or stop thanking God because all of these weren't even possible if it weren't for His help and blessings. Thank Him for giving you your ultra-supportive family and friends.

For all of these to actually continue and flourish, I wish you good health and that you will be safe all the time. You are not getting any younger. Just because you are fortunate enough to have the slim figure doesn't mean you should not tone and strengthen those muscles. Get back to moving and shaking that booty. Okaaayyy??? 

Never stop striving to be the better version of yourself. If there is something you are good at, it is probably doing your best and being your best in everything you do. Always keep that contagious, positive vibe. Never quit and just keep pushing. I know there are days wherein you just want to drop everything else and stop. On those days, just pause, breathe and remind yourself why you do the things you do. I know you, if only you can have your way, you will have YOUR way. But you know better. You know that things do not always go the way you want it to be. So, loosen up a bit to avoid overwhelming yourself by what's going on with your life right now.

What you have now is something you never even dreamed of. It is already amazing and I believe it can be better. It WILL be better. This doesn't end here yet. Your party has just started. You always think in advance and plan ahead because you always worry about what is going to happen in your future. Worrying is useless. It won't even change things that are bound to happen. Just pray. Have faith. Chill. Watch how your life unfolds right in front of you.

Continue doing things outside of your comfort zone. Calculated risks, that's what you are all about. But taking the plunge just for the heck of it sometimes does you good, too. Never stop trying things you have always been afraid to do or even try. If you fail or miss the shot, it's more than alright. Being afraid isn't a good reason not to do it. It might even be the best reason to try it. Don't let your curiosity rest. Then, at the end of the day, with all of these, regret nothing. These things you do shape who you are and what you can and will be. All your shots, be it a hit or a miss, is what makes life more exciting!  

And lastly, I hope you fall in love again. And when you do, I hope it is with the right man this time. I hope he realizes well enough how you have been very protective of your own heart for years so he'll know how to take care of it. When your heart decides to love again, I pray that it will be just in time for that someone who is man enough to be with you and to do everything just to be with you. Even if it will hurt so bad sometimes, I hope he will still try not to hurt you and just to love you the best way he can. And who knows, you might not need your in vitro plan in your mind after all! Haha!

Thanks, guys, for the gifts!

Another year, another chapter. Cheers to more adventures and mishaps, to happiness and to the future. Happy Birthday, Jana! Stay less bitchy and more fabulous! Lols. :p

This is how you make fun of yourself. Lol.

P.S. You will see and be in New York. YOU will happen in New York. Wait for it. :)

On an entirely different note...

Obviously, this isn't a food entry but might as well show you how good the restaurant's food was. I hope the photos do justice, somehow. Anyway, details of the restaurant will be posted below.

Meat Spring Rolls

Obsession King Prawns

Fried Rice

Buddha's Happiness

Wonton Soup

I can't remember the exact name but it has beef strips and chili

Obsession Restaurant and Bar

5 Little Stanley Street

Southbank, QLD, Australia

For reservations, call (+617) 3844 3373 or visit their website

6 Things I Learned at Norman Street - 22

I almost always take the train. However, for my practicum, I need to catch a bus instead because it was more convenient (or so I thought) and travel time is shorter compared to other alternative routes. And I must say, catching the bus is a whole new story. A very annoyingly funny experience.

1. Know where exactly the bus stop is.

(This is a classic rule for newbies like me.)

First day of my clinical practicum and I was late! I wasn't supposed to be late if I hadn't walked to the opposite side of my bus stop before realizing I was supposed to be on the other side. I only had a few minutes to spare to run to the other side of the highway! Hence, my pissed off self just ran for it. Haha!

Transportation system here in Australia here can be quite confusing (and annoying!), at least for me, given my lack of sense of direction. They even have a schedule. Which isn't followed on the dot at times. It's different from what I have been used to in the Philippines where you can stand on any part of the street, in any given time of the day and just hail (Or ask any of my friends to pick me up). Easy breezy as that. But not here.

2. Do not even attempt to check your Facebook or Twitter account.
So you were a few minutes early. Yayyy! While waiting, you logged into your account to check if there were notifications. Right after you typed in your password, the next thing you knew, the bus just passed by by the time you moved your head back up. Then, everything will feel like a slooowww. Moootiooonnn. Sceeennne. You thought of standing up, running after it and trying to hail it. You wanted to do it. And yes, you could have done it. But on second thought, you just knew deep in your gut, the driver will not notice you. And if ever he/she does, he/she wouldn't mind you at all. Painful reality. Ho-hum.

You got your phone, clicked on Translink app, and checked the schedule of the next bus. Oh crap, the next bus will not be arriving until the next 30 minutes!!! Shoot. Me. Now. So you looked for an alternative route. There will be a bus coming in 20 minutes on where ever street that is. You walked, tried to find that street. Fail. You looked for another route again. You found it! Problem: how can you get across to that stop when there's a sign saying, "do not cross and pedestrians are not allowed?" Time check: few more minutes until that next bus comes! Okay, fine. It was only nearly 6:30 in the morning and I was already tired from running! You walked back to the same bus stop instead and said to yourself, "What the hell. I'll just wait." Pfft.

(EDIT: I ran for my life in crossing that street one time. Haha. A week later, I saw that there was an overpass that I could have used instead. Nice.)

3. Do not expect that the person beside you will hail the bus.
Since I am on morning shifts, I always catch the first buses and I am usually alone at the bus stop. However, one morning, I was surprised to see that there was someone else waiting at the bus stop. I already saw the bus from a far so I ran. Thinking that person would hail the bus, I looked inside my bag instead to find my card. When I moved my head back up, the bus just passed by right in front of us. And I said to him, "WHY DIDN'T YOU HAIL THE BUS???" Turns out, that person was also new in this country. He said that all the buses that came before that had a sign saying 'not in service.' He didn't notice that the bus we were actually waiting for had arrived, thinking it might be another 'not in service' bus. To make that moment more unfortunate, that bus wasn't supposed to be the bus he should take. The driver told him that he should go to wait at the bus stop on the opposite side of the road instead.

4. Just be early.
There were days wherein I really can't figure out if I was just too early for the next bus, if I was just late for the bus I was supposed to take or if the bus arrived way early than scheduled. I don't know. It is frustrating. No matter how early you are, the bus sometimes is sometimes still earlier. Geez, so much for having to follow a time schedule. If they are late, I will also be late, no matter how early I arrived at the stop.

5. Try dropping off prior to the station you are supposed to drop off at.
This is applicable if both bus stops are near (or can be near if you run for it?) to each other. Running to the next bus stop beats waiting for two stoplights and people who purchase tickets on the spot.

And all of these bring me to number 6. The ultimate realization.

6. You will wish and pray for a car to save you from misery.
Cars are a necessity here. It is even a requirement for some jobs. No matter what kind or type, as long as it is good enough to reach you to places. The confusing bus stops, time schedule, the running, waiting and hailing are making me crazy!!! Therefore, I shall purchase myself with the cheapest but still up and running car anytime soon. A car! My goodness, never in my 24 years of existence did I ever wish of wanting to drive a car! Yeah, I want to buy one. Then hire a driver instead. For me to actually drive? Oh, good luck with that. I should get GPS as well so my brain, with the limited capacity of understanding road directions, won't have to be tortured in the process.

My First Week in Australia! :)

"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! 

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. 

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.

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.

Well, hello there, newbie! (Eiw, don't mind my face. Haha!)

After that, she toured me briefly in the city, which is 30-minute train ride away from home.

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.

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! :)

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.

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.

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.

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:

Goodies from Orientation Week! :)

Where I spent half of my allowance. Ho-hum. Yes, clothes should not be missed. Hehe. ;p