I only have about two weeks left in Sydney and it is definitely bittersweet! I’m still having an amazing time in such a culturally rich and diverse city, both in and out of the classroom.
One part of Australian culture that I’ve connected with is the deep appreciation and dedication to nature and the outdoors. While Sydney’s urban aspects of the city are beautiful in themselves, I have also been able to explore the city’s natural beauty. Parks, beaches, and bushwalks are easily accessible and are commonly enjoyed by locals. My goal is to go to one of Sydney’s run clubs before I leave!
This past weekend I had the chance to leave the city and take in the incredible nature and wildlife that Australia has to offer. I had the opportunity to visit the Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park, both of which were just about an hour from Sydney.
At the Featherdale Wildlife Park, I saw so many new animals; the highlight, of course, was being able to feed the kangaroos. I also saw koalas, wombats, echidnas, penguins, crocodiles, and more! It was so cool to see so many animals up close, as well as learn from the tour guide about their natural habitats in Australia. After that, my group got to go to the Blue Mountains! The hike was very vertical, but we went down to a waterfall and it was gorgeous! This day trip was definitely one of my favorite days in Sydney thus far.
I haven’t run into too many challenges while trying to immerse myself in Sydney’s culture. This is definitely because everyone I have met is so kind and understanding. I’ve run into confusion a few times when ordering things. For example, french fries are chips here, and ketchup is tomato sauce. Also, when crossing the street, I’ve had to get used to looking right then left, as Australians drive on the left side of the road.
Sydney is very multicultural, so I’ve learned so much, even from just short interactions with people I meet. This is definitely opening up my perspective. In addition to these interactions, I have the privilege of interning in a multicultural office. We’re all from different places, so it has been so insightful to listen to their perspectives and learn from their experiences. For example, during one lunch break, we got to compare our university experiences and toys we played with growing up. Being an active listener and asking good questions is something I will definitely take with me back home.