Spring Has Sprung in Australia!

Over the last few weeks, I have really realized how much I am starting to feel at home here.  Don't get me wrong there are definitely aspects of Colorado and California that I miss; yet I feel like I have adapted well down here, and I have gotten to know some really cool kids.  Granted, I would rather live with more Aussies (they are few and far between in Macquarie University Village), but I have still met people here from all over the world, that I never would have met otherwise.  Classes are interesting and are going well (although I get my first paper back this week so I probably shouldn't speak too soon).  I'm also starting to get my bearings straight...Sydney is a HUGE city, so I will pat myself on the back for this!

While of course there are aspects of life down here (expensive prices, etc), which I am not too keen on; overall I have fallen in love with Australia.  Sydney is amazing, people for the most part are very friendly, the geography is incredible, and it just features a great "laid back" culture.  Suffice it to say, that I feel that I am living in a dream, and if I could extend my time in Australia I would in a heartbeat.

Anyway enough philosophizing for one post...now for some substance...

Last weekend I went on a trip to Crescent Head (about 7 hrs north of Sydney on the New South Wales north coast) for a surf camp.  It was basic camp/ hotel style accommodation, but five minute walk from a huge and awesome beach.  The weekend consisted of 3 surf sessions...while the instruction was rather limited, it was still fun giving surfing a go on Australian waters.  I definitely need some serious work at it, but I was able to stand up a bit on some smaller waves.  At night there was a great campfire, and Aussie surf style party under the stars.  Good food, entertaining company, and another check off my bucket list...A good weekend.

This past week has been good fun as well.  Exploring the city before classes on Wed, a long hike and a chance to meet some cool locals at a university youth group on Friday, and a good day up in Manly on Saturday!

Saturday morning I took the 10 km walk from the Spit to Manly beach hugging the coast the entire time.  A really beautiful walk, with great views of the Northern Beaches and the ocean.  Manly is an awesome, and very "chill" area on the northern mouth of the Sydney Harbour.  There are lots of good shops and restaurants aligning several pedestrian streets along the beach.  In the afternoon, I met up with some friends in Manly, chilled at the famous surf beach and explored the town.  Beers on the wharf, and Kangaroo Fajitas for dinner...a fun time!  Afterward we took the 30 minute ferry back to the city...a really nice trip offering great views of the city skyline.  In all it was a fun filled week!
Spring Break is only a week away, and a trip to New Zealand awaits me!  Needless to say I am excited for what lies ahead until my next post!