Back from an adventure

Above is a picture of me and the roommates--Alex, Nicole, Morgan, and Steph
Today was exhausting! We just got back from the orientation trip to Byron Bay. It was an amazing adventure. There was a group of 120 people from the Gold Coast campus, and we stayed in two different hostels--I was in the hostel that was only steps away from the beach with live music at nights, it was pretty awesome--although I wouldn't refer to it as being luxury, or even nice. It was called the Backpackers Inn, and the name pretty much speaks for itself!

The first day was spent kayaking in the ocean, where we were greeted by some friendly dolphins! It was a blast, and a pretty good workout! The night was spent out at a place called "Cheeky Monkeys," and it was perhaps even more wild than the name itself. The second morning was spent surfing, a group of 20 to 3 instructors! It was such a fun experience and I can not wait to do more of it, I never would have thought I would like surfing so much. I loved it! After lunch we took a hike up to the light house and walked down to the most easterly point of Australia, the views were breathtaking and could never be justified with any photo! The last night was held at the hostel with some more live music and a BBQ but a new found friend (Layla from Colorado) and myself opted to have sushi for dinner, so we took a walk to the local sushi joint where I ate the best sushi I have ever had! Today, being the final day was spent at a sanctuary where we got to hang out with koala bears and kangaroos! It was so neat to interact with the Kangaroos. The trip was so much fun, but I am so tired from it all!

Tonight is the last night of "O" week so we are all going to the Uni Bar for a "Beach Party!" (Uni is short for University which is very commonly used in Australia--they don't ever call it College, and they rarely say University.)

School starts on Monday!

Love and miss you all!!!

Pictures

Here are a few pictures so you no longer have to imagine where I am...
The campus village....The Bridge to school...A bathroom in the apartment...and a glimpse of my bedroom

Day 5

So here it is...day 5. Today I finally was able to sleep past 6 am...well at least 20 minutes past. My apartment is complete with our fifth roommate. Last night Nicole from New Jersey joined us and this morning Morgan from Australia completed the circle. So---3 Aussies and 2 Americans! I like them all! We went out for a night on the town last night, and had a blast, the culture is so much different and the night life is wild, these Aussies sure know how to party! All the American exchange students aren't too far behind! After last night I have decided to take it easy. A few people headed out to watch the surf competitions, but I opted to stay behind to lay at the pool and hit up the store so I don't continue to starve. It seems like every day is filled with a new adventure and I haven't taken a moment to relax...so that is what today is for!
Monday is the beginning of what Australians call "O week" (orientation). It is a week packed full with events and parties and more parties! Tuesday is the first orientation for us exchange students and then on Wednesday a group of Exchange students including myself are heading out to a place called Byron Bay for surfing, sea kayaking, and loads of fun! I can't wait---Finally I will get to see a kangaroo!! Life is good!

My first few days.

Well here I am...In the land down under. My life has gone through a complete 360 in the past week. From being in a place far too familiar with loved ones near to the other side of the world lacking all bits of familiarity. None the less it has been a glorious experience thus far.
My 14.5 hour plane ride was nothing, to my surprise it was easy--I was entertained by an endless amount of games and movies, and luckily I was a sleepy girl--both mentally and physically.
So.....my arrival was extremely welcoming! These Aussies are nice! The apartment complex is brand new and super modern, equipped with a pool, bbq area, basketball and volleyball courts! I was the first of five to arrive in my apartment--lonely but nice to have peace and quiet while I settled in. I ventured to the closest supermarket and learned how different things are in Australia, the food selection bummed me out--but I hear the selection is better at different markets.
A friend from home (Sean) came to greet me at about 9 30 pm and talked me into getting ready for a night out...so I did. We went out to a bar close to the University and had a blast. I met a ton of new people from all over the place. When I got home I was greeted by my second roommate--Steph, she is from Melbourne Australia and is a super sweet girl.

My second day in Australia was spent on the beach in Surfers Paradise--impressive, beautiful and so much fun! We had a blast in the water and getting to know each other!
After such a long day I slept hard...and am now getting ready to venture off to the store for some much needed things......