The Last Day (Sadface)

Hey folks, today was a low key day, but still filled with fun. I slept in today, and made myself breakfast. I cleared the dishwasher and filled it, and Jola came downstairs saying that Max wasn't feeling well. She went to pick him up and brought him to the doctor to get a medical release, and in the mean time, I Skyped with the whole family since it was Super Bowl Sunday back at home! After talking to Kyle, Jola and I drove through the mountains to the Healesville Animal Sanctuary, which is known for its Birds of Prey show. We drove past beautiful hills filled with vineyards and hills. I learned that the mountains here have a blue haze around them (that's why the Blue Mountains are blue). Apparently, it's thought that the oils from the eucalypt trees (aka gum trees) leave a vapour that scatters UV light, so that distant objects appear blue. I looked it up and the blue haze is caused by chemicals called terpenoids from some trees. Really, the hills are a hazy blue from a distance even on a clear day. Jola explained how the eucalypt oil and vapours catch fire easily, which is responsible for the frequency of bushfires.

I told her how beautiful her children are (and they are), and how talented they each are (and they are). And then I spotted an echidna crossing the road! A lady had to get out and stop traffic so it wouldn't be run over, but I decided that they are the cutest animals. They have the most adorable little snouts!

We made it to the sanctuary, and I finally saw a big kangaroo! It's nice to know that some kangaroos, like the red kangers, actually average 5 feet tall (I looked it up lol). They are the country's largest mammals (and marsupials!), and I would NOT want to be on the wrong end of one. Kangers are almost like deer are in Illinois. They're really common and cross the road / become roadkill.

After the roos, we went to see the animal hospital where the staff was in surgery with an injured wombat involved in a vehicular accident. We could see the whole operation, and the wombat will survive. Right after, Jola and I went to see the platypus since I hadn't seen one yet. They're not easy to spot and prefer quiet and dark, especially when eating. We went to the platypus exhibit, and they were so cool. They're really curious looking animals with the tail and the beak, and the fact that they lay eggs is strange. We even went to a platypusary where baby ones grow up. I did not make up that word.

From there, we saw reptiles and dingos before heading to the Birds of Prey show. The show was super cool, and featured trained birds like ospreys, black cockatoos, owls, buzzards, kites, and witch-tailed eagles. The birds flew around the arena, over our heads and were incredibly well trained and beautiful. After looking at the rock wallabies, tazzie devils, pelicans (smelly), Jola and I looked at the shop. Jola surprised me with an echidna and platypus stuffed animals, which were perfect (and fluffy!). I mentioned the day before that I would love to squeeze an echidna, too. I love her; she is so beautiful and fun and down to earth. :D

Stephanie: Is it a marsupial?
Jola: Stephanie, EVERYTHING in this exhibit is a marsupial!

After a quick Subway lunch, we went home hung out with everyone. We had Chinese for dinner, and Jola and John ran off to a quick appointment for Jola. Beata, Peter, and I had a blast on failblog and awkwardfamilyphotos.com even when John and Jola came home. Jola brought out Tim Tams for dessert since she knows they are my favourite Australian treat (I will miss them terrible). We had fun looking at photos of the weekend, and took a group photo which was my last request. We had to fish Peter out of the spa for the photo, which explains his outfit (he such a silly boy lol). After that, Max went to bed (and I sad my final goodbye to him) while Jola, John, Peter, and I went in the spa (hot tub). Peter and Beata were excited since they got to stay up and have fun on a school night, and I was happy they could. John and I spoke about Union Pier, and Beata was so excited for her visit in July. I can't wait to see her again, and she kept making me laugh when she kept saying that she wants me to stay. Really, this weekend has been my favourite weekend so far, and the Starkowskis have been so kind, generous, and welcoming; they're house is so beautiful and the backyard is filled with lemon, fig, plum, and chestnut trees. I hope that someday I can return John and Jola's generosity, and I hope that Beata and John will come up to Union Pier for a few days. Seriously, that girl is my little sister. I really hope that I can come back after dental school and visit again. Melbourne has been a real jewel of a city.

All in all, I spent some amazing days with some amazing people, and while I hate to leave, I know that it means that I'll just have to come back someday.