Recent Happenings

I know it's been forever since my last update - the time moves so fast here and I tend to forget about a lot of things. But I feel it's really important to 1. keep everyone up to date with what's happening and 2. put it all down here so I won't forget! My last few weeks have mostly consisted of exploring the city, hanging out with new friends, and I've actually turned in some assignments. That first paper I had to write was a struggle, let me tell you. Most Australian students take a gap year and I don't know how they do it. Just a few months away from the books and I feel like my brain had diminished. The writer's block was bad and I even had to look up how to cite articles correctly...pathetic. Anyway, I'm in the midst of midterms and it's not very pretty.
To procrastinate doing any work I've explored a few of Melbourne's museums - most notably the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Museum...both were very impressive (and free!). I also have been on a few field trips for my Sport and Education class. We went to a netball game (kind of like women's basketball but dribbling isn't allowed) and last week we got on the Ocean Road to Anglesea where we got to go surfing and visit the surf museum in Torquey. I rode about 10 waves so I was so happy - watch out Westport, MA I'm bringing you some surf culture.
Most of all I've just enjoyed the feeling that I am truly living in Melbourne now. My time here is about halfway over which is so weird to think about - time has moved fast but at the same time so much has happened. Melbourne's named one of the most livable cities in the world and it's definitely true. I already feel so comfortable getting around and it's really starting to feel like home. I wish I had more time to explore this amazing country - I've already determined I NEED to come back.
Future travels that I am very excited about include a 6 week backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. Plans are still tentative and broad but hopefully a friend and I will be exploring Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and ending in Hong Kong before flying back to America sometime in late July/Early August. Should definitely be the adventure of a lifetime - I can't wait. It doesn't look like I'll make it to New Zealand (it's winter and going to be very cold there by the time I could go in June) but I've already decided I'm just going to have to come back.
I get to leave for my epic Easter break trip in 4 days!! Three girls from BC and I will be traveling up the east coast of Australia. We'll start with 4 days in Sydney, then fly to Cairns for some scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest tours, and SKYDIVING! ahhhh yes I will finally be jumping out of a plane (at 14,000 feet) and I couldn't be more excited. From there we'll take a bus down south again to Airlie Beach and then hop on a 3 day and 2 night sail, scuba dive and snorkel around the Whitsunday Islands. I expect to return bronzed, relaxed, and broke!

Melbourne :)