Australia, nice to meet you!

My flight from North Carolina to LAX was long (but definitely not as long as my flight leaving LAX to Brisbane: 15 hours).  However, I was fortunate enough to be seated next to an actor!  His name was "Finneus Egan" and he's played in movies such as: Pirates of the Caribbean, Bones (the TV show), Minority Report, Providence, and ER.  He was really interesting and had actually been to Australia before (and overstayed his visa).  It was so helpful to ask him questions and get advice from him before landing in Brisbane.  At the Brisbane airport, I met 30+ kids all travelling to Bond University from the United States.  We were easily identifiable with our untanned skin, American accents, and confused expressions.  The airport transfer shuttle took all of us directly to our accommodations on/off campus.  I have accommodation at The Reserve, a classy upscale apartment complex that looks more akin to a resort.  My accommodation is shared with two other girls: Amanda (whom I travelled with) and Royye (a girl from Papua New Guinea).  Together we share a large kitchen, living room, and large balcony.  There are two bathrooms in our apartment with showers.  Additionally, our apartment came fully furnished with couches, beds, a kitchen table and chairs, a washer and dryer, book shelves, a TV, kitchen appliances, and kitchen cooking accessories.  The Reserve has a large saltwater pool, spa room, theatre room, hot tub, fitness center, and game room as well.  It's a shame that I'm studying abroad and not just LIVING abroad.  Staying in my apartment complex will be like a four month vacation!
Throughout the week that I've been here in Australia, I've done a lot of cool things.  I've attended orientation week (o-week) at Bond which included: finalizing my school schedule, getting my Bond student ID, going to free barbeques, taking a campus tour, getting a bus pass (for travelling around the city), picking up my books, learning about different facets of the campus, and watching a midnight movie on the campus lawns.  Outside of orientation, I've travelled around the city by bus and by foot.  I've been to the fabulous shopping center of Robina city and have enjoyed the warm sun of Brisbane's Broadbeach.  This entire week has gone by so fast.  I've spent most of the time in the sun (learning the hard way that I need to apply sunscreen more generously), swimming at the beaches, walking around the city, eating at different local restaurants (ordering the famous "fish and chips"), and learning about the different things that the Bond University campus offers (clubs, trips, etc.).  School starts tomorrow and I am beyond excited to finally commence the semester.  I can't wait to meet my fellow classmates, learn some more Australian lingo (because I am picking up quite a bit), try group exercise classes through the campus fitness center, and travel on my free time.  I understand how Finneus managed to overstay his visa!
(Below are pictures of my Australian home and Bond University)

Do I look lost?

Yesterday I flew out of Albany International Airport in New York to Charlotte, North Carolina.  Leaving my family at the gate was definitely a hard thing for me to do especially since I knew I wouldn't be seeing them for another four months.  But now that I'm officially miles from home, it feels easier to take steps forward.  My next flight is from Charlotte to LAX where I have a five-hour layover until leaving for Brisbane, Australia.  My flight to Brisbane aligns with the same flight as my new friend, Amanda.  Thankfully, I'll have someone to keep me company in the airport (especially such a big airport as LAX---Miley Cyrus mentions it in a song...we know it's big).  This whole weekend of travelling is essentially giving me some real life experience.  I've already had to hail a taxi and board a plane alone.  I've never done either of those things before.  I guess that that's what the next four months are going to be like: doing things I've never done before.  In all honesty, I'm not nervous yet.  Maybe my nerves will kick into overdrive when I land in Australia.  But at this point, I think it's unlikely--I was made for this!

Bon Voyage!

I'm so close to leaving for Australia!  Just one day away!  Before leaving I have made "infomational packets"for my parents and sister so that in case of an emergency they will have all of my documentation.  I made sure that each of them had copies of my flight information, international health insurance, passport, driver's license, visa number, school schedule, contact information, and confirmations for my dining plan, hotels, and apartment.  Additionally, I made extra copies for myself.  I have heard from other study abroad students that having extra copies of documentation can essentially be a life saver (especially if your baggage gets lost).  I've also been reading about what you can/cannot take on a plane or carry in your baggage.  The following website: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons was extremely helpful in understanding liquid, gel, and powder substance limitations.  Each airline has weight limitations for baggage as well.  I've found that the best way to weigh your baggage is to first step on a scale by yourself, and then grab your baggage and step on the scale again and take note of the weight difference.  These are small tips, but they're helpful if you're travelling (especially to another country).  I have made sure to also pack an extra set of clothes in my carry-on bag in case my luggage is slow on arriving.  Honestly, I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I think that I am as prepared as I can possibly be at the moment.  Wish me luck, because tomorrow I start the biggest adventure I've ever known!