March 3

On Thursday, I went to my 4th and final class of the week - Research Methods. It's as boring as it sounds and the professor doesn't make it much better. I got called out as "California" for a while and even got caught texting in class when he asked me some question about the US education system! Whoops. Then he felt bad and asked my name. I said, "Kate." He said, "Not Katie?" I said, "Not Katie." Then he told some weird story about how his niece is just Kate, too. Ok, whatever.

After class, I had a couple of obligations. We got out a bit early, so I thought I'd head over to the office of my ex-professor from last semester, Lisa. During the semester, I helped her with a list of stuff to see in LA when she visited and ever since, well, I sorta became a suck-up (not that that's any different than usual - most teachers know me, think I'm friendly and lively and still give me average marks). Anyway, she's young and I like her, so I facebooked her that I missed her teaching. She asked if I wanted to come talk to her undergrads about my experiences with Volunteer Tourism and I thought what a fabulous opportunity to share that and maybe promote New Hope, where I volunteered at in Cambodia! Soo, I went to drop by her office to discuss this with her, but my TSA President was already there talking to her about his PhD application or thesis or something. I only had about 10 minutes to spare before all of us were supposed to be at a School of Tourism Welcome event (just snacks and mingling). So, I barely got to talk to her on the walk over to that event, but it sounds like it's a go! And she even asked if they could do a little write-up about me for the School's newsletter. I was like sure, why not!

Anyway, instead of going to the welcome event, I had another commitment, I went to an informational meeting about a possible trip to Venice for a field study program in July. They finally set the price, which means I'll be able to decide. It was exactly what I expected - very expensive. So, I'm still completely undecided about the whole thing. The Pros are that I would get to do one less class in my final semester, this class seems fun and easy, I love any excuse to go to Italy! The Cons are the price, the fact that it's the exact same trip I did with my ex-boyfriend so I wouldn't really see much new, and the fact that it's mostly undergrads (although I don't care too much, probably end up bonding with some of them or the profs). But, I'll have to decide within about a week because that's when a deposit is due.

After that, I rushed home and had about 20 minutes to spare so I could scarf down some food, finish packing essentials and head off to the airport with Jillian! We've been planning this trip to Sydney for a few months - ever since I saw great deals on JetStar for the weekend of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras! But now that it's upon us and I just got back from so many long trips, we are all feeling a bit depleted (of energy, money, etc). We took the bus and train to the airport. When we checked in, the lady said my bag was too heavy. I guess >10 kilos is too much for JetStar. And it didn't even fit in the tiny bin (which is way smaller than an overhead compartment, btw). So, even though my bag is a carry-on anywhere else, she made me check it. Jillian's was under-weight, but also unable to stuff into the stupid size restrictions, so they made her check it too! And then proceeded to charge us $80 to do so! Just when I had sucked it up and handed over my card, the lady said "Now, will you be bringing this same suitcase back to Brisbane on your return flight?!" I was like goddammit! Yes, of course. So, they charged me a 'discounted' rate of $40 to check it on the return. What a rip off. I was livid that I had to pay so much. I mean $120!!! I could've bought a ticket to the expensive Mardi Gras After Party for that much money! Ugh.

Oh well, I ran into my classmate, Jane and we all waited for our flight to Sydney. The girls gave me the window since it was my first time flying into Sydney, which was nice of them because I did get to see the Harbor Bridge and Opera House! We got to Sydney and took a taxi to our hostel. I found my friends from California (Athena and Kelly) who had just arrived that day completely passed out due to jet lag. So, the three of us, plus Lina's friend (also named Lina!) walked down the street to find some food. We ended up just getting some fast food - kabobs and beer and eating it in the hostel lounge before bed.