As the temperatures are decreasing so are the days until I am DONE this semester. Semester two has been a bit too overwhelming and I am really looking forward to the end. Although, maybe I shouldn't speak too soon. Exams are just around the corner and I am definitely no where near prepared. Either way, I look forward to having July off and taking a break from studying.
Anyways, it is finally winter here in Brissy, the temperatures have dropped and I am officially freeeeeezing in the evenings. I have pulled out the extra blankets, wool socks and slippers. Go ahead and laugh but, it is really quite chilly in the mornings and evenings now. On an average day the temperature will drop at least 10 degrees and the sun is hardly out anymore. In the evenings we now reach as low as 8-14 degrees which, is cold when you take into account we are accustom to the weather always being in the high 20's or low 30's during the day. I can't complain though! It's just like at home, you bundle up or "rug up" as they say in Aus, every time you leave home.
These past few weeks I have been trying to get outside more often to enjoy the afternoon sunshine and take a breathier from the ever consuming uni life. Since the temperatures are changing, so are the many beautiful plants and trees around Brisbane. Thankfully, the colour stays pretty green all year round up here in Queensland but, you can notice a change in season from the plants. This month the trees on campus are blooming like crazy!!! It makes my morning walk with coffee a bit more exciting! Below is a photo of my favourite tree. Around campus they have these trees with flowers in pink, white and yellow. The other yummy photo is of my well-deserved breakfast, berry infused waffles [with ice-cream]. Sonya and I decided to treat ourselves that morning for completing a report and ate at Saint Lucy's cafe on campus. They have an UNREAL breakfast menu. It was hard to decide what we wanted.
Anyways, it is finally winter here in Brissy, the temperatures have dropped and I am officially freeeeeezing in the evenings. I have pulled out the extra blankets, wool socks and slippers. Go ahead and laugh but, it is really quite chilly in the mornings and evenings now. On an average day the temperature will drop at least 10 degrees and the sun is hardly out anymore. In the evenings we now reach as low as 8-14 degrees which, is cold when you take into account we are accustom to the weather always being in the high 20's or low 30's during the day. I can't complain though! It's just like at home, you bundle up or "rug up" as they say in Aus, every time you leave home.
These past few weeks I have been trying to get outside more often to enjoy the afternoon sunshine and take a breathier from the ever consuming uni life. Since the temperatures are changing, so are the many beautiful plants and trees around Brisbane. Thankfully, the colour stays pretty green all year round up here in Queensland but, you can notice a change in season from the plants. This month the trees on campus are blooming like crazy!!! It makes my morning walk with coffee a bit more exciting! Below is a photo of my favourite tree. Around campus they have these trees with flowers in pink, white and yellow. The other yummy photo is of my well-deserved breakfast, berry infused waffles [with ice-cream]. Sonya and I decided to treat ourselves that morning for completing a report and ate at Saint Lucy's cafe on campus. They have an UNREAL breakfast menu. It was hard to decide what we wanted.
This month we also discovered the global change institute building. All the energy and water is harvested on site and the building is made of recycled and recyclable material that was sourced locally. Inside they have this gorgeous green wall , which filters and cools the air. The hydroponic green wall uses recycled rainwater and has no soil. It was so serene and I plan to spend more lunch breaks there! It also just goes to show how much more of UQ I have to explore! I know I have previously mentioned how large the campus is, here is a campus map for a better idea! You can see there are a lot of buildings and areas to explore!
With the report complete and handed in I have been able to acquire more sleep and have taken more time for resting and relaxing. On Wednesday, I came home from class only to lock myself out of my room in the flat again!!!! This time again I was very lucky that Priya so she could call the locksmith. He took his sweet time and within a minute of entering the flat had my room open for a lovely $187 dollars! This is now the second time this has happened in less than a year! Let's hope I have officially learnt my lesson. Thankful to be back in my room, I began getting ready for the night ahead. I had a lovely evening out for dinner with a friend. It was much needed and felt wonderful to get out of the flat. This weekend has been the first weekend in a very, very long time that some massive assignment isn't due in the coming week. Leaving room to have a more relaxing weekend, perfect timing really as Sonya's birthday is on Wednesday. Therefore, to celebrate we decided to do a wine tour in the Somerset Wine Region just outside of Brisbane.
The first estate, Ocean View Estate, was gorgeous. The second, Woongooroo Estate, had a lovely wine and cheese tasting prepared for us. Lastly, Winya Wines was our last stop. Snow and Sue, the lovely couple who own and run the winery, had us visiting and enjoying ourselves for a few hours! After our delicious lunch I was even able to surprise Sonya with a chocolate cake. After too much fun, we got dropped off back in Brisbane. From there we continued the celebration at Sonya's. Needless to say, I was feeling a bit under the weather this morning but have enjoyed a relaxing Sunday with very minimal amount of uni work.
The first estate, Ocean View Estate, was gorgeous. The second, Woongooroo Estate, had a lovely wine and cheese tasting prepared for us. Lastly, Winya Wines was our last stop. Snow and Sue, the lovely couple who own and run the winery, had us visiting and enjoying ourselves for a few hours! After our delicious lunch I was even able to surprise Sonya with a chocolate cake. After too much fun, we got dropped off back in Brisbane. From there we continued the celebration at Sonya's. Needless to say, I was feeling a bit under the weather this morning but have enjoyed a relaxing Sunday with very minimal amount of uni work.
We will continue Sonya's birthday celebrations this week and have a group dinner Tuesday night. Otherwise, I will be therapy planning, report writing, material prepping and practising my smooth speech for an upcoming assessment. I hope everyone in Canada is enjoying their May long weekend!