Coming into this program, I had no idea what to expect when arriving in Australia. The only thing that I knew about Australia is that the native animals, the accents, and the climate were a lot different from what we are used to in the US. I am pleased to say that in my first week here I have learned SO MUCH about modern Sydney and the history of Australia and its indigenous people. Everything has been a great experience so far from the city’s beautiful architecture to the beaches and the animals you see around them. I love exploring, and here there is so much to explore! Climbing to different spots where I can get my own unique picture that I feel like no one else may have gotten in that spot is also one of my favorite things to do. This shot specifically was just off of a walking path at Manly Beach.
I also love seeing the wildlife around here! Even though we are in Sydney where there is less of it, as you get closer to the beach you see different lizards, oversized bats, and beautiful birds. I got a cool shot of this little guy hanging out on a rock by the beach.
Outside of learning about what life is like in Australia through living it and learning about Australian history through my Aussie Life & Culture class, I’ve also been able to meet many great people and make a lot of new friends. You’d be surprised how many different places the people of Australia come from! I talk to the locals every chance I get, and they’ve only proved to be some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I met one man who says he is a pilot and has his own airplane, another man who was born in Venezuela and moved here, with who I had a short conversation in Spanish, a lady from Germany who has been here for two years doing charity work, and even another lady who is from Ethiopia who moved here when she was young. There is so much diversity in Australia! I’ve even made more friends from Bucknell with people who I have never gotten the chance to get acquainted with back in Lewisburg! I love meeting new people and passing good energy and hospitality on and here in Australia, I can feel that the love for mankind is mutual.
Overall, my first week in Sydney was great. I was able to learn so many new things, see a variety of new animals, and meet many great people. I am excited to see what’s in store for week two!