July 11th 2010--- WARNING.. THIS IS A LONG ONE...

So I know it has been awhile since I last wrote a blog and I apologize for the delay!My day-to-day routine has changed significantly from the past 5 months where I was enjoying the typical student life of unpredictable bed times, a few hours of lectures and schoolwork each day and a lot of socializing.My new "working-girl" routine includes waking up at 7:30am, (which is actually a luxury compared to my previous co-op work term mornings!) grabbing some brekky, making a lunch and dashing out the door for a lovely 15-20 minute walk to the Murdoch Algae Research and Development Center.I love my morning walk into work.I pass a wetland reserve and multiple paddocks (aka fields) of horses and cows.Yes… my school campus has fields of horses and cows!How awesome eh?(Murdoch is one of the best-known schools in Australia for vet).

Australia has now officially entered "winter".When I first arrived in February (+35 degrees) to find a heater in my room I laughed… I am no longer laughing!Daily highs are about 15 degrees and the temperature drops to single digits at night.To add to this, Australian houses are not built for cold weather; no insulation and single pane windows that often feel like they are open when they are completely closed do not help very much!It is not uncommon to be able to see my breath on my morning walk to work!The crisp morning air is always helpful to wake me up a tad more before I stare into a microscope for the next 3 hours!

My work at the algae center is confidential so I can't give too much detail, but I can tell you that I am doing research on different algae clones and comparing growth rates and photosynthetic productivity.My experiment results will then be used in studies regarding algae cultivation for biofuels. It has definitely been a great experience so far.A very steep learning curve, as I knew very little about algae and biofuels before beginning the position.It's great to be able to get some hands-on experience in the lab and refresh some of my chemistry skills.Who knew they were still kickin' around somewhere in the back of my brain!I am the only female in the lab, surrounded by mutli-cultural geniuses (Portuguese, German, Belgian, Chinese-Australian, Iranian, Croatian, Pure-bred Australian and me!)All of the researchers are working on their Masters, PhD or Honours Projects, so the vibe can get a bit tense at times if deadlines are nearing or if anything goes wrong!

I have completed 4 weeks at the lab so far, and have 2 more remaining.I have been offered to stay on longer and begin a new research project, but I plan on getting my hands dirty in another field--- wetland restoration!I'm really excited about this placement, but I am still in the process of clarifying what I will be doing exactly with the professor… more details when I begin that co-op.Just to clarify for any fellow Waterloo co-op students who may be reading… I am doing 3-4 different placements of about a month each, which will be counted as 1 work term.I figured I might as well spread myself out and gain as much background in different aquatic fields while I'm downunder!

So, my life is quite scheduled now, working 9-5ish (lab work is very unpredictable… some days I don't get out until 6pm or 6:30pm it just depends on how long it takes to run my experiments).I have just about enough energy at the end of the day to walk back, make an extra large dinner so that I can take leftovers for lunch, check my email and then head to bed.I was being pretty eager before the rainy season started and was going for jogs a few times a week, but the rain has put a damper on any motivation! Weekends are used to run errands and sleep in!Everything in Australia closes early (5pm… no one is even home from work by then!).Unfortunately, the days of night-time grocery shopping are over for me until I return home!Weekends are usually: groceries, laundry, catching up on emails/skype sessions and an occasional night out.

Enough about work…

I haven't been blogging as much because my life here is quiet at the moment.The last few weekends have involved goodbyes to the rest of the exchange students.Since it is the school break, there are only a handful of people living in residence.The Aussies who live here have all returned to their hometowns for the break and the new international exchange students are yet to arrive.All of my housemates are still here which is nice.We've been spending some quality time together.One week we cooked traditional meals from each of our countries.We had a week of lovely Norwegian Komle (sausages, sweds, potatoe balls, bacon), Swedish meatballs and fixings, Australian lamb and pavlova, Japanese Sushi and green tea icecream with sweet red beans, and….. Canadian poutine and chicken with Swiss Chalet Sauce!Geez, Canada really needs to get a few more traditional meals!

We also treated ourselves to a fancy 3 course meal at the C-Restaurant in the city.It is basically Perth's equivalent of the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls --- A rotating tower that offers spectacular views of Perth's skyline.

To add to my trend of eating lavishly, my friend Rojesh and I went out to The View restaurant in Freo, which overlooks the harbour front.Rojesh and I celebrated his graduation from IT at Murdoch and the fact that he was moving out of the village into a house with some mates.

The past week I had the pleasure of yet ANOTHER Canadian guest!Mr. Ian Fraser, a family friend who is completing teacher's college over in Melbourne ventured over to Perth on the train.He stayed for a few days and I tried to show him around as possible, but it was difficult, as I had to work during the days.It was nice to have a familiar face around and someone to talk about home with.Yes… the towel Christmas present story was surely discussed!Sorry mom!LOL

Canada Day in Australia unfortunately fell in the middle of my workweek, so celebrations were not in order for me.However, on the weekend my housemates (minus Matt who was working) went out to a really cool bar in the city called Tiger Lils sporting Canadian temporary tattoos (mailed courtesy of my Aunt) in honour of Canada Day!I guess next year I'll have to make up for my low-key celebrations (EHHHHHH Ladies will be reunited!)

We went out to Tiger Lils because that was Rina's (my flatmate) last night out in the city.Rina has decided to head back to Japan and finish her last class online before graduating.It seems odd in the flat now because Rina and I shared a washroom and her room was directly across from mine.Now, my side of the flat is super quiet.I reckon it won't be quiet for much longer as I think Matt is moving into Rina's old room once he returns from playing basketball in Singapore.

In other news….I am going to MALAYSIA at the end of the month!!!!!!!!Yes, talk about random and unpredictable Leah.When I left for Australia, it didn't even cross my mind that I would visit Malaysia, but I guess when you are going to get deported back to Canada, Malaysia sounds like a good option!HAHA.Don't worry I may be on an island full of convicts, but I have not turned into a criminal in the last 5 months!I have to leave the country because my student visa is only good until the end of July and I must re-enter Australia on a working-holiday visa.It's a bit of a nuisance, but at least it's a good excuse for a vacation away from rainy Perth.I'm also kinda stoked because in Waterloo I volunteer as a SHADOW with the International Office and help new international students adjust to Canadian life and life at Waterloo… anyways long story short my last SHADOW was from Malaysia, so now I get a bit of an insight into where she comes from!ANOTHER reason to be excited is that I no longer have to complete the adventure alone!My hometown friend Jenn, who is currently in Melbourne working, has decided to join in on the random impromptu excursion and I am so grateful!Four plane tickets, three nights at a hostel, four nights at the Hard Rock Resort and registration with the Canadian Embassy all taken care of and Malaysia here we come!

Well I reckon I should end this novel and try to write more frequently so that I don't make you all cross-eyed!Please feel free to leave comments; I'd love to know who is actually reading this!

Cheers,

Leah