I have finally made it to my study abroad destination in Melbourne, Australia! This blog entry will be based on my traveling experience overseas and adjusting to living at La Trobe University. To start this entry off I will first tell you about my travels. I WAS SO NERVOUS. Traveling previously was easy because I was always with other people. This was my first solo experience and oh boy was it a good one–just traveling around the world. I was anxious as I entered the airport, but once I got through security and found my boarding gate I knew I was in the right place and told myself to remain calm. My parents prepared me the best that they could to know what to expect when traveling and how I should hydrate and be prepared in advance. It was a very smooth transition to and from the JFK airport to Los Angeles. I ate some dinner before boarding my second flight and again prepared for the lengthy flight ahead of me. Most of my flight to Melbourne I did my best to get comfortable and sleep and I am very grateful for sleeping helps to avoid jet lag. Although food on planes is not the most appetizing or filling, one must stay hydrated and full of nutrients so I ate some food, had a couple more hours of interrupted sleep, watched a few movies, and a bit later I was landing in Melbourne. It was a great feeling to exit the plane and stretch my legs! Getting fresh air and being back on land was such a rush! Next step–customs. A lot of people fear this part of traveling, afraid of saying something wrong. Overall it was not any big deal, just a few questions and I was off to find my luggage. Now, I know I have a tendency to overpack and yes I have to admit that the only way that I got my luggage zipped closed was for both my mother and myself to sit on it, but I never expected my luggage to be open when it arrived. Apparently, with all of the baggage handlers picking up and throwing the bags to the necessary conveyor belts my one suitcase popped open. Much to my chagrin I found the contents of my suitcase sticking out of the bag and in need of some immediate attention. Thankful for a good samaritan soon it was zipped back up and I headed to meet my airport pickup driver. I was unsure where to go and hoped to God it would be easy to locate him, and it was. I bought myself an Australian SIM card then while waiting for my shuttle which then allowed me to gain an Australian phone number and use data (highly recommended!!!). Driving to the campus I watched out the window trying to take in all of the new sights. I was in Australia!!! I was so excited and could not wait for the real adventure to begin! I was then brought to my campus of La Trobe in Bundoora. I settled into my room pretty quickly and I was grateful to have a single room to myself. The room was a good size, was clean, and had a large window which let in loads of sunshine! I am excited to make it my own by decorating it. It is my home for the next four months and I want it to reflect who I am. Something that my college does not have that Chisholm College (where my accommodation is) does is shared unisex bathrooms. This will take some getting used to but I am sure that I will adjust just fine. I am meeting so many fellow Americans and Australian citizens located on my floor which truly is what I wanted. I love meeting all the friendly people and I hope we stay in contact through the semester. Did I mention how friendly Australian people are, they truly have no worries in the world or expectations of you. Each of them are willing to engage in conversation or answer any of your questions. I checked in on campus last week and did some exploring around to see local cafes and places to eat for lunch. They call the student center here, which is located outside, the Agora. Within the Agora there are small coffee shops, a bookstore, a post office, and various diverse cultural food choices. I will post photos throughout and you can see some of what I will be experiencing, seeing and eating all semester! Loving it here in Australia!!! Talk Soon Mates ! Xoxo -Tori
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About the AuthorCome be apart of my journey while studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia! Archives
May 2020
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