Before I get into the school stuff...my weekend was amazing! On Friday afternoon my friends and I took the bus to The Rocks, the oldest part of Sydney. We walked through the market that they have every weekend, and then made our way to the Harbour Bridge. We walked across the bridge which I think is about a mile, and then we rode the ferry back. The view of the Opera House from the Bridge was incredible...I don't think I will ever have too many pictures of Circular Quay.
Then on Friday night my friends and I went to one of the biggest rugby games of the year. We got last minute tickets online to the Australia Wallabies vs. the New Zealand All Blacks. The game was at Olympic Stadium which was spectacular. We sat way up in the nose bleed section, but we were dead center looking at the field, so we saw everything perfectly. The fans were great too...it was awesome to hear Australia's national anthem (with everyone singing it loudly), and the Waltzing Matilda song/chant. And the best part is that the Wallabies won 34-19!
The biggest highlight of my weekend was that my friend Ashley and I went to Hillsong Church on Sunday morning. It’s a big church and it is known for the traveling band that sings worship music. It was very contemporary and different than I’m used to at home, but the people were all very welcoming and we even met a girl from Uni of Sydney who told us more about the church, Bible studies, and college group. I’m excited to get to know her more and try out all that the church offers. God really answered my prayers to find a Christian community here, and I am so thankful.
I started class today and it went really well. I had 2 lectures today which were bigger than I’m used to, maybe 50-60 students. On Mondays and Thursdays I have 3 classes (2 lectures and 1 tutorial), and then on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I have 2 classes, (a combination of lectures, tutorials, and a lab). It is weird having to leave for class 15 or 20 minutes early to get to where I need to go—since at Hope I can run out the door 2 minutes before class and still get there on time. But it is refreshing to experience something new, so I am learning to embrace all of the differences.
Have a great start to your week, everyone. Keep looking for updates because I will be posting every 3 or 4 days. God Bless!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A New and Exciting Culture
After being in Sydney for a week now, I am finally starting to get acclimated to the new culture here. I've learned so much already in the first week--from figuring out the bus and train systems to learning more of the Australian slang.
I visited the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and wow, is the harbor ever beautiful. My friends and I want to sit in the Botanical Gardens and study there sometime to enjoy the great views.
I had orientation for uni (Aussies are big on shortening words) on Monday and Tuesday. University of Sydney is the first university in Australia and students say that it is a mix between the campuses of Cambridge and Oxford...personally I think it looks like Hogwarts. Very beautiful inside and out. There's even gargoyles! I also finalized my class schedule today. I will be taking Australian Multicultures, Climate and the Environment, Media Relations, and Music in Western Culture. No days off like last semester, but still a good schedule.
I went to Bondi Beach on Wednesday too, which is the most popular beach in Australia. The waves were huge and the view of the cliffs off the coast was amazing. It's winter here so there wasn't anyone in the water or surfing. My friends and I just took lots of pictures and enjoyed the beauty all around us.
I got a gym membership today at the hospital down the street from my apartment. It's a short walk and much cheaper than joining the school's sport and fitness center. It's just what I need to stay motivated in my running...especially because I signed up for the City2Surf race here in Sydney. I am sooo excited because I really wanted to do a race when I came to Australia. It's a 14K on August 10, starting in Hyde Park downtown and ending at Bondi Beach. There will be lots of people (the race closes at 60,000) but I know it is going to be an awesome experience.
Have a great weekend everyone...you are always in my thoughts and prayers <3
I visited the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and wow, is the harbor ever beautiful. My friends and I want to sit in the Botanical Gardens and study there sometime to enjoy the great views.
I had orientation for uni (Aussies are big on shortening words) on Monday and Tuesday. University of Sydney is the first university in Australia and students say that it is a mix between the campuses of Cambridge and Oxford...personally I think it looks like Hogwarts. Very beautiful inside and out. There's even gargoyles! I also finalized my class schedule today. I will be taking Australian Multicultures, Climate and the Environment, Media Relations, and Music in Western Culture. No days off like last semester, but still a good schedule.
I went to Bondi Beach on Wednesday too, which is the most popular beach in Australia. The waves were huge and the view of the cliffs off the coast was amazing. It's winter here so there wasn't anyone in the water or surfing. My friends and I just took lots of pictures and enjoyed the beauty all around us.
I got a gym membership today at the hospital down the street from my apartment. It's a short walk and much cheaper than joining the school's sport and fitness center. It's just what I need to stay motivated in my running...especially because I signed up for the City2Surf race here in Sydney. I am sooo excited because I really wanted to do a race when I came to Australia. It's a 14K on August 10, starting in Hyde Park downtown and ending at Bondi Beach. There will be lots of people (the race closes at 60,000) but I know it is going to be an awesome experience.
Have a great weekend everyone...you are always in my thoughts and prayers <3
Friday, July 18, 2008
I Finally Made it to the Beautiful land of OZ
This past week has been absolutely crazy!! I will try to sum it up rather quickly since SO much has happened.
I left for Australia on Sunday the 13th, but with many delays our group did not arrive until late Tuesday night. It was the longest 2 days of my life!! We were delayed in LA for 3 hours, left at 3 am...and therefore missed our connecting flight from Melbourne to Cairns for our 4 day orientation. We had to be rerouted to Brisbane, and then flew to Cairns. So 4 planes in 2 days was pretty brutal. But nevertheless, everyone made it safe and sound to beautiful Australia!
We stayed at Gilligan's Backpackers and Resort, a big hostel in Cairns. It was really nice, but with 8 girls in a very tiny dorm room with big luggage, it was a little crammed. By the end of our stay everyone was ready to move in to their own rooms and stop living out of suitcases!
On Wednesday our AustraLearn group (40 students) went scuba diving and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef! It was stunning. The Passions of Paradise company was so great, and the instructors were all very friendly and helpful. Simon, my instructor, got my friends and I safely to the bottom of the Reef in Michaelmass Cay. We saw lots of fish...including Nemo, and a huge sea turtle. It was unreal to see a completely new world under the sea! I also got to go snorkeling in Paradise Cove, another beautiful area. If you are ever in Australia, you must go to Cairns and see the Reef. I completely understand why it is the 7th wonder of the world...God is awesome!
On Thursday we went to RainforeStation, where we met native Aborigines, watched them play their tribal instrument, the Didgeridoo, and learned to throw a boomerang. The best part was that I got to hold a koala bear and feed kangaroos!! They were so cute, just eating out of my hand. We also saw a crocadile feeding, which only happens once a week, and even saw the wombat, who hardly ever comes out of his cave underground. We also went on a tour of the rainforest in an Army Duck, which reminded me a little bit of the jungle in Ecuador.
On Friday we packed up and finally headed to Sydney! We arrived last night around 5 PM to our apartment complex. It's called the Sydney University Village, and it's located just about a block from the Uni. I am living in a 5 bedroom apartment right next to my friend Danielle, so I am so happy about that! Let me just say that it was a little awkward to walk into my place...everyone was already moved in except for me, so I felt like I was intruding...haha.
I have 2 American roommates and 2 Aussie roommates. Sarah and Brendan are American...Sarah's from Cleveland and Brendan is from Flint, MI. Yeah Michigan!! He actually knew where Hope was which was quite exciting since hardly anyone has heard of it. I haven't met my Aussie roomies yet, but one is named Tim and he is a senior at the Uni. Don't worry Dad, he has a girlfriend! haha :) And Alex is the Aussie girl who is also a junior like me and the rest of my roommates. It's definitely weird living with strangers, but I know things will start to become familiar.
Last night some of the girls and I walked to this shopping center about a 15 minute walk away, and went to Kmart to get stuff for our rooms. I'm sure it was quite a sight to see 7 girls lugging huge bags down the street!
This is the first chance I have had to check my email and update my blog, so I apologize for the delay! When I register for classes on Monday I will get my pin number for the internet. I think I have found a new favorite coffee place down the street too. It's Gloria Jean's (I know...not that unique since we have it in the States), but you get free wifi for an hour when you purchase a drink (I'm on my 2nd coffee...). It feels amazing to finally be connected to you all, because honestly, I have never felt so far away from the US in my life. It's just such a comfort to lean on God and have Katie here too.
My friends and I are going to take the bus to Sydney Harbor right now...what we've all been looking forward to! We are going to try to learn the bus system today and get our SIM cards for our cell phones. The Pope is here for World Youth Week, so maybe we'll run into him! Katie and I have not been in contact yet because of my lack of internet or cell phone, but we are planning on meeting up in the city tomorrow. I can't wait to see her!!
The weather is beautiful, 60-65 and sunny, and the city has a different feel to any city I've been to in the US. It's really exciting to be here and I can't wait to go exploring today! I love you all and miss you. I will be putting up pictures soon! If you have facebook, I already put some up, so check them out! God Bless.
p.s. The accents are wonderful!! And hearing it all the time has made me start to think in an Australian accent :) I'm starting to pick up on the lingo which is used much more than I thought. I love it!
I left for Australia on Sunday the 13th, but with many delays our group did not arrive until late Tuesday night. It was the longest 2 days of my life!! We were delayed in LA for 3 hours, left at 3 am...and therefore missed our connecting flight from Melbourne to Cairns for our 4 day orientation. We had to be rerouted to Brisbane, and then flew to Cairns. So 4 planes in 2 days was pretty brutal. But nevertheless, everyone made it safe and sound to beautiful Australia!
We stayed at Gilligan's Backpackers and Resort, a big hostel in Cairns. It was really nice, but with 8 girls in a very tiny dorm room with big luggage, it was a little crammed. By the end of our stay everyone was ready to move in to their own rooms and stop living out of suitcases!
On Wednesday our AustraLearn group (40 students) went scuba diving and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef! It was stunning. The Passions of Paradise company was so great, and the instructors were all very friendly and helpful. Simon, my instructor, got my friends and I safely to the bottom of the Reef in Michaelmass Cay. We saw lots of fish...including Nemo, and a huge sea turtle. It was unreal to see a completely new world under the sea! I also got to go snorkeling in Paradise Cove, another beautiful area. If you are ever in Australia, you must go to Cairns and see the Reef. I completely understand why it is the 7th wonder of the world...God is awesome!
On Thursday we went to RainforeStation, where we met native Aborigines, watched them play their tribal instrument, the Didgeridoo, and learned to throw a boomerang. The best part was that I got to hold a koala bear and feed kangaroos!! They were so cute, just eating out of my hand. We also saw a crocadile feeding, which only happens once a week, and even saw the wombat, who hardly ever comes out of his cave underground. We also went on a tour of the rainforest in an Army Duck, which reminded me a little bit of the jungle in Ecuador.
On Friday we packed up and finally headed to Sydney! We arrived last night around 5 PM to our apartment complex. It's called the Sydney University Village, and it's located just about a block from the Uni. I am living in a 5 bedroom apartment right next to my friend Danielle, so I am so happy about that! Let me just say that it was a little awkward to walk into my place...everyone was already moved in except for me, so I felt like I was intruding...haha.
I have 2 American roommates and 2 Aussie roommates. Sarah and Brendan are American...Sarah's from Cleveland and Brendan is from Flint, MI. Yeah Michigan!! He actually knew where Hope was which was quite exciting since hardly anyone has heard of it. I haven't met my Aussie roomies yet, but one is named Tim and he is a senior at the Uni. Don't worry Dad, he has a girlfriend! haha :) And Alex is the Aussie girl who is also a junior like me and the rest of my roommates. It's definitely weird living with strangers, but I know things will start to become familiar.
Last night some of the girls and I walked to this shopping center about a 15 minute walk away, and went to Kmart to get stuff for our rooms. I'm sure it was quite a sight to see 7 girls lugging huge bags down the street!
This is the first chance I have had to check my email and update my blog, so I apologize for the delay! When I register for classes on Monday I will get my pin number for the internet. I think I have found a new favorite coffee place down the street too. It's Gloria Jean's (I know...not that unique since we have it in the States), but you get free wifi for an hour when you purchase a drink (I'm on my 2nd coffee...). It feels amazing to finally be connected to you all, because honestly, I have never felt so far away from the US in my life. It's just such a comfort to lean on God and have Katie here too.
My friends and I are going to take the bus to Sydney Harbor right now...what we've all been looking forward to! We are going to try to learn the bus system today and get our SIM cards for our cell phones. The Pope is here for World Youth Week, so maybe we'll run into him! Katie and I have not been in contact yet because of my lack of internet or cell phone, but we are planning on meeting up in the city tomorrow. I can't wait to see her!!
The weather is beautiful, 60-65 and sunny, and the city has a different feel to any city I've been to in the US. It's really exciting to be here and I can't wait to go exploring today! I love you all and miss you. I will be putting up pictures soon! If you have facebook, I already put some up, so check them out! God Bless.
p.s. The accents are wonderful!! And hearing it all the time has made me start to think in an Australian accent :) I'm starting to pick up on the lingo which is used much more than I thought. I love it!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
1 Week to Go!
It's hard to believe that I will be on the plane heading "down under" to Australia in one week! My twin sister Katie is also going, which makes me less nervous and more excited! Our schools will be about 20 minutes away from each other, so we plan on hanging out and traveling together :) My packing is almost finished (hopefully not over the weight limit!) and I will be saying my good-byes shortly.
I will be studying at the University of Sydney about 5 minutes from the city's center. There are 47,000 students there, so it will be a big change from Hope's small campus! I am living in an apartment with 4 other students either from my program, AustraLearn, international students, or Australians. It should be quite interesting since it is supposedly a co-ed apartment...
I leave on July 13, but won't arrive in Australia until July 15. As I'm sure you are well aware of, the flight is extremely long! I am flying into Melbourne from L.A. which will be a 15.5 hour flight, and then I am flying to Cairns for my program orientation, a 3 hour flight. It's going to be one loooong day, but well worth it when I finally get there! For my four-day orientation my program group will be going snorkeling/scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, seeing the wildlife, and learning about the Australian culture. I have always wanted to see/pet a kangaroo and hold a baby joey(so cute!) so maybe my time has come :)
All in all, I can't wait for my Aussie Adventure to begin! I will probably be writing a couple times a week, but if you would like to post comments or email me, I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you and how your lives are back in the States. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could keep me in yours too. Thank you so much and God Bless!
I will be studying at the University of Sydney about 5 minutes from the city's center. There are 47,000 students there, so it will be a big change from Hope's small campus! I am living in an apartment with 4 other students either from my program, AustraLearn, international students, or Australians. It should be quite interesting since it is supposedly a co-ed apartment...
I leave on July 13, but won't arrive in Australia until July 15. As I'm sure you are well aware of, the flight is extremely long! I am flying into Melbourne from L.A. which will be a 15.5 hour flight, and then I am flying to Cairns for my program orientation, a 3 hour flight. It's going to be one loooong day, but well worth it when I finally get there! For my four-day orientation my program group will be going snorkeling/scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, seeing the wildlife, and learning about the Australian culture. I have always wanted to see/pet a kangaroo and hold a baby joey(so cute!) so maybe my time has come :)
All in all, I can't wait for my Aussie Adventure to begin! I will probably be writing a couple times a week, but if you would like to post comments or email me, I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you and how your lives are back in the States. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could keep me in yours too. Thank you so much and God Bless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
