The Best Decision I Ever Made
I just realized it's been almost 10 years (okay, 9 years) since I last updated this blog. Apparently, I got distracted by graduating, earning my master's degree, starting my career, paying bills, adopting my dog Mochi, buying my first house, and figuring out how to be an adult. Recently, I found myself scrolling through old photos from my study abroad semester in Australia, and I couldn't believe how much time has passed. It still feels like yesterday that I was living in Sur
Cheers, Australia!
I can't believe my study abroad experience has come to an end after four incredible months. In just four months and three days, I traveled to three different countries (Australia, Bali, and New Zealand), flew on 10 planes with two more flights waiting to take me home, visited 56 cities and towns, and created 123 days' worth of unforgettable memories. After spending 123 days living in Surfers Paradise, I can honestly say that it has become my second home. On my final day, I sp
Exploring the NightQuarter Markets
With only a few days left in Australia, one of my friends from university treated me to a special night out at the NightQuarter Markets in Helensvale. NightQuarter is a weekend night market located on the Gold Coast that brings together local food, drinks, live music, and entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. Often described as the Gold Coast's creative playground, NightQuarter features night markets, micro-restaurants, live performances, and unique shopping experien
One Week Left Down Under!
Today marks the start of my final week abroad in Australia. It's hard to believe that this incredible journey is almost coming to an end. As excited as I am to return home, I have so many mixed emotions about leaving. Right now, I'm feeling anxious, sad, happy, and relieved all at the same time. I'm anxious and sad because I wish I had more time here. There are still so many places I would love to visit and so many adventures I feel like I haven't had yet. Part of me never wa
21st Birthday in Auckland, New Zealand!
Whenever I thought about Auckland, New Zealand, I couldn't help but think of the final scene from The Wolf of Wall Street. It's the famous "sell me this pen" scene where the real Jordan Belfort makes a cameo and introduces Leonardo DiCaprio by saying, "I want you to give a warm Auckland, New Zealand welcome for my good friend and the world's greatest sales trainer, Mr. Jordan Belfort." For some reason, that scene was always the image I had of Auckland. Other than that, I knew
Three Quarters of the Way Through My Australian Journey
I still can't believe I've been in Australia for the past three months and that three-quarters of my study abroad experience is already over. With only one month remaining, it's hard not to think about how quickly the time has flown by. So far, Australia has been nothing short of amazing, magical, and breathtaking. Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to visit incredible places, experience a new culture, make unforgettable memories, and meet amazing people from
Melbourne's Famous Street Art - Hosier Lane
My final stop in Melbourne before heading back to the Gold Coast was Hosier Lane, one of the city's most famous street art destinations. Although Hosier Lane is the most well-known, it's far from the only place to find incredible street art in Melbourne. Throughout the city, countless laneways and alleyways are filled with vibrant murals, graffiti, and artistic installations that have become a major part of Melbourne's identity and culture. Melbourne's laneways date back to t
Live Colorfully-Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes
On my last day in Melbourne, I took a trip to see the famous Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, which are located about 25 minutes from my hostel. Brighton is an affluent beachside suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, located approximately 11 kilometers southeast of Melbourne's Central Business District. The area is known for its beautiful waterfront homes, upscale neighborhoods, and stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. However, Brighton's most famous attraction is undoubtedly Dendy Stre
The Great Ocean Road
Is this really happening? I'm going to see the Great Ocean Road?! Ever since I can remember, I've dreamed of visiting the Great Ocean Road. A little backstory: when I was very young, some family friends came to visit and showed us photos from their recent vacation. I distinctly remember seeing a picture of the Twelve Apostles, and at that moment, I told myself that one day I would see them in person. Most people don't know this, but that photo is actually what sparked my fasc
Melbourne: Australia's Cultural Capital
This past weekend, I took a three-day trip to Melbourne, Victoria. The flight from Gold Coast Airport in Coolangatta to Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine was only about two hours, which I would compare to flying from New York to Florida in the United States. Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, making it the second-largest city in Australia. With a population of more than 4.6 million people, residents are known as Melburnians. After arrivin
