It’s been almost a week since I’ve been in Sydney! I think I am slowly adjusting to my new life here for the next 5 weeks. We had orientation the past weekend, and we got to go on a cruise ship to tour around the city which was so cool to see the city from a different angle and it was absolutely stunning! We also got to feed and pet kangaroos and took pictures with koalas, which I was so excited about because it was on my list to see these iconic Aussie animals, and not only did I see them so closely with my eyes but I also got to pet them was an absolute dream come true! We also went hiking to the Blue Mountain afterward. The hike was quite brutal on the way back, but it was so worth it to hike down and see the scenery from the bottom! I’d have to admit that my legs were still shaking the next day tho.
Our housing is located between Chinatown and Thaitown, which is a blessing because the chinese and thai food here are SO GOOD. There are also many Taiwanese restaurants in the area so I have places to go to when I get homesick in the next few weeks. I am rooming with my friend, Grace, and we knew each other before coming here, so it is nice to stay with a friend while being in a new country. Our apartment is an 8-person suite, so I also get to share the apartment with 6 other girls, which is an awesome way to meet new people and make friends. everyone is so sweet and nice, and I enjoy the catch-ups after dinner with my them so much!
I’m taking a class along with my internship. I just had my first class yesterday actually for the internship prep course and urban studies course. I think one thing about CAPA is that because it is a relatively small institution, we get to be in a small classroom with a maximum of 16 people. The small class environment is a great way to get to know each other and also makes working together more easily. There are only four people in my urban studies class, and I honestly like it because it gets us closer as we get to go on field trips together for class. The classes themselves are not very intense; however, since we only have 6 weeks here and also an internship to do, it is a bit heavier to take on but definitely doable. I’m interning at Our Big Kitchen, which is an industrial kitchen that takes business/school inquiries for team-building activities and also gives out meals to those in need. I only come in three days a week as I have classes the other days. My first day was pretty intense as they were short-staffed and so even though my primary duty was on the supply chain side, I was called on to help with kitchen duty most of the time. I’ve never peeled so many apples and pears in my life before and I think my peeling skills are like top after my first day. I’m having a meeting next time with my supervisor to talk more about their logistics so I’m excited about that. I’m working with another intern here, and we share an office space and it’s been fun working with her! Even though my first day was a bit intense, I get it and I know that working in the kitchen is not an easy job so I am not surprised. I’m still getting used to the Australian accent here tho I would say, because sometimes I found myself having a hard time understanding the accent as my supervisor has a very strong aussie accent. I will be working on that and maybe I’ll start to pick up the accent as well.
I am going to a surf camp this weekend and I am so excited for it! I’ve never surfed before but It’s been on my bucket list for a while. Cant wait for the weekend!