This past week’s goal has been to readjust to classes and prepare for the incredibly busy weeks ahead of me. It has been a bit of a difficult transition, as I much rather be continuing my tour of this great continent. But, I know neglecting my school work will do me no good, so back to university it is. I must admit, as much as I loved traveling, it is nice to be able to get a good nights sleep in a comfortable bed again.
There was one special thing about this week. Tony, a friend from back home came to visit. Let me clear this up. I have not see Tony since I graduated from high school. However, he was studying in Sydney. This weekend he came to the Sun Shine Coast. It was good to see him and catch up on things. Along with Mark and Pat, we went to Noosa beach. It was the least stress filled day I have had in a while and it was nice to spend a laughter filled day with just the guys.
It seems it really is a small world after all. In addition to realizing just how tiny this gigantic planet is I have experienced another phenomenon. I have heard that everyone has a doppelganger of themselves somewhere else in the world. I swear this is true. Since I have been here I have often seen look-a-likes of old classmates on campus. Oddly enough, they are often people I have not spoken to in along time and have do not any particular reason to be thinking of. I often spot these doppelgangers out the corner of my eye, and swear it is the real person. It is not only locally that I see these doppelgangers. I have seen plenty in Sydney, albeit most of them are Asian version.
I’m sure in reality it is just my mind playing tricks on me. I suppose it could be my subconscious occasionally dropping me reminders of home. Home has been on my mind quite a lot lately, since I have recently passed the two month mark of my time in Australia. My time is slowly coming to an end and I really do not want it to. This realization becomes more and more vivid everyday. It is already time to think about signing up for classes next semester at Towson.
As I said, I do not want to leave. I have to admit, though, thinking about being welcomed home by friends and family I have not seen for months is quite nice. When I really reflect on my time here I come to realize I have spent my time well. I have created strong friendships, even a few I will be able to continue once home. I have traveled around Australia, seen many of nature’s most beautiful monuments, immersed my self in the bright lights of the city, and relaxed on some amazing beaches. I have seen exotic animals, ate terrific food, and I have documented much of it in photographs.
Not only have I seen and experienced a lot, but I have learned a lot as well. I have somehow managed to keep focused on my studies and am doing well in school. I have learned much about the Australian culture and history. This includes modern Australians as well as the indigenous people of the land. I have learned about new music, food, art, and movies. I have also had a lot of practice in communicating and living with people from different places around the world. For better or for worse, this last part has primarily involved learning to curse in many European languages.
On a more technical level, I have learned to be much more self sufficient. Every week I am required to shop for food and cook for myself. This has also forced me to learn the metric system, rather it should have. I have used more public transportation since I have been in Australia than I have in my entire life. I feel I am a much better traveler. I have learned how to pack more efficiently and navigate unknown cities.
When all is said and done, I have taken a lot from this experience and it is not over yet. I have come to the conclusion that when I am about to step foot on the airplane that will take me back to the states I will be satisfied. I will not be anxious to leave or said that I am departing. I feel I will be able to look back on my time here and know that I made the most of it. That knowledge and the excitement of seeing all the people I have missed should make for a smooth transition.
