FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Sorry y’all- I’m never coming home.

The flight from LAX to Sydney was not as emotionally taxing as I anticipated, although keep in mind I really thought I would lose my mind on the plane (yes, I’ve accepted my dramatic attitude as a character flaw). I had a great window seat back in row 70, which was a great move considering a lot of other kids had to sit in the middle seat (thanks again to my parents for splurging on early seat selection). We flew through the night and it was literally dark for 14.5 hours of the trip, which was totally bizarre, but made it very easy to pass out for the first 7 hours of the flight, and led to an incredible sunrise over the ocean as we landed. After a long, confusing few hours in the customs terminal—which included being selected for a bomb search and a very regrettable pass on duty free alcohol— I was officially in Australia!

Sydney is absolutely one of the most unique, beautiful cities I have ever seen. The pictures can hardly do this place justice, as everything is so much more vibrant and awing in person. There’s an almost overwhelming blend different styles, cultures, and lifestyles, and while these are hallmarks of basically every city, the transitions between areas seems almost seamless. We’ve been staying in a YHA (a youth hostel, which is basically a cross between a hotel and a dormitory that’s designed for young travelers) in the Ultimo area, which is home of places like Koreatown, Thai Town and Chinatown, but there’s quaint historic districts, sprawling gardens, tourist-ridden harbors, laid-back beaches, and bustling city streets, proving one place really can have it all—well, everything but decent WiFi (#firstworldproblems). While I knew I was a city person, the ability to escape to the beach or mountains at a moment’s notice is the really the best of both worlds!

 The seasons are opposite of the US because we are south of the equator, so Australians are in the middle of the winter right now. It’s definitely colder than I thought it would be (although in the dead of winter Sydney is only 50-60 degrees), and my “Southern roots” are definitely coming out as I’m shivering in my sweater and boots while others can manage to be in t-shirts…. Oh well.

The past few days have been my affiliate program’s orientation, and have been filled with exploring Sydney, getting acclimated to Australia (aka recovering from jet-lag) and meeting about 50 of the other students is hosting, who are studying abroad all over Australia. We’ve all become fast friends, and the people—both TEAN staff and the other students—have been so welcoming and friendly, which has made the transition a million times easier. Our program clearly knows what they’re doing down here, because we’ve probably had the best 4-day orientation ever. Highlights are definitely feeding kangaroos (which honestly exceeded all expectations), climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge and seeing the breathtaking views of the city from the top, getting soaked (fully clothed) by the waves at Bondi Beach, and trying out all the local foods (including the very adorable kangaroos- sorry little guys!). I’ve only gone out at night once so far because jet-lag has been a killer—if you know me, you know that I love my sleep and am not afraid to fall asleep anytime or anywhere, but I figured my new friends may not like me falling asleep on them at the bar quite yet—but the nightlife is so fun and there’s endless options, although my bank account may believe otherwise…. $9 cocktails get the best of everyone sometimes, ya know?

So overall, it really isn’t too bad to be me right about now. It definitely hasn’t hit me that I get to call Australia home for the next four months, but I promise you I won’t be mad when it does. It’s completely surreal to actually be here and beginning this adventure, and as cheesy as it is, I feel so lucky to be able to live in such a unique and beautiful place.

As I write this, I’m sitting on a plane to Cairns for a pre-semester trip (essentially a vacation… from my vacation), which we’re all very excited about. I’ll try to update as much as I can, although WiFi is a rarity and I’m pretty busy with snorkeling, rafting, drinking, swimming, drinking, scuba diving, kayaking, and obviously drinking some more (I’ve never felt more like a mom then when I watched all the under 21 crowd jump for joy as they got their first legal drinks #seniorproblems). Wish me luck!