I returned from Melbourne ready to make the most of my last week in Australia. Monday was Alex's birthday, so the roommates had one last roommie dinner together and I made mexican eggs! Everyone had exams they were still studying for, so it was an early night, but it was still great to just sit in the village and hang out. For the first time in weeks I could catch my breath!
Tuesday was all about the logistics of leaving. I packed almost my entire room, closed my bank account, and started to really organize. I spent a lovely evening out with friends and had yet another round of goodbyes.
On Wednesday, Wayne, Courtney, and I went into the city. We started out at Patty's Market for souvenirs and shopping, and then made our way over the Darling Harbour where we went to the Wildlife Park. The Wildlife Park is like a small zoo in the middle of the city, filled with animals found in Australia. They have koalas, kangaroos, snakes, tasmanian devils, and massive bugs, to name a few. The koalas were actually awake and eating when we were there! Such great timing!
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| So CUTE |
There was hardly anyone else in the park and we had a great time seeing all the animals. One of the coolest was a massive crocodile which you could see through glass into the tank. It was certainly terrifying! Before I came my mom's one warning was that Australia wouldn't stop be from killing myself jumping out of plans are being eaten by crocs. I believed why when I saw this guy!
Afterwards I had a couple hours to kill before I met a group of ALICE friends at Pancakes (where else?). I decided to walk down to Circular Quay and sit in the starbucks there. Luckily, I'd brought my journal with me so I had a nice chunk of time to write.
As I was writing I realized how much of a city girl I've become since living here. I never in a million years wanted to live in a major city for an extended period of time, but now that I've been here I could see myself spending my whole life in a city. Who knows what will happen, but I'm glad I've opened myself up to so many more options.
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| Pancakes! |
Pancakes was wonderful, as always. There were 12 or so of us and we sat there for hours catching up since the show and laughing over memories. I stuffed myself, as always, and soaked in the time before the goodbyes started again.
Even though there were so many people there who I've come to really adore, the goodbyes followed so closely behind all of the laughter that they didn't feel too sad, but celebratory of all the great moments we've had. And that's how the rest of my goodbyes continued for the rest of the week.
On Thursday the packing continued, as well as the first major catch up on blogs (4 this week!). I grabbed lunch on campus with the lovely Steph and Stevie and then Stevie and I ran to the mac center for some errands and a marvelous Max Brenner Chocolate Bar date!
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| Me and Stevie :) |
Stevie has been one of my closest Australian friends. She's always quick to remind me that going home doesn't mean goodbye, and that I need to keep looking forward for the next great adventure. Her wonderful wisdom and the new hug mug I have from her will definitely help me get through my first few weeks back in Ohio. I'm so lucky to have met such a witty and fabulous friend. Hopefully her and Joshy will get Alice to Broadway in time for me to debut Queen of Hearts ;)
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| Well played, Macquarie. |
That night Courtney and I hung out for ages, reminiscing about our semester together and reflecting on how far we've come. It was a sad night as I finished packing my bags. Even though we'll see each other so soon, it didn't feel right to be leaving without her, especially since she's been with me since the very first flight over. All great things come to an end, but thank goodness our friendship will continue.
Friday was quite the extensive day! Alex, Ella, Courtney and I went to the Pylon lookout on the Harbour Bridge for one last great view of the harbour.
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| Ella, Me and Alex |
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| I will never have enough pictures of this beauty |
Courtney and I then took an epic run (okay, insanly fast power walk) across the city to grab Thai food (it is really unbelievable in Sydney) before running back to Town Hall for the 3 hour walking tour of Sydney. A few other villagers met us on the tour which was very interesting and gave a lot of the history. Connor, Courtney and I then went to the Sky Tower for a nighttime view and a 4-D video experience of Sydney. It was quite the tourist day, and the perfect last day in the city I fell so in love with.
I napped a bit on the train ride home, and again when I was back in the village, and then began the all nighter. Friends from the village stopped in every so often to say goodbye, while Wayne, Alex, Ella, Tina, Courtney, Caitlin and I all did our best to stay up until I left for the airport the next morning. We played "nouns" (a game sort of like charades) and water pong, went on an ice cream run, and talked for hours as I came in and out, slowly cleaning my room and organizing my things. Wayne Caitlin and I were the only three left and we watched HSM as the sky started to lighten. Everyone was back in the morning, however, for my last big round of goodbyes. It was hard leaving my roommates knowing I wouldn't be back on Monday like I normally am. I lucked out with my roommates and made amazing friendships with them. Hopefully it wasn't really a goodbye, and only a see you later.
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| Roomies <3 |
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| The brave 6am souls |
Logan was kind enough to drive me to the airport so I wouldn't have to haul my luggage (my very heavy luggage) through the train station. My last car ride through the city was pleasant, and I was cheery as I walked into the airport. I got through to my gate without any issues, and I slept the first 10 hours of my flight (besides waking up for food). I got to LA, through customs, and to my gate with plenty of time to spare, and made it all the way home without a hitch. The thing about saying goodbye, is that it doesn't seem to register as it's happening. I wasn't upset about saying goodbye to Stevie until hours later, I wasn't upset about Alice ending until the next day. Who knows when it will really hit me that I've left the most incredible experience of my life so far.
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| A dreary Sydney, saying goodbye. |
Until then, I've got a suitcase full of tim tams, and quite a few adventures awaiting me this summer.
All My Love,
Bethany
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