I'm Okay!

I sent out my "I'm Okay!" e-mail already but just in case I don't have your e-mail address, and you've heard about the recent anti-American protests over here, here's proof that I'm fine. Long story short, there's this video out there--made by ONE Anti-Muslim extremist--that is a degradation of Muslims and the Muslim community has taken that to be a representation of all Americans and have created these violent protests with burning of the American flag, etc. Those protests are in Sydney and Melbourne, places that I'm no where near. The University was contacted by the Consulate General of the US and we were forwarded this email:

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Consulate General of the United States

LEVEL 10   MLC CENTRE   19-29 MARTIN PLACE   SYDNEY   NSW   2000

+612-9373-9200          http://canberra.usembassy.gov

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS IMPORTANT

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens

September 20, 2012

Sydney law enforcement authorities have advised of possible anti-American demonstrations in Sydney for Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23.   U.S. citizens should avoid Sydney’s Hyde Park and its perimeter area and Martin Place on both Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23.  Previous demonstrations in Sydney on September 15, 2012 occurred in Martin Place and Hyde Park and turned violent. 

Melbourne law enforcement authorities have also advised of possible anti-American protests in downtown Melbourne on Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23.  Should they occur, U.S. citizens should avoid the immediate demonstration areas.  

Fast-forming anti-American protests in Australia remain possible.  U.S. citizens should in all cases avoid any political demonstrations that may develop and continue to monitor the Australian media and Consulate messages to obtain the latest information.  In the event an anti-American demonstration develops, U.S. citizens should leave the area promptly.  

The Department of State remains concerned about the threat of violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world.  U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance, to be aware of their surroundings and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  The U.S. Consulate General has advised its staff members to avoid attracting attention to themselves as U.S. citizens.  For additional information on maintaining a discreet profile, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad".  

U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.  These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture.  In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

The Consulate General will continue to monitor the information it receives and will provide updates as needed.

American Citizens Services (ACS)
Level 10, MLC Centre
19-29 Martin Place
Sydney, NSW 2000
Telephone Number: (02) 9373-9200
After Hours Telephone Number: (02) 4422-2201
Email: SydneyACS@state.gov

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I condensed it so that it wasn't as long as the whole page. Bad news spreads fast so I wanted to make sure that you all heard from me to know that this isn't affecting me here in the Gold Coast. Plus, I would like to look back on this and know that I was directly affected by this part of history. Students had to cancel weekend plans if they were going to Sydney or Melbourne but I am lucky enough to have that not be me.  

On a much lighter and personal note, I tuned into this technological world and found an app for my iPod that allows me to text for free. So, I've had a great past day catching up with a lot of you. The number is: (312) 529-8006 if you want to add it to your contacts as something like, "Australia Kaylie." I would like that to catch on. 

This past week of classes and sunshine was casual. I completed my first school project here and received a wonderful 19 points out of 20, so I patted myself on the back for that one! It feels nice to start off on a good note. Oh! And I finally have my debit card/Australian bank account. The wiring of the funds here was beyond excruciating and I owe it to my rockstar of a mom who got it all done on my behalf (Moms always figure everything out, don't they? At least mine does!). Never have I felt so helpless! And I think the my banker here thinks I'm a nutcase so I'm glad I was able to finally delete my 32 e-mail length thread with her--extinguishing the evidence.

We shall see where this weekend takes me. Today started off with being on the wrong bus for the beach, and never ending up there, so here's to a more successful day tomorrow! 

Just hanging out.