In the Land of Oz

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

I’ve been home for a couple of days now, so this isn’t a post from abroad. I just had so much to do in my last week in Australia that I had trouble finding time to blog! A thousand pardons to my, ahem, faithful readers.
Anyway, here are some of the shenanigans I got up to during my last week in Aussie.

Tuesday and Wednesday
I spent two days in Sydney and saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Both were absolutely fantastic! These pictures can’t possibly do them justice.

Then, I went to the Sydney Wildlife Center and finally saw some kangaroos and kookaburras.



Thursday
Procrastinator that I am, I had to spend most of Thursday writing my final paper. I chose to write about two Australian films, Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994).
I did get to partake in a lovely barbecue by the beach, though.


Friday
This was my last day with many of my new friends who had Saturday morning flights home so it was bittersweet.
I did manage to go to the Ford Discovery Centre, which was just across the street from Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus.

Then, I tried some kangaroo for lunch at a local Thai restaurant. It sort of tasted like beef with a hint of a seafood flavor.

I was also fortunate enough to attend the Geelong Night Market, an event that occurs only four Friday evenings during the summer in Johnstone Park. There were many local vendors selling overpriced shirts and jewelry, live music, and plenty to eat. I sampled some Honey Dumplings, which are balls of fried, honey-glazed dough. I had mine with ice cream, chocolate, and sesame seeds.


To finish off the evening, I tried some Vegemite spread on toast. My friends thought it was vile and spit it out immediately. I thought it was pretty good and finished my whole slice! Vegemite is a paste made from yeast extract and one of the richest sources of B vitamins. It’s sort of salty and a little bitter so, if an Australian friend wants you to try it at home, be sure spread a thin layer on a piece of bread.


That’s about all I have to report. My Saturday was spent feeling morose to be leaving Australia and anxious to return home to my family in Brooklyn. I know this was an experience that I’ll love reliving through my amateur photographs and my stories that will bore everyone except the other people from the Study Abroad Program. For now, though, I’m just thrilled to be back because there really is no place like home.