Friday, February 21, 2014

Adventures and Friends

I've made my first real friends here. Friends in a sense that we hang out, have fun, laugh and then make plans to hang out again the next day! We've been out to dinner a few times and have together explored the confusing and unorganized bus system here in Sydney. It is surprising that a city with so much to offer and so spread out, has only a system of buses. Getting to and from places can take multiple buses and unclear directions. It's been a fun adventure and we've been learning more and more with each excursion. Most recently we explored the harbor down by the Sydney Opera House. It made it seem real to actually be in Sydney. We walked around the corner and BAM! the Opera House was right there waiting for us. It was unreal how real it was. I almost felt like I was standing in a post card. It was the picture perfect day one always sees on advertisements.
It's quite amazing actually, how quickly we got used to the sight of such an impressive sight. As we walked in and out of the city and along the harbor it just appeared, showing its Swedish bricks everywhere we went. And the bridge! Oh my the bridge is also just like a picture!
We found there are these painted Rhinoceroses all over Sydney. They are part of some art piece though I've not really sure of their significance. The makers clearly knew I would be around as they all say not to ride on them, which is obviously my first instinct. Kissing will have to suffice until they quit being hard asses.

I love the lifestyle of much of Sydney. There is a laid back vibe that only coastal cities can give off. The cafes/bars/shops are each unique and interesting. Offering many different experiences right next to each other.


Lastly, we took a stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens. These are the oldest gardens and scientific institution in Australia. They have an outstanding collection of plants (focusing on native Australian plants and those from the South Pacific). Outside of the garden there are parklands with tons of grassy areas, fields and trees. It is a wonderful place to spend the day, read a book, hang out with friends, have a picnic or all of the above. We enjoyed the gardens and spent a couple hours hanging out by the water in the shade of some of the largest trees I have ever seen.







Campus!

First off, I'd like to point out that I am officially a student here. I even have an ID and everything.
The campus amazes me with how large it is. All of the buildings are close together and intertwined but there is still plenty of open areas and so many trees and green plants! 


Every time I am on campus I find new things. There are so many small passages that go between and around buildings that I often find myself in places I've never been and by buildings I didn't know existed. That being said, it's always an adventure. Likewise, I have found places and things that I couldn't find when I was looking. Mostly I've felt like I've been stumbling my way around campus, happening upon the things I need when the time arises. I've have however been asked for direction, upon which I requested that they should not listen to me as I am in a constant state of lost. 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Settling In

So many things to do while moving to a new country. I moved all my luggage (a whopping total of one suitcase) into my room yesterday. Thankfully my roommate has been super nice, he brought me to the supermarket and showed me which bank is good for international students. 

I even got to experience the city of Sydney on foot! I was brought to the meeting of the Sydney Harbor Runners group. We started by crossing the Sydney Harbor Bridge where I looked out at the city I will call home for the next 5 months. What stood out the most was the Sydney Opera House from the top of the bridge. The iconic picture of Sydney Harbor. No pictures of my own for now, too busy running but I will take some time to slow down and smell the roses (or see the sights, same idea). 

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Hightailing it Out of There/Touchdown!

Packing has been the most difficult part of getting ready. What is necessary and what can be left behind for 6 months is tougher than it seems. I am definitely one of those people who can't make decisions and often don't know what I'm doing tomorrow or even 10minutes from now, so to think about what I might possibly want to wear in 6 months is preposterous. I finally settled for the fact that in 6 months the decisions will have already been made and I will be wearing some combination of whatever I put in my suitcase before leaving, wether I want to or not.


The large waves of snow earlier in the week seemed a formidable opponent to my plans or traveling. Thankfully the cancelled flights had all been days before mine was scheduled and the weather only caused some delays. The airline was so nice. Pillows, blankets and headphones! As well as an interactive screen in each seat where you can choose from a variety of movies, TV shows, News, even board games! The meals were also delicious, that may have been a combination of my joy at having something else to occupy my time. 

Stepping off the plane (out of the airport really) was a great relief! For one, 24 hours is a long time to be traveling without much sleep or fresh air. Secondly, I left the cold and snowy tundra that is New York and stepped out into the warm, sunny Sydney air! Took a bus and met my new roommate! Now I'm all moved in and even more excited to experience these next couple months. Two things I've noticed that will take me some time to get used to.

A. Australian currency is so pretty! I don't even want to spend it. It doesn't feel real to me.




B. The driving on the left side of the road thing will take some getting used to.