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!

Dear Parents,

A couple of weeks before I left to head back to the States, I wrote my parents a list of items and foods that I had to have As Soon As Possible when I got back!  Here is the list:
1. Hummus
2. Cottage Cheese (okay, laugh if you want- but the Barber's kind is REALLY good!)


What is our first stop off of the airplane in LA? A DR PEPPER Stop!



3. Beef Stroganoff (I am realizing now that these are odd things)

4. Stuffed Chicken- it is this delicious dish my mom makes

5. BROWNIES (Aussies need to experience real American brownies!)

6. Wraps. . .preferably a chicken & chipotle wrap

7. Gyros (they had them in Australia, but I missed a Greek Cafe near home)


8. Blackberries/blueberries/raspberries/strawberries

9. ICE (ice cold drinks ROCK!)

10. Omelet- preferably with Velveeta Cheese (yes, I know that Velveeta is one carbon molecule away from plastic but it is sooooo delicious!)

11. Grilled Cheese Sandwich (again, with Velveeta Cheese- but preferably not the same day that I have the Omelet because that would be too much cheese!)

12. Whole Wheat Bread- yummmmm

13. Chicken Salad


14. Ice Cream. Definitely.

15. Mexican food (It is okay & completely acceptable if it is "Americanized" Mexican food)

16. Dr. Pepper. . .Mr. Pibb is acceptable

(Some of these items were available in Australia, but the prices were a lot higher.  For example, Dr. Pepper was $4 for a can because not much was imported in Australia.  Ice cream was also expensive- it was at least $5.50 for one scoop.  And for many other things on this list, I just missed what I was used to eating back in the US)

Sincerely, Me!

Follow Up on Foods. . .

Follow-Up Blog (after a couple months in the U.S)

1.       Hummus- ummm-DELICIOUS!  I make sure that we have it at all times!

2.       Cottage Cheese- I eat it way to much now J

3.       Beef Stroganoff- I.ACTUALLY.HAVE.NOT.HAD.IT.YET!  Perhaps dinner tonight?

4.       Stuffed Chicken- Yes, it is a classic!

5.       Brownies- Once or twice. . .but I have made PUPPY CHOW (I forgot to put it on the first list)

6.       Wraps- I have one for lunch often

7.       Gyros- yuuuum!

8.       Blackberries/blueberries/raspberries/strawberries- (I admit, I LOVE fruit and have them every day!)

9.       ICE- now appreciated in all drinks!

10.   Omelet- I have had one or two this summer- They are delicious

11.   Grilled Cheese Sandwich- so.good. (PS I didn’t eat them on the same day)

12.   Whole Wheat Bread- I have it every day!

13.   Dr. Pepper (and can I add to that Coke Icees?)

Northern Beaches, here we come!

What.A.Day.Of.Hiking!

     Megan and I had a mission- we were going to walk by as many beaches as possible (while allotting a little energy for the return to ICMS).  The beautiful landscape, variety of beaches, friendly people, and amazing weather make the northern beaches one of the best places to visit in Sydney.  Just pick up a Sydney Travelors Guide or any tourist information and I am sure that the northern beaches would be listed as a top site to see!

     And lucky us, because we did not have to take a ferry or any transportation to start this trek, because the location of ICMS was perfect for the start of this hike.  The plan was this: begin at ICMS and walk past Manly Beach first, then continue to the north.

     In the morning, we went on a small 3.5 mile hike around NorthHead.  Now, I can't remember why- maybe as a preparation for our super-intense one that we had planned, or because we did not think that our legs would be GEL at the end of the day after walking so many miles, or maybe it was because our time in Sydney was winding down and we wanted to fill our days full will adventure.  Very full with adventure!

     Megan and I walked by Shelly Beach, Manly Beach, Queenscliff Beach, Curl Curl, Dee Why, and Long Reef.  We continued walking to Long Reef point, where we were able to see Collaroy Beach and figured that it was a perfect place to turn around! 

     Though I must admit that we might have looked a little goofy- mostly because I had my ipod earphones hanging out of the backpack so we could listen to some tunes while we hiked.  We felt like serious, prepared hikers.  Sure, I know that people were wondering where the music was coming from. . .but they should know it is coming from us, the "walking jukeboxes," haha.

     Though we were absolutely EXHAUSTED when we got back (especially walking up Darley Road which is the steepest, highest hill EVER), it was such a cool experience.  Later on that night, I put our course in the mapmyrun.com to figure out the mileage and it was 6 miles one way + 6 miles back + 3.5 miles in the morning = 15.5 miles!!!  Through sand, dirt trails, and pavement. . .What.An.Adventure!

Our Route

      

One of my last trips into Sydney (for now!)

The Opera House from the Harbour Bridge

     With three days left in the study abroad trip, I wanted to make sure that I had seen everything in Sydney!  I had two things that I still wanted to do in Sydney which were seeing Luna Park and walking across the Harbour Bridge (why have I not done that yet???)



Sydney



     Luna Park was on the other side of the Harbour Bridge, so everything worked out very well.  Sarah, Kelly, and I took the ferry to Sydney and then walked across the bridge.  Of course, we stopped to take some pictures!  It was such a beautiful day and a perfect day to spend in Sydney!  

     Luna Park was our first stop!  When we arrived at the entrance, we were greeted by uhhh. . .a somewhat creepy smiling clown.  Actually, the entrance WAS the clown- you walk through the mouth to get to the park.  

      On a different note- want to provide hours of entertainment and laughs?  Take a picture of the entrance to Luna Park and upload it to Facebook.  Then, tag whoever you want as the creepy clown face.  If you are feeling particularly funny, add something in the caption.

     I did this to my brother.  After I tagged him in the picture, I wrote, "It has your eyes!!! And your smile!"  Secretly thinking that I got him, then he wrote back, "and your rosy cheeks." He is so funny. NOT!

     Anyway, we walked around Luna Park and Sarah got cotton candy!  In Australia, it is called Ferry Floss!  The view of Sydney and the Harbour Bridge from Luna Park was a new perspective for me and was absolutely beautiful! 

     Afterward, we went in the Skytower and to Darling Harbour.  In Darling Harbour, we watched a dance street performance that was great (many people play instruments, do arts, dance, and draw on the Sydney walkways for people walking by!)
     It was a beautiful day and exploring Sydney was the perfect way to spend it! 

      

A Man's Man Sport

     Australian football is, to me, considered a Man's Man sport because of the sole fact that the players tackle (like in American football) BUT they don't wear pads!!!  Yes, I had to see this for myself!
     The Sydney Swans took on Carlton (inner city Melbourne) on a rainy night at the Sydney Cricket Ground!  I bet you can guess who I cheered for---GO SWANS!  To understand the differences between American football and Australian football, I have compiled a list of 5 differences:

5. The ball has to touch the ground often to continue play

4. No helmets

3. You are not allowed to throw the ball forward- but you can "handball" it backwards.  

2. The players score by kicking the football between four posts.  (6 points are scored if between the middle two posts, and 1 point is scored if it is in the outside posts)

1. The guys wear short shorts.

(Note: Number 1 is a difference AND a benefit! haha, just kidding!)

     Lauren and I sat under the awning after it started raining and the guy next to me asked me what team I went for (of course he went for Carlton).  He told me that Carlton had the best football player in the nation- which is not exactly what I wanted to hear when the Sydney Swans were loosing!!!

     Though the Sydney Swans lost the game, it was close and a lot of points were scored for both teams- which I think makes the games more exciting!