81 Days.

     I flew back home from Australia on Saturday, May 14th (and because of the time difference, I arrived in LA before I left from Sydney!)  Since then, 81 days of summer have FLOWN BY and I wanted to update on how my study abroad experience has continued to be part of my life!
     I teach tennis to kids every day and they thought that it was soooo cool that I had been to Australia.  They asked 204703 questions about the food and living in a different country.  I don't think that some of the younger kids understand how far Australia is from the U.S., which makes me think back to what one child asked me before I left, "Lauren, how long will it take to drive to Australia?"
     And since I really did not know how to reply to this question, I said that it would take A LONG time to drive to Australia.  Especially if the car sinks and ya have to swim, haha.  But, even though their questions are a bit random and funny, I still enjoy talking about it- and especially love letting them taste Vegemite!
     This summer, I also have an internship at Merrill Lynch and my desk is in a cubical so I can hear all of the conversations around me.  Yes, I do feel like a creeper.  But I can't help it when they are talking loud near my cube!  Anyway, back to the story: when I was (trying to) work on the computer, I overheard someone say "Australia."  Without even knowing who was talking, I said (probably pretty loud), "I'VE BEEN TO AUSTRALIA!!!!" 
     We traded stories from our experiences, I showed him some pictures from my blog, and he pretended like it was completely normal to barge in someone's conversation (once again, I did feel like a little bit of a creeper).  It was great to talk about the places that we both had seen- like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.  Hearing his perspective and stories was great, since I knew exactly where he was talking about and it almost felt like home!
     I also have had the opportunity to skype my friends in Australia and the U.S.  I really enjoyed hearing about life, this term, at the International College of Management, Sydney.  Apparently, the new study abroad students are good, but not as awesome as we were (I don't know if my friends were just saying that though, haha).  I had the chance to talk with my ICMS roomie Lolo, Kate, and Christina.  It was a little before 7AM my time when I talked to them so I don't really remember the whole conversation, but I do know that they were wearing a ton of winter clothes because it is FREEZING there!
     I have also had the chance to skype Megan since I have been back, which was great!  And tonight, I am going to talk to Jessica, who was my roomie while in Sydney.
     It has been great to stay in touch over Facebook, but it stinks that I don't know when I am going to see my friends next.  Since we are all spread over the U.S., it is hard to visit (unless I take a huge RoAdTrIp next summer!)

     All of these stories are just a long way of saying this- The experience of studying abroad will definitely always be a part of me.  The little things in life that remind me of my journey, the friends that I have made on the trip, and the life skills that I have learned continue to shine in life- no matter what continent I am on :)
     I am blessed to have had this amazing opportunity and will never forget it.  Now, onto my new adventure. . .senior year!

Helpful advice and tips that I learned in Australia

Here is a list of some of the things that I learned while abroad, some advice, and some random information:

1.       Make a plan. . .but know that you probably won’t stick to it!

2.       Go with the flow! (Two words illustrate this point for the first week in Australia: Cyclone Yasi)

3.       Skype is a valuable resource for keeping in touch.  But, sometimes the person that you are talking to looks like a big blur on the screen!

4.       Be thankful every day!

5.       Spending time with people is important.  It is a lot more enjoyable for me to spend time with friends than on the computer.

6.       It is impossible to teach some things in the classroom- You learn by experiencing it!

7.       Hostels Rock!  But, if you are traveling with 4 people or more, check out the option of splitting a hotel room!

8.       Never be too tired to explore something new

9.       It is okay to be scared of some things- it only makes the end reward that much sweeter and fulfilling.

10.   Not all who lead know which direction (aka: me with a map!)

11.   Take pictures of all you can, but remember that what really matters is the experience.

12.   Try new foods (for instance, now I know what I can eat if I ever lose my taste and can’t taste anything: Vegemite).

13.   Boil water first before adding pasta.  Or else it turns out like goo, trust me J

14.   Send a lot of postcards (even if you think it is too many!)

15.   Take chances; live life!

16.   Do what you planned to do. . .even if it is raining

17.   Group projects are common.  I have learned that the enjoyment level of the project depends solely on the people in your group.  Group work was fun for me in one class, challenging and exhausting in another class, hard in another class, and IMPOSSIBLE in my last class!

18.   NEVER be too busy to go on walks with friends (especially if it is on the beach!)

19.   Sleeping on the beach might be the best thing ever.  Basically, you are doing two things at once: 1. Catching up on sleep and 2. Getting a tan!

20.   Wearing a business suit has pros and cons.  Pro’s- I don’t have to use my brain until my first class.  Con’s- Sometimes, I just want to be comfortable!

21.   The dorm window can take the place of a clothes dryer.  You save $4.

22.   People who study abroad should know a lot about the U.S. because others form impressions of America from you!

23.   Don’t be afraid to correct a teacher. . .especially if they are talking about something that you know well! 

24.   Sometimes, take the long way!

25.   Get to know your dorm hall.

26.   The Great Barrier Reef is magnificient.  Go there if you have a chance.

27.   Bus drivers can be some of the friendliest people (and talkative!)

28.   Continue asking questions and for advice from the front desk.  Even if it seems like a lot, you don’t want to miss out! J

29.   What you do is more important than what you get (Experiences and activities are more important than souvenirs . . . though it is good to have both!)

30.   Cheep meals at hostels are fun, cheep, and delicious (usually).  We have made meals like spaghetti, grilled cheese, and soup.  Skilled chefs right? Haha

31.   If you fall asleep with your mouth wide open, you will be made fun of.  No Questions Asked!

32.   Trains are an excellent way to get around Sydney.

33.   Ferries are transportation and a scenic ride all in one.  What more could I ask for?

34.   You get what you pay for.  This includes anything from flights to meals to souvenirs.

35.   I learned that true friends stay in touch!

36.   Spending time away makes me appreciate everyday things more

37.   Meeting people from all around the world was eye-opening and so cool!

38.   Do some things by yourself

39.   Spend money on experiences that you will remember

40.   Eat Tim Tams and Smile J

My travel maps:

What is important?

• "You plan and God changes" describes some of my experiences perfectly!
• Getting cards in the mail is the best!
• I Accomplished most of my To-do list :)
• Dream Big
• Plans change. . .and that is okay! (keep positive)
• 17 hour chart isn’t as simple as I thought (US adjusted time=16 hour difference) (Australia adjusted time= 15 hour difference)  New Zealand = 2 hours ahead of Australia, Brisbane was 2 hours. . .then 1 hour!
• Get to know people
• The same spot is never the same (it is amazing how the sites of people and scenery change every day, even when running along the same path)
• Don’t expect to be a pro at something when you are just starting (surfing)
• Talk with the natives- it is better than a tour book. (Like the ferry ride back)
• Sometimes it is nice to sit and not do anything
• Do something fun/new/exciting/ and random everyday.  I like the quote, “Do something that scares you everyday.”
• I realized how much I miss things at home.  (From little things like bagels to who my true friends are).
• Be thankful for amazing Internet
• Learn everyone’s name
• Take pictures of scenery AND people.  Scenery to remember earthly beauty and people to remember good times shared with friends.
• Hold random animals- even if it makes you nervous
• Bandicoots ROCK
• Ask for directions
• “You can sleep when you’re dead” is good advice. . .just not when you are waking up
• Set your Internet home page as the news in the country where you are.  It informs you on events and issues going on in the country where you are living, and also shows you how your home country is viewed.
• Be goofy!
• Live life & ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!