[Originally posted at: http://mbdownunder.blogspot.com]

 

I'm running out of titles for my updates. This entry's title = two of my favorite comfort foods. I've been having lots of honey on toast and big glasses of milk lately.

 

This time next week, I'll be finished with the semester, for better or for worse.  Today, I should finish a couple of assignments, completing two courses, leaving only two to go!

 

Last Wednesday, I gave my Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar presentation to my host club in Belconnen.  I've been to several meetings this semester, have gotten to know a few Rotarians, and am quite comfortable being a part of the club.  Upon arriving at the Belconnen Soccer Club around 6:30pm, several Rotarians told me that I better not talk too long because "today is the State of Origin."  I was confused at first but quickly remembered being told about this Super Bowl-esque rugby game between New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD).  (It's actually three games, played over about six weeks.)  Those reminding me to keep it short and sweet were, of course, smiling and laughing.  But as an Alabamian and an Auburn Tiger, I understood the "but seriously." look in the men's (and a few women's) eyes.  I quickly decided to skip the Powerpoint presentation and speak straight from my notes.  As a result, I think I spoke a bit too quickly and wasn't as organized as I might have been.  Still, my talk seemed to be well-received.  I gave a brief autobiography, describing my grandparents' and parents' jobs and how my family lived in Japan and England; I described small town Alabama and Auburn University; I highlighted some negative aspects about my home state before describing my favorite things about the South.  There was a good bit of laughter, particularly when I discussed good Southern cookin' (and obesity) - several Rotarians argued with my assertion that grits were a must-try.  And a couple of men shouted out  "Hushpuppies!" and "Okra!", expanding my list of southern food staples.  I ended the presentation by talking about some of my experiences in Australia and what I'm looking forward to during the coming months.  

 

After the meeting was over - I finished seven minutes early! - one Rotarian approached me and told me, if I was interested, he'd like to talk with me about his experiences as a commerce diplomat in Tehran and (I believe) Israel during the late 70s.  This was, of course, in response to my expressed interest in Islam and the Middle East.  I look forward to hearing about his experiences and asking some hard questions, particularly next semester when I'll be enrolled in an Iranian history course.  (YAY!)

 

Last Thursday was my belated 21st birthday bash.  Everyone dressed "southern" and congregated at a pool bar called Shooters.  Very classy!  It was a fantastic evening.  I'll post some photos later.

 

Speaking of dressing "southern" and the State of Origin rugby games... I was unsure of which team to support, New South Wales or Queensland.  Most people around here support NSW (we are basically in NSW, except we're in the ACT... like DC basically being a part of Virginia, except it's not), but I wanted to talk with a few QLD supporters before making my final decision.  After my birthday dinner at Wagamama's on Thursday night, a few friends and I were walking to Shooters in full southern costumes - jeans, boots, checkered shirts, cowboy hats, cut-off t-shirts with "BAMA" splashed across the front - when several inebriated Aussie blokes saw us and shouted, "Wooooo!  Queensland girls!"  This confirmed my growing suspicion that Queensland is to Australia as Alabama/the South is to the United States.  Ergo, I have decided to support Queensland in all matters athletic.  This has upset many of my friends, but I don't mind because I love controversy and competition. Plus, QLD destroyed NSW in game #1... I think we're going to win this year.

 

Monday was the Queen's birthday (it's not her real birthday - how confusing).  It was also Amy's birthday.  Despite the drizzle and cold, about ten of us had a picnic on the National Portrait Gallery lawn.  Salami, mature cheddar cheese, basil spread, sun dried tomatoes, and sourdough bread sandwiches = perfection.  After lunch, we visited several art exhibits, kicked around a soccer ball, and attempted to have a singalong, but it was really too cold for anyone to play the guitar.  Later that afternoon, Amy, her boyfriend James, Ben, Hannah, and I went to a fancy chocolate cafe for hot, sugary beverages.  Back at B&G, James and I cooked dinner for Amy:  I made pumpkin risotto, and he made the best cake I've ever tasted.  It was a happy birthday, indeed.

 

 Left to right:  

Ben, Dave, me, Julie, Shawn, Hannah, Amy, and Hayley 

in the National Portrait Gallery. 

 

Nic, Hannah, me, and Laura, post-picnic.