Destination Swinburne

 I've wanted to explore the Australian culture since I was in the 6th grade and jumped at the opportunity of spending a semester abroad as soon as I could. Where I went and how I went didn't matter as long as my feet touched Australian soil. After packing, repacking, packing and then repacking another five times, I was able to open my suitcases in my Australian apartment. What was inside my suitcases was a wide array of things from rock climbing shoes to dresses from school supplies to jewelry. What did I pack for? What was I ready for?

The answer is simply one that I haven't yet discovered.....

Even before my jetlag had ended, I had already bought metro tickets and been as far as Sandringham Beach, found my favorite restaurant Schnitz and found my new jogging route. I was in awe of the littlest things such as when I saw such use of public transportation by both small school children in all their colorful uniforms to the elderly who have seen much in their time.

Even the campus itself was a stark contrast to that of Baylor University. It is hard to grasp, and it is truly amazing to know that all these sights, sounds, people and things all stake their claim to the same world. Already having seen a footy game (Essendon lost by 100 points to Collingwood), shopped at Bridge Road, and seen the Fire Show at the Crown Casino, I am excited to see what else is in store. I am now ready to dive the Great Barrier, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, meet more random friends in classes, and have a two hour conversation about everything from philosophy to fashion.

I don't know when I'll be able to put the answer that I'm trying to discover into concrete words, but for now, I feel no pressure or time crunch to do so.

Abigail