Exploring More of Burleigh Heads - Tallebudgera Beach
Fun day trip ahead! This past Friday, I took another trip to Burleigh Heads. I've visited Burleigh Heads a few times before, but this time I decided to explore a little more and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather. A fun fact about Friday, April 28, is that Queensland experienced a record-low autumn temperature of 72°F (22°C). To many Australians, anything close to 20°C is considered quite cold. After living in Australia for a little over two months and arriving during the sum
Australians vs. Americans: Cultural Differences
I've been living in Australia for a little over two months now, and the longer I stay here, the more cultural differences I notice between Australian and American life. While the two countries have a lot in common, there are definitely some unique quirks that make Australia stand out. Here are some of the biggest differences I've noticed so far. 1. Australians Drive on the "Wrong" Side of the Road In Australia, people drive on the left side of the road, unlike in the United S
Bali Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts for Visitors
When should you, and when should you not, enter a temple? What is the correct way to give and receive something? Most Balinese people are incredibly kind and polite, which means they may not always tell you when you've accidentally broken a cultural custom. To help you avoid any awkward situations, here are some important do's and don'ts I learned while visiting Bali. Entering a Temple DO: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Many temples require visitors to dr
Celebrating My First ANZAC Day in Australia
Today, I got to celebrate my first Australian public holiday: ANZAC Day! Scroll down to learn more about what ANZAC Day is all about. What is ANZAC Day? ANZAC Day, observed on April 25, is one of Australia's most important national holidays. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. ANZAC Day is similar to Veterans Day and Memorial Day in the United States. Like those holidays, it is a day to ho
Giddy in Gili - My Favorite Part of Bali
Sadly, it was time for the final leg of the trip, but it ended up being my personal favorite. The Gili Islands are an archipelago made up of three small islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. The islands are a popular destination for travelers looking for beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and a laid-back atmosphere. One of the most unique things about the Gilis is that automobiles and motorized vehicl
A Day Trip to Queensland's Capital: Brisbane
Today, my KEI group and I took a day trip to Brisbane. Although all of us had been to Brisbane before, it was only because that's where the airport is located. None of us had actually taken the time to explore the city itself, so we were excited to spend the day sightseeing. Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in Queensland, as well as the third-largest city in Australia. With a metropolitan population of approximately 2.35 million people, it is one of Australia's
Ubud love it here!
Onto the Second Part of the Trip: Ubud! The next stop on my Bali adventure was Ubud, a town located in the lush uplands of Bali that is known for its traditional crafts, dance, temples, and breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by rainforests, terraced rice fields, and Hindu shrines, Ubud is one of Bali's most iconic destinations. During my three days in Ubud, I got to cool off in the stunning Tegenungan Waterfall, explore local markets, learn how traditional Balinese dishes are m
Canggu (Bali)eve it?
After arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, getting settled into the Koa D'Surfer Hotel, and meeting my tour group, I spent the next two days learning about Balinese culture, touring famous temples, and taking a surf lesson in Canggu. Day 2: Temple Run! My second day of Spring Break was dedicated to exploring the culture of Bali as I visited two of the island's most famous temples: Taman Ayun Temple and Tanah Lot. The first temple we visited was Tama
A Guide to Bali: Fun Facts & Travel Tips
Before traveling to Bali, I didn't know much about the island. After spending 10 incredible days there, I learned a lot about the culture, people, and what makes Bali such a unique destination. Here are some fun facts and travel tips for anyone considering a visit. Fun Facts About Bali 1. Bali is an island and a province of Indonesia.The province includes the island of Bali as well as several smaller neighboring islands. 2. Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world.In
Un(bali)evable Spring Break!
It's that time of year again: Spring Break! It's the time of the school year when college students, and sometimes even high school students, head off to popular vacation destinations like Puerto Rico, Cancun, Miami, and other sunny locations. It's often filled with fun adventures, late nights, great memories, and plenty of stories to tell afterward. School breaks provide the perfect opportunity to step away from a busy schedule and experience something new. And what better wa
