Life in Aussie

I imagined having so much more to say on each blog post. What I've been doing or where I've been traveling. But... I am living here. I am not traveling every day, going on adventures, and I'm not busy every second. It's not a bad thing, more just unexpected. But life in Australia is setting in and I am forming new routines and ways to go about my days.

This weekend and the first day of class the realization that I came to Australia completely alone really set in. I had two people's phone numbers and no go-to friends to hang out with. I have made a lot of acquaintances so far but I am working on making more friends to be able to hang out with. Yes I felt a little lonely and yes I wanted to hang out with people... but Australia is no different than back home where I will at times feel lonely.
I thought I came into this experience with little expectations, but I've realized that I definitely did come in with some. I'm not sad nor upset that I don't have a bunch of new best friends yet.. but it's more the disappointment that comes along with reality not meeting your expectations.

However, there is a club sign up this Friday and I am really looking forward to signing up for sports clubs and different student organizations. I really think I will make some friends through that.

One thing I knew about myself, but has become much more apparent is that I always like to be surrounded by people and enjoy being busy and being stimulated. (note my previous paragraph). haha. I am working on enjoying my time alone. I hope to, in the end, become comfortable just being by myself.

 Photo evidence of me enjoying my time alone. But honestly, I felt so relaxed at this time just sitting on the patio reading a book in warm weather. PROGRESS














I am also planning a trip to Bali, Indonesia in April with a few people. I think tomorrow we are going to really plan it out with a trip adviser! I never in my life thought I would go to a place like Indonesia. The trip sounds amazing though. That is weird too planning vacations when I am already in Australia! Sounds like an odd concept.

Many Australians walk around barefoot. Not in exotic places but just walk around more barefoot than in the states. Some walk barefoot basically everywhere including stores and restaurant but most don't. Anyway, the first week I would slip on my sandals when I would leave my room to go do anything. But now, when I leave my room to go to the bathroom or fill up my water bottle or go down the hall... whatever it is I go barefoot. I love it. Never thought I'd see the day where I would walk into a public bathroom barefoot. It's actually quite nice.

The campus has an outdoor pool which I went to today to lay out for a bit. My friend and I also went to the local stores and walked around for a bit which was nice. 
I also worked out today and for some reason I now associate working out with texting friends and family from home. The ellipticals are all lined up facing a mirror so its slightly awkward staring at yourself doing the elliptical. So instead I have been catching up with my roommates and family which I enjoy doing.


This past weekend my friend and I went out in the town and were talking to locals. I was complimented multiple times on my accent. I was flattered! On campus about 50% of the students are international so the Australian students are not as amused by Americans as are locals who do not go to Bond University. However, I have been made fun of for my Midwestern accent by my American friends who are from the East coast... silly Americans. I got to start hanging out with locals more.

 My friend and I went to the mall a couple days ago and at one of the stores we were talking to the store employees asking for suggestions on local places to check out. They were so helpful and wrote out all their suggestions. This weekend I think we are going to try and check out some of the places!

After my first week of classes, I am very excited for the semester and to learn more about my courses. I am taking four courses. "Love and Relationships", "Alcohol, Drugs, & Crime", "Australian Popular Culture", and "Business Management." All the topics seem very interesting and the professors are great.

It is weird having no responsibilities. Obviously when school picks up I will have homework and readings. But nothing but myself. I don't have roommates to be concerned about, no chores that my mother asks me to do, no work, no student organizations. So different to always being busy at home. I sat with a friend at lunch the other day and I already ate so I was just hanging out while she ate. She said I didn't have to sit with her if I didn't want to... haha I laughed and said I don't have anything else to do. Literally.

 

 Sitting outside reading on campus with this view.






















I am enjoying my time here and I am realizing that this is a learning process like anything else new in life.

(proof that I have a friend)
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I know what you, Joe and Kayte, are thinking... no I did not pay someone random to stand next to me.



 Anyway, If nothing else... at least I am tan :)