Birthday Week

Due to an exciting week in New Zealand, I accomplished absolutely no homework over Easter break and was therefore I forced to study on my birthday. On Tuesday I had a lab report due and a midterm quiz in Chemistry and consequentially my 21st birthday resembled my long days of studying back at Gustavus. But before you start to feel bad for me, I should tell you that I did get to celebrate my birthday.

I handed in my lab report on Tuesday and took my (kind of difficult) quiz. Some friends and I decided to go to the only Mexican restaurant in Wollongong, Amigo's, because they have cheap tacos and tequila shots on Tuesdays. Unfortunately, as soon as we left International House it started down pouring. We tried to wait it out, but it didn't look like there was an end in sight. I was the only one who was well-prepared and had thought to bring an umbrella, so I tried to share it. But anyone who has ever tried to share an umbrella knows that both people get just as wet, or maybe wetter, as they would if they didn't use an umbrella. By the time we had completed our 15 minute walk to Amigo's, we were all soaking wet. My hair was a disaster and I had foolishly gone out without a hair-tie so I made a beeline for the bathroom and actually tried to blow dry it a little bit with one of those hand dryers. I don't think it worked very well, but it made me feel a little better.

Anyway, we enjoyed some tacos and tequila shots and then wondered back to International House and relaxed a little bit.

Wednesday night was my real make-up birthday celebration. One of the things that shocked me when I got to Wollongong, was that they have a UniBar on campus. I have never seen a bar on any US campus, but here in Australia students love to have a beer or two between class. I decided that since it was my fake birthday, I would indulge in this Aussie practice and have a beer before class. I had one 4:30 lecture on Wednesday, so two friends and I headed to the UniBar before that and then headed to class. I feel like I have now had the complete Australian experience. . .just kidding.

After class and dinner, we went to a very classy-looking bar called Hotel Illawara where they have Wednesday night Happy Hour for students. The real reason to go there though is that they give you free potato wedges and nachos. . .delicious. Afterwards, we went to the dance club where all Uni students go on Wednesday nights, Glasshouse. We spent some time dancing there and then made our way home in the rain again. It was a very fun night and it's weird to think that I am 21 now! Thanks for all the birthday wishes from back home!

I think that all of my fun in New Zealand and my birthday week have taken a toll on my health though. I am feeling sick for the second time this month. . .but I plan on laying low this week and recovering so that I am healthy for my trip to Melbourne next weekend. Enjoy the incredibly warm weather back home. . .I hear it was 85 yesterday!