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