Thoughts from Down Under-Part 1

I've decided that every Sunday I will write a little wrap up of the week, my thoughts, and general things in order to please Northeastern with my journal requirment. Since I've already stated my goals, in a previous post, I can officially say I have completed several. Goal#1-Complete. Learn to surf! Completed on Feb. 22nd at Manly Beach. Goal #2-In Progress. I have already spent a lot of time by myself, and it has been just like I thought it would be, which is very freeing. Goal #3-In Progress. I have played with kangaroos, giraffes, and just need to finish up with a koala or two. Goal #8-In Progress. I have wandered around the city, and spent two lazy days at the beach. Goal #12-Taronga Zoo-Completed. Goal #15-Complete so far! I am extremely surprised that I have not yet been homesick. I'm sure I will be at some point, but I am apparently still in the "Honeymoon Phase." Apparently next I will be in culture shock, complete with irritation and hostility...hmm...I can't see that happening at this point, but you never know. Then comes the gradual adjustment, followed by feeling at home. I'm wondering if it is possible to speed through all of these, because although I do miss home, I am really beginning to feel comfortable here. I am becoming acclamaited with the city, the climate (which was clearly extremely difficult...!!), and the people. Although whoever thought "Australian" is the same as "English" is seriously mistaken. Although we all speak basically the same language, I have had several encounters with the fast talking aussies whereihavenoideawhattheyaresaying.

Unlike a lot of people I didn't choose Australia for the comfort of knowing the "English" language. I've spent a lot of time trying to remember exactly why I chose this wonderful city. I had thought long and hard about going to either Spain or Costa Rica, or doing the semester at sea, but I somehow ended up halfway across the world, on some big, hot island. I think that there are various reasons I chose here--good science classes, beaches, warmth (although I am missing snow), and the ability to travel, but that the main reason was adventure. Being so far away, in a completely different place than the U.S. is a huge adventure. I love the outdoors, so I am able to spend time in the ocean, walking through the rainforest, hiking, skydiving, and generally just being outside. No matter the reason, I am extremely happy that I chose Sydney to study in.

I am also going to start a segment on lessons learned here in Oz. Here goes my first set:

#1. Do not try to make a kangaroo pose for a picture...It will punch you.
#2. Do not jaywalk. You will forget which side the cars are coming from, and you will get hit by a car.
#3. Do not tip. Just in general, it is considered rude.
#4. Do not expect that once you walk up about 100 stairs, while starving, to an observatory tower, on a hill, that there will be a cafe at the top and you will be able to eat. You will not find one. And you will need to walk back down.
#5. Do not walk home at 4:30 in the morning, from the bar. Just take a cab.
#6. Wear sunscreen. Do not expect that you will not burn with the spf 15 you brought from home, and applied a couple times per day. You need Aus spf 45, and it must be applied hourly. Or you will turn into a lobster.

That is all for this weeks update. I'm off to the Cairns (The Great Barrier Reef) tomorrow on a 7:10 am flight. I'll be back on Friday, and hopefully will have many new adventures to share!