"How Lucky I am to Have Something That Makes Saying Goodbye so Hard"

This past weekend Charity and I went to Case to visit our friends before we leave for Australia. While it was a ton of fun, it made me sad to say goodbye. A lot of people came out to our going away party and it made me feel really great that so many people support our decision to go abroad.

Charity and I were able to meet with our friend Sarah, who went to the University of Sydney last semester. She gave us such great information and I really appreciate her taking the time to do so. It will help both of us feel much less overwhelmed when we get there.... which is a huge plus!

I am especially grateful to my friend Maya for letting me stay in her room and eat her food all weekend. I am going to miss seeing her goofy self every day. But I know that Justin will take good care of her :)

Anyways, I just wanted to say that I am so lucky to have such amazing friends. I am going to miss them like crazy.

23 days!

Love,

Becky

One Month and Counting

I leave for Australia in one month! Even though I know it will go by fast, it seems like forever away. All of my friends went back to school this week and it feels really weird being at home. I am trying to keep myself busy... but I am sure in a couple of weeks I will be restless.

I also found out very exciting news today. Each semester IES provides a trip during the week long mid-semester break. It costs $500 but that includes 5 or 6 nights accommodations, travel, meals, activities, tours, etc. So I learned that the trip that will be offered this semester is to The Outback! Here is a list of some of the things we will be doing:

• Australia’s Outback and Uluru: Explore the famous Olgas, Kings Canyon, and see the most spectacular sunrises as well as a star-lit night sky that only few places in the world can boast.
  • Enjoy an outdoor sunset dinner overlooking Uluru (Ayers Rock)-- one of the iconic natural wonders of the world. Once the sun sets, gaze in awe at the ocean of stars above you that only a dark desert night can deliver.
  • Hike at Uluru with an Aboriginal elder and learn about this ancient and sacred site, as well as their traditional ways of life. Hands-on activities include the craft of fire-starting and the art of spear-throwing.
  • Swim in a stunning watering hole, known as "The Garden of Eden" at the famous Kings Canyon.
  • Take a camel to dinner with a one-hour sunset camel ride to an outback ranch for some Aussie tucker (food).
  • Stay at the Desert Palms resort for some rest and recreation before heading back to Sydney.

Sounds awesome, right? I can't really picture myself riding a camel but I am glad that after all the times I've eaten at The Outback I will actually be able to see it in person :)

Love,

Becky

Hello Blog Life!

I leave for Australia in 37 days!

I am studying abroad through an organization called IES. I will be living in Australia from the middle of February until the end of June and taking classes at the University of Sydney.

For me, this trip is going to fulfill a life-long dream... I have wanted to travel to Australia since I was young. While I never dreamed of spending 4 and 1/2 months there, I couldn't be more excited to finally embark on this once in a lifetime adventure. I am especially excited that one of my best friends, Charity McDonald, will be going to Australia with me. I can only imagine what the two of us will get ourselves into :)

I plan to update this blog somewhat frequently while I am there to share stories about my time there. I am looking forward to writing many posts filled with adventures from OZ!

Love,

Becky