Wanderlust Wonders: Vivian’s Journey Abroad (week 1)
Down Under Diaries- Week 1
After 20+ hours of flying, we finally arrived in Sydney, Australia! I am absolutely in awe of the beauty of this city. Some highlights, thus far, include eating kangaroo, climbing rocks, and learning to crack a whip.
Highlight #1: Welcome Dinner
Following orientation, we walk towards The Blackbird Cafe for dinner, perfectly located off the shore of Darling Harbour. Tall buildings tower over us; the night lights shine brighter than our smiles. This place is nowhere similar to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Lewisburg is a joey in the pouch of a mama kangaroo.
Dinner is kangaroo served on a bed of mixed greens with a side of potato wedges. As someone who has sampled many types of meat typically regarded as “weird” or “gross”, kangaroo tasted better than I imagined. It reminds me of a rare-cooked sirloin steak: tender, salty, difficult to fully chew, etc. It certainly left a strange aftertaste in my mouth. I wonder what other ways there are to consume kangaroos. Kangaroo stew? Curry?
Aside from the opportunity to try new foods, the welcome dinner allowed us to create friendships with students from other institutions. I met phenomenal students from around the world, people I would have otherwise never met.
Highlight #2: Bondi Beach
Friday feels part of the weekend as Bucknell students have no class. We visit Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic sites. Upon arriving, we window shop, play volleyball, and swim. The Australian beaches are quite different from beaches back home in Florida. Australian sand is much rougher and carries a darker tan color. Unlike Florida beaches, Bondi is surrounded by rocks along the coast. My favorite memory is hiking up these rocks. The view from up top is breathtaking. This experience further emphasizes the beauty within different countries and embracing their differences. While many cities have beaches, each beach is unique and worth the visit.
Highlight #3: Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Over the weekend, we visited the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. We were greeted by kangaroos, sporadically hopping across the grounds while emus slowly approached us. It is incredible how these animals are able to roam freely, not confined to a metal cage. We also see alpacas, parrots, peacocks, snakes, termites, and a koala. Here, I learned the value and significance of preserving wildlife sanctuaries.
The staff are extremely kind and welcoming. They allow us to pet the animals and answer any questions we may have. Aside from introducing us to new animals, the staff also cook us a traditional Australian meal: the Aussie Sizzle- a twist on the classic American hotdog. It is a sausage nestled within a piece of white bread, topped with caramelized onions, creating the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Additionally, we learn the history of the sanctuary and its establishments. I am impressed and inspired by the story told by co-founder, Tassin Barnard. The immense level of dedication and perseverance is incredibly commendable, not just from her and her husband, but all stakeholders. “We are all part of an ecosystem and we can all contribute in some way for the good”. Everyone has the ability to make a difference and impact the world for the better. It is fascinating to hear Barnard speak of the multi-faceted community that has helped the sanctuary, from truck drivers transporting cages to volunteers raising donations and awareness. I have deep admiration and gratitude for all who have helped build Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary into what it is today.
Lastly, we learn to throw a boomerang and crack a whip. Throwing a boomerang is much more challenging than it seems. I always viewed boomerang throwing as a joke- a hobby for young kids and was surprised to learn it is an international competitive sport. I was shocked by the complexities of a boomerang and the physics behind it. Throwing one requires the right balance of hand speed and delicacy. Flicking the boomerang too hard results in the failure of its return. Similarly, cracking a whip requires the right whipping speed combined with control. Cracking a whip is like aggressively playing golf with a lasso. Initially, it is difficult to produce sound, let alone a loud banging crack. Gradually, I was able to create a cracking sound; and with practice, the bang grew in volume.
In sum, week 1 has been a blast. I look forward to further exploring Australia and opening my horizons to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities while learning the history and culture of Australians!
Vivian Kuang ’25
BSBA in Management and Organizations Freeman College of Management