6:30am everyone was up, which you know what that means.... I was up too! The paper thin walls don't hold heat and sure don't block out noise. We went to bed so early it wasn't too bad, and by 9am we were packed into our bus and off to school after a quick bus tour of Mildura. We got to school and the campus is tiny! Its just fine for our purpose but still quite interesting and a huge change of pace. Neil lectured about our trip for awhile and then we started our lecture about our artbooks and photography. Dun Dun Dun.... I knew way too much to be in this lecture. I feel like a lost a little bit of my life but I could help everyone else so that way nice and I know they were thankful. After many hours at school (9am-5pm), we left just in time to get ready to go out to our welcome dinner!
Stefano de Pieri, a world known chef from Australia, cooked for us. We walked into Art Gallery 25 (which he also owns in addition to his bar and restuarant) to one long table lined with beautiful wine glasses and white plates, enough for our group of 26 or so. It was all the students and Peter Peterson (an aboriginal elder who will take us on our 6 day backpacking trip), our two other main leaders and a couple other staff who are assisting us in our studie and travel. Right away Mario, who called himself an italian stallion, brought out all sorts of local wines and beer. The red wine was amazing and it was an endless supply. Mildura is known for their amazing wine which typically brings many italians to reside here. Our first course came out, spinach and ricotta creps. I couldn't believe how good it was, mom & grandma you would have loved one! The creps were followed by meatballs and pasta and then a fresh salad as well. We also had fresh bread with olive oil and local Murray River salt throughout the dinner. It was delicious and everyone, including the professors, enjoyed all the drinks as well.
As for the weather, ITS SO COLD. Mornings are unspeakable... today I wore two pairs of pants, a tank top, a long sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt and a rainjacket. I think that says enough!
Money - The Australian money is very different coming from America. So many different coins (including 1 & 2 dollar coins). Also everything is extremely expensive here. For example, my small soda at McDonalds was 3 dollars. We're all trying to save our pennies but it can be difficult!
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