I was looking back at my old blogs and I came across one about challenges I thought I would face on this trip.

 The first challenge was packing one suitcase. I succeeded in packing only one...well I did bring an extra small suitcase, but I'm not counting that one! However, I really do not know why they were so adamant about packing so little. There is not a day that goes by that I do not stop and think about something I almost bought that I need now. It is quite aggravating!

The second challenge is keeping up with world issues. I have failed at this one miserably. I think it might be because I am so busy with everything else, but I really have failed at keeping up with the world. I don't know how I am supposed to keep up with world events, Sydney events, and everything that is going on back home!

The third challenge is learning to manage my time around public transportation. This has been the most difficult. I lose SO much time on buses and trains. Thankfully, my homestay mom loaned me a bike. It has been a lifesaver.                                                   Me and my roommates on our first bikeride to school!

 It still takes 30 minutes to get to school by bike, but at least I get exercise while getting to school. Another way I have tried to utilize my time is by journaling on the train. I tend to forget my personal journal most of the time, so knowing that I have nothing else to do on a train is motivation to write.

So I guess it is obvious that the challenges I made for myself before the trip did not go over successfully. However, I think that the challenges I have faced and overcome have shaped my character more than the silly challenges I set for myself at the beginning. It is amazing the way my expectations and reality do not always match, but somehow I still end up getting a lot out of each experience I encounter.

So set goals, but do not fret if you do not always follow through... if you look back you can probably see SOMETHING accomplished along the way :)