G’Day!
This past weekend was parents weekend in my residential college, but it was a little distant of a trip for my parents to come for the weekend. So the other exchangers and I did a bunch of weekend day trips together. On Friday, we traveled two hours by bus to go to the Hunter Valley, which is an area outside of Sydney known for the multitude of vineyards. We got to experience a wine tour where we learned about the history of the area and different types of grapes and wines that are unique to Australia.
On Saturday, I actually had another field trip for my Marine Environment class where we got to travel on a boat and learn about the sediment in different areas throughout the bay. Unfortunately, myself and two of my friends struggled with the public transportation system where we missed two trains to get to the starting destination for the trip. Lol we don’t have the best of luck traveling via public transit. It’s a work in progress.
Finally Sunday was a day dedicated to eating. I started off my day by having brunch at the Grounds of Alexandria, which is a big organic market with locally grown foods. It’s a giant farmers market with a petting zoo attached and it was a great way to start off the morning. While I was there I got a yummy brekkie box and a delicious apple and kale drink.
After that I went to the Smooth Chocolate Festival and as a chocoholic I can say with confidence that it was definitely one of the best food experiences of my life. I was able to sample all different types of chocolates, fudges, and candies. But I ended up buying the holy grail of all milkshakes. It was a chocolate milkshake with a Belgian waffle with hot fudge, whipped cream and chocolate malt balls on top. Just thinking about it is bringing back good memories. I have the picture below but please ignore my chocolate covered hand. I was like a toddler not knowing how to start eating this milkshake masterpiece.
Aside from my day trips last weekend, I’ve been staying on campus this week and living in the library because I had a couple of exams and other assignments due for mid semester. I actually have an exam Saturday morning, ughhhhh, but hopefully it goes well. Fingers crossed. After the exam tomorrow is done, I’m going to be taking a surf lesson and on Sunday I’m running in a 9k. I will let you all know how everything goes.
Hope training and classes are going well for everyone!
Allison “I miss bagels” Mascioli