Basically a local

G’Day everyone!

It is Monday, August 30^th, and I have been in Sydney just under a week now.  I can’t believe it’s been only a week- and I cannot wait to come home.

JUST KIDDING!

Sydney is amazing. To begin with- everyone is friendly. Nearly every Australian I have talked to has with either lived or visited the United States- or they have friends or family in the States. People are so eager to hear about what we are doing in Sydney, how long we’ll be staying, what we’re studying, etc. The city is sprawling- when you see it from the harbor the size of it blows your mind. I have only explored one side of it- the other half of it is across the bridge. There are hundreds and hundreds of little shops, restaurants, bars, and pubs. The food and shopping are great- and everyone really gets in to the nightlife. The pubs fill up early with people going out for drinks after work. Sydney also feels very safe. We’ve been warned about petty theft and things of that nature- but there don’t seem to be many shady characters wandering around, and people don’t approach you on the streets for anything- which is nice. The city is absolutely beautiful, and the harbor is even better. The weather is hovering in the high 60’s, low 70’s at the moment, but I’ve been told that it warms up very quickly. Australians love the springtime, and everyone has said that we picked the perfect time of year to visit.

The past week has been just amazing. And exhausting. In addition to routine orientation to the Boston University program (which sounds like it is going to be an amazing academic experience), we have gotten to know each other while participating in different activities. There are about 60 or so of us here- most are from Boston University, but some are from California, Maine, and North Carolina. And Michigan. J We’ve had barbeques on the rooftop of our apartment building, a catered boat cruise around the harbor, and a scavenger hunt through the city. (The scavenger hunt was more like the Amazing Race. I could not believe how tired I was afterward).  The students on the trip are incredibly friendly- and I can tell that we’re already starting to become a little family.

I’ll throw in some pictures throughout this post- but if there’s anything you’d like to know- send me a question and I’ll answer it. I miss you all lots and I cannot wait to tell you all about my adventures when I get back!

Cheers!

~Apples