The wild life

 

    There is something fundamentally fantastic about walking around somewhere and not recognizing any of the wild life.  Kookaburras,  Ibis, Kerloos, Bush Turkeys, Wallabies, Kangaroos, Geckos, Lorikeets, and Cane Toads are all quite common and completely new to my North American trained eye.  Lorikeets have a piercing scream that sound like a child in danger; Kerloos spread their wings when they are about to attack; Bush Turkeys root around in the dirt, spraying passers-by. Wallabies and Kangaroos graze on the lawn outside my window, tucking their joeys into their pouches and bolting at the slightest noise.  Kookaburras forage, hunting for unwary diners from which they can steal "chips"; the Ibis search among reeds and lilies, hunting for just the right bug; and the Geckos hide on walls, eating disturbingly large moths and other insects. 
    The unfamiliarity adds an air of excitement that makes one want to carry a camera at all times so it can be documented, and later shoved in the face of an innocent bystander who cares little about the "cool leaf looking bug on my neighbors door this morning".   Though my family and friends seem quite worried, the animals that could kill me keep a blessedly large distance.  During a hike, a friend and I were paralyzed by the sound of a snake moving in the tall grass, and the threat of Dengue Fever from the numerous mosquitoes, though we were assured, we need not worry.  The wildlife which so defines this area tends to stay under the radar unless directly threatened, save the birds which are blatant picture nuts.   It is exciting to learn what each new track is from and by which animal each new sound is made.  I can hardly wait to see what is under the waves.

Kerloo















                                                                                         Kookaburra

  Wallabies

two Wallabies duking it out. 

                          Lorikeet

Thank you to http://people.hws.edu/mitchell/cards01/UQFloraFauna.html for all pictures except Wallabies and Leaf bug

 

"Wadda Mooli"

     "First of all, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Townsville Region. The Bindal and Wulgurukaba people..."  Each informational session I have gone to has started in a similar fashion.  Australia was originally populated by hundreds of aboriginal clans that each have ancestral claim to the areas now populated by descendents of European immigrants.  In response to how the aboriginal people were treated during settlement, all Australian gatherings begin this way as a sort of apology process.  This also means that many of the native names are used for rivers and towns, resulting in creeks named Wadda Mooli (which is a greeting in the native language spoken by both the Bindal and Wulgurukaba clans) and towns called Wollongong, Geelong, and Mullumbimby.  I discovered this while learning how to ride a bus.

  Let it be known, I have never had any sort of sense of direction.  I therefore, greatly appreciate good public transportation, and luckily, that is available in Townsville.  A bus ride anywhere will cost you $1.40AU with a student discount, so its relatively cheap and easy to get around the area, that is until you realize that Australians are rather fond of shortening any name longer than 1 syllable. Stockworths, a sort of indoor outlet mall, is Stockies;  Woolworths, basically Walmart, is Wollies; the list goes on.  You must also realize that Australians are not work-a-holics like Americans.  They close shops at noon for hour and a half lunch breaks.  Stores are only open until 4, unless it's Tuesday, which is the one day they are open until evening, and most don't even open until 10.  And don't even try on weekends. It is a big mental shift from the work-centric world of the states, to the relaxed and home-centric world of Australia.  People are really friendly here, and are open to anyone.  Within the first 2 hours of being in my dorm, I had friends and plans for that evening.  It is exciting to be with people who are so open and excited about their world and the other people in it. 

The Odyssey

And so the Odyssey begins.


    I am sitting in the BWI airport waiting for my first flight to Dallas, from which I will fly to Brisbane.  Blessed with kindly assistants at the American Airlines desk, one of which gave me great advice where to go scuba diving in Townsville, and no line at security, I made my way to my departure gate 2 hours early.  Tearful goodbyes behind me and a drawn flower in my pocket from my little brother, I finally feel like this is really happening.  This experience I have waited all my life for has begun and I am thoroughly excited.  In preparation, I began reading a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryon, a fantastic travel author, who is teaching me how to not act like an ugly American.  His book tells of the complicated and often disputed history of Australia along with the tips and tricks he as picked up along the way.  It is quite useful as well as entertaining.  Now I can only hope that I make it through the flight with minimal discomfort and that my bags make it there with me!

    I can now say with confidence that flying with American Airlines is significantly more comfortable that flying Delta and the flight was much better than anticipated.  I now have the international leg of the journey ahead of me to contemplate and it is on the biggest plane I have ever been on. A wide body jet, it seats 8 people across and has two isles, much more impressive than the dinky little jets that I normally fly on, which are half the size.  Paranoia has set in about my bags making it, my transportation being there to pick me up upon arrival, and the track phone I'm going to need to buy, but my excitement at starting this incredible journey is only growing.

    Well I have managed the impossible. i ceased to exit for July 10th.  During that magical day skip, I spent 15 hours on one of the world's longest flights from Dallas to Brisbane. Unfortunately I didn't get to see any of the beautiful South Pacific we were flying over, as we spent the whole time chasing night time, but it wasn't a total loss.  Australians know how to fly.  Not only was everything complimentary, but I started to feel like they were overwhelming me with free stuff.  I was served snack after snack after snack, in a very comfortable seat, as well as receiving dinner and breakfast and complimentary drinks (alcoholic variety included! ;) its ok mom i was good).  I'm pretty sure I could have gone swimming in all the tea and coffee they offered me.  We landed in Brisbane and the airport was deserted, coated in a light drizzle.  I quickly cleared customs and retrieved my bags (thank god they made it!) so I could switch terminals.  After going through security again (they have the same requirements, but are much nicer about things) and re-checking my bags I got on my Townsville flight where I was served breakfast AGAIN as well as fresh fruit an coffee (I cannot tell you how much I love the Australians). 

  I am bone tired, slightly terrified, and tremendously excited. Let the semester begin!

Only a few more weeks to go!

Hello All!
    Only a couple more weeks to go until I arrive at JCU!  I am very excited.  I just wanted to reestablish that this blog is in fact active and I will be posting about once a week from July 11th on.  I can't wait to share my experiences with all of you!

~Caitlin

Introduction

Hello All! 
    My name is Caitlin.  I am currently a sophomore at St. Mary's College of Maryland majoring in Biology and minoring in Environmental Studies.  This is going to be my blog about my study abroad experience at James Cook University, at the Townsville Campus in Queensland Australia.  As of now, I have received my confirmation of enrollment letter, have applied for housing, and am eagerly waiting for my visa to be approved.  I leave on July 8th, so don't expect too many posts from me until then, but once i arrive, I plan to post about once a week. I hope you enjoy reading about my experience and I can't wait to share it with you!  Catch ya'll later!