Over the course of this Australia course I have come to realize there are many different perspectives to be taken away about the way people live their lives. Many of the people that we have come to meet on this trip have opened my eyes to the different lifestyles that one can have. This trip has not only been an educational experience but also an unforgettable life experience.
In the beginning of our journey everyone was still a little skeptical on meeting new people, and becoming comfortable around each other. We started our trip off in Sydney, Australia. Sydney opened my eyes to how this journey was going to turn out. The first people we met in the first hostels were locals, and very friendly. I soon realized that the hostels were the places that we were going to find some of the most interesting people, all with different perceptions on life and where it will take them. Most of the backpackers we have met as a group extend their visits here in Australia because of how beautiful this country is, and all the amazing experiences it has to offer.
The second leg of our journey has taken us to Canberra, Australia. It was here that we learned of how much respect that the Australians have not only for their own military but those of their allies. Many different exhibits in the ANZAC memorial shared this common respect for all militaries. One Exhibit that showed how much both the government and the people of this country have for those who serve us, they have a memorial for the Turkish army out of respect for their fight for freedom. This memorial is so significant because of the location, and the fact that the battle was fought against the Australian’s. The history of the armies was only one of the many life lessons learned on our trip to the nations capital. One evening while making dinner, we made great friends with a “hippie” that had many different views on life. This man had been traveling Australia barefoot, playing his guitar and loving life. This was a moment that led me to believe that happiness is truly found within. This man from Botswana, he had virtually nothing and lived pay check to pay check but he was probably one of the most self satisfied man I had ever met. He was one of the most inspiring people I have ever met.
After our adventures in Canberra, we traveled north to Brisbane, or what the locals call “Brizzy.” It was here that I got to catch up with a good family friend who had eloped to Australia a year ago, never to leave. We also met a friend of Brittany Edwards; he would be one of the highlights of this trip. Matt who is Brittany’s friend, took us out and shined a new light on the Australian life. Venturing from the typical tourist attractions and traveling to places that the locals deem a great getaway is an experience I never believed I would have. Matt took us out on a damn, and showed us a great day in the sun full of tubing and wakeboarding. Getting to talk to people who have lived here their whole life, and when asked if they would ever leave, the answer was predictable. Who could leave a place that is warm 12 months of the year? I know if I had the chance I don’t believe that I could. So far on this trip mat has been one of the most interesting characters we have met, and he has opened up a new perspective not just to myself but also to everyone, on how Australians live their lives.
It was today that we left our new good friend, to travel on a train for a day and a half, to the beautiful city of Cairns, Australia. There lies many more adventures and new people for all of us to meet. Our only obstacle is getting through this torturous train ride.
G’day from Down Unda,
Brady Richards ‘14
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