SNOW!!!

And enough for photos! It's been snowing on off here in Knoxville, and mostly only flurries, but last night my wish was answered. Sure, there wasn't enough for snow men or snow fights, but it covered cars and I could catch snow flakes on my tongue and I was very happy, much to the amusement of my roommates. Anyway, enjoy the photos!

One last note, I'll still post a final US exchange blog later this week, just had to let you all know about the snow!

Erin P xx

I'm a Pretty Pony!

And that's what you see/hear when you watch too much "What Not To Wear." I have a feeling my Mum and I would watch that show together a lot if we had it back home! And on that note, not long till then... like a week till I get on a plane and a couple more days till I'm home!!!

Sorry for no posts in so long, life is busy and full and I'm a little lazy... But I'm back now, and to show off my time, both recently and over all the time I've been here, it's a photo montage:



ALSO! The song behind this is by a wonderful (and LOCAL!) band called Faux Ferocious yay!

So apart from that I promise to add another post before I leave. Oh but one last thing before I go... it snowed yesterday! Only "flurries" as a few people put it, but enough to make me so excited my roommate Kristin laughed and I woke up my other roommate Stephanie! Oops.... But totally worth it...!

Love Erin P xx

Trick or Treat?

Happy Halloween everyone! Although the weekend is over, it was one to remember and America certainly shined. Halloween went for more than a day, it was an entire week!

First off was pumpkin carving. My roommate Kristin and I went to my friend Meredith's room and had our first ever pumpkin carving experience. We also got to eat roasted pumpkin seeds and a delicious sweet potato casserole and I am very thankful for the experience.

L-R: Kristin, me, Ava, also me!

Towards the end of the week went on a few "halloween" trips. First off was the Haunted House at Reese Hall (on campus). Went in with my friend Nicole and her friend Olivia. Thing is, Nicole doesn't get scared very easily, so she enjoyed the terror Olivia and I showed and even told people to chase me for kicks! Evil, but made the night even better ^_^

The next night was the Corn Trail of Doom in Corryton with Andy Holt apartments (or ARTA). Will and I headed the front group of ten people, whom one of them (A.J.) officially named "Team Pup-n-suds." The trip was wonderful, lots of screams, men with chainsaws, little kids being creepy, and almost no light (the stars were wonderful!). Made a few new friends, particularly with the girl who held on to me and I held on to back, Lauren. He he, all in all, another great experience.


Creepy corn......

 Then of course, it was the weekend. And what a weekend it was! The night began with me making a pasta meal for six people! (Who included Kristin, Janneke, Jieun, Chris, Doug, and me) The pasta I made was just simple stuff, added a sauce and made spaghetti, but everyone really liked it! I felt very grown up and proud of myself. Dinner parties certainly have a bit of a mature feel, except for the costumes of course....
Speaking of costumes....



L- R: Me, Kristin, Doug, Janneke, and Jieun



"MissFortune" and "King of Spades" Nick

 

Steampunk pirate and the Green Lantern
(AKA Will)


When we were ready, we went to "lol manor," which is a house a few of our friends live in and hung there for a bit. Then we went partying! It was a lot of fun. I didn't get drunk (took a while to find a good party) but it was fun anyway. Then we went back to lol manor and watched movies and stuff and I pretty much fell asleep on my friend Daniel! A bunch of people left (Will, Kristin, Doug, Janneke, some others) and only me and Jieun were left who didn’t live there.... well mostly!

After a long night and a nice sleep in, Daniel, Nick, Jieun and I went to Waffle House for brunch. I happened to be still in my costume (Nick had changed, Daniel just looked like he wears strange clothes he he, and Jieun's outift looked fine without ears and make-up) and the looks I recieved will be forever imprinted on my mind. It was a very interesting morning!

After that the rest of my day was very chill. Big weekends call for big chill out sessions. America impressed me like I expected and I am happy to say it was one of the best halloween's I've had ^_^

Erin P xx


The day after picture....!

Fall(ing) for Geeks

If my weekend was any better, I think I might've fainted from shock. There really isn't much to top it - and to think I was originally going to pass it up!!! So I understand most of you are wondering what the hell I'm on about. Okay okay, I'll get to it eventually.

First I need to talk about beautiful Fall in America! I finally understand why they call it fall instead of Autumn. The amount of leaves is amazing, and the colours of them are even better! Words can't describe it...

So, with the beatiful trees all around and cool weather ahead, my friends Alesha, Janneke, and I went to Nashville for none other than the Geek Media Expo! We started off by just chilling out. Unfortunately we came to late for on the day registration, however, one of the security guys was nice enough to let us be there, and even got us into some panels!!!

After looking at some awesome costumes, and watching the Pin Up Girl contest, and squeeing (as Janneke puts it) over CHRIS JUDGE, aka Teal'C from Stargate, we finally, wonderfully, and magically got a photo with him and Dominic Keating (Star Trek) and Janneke got one with Garret Wang (also Star Trek) and as if that wasn't enough, we saw Chris and Dominic outside afterwards and got to HANG OUT WITH THEM. We even got slaps on all our butts from each of them - please note how insanely drunk they were. But they were lovely guys, and very different from their characters! It was a great first day.

The second day, Saturday, we went to a bunch of panels and stuff. I bought a Squirrel of Mass Distraction (which liked to distract Janneke the most he he), we watched a Chris Judge panel, went to a Doctor Who Panel, watched a Tauntaun sleeping bag race (minus bags cause they only had one...), saw the movie Repoman (AWESOME!), bought Final Fantasy 8 for SEVEN BUCKS, and hung out with some cool new people (Kevin and Crew). Also saw Chris again who recognised us and said hi, and ate at Applebees - alright food actually!

After another hectic and long day, we slept in till about midday the next day and finally came home, exhasted but happy. And on that note.... picture time!

But a new week begins and it's back to uni - luckily with no assignments or exams due this week! Looking forward to a bit of relaxation before hell again he he.

Erin P xx

The Big Apple

Terribly sorry for being so behind - I feel terrible! So much has been happening and I've had so little spare time that poor blogging has been low on my list of priorities. Sigh.

Alas, I am here now to tell you about my wonderful Fall Break! New York New York!
The best way to explain my time there, is with photos (and captions yaaaay!) sss



TRUMP WATER! amazing...




New York through Central Park,
my favourite place in all of NY

 

Where Al Pacino used to have his coffee and cookies?

SEE: http://youtu.be/_ZILy1qRZTU



Pumpkin faces!



Times Square

New York from Empire State Building!




I HEART NY in leggo... and a very happy dad outside John Lennon's Dakota!

 

Carmine's restaurant :)

Imagine...

Carousel

SQUIRREL!







And so that's the summary, via photos of New York. My favourite place was Central Park and Strawberry Fields (in central park on j lennon's bday!!!) and my favourite thing was going up the Empire State building. Overall the trip was fun, but a little expensive! I definitely recommend going, but don't expect a dream, just expect a good time and some famous sights....

Erin P xx

Rocked You Like a Hurricane

My past week that is. I rocked it bad! Ha ha ha. Not as eventful as some, but a great one nonetheless. The weekdays involved some uni work, my awesome journalism teacher giving the class some extensions (thank you have-a-heart roessner!), cycling class, a trip to Outback (an "Australian" themed restaurant), some ultimate frisbee, and a few too many late nights.


At Outback with a platypus & a great white!

   I was very happy when the weekend came around, time to relax, if only temporarily. Friday night invovled a nice Skype chat with my Dad and Brenden, and then I hung out with Amaris, Janneke, and some of Amaris's friends at the "Bull's Balls," a fountain with a bull in the middle who happens to be very well endowed!

Saturday was the best day (and night) of the weekend. After sleeping in too long (10.30am, late but not as bad as usual for a weekend!) After watching the Vols only just win - not good team! - and doing some homework, having a nice dinner at Jason's Deli, Janneke, my roommates Stephanie and Lauren, and of course me went to a frat party at AGR.


Girlz Girlz Girlz - for real!

This frat party will be the benchmark for all others as it was my first. And it set the mark high! With free alcohol for girls (which happens at many parties in the US) and an 80's cover band called Girlz Girlz Girlz blaring out wicked tunes in a small room, the party was a big hit for me. During the night, saw our friend Ben (who was the frat member who invited us) and met up with my friend Meredith (and UT buddy from my last blog) and went to another party with her and Janneke. It was a birthday party with a "no pants" rule. None of us followed this rule, I think we were wise.

After a rather eventful night, we all crawled home. I watched some American Pie with my roomie Lauren, and went to sleep at 4am, waking up after 1pm - losing most of my day. However, it ended up in a nice lazy day and a nice end to my week.

But tomorrow it's back to classes and uni work and due dates - wish me luck!
Erin P xx

I Love my UT Buddies

I just wanted to let everyone know about what a "UT buddy" is, and who mine are, because I love them all! Before I came to America, I got an email from UT asking if I wanted to join up for a UT buddy, it basically said that, after answering some questions, you would be matched up with someone at UT who has been abroad previously and is most likely similar to you.

I was blessed with three amazing UT buddies and so far they have been some of my greatest friends here. They are Kristen (my first UT buddy who picked me up from the airport and took me on my first walmart trip! I will be forever grateful!), Meredith (my green mate who lives in the same place as me - which is good for free food he he), and Caitlin (my 3 Spoons and cycling class pal who also likes giving me baked goodies, love love love.). Unfortunately I have no photos with them yet (this will be changing VERY SOON!) so I had to scavange some from their facebook pages.


             

Left to right: Kristen, Meredith, Caitlin

Anyway, this post is to thank them for being wonderful UT buddies and friends so far and I hope we stay friends for a long time! (Cause when I come backk to visit, you guys will be first on my list  ♥.

Alas,  I must get back to the daily grind and finish homework!

Erin P xx

Tiny Fake People and Loud Experimental Wine

Another busy week and weekend!!! There is never enough time for university, exercise, and partying (all of which I have been doing weekly since I got here - especially the uni bit... of course....). As the weather cooled (temporarily might I add), I was reluctant to go swimming, and with the added stress of about three assignments and homework, I barely had time for much else.


Funnel cake and fried choc

However I did manage to go to a Japanese restaurant with mostly sushi called Nama with my friend Caitlin. It was delicious! A couple of days after that I had my regular cycling class, and finally, on Friday, I got my swim in (and what poerfect weather it was - 29 degress celsius!). Also managed to go downtown with my friend Kristen and eat at Tomato Head, another awesomely delish restaurant / cafe.

After a long week with a lot of stress and a few treasured breaks, the weekend had begun - which started with a trip to the fabulous Tennessee Valley Fair. A little like the Ekka, it made me feel a little closer to home. Until I saw the funnel cakes and friend chocolates that is! Which I haven't had either of yet - but will do before this trip is over!



Ferris wheel <3

 After eating dinner we all went on the rides, including something similar to the ride at Dreamworld called the Vortex (for an example see this American woman's fun at the one i just mentioned!), a circlular ride where you felt a little like a mouse in it's wheel - except you went ALL the way around the circle!, and finally a ride that is way too hard to explain on a blog, but was called White Alps (had toboggan style carts). Oh, and I have to mention the side show named "The tiniest woman in the world." It claimed that she was half the siz eof her son (how the HELL did she give birth to HIM??!?) and that if you went inside (for 50c), and she was dead, you'd get a $10 000 reward. We didn't go inside.

After all the scary cool rides, all of which Iw ent on with my friend Rebecca, we (the group I was with) all met up to go on the Ferris Wheel. Classis fun!

After such a fabulous night, we were in for a scorching day. Tennessee Vols vs. Florida Gators in 30 degree heat, NOT in the shade, standing in a popular and crowdy section made for a mostly painful game. Luckily, Janneke got us some Minute Maid Soft Frozen Lemonade. Best stuff in the world! The heat slowly became too much so we left at halftime to watch the rest of the game - which we unfortunately lost - at home.

After a terribly hot day, and a relaxing afternoon, a few of us went to a little place called Pilot Light in downtown to see some music recommended by a friend, Connor.  The bands were... interesting. One was lovely, the other was good but a little too loud and a little too experimental for me. Afterwards we hung out at my apartment for a while, sipping wine. All in all, a lovely day!

And now, today, I have to get back to finishing some uni work. Procrastination is a terrible habit, but I enjoyed updating everyone, so procrastination well spent!

Erin P xx



Downtown lights

The Golden Machete

Last night was an... interesting experience. After a cancelled bike ride (damn weather), bad mistake of wearing thongs (damn weather!), me, with Janneke, Amaris, Krisitin, and Sullivan in tow (let's play guess the American!), all walked past crazy VOLS fans, people selling tickets and ponchos (the latter of which we bought - DAMN WEATHER!), and a bunch of shops, to reach our destintion of The Golden Shisha.

Now, if you haven't guessed what The Golden Shisha is yet, it is a Hookah Bar, which happen to be legal and very popular in America. I'd also like to let you know that NO I did not try any. I would rather Machete sliced my head off before that one happened (good movie by the way!). I went for the food and the experience, and there were plenty of witnesses to agree with that one, not to mention if you knew me well enough, you know I'd never do it.

And if you don't know me that well, the reason I wouldn't is cigarettes and tobacco. Hookah involves a water pipe (see picture) and shisha, which can either be like the stuff in cigarettes (nooooo!!!) or marijana (illegal!) that is flavoured as a variety of fruits (which smells lovely!) butof course the shisha at this bar happened to be the first one, which, although not illegal, would be against every moral I have. Therefore, not for me. Nonetheless, I did want to see the place and see how everything works, and so I went along :)

So, after sitting round, having a nutella and banana and strawberry crepe (YUM!) and watching the thunder and lightning rage outside, what was the next logical step to the weather? Yes, of course, it cut out the power. The weather loved everyone SO much last night. The football game was stopped temporarily and we were stuck in darkness.

However, this brought about a lovely moment. A piano was in the bar, and it turns out one of the owners, a lovely little young woman, could play it. She sat down, said that "this is perfect for phantom of the opera!" and she played. It was eerily beautiful.

After that, decided to go home an leave the people still smoking to watch a movie (Eurotrip) with Janneke and Kristin. AND found out that they have a channel with Adult Swim! My life was complete for a third time since I've been here. Until i fell asleep halfway through Bleach. But now, I really have to get to some uni work. which has been put off for two days.

Bad Erin.
And happy weekend to the world!

Erin P xx

What's so different about America anyway?

In comparison to Australia, America, or more correctly Tennessee, is very different!
I started a list in my travel journal, which is still yet to be complete, but I thought I'd put down the ones I have anyway :)

Free drink refills - and they come to you :)

Frats and sororities

1c coins

Take home boxes

"Flip flops"

Miles and right side driving

15% tips almost everywhere

Squirrels - which I think are insanely cute!

Hookah bars

Insane tax! 9.25% yikes

"Y'all"

Feet and inches

Age 21+ drinking

z NOT s

Southern sweet tea and rocking chairs

"Mom" and "color"

Snow - sometimes

Dorms

Almost everyone walks to class

Starbucks everywhere - not a fan

And, in general, a lot like the movies!

And the list goes on! I might even do another one later on when I get some more differences, I'm sure I've forgotten some even now, but it's a good start!

Anyway, not much else to report. The weekend has begun which is great! Might be going to the movies tonight, going bike riding in the Smokys tomorrow (let's hope it stops raining!!!), meeting a friends new kitten, going out sometime Saturday night, watching the VMAS Sunday, and of course some uni work inbetween it all. It'll be a good weekend.

Erin P xx

Weekend Woes

The weekend began Friday morning. There were a few people leaving for home, for Nashville, for their family and their friends. But those of us left behind were left to enjoy football, Boomsday, and a multitude of parties. I was one of these lucky left-overs!!!

American football is not that great. Sorry to any of my American friends reading, or Aussies who for some reason enjoy US NFL, but the actual game leaves a lot to be desired. This is the general gist of it: someone passes the ball back to the quarterback, who generally passes it forward to someone, who runs for a bit, gets tackled, and then the game stops for five minutes before beginning the process all over again. This turns a fifteen minute quarter into a fourty-five minute quarter. Major sad face.

However, if there's one thing that saves the pain of stopping and starting, it's the awesome cheerleaders, and the even better marching band. Songs like Good Ole Rocky Top and male cheerleaders doing pushups really do make a girl a lot happier to be sitting in the heat counting down minutes.

In conclusion, Aussie football is better, but ringside entertainment in the US beats us hands down!!!

The next day was the Boomsday fire works. Not unlike Brisbane's Riverfire, the fire works were done on the river against music. The difference in Knoxville is that the fire works are astounding and insanely larger and more impressive in number and design. However, there wasn't a fuel drop, 'nuff said.

Inbetween all these events I did a bit of partying, and too much sleep. Which i intend on catching up on very soon. I haven't been asleep before 5am for a few days now and it's 4.35 now, so, on that note, good night, good morning, and g'day!

Erin P xx