“Life in Sydney was simple. We went to numerous, gorgeous beaches, ate our way through the city, and tried to immerse ourselves into the culture as best as we could. We made it our home. ”
My experience traveling abroad to Sydney, Australia was a once in a lifetime experience that I will forever be grateful for. Prior to going abroad, I had only traveled out of the country once, to Europe, for three weeks. I had never been away from my family for an extended period of time because I go to school only 40 minutes away from home. I knew that Australia would give me the opportunity to grow as a person, practice independence, meet new people, and explore a completely new place. I was ready for change and I can now confidently say that going to Sydney was one of the best decisions of my life.
Summer Patterson in Bondi
The months leading up to my departure date, January 2, 2020, consisted of researching places to eat, destinations to travel, and studying the culture of Sydney. It didn’t feel real until I stepped onto the plane and sat there, eager and unable to sleep, for 14 hours. I remember my first day in Sydney like it was yesterday. I exited the airport into blistering heat with my giant suitcases. I was in a sort of panic, unsure of how to get an Uber. This was the first time I had to step out of my comfort zone and ask someone who looked like they knew what they were doing for help. The man guided me to the uber pick up and I was soon on my way. It was weird seeing the steering wheel on the right side of the car and driving on the left side of the street. I couldn’t believe I was actually there. I was in awe staring out of the window. I lugged my suitcase up a few flights of stairs and entered Mulwaree Apartments- an apartment where unforgettable memories were soon made with my four amazing roommates.
We all arrived that day and went shopping for basic necessities. We went to Coles and Woolworths, which are the two popular grocery stores, and bought amazing passion fruits, massive avocados and the most perfect mangos we had ever seen. Soon enough we realized that you are either a Coles kind of girl or a “woolies” kind of girl- Woolworths all the way for me. We unpacked our suitcases and immediately began planning all of the activities we wanted to do as soon as possible. I knew after just that first day that I was going to love Sydney and I was so happy to be there.
Coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi Beach
Lady Elliot Island
Life in Sydney was simple. We went to numerous, gorgeous beaches, ate our way through the city, and tried to immerse ourselves into the culture as best as we could. We made it our home. One of the highlights of abroad was taking my spring course, Aviation and Sustainable Tourism. It was all online and then at the end, our whole class went on a 5 day trip to Lady Elliot Island. The island was surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, which has always been on my bucket list to see. There were about 30 of us on the island, we had no cell service, and the tiny island was also the home to over 10,000 birds. We came face to face with sea turtles, made friends from all over the world, accepted the fact that bird droppings were unavoidable, and learned to always wear a hat. The people we met on this trip became the people we would hang out with the rest of our time abroad, making me very grateful to have been in this class.
New Zealand
Last day in Sydney
We also got to travel outside of Sydney to Bali and New Zealand. Both of these places were amazing- my favorite being New Zealand. Three of my roommates and I traveled the south island driving from one end to the other. I learned how to drive on the left side of the road, saw the bluest water I have ever seen in my life, hiked the prettiest trails, stayed at fun hostels, met many locals, and encountered many, many sheep. This eight day trip was the best trip I have ever been on and I’m so happy I got the chance to see the beauty that is New Zealand. While the coronavirus cut our trip two months short, I think I made the most of my time abroad. A day doesn’t go by where I don’t think about the beaches of Coogee and Bondi, the acai from Fruitologist, the culture of going everywhere barefoot (even the grocery store), and everything else Sydney had to offer. I made everlasting friendships and memories and I cannot wait until I can go back to make more!