Lazy Sunday with Lucia

Hola! A visit to Ladybird Lake came sooner than expected. The sun was out and the blue skies beaming so Lucia (from Argentina) and I decided to hit a walking trail. We shared the track with lots of runners, walkers and their dogs. And true to Austin's motto, "Keep [it] weird!", we walked over a bridge and was transported back to the days of tweed in london town by a group of cool vintage bike-owners.

I love the perks of being a UT student like catching the metro bus and using the university's world-class gym both for free.

That's Lucia on the bridge!

I'm back in the saddle again

Helloooooo Texas! Quite literally hit the ground and rocketed into exchange when I landed at Austin's airport. The fairy godmother of exchange students, Vanda, came to pick me up and took me to my home for the next few months, the Dobie Center. I had a quick shower, did a once-over of the suite and headed out again to watch the UT Longhorns play the Crimson Tide (Alabama). There couldn't be a more iconic way of being welcomed to Austin.

Now before I go any further I have to say how cold it is here. Freezing! As in 10 degrees below zero the other night. So it's been fun braving the cold especially since I have to walk everywhere!

Friday was first day of orientation. It wasn't that exciting, except we had to leave the building for a fire alarm, and I'm quite sure most things I was told I will forget or have already forgotten.

Today we had the option of taking a bus tour, which I managed to get on board barely, without breakfast. My close friends will know how devastated and anxious I must have been wondering when I would be able to get food. Luckily Luca (from Germany) had some strange bun thing with unnaturally yellow cheese and some form of processed meat. Oh the food! The bus trip was fun and they took us up to Mount Bonnell. I'm excited about all the bike and walking trails here, but they'll have to wait for warmer weather.

Exchange is going swimmingly despite our lost to Alabama. Until next time.... :-)

Out and About Orange County

I can jam!!!

Last night the Avocado house hosted Kristin's going away party. She worked for Roadtrip Nation, which you'll notice that I talk about alot, but as you know it's kinda the reason why I'm here. Anyway Maya (the director of our series) is in a band, The Colourist (www.myspace.com/thecolourist) and her band mates came to the party too.

Now I guess you might call him the leader-guy, Adam, hears that I play violin and with some strange power makes me play for him. Usually there'd be a few minutes of awkward shoulder-shrugging and toe-kicking. Honestly, I wasn't great. I don't remember any of my A.Mus pieces, but straight away he had me playing some of their songs and experimenting with sound and bowing. Now I've never "jammed" on the violin before, but this will go down as a musical highlight in my love affair with it. Su-Yin by name and by nature! (It means a little music note.)

Wow right? There should be some iphone videos floating around. I'll have to get my hands on one. The violin will sound terrible in it, but how coooooool! I'm so glad I decided to come early to hang with the Roadtrip crew in Costa Mesa before Texas. They feel like a second family. A home away from Chansville. Love love love

Soaring and Reflections

Year of the Tiger - Hear me roar!

New year's resolution: Bigger, louder, bolder

Happy Birthday Mother Wolf!!

Wednesday, 30 December 2009 – Caitlin’s birthday

Well Caitlin Bates in honour of your day of birth and your backstage role in my life story, I thought I could give you credit in some way for my wonderful adventure with Roadtrip Nation, since you won’t take any. But it's unequivocally true! You do deserve some thanks and credit, because even though it was a small push, that’s exactly what I needed. I don’t think you can do difficult things without support from loved ones and friends. Well maybe it is possible, but it does require a good deal of gumption that is hard to find when one is just starting out. So thank you fellow wolf cub, my childhood friend! (Obviously my parents and best friends have been really supportive too, but let's not turn this into an Oscar's speech.)

What does this post have anything to do with exchange? Definitely Roadtrip Nation was a catalyst for my exchange at Austin. I guess it’s also about challenging yourself and also overcoming your fears. And being in tune with yourself by blocking out the 'noise' and listening to people who want to help you on your way. Plus, I admire you, Caitlin. You have such fearless determination and have followed your joy. I keep being reminded now is the perfect opportunity to take big leaps and bounds.

It's a scary and sometimes daunting concept. More often than not, you hit the ground running.