Paradise

That's where I am. I've been realising this lately. Don't get me wrong, I've been loving this place from the very start, but there have been a few moments lately where I actually stop and think 'Holy cow I actually live here, that's f'ing awesome!' The first was on ANZAC Day (the equivalent of the US Memorial Day). James and Jason had a BBQ again just like on Easter so we headed up there for the afternoon (Abby insisted on walking and we got lost on the way). We all went to Coogee Bay Hotel after eating to have a few drinks and watch some 50/50 gambling which consisted of betting a certain amount of money, then picking heads or tails, people got really into it. There was a moment while we were walking down the hill to the bar when I could see the beach and it was a beautiful day where I actually had a hard time believing that this place is only a few miles from my apartment.

The next moment was Monday morning. Everyone's definition of paradise is different. Well I can tell you I've found mine. I am a big city person. I had to start my Monday in the city to see an art exhibit for a course I'm in. I was dreading this trip because it's so much effort and had put it off as long as absolutely possible. While there I ran a few errands and got some coffee and a muffin (which the guy was so nice as to warm up for me and everything), and after that I was in a fantastic mood the rest of the day. I love all of the craziness of a big city. The hustle and bustle of so many people going about their business, the ability to walk out of a building and there's a selection of 5 different coffee shops and bakeries within a 2 minute walk, and so much more. I can't explain it all but I love it.

Choosing my study abroad here wasn't too difficult. There really was no other choice for me actually. I've always had a dream of moving to Oz, I don't really know why now that I think about it, it just sounded appealing to me, and I'm not one who's just going to stay in Iowa my whole life. I love where I grew up, but I also want to get out and see the world. Doing a semester here just made sense; if I was going to potentially move here, making sure I actually like it here seemed like a good idea. Added with that, I've heard nothing but good things from people who've moved to Australia. And, I really wanted to see a kangaroo.

For studying in Australia ISU had 3 options, University of Newcastle (which is just about 2 hours from Sydney), University of New South Wales (where I am), and University of Tasmania. I knew I didn't want to do Tasmania because I wanted to actually been on the mainland of Oz, not on a random island. Choosing between Newcastle and UNSW basically came down to money. Originally I was planning on Newcastle, but when we examined a little closer it came out to be just a little bit cheaper to do UNSW. When that was added with the fact that I wanted to be in the bigger of the two cities I ended up where I am now.

So far I have no regrets. It's been absolutely wonderful here and with less than two months left I'm getting a little sad about having to leave. I'm making the absolute most of it though, and can't wait to see my family and friends back home. I can't wait to see what my last two months in Paradise have in store for me.