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
Marist vs. Griffith: Differences Between Australian and American University Life
One of the most interesting parts of studying abroad has been noticing the differences between university life in Australia and college life in the United States. While the two systems have some similarities, there are many cultural and educational differences that make the experience unique. 1. College vs. UniversityIn the United States, most people refer to higher education as "college" or simply "school." In Australia, it's commonly called "university," or "uni" for short.
Koala-ty day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
As you may know, I already visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary during my first two weeks in Australia. However, because I was on a group tour with a set schedule, I didn't have enough time to do everything I wanted to do. This past weekend, I had the chance to return and spend more time at the sanctuary, which allowed me to see even more of Australia's incredible native wildlife. My favorite animals were definitely the koalas and kangaroos. In addition to them, I also saw a
Sydney Sights, Coastal Walks, and Bucket List Moments
Through my study abroad program, KEI, my group and I had the opportunity to spend three days exploring Sydney, Australia. The trip started early with a 5:00 a.m. wake-up call and a rush to catch the tram to the airport. When I arrived at Gold Coast Airport, I was surprised by how small and relaxed it was. It was probably the smallest airport I had ever been in. Security felt much less strict than what I'm used to in the United States. To my surprise, I made it through with a
A Day Trip to Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks
Yesterday, all of the Marist KEI students took a trip to Coolangatta, Queensland, where we visited Snapper Rocks and Froggy Beach. The journey took about an hour by tram and bus, and it was absolutely worth it. The area is unbelievably beautiful and makes for the perfect day trip from the Gold Coast. When we first arrived, we spent some time at a rock pool along the ocean. It was a great place to relax and take in the scenery, at least until a Portuguese man o' war jellyfish
