Hi all!
Just want to apologize for about a week or so of being MIA. Midterm week is now over and I have also just completed the GRE’s (math kicked my butt, as usual), so I am thrilled to get back to blogging!
Anyways, just wanted to update you guys on some exciting news; this winter I will be crossing Australia off my travel bucket list, as a couple weeks ago I was accepted to study abroad there – eek! So in a few months, I will try to keep y’all updated on my travels there. Some highlights of the trip include learn to surf lessons and a hike, so aside from the trip in general of course, I am really looking forward to those activities.
Starting Project Light to Life was a big motivator that pushed me to apply to the program, so I want to thank all of my readers for your encouraging feedback; reading your comments make my day, every day 🙂
So if anyone else has already crossed Australia off his or her bucket list, do you have any suggestions/recommendations for me? I’d love to hear them! Anyone else lucky enough to live there? I want to hear from all of you too!
Project Light to Life 
That is awesome, Christine! I have always wanted to go there, so I am just a little jealous, lol. I think it will be an amazing experience. Happy for you!!
Thanks so much Keith 🙂 I’m excited, but I also still have to explore the part of the U.S. you write about in your book, since I haven’t gotten past the East Coast yet! Lol
I was wondering what happened to you… We miss your words…
Aww thanks so much 🙂 Glad to be back!
I live in Australia! I hope you have an amazing time over here. There is definitely lots of things to do, depending on where abouts you will be staying though?? Paddle boarding, scuba diving, swimming with sharks…there are so many things to offer here 🙂
Ahh, I’m so jealous! And thanks so much 🙂 I will be in Melbourne! And it really seems like there is so much to offer!
Oh okay, I’m in Queensland, sunshine capital so lots to do here. I have friends is Melbourne, the restaurants are amazing there, and don’t forget the shopping!!!
Ohh, that’s awesome 🙂 I’m so glad to hear that, as those are two of my favorite things! Lol
Try to come over to New Zealand too – it’s beautiful in a different way.
New Zealand sounds like such a beautiful country too! I would love to visit there 🙂
I have lived in Victoria most of my life and Tasmania for a while and Sydney for a brief period, also travelled the south east coast a fair bit so if you need any tips on those areas hit me up. Congrats 🙂
Wow, that’s awesome; you’re so lucky 🙂 I’ll be staying in Melbourne!
I live in Melbourne!! Which uni are you studying at? I can give you lots of advice since it’s my home town 🙂
Ah, really?! That’s so awesome 🙂 I would love advice! My email is projectlighttolife@yahoo.com, so if you have time, I’d love to ask you some questions about it!
Sorted, just sent you an email 🙂
Ok, perfect! I’ll definitely get back to you by tonight 🙂 Sorry for the delay – school has gotten a little crazy again as the semester is ending in less than a month 😦
No hurry, I’m swamped with assignments myself 🙂
Awesome, you will love it here. I have moved around a lot so not only know lots of areas but have plenty of contacts. We also have lots of overseas au pairs we love showing around. Let me know where you will be based and for how long and I’ll give you some ‘must sees’
Aww thank you! That’s awesome you have lived in a lot of places in Australia 🙂 I’ll be in Melbourne for several weeks!
We’ll be so happy to have you here. 🙂
There is so much for you to do and see, I don’t know where to start! Like others have said, it depends on where you will be going and for how long.
Aww thanks so much 🙂 I’ll be staying in Melbourne; I’m really excited!
I’ve never even been to Melbourne but I hear it’s really cool and has great places to go shopping!
Hey that’s wonderful news! I have never been there, but I would like to go someday and just applied to a job in New Zealand. The more we travel the more we understand each other which leads to a more peaceful world. Enjoy your experience – you’re going to love it.
That’s awesome you applied for a job in New Zealand! I completely agree about travel and thanks so much 🙂
Ahh keep living the dream! I am insanely jealous. You have to do this stuff now! Even at the age of 26 I find it difficult to live life to the fullest because of job responsibilities. Keep posting so I can live vicariously through you 🙂
Haha, aww thanks so much 🙂 I know what you mean about a job though! After this year, I’m not sure what I’ll do, as I begin to enter the real world! Lol
The “real world” is a great place if you love what you do, and I love what I do. It’s particularly fun to make your own money and spend it. Have a great trip and live it up to the fullest!
Studying abroad is wonderful! You will learn so much from it.
That’s what I’ve heard, so I can’t wait :)!
Wow, congratulations!
Thank you so much :)!
I’m another Melbournian. Here are the things I make my international visitors do:
(1) Go to the wineries in the Yarra Valley
(2) The Great Ocean Road is pretty cool
(3) Go to Phillip Island and see the penguins and Koalas
(4) Healesville Sanctuary is even cooler than it sounds
(5) Take the Queenscliffe – Sorrento Ferry – it’s part of a great trip around the Bay.
I’m sure you will have an excellent time, and will be loaded down with good advice for things to do. But those are my top 5 🙂
Hi Alister! Thank you so much for some awesome suggestions 🙂 I’ve never been to a winery, so going to one in Australia would be even cooler! I actually think we’re scheduled to travel on the Great Ocean Road, so I’m psyched for that. And the other three sound amazing too; thank you again!
No problems 🙂 It’s looking pretty summery here today, I hope it continues for you.
Yes, same here 🙂
Reblogged this on SherayxWeblog.
Thanks so much for sharing this post :)!
Hi Christine, glad you are past the midterm’s and can now see the sunshine….in Australia even 🙂 I live on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales in Australia so if your wandering around in that area you can give me an email on my ‘Contact Me’ page on my blog if you would like a catch up. Good luck with the study and a journey ‘down under’ for an experience that I don’t think you will ever forget. Namaste
Ooops, that above was supposed to say….’if you would like to catch up or need any information’…. 🙂 Namaste
Have a great time and make sure you get across to NZ too! Both countries are amazing and so different
Yes, they both seem absolutely amazing :)!
I live in Perth (Which is in Australia, for those who don’t know Perth exists :P), which is unfortunately on the opposite side from Melbourne. I hope you have a great stay over here! I like your thinking; get two summers (and zero winters!) by switching hemispheres :). Good luck with your studies, and watch out for crocodiles :P.
I really overused emoticons then, didn’t I?
:).
And hahaha, no worries, I do that all the time 😀 😀 😀
Haha, aww man! I’m still jealous you live in Australia and thanks so much 🙂 But yup, exactly my thoughts & I will try to watch out for those crocodiles! Lol
A very big welcome hug in advance from Melbourne!!
You’re going to love it!! Especially since you’re coming for our Summer – although every day in Melbourne tends to give you a taste of all four seasons rolled into one 🙂
Can’t wait to read about your adventures down under!! 😀
Ah, thank you so much Mandii! Glad to find someone who lives there 🙂 I’m so psyched to be there during the summer!
Have a great time down under. Take care, BTG
Thanks so much :)!
Will be interesting to see a “listory” from Australia as compared to the ones you have been doing. Do you think they’ll be super different? I’m excited to see!
Yes, I agree Rose! I know I’ve been slacking with those, so have to get more back up here. But I’m excited to see whether they’ll be different as well 🙂 I’m actually not quite sure!
Good for you..what a wonderful experience to look forward to!
Thanks so much :)!
What an awesome opportunity!! I’ve always wanted to visit Oz myself!! Especially see the 12 Apostles off Victoria. Even though some of the stacks have fallen into the sea so not sure how many remain. Post pics!!
Yes, that would be awesome 🙂 Thanks Judy and I will!
Australia is on my bucket list! I’m super jealous!
Haha, thanks Joey 🙂
Ooh you’re going to LOVE it! I just got back from Australia myself, and the years I spent there were the happiest of my life so far. Make sure you hit me up for recommendations when you head to Melbourne- it’s my favourite city x
Ahh I’m so glad to hear that 🙂 That’s so cool you were there for multiple years and I will be sure to ask you questions about it!
Christine,
You will have such an amazing time! Where will your base be?
I crossed AU and NZ off the bucket list this summer- I spent 22 days between the two countries, but only scratched the surface. I highly recommend Kangaroo Island, and Hamilton Island.
Thanks so much 🙂 I am so jealous! I’ll also be there for about 22 days in Melbourne. Those islands both sound amazing though!
I live in Queensland, however my son lives in Melbourne and I have been there several times. Make sure you travel The Great Ocean Road when you are in Victoria. And the shopping and restaurants in the city are fantastic. You’ll have a great time. 🙂
Oh wow, that’s awesome! I actually think the Great Ocean Road is on our itinerary, so I’m really excited for that 🙂 I can’t wait!
Great news! I’ve never been there myself, and in fact I’m perhaps unusual in not having it on my bucket list but I don’t know anyone yet who’s gone over there and not liked it so I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time. I notice that surf lessons, a hike and blogging feature highly on the “study trip” 🙂 !! Why not though – as I know you agree from your blog, life experiences are all about learning- perhaps more so than studying?!
Aww I am so glad to hear that 🙂 And hahaha, very good point! But yes, I think I’ve come to a point in my life where I have to agree with the importance of life experiences! Lol
I’ve been in Melbourne for 3 years now and I am still always finding new places to go and things to do. You’ll definitely not get bored here! Welcome to Aus….soon 😀
Ahh, I am so glad to hear that 🙂 Are you still a student there as well? And thank you for the welcome!
Loved Melbourne, a moment I’ll never forget my first experience snorkeling AND swimming with dolphins. Amazing land, fabulous people!! You’ll love it!
Omg, that sounds amazing 🙂 I can’t wait!
for the sake of your taste buds, avoid Vegemite.
Sacrilege (tbonerunner)…no Vegemite! That’s like going to Disney and not going onto the rides 🙂 But yes, it is a little sharp the flavour. A little. But like all great journeys in life, you have to dip your toe in the water to see if it’s warm or not 🙂 Have a great trip Christine. Namaste
That is awesome! I can’t wait to see Australia someday!
Yay! Congrats! I’ve never been, but someday I would love to go. My brother n law is out there right now. He got an offer to work abroad. It was only supposed to be a year and he likes it so much it became almost 3. He’s only had 1 visit home which sucks because we miss him, but he’s having a great time and loves it out there! I also know someone who traveled there who said the same. I heard its a must see! 🙂 Sooooo jealous!
That sunset is beautiful
So very cool that you’ll be studying abroad. I really wanted to do that while I was in college but I actually ended up meeting my husband during the time I had been applying (for Spain), we ended up becoming pretty serious and were married nine months later! 🙂 Still – it’s one of the things I wish I would’ve done!
That’s awesome! Make sure to savor your time there and truly get to what you plan on doing, because it will go fast! Take lots of pictures for us folks that don’t get to go anywhere fun or beautiful! 🙂
Haha aww, I will definitely try to take pics :)!
Hey Christine, congrats, i’m sure you will have a very great time! Enjoy and share please 🙂
take care,
Chris
Thanks so much Chris :)!
You’re welcome 🙂 a bit busy these days, Christine?
Yes, as soon as the schoolwork dies down in about a month I’m hoping to spend much much more time on here again 🙂 Lol
🙂 looking forward to it 😉
I live in sunny Queensland . You can see cute fairy penguins from st Kilda pier and the eggs Benedict in the cafe on the pier is great! The view from the deck is awesome. If you pop up to brisbane email me for info or I can b your private tour guide.
Aww that sounds amazing 🙂 And I will definitely do that; thanks for an awesome offer!
Look forward to it 🙂
Fantastic news! Be sure to put fairy penguins on your “to-do” list. Not quite Melbourne but it will be a heck of a lot closer then than it is now! And if time and budget allows, do, do, DO try to get to the Red Centre, aka Uluru! Have fun and safe travels 🙂 oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen with bug repellent…
Everyone has been mentioning that and now I’m really curious what that is! I will definitely have to look into both of those; thanks so much Joanne 🙂
Hey Thanks for following my blog!
It’s so interesting that you’re about to embark on an Australian adventure – I’ve lived here all my life. Where are you studying at?
Hopefully you get the time to travel to the state of Queensland – it’s beautiful and home to the Great Barrier Reef
You’re very welcome! I’m so jealous you live in Australia 🙂 I’ll be studying in Melbourne! And that would be so neat to see the Great Barrier Reef though.
I’m also doing university in Melbourne! Good luck!
If you can’t make it to the Great Barrier Reef there is the great ocean road in Victoria (starts only an hour away from Melbourne) which is also a pretty awesome experience.
Thanks so much! I actually think that’s on our itinerary, so I am super excited to see it 🙂 I’ve heard it’s beautiful!
Australia is amazing. I lived there for 1 year, 3 months in Melbourne. Just wait until you find yourself at a bar wearing a onesie. This is bound to happen. Check out mornington peninsula. Last few you could see the southern lights from there. Make your way into nature and check out the old growth forests, the blue mountains, and north Queensland. I ended up spending most of my time up north because its just so beautiful. ENJOY. 🙂
Hahaha, now I will have to let you know if I wind up in a bar wearing a onesie. And ohh that would be amazing 🙂 It all sounds super nice – thank you for some great suggestions!
As so many have already said, Australia is amazing! I just finished studying in Melbourne for a semester this past week. Melbourne is a great city, and there are endless things to do. I studied at ACU if you have any questions 🙂 In addition to surfing and hiking there are tons of outdoor rec activities, like paddle boarding, mountain biking, snorkelling, etc. and it’s pretty easy to get places on public transportation. There is always something going on in Melbourne; there are tons of festivals, and don’t miss the night market at Queen Victoria Market! Check out Brighton beach as well, and you need to try Tim Tams, (they are delicious cookies). Have an awesome time here!
Ah, I cannot wait to go and am so glad to hear that 🙂 Thank you for what seem like some wonderful suggestions!
Uuh Australia! That’s exactly where I am! Hope you enjoy it! 😉 cheers Charlotte
Thank you so much Charlotte 🙂
Hi 🙂
I only just found your blog today and I smiled when I saw that you’re going to be studying in Australia. I’m from Australia and I live near Melbourne, honestly Melbourne is so amazing. There is so many great restaurants and cafe’s. You must see the Eureka Skydeck – (that is if you’re not afraid of heights!) and if you like musicals you should defiantly check out Her Majesty’s Theatre, there is always something interesting playing. If you’re into football, we have AFL which will be well and truly started with the season by the time you arrive, but the games are always great. 🙂
Ahh, you are so lucky that you live in Australia/near Melbourne! I absolutely can’t wait 🙂 Thank you for some great suggestions!
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Yes, I really enjoyed studying in Australia! 🙂