Sorry for the delay of the update. This is the first time I have a stable internet connection of my own, so I decided to inform all four of you who look at my blog about my experiences so far in Australia. I arrived at the airport on Sunday, July 13th at 8:00 pm for an 11:50 pm flight, however with delays we left at about 3:00 am on Monday for Melbourne. We missed our connecting flight to Cairns and had to get a re-route through Brisbane. We finally got to Cairn twelve hours late and went strait to bed.
The next morning we woke up about six to head out for a day at the Great Barrier Reef. During the first session of the day, I went scuba diving for the first time and it was amazing. I was under for about 35 minutes. It was a little weird at first, because I kept wanting to go up for air, but had no need. During the next session we went out to this reef in the middle of nowhere where we got to snorkel. This was a breath-taking view. There were all of these colorful animals that would swim pretty close. It was amazing just sitting there and letting the ocean take me where it wanted me to go. It had a huge drop off that reminded me of Finding Nemo, I could have sworn it was where they went for that scene. We went out that night to the bar at the hostel we were staying and had a few drinks. The next day we went to the Nature Reef Park for an aboriginal (indigenous people of Australia) experience and to see some animals from Australia.
The next day we flew to Sydney and got acclimated with the city. I met one of my roommates Kris (Kirsten) who is from Australia. She is for lack of a better word, awesome. I have mostly been hanging out with people from my program but we have been going out to the pubs and bars soaking up the local culture because I want to be a good ambassador. I walked over to the harbor with some friends a few days ago, but not quite to the part with the Opera House. I have slowly been meeting my other roommates, Tash (from South Africa), and Francis and Leandra from the east coast of the states. I did see the Dark Knight on Sunday (with a review soon to follow) night with some Australearn people. It is indescribable how much I liked every aspect of the movie. All of the foreign exchange students have been having orientation the past couple of days, and I got my classes today.
Overall Australia is amazing and I couldn’t be happier. I do miss everyone, but this culture is helping out. I love my roommates and have me some good people from the program to spend some time with. Thanks for the people that asked how I am doing, and I hope Mission Viejo is functioning without me, and there me will more to follow….
The next morning we woke up about six to head out for a day at the Great Barrier Reef. During the first session of the day, I went scuba diving for the first time and it was amazing. I was under for about 35 minutes. It was a little weird at first, because I kept wanting to go up for air, but had no need. During the next session we went out to this reef in the middle of nowhere where we got to snorkel. This was a breath-taking view. There were all of these colorful animals that would swim pretty close. It was amazing just sitting there and letting the ocean take me where it wanted me to go. It had a huge drop off that reminded me of Finding Nemo, I could have sworn it was where they went for that scene. We went out that night to the bar at the hostel we were staying and had a few drinks. The next day we went to the Nature Reef Park for an aboriginal (indigenous people of Australia) experience and to see some animals from Australia.
The next day we flew to Sydney and got acclimated with the city. I met one of my roommates Kris (Kirsten) who is from Australia. She is for lack of a better word, awesome. I have mostly been hanging out with people from my program but we have been going out to the pubs and bars soaking up the local culture because I want to be a good ambassador. I walked over to the harbor with some friends a few days ago, but not quite to the part with the Opera House. I have slowly been meeting my other roommates, Tash (from South Africa), and Francis and Leandra from the east coast of the states. I did see the Dark Knight on Sunday (with a review soon to follow) night with some Australearn people. It is indescribable how much I liked every aspect of the movie. All of the foreign exchange students have been having orientation the past couple of days, and I got my classes today.
Overall Australia is amazing and I couldn’t be happier. I do miss everyone, but this culture is helping out. I love my roommates and have me some good people from the program to spend some time with. Thanks for the people that asked how I am doing, and I hope Mission Viejo is functioning without me, and there me will more to follow….
Cheers, Richard
