Monday, August 16, 2010

Weeks 4 & 5: It's all the same amazing routine

The past two weeks have been quite eventful! Uni has been great. I really enjoy having two days of the week completely off. It gives me time to run errands, relax on the beach, work out, etc. I have been running around a lot lately with friends. I have become friends with a lot of the international students at Uni. Everyone is in a similar situation as me so it makes it easier to talk with them and fascinating to learn about where everyone grew up. Just the other day I was at a BBQ with some of my friends and other internationals and I realized by the end of the night that I spoke with a German, Czech, Swedish, Norwegian, British, Spanish, French, Mexican, Chilean, Canadian, and other fellow Americans. It was incredible! I love being around that sort of atmosphere. I felt the longer I spoke with them the more understanding and interested I grew. I definitely feel as though my perceptions, misunderstandings, and stereotyped thoughts are so much clearer. It is fascinating how people from other countries view America as well. It was definitely an eye opener. Many people have told me that I'm not a "stereotypical American"... I think that is a good thing! Not just my friends but my professors as well are not shy to bash our former president George Bush. For some reason everyone has a lot of jokes about him and what he had done during the presidency (who knew?). :) Nevertheless, I already feel much more cultured and well rounded. I think that it is really important for people to in general spend more time trying to understand cultures instead of disregarding them.

Anywhoo, every Tuesday night some of my friends have movie nights and we just chill and watch various movies. My friend Emily and I also got the opportunity to take a poll dancing class just for the heck of it. It actually grew quite straining. It was a hilarious experience though! After we finished, Emily and I agreed that we grew a little more respect for poll dancers in general... hahah, however, won't ever try that one again :)
I've been spending some time looking up more trips to take on weekends as well as Spring Break and such. I think I will be going to Sydney, New Zealand, and possibly the outback or Fiji. Everything is quite expensive here so I definitely have to be a bit more money conscious! I may look for a job as well since I have a lot of spare time.
Partying around here never really gets boring. I do get exhausted after several nights of partying in a row, but often times than not, my friends drag me out anyways. It's always a good time though. I'm not used to this crazieness all the time, but it's all good. Speaking of craziness, my birthday (THE BIG 21) is just about a week away, so I am definitely looking forward to a fun-filled day. I think my friends and I are going to see the musical "Mama Mia", go out for dinner, go to karaoke, and then clubbing. I'm super excited for my 21st birthday. Supposedly, my Aussie friend told me that 21 is bigger in Australia than it is in the states, who knew. We actually just celebrated my friend Alisha's 21st the other day. There was live music at this particular bar. We danced and enjoyed the night.  

Now that 5 weeks have gone by, I've grown a little homesick. I definitely love it here and I would never leave, but at times I definitely miss my friends and family from home. It's nice having friends here, but I do really enjoy skyping with family and friends to get a taste of what is happening at home as well. I never thought I'd be that homesick, but acclimating to a totally new environment is a bit difficult at times.


Other than that, not much more is happening. I think I will update my blog every other week now since things have become quite routine.


Next time I post I will be 21, so until then ,mates!!! :) 

3 comments:

  1. I love your posts and pictures. Miss you too but know that you are enjoying an incredible experience. Wish we could visit but know that we will see you soon. xoxooxxoxo

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  2. We miss you too but feel like we are sort of living through your adventures so please keep up the good stories and feedback on what's it like living Down Under!!

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  3. Hey Laur, time for an update before you return to the other 1/2 of the globe.
    I love your postings and can't wait to hear you recall them in person.
    xoxoxox Mom

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