“No worries, mate!”

“No worries, mate!” A common saying...Stereotypical but true based on my experience

Today is day 10 in Australia. I have found a place to live, made friends, met some Aussies, started classes and beginning to slowly integrate myself here.  

A few things...

International events: Last Friday the university put on an event for new international students at an outdoor adventure park called Treetop adventures: This event was totally up my alley considering I am a low and high ropes course facilitator back in the states (as many of you know). This park was a bit different though in the sense that it was mostly a recreational course (“just for fun”) rather than for team building and teamwork type building skills. It had a series of levels that the participant could take part in (red, green, blue, and black). Black was the most difficult and was quite challenging in some parts for me! One example: “Tarzan” was where you had to swing from a rope about 50 meters high in the air into a spider web looking net and then proceeding to climb to the nearest wooden platform. Oh and there were tons and tons of flying foxes (we call them zip lines). Pretty fun J  

Campus life: The campus has a myriad of events it puts on for the students. One of those is tomorrow a back to school party at a place called bar on the hill. Yes, this is an actual bar on the campus (we actually have two). It seems to me that in the U.S we are very formal and perhaps more “uptight” about drinking in a social setting compared to what I have found here. It makes me think that the strict rules we have in America actually end up causing more negative than if there were moderation and more of a mutual understanding between parties. Just some observations…(my sociological mind at work).

Another event happening is an AFL game is Sydney this Saturday which I will be attending. AFL stands for Australian football league. It is similar to rugby (“footy”) but with quite different rules. I honestly have no idea of the rules of the game so this will be an interesting experience. 

“Beach bums”: The beach is constantly occupied and full of life. There are always people surfing, jogging, biking, walking, playing beach volleyball, hang gliding, boogie boarding and laying by the beach (Hang gliding is something I would love to try!!). There are even ocean baths that people swim in that simply fill up every day with the natural ocean water providing a safe place for people to swim in. Do people work here I ask myself? The answer is yes, of course. Many people just make sure to hit the beach before the end of the day. Although with it getting dark around 5:30pm it makes the timing of things a bit difficult. That being said though….this is the life y’all.

I have seen some of the most beautiful sunsets here in Newcastle.

The other day I saw a boogie board competition happening on the beach outside my house! Never a dull moment. My roommate has a surf board I am going to try surfing with sometime soon!

Home sweet home <3

I reckon I better save heaps of things for a later post ;) I hear the words reckon and heaps all the time! I love the slogans here. There are some people with extremely think Aussie accents where I have to ask over and over what they are actually saying......

What a whirlwind!

Where to begin…. Well... I finally made it to Australia!! These past few days have been very exciting and a little crazy with so many activities, house searching, finding a phone, orientation for school, etc.

I will say that this post is a bit all over the place (and perhaps not extremely logical...you know what they day about jet lag), but enjoy!

Upon first arrival I stayed three nights at a hostel called “backpackers by the beach” literally right by a beach called Newcastle beach. I stayed there while I searched for permanent accommodation. It was my first time staying at a hostel and I really enjoyed it! It gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of people from varying backgrounds each with a different story. In fact, this is where many of the university exchange students stayed while looking for something more permanent (they call it the "uni" here...it seems that every word has a slight abbreviation). All of the international students I have met have been great people. I have met students from Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Philippines, China, many other European countries, (and the U.S of course). 

So the big question.. where will I be living?!.... I found a a great apartment right next to the beach!! I can see the beach from inside of the place! I am living with an Australian woman who is 30 and works at the uni doing PR and media. Her name is Kate and she is truly an extraordinary person. I will also be getting another female roommate tomorrow who is from more of the countryside of Australia (she is 24 yrs old). I am looking forward to getting to know my roommates and getting a bit of first hand "Australian" info. There is also a lovely (lovely is a common word used as well) community (or so I hear) between our apartment and one other apartment that is very close (I have not met them all yet but they all seem to be very educated, well traveled and it makes me feel a little inexperienced...but it is great!)

The people here are so friendly, down to earth and have a great sense of humor! Everyone I have encountered has helped me when I have been lost, wandering, or simply want to talk with someone. I am looking really looking forward to starting classes so that I can meet even more people here. I have spent a little bit of time on campus with other international students for our orientation. All of the coordinators are great. For example, on the first day they brought in people with animals from a nearby animal conservation (a giant snake and two lizards). While I am terrified of snakes (as many of you know), I like lizards and actually held one! 

The animals: There are some very interesting birds, some that sound like a person laughing. I have been woken up by the birds almost every morning but I don't mind, I love the songs they sing! I have also seen whales, sea lions, and dolphins in the ocean!!! 

Here are a few photos from one of my first days. The city of Newcastle is surrounded (well for the most part) by 6 different beaches. I am within walking distance of about four. The one I have pictures from is called Nobby's beach (right by Newcastle beach) and it has a light house that is free on Sundays to explore.

The picture above is the view looking down at the city of Newcastle (I am on my way up to the light house)

Picture above: I met up with Giovanni, another student from Western studying at University of Newcastle!

Picture above: International students unite! All in picture are from Germany besides Giovanni and I.

Picture above: Palm trees in the city. Also, many people thought I was crazy to wear shorts during their winter. I'd say being from the Northwest definitely prepared me for the weather.

Anyways....I could go on forever and ever about this place but I will save it for a later post :)

I miss all of you (friends, family, babies, pets) back in the states!! Thank you once again for all of your support, it is much appreciated!

Remember... life is good, treasure the moments.. xoxo
You don't have to be far from home to be on an adventure. We can make one everyday.
Okay ya ya ya enough with the sappy stuff, I know....
More posts and pictures to come!!
Cheers!

On my way

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain 

Where: Newcastle, Australia. Newcastle (or Newy as "they" call it) is on the east coast of Australia about two hours North of Sydney. And yes, this does in fact mean I will be right on the coast in the midst of some of the most amazing beaches! 

When: July 18th

How Long: 5 months

Why: Why not? A little bit of debt is totally worth it.... (but seriously, it is!) 

What: I am traveling to Newcastle, Australia to study abroad at the University of Newcastle. I will an exchange student there taking Sociology courses that will go toward my major and degree in Sociology. I am looking forward to learning more about Australian history and the social world through my classes. One class I have already registered for is Aboriginal People and the contemporary world. Very interesting! 

Some thoughts: Throughout this entire preparation time I have realized that perhaps I should have been paying attention all those times my mom took charge in the airport and on other trips. Instead, I sat back, followed the leader and didn't ask questions. Traveling literally all by myself is going to be quite the experience. While I am a bit nervous, I am extremely excited to travel, explore, learn and hopefully meet some great people. Watch out world! I am independent, strong, and have self-defense courses up my sleeve. ;) I will try to keep you all updated as much as possible along this beautiful journey. Thank you to all of my wonderful family and friends who have encouraged me to pursue this dream (among many other dreams). I feel incredibly blessed to have such an amazing support system. You all mean the world to me!!

Cheers to new adventures! And G'day Mates!! 

In case you were wondering what this picture is all about: This is me, wide-eyed and ready to spend some Australian cash. "Momma, this money is real purtty"