Study Abroad Blog

Australia. I cannot possibly fit all I want to say about the trip so far in such a short amount of space. Yesterday was DEFINITELY brutal. If you have every taken a long plane trip, you will know what I mean. Everyone was SOOOO tired yesterday. They made us stay up so the jet lag would not be as bad, but it was like staying up until 4 a.m. at home. BOOOOOO! It   was a long day to say the least especially after a not-so-pleasant airplane ride.

The airplane was huge, but it was still really tiring. It was our first experience with Australians. Man, I really do love the accent. It is absolutely gorgeous! The sarcastic humor is even better. The steward on the airplane was an Australian man probably in his mid-50's who kept cracking jokes on me... I don't know why I am such an easy target, but it always seems to happen that way. The plane was so big that it actually had two stories. I could not believe first class. The chairs would MASSAGE! I hope to get bumped up on the way back (wishful thinking for sure). The plane ride was 14 hours. It was a nice surprise for me, but still too long. It did not seem as long because I slept off and on for about 8 hours. We arrived in Sydney at about 8:30 a.m. (we lost an entire day!!!) I never had a Tuesday because it was lost somewhere in between time zones.

Yesterday was basically a day to keep us up. We were so exhausted, but they made sure we stayed up all day. It was pretty much torture although the Australian accents all around did help. After a long day of orientation, my two roommates and I came back to our home stay. Our house mom and brother are great. They are both very friendly and helpful. This is certainly a plus for the semester.

Today was filled with fun activities in the afternoon. We did a scavenger hunt around Sydney. An Australian police officer handcuffed us just for fun (the only time that will be happening during this trip!) We went around the city and then met up at the harbor right by the opera house. We took a cruise around the harbor just to relax and hang out. It was absolutely gorgeous. The trip ended with a scare. A man FELL OVER THE RAILING INTO THE HARBOR. I do not exactly understand how it happened, but our cruise ship was just coming in when it took place. He couldn't swim and was drowning. A member of the cruise jumped in and swam to him. (OK... I must admit, as scary as it was, I was more scared that the men would be eaten by sharks or something before a rescue boat could get to them... probably farfetched, but I have quite a fear of deadly animals... also the name of the dock is "Man-O-War"... if you don't know what that is... you should look it up. All I'm going to say is that it is DEADLY).  Luckily, it ended well. The rescue boat came before the sharks and as far as I know everything is fine. Thank GOD for Australians who aren't afraid to jump in the water.  

So... I'll leave you with this wonderful story... and the anticipation of a description of the people, city, culture, etc. in my next blog!

P.S. I LOVE Australian fashion!

Unfortunately, I did not suceed in only packing one suitcase. I tried really really hard, but it just did not happen. It would have been easier if I knew what I would need, but I really do not know what to expect. My parents dropped me off at the airport Friday morning. I was LA bound - A very tough morning for them I might add. I do not deal well with goodbyes and my mom's tears did not help any, but I know she meant well. It is really difficult knowing I will be so far away for so long. However, I will be with a reputable program, so I do not have to worry as much.

This weekend,  I spent catching up with a friend I have not seen in seven years. I thought it might be a bit awkward at first, but it really wasn't at all! We started out on Hollywood Blvd. I saw the Kodak Theater which was neat, but not what I expected at all. It is right in the middle of a lot of rundown buildings. The theater is surrounded by an outdoor mall. We ate lunch at Mel's Diner which did not mean much to me, but apparently the movie American Graffiti was filmed there. I apologize to anyone who thinks I should be ashamed for not knowing about the movie. 

My favorite day here was definitally today. We went to Rodando Beach. It was a beautiful day (75 degrees... unheard of in February at home!!!)  We laid out on the beach, went to a FABULOUS Mexican restaurant, and took a 2 1/2 hour bike ride along the coast. I love how healthy everyone is here! It is kind of strange because they do not have a lot of veggies served at restaurants (at least I did not see any). Everyone seems to be a lot more health conscious and it makes me SOOOO happy! I love a place that I can run outside all year long. I suddenly found myself making a life here in my head... but then again, I do that ALL THE TIME.

I wish I could put up some pictures, but I have to get to the airport soon! 18 hours in a plane YUCK!!!!!!!!!

Next time I post, I will be on the other side of the globe!!!!

Packing. Who knew one word could bring such stress to my life? I certainly didn't until Monday night when I began to pack. I can only bring one suitcase that weighs UNDER 50 pounds.... in this suitcase I must pack enough clothes for summer and winter, shampoo and conditioner, all other bathroom products, shoes, and so much more. 50 pounds!?!? Really now... who came up with that LAME weight anyways? Apparently THEY didn't realize people who go to foreign countries for long periods of time need stuff. The director of our program said we do not need to bring tons of stuff... the average Australian student studying for a year in another country only brings one large book bag. I do not see how they do it.

Okay... I admit it.... I am materialistic. I like my stuff. I am an American and apparently consumerism is more important to me than I thought. I used to think that I was an exception to the rule, but I'm seeing the truth LOUD and CLEAR. I know that admitting the problem is the first step in healing, but if at all possible can we start the healing process AFTER I get home from Australia??? I REALLY want to take MY stuff!

Since I don't think Qantas Airlines will be very lenient with me and I can't change a rule within a day, I guess I will be forced to learn how to take only what is TRULY necessary. I have always loved a good challenge... so maybe if I think of this as a competition (although the other competitors are unaware of it) it will be easier for me to purge beloved items from my bag in order to win the "competition". This probably sounds stupid, but how else will I convince myself to pack 4 months worth of stuff in ONE suitcase???

My point exactly!

February 8, 2010

Chicago O'Hare Airport to Atlanta Airport:

On my way home from visiting my boyfriend in Illinois

I love to travel. However, I guarantee it is NOT because of airports. I hate being shuffled through security like I'm one of thousands of sardines. This airport adventure turned out much like all the others except that I was chosen for a random pat-down search. I am proud to say that life returned to normal after I was violated by the woman searching for things that I would never have in my possession ESPECIALLY on an airplane. I tried not to be offended knowing that the "random" search meant they thought I looked like a threat... I am not a terrorist!

Disclaimer: I understand the importance of security checks... and I am very happy that there are measures taken to prevent something catastrophic from happening.

My favorite part about airports is the people. Once I get past the initial fear of terrorists lurking in every corner, I love to watch people. (This might be the reason they thought I was a threat.) Airports are the best places to find an eclectic group of people. I love to watch the business women and men with their briefcases and suits hurrying along like they own the airport or the families that are about to take a journey to their native lands walking proudly in authentic clothing. Where else in the world would these worlds collide? ONLY at an airport... It is so fascinating.

I always find myself engaging in conversations with random people. I like to think that others find me interesting, but in all reality I always begin the conversation. I am delighted to say that I somehow always end up beside someone from Europe on planes. They probably hate sitting by me by the end of the trip because I ask a hundred questions about anything and everything. I love to learn about other cultures :) The guy I sat by today is from Germany. I asked him what was the hardest thing he had to adjust to when he came to America 6 months ago. He gave me a fascinating response: the cashiers at Wal-mart are too slow in America. Although he commented on the wonderful service in American restaurants, he does not like waiting in line at the supermarket. I cannot blame him... it is rather obnoxious.

Another man I talked with while waiting to be violated by the security people :( told me about his 16 year old daughter who wants to attend Chicago School of Art and Design. He said that 4 months ago she found him on Facebook. He did not know he had a daughter, but he feels blessed to have a new relationship with her. I thought it was such a sweet story. Ever since she contacted him, he has flown each month from Phoenix, Arizona to Chicago, Illinois to spend time with her.

I find that talking to people and hearing what is important to them broadens my world just by hearing about theirs. I am blessed daily with stories that challenge me to change, lift my spirits, and make me think. Only 5 more days until my next big adventure! I wonder how many adventures I can create between now and then :)

-ChristinaLee