Last Days in the Land Down Under

Chamira Sankey Sydney, Australia

Date

July 12, 2016
By Chamira S., Sydney Internship Program Summer, Australia

I can't believe that my time here in Australia is coming to an end. A moment I have dreamed of since freshman year has been fulfilled and I couldn't be happier. I have learned so much about Australian culture and so much about myself during these last 7 weeks. I have stepped outside my comfort zone, met new friends, saw sights I never thought of imagined seeing and even saw my very first AFL (Australian Football League).

From my very first trip to the Gloria Jean's Cafe, to going to meeting new furry friends at Taronga Zoo I am happy to say that I will be returning to America. I spent my last days with friends that I hope to have for a lifetime. We visited the Chinatown market where everything was very inexpensive. I tried some spicy plum chicken, chicken dumplings and cane juice. We also had tickets to visit the Westfield Looking Glass where we were able to see the entire city of Sydney. Afterwards we met the friendliest therapy dogs and from there I knew that I couldn't have this trip any other way.

That night we stayed up until about 4am, reminiscing about our journey here in Australia and how much everyone will be missed. We exchanged numbers and went about our night. I went to sleep and when my eyes opened I was ending one journey but starting a completely new one. I am a rising senior at the University of Illinois and Australia has prepared me to take on my last year the Aussie way! So long 'Stralia. Next stop: America


Chamira S. Chamira is a student at the University of Illinois, Urbana and is blogging from her summer abroad with the Sydney Internship Program Summer, in Sydney, Australia.