My First Class at Griffith University
Yesterday, I had my very first class at Griffith University. Since my class didn't start until 6:00 p.m., I had most of the day to relax, get ready, and mentally prepare myself for the experience. My roommate had her first class before me, so I got some insight into what to expect. She told me she had gotten lost trying to find her classroom because Griffith University is much larger than the school I attend back home. Hearing that made me even more nervous. I was already anx
A Day in Burleigh Heads Beach
On Saturday, my roommate and I decided to take a day trip to Burleigh Heads before classes started. Burleigh Heads isn't too far from where we're staying, and it only took about 40 minutes to get there by tram and bus. Burleigh Heads is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom, and from the main beach, you can even see the skyline of Surfers Paradise in the distance. Once we arrived, we spent some tim
72 Hours of Adventure in Byron Bay
From February 21st to 23rd, I had the opportunity to travel to Byron Bay, New South Wales, with Extreme Adventures and a group of international students who were also attending Griffith University. Byron Bay was about an hour away by tram and bus, and since it is in a different time zone, I even had to set my clock one hour ahead. When we arrived, we checked into Backpackers Inn, a local hostel. This was my first time ever staying in a hostel, and it was definitely an interes
Skydiving: 14,000 Feet Above Byron Bay
During my three-day trip to Byron Bay, I decided that I wanted to go skydiving. I'm not really sure where the idea came from, but once I set my mind on something, there's a good chance I'm going to do it. I stopped by the travel desk at my hostel and booked a 6:50 a.m. pickup for a skydiving experience in Byron Bay. One of the biggest tips they give people before a skydive is to avoid scuba diving and drinking alcohol the day before. The next morning, I was picked up at my ho
O-Week!
Today officially marked the start of Griffith University Orientation, and it's hard to believe there is only one week left until classes begin for the trimester. Attending a college orientation as a second-semester junior felt a little strange. Most of the students attending were freshmen, and being surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces can be overwhelming at times. Starting over at a new school definitely makes you miss your own college, friends, and the familiarity of home
Shopping Australian Style at Pacific Fair
Today I took a trip to Pacific Fair, the closest shopping mall to where I'm staying. Getting there was easy since it was just a short tram ride away. One of the first things I noticed was how massive the mall is. It has both indoor and outdoor sections, making it feel more like a small town than a shopping center. While I was there, I finally got to visit KOOKAÏ, a popular Australian clothing store that I've heard a lot about. It's especially popular with women and had so man
Exploring Griffith University and the Gold Coast
I started the day early and spent most of it at the beach, relaxing and exploring. While I was there, I got to see more of Australia's marine life up close. As I was standing in the water, a few fish swam right up to me. They were surprisingly easy to spot in the clear water. Later, during a walk along the beach, I came across a huge blue jellyfish that was about the size of a dinner plate. Experiences like that quickly remind you why people in Australia always say, "Only swi
Yoga, Açaí Bowls, and Grocery Shopping in Australia
Today, while exploring Surfers Paradise, I stumbled upon a cute little yoga studio and decided to take a class. The class was held at Chameleon New Age Hair Salon, and I really enjoyed both the experience and the unique space. At only 10 AUD, it was a great value and a fun way to spend part of my day. Being able to do yoga and unwind after adjusting to a different time zone, spending more than 20 hours on a plane, and unpacking all of my belongings really helped me relax and
Exploring Surfers Paradise: My New Home
Yesterday, I had the chance to explore Surfers Paradise and get more familiar with the area where I'll be living for the next couple of months. My friend and roommate took me to Nando's, a local restaurant on the main strip that she also works at back home in the United States. I also quickly realized that there seems to be an UGG store on almost every street. If you're wondering whether they're cheaper here, the answer is not really. However, some styles are on sale, and the
Welcome to Paradise!
Just completed my first day in Australia after a long and exhausting 20-hour flight. Everything here is so beautiful and even better than I expected. I’ve finished getting settled in, finding my way around Surfers Paradise, my new home, and taking in the breathtaking views that Australia has to offer. I’m excited for this new adventure and can’t wait to explore more of this incredible place.
