Entry 4

Today is the last day of Orientation Week here at UWS. There have been parties almost every day starting early in the afternoon and raging well into the night. Australians really do work hard to play hard. On Tuesday I went to visit Taronga Zoo. They had Red Pandas, Koalas, Kangaroos, Platypus’, and many other animals I’d never seen before! Public transportation is amazing— I didn’t realize though just how much time I would spend on trains. Friday I took a ferry to Manly beach, which was very similar to Southport in Wilmington. The weather has been perfect this week, and Saturday I went to Bondi where they hosted Vans Off the Wall Skate Competition. I don’t think I’ve ever found a place as cool as Bondi Beach. The cove and cliffs are similar to those on the West coast of the US, or in the Mediterranean, and the restaurants are amazing! For lunch I had steak and avocado bruschetta at this small hole in the wall bar. Delicious. The food here is always very fresh. Today I ate an Australian Mango for lunch— might have been the best piece of fruit I’ve ever eaten. I’ve mostly settled into my room— bought a juicer and some hangers— making everything livable and comfortable for the next five months. Classes start tomorrow— I’m a bit nervous. I feel the same way I did before the first day of class at UNCW. What will the standards be like? Where will I stand compared to the other students? I am confident however that I couldn’t prepare more. I’ve read everything I’ve been given, and done plenty of my own research. I’ve also given myself something new to look forward to. A group of exchange students decided to go to the Future music festival March 8^th and I bought my ticket yesterday. One of my goals was to go to a concert while I was here— a festival will be even better! Check back next Sunday as I’m sure to vent about classes. Haha poor me— doing accounting homework on Bondi with a Mango in my hand.  

Entry 3

Week One— whew. A plane delay in Charlotte got my connection flight switched from San Francisco to Los Angles— unfortunately my luggage went to San Fran. The positive is that I made it to Sydney on time and in one piece! I managed without luggage for two days but was happy enough to cry when I saw my bags being walked into the front office. I am staying in the campus housing in a five-bedroom apartment. Currently I have three roommates but may be getting a fourth. The guys are great and have gone out of their way to make sure I feel welcome. I miss my roommates back in Wilmington a lot, but am making friends fast. So many of the students are international here so it’s not uncommon to hear six or seven languages outside my window. The food might be the only disappointment— not terrible but expensive. Asian food seems to be more common than anything else. I’ve gone to Parramatta central twice, and it is very impressive. I was expecting a city similar in size to Wilmington, but now I’d say it’s closer to Charlotte or Greensboro. Thursday I made the trek to Sydney. I took the ferry— slow and relaxing, then the express train back. When I got off the boat I had no cell phone, no maps, and no idea where I was going. Being a humble tourist and asking for directions more than a few times saved the day. It was very hot and I probably walked a dozen miles, but am glad I got a glimpse of what’s in store for this semester. The train ride back only took twenty minutes! Orientation was on Friday. I saw a koala bear and learned there is a zoo where you can hug them! No spiders spotted yet— I’ve been on the lookout. Classes start next Monday, so I still have time to relax and enjoy summer. Hope everyone in the US is enjoying the snow! 

Entry 2

My journey to the future begins tomorrow. No, not actual time travel, but as close as humans have come so far. Tomorrow at 6pm my flight for San Francisco leaves from Charlotte— I connect to a second flight that will pass the international dateline and I will skip the tenth of February landing in Sydney on the eleventh. As per Delta airlines regulation all my clothes, shoes, books, toiletries, (and bowtie) for the next five months have been packed in one fifty-pound suitcase.  My classes are set— a shuttle is picking me up at baggage claim— orientation for UWS begins this Friday. Being my last night in America for a while I realize there are many things I’ll miss— my family, southern food, my friends in Wilmington, and the convince of being adept to my surroundings. I won’t miss the cold— that’s for sure! While I’m abroad I plan to take every opportunity I have to experience the country and the culture— scuba diving, bungee jumping, and trekking the outback to name a few. As Mr. Danforth would say, “Carpe Diem!” I will— every moment.

Entry 1

T – 15 days until I leave America. Usually people talk about the stress, excitement, and anxiety of moving to another country— I only feel impatient. I learned in October that I had been accepted at the University of Western Sydney for their fall semester (yes fall in AU is spring in the US). After reading my acceptance letter I took a bike ride around the dub— realizing nothing would stop in my absence. But my level of comfort in Wilmington was too high. My routine was too monotonous. I was ready for an adventure. Since then time seems to be moving progressively slower and slower every day. I chose Australia because so much about the land, the history, and the culture is abnormal— the people are very similar to us though. English is their primary language, so if (God forbid) I find myself in a serious crisis, I should be able to communicate with anyone available to help. Also, relations between AU and the US are very good and very stable. I had the opportunity this past week to have lunch with the student I am exchanging places with. His name is Dane and I hope I gave him as much helpful information about North Carolina as he gave me about New South Wales. My goal is to use this blog to stay in touch with family and friends who want to know what life is like on the other side of the world. I will try to update it weekly and keep my posts condensed (because I know I’m a long-winded writer). Thank you for all for the well wishes— if you want to help the time go by, I’m idling in Advance for the next two weeks.