Sydney is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined! When we first arrived after a grueling 22 hour flight, we hopped straight on a bus to see the city. Our first stop was the botanical gardens where we got our first view of the famous landmark the Sydney Opera House. In this moment, I realized I was finally here and I would be calling this city home for the next 2 months. After visiting the gardens, we took a walk to the UTS campus. The change of pace from studying in small town Lewisburg to a university in a city was refreshing. The city was green with so many preserved parks and plants hanging from the buildings. It was nice to see that ecological sustainability was valued in a city this large.
After a long week of classes and overcast skies, sunny Friday was finally here! It was our first time heading to the beach and we chose to see the famous Bondi. The beaches at home are nothing compared to the crystal, clear water and white, soft sand. It was the most amazing feeling to finally get some sun after a cold, Connecticut winter. We first went to the stores by the water so that I could buy a hat to protect me from the sun and a towel to lay on. Once we got down to the beach, I went straight to the water to jump in for a swim. The water was the perfect temperature and felt refreshing on such a hot day. We sat on the sand listening to music and enjoying our day off. Bondi was surrounded by large cliffs that served as a pathway to other smaller beaches. I can’t wait to explore the different landscapes that Australia has to offer. We left the beach in the late afternoon and we decided to grab a cute dinner at the Quarryman’s Hotel. We had a delicious meal in great company and then we called it a night.
On Sunday, we visited the Walkabout Wildlife Park in Hunter Valley, NSW. When coming to Sydney, I was most looking forward to this trip because I would be able to see the different animals native to the land. I had no idea that we would be able to get close to the animals, let alone pet the kangaroos. This experience was unforgettable and it left a lasting impact on my future goals. Tassin, the founder of the sanctuary, explained to us her story and her mission towards wildlife conservation in Australia. I was moved by her life journey, starting as a CEO of an insurance company to now being completely dedicated to saving the lives of so many innocent, loving animals. We learned how to use boomerangs and crack whips, use the natural vegetation for survival, and most importantly about the sausage sizzle. I am thankful for this experience and I am looking forward to continue to explore Sydney and all it has to offer.
