The Swinburne Wanderer

My time here at Tec de Monterrey University in Mexico has come to an end. Today I sat my final exam here and tomorrow I move to Mexico City to begin my two months travelling.

It has been an exciting and extremely busy semester both academically and socially. Quite remarkable to think that it has only been 4 months when it feels like we have built a whole life here. The friends we've made and having great memories puts a smile on my face.

Even though the academic semester is quite long and with a heavy workload, I have found spare time that I didn't know existed and made the very most of my time here. It certainly helps having a broad network of international and local friends all living within a stones throw of the university, when a quick text message can bring out friends for a night out or simply to catch a movie, which is only $4 to make the most of the night.

University is a very motivating place to study I will certainly miss the architecture and the gardens with all the animals such as the deer and the peacocks. They have even gone to incredible lengths to decorate for Christmas with lights and nativity scenes scattered throughout the university.

I will miss the casual way of Mexican life, the ease of taking a $2 taxi almost anywhere in the city, the amazing food that is available at all hours of the day at prices that honestly make you question why you would bother going to the supermarket and preparing a meal yourself.
As exams wrap up for this semester, every day more exchange students head off on holidays or their return journey back home. The number of farewell parties is overwhelming in anyone's books, let alone in the middle of the exam period, but fortunately the exams are much less stressful than those we are used to in Australia.

My memory has been centered on one major trip with my Mum to Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. An amazing place, it is teeming with incredible scenery and wildlife that is unlike anything ever seen before. Our four-day cruise with intrepid will always remain with me as a highlight of my trip and being able to travel with my Mum, after showing her the best parts of Mexico, was really special.

I did have an unfortunate incident in Ecuador where my camera was stolen off my belt as I walked through the streets of Quito on a Saturday evening. It is important for other travelers to Central and South America to have an understanding of the local culture and existence of poverty so that they will be mindful of their belongings.

Now that my time has come to an end here in Monterrey, I will travel south with two fellow Swinburnians through Mexico City and Chiapas down in the South-Eastern arm of Mexico. Our plans from there are rough, but will hopefully encompass Guatemala, Belize and Cuba! This will be my last blog.

Please feel free to ask more questions and I will reply to the best of my ability. In closing I really just want to emphasise how brilliant study abroad is and how amazing Mexico is for international students. It exceeded all expectations, we all agree here that it is one of the best places to visit as an exchange student, especially if you're keen to learn Spanish and enjoy avocados!

Highly Recommended!!!
Adios Amigos!
Brenton.