This will probably be the hardest blog to write so far and that is only because of how much my heart hurts from missing these people who in such a short period of time left an indelible mark on me. These people who I came into contact with in Melbourne opened themselves up to me, offered me their friendship, and welcomed me into their lives. My new friends, from all across the world, were my rocks while in Australia. We shared amazing experiences and moments that instantly connected us. Not knowing I would only be there for only five weeks, I did not realize how precious each day was and makes missing them so much more intense. Knowing I should be with my friends in Australia for another three months is something that breaks me every day. I should be writing this blog in Aussie with my friends within reach-literally, not in my bed back in the US with them so far from me!! God knows I am happy to be home and safe from this pandemic but being apart from my new, amazing friends is still something that saddens me each and every day. Reflecting on my experiences in Australia and the fact that I was only there for an abbreviated portion of the intended trip made me realize how strong and pure some of the relationships I made were. Meeting people while abroad was something I worried about but once arriving in Australia, I figured every person I met was going to be in the same position as I was, being new to this whole Australian university thing. This realization made the situation a lot easier. La Trobe is an extremely large school with a lot of students but the living accommodations were great for meeting friends and staying in touch as everything is walking distance away. The dorm, Chisholm, was where I lived as well as all my other SU classmates but in different towers. Chisholm consists of 12 three-story dorm-like buildings in which you have your own room, communal toilets and you have a kitchen on each floor. Living so close to people on campus also made meeting up and hanging out easier and connections were made very fast. Not even after the first week studying in Melbourne, I had my group of about six boys and six girls who became my bestest of friends while studying there and the reason why I am writing this blog this week lol. Most of the people I met and connected with most were Americans, as I said before, we were all in the same position as international students. I did have a handful of Australian friends as well that I met at La Trobe by going to campus events and social gatherings. Also, some of my closest friends in my friend circle were from Europe, places such as Sweden and the United Kingdom. Getting to know more about them and their cultures also gave me an understanding of what they were going through being away from home and things that they missed. Even though they were not American like myself, we found similarities which we shared together and this brought us closer as friends. No matter the cultural differences you may see in others compared to yourself, there are things that bring you together despite the differences. By sharing stories, memories, or just having a normal conversation, you can develop a deeper understanding of others' culture and gain a certain respect for their customs and values. My friends who I met from studying abroad were just strangers before we shared a conversation that then turned into laughs, which turned into forever memories. It just happened so naturally which is why I think they are so lasting. They are genuine friendships–no hidden agendas or ulterior motives, just people who were open to new experiences and willing to open themselves up to new people. I never knew pure friendships could be made in such a short time but meeting my friends from this experience definitely proved this theory wrong. I got to genuinely bond with people I would have never gotten to meet without this amazing experience thanks to SU. My friends and I still Facetime, Snapchat, and even Zoom chat at nighttime to catch up when all the time zones match up. It’s not always easy but it is so important to keep in contact with people who matter and these people matter. My trip abroad, although short, was a trip of a lifetime. Yes, I missed out on traveling to places while there due to the circumstances and more time would have allowed me to explore more of the land. What I did not miss out on, however, was creating lifelong friendships with amazing people. This opportunity has taught me that one never knows what tomorrow brings so make the most out of each and every day. It also taught me to keep close what and who are important to you. So I believe that these people, who I was lucky enough to meet and create friendships with, are going to be in my life forever because I do not want to lose them. XOXO- Tori
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Traveling to Australia I was intrigued to get to experience the well known cultural culinary dishes in the country. As far as trying new foods I consider myself to be middle of the road–meaning I am not extremely picky when it comes to food but I do have some hesitations when I see a new dish or unknown ingredients. Arriving in Australia I was excited to experience their food. I typically go out to eat often when I am home so I was not intimidated at all about going to new restaurants and examining their menus. First let me start with, compared to other places I have traveled around the world, Australia was relatively similar to the United States when it comes to comparing their food. There is a vast array of culturally diverse dining options to choose from at restaurants. Grocery stores were also similar in design and offerings. The grocery stores were easy to navigate just like America. Although not everything was the same as the US, this blog will share some of the things you can experience from food in Australia. My parents would probably say that I have always been a bit picky when it comes to the food I eat and that I tend to eat things I know I like instead of trying new things. Although this may have been somewhat true, I was taking my study abroad opportunity as my chance to break out of this habit. I wanted to maximize my experience. I did not have the budget to be eating out every night so I had to buy food from the grocery stores. I would often pick up frozen food at the store and or microwave noodles (like a normal college student). Having no meal plan gave me an excuse to branch out and try new things. I tended to treat myself some days during the week with a coffee and biscuit from the cafe or a quick lunch in the Agora (outside student center) with friends. Places to eat in the Agora ranged from juice cafes to Greek food, Indian, Asian, and even Chinese. The diverse food offered various cultural delicacies and lucky for me I got to experience as much as I could. My friends and I tried eating at a new place for lunch every Monday while at La Trobe University and every place we tried was a hit! A difference I noticed was that some of the items were called differently in Australia. For instance, instead of calling it ketchup, Australians call it tomato sauce. They say there is no difference between the two but being a Heinz ketchup girl from a toddler's age, I could taste a difference. Another thing that interested me was their sushi. The sushi here in the US is served to us in pieces, normally eight pieces to be exact. But in Australia, the sushi is served in its rolled burrito-like form and eaten whole, without cutting it. Fast food in Australia is something that is also relatively similar to the US. McDonald's was on almost every corner and seemed to be the most popular fast food establishment around but one could also easily find Subway, KFC and Starbucks. There is no such thing as Burger King in Australia but what they call Hungry Jacks would be similar. Take out pizza places were also familiar as they had Dominos and Pizza Hut. Greek food was very prevalent around campus and throughout the city. Items such as Lamb kabobs and Gyros (my favorite!!!) were something I ate often because they were so convenient. One of my favorite places to grab lunch during a school day was at the Greek shop in the student Agora market and wow did it hit the spot every time!! I also tried oysters for the first time in Australia as well as the famous Vegemite spread. Vegemite is something I will NEVER try again nor make my friends try as it is truly a salt lick. The spread is usually eaten by locals for breakfast on toast or a muffin but I stuck to plain butter on my toast for the remainder of the trip. Another item that I tried in Australia that I have not seen in American is a meat pie. These tiny hand-sized pies are not made with fruit but rather beef and served with tomato sauce (ketchup) on top. In my opinion, these were not as awful as the vegemite and I am happy I tried this Australian delicacy but I will hold off on anymore for now. Although, Australian food could be seen as very similar to American food due to the variety of cultural options there are apparent differences in their overall diets. I did seem to meet more vegetarians than I have ever met before. Most of the Australians who lived on my floor mainly ate rice, vegetables, and pasta. They ate smaller portions than Americans do. Coffee is a popular beverage in Australia as well as in America–the world apparently runs on caffeine. I had some of the best hot and iced coffee while in Australia and I can not wait to have it again one day. I hope I can one day travel back to Australia and try more of their well-known dishes and continue to experience the vast diversity Australia holds– from their people to their foods. XOXO -Tori One of the top things I miss doing while in Australia was exploring the nightlife in Melbourne with my friends. The city atmosphere was similar to New York but also like California at the same time. At every turn, there was something different to see. From the street performers, the pace of the music, to the energy of the people, I loved being a part of the city rush from day to night. Nothing I have yet experienced in American can compare to the things I did and experienced in the 5 weeks in Melbourne. Although my Uni was about a 40-minute train commute to downtown Melbourne, it was usually spent making a game plan for the city or daydreaming out the window. The train would bring you right into Flinders station and you were instantly at the hub of it. Finder's station was kinda like a home base, you knew exactly where things were from that point. We would always use that station as a meeting point if the group ever split up (but remember that it is safest to always stay together). Once you are off your 40-minute train ride the city is at your fingertips. Clubs, restaurants, rooftop bars Melbourne had it all. I had, before coming to Australia, a whole list of must-see restaurants and fun things to do in the city. Such things as going to the one Icebar in Australia (which I did!!!) and to stroll down the alleyways of graffiti. Small local cafes and shops lined the streets and in every turn, there was something new to see. The Crown Casino was not on my list but I was persuaded to enter by my friends, who wanted to take their turn at luck on some gambling slot machines. I have never gambled in my life but I took my turn on the slots, rightfully so, I mean I was legally allowed too. I will admit I did have more fun at the casino than I thought I would have, hence to the fancy bar drinks and winning 30 dollars!
I will add photos into this blog from some of my nights out and around town in Melbourne for you guys to have a glimpse into the nightlife. Most bars were open until the very early hours in the morning and some nights I would find myself getting into my bed as the sun was rising for the next day lol. I experienced such an amazing bar atmosphere, culture, and vibe while downtown in Melbourne city. One of the bars listed above, The State of Grace, was like a secret underground speakeasy with live music and special fancy drinks. Although the bars around the city are pretty pricey, the fun is always there. Another thing that was a downfall was the cover charge for some of the clubs, meaning you pay to get in. This is a preferred cash transaction so be sure you always have 20 notes laying in your wallet just in case you and your friends hit the town one night. It was extremely fun to be socializing by drinking, laughing and clubbing with your friends but always remember to be on the lookout for one another. Make sure you watch not only your drink but your friends and remember to take a buddy with you every time you leave the group so you are not alone at any time. Always travel with a group of friends (boys and girls) that communicate together and get along, that is how it worked so well when I ventured to the city. I knew I was protected if something were to happen and I helped to make sure my friends were safe. This is the best way to make a night full of memorable fun. Also, make sure you always bring a phone charger on your outings to the city, you never know how the night will end up going. XOXO -Tori It still seems crazy how the events of my life over the last week have changed what I thought and expected to happen. Taking time to reminisce on my amazing 5 weeks in Melbourne, I am amazed at how much different things are here in the states. I will be looking at the weather within Melbourne and my home town of Dallas, PA this week. The weather is completely different across the world. A week ago I was stealing away to the beach and lathering up in sunscreen–or so I told my parents–with my new friends taking time to buy a cool drink to beat the warm weather. When I arrived home my mother had to hand me a winter jacket, the ground had a light covering of snow, and I immediately wanted a hot cup of coffee. Even though these places are extremely far apart they are not completely different. They do have some similarities with weather conditions. I am used to it being almost all four seasons in one day here in PA, Melbourne is very similar on some days. While living in Melbourne I experienced lots of sunshine but also many days which were rainy and overcast–with big clouds filling the sky. This is also how PA tends to be during many months of the year. Luckily, I did not get to experience the winter weather Melbourne has within the months of June and July–I definitely prefer the warmer weather. Getting the ability to leave PA in the middle of the freezing cold and wet months to get sunburnt on the beach multiple times was something I took for granted looking back now. It is so weird to think about how just a short time ago I was wearing shorts and now I have to wear a jacket or at least layer up my clothing before going outside. Going to the beach with my friends and laughing in the sunshine may be one of the things I miss the most. Everyday, since I have been home, it has been either rainy, cloudy, or cold–or worse all three. And man does it make missing the Melbourne sunshine that much worse. :( But like I mentioned about how PA tends to have all four seasons in a day, Melbourne has that same occurrence. Some days I would wake up and it would be windy and grey outside then by lunchtime it would rain and by the afternoon everywhere would be filled with sunshine. Mother nature is everywhere in the world and is very confusing to understand. I have been communicating with my Australian friends who live there and they have told me that the temperature (which is in Celsius) is dropping as the summer has come to an end and fall is rolling in. This will make for more rainy days coming up as that is the most frequent type of weather condition throughout Melbourne. Going back and forth from time zones and weather conditions has gotten my body very confused. Getting adjusted to the weather conditions here in PA, which right now are mostly low 40 degrees to mid 50’s if we are lucky in the mid afternoon. This is only going to last through April then summer is right around the corner. Truly the only months that actually feel like summer here in PA are July and August as the sun is the strongest in those months and the days are the longest. In Australia the sun was so different as there is no ozone layer there so the UV rays are more direct on skin without you even being aware. I will forever remember the time I spent in Australia and how lucky I was to even travel across the globe to get there. The amazing sunsets each night never disappointed. I treasured these moments, thinking I would have more opportunities still did not stop me from always appreciating the beauty of nature. Now that I find myself home, I will never let these memories go and no matter how sad I am to be back home three months early, I am happy to be safe and healthy. PA has some pretty great sunsets throughout the warmer months which I can not wait to see but I will post some memorable Melbourne sunsets so you can witness how beautiful they could be. As my favorite season is summer, I hope winter is soon over and spring hurries along so my PA sunshine can come out, the temperature will warm up, and I can sit outside by my pool instead of watching several seasons of a Netflix show while in quarantine lol. See you guys next week! Thanks for staying along with me throughout this crazy time in the world. Stay safe– XOXO -Tori Landon |
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May 2020
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