I had my first group presentation in class last week in my
economics class. It was about the Great Depression on a global scale and how it
affected each country. My group included two Chinese students, two Americans,
and two Australians. So when we divided it up I was given America (lucky for me
I have had plenty if US history and didn't have to do tons of extra research).
The work here is more laid back and so I wasn't that surprised when some of our
group members didn't show up until an hour after our meeting time was. Oh and
once they showed up, they hadn't done their research yet. We finally finished
our presentation and presented the next day in class –
everything went well. Midterms are next week, which is hard to believe because
that means spring break is right around the corner!! I am going to New Zealand – the
south island- with other study abroad students to travel around and do outdoor
adventure things (white water rafting, hiking a glacier, and other fun things)
for ten days! It should be a great time and I am really looking forward to it!
It will be nice to get out of the big city and go see some mountains and open
space.
I am now officially PADI certified in scuba diving! Last
week I went and did a course through Sydney Dive Academy and met some awesome
Australians. I was a little hesitant because the week before we went to the
Sydney Aquarium and saw the sharks exhibit! But I knew it was something I had
wanted to do for a long time and I couldn’t let that change my mind last
minute! They tell you in the class that the idea of sharks attacking people are
a myth and rarely happen let alone attacking scuba divers! It was a great time,
I am really glad I did it. I am looking forward to Cairns and the Great Barrier
Reef (we are trying to plan a trip now in middle/late October). At our dive
spot on the second day we saw an octopus and stingray with lots of other fish
as well. Oh and one of the best parts was that one of the Dive Masters (an
instructor) was asking me about America and if I follow the NFL. We had a great
5-minute conversation about the Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow, and his favorite
team, the New England Patriots!
Dive Group!
First Dive Site - Beautiful day, cold water!
Yesterday the city had a “Welcome Home Australian
Olympic Team Parade”
downtown so a few friends and I went down to see it. It was a great time. They
closed off George Street (one of the main roads downtown) and there were quite
a few people that showed up on a Monday morning to see the Olympians! We were
able to high five a lot of them and I really wanted to touch a medal (which I
think we could have if we asked them) but by the time I thought about it, it
was too late. There were not that many medals in the parade –
Australian won 7 gold, 16 silver, and 12 bronze. We saw the “missile” but
unfortunately he was on the other side. Overall, it was a fun parade and thing
to experience.
Me, Maja, Jen
Only in Australia
Me, Joe, Jen, Maja
The Missile!
I am going to try and blog more often like after a special
fun event or something that I want to share. Trying to blog every week I always
forget things and it takes a lot longer to type up! Football season is starting
which I think might be the first time I get a little home sick (not really home
sick but just missing the fact I can’t watch the games). I guess I
will have to follow game stats and blogs!
Anyways, sorry this next blog took so long to get up.
Things have been going well and August has flown by! Next month I will be 21 –
holy cow! Life is good and I am very blessed.
Lots of love,
Stephanie
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