A Kominar Chronicle: In the beginning… 

No, ladies and gentlemen, I am not endorsing the usage of GoldBond medicated body powder. It is in fact a clever play on words that segues nicely into what I wish to inform you about.

Australia is a big country once flooded by convicts. A land such as this must be home to some interesting characters and I intend to befriend them. From what I can tell I appear to be heading into the lion’s den of delectation and recreation, a tourist favourite lined with sandy golden beaches as far as the eyes will see. For now, I intend to provide a cursory glance at the landscape you can expect to hear me talking about in the future.

So, where am I going? Gold Coast, Australia

Click the map above to explore at your leisure.

More specifically, I’m heading to Bond University. Part of the Robina suburb, it can be identified by locating the large circular walkway near the Olympic sized swimming pool on the western edge of the map. You can also click on this and Flickr will show you a handy box detailing exactly where the university is.

I’m enrolled in the Juris Doctor law program. By having three semesters a year, the program allows me to finish in two years what would otherwise be a three year degree. This seems to be the story of my life, from finishing high school early, to completing a five year co-op undergraduate in four years, and now a three year law degree in two. I’ve been managing well so far and have no complaints about my apparently rushed schedule.

In closing, I apologize for the terrible wordplay that opened the article. You can expect higher quality quips in the future.

For the past two years I have been fortunate enough to be employed on campus working for Teaching Support Services. My duties were many, but mainly focused around supporting WebCT users. It was quite enlightening to see the gamut of web-savvyness come through my mailbox. It’s sometimes difficult trying to decipher the enigma of a half-hearted technical explanation that gets relayed to me daily. As a succinct and bona fide example I offer you the following: “Please help me, I need the best things in physic” (sic)

As I finish my last day of work I reflect on my memories of what was a thoroughly enjoyable work experience. For the sake of the reader and my lackluster memory it will be kept short and sweet.

• A stellar interview involving discussion of Montessori philosophy and demonstration of grammar zombies
• The convenience factor of work and school being physically intertwined. Combined with work being very accommodating at accommodating my educational accommodations
• Consistently besting my co-workers at lunch hour games(Including but not limited to: Checkers, Solitaire Showdown, Yahtzee)
• Being recognized as “University of Guelph Co-op student of the Year” for my work
• Free peanut M&Ms being stored in an $80 candy machine on my desk
• Having ‘an office’ on campus
• Having my own ‘official cookie distribution centre’ on campus
• Avoiding catastrophe.. sometimes

Heartfelt thanks to TSS and to my exceptionally cool-headed manager Richard for taking me on.

Passport application: $100
Australian Visa: $400
Medical Exam & X-ray: $180
Overseas Healthcare Coverage (2 years): $600
Plane Ticket : $1,300
Pickup from Airport : $40

For about $2,500 you too can fly to Australia. It’s an expensive trip folks, but one that will undoubtedly be worth the investment.

At approximately 3 weeks to departure I’ve finally arranged flights, acquired international visas and planned accomodations on the other side. I fly out of Toronto at 6:00 P.M on Sept 2, heading to LAX. After a relatively short flight it’s time for the long haul, Los Angeles to Sydney then on to Brisbane. I’ll arrive 10:30 AM Australian time on Sept 4th.

As I’ve never been on a plane before, I’ve been receiving many pearls of wisdom from my well-travelled friends.

• Wear comfortable clothing/shoes
• Opt for pants over shorts incase the plane gets cold
• Sit next to an attractive female
• Sit in an aisle seat to increase mobility
• Ask for the whole can of pop

In closing, here is a picture of me with a cute puppy. My parents have decided to retrieve another dog from the breeder and will soon be the proud adoptive parents of Ekko Logical Kominar, a cuddly Golden Retriever.