Sydney!

Hey there!

Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve blogged but I’ve had the most insane past couple of days! As you know I spent Thursday through Monday in Sydney which was absolutely amazing – something I will never forget. Once back in Townsville I had to seriously crack down on some assignments because the week after next is spring break which means the lecturers are piling on the work load now!

I do want to give you a quick summary of my time in Sydney.. which started on Thursday afternoon around 3:00pm when we got to our hostel called X Base. I was surprised to find how perfectly positioned it was – we were right next to one of the largest streets running through Sydney and only about a 20 minute walk from the Opera House and Sydney Bridge. As soon as our taxi dropped us off in front of the hostel we quickly checked in and threw our bags in our room. We stayed in a small room with ten beds (bunk beds) that squeaked worse than any bed I’ve never been in – needless to say I barely slept during my stay.

Once we had dropped out bags we immediately hit the pavement – heading in the general direction of the water. It was the most amazing, beautiful day and we snapped pictures as we weaved our ways through the streets of Sydney. The lighting was perfect as it was late afternoon and the sun was beginning to set. I was in amazement at the buildings and people – it was one of the most unique and interesting cities I have ever visited.

We made it down to the Sydney harbor just as the sun was setting and got some amazing pictures of the bridge and opera house. It was the first time I really felt like I was in Australia – seeing the historical landmarks just made everything so much more real. I was also travelling with a small group of my peers which made me feel so independent and just.. alive. I don’t know it’s hard to explain, but that first day in Sydney was just magical – nothing in the world could bring me down.

After walking for about four hours we decided our stomachs needed to be fed and headed to this little restaurant we had spotted earlier. I had the most amazing chicken risotto and we took our time enjoying each other’s company and marvelling at our surroundings. All and all it was an amazing day and perhaps one of the best days I’ve had in Australia up to this point.

The next day (Friday) we woke up and went exploring yet again – wanting to see the city in the morning. We walked for about three hours then headed back to X Base for a free bus ride to the beach with a BBQ included. We squeezed on this giant party bus with other residents of X Base and spent the ride to the beach dancing and singing to the blaring music. It was quite the experience and so much fun. Once at the beach we all hung out and the representatives from X Base organized some games on the beach that a lot of people participated in.

Saturday was a cold and overcast day, but it didn’t stop us from waking up early and exploring the city some more. We headed to the harbor again and bought tickets for the ferry to the zoo. The ferry ride, despite the cold weather, was actually enjoyable because we were able to see the harbor from a completely different view. The zoo itself was absolutely amazing and the rain held off until just before we were leaving. I was surprised at how close we were able to get to the animals and the views from the zoo were incredible – the zoo itself is on a giant hill that overlooks the harbor.

Saturday night we spent getting to know our other roommates – four English travellers about our ages. Two of them were girls who were friends from home and happened to meet up in Sydney. One of them plans to stay for awhile and currently has a job at a school and the other was making a quick stop before heading to L.A. The other two roommates were guys who decided to take a year off before heading to college and travel together. They had just been in New Zealand for three weeks and are planning to drive up the coast of Australia then heading to China for three weeks. It was so interesting just talking to them about their travels - the things they have seen and places they have been.

Sunday was our last day in Sydney and we spent it wandering around yet again – we walked for over five hours, exploring new parts of the city. We decided to walk all the way to the bridge and on our way passed this street called the Rocks. Apparently every Sunday they have a farmers market there and we when we passed we were surprisingly met by hundreds of little tents set up all along the road. People were selling everything from strawberries dipped in chocolate to Christmas ornaments. We had a great time just wandering through the tents, trying free samples and looking at the crafts made by Australians. Eventually we made it to the bridge and walked about half way across – spending time just to stop and look out the city. By the time we got back to X Base it was already dinner time so we washed up and headed to George Street (the major street in Sydney) and grabbed a quick bite to eat.

Our last night in Sydney included us all snuggling up in our room and watching movies on my computer. It was a nice, relaxing way to end the most amazing trip. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the amazing café that was right down the street from X Base. I found it the first morning in Sydney and had a cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich there every morning after. It was a little Mum and Pop shop owned by this adorable Greek family. I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the food was delicious! Perhaps one of my favorite parts about Sydney was finding my little café!

Anyway – since being back I’ve buckled down and been trying to get a lot of work done. I have already turned in two assignments since being back and next week is full of midterms. Tomorrow night we have this big get together with all of George Roberts and other than that I will not be socializing with anyone this weekend – it’s time to get serious! J

Hopefully I’ll have time to post here and there this next week – Sorry for the long span between this one and the last one!

Love and miss you all xoxo 

Sydney Bound

Hey everyone,

So I haven't written in awhile - mainly because absolutely nothing of any interest has happened. Haha, okay well that's not entirely true because every day here seems like an adventure. Basically, I spent the weekend with my textbooks and read.. a lot. I think I read over 300 pages of text - that has to be some sort of record. Can I at least get a high five for that effort? Thanks :)

Monday a bunch of just went to the River for awhile to soak up the sun. I grabbed some of these huge, industrial inner tubes and we made our way there. It was hot as! (That's a saying here..! and one of my favorites!) I actually only stayed for about an hour and a half because I was already starting to get burned. Regardless, it was a great way to mix up the day and the sun always puts me in a great mood.

I also have been sticking to my behavior modification assignment by going to the gym regularly. The other day a bunch of us went for a run around 7:00pm through these neighborhoods behind George Roberts. At first I was hesitant because I'm really not an outdoor type of runner (treadmill please!) but it was fantastic! The temperature was perfect, the humidity from earlier had melted away and the neighborhood had a bunch of hills and things to make the run more entertaining. I felt amazing afterward - so hyped up!

Today was spent in classes - yippie! I played with a virtual rat for two hours and conditioned it to be scared of a little light flashing. If it wasn't a virtual animal I think I would have actually had a problem with it. I also realized how much work I have due within the next couple of days. Okay, well that's actually a lie, I don't have that much it's more that I realized I'm leaving for four days and not going to get anything done. All I really have to do is edit my paper, add in the correct citations and then take two more photographs for my portfolio. Regardless, I had a mini melt down about all the stuff I have due. Also, I found out the photograph I submitted for our first assignment was submitted wrong and he wont give me credit for it.. so for my first ever assignment in Australia I received a huge zero - fantastic start Sara! :)

No worries though because in about 15 hours I'll be flying high above Townsville on my way to Sydney! I'm so excited I can't even contain myself. We are staying at this hostel called X Base right in the center of Sydney. I guess we are in walking distance of the Sydney Bridge as well as the Opera House and other must-see attractions. I just can't wait to get out of George Roberts for a little bit and feel like a real, live adult traveling with my friends.

I don't know how much I'll be able to post while I'm there. I am bringing my computer (called ahead to make sure I could lock it up!) because I'm hoping to get some work done on the flight - of course, stereotypical me! Anyway, I'll update you all as soon as I'm back on all my adventures (I'm sure there will be a lot!) and post lots of pictures.

Love you all so much and miss you xoxo

Talk to you when I talk to you!

Photographs! :)

Hey everyone,

Today I went for a hike behind the University and took some pictures. I know some of you may be interested to see what my dorm looks like and stuff so I decided I'd upload a few that I took before leaving George Roberts. I'd give you all an update on what's going on here but it's been completely dead. I've spent most of the weekend in my room trying to study and write papers. My complete lack of social life is mainly due to the fact that all the Australians have left us this weekend - and even some of the Americans. It's absolutely dead and almost creepy here at good old GR.

Anyway - I'll update as soon as something interesting happens, which I hope is soon! :) Count down to Sydney is now at five days! Yay!!

Love and miss you all xoxo

Happy St.Patrick's Day!

Hey there,

So it's actually not St. Patrick's Day here - but I thought since it is at home I'd celebrate with you :) Actually, it's past midnight at home now so I guess it's not there either! I'm failing! Haha Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the holiday, wore green and pinched those who didn't! Specifically you Melissa, since you're like the only actual Irish person I know! :)

Nothing much has happened recently - other than all the hibernating I have been doing. I realized how many assignments I have due in the next couple of weeks and kind of freaked out a little bit! More than anything I'm nervous about turning in papers just because I don't know the level I'm supposed to be at or exactly what the expectations are - guess I'll find out! I also realized I have to get the majority of my work done this weekend because on Thursday I'm leaving for Sydney!

Excited doesn't even cover my feelings towards heading to Sydney. It's my first big trip here and the first trip I've ever taken that is with a small group of peers just figuring stuff out as we go. We have zero plans other than where we are staying. I'm looking forward to experiencing that type of trip - where you just do what you want when you want to do it - see what you want to see.

Anyway - I really thought that I would have more to say but I'm coming up blank! I think the most exciting part of my week was finally Skyping with Melissa since I haven't really talked to her since being here. It was so nice to see her and catch up a little bit! I found it ironic because as soon as she was around to talk suddenly Dan and Kathleen were interested in Skyping me - something I've been hunting them down to do for weeks! Oh well - I was happy to see all their faces regardless.

I guess I'll leave you here - maybe do some reading or watch another Disney movie! :)

Love and miss you all xoxo

Portfolio 1

Hey!

So I told you I would upload some of my photographs for my class.. I have taken three different themes so far and will post a couple of my favorites.

Hope you like them! :)

Rain & Photographs

Hey there,

So it's Tuesday night here and has been raining pretty much all day. I had an early morning, 8:00am social psychology class, and found myself walking there in a light drizzle. I wasn't quite as lucky when I walked to my next class, finding myself in a complete down pour. I was lucky though because there was a break in the storm just as I made the trek back to George Roberts.

With all this rain comes some serious flooding which brings me to my Monday night. I had been putting laundry off for about.. ever and finally decided it was time to man up - that and I was fresh out of clean shirts :) So around 8:00pm I put my laundry in and prepared for a nice, relaxing night in. As I was coming back from switching my laundry to the dryer it started to massively down pour - heaps and heaps of rain like I've never seen before. I was just standing on the ledge to my room watching it pour. Across the way some people started emerging from their rooms with skim boards, prepared to skim across the grass. I watched in amazement as slowly but surely the original boarders were joined by more people ready to try their luck across the lawn.

I was then struck my the thoughts of my previous post - about living in the moment and sometimes doing things without making a pro and con list beforehand. So I forgot my laundry, grabbed the only clean clothing I had and made my way through the pond that was now forming. The rain was so heavy I could feel it almost stinging against my skin as I ran through the grass. I looked up and took in the moment - like I told myself I would do. There I was, standing in the pouring rain and I wasn't cold, there I was amongst almost strangers squinting to see in the dark.

When I finally got my laundry and neatly folded it I was again struck by the opportunities given to those who choose to live the unplanned life. When things aren't mapped out, scheduled to a tee, then one finds themselves surrounding by time - time that can be filled with small adventures.

Speaking of adventures I had quite the experience today. This morning my friend and I decided to plan out our photography project that is quickly approaching. Knowing I have just about zero experience with a camera I wanted to get a jump start in case my ideas didn't pan out the exact way I want. As we bounced ideas off of one another our excitement for the project grew and we decided to start taking pictures later that afternoon.After class I grabbed some props and headed to Nicole's room where she was applying copious amounts of make-up. I laid my props across the floor of her common room and began to organize them in an "artistic" manner. I have to say I have a whole new appreciation for photographers!

The theme I'm going for is Truth vs. Lies and this diptych was intended to show a woman in intense make-up and then the same woman with a clean face. I put Nicole in a flashy shirt and had her lay down behind the props I'd organized earlier. The props consisted of make up, brushes, nail polish and every other girly thing you can think of. I worked with the depth of the photograph, trying to make Nicole sharp and the props blurry. It was much harder than I originally thought but all and all I think I got a pretty good photograph out of it.

Next we moved on to the bathroom where I had Nicole wet her hair and shed her make up. I wanted to work with shutter speed and catch Nicole splashing water over her face. Between the horrible light and small, awkward shape of our bathrooms I was unable to get the image I was looking for. Instead we opted to take advantage of the storm outside. Nicole had the idea of standing outside under a stream of water falling from the top floor of George Roberts. Although they aren't perfect I have to say they are pretty amazing shots. I'm so excited just thinking about them! I was able to catch the water droplets actually flowing down her face and she did a fantastic job as a model.

All and all I was extremely happy with the first attempt. I'm now working on the last two sets of pairs and will let you know how they go! Also, the photographs I've already taken are on Nicole's camera but as soon as I upload them I'll post a few of my favorites and you can let me know what you think! But be easy because it's my first attempt behind a camera!

Anyway - I'm headed to get some work done and maybe go to the gym! I have to start that behavior modification thing at some point I suppose! :)

Love and miss you all <3

The Small Things

Hey there,

I realized something the other day - something that I hope to take with me throughout the duration of this trip as well as the rest of my life. I realized that sometimes the best moments in life aren't the ones that are supposed to be important - sometimes they aren't the ones that are glamours or adventurous. Sometimes the best times in the world are simple moments that we take for granted, that we pass by without even thought.

Yesterday I was driving with some people to Stockies, a shopping center down the street from the Uni. It had been raining for days (and still is) but for a moment there were clear skies. I watched as rain continued to fall, and those around me called it a sun shower. As I sat in the middle seat, in the very back of a very small car I realize that it is moments like these that will make up my trip here in Australia and the rest of my life.

I looked out the window and saw the mountains towering above, I saw the sun beaming down on us and I heard the loud music blasting from the car stereo. I looked around and saw people laughing and caught my own reflection in the rear view mirror. I looked at myself, at the girl staring back at me and realized how far I've come in just a short time. My skin is a little tanner, my hair a little longer, but those weren't the changes I was seeing in the person looking back at me. I smiled and softly sung the words of an upbeat song.

In that car ride I was living in the moment - which is why I think I enjoyed it so much. I wasn't concerned with what might be, what is or what could be. I wasn't thinking about what happened yesterday or what's happening in an hour. All that mattered was what was right there, right then.

I've had a few moments like that in the past and they stick with me for awhile. For some reason they typically occur in a car. One specific time I remember was toward the end of my freshman year in college. Alex and I had to get some boxes to pack up our Quinnipiac lives and move back home. Her good friend Michael picked us up and took us to get our boxes and some ice cream. I remember having that exact same feeling - the sun on my skin, the sound of music and laughter. It's one of those moments, for some reason, that has stuck with me all this time. I think it's because in that moment I was living completely in the moment - something I rarely find myself able to do.

So I guess that's my challenge for myself while I'm here. I want to have more moments like that, moments where I catch myself smiling for no reason other than because of the happiness that surrounds living life. I want to acknowledge living, acknowledge the small moments that compile our lives - the ones that fill in the adventures and larger events. It is in these moments that we discover who we are, that we practice who we want to be, where we test the waters and where we grow. It is in these simple moments we have the ability to find the most happiness, to love the person we are and to appreciate the gift of living.

I hope that we can do this together - that you will also take the time to notice those moments where you feel most alive - those moments we often completely disregard. I'd love to hear about those moments and how you react to them - do you get the same feeling?

I love you all & miss you terribly..

I'm off to appreciate those moments & fill my stomach with some wonderful Australian grub! ;)