All-You-Can-Eat Naan is the Next Best Thing After All-You-Can-Eat Sushi...or Better?

I'm loving Indian food. It's my new passion. All I have to do is think it, or see a color that reminds me of the curry, and I'm there, full on craving Indian cuisine. The down side is, however, that I don't have an appetite that has adapted to spicy foods yet (bummer!)...I hesitate to go to India because I'm sure their spices are much stronger than ours- and I can only eat mild :) Anyway, point to this, other than hinting at those reading to take me out for Indian, is that there are Baha'i friends getting married, and for the bride to be's bachelorette party, we went to an Indian buffet restaurant. Can you say score?! First of all, my senses for where the free food is has sharpened about 150% (i.e. left overs from meetings held on the lot, or the guys wanting to cook for the girls), and my appetite for "all-you-can-ever-possibly-consume" has increased about 200%.

Being on your own makes you realize how expensive a stop at the grocery store can be, how it's your money that is disappearing rather quickly, and no matter how full you are you're going to finish everything on your plate because you are not throwing your own money away. I use to think that I eat more healthily when I'm on my own, but it doesn't seem like that's the case. I think I'm eating to just fill me up. And it feels like I want to eat all the time! Why is this?! Maybe it's because I've made friends that are as much of food lovers as I am, or that I'm feeling more stressed that I even realize, or maybe I'm just not eating healthy enough. Anyway...how did this become a post about my eating habits?! Back to the point...

So we go to this buffet and the food is delicious. The curries of beef and lamb are to die for. And the naan is the best part. If you've never tried naan, stop reading, go to Google, search for where you can buy it (already made, like a restaurant), and go buy yourself some. You'll never want to eat anything but naan. It's a creamy texture, buttered and seasoned, made in like a kettle- it's fantastical! At the same time as I'm stuffing my face with naan, they're playing Bollywood music with Bollywood dance sequences in the background- and it's so fun- all you want to do is put on bangles and a sari, take off your shoes and learn a routine you can all dance in the streets of New York. Just like the movies. We played little bachelorette games and ate and laughed. They had a dance floor so we all danced. Kinda odd to see your mentors in the office and "bosses" dancing and telling you to come join them (where does the line appear and disappear?) :) We called it a night pretty early since we all had to work the following day (this was on a Thursday). I'm glad I went. Although I haven't known the bride to be for very long, she's the sweetest thing, very kind and sincere. I'm very excited for her :)

LAST night, is a totally different story. If you have a bachelorette party, you have to have a bachelor party. So the groom to be, plus 3 boys and 4 girls all went out dancing. It was my first bachelor party :) hahaha, I think we just called it that, I don't know if it just was a night out in the town, but it was super fun. Got into a dance club for (get this) free! and then we danced the night away. Literally. The group that went were so into it and we were all having fun, it was really nice. However, my feet have never hurt as much as they do now, darn wanting to be tall! The groom to be is a joy, he's from Cameroon and just listening to him talk is awesome. He's a ton of fun to be with. The wedding is tomorrow, Sunday, and we're all excited. It's gana be massive.

It's lately dawned on me that I've been doing a lot of bonding/going out/fun time, and at first I was indifferent to it, thinking it's nice to meet new people and do new things, and it still is....but I feel it's been over shadowing what I'm suppose to be doing here. I'm not saying it should be no fun and games, but I don't feel like I'm filling up my cup. Albeit I've only been here for two weeks, but maybe I don't fee like I'm being challenged? I had that thought a couple of days ago and then Boom! I'm guiding and welcoming guests at the Temple (which is a little nerve racking). I'll pray and soak it in...it might all change tomorrow.

Just a quick note, I know this has been long, but while I was guiding (which includes welcoming people at the Info Center when they first arrive, standing by the Temple to insure that no one is disrupting the meditation atmosphere, and discussing the Faith with those who have questions at the Info Center) I was able to pray in the Temple, out loud, all by myself, and it was a strange (like I'm not suppose to be doing it) yet calming sensation to hear your voice echo as you read aloud the words of God. Yes, there are some perks to the job :)

Observances of this Part of the World

Sorry for the lack of updates these past days, but honestly there hasn't been that much going on...There are 3 girls left in the girls house, by the end of the week there will be 2 :) But new girls are coming soon- then I have to explain who I am and how long I'm gana be here...etc again and again hahaha. Why do we always get stuck with the same questions in situations? Before I got here the only question I heard, for what felt like 5 years, was "when are you leaving?", now all I'm hearing is "how long are you here for?", "what part of the States are you from?"- however, the latter is much less annoying. I've met a couple of tween girls that were very excited that I live close to LA...asked which celebs I've seen, and I have seen some, but nothing to live up to the expectations. It's cool though, I have some cool points :)

I was in the Information Center today, which was a bit nerve racking because that's where people go to learn all the info they want, which means I have to be on my game! Shoghi Effendi (the Guardian of the Faith) says "it's a very important position as it often marks the very first contact of a person with the Faith and on it may hinge that individuals future attitude towards the Cause."...Yeah, that's pretty heavy stuff. I don't want my words to be the deciding point of whether someone likes or dislikes the Faith! Hahaha. But it's not just the words, I know, it's the spirit of the person which also attracts those who are interested. It's a good challenge, it'll get me more ready with what I want to say and how I want to say it. I also did office work today, a lot of paper shredding, and my feet are killing me! I'm pretty tired but have to muster up energy because there is a "hen's night" (bachelorett night) tonight- Indian restaurant with a DJ and dancers :)

Went to a Child Protection training in a town about 1 1/2 hours away. Had to take the train all by myself. It really makes me nervous doing things on my own, even just one more person with me makes me more comfortable, even if they are are child. Anyway, accomplishing train riding on my own was pretty exciting :) Well, I'll leave you with something more exciting than my lack of adventures. (P.s. I saw wild parrots! They had purple heads, bright green wings and yellow and orange tummies, and they were standing like a foot away from me. They were SOOO cute. So wish I had my camera. Also saw 3 wallabies in one day. They are adorable. I'm just fascinated by the wild life that's here).

Some things I've learned:
1. There is no honking here; it's silence on the road. So coming from Taiwan and LA, that's pretty new.
2. Traffic lanes randomly appear and disappear- something I am never going to get use to. What is the point of it if it's just going to vanish in 1 foot?!
3. They speak a different language- Some guy told me to get off the train in "Wynyute", yet how it's spelled (and I guess sorta pronounced), is "Wynyard"- almost missed my stop.
4. All words are abbreviated. A "bather" is a bathing suite, a "pressie" is a present....can't keep up ma...
5. Maybe it's because we're by a beach, but there are please walking the streets with no shoes on. I say that that's ok on the beach, not when your on sidewalks.
6. I don't think there are straight roads here, all streets are winding roads. Also, roundabouts are on every street. They make me nervous and I feel there is no use for them. I think we have one in Orange County...

Almost Hit a Wild Turkey

Today was another beautiful day to travel around Mona Vale (where the Temple is located). We went to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park- yes that is how it's spelled- and walked down a cliff to get to a small beach area. The walk down was just fine, although our legs did tremble once we got to the end. The walk UP, however, was killer. It literally felt like I was going to die. My heart was in my throat, I couldn't really swallow...I'm really out of shape!!! It's so depressing because I use to be in really good shape, I could climb up a mountain like that with no major problem, I had stamina...it's all gone. :( Afterwards we drove to the Northern Beaches which were also very beautiful. It was towards night so we really couldn't walk on the beach, but it was nonetheless

lovely.

After we took pictures we went and got sushi and ate it on the beach, it was really good. So fresh. Love sushi. Oh! forgot to

say! We saw a wild turkey run across the street in front of our car when we were driving to the mountains! It was so cool. so tiny too. I think everything in Australia is tinier. The ocean here and the lakes are just gorgeous. I would love to live by a lake.

Over all it was a really nice day. Busy but eventful. Tomorrow I will be going to a child protection training program, at a whopping 6:30am. Wish me luck. I've heard Australian is huge

on child protection (like you can't give kids a hug) so we'll see how much I will remember...etc. Will have Monday and Tuesday off- Tuesday might go shopping because there is going to be a wedding here! And I'm invited. I'm very excited. My 3rd wedding in my lifetime. Can't wait till my friends start to get married so I can go and dress up! Get on it girls and boys!

Days of Blissful Joy

I'm sitting here at the bookstore, first day at the cash register by myself (!) and it's been very exciting. First I did a sale with no complications (woo hoo!) and then! I had a guy come in and go "What is this all based on?"....ummm..."you mean the Baha'i Faith?"- so I went into how we believe we're here to bring unity to all mankind, that all the religions believe in the same thing and have one common goal but just have a different way of teaching, and which books are good intro books (of course, gotta make a sale :] ). One thing I feel that separates the Baha'i Faith from other faiths is that we have writings and scriptures and guidelines straight from our founder itself, so there is no interpretation, there is no room for diversions to happen, which in turn protects the Faith so much more. And for some, it's direct proof, because it's written from Their hand, not the hand of someone who was there who told someone who told their child who wrote it down.

Anyway, this guy was so receptive to what I was saying, and what I was saying was surprising me! I was calm and collected and coming up with info that I thought was interesting for him- definitely had assistance :) It was really cool, just to have someone who was interested and was willing to listen to what I said, and also gave his opinion. He bought a poster too! It was of the Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel- a night view from the bottom up, very pretty, he was impressed. I directed him to the Information Center where he could learn more and have people that might be of more assistance, and he went, which made me happy. So so far the day has been going well. Later on I am to go into one of the national parks with my roommates and our supervisor friend, very excited!

I saw a wallaby! It was a very quick look since it was late at night, it blended in with the truck of a tree, and we were in a car. But it was so cute! Probably came up to about my hip. I've seen a lot of birds but have no clue what they are. We have some that are white and black that kind of look like penguins, and then ones that are skinny with yellow beaks...I bet they're exotic and the kind you can only see at a zoo, and I'm missing it! I should do some bird researching.

The previous couple of days I was the receptionist at the National Baha'i Centre. I had to pick up the phone. It was scary. I've always thought it would be cool to be a receptionist, haha, I know, high aspirations I have. I got to dress up in professional work clothes which was very exciting :) I don't think I transferred anyone to the wrong person....I got to catch up on writing in my journal, and read a little, and caught up on email...funny how the only time I can really do that is when I'm at work. I really need and want to pray at the Temple! It's here at my disposal and I just forget; and, also, I'm so busy with training and working and socializing that by the time I think of it, it's dark and I'm tired. I need to get buddy buddy with the boys because they have the key to the Temple and so we can pray in there at night :)

Last night after a deepening on a Baha'i book in the outside Temple community, bunch of the youth went to Max Brenner's- it's Israeli and it's awesome- all they do is serve chocolate. ANY kind of chocolate in ANY form. Definitely cures your sweet tooth. My roommate and I shared a chocolate fondue; sooooo delish. Gives Melting Pot a run for their money :) It was really nice, meeting the youth and just hanging. Since I'm going to be here long term I'm going to have to break out and meet people and mingle, so I'm very proud that I did that, mingled!

As for my sickness, it's much better. I'm no longer that fatigued, I did cough most of the day yesterday (very annoying, for me and those around I'm sure), but now I'm almost back to normal :) Thank you for all the well wishes.!

I'm Sick...Boooo

My days have caught up to me. I've pretty much been going nonstop this week- going to devotional/prayer gatherings, movie nights, game nights, seeing Sydney, going to the beach- and they were all fantastic, and I had a load of fun, but I didn't ever really get over the jet leg, never really gotten a good nights sleep (thanks to those darn kookaburras and 10 degree nights), have been training and working 8hr days (something I haven't done in...lets see...ever!), and I have a roommate that was sick all days I was here, so undoubtedly that contributed. I'm not as bad as I can be, but I'm pretty tired and my nose feels like it's going to self-destruct. Tonight most everyone went out for a birthday celebration, got all dressed up and stuff, I wanted to go, but I would probably get worst and then I would feel like staying in bed which means I wouldn't be able to work. I can only do that much bonding hahaha.

Work training has been going well. Will be in the Membership office (updating info of those who join the Faith...etc), assisting the secretary (a LOT of work! Man secretaries do so much! Good luck to me...), and will be in the bookstore once a week, as well as doing childrens classes (religion is allowed to be taught in their school system, which I think is very progressive), and maybe be guiding tourists around the Baha'i Temple (pictures to come soon!). So, that = a lot I'm doing and probably why I'm sick. Oh well~ hope this goes away soon. It's only 8:30pm and I've wanted to go to bed for about an hour.

I Can Look at the Opera House All Day

Sydney city had a coffee, tea and chocolate festival, called "The Aroma Festival" and it was awesome! Such a pretty day~ I really loved Sydney city. It was just everything I imagined it was going to be. The water was glistening, the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge are more beautiful and awesome in person. Where we went for the festival is a tourist spot and a historic part of town called The Rocks, and it was full of people! Mona (my supervisor/friend) said it was the busiest she's ever seen it. I love it when places are busy because that's where you see the people of the country and get the vibe of the city. There was coffee and chocolate and tea booths everywhere; there were dancers and musicians, it was so fun. The Harbor Bridge and the Opera House can been seen from the Rocks, and it was such a perfect day to go! The weather was in the 20's/70's and it was hot! Just gorgeous... didn't get tired of looking at that sight at all! I do want to see it at night though, it must be breath taking.

Today, a roommate, Nadia, and I went to Mona Vale Beach because it was our day off and we wanted to relax :) Guess what? It was gorgeous too! It's almost a shame that I have to describe it to you because it won't do it justice. The water literally looked like it was painted on, dark blues with hints of purple and light blue....man, just fantastic. The sand was gold, the water was pretty freezing but very calming, and I could see my feet while it was in the water! So we sat on the beach and just watched the surfers try to take on the beautiful ocean. After about an hour or so we decided to walk towards a cliff a bit far off to see the ocean from the top and it was breathtaking. Just absolute serenity. Just wanted to hang there forever. We soaked it in then walked to where a ride would be....my legs burned! Nadia and I went jogging the day before around the Baha'i Temple (which is gorgeous at night, especially at sunset) and since I haven't worked out for a year, I'm a bit sore and that hasn't gone away....plus, I'm feeling a little sick. We have another roommate that's been since for a week so maybe we both are getting it. So i'm pretty tired right now, but nonetheless, these past two days have been spectacular, I love that I've seen Sydney, I love that I've see the ocean; it's been relaxing yet exhausting.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, I'll be back to work. I've yet to pray in the Temple at night- I've heard it's a whole other experience. Oh! And I've seen an opossum- so cute! No wallaby yet- can't wait! And I've decided that the kookuburra is the MOST annoying bird in the history of birds!!! They “sing” with a sound that is a mix between a hyena and a chimpanzee, and they don't shut up!...I'm putting up with nature for Baha'u'llah :)

p.s. I've learned that a "youte" is a truck (short for utilities truck), and "mackers" is McDonalds.

Kangaroo Meat is Awesome :)

One thing I was asked before coming to Australia was if I was going to try kangaroo meat- answer: heck yes! Last night, one of our supervisors cooked a kangaroo meat dinner for us- it's not eaten everyday, it's a delicacy...and it was really good! I imagined (before I got here) it tasted like chicken, because it seems like everything tastes like chicken, but kangaroo is different, definitely doesn't taste like chicken- it has a flavor mixed between beef and turkey, and probably something like rabbit (but since I've never eaten rabbit, I wouldn't know, but there is a 3rd "tastes like" ingredient). It was a bit chewier than wide distributed meat, but it was so cool- and it didn't look like kangaroo, so that helped :) A must try if you're in Australia!

It's 9:30am on Saturday, volunteers are meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly (NSA) of Australia- we're having tea, very proper :) So I have to go shower and get ready but wanted to definitely tell all the Americans that I ate kangaroo and what it tastes like. Oh, by the way, I'm getting a lot of guff for being from the USA! They make me the butt of jokes, and they have to translate for me- found out "nibblies" are snacks, a "que" is a line, and the "boot" is the trunk of the car. At least I can understand the majority of sentences!

Love to all. Thank you for the comments :)

I'm Officially in Australia

Finally~ that's what all you are saying :)

I got in yesterday (15th) at 6:30am Aussie time. The flight was pretty good, watched a couple of movies and slept on and off. I sat next to a 3 year old hahaha, but it was actually not that bad- kicked and screamed a little but nothing dramatic. Got to the airport, got picked up and sat on the left side of the car as it was driven by the right side....so weird!!! I think I'm use to it and then he makes a right turn into the left side of the road and I have to remind myself not to panic because it's normal! We drove on the Harbor Bridge and I saw the Opera House, and it was a fantastic day- sunny and fluffy clouds- it was really pretty.

After getting to the girls living quarters, reality set in- I realized how I'm half way around the world, that I don't know anyone, and that I'm truly 100% on my own. It's a really scary feeling. And I cried, because it's just so overwhelming, there's a bajillion things I have to do and learn and go through- I wasn't mentally or emotionally prepared for what I was getting into. Plus, I was really tired from the ride, so I'm sure that contributed to it. So I prayed a little, took a nap and saw the Baha'i Temple. It's so delicate and pure and lovely looking. It radiates love and support. It was a really nice sight to see. I'm here for Baha'u'llah, I'm here for a reason, and He will protect me. It's the 2nd day now, and I'm feeling better.

I went to the bank and changed some money, set up an account (tried to anyways, problems came up but it's too much to go into), and went shopping. Australian money is so awesome. Parts of the money are transparent! So awesome. And unlike US money, it's colorful! Imagine that :) I know Taiwan (where I'm from) has different colored money, I know Europe does also...etc. But I've never seen transparent money!

I was dead tired by 4pm but tried to stick it out. The girls held a devotional (prayer gathering) and some of the boys came and we had a good time- prayed, ate cupcakes, played games. Good bonding. There are 7 girls here in the living quarters (it holds 8)- one from Scotland, one from Italy that just came, one is coming from China, others are Australian that are here only for a couple of weeks. There are about 5 boys, one from Sweden, one from Canada, one from Cameroon, and others from Australia itself.

I did some training today- looks like I will be working in the bookshop, helping out in the offices, and some other stuff here and there. I'm a bit glad I won't be doing much gardening because my back in hurting and heavy stuff won't be good. Also, roommates like to cook! 2 prayers answered :)

That's it for now. I have a feeling I won't be updating this as much as I would like- I have to learn the ropes here, and write in my private journal, and be social! But I'll try :) love to all!

Just a Couple of Hours Till I Take Off!!!

Just a veryyyy quick note because I'm still not done packing (I leave for the airport in 4 hours!)- I'm finally going! It's been a long time coming, I don't think it's absolutely hit me that I'm going just yet (waiting for the pin to drop some bad news), but, it's here! Slowly getting everything done- this week has been hectic- saw people for "one last time" and said goodbyes and got new shoes! It's going to fly by. Now, I have to get back to packing, I think "packing light" is an oxymoron, it doesn't exist....Hoping my back behaves; it spazed out last night and I couldn't move my entire right leg...not cool! Here's to hoping I get bumped up to 1st class so I can lie down. See you on the other side! Sydney here I come!