The Last Australia Post

Goodbye (for now) Australia

written from LAX airport in between flights to get back home.

I've come to the end of my Australian adventures.  It feels like I've been away from home for so long, but at the same time, part of me wishes I had more time in Australia.  However, I got to see as much as I possibly could over 4 months and balanced it all pretty well... and I have a very good feeling I'll be back to the Australian side of the world sooner rather than later.

To keep this short and sweet (well, as short as can be by Jo Jo standards) I'd like to play a little game called "Give Me a Hand" or "Give Me Five"...
All I get is 5 words to describe my experience this semester.  Here you go.

Two Handfuls of Words

5.  NATURE

4.  AWE

3.  LEARNING

2.  FRIENDS

1.  LAUGHTER

and, just for fun, an alternate list of things that also describe the past 4 months, that somehow all start with the letter B.

5.  BAR CRAWLS

4.  BUNGY

3.  BEACHES

2.  BOX OF GOON

1.  BRISSIE

me, Sarah, Jenna & Emmi at the Brisbane sign

Tips / Things I Learned

·      Bring your comfiest pair of sweatpants. It’ll be worth the extra space in your suitcase.

·      Don’t eat a kangaroo burger one day and then pet a live one the next.

·      Drinking boxed wine will get old fast.  Sometimes you’ve gotta splurge a little and treat yo self.

·      You’ll never get tired of hearing different accents and languages every day.

·      Join as many free travel rewards programs as possible!

·      Public transportation can be your best friend or your worst nightmare.  Make it your best friend most of the time.

·      If you have a really early flight, just stay up all night and face the consequences of sleep deprivation later.

·      Pepper spray is not necessary (or legal) in Australia.

·      It’s a weird feeling to walk home from class at 5 or 6pm and not be able to call anybody from home because they’re all fast asleep.

·      Sometimes, take advantage of the local places near where you live, even if they are more expensive than Hungry Jacks or Subway.

Last Thoughts

·      I never saw any deadly snakes or spiders or sharks, but I did see a whole lot of koalas, kangaroos, and fish.

·      I didn’t become a vegemite addict, but I did convert some non-Americans to the joys of peanut butter (with oreos).

·      I didn’t learn much more about cooking than the little I already knew, but I did create a mean recipe for Tim Tam Brownies.

·      I didn’t get too much better at navigation and directions, but I did travel across Australia, New Zealand, and Bali without getting lost too many times... and I made it out safe and sound.

·      I didn’t meet a guy in Australia and choose to stay here forever with him (even though a bunch of people said I would ;) ) but I did make the BEST friends I could’ve asked for to share this semester with me and act as a family.

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter how we pronounce "aluminum" or what we call a “bell pepper” or if we'd choose vegemite over peanut butter… does it?  It only matters that we're willing to share those things.  It only matters that we're willing to get over those small variances—and even the big differences—and form new friendships with people from completely different backgrounds than our own.

And finally... thanks Mom & Dad for EVERYTHING.

I'm finally coming home to you, Linds, Paul, Luke and the puppies!

Time to take off towards the land of liberty, justice, and Panera for all.

I cannot wait to eat BREAD CO, toasted ravioli, frozen custard, and mac n cheese.

I cannot wait for baseball games in the hot sun, afternoons by the pool, and spending countless hours on my couch watching TV or driving in my car.

Like most goodbyes, this has been very bittersweet, but it's time to go!

See you soon, 'MURICA!!!

Be Excellent.

xoxo

Jo Jo

PS ... if you somewhat enjoyed any of my blog posts this semester, please check out my other page HERE which I'll be revamping and updating more regularly.

Thanks for reading! :)