It's been a sweet Foreign Exchange; we connected...

You've come and gone so fast.

4 days in Melbourne.

A couple of weeks in Sydney.

4 days in Queensland.

After spending about a month Down Under, it almost feels like I'm leaving home again. I suppose this is the immediate reaction to the bond that's shared with people in these amazing places. I'm really thankful for the family that I've come to meet and reconnect with here. I cannot express how comfortable and alleviating it is to feel the warmth from distant relatives who've opened their arms to little ol me after traveling for some time now.

And now it's here. The departure, the 3rd country in which we've left on this trip. Australia has become one of the top countries in which I absolutely would love to live in. Who wouldn't love their friendly and relaxed culture, colorful jargon, the contrasts between Victorian (and Gothic) architecture juxtaposed with modern infrastructures and art pieces, eco-friendly lifestyles, universal health care and efficient transportation system, exciting nightlife, tasteful fashion, breath-taking coastal views and terrain, sweet ass beaches, and their strong adaptability to diversity and globalization. Australia has been a prime example to me throughout this trip about how we should live be living our lives: stress-free and relaxed.

The time spent in Australia was not entirely exhausted, which in turn leaves me somewhat yearning for more when I think about us leaving. Sometimes, I think that I'm well over the age to be partying when I'm out, but often am reminded that it's part of the experience and to loosen up a little. (It doesn't take very long, let me tell you. Haha.) I think it's a good thing because this travel bug that I've been diagnosed with will not hesitate to jump on a plane to visit Oz again to experience everything once more. I had a brilliant time reuniting with the good friends that I've made in Australia and family. They remind me of creation. How I created myself here in Australia and how brave I was to embark on a long journey overseas to study in a foreign country 2 years ago. Seeing their faces after such a long time made me feel good to know that I've managed to come away with something from here: Friendship.

With my last words from Australia, it's been a sweet foreign exchange; we've always connected. And I hope to connect again.

We're off to Tokyo soon, major traveling involved as usual.

See ya, Australia.

I'll always remember how good you were to me.

You'll always be my mate.

Sailing around the Whitsundays

A self-explanatory title that synthesizes my weekend full of Dramamine, Goon and friends I haven't met yet.

I'm too cold to write anything thorough right now since I'm in Tokyo sitting in 40 degree weather, wearing a combination of layers upon layers of my summer clothes and light winter wear.

Here are some photos for you to enjoy & highlights

• 3 days, 2 nights sailing trip with 20 folks on board from all around the world, Ireland, Holland, UK, and Brazil just to name a few...
• Dismal and relentless clouds and scattered rain, but thankfully diminished towards the end of the trip!
• Goon (colloquial for boxed wine, not too bad if you ask me!) is the beverage of choice and not to mention, cost efficient!
• Snorkeling around the reefs
• Whitehaven Beach (which is 99.7% Silica sand, btw)
• Sunbathing on the boat
• Delicious food
• Sharing traveling stories with fellow vagabonds
• Learning (further) that we're all striving to become better people and have the potential to live out our dreams
• Watching the sunset is one of my favorite pastimes
• Laying on the boat, stargazing and feeling infinite
• Wishing on shooting stars
• Finding the life aquatic to be extraordinary and must be appreciated justly with the right amount of patience and breathing while snorkeling

Our sleeping area, somewhat claustrophobic. Potential snug sesh would have mistakenly happened here. Jk.

The sands are actually moved quite often here because of the manta rays that swim below it create the swirls and patches of white sand that peek through the emerald waters

Sting ray season is here! Wet suits are imperative to wear to refrain from any potential attacks

Enjoying as much beach as I can, despite the imminent clouds and rain

Relaxing, enjoying the sun setting before them

Before snorkeling into the reefs filled with beautiful coral and brilliant colored life aquatic

Best of Ana & Lara

Zeebra fish

Feeding frenzy!

With the British girlies

Sailing along troubled waters

But also into the epitome of relaxation: The sun's warm rays and enjoying a cup of goon on deck

Later appreciating a beautiful sun set...

Things that I have learned while sailing:

• Baby wipes are very essential to have at all times
• Chocolate is comfort food
• The aerodynamics of a boat and it's buoyancy are amazing! We were tilting about 45 degrees for quite awhile and we were still afloat!
• Sunblock is croosh. The UV rays here are relentless as I've mentioned. After laying out in the sun for about 10 minutes, an awkward shorts tan divided my legs into two people (almost)
• Befriend the Skipper, he will play your ipod for as long as you like
• Fellow travelers are helpful resources for future travel plans and great networks when planning on staying overseas in their home country! Germany, anyone?
• "If you want to see something, you have to look for it." We spotted a few sea creatures like huge turtles and jellyfish!
• You can exfoliate with the sand from Whitehaven beach! Smooth legs, mmmhmm!

Tis all!

Hot, hot, hot

Updates soon, I promise!

Lara & I are headed for Cairns tomorrow on a dreaded 6 a.m. flight. Thunderstorms in a Sydney summer have taken me by surprise but juxtaposing that with San Jose winters is nothing compared. I'll take the confused heat and rain instead.

Catch you all later, we'll be floating over the Great Barrier reef on a Whitsunday Island 3 day sailing trip.

Peace & blessings. =)

Just how we left off

This is my friend Thu.

She’s beautiful, stylish, enthusiastic, welcomes adventure with open arms and down for anything. She reminds me that there is still a party animal that’s been hibernating somewhere deep within me over the past few months. And damit, I’m glad it awoke the time she came to visit!

This past weekend, we’ve reunited together here in Sydney after 2 years since my first visit in Oz. We became friends after realizing that we were taking all the same classes at Adelaide University, where I studied abroad for one semester. Since then, we’ve become good friends, keeping in touch by messaging each other often throughout the months apart. Although it has been quite a while since I’ve been back here, it feels almost as if I hadn’t left. I truly value those friendships with people, ones that require no effort at all to pick up the relationship in which you left it. And in terms of ours, well… you’ll see from the pictures that we genuinely enjoy each other’s company and the positive energy we create.

This weekend was full of sun, entertainment, gallivanting and spontaneity. I’m at a loss for words these days since traveling and keeping up with this blog is working at polar ends. I promise I’ll give more of a reflection and better writing since run-ons and grammatical errors seem to have found a permanent home in this blog. I’m feeling uninspired to express the events of this trip at the moment.

Anyway, pictures definitely sum the highlights of our experience. Enjoy!

Bondi beach

On the way out

We initially planned to see Al Green at the Sydney Festival since he was headlining Sydney’s summer festival—and not to mention his first ever Australian concert. We were so excited to see him, needless to say, one of my favorite soul singers. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see him due to over capacity of the venue. Without a doubt, a free event must reach overcapacity. I’m sure he had an amazing show where many women may have swooned over his smooth vocals and into the arms of someone they loved. Wish I was there!

The night was not a complete flop. There were a plethora of stages and street shows that were scheduled. Didn't catch a lot of photos but here are a few:

Balloon acrobat

The Spiegel tent with a house DJ playing really good Michael Jackson and oldies

Another stage

Jeff Lang

The stage on Martin Pl. was one of my favorites. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was playing and a little swing dancing session was going on. Thu and I decided to let our hair down and danced with all the free-spirits on the street. It was like a scene out of a movie, music blaring to the sound of trumpets, bass, the piano, people all over the street, encircling an area for the dancing queens. Everyone was dressed in their best summer outfits, swing-dancing, trading partners, drinking freely, exchanging smiles only exuding good vibrations to be around these friends we haven’t met yet. Moments like this remind me that I am alive.

On one of the nights as we were en route to our hostel, we meet Parisians who invited us to go to a club with them on Oxford street. Within seconds, we agree and parade the streets of Sydney with a Jack and coke mix offered by the Frenchies in attempts to find this club they were after. A mini-pub crawl was in effect leaving us with lethargy and unrest the morning after.

Relaxing at the Botanic Gardens

Being tourists

I really like these bird cages I found along Angel Pl.

On the following day, after Thu left, the girls and I took a stroll into the Chinese Garden of Friendship alongside Darling Harbour. These are outfits some tourists wore to liven up the atmosphere at a cost of $10 to rent.

It's such a beautiful contrast between concrete jungle and lush beauty

This weekend was great catching up with Thu and experiencing Sydney night life all over again. =) a must do whenever I'm back in Australia.

Manly beach... sorry Jory, there is no beach by the name of "Lady" or "Girly"

We headed out to explore more of the splendid coastline of Sydney and went to Manly beach, the second most popular beach in Sydney. Lara's friends from home, Melissa and Jorina took a hiatus from their jobs to frolic around Sydney with us for the next two weeks. It's great to spend time with new people and share these first-time experiences together overseas!

We had spectacular views of Sydney Harbour since en route to Manly was taken via ferry. Here are a few photos of our day:

The dock area

Harbour Bridge

Sydney Opera house, tired of seeing it yet?

The sun was extra relentless today. Crazy hole in the ozone layer was doing major damage to my skin. I couldn't stand being at the beach so I decided to take a stroll along the promenade of Manly where several shops were situated. Loved this place!

The skyline

Angela from Adelaide!

This beautiful girl is my Aussie housemate, Angela!

I was so excited to see my housemate from Adelaide make her way to Sydney for the few weeks that I'm here. We enjoyed the evening by catching up over some scrumptious fish and chips while overlooking Darling Harbour where families, party people and meandering travelers intersect.

It's so awesome to see a familiar face from the past! It's so great to reconnect with the people you've shared quite a bit of time with, overseas. I used to live with this lovely girl while I was studying abroad at Adelaide University where we'd spend months studying at libraries, doing pilates at home, cooking delicious meals, playing with her dog, Otis, spending a good amount of our time at the mall, watching old Backstreet Boys live in concert DVDs and doing grand ol things together. She's currently graduated from uni and working out the same multi-faceted and complex puzzle as I am: trying to figure out what the hell we're doing with our lives. Hopefully she'll move to Melbourne and I'll be able to visit again! I'm so happy that it all worked out that you came out this week. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Sydney, Angela. I've missed you and so glad we got a chance to catch up.

This is Angela's mom. She is half Chinese and Filipina. A lively poignant woman whom I felt close to, not to mention hilarious with her infectious laughter. She didn't live with Angela and I, but when she'd come visit us, she was always very welcoming and warm-hearted, just what was needed while I was away from home. I remember when she invited me to go along on a trip with their family to the coasts of South Australia, she was well prepared with her snacks, napkins, first aid and other precautionary effects. Thank you for coming to visit. It was great to see you both!

Darling Harbour, Sydney

2010 spent with 1.5 million people

That's right, you heard me. 1.5 million people! The picture above isn't quite the amount, but from news reports, that was the estimation.

First off...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

to family, friends, the Isara community and miscellaneous readers. I hope you all began 2010 the right way whether it was spent with those you hold dear, smooching with a lover (or random person, if you like), toasting farewell to 2009 or jumping off the couch at your relative's house in hopes to gain growth in 2010.

Celebrating the new year is always an exciting occasion for me. During this time of year you witness some amazing things, like sparkling fireworks or finally seeing your friends dressed up for a night out in the city. This time of year also always beacons for change, taking form in abrupt withdrawals from bad habits or the blossoming of new ones. Something will always be stipulated for change.

I'm making it a habit to make a list of new year's resolutions in order to maintain or improve things in my life and check off those that have been achieved in the previous year. Majority of the items are perpetual things to uphold throughout my lifetime.

I'll take this time to list the items I've accomplished (I will have to refrain from posting some items for personal reasons)

1. Drink more water & moisturize
2. Work out at least 3x a week // this kinda fell off
3. Continue to grow and learn from others
4. Always be reading a book
5. More estrogen bonding
6. Leave the country
7. Save money, drink water
8. Be patient [insert oyster metaphor here]
9. Do not waste your time on people who verbally and emotionally oppress you
10. Find peace
11. Focus on creating what you desire
12. Live in the moment: take risks
13. Quit being a people pleaser: put yourself first
14. Listen to music that makes you feel good-- not like shit
15. Surround yourself with people who exude positive energy
16. Help others: volunteer, give advice, & hold up hair when yacking ensues
18. Write in your planner
19. Learn to do your taxes & handle finances accordingly
20. Give more compliments
21. Learn to live simply: donate & do not be extravagant
22. Positive mantra: remind yourself that you are beautiful
23. Lessen profanity
24. Do not waste your time on people who do not appreciate your efforts
26. Remind yourself to be thankful for your youth & all it's mischiefs
27. Write more: have passionate reflections
28. Be patient with your goals & celebrate small victories

This year, I've only added three items:

1. Eat meat once a week (I'm not ready to be a vegetarian yet... I don't know how you do it, Anna)

2. Write (poetry, blogging, personal journals, small notes)

3. Take care of your body especially feet, teeth and skin

4. Pay for school (or at east try to)

I'll still be thinking of new ones as the year progresses.

New Year's Eve recap:

This NYE, we opted from binding pre-sale tickets to local club events and decided to camp-out at Sydney Harbour to watch the fireworks. In some personal opinions, Sydney is one of the best places to watch fireworks and ring in the new year. After experiencing the event, I am a believer!

It was different this year. We were dressed up at 10 a.m. (rather than 10 p.m.), ready to go. At 11 a.m. we queued in line to enter the designated enclosed area that will soon house thousands of viewers. I was surprised to see so many people out this early-- I'm sure others were there even earlier, or the night before. It was a sight to see, thousands of families, friends and couples from all around the world concentrated in this area waiting to see the magnificence of Sydney's 12 minute firework show.

Here are some photos:

We changed because it was schedule to sprinkle a little bit.

And it did, so Brian decided to buy this $40 Sydney Opera house umbrella, haha.

Again, being lovers

Just rained for about 15 minutes, not too bad

Huge crowds of people populating the Sydney Harbour

How we killed time: reading, people watching, eating, drinking, and playing 13

The bats even came out

As the sun set, lights were beginning to illuminate the city

Stunning. Everyone is getting so excited!

There were two fireworks shows, one for families at 9 p.m. and the midnight showing.

Times like these, I wish I'd invested in a tripod to capture still night shots.

Getting closer to midnight

Before we started playing drinking games

Mixing of the drinks

Finally midnight came and we watched this amazing show: (video will be posted later)

Happy New Year!!!! As you can see, we have been celebrating!

After shouting aloud for a good 15 minutes, in came the new year.

Happy New Year's guys!

The mass exit!

In case of obvious cases of minor things

The aftermath

Walking back to our hotel

Horses!

New Year's in another country is really different. For obvious reasons, 1. I'm not with my group of friends/family and 2. I'm not struggling to recall the night before. I have to admit, very calm (in my peripheral vision) compared to the mean streets of SF. Less belligerence thanks to bingers for sure. But as always, the news will have a counter to that claim by airing all the ruckus caused on the streets of Sydney. It wasn't good, nor bad, but different.

2009 was a challenging year where I experienced all directions and new emotions. I can't help but feel utterly grateful for all the things I've managed to accomplish and the people who've helped me, new experiences, new friends and even regrets-- all of which have helped me grow tremendously throughout the year. It has definitely been a long ride.

Every day this year is going to be new and I can't wait for what is in store for me.

So, hello 2010.

Pleased to meet you.