Five months ago I left the summer to arrive in the winter. Two weeks ago I left the summer to arrive, yet again, in the winter.
I am not sure what I expected when I came home. Honestly, I feel like I missed out on so much. It is weird because an entire five months went by at home, a five months that I was not a part of. It makes me a bit sad to realize how much has happened since I left, but nothing has drastically changed when I really think about it. Nothing except the season (which I am only very sad about because 1) I will not have a full summer until next year and 2) I missed fall aka my favorite season, but it is totally ok). However, I refuse to be sad about what I have missed, because I have done far more in the past five months than I could ever dream about. Sometimes it is hard to look at the bright side of things, but it is what has to be done and what should be done. I have been doing a lot of reflecting since I came home. I miss Australia very much, but I am also so glad to be home and surrounded by everyone I have missed dearly. I feel as though I am subconsciously comparing Melbourne to my home of New York constantly. While the two cities are not much different in the grand scheme of it all, there are minor differences and similarities that catch my eye every day. When I first walked out of JFK, the lovely smell of fumes and the noise pollution from Queens immediately hit me - a huge change from minimal air and noise pollution in Melbourne. A few days ago I was driving over the Tappan Zee Bridge towards NYC, and I realized just how similar the architecture is with the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne. Then, when I visited the city I was hit with unbearably cold weather while visiting the Christmas tree; all while Australians are getting ready for their very very very hot Christmas in the summer. Yesterday I went through a roundabout and immediately started to panic inside because the traffic was going the opposite way from what I have been used to these past five months. I also had to tip at a restaurant for the first time in forever. Small things that make a big difference. I keep expecting to hear Australian accents everywhere I go. I keep expecting to wake up in my dorm room in Chis covered in sweat from the start of the sweltering hot summer. I keep expecting to look at my credit card bill and see that the exchange rate has been in my favor, making everything I buy cheaper than what it actually is. But none of this has happened or will happen, and this is what I am slowly getting grip of everyday. At first I was in major shock and in constant denial, but I realize being home is beyond refreshing. It makes thing easier as all abroad programs are slowly coming to an end. My friends are returning home, and we are all in similar boats. I cannot wait to hear the stories about their experiences, and I cannot wait to share my stories with them too. Not going to lie, I thought all of the questions from friends and family upon my return would annoy me, but it is actually the best part. Every time someone asks me about my experience abroad, I feel like I am reliving it all over again. And every time, I remember some small detail and/or memory that had slipped my mind, and it makes me smile from cheek to cheek. So many memories and stories to tell, so many laughs, so many genuine times. This experience brought me the best of friends and the fondest of memories, and for that I am eternally grateful. A part of me will always be in Australia. I know this is super cliche, but it is true. It is not an experience I could ever forget, and it will stay with me forever. Thank you to all who have followed my journey through the great land under, it has been one crazy ride but I would not change it for the world. Until next time. P.S. Yes, I am already planning my trip back to Australia - it may be in 50 years, when I (hopefully) finally have more than $20 in my bank account, but it is going to happen. xoxo, Samantha
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A major factor in planning a trip to Australia (and the Oceania region in general) is the dreadfully long travels to and from. The average travel time from the east coast of America to Australia takes around 23-hours to complete. However daunting this may seem, it is not impossible, and also not as bad as one may think. The longest flight I took prior to my journey to Australia was around 14-hours. I was flying from Italy to New York which should only take 9-hours; however, we had an emergency landing (long story - scary stuff) in Ireland which racked up a lot of time onto our travels. Thankfully I was with my entire family on this flight, making the boredom-cure bearable. While I flew with other Susquehanna students in my program on both flights to Australia and back, my seats were always far away from familiar faces. My flight to Australia broke down to the following (as do many from the east coast of America): a 5h 50min flight from JFK to LAX and a 15h 30min flight from LAX to MEL - arriving two days later in Australia because of the time zones passed. My flight home from Australia broke down to this: a 14h 30min flight from MEL to LAX and a 5h 10min flight from LAX to JFK - arriving on the same day left on, again because of the time zones. I am currently writing this on the last leg (thankfully!!) of my 23-hour journey home and with (almost) two full days of traveling to and from Australia under my belt, hopefully I will be able to perfect my next day-long journey. Until that happens though, here are some secret tips to help get you through what you have probably been ignoring up until the last minute: two flights, 23-hours.
Basically, know what works for you. Know what your body needs and do not deny yourself. Traveling for almost an entire day is most definitely an exhausting experience, but the outcome is rewarding enough! Just get comfortable and enjoy the ride :) xoxo, Samantha A few years ago I started a tradition to capture genuine moments from vacations on my camera and compile them into a video. Making the video is so much fun to me and brings back such happy, nostalgic moments - moments easily forgotten in the grand scheme of things. I continued the tradition on this semester of a lifetime, and in the end I am so happy that I did. This video tugs on all of my heart strings in every way. Check out my recap of my travels this semester! Most definitely one for the books. xoxo, Samantha My journey in this country ends in a little over two weeks, and it is such a bittersweet thought. The goodbyes have already begun, with many friends parting ways, and it gets harder each time. Recently I dropped my adventure-buddy and closest friend, Mar, off at the airport for her to continue traveling Oceania before she returns home to the Netherlands. I thought I was going to be able to keep my cool when saying goodbye, but we both broke down in hysterics in the middle of the airport parking lot. Not exactly keeping our cool.
I hate goodbyes. I think the hardest part about saying goodbye here is the simple idea of not knowing when the next time I will see some of these people again. People I have shared so many laughs, memories and adventures with these past 4.5 months. People I have become so close with, spent almost every day with. But I guess that comes with everything in life. You never know if goodbye means forever. Personally, I prefer "see ya later." But it is hard to say "see ya later" in these situations. In the midst of all of these goodbyes, my parents are coming to visit me for the last 10 days I am here. I am so beyond excited to spend time with them and to show them what I have been up to in this amazing country. For the longest time I was so sad that I could not share my experiences with my family, and knowing that I finally can makes me so beyond happy. We have a full week of exciting adventures planned for my last week here - exploring all the opportunities in Victoria. On the start of my journey in Australia, I visited many places around Victoria such as Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road. My parents and I plan on hitting these places again, and I think it is so cool to end my journey the way I started it. I cannot wait to reminisce on fond memories and rediscover the beauty of this state. It has been a while since I have traveled around Victoria, as I seem to have spent the past few months studying and exploring other states in Australia. I am equally if not more excited that we are going to take some time to spend with my family that lives here in Australia. I am really looking forward to this, and I really wish it was something I had taken advantage of sooner. It always seemed nearly impossible to manage school with traveling and unexpected plans. Looking back, I realize I was just being dramatic and stressed when there was no need to be. However, this past week has been a chill week for me. I am trying to take advantage of every opportunity to spend quality time with friends while I can, before I have to part my ways with everyone. We have been having movie nights and mall sessions and all things super-average-broke-college-student-esque. Australian college students are very similar American college students, both seeming to have a lack of funds. Walking through the halls of my suite becomes more eerie by the day. Every so often I notice my suite mates moving out of their rooms one by one, saying their goodbyes and sharing their excitement for the next school year. It is weird to me that the year is over for them and summer is here, whereas I am about to go home to a brutal winter with the upcoming spring semester moving in fast. It makes me sad knowing that they are going to see each other in a few months to continue their journey through La Trobe, while I will be thousands of miles away. Very jealous from very far away. All of this "chill" time has left a lot of room for reflection on this past semester. It definitely has not been an easy ride. I have faced many fears and adversaries. I have had many peaks amongst many lows. But, I would not trade it for the world. I feel stronger. Living on your own in a foreign country shows you what true independence is. It teaches you how to hold your own hand when no one else can. It helps break you out of your comfort zone and develop your true character. It shows you who you are. As cheesy as that all sounds, it is true. The past few months people have pointed out changes in my physical appearance - my haircut, my nose ring, my "tan" - but these are merely minimal compared to how I feel. I look back on my little scared self at the start of my journey to myself now, and I see a world of change. But, in my opinion, a change for the better. And to this semester, I am forever grateful. I am forever grateful for every hardship I have faced, for every peak I have experienced, for every memory I have made. Forever grateful for everything. Amongst the emotional goodbyes and self-reflection, I genuinely am so excited to go home. I cannot wait to see the rest of my family, my dog and all of my friends. It has been a long 4.5 months without them. I cannot wait to share my experiences with them, and reconnect with everyone. It has been so hard for me to constantly keep in contact with everyone because of the annoying 16-hour time difference and everyone's different schedules. I am also beyond stoked for the holiday season. I know adjusting to home life is going to be extremely difficult, but at least the holidays will hopefully be enough to cheer me up when I am feeling down. The past week has been a whirlwind of emotions, and I know that the next week and a half will be nothing short as well. However, I am prepared for it (or so I think I am). I say that now, but stay tuned to see how badly I fall apart (kidding, sort of). I would be lying if I did not say I am scared to see how being home will affect me. I guess only time will tell! xoxo, Samantha Another thing I never would have thought I would be doing while abroad or, honestly, in general: spending three days camping and hiking. Shoutout to Nick for organizing the whole trip! I decided to vlog my first ever camping experience for everyone's enjoyment, check it out below to see if I survived! Disclaimer: sorry for looking like a mess. xoxo,
Samantha The ocean terrifies me. While I love going to the beach and cooling off with a quick dip in the water, I rarely ever go past the point where I cannot stand. Swimming in the open sea with the shoreline nowhere to be found is something I never thought I would bring myself to do, but yet again I find myself breaking out of my comfort zone on this trip of a lifetime. I have been told that swimming the Great Barrier Reef is a must when visiting Australia. To be quite honest the idea never appealed to me (probably because of my fear of the open ocean). However, when everyone decided to book a trip to Cairns to see the reef I found myself hitting the “purchase snorkeling trip” button on Tusa Dive’s website. Flash forward a few short months and the trip quickly approached despite my attempts to block the inevitable out of my thoughts. Then, the day arrived. We woke up at 6 AM, leaving our hotel at 7 AM to depart the Cairns Reef Marina at 8 AM on the Tusa T6. While I booked the snorkeling package, the group I was with booked the scuba diving package. This thought settled sourly in my stomach, as I suddenly realized I would be swimming the reef alone. I was to the point of almost peeing my pants of nerves, but I knew I needed to remain strong to bring myself to actually getting off the boat when it was time - I was not about to let that money spent go to waste. Then the scuba divers departed the boat, and I was left to struggle with putting my wetsuit on and waddling to the water in my less-than-practical flippers. Thankfully a sweet couple adopted me for the day into their snorkel group so that I would not go swimming alone. I mustered up the courage to finally jump into the ocean, and I was immediately hit with the awkward snorkeling sensations of 1) not being able to breathe through my nose, 2) being able to breathe underwater and 3) swimming with flippers. I suddenly realized I was swimming in the open ocean with who-knows-what swimming underneath me, and the shallow reef about a 50-foot swim from the boat. You bet I bolted to that reef as fast as I could swim. But man, I would relive the moment I hit the reef a thousand times if I could. I finally realized why the reason the Great Barrier Reef is number one on almost every “Australian bucket list” pin on Pinterest. Vibrant schools of fish weaving throughout the coral mazes. Sea plants rooting themselves amongst the ocean floor. A sea turtle galavanting about the reef. A rare spotted fish camouflaging itself, barely noticeable to the naked eye. Star fish and clams and shells galore. All these sea creatures manifesting themselves in the reef, calling it their home.
However, there is an eerie antithesis to this beautiful reef: so full of vibrant life, yet rapidly dying. Amongst pointing out the beauty to the Great Barrier Reef, a guide from the dive company consistently pointed out the coral bleaching occurring throughout the reef. This bleaching is a result from water temperatures rapidly increasing, causing the symbiotic algae that live in the coral to disperse from it - draining the coral of its color and life. This coral bleaching is a direct result of global warming and is killing the reef and many of its inhabitants. Additionally, the ocean is undergoing a rapid absorption of greenhouse gases expelled into the air, causing death for the reef as a result of increasingly acidic water. The dying coral is making the reef uninhabitable. Half of the Great Barrier Reef has died since 2016. While reefs have the properties to regenerate, the rate that the reef is dying and the conditions causing demise are too extreme right now to rely on nature taking its course. It is so crazy to me how the Great Barrier Reef - one of the seven natural wonders of the world, a World Heritage listed sight, the largest living structure on the planet (visible from space), the world's largest coral reef - is fighting to survive at the cost of the human footprint. Not only is the reef important to the Australian economy, as it boasts around 2 million visitors a year, but it is equally important for the biodiversity it enables. Seeing the dying reef in person was such an eye-opening experience for me. I find that it is sometimes hard to envision the future of the planet with global warming in play, but seeing a natural beauty visibly dying is a big slap in the face. Global warming is a thing. It is happening, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. The faster we work to fixing our mistakes on this planet, the better a future that generations to come will have. How sad it would be to know that we killed one of the seven natural wonders of the world. That future generations will never be able to gaze upon the beauty and biodiversity of the world we live in... xoxo, Samantha Language barrier is a major reality of studying abroad. Whether traveling to an English speaking country or not, every culture invents its own vocabulary and slang. Take America for example: chances are if you live in California and visit New York, you may not know what "brick" means (brick = cold, by the way). While the language barrier in America may not be as drastic and confusing as visiting another country, it still exists. Over time I have grown accustomed to the unconventional lexicon of Australia. However, this adaptation did not come without strife and (loads of) miscommunication. Australians love to shorten every word they can. And I mean, literally, every word. Additionally, quirky phrases are abundant in every day rhetoric. A typical conversation between an Australian and me usually amounts to me asking "what?" more than once - either because of them talking too fast, their thick accent, their use of the language, or a mixture of the three (which happens way more frequently than you would expect). I have compiled an in-depth "Australian language for Americans" list of common words and phrases I hear frequently.
As you can probably tell, it takes a while to adjust to hearing these words and phrases daily. Just imagine them being said in a thick Australian accent - it is quite entertaining yet confusing all at once. Living with a bunch of Australians and other international students is one of the best experiences ever; we are all deeply fascinated with each others cultures. We have many informatory sessions where we will spend way too much time dissecting the differences between each culture. We have come to the realization that English culture is most like Australian, and American culture is a bit further away from the two. In addition to learning Aussie slang, my Australian friends have gotten me to try a variety of popular Australian foods. To name a few...
The best part of living here is exploring the Australian culture by far. It is so interesting to reflect on my time and realize how little I knew about this country prior to living here. I love this country - it is really hard not to. And you will too once you get to Target and eat a Tim Tam. Absolutely life-changing. xoxo, Samantha Two of the worlds most livable cities, situated in the beautiful country of Australia. But which is better? It is no secret that the two cities have a long-standing feud with each other. In one of my first orientation sessions at La Trobe, I was told that Melburnians hate Sydney and Sydney goers hate Melbourne. But why is this the case? It is a mystery as to how these tensions came about between the two cities. Some may say it is on the basis of what a true Australian is and should be, others say it is merely a competition between who wants to be the best of the best. While all this may be true, I personally do not think that one city is better than the other. Yes, I do have my opinion on which I prefer more, but this is merely on the basis of preferred lifestyle. Both cities boast countless unique opportunities, experiences and lifestyles that set each other equal yet so vastly apart. So, what are the two cities like in a snapshot? Affordability Some say Melbourne is more expensive, others say Sydney. However, this is a common misconception thrown around by those who have not visited both cities. The two rank neck and neck for being equally pricey. An average cinema ticket for one person costs $20, while a McDonald's meal costs about $10, and a cappuccino costs around $3.80. The only major cost difference is in rental cost, where the average Sydney rent is $500-$1000 more than that of Melbourne. Things To Do Around The City Drive a short hour or so outside of both center cities, and there is a plethora of activities to suit all adventure-seekers alike. Take a drive down the historic and iconic Great Ocean Road, hike through the Grampians or visit the famous Phillip Island in Melbourne. A short drive away from Sydney's CBD will put you at the famous Manly and Bondi beaches along with the world-famous Blue Mountains National Park. Culture Melbourne is often referred to as Australia's unofficial cultural capital. Melburnians pride themselves on their arts and music scene. Walk through Melbourne for 10 minutes and you will come across countless street murals, live performances and museums/art galleries. However, Sydney houses these cultural markers too, just in a more low key way. Sydney boasts famous art galleries and historical landmarks, such as the iconic harbour bridge and opera house. Weather Melburnians love to brag about how they experience all four seasons in one day, and it is scarily true. Melbourne weather is very unpredictable and as one of the most southern cities in Australia, is much cooler than the rest of the country. Therefore, winters experience chilling cold fronts and summers tend to be less extreme (but still pretty hot). Sydney has a more predictable climate, and has much more moderate winters, yet unbearably hot summers. In relation to weather and the US, I would say that Melbourne is like Florida, while Sydney is more Southern California. Food Let's be real: Australians love food and friendly gatherings. Food is abundant throughout Melbourne and Sydney, and I have found it is a common, popular thread within the two cities. Sydney has an abundance of top-rated fine dining experiences, while Melbourne boasts a wide range of cultural cuisine with a more chill atmosphere. Either way, quality food is not hard to find in each city. Nightlife Sydney is known to have a much more flashier, outgoing nightlife than Melbourne. Clubbing is a commonality on a weekend night out in Sydney, and the city houses some of the most popping clubs in the country. Melbourne definitely has its clubbing crowd; however, tends to side more with the rooftop-bar-live-music scene. Sport Sport is a huge topic of controversy between Melburnians and Sydney goers. Melbourne is home to the MCG, one of the world's largest stadiums and the grounds for AFL games and cricket matches. Sydney goers play cricket, but instead of cheering on at AFL games, their main sport is rugby. AFL and rugby are two completely different games to play and watch, with much different rules and stigmas behind them. While both cities have much in common on the surface, the vibes of each are vastly different. Sydney is commonly equated to LA, whereas Melbourne is said to resemble NY. Sydney is a trendy, business-oriented city in every aspect, while Melbourne is known to be more laid back and artistic. Choosing the better city cannot simply be reduced down to what each offers, as they offer similar opportunities; however, choosing the better city for you is based on personal preference and lifestyle. Melbourne wholeheartedly fits into who I am. Who are you? xoxo, Samantha Do you ever have that one class that completely changes your perspective on an idea in the best and most educational way possible? Call me a nerd, but I love learning, especially about topics which I have little to no prior background information on. I will admit, I had absolutely no background knowledge about the history to Australia before moving here. Yes, I skimmed countless articles on how to live in Australia, but most of them explained to not tip waiters and to beware the deadly spiders, rather than recounting the tragic settlement stories. This is where my Discover Australia class comes into play. Quite honestly, I had no idea what to expect when this class started. It seemed like an "Australia for dummies" course (and in a way it totally is), but it also meets a mandatory requirement for all La Trobe Uni students, so it has some credibility for students of all backgrounds, even Australians. Having an amazingly caring and lively professor definitely helps pique my interest in the subject; however, the class recites the myths and stereotypes surrounding the settlement of Australia, and uncovers the stories that are rarely talked about yet unmistakably and regretfully true. I find that Australia is not too different from America in terms of settlement and colonization. Australia was settled and colonized by the British in 1788. It is said that the first fleet from England brought convicts to the new land, basically using it as a dumping ground and a penal colony. However, the British were not the first true settlers of Australia. The Aboriginal peoples predate British settlement by around 40,000 years. Despite this prior occupation, the British, led by James Cook, inscribed the law of terra nullius (land belonging to no one) upon their discovery of the land. This law wiped away prior Indigenous claim of the land, and set forth the exclusion of the Indigenous peoples from the Australian historical narrative for generations to come. It was not until 1992 during the Mabo court case that the doctrine of terra nullius was overturned. This court case challenged the Australian legal system and finally gave the Aboriginal peoples claim to the land that they rightfully deserve. This long-term battle for recognition took a lot of blood, sweat and tears and was nothing short of traumatic. Throughout the 200+ years of battle early genocidal massacres ensued, discriminatory practices were in effect and the Aboriginal peoples were taught to lose their identity for acceptance into society. A national healing and reconciliation process of the country has begun to rebuild the native bonds to the land and move forward from the tragedy of the past. I always find it interesting to learn the history of a nation, especially from the start of the colonization period. There is so much left out of certain historical narratives because of the shame and guilt that entails. However, I am a firm believer to telling and learning the full story - the good, the bad and the ugly. This class has opened my eyes and mind to the true and real Australia, and it has been so cool to travel throughout this country and have aspects of this class pop up. For example, before the start of certain events and meetings the speaker will recite the Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners: I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where QUT now stands, pay respect to their Elders – past, present and emerging – and acknowledge the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within the QUT community. When I first began hearing this statement I was lost. Each of my professors said it before our first class started, and it seemed like a nice gesture to me, but I had no clue why it was being said. It was not until I learned about the current reconciliation process in effect that everything finally came together in my head.
I am excited to learn more about the history of this country in the last few weeks to come, and to hopefully keep having moments of clarity like these pop up, both in the rest of my time here and when I leave. xoxo, Samantha With every new region comes countless unique opportunities that you can not experience just anywhere. Victoria, Australia is a melting pot of unparalleled experiences that will make you fall in love with the state with each and every step you take. Here is a list of amazing opportunities to take advantage of in and around Victoria's capital city and cultural hub, Melbourne. Explore the street art. Melbourne is a bustling hub of art. While many cities find graffiti slanderous, Melbournians take pride in their beautiful street art. Take a stroll through the city and come upon alleyways full of old and new creations, and maybe even happen upon a creation in the making. Hosier and Rutledge lanes are some of the most iconic places to view these beautiful pieces, but keep your eyes open and you will notice art everywhere you go. Attend an event at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds. Australians take their sports very seriously. The MCG is the largest stadium in Australia, the tenth largest stadium in the world, and the largest cricket stadium in the world; and it is proudly located right in the heart of Melbourne. Whether you are attending the stadium for an AFL (Australian-rules football) game in the winter, or a Cricket Test match in the summer, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time. In a packed stadium of 100,000 passionate people, would you not think so as well? Visit the Brighton Bathing Boxes. Situated on Dendy Street Beach, a short public transport ride from the city, are the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes. These quirky, bright boxes were built nearly a century ago, and 82 of the originals still stand - distinctively lining the shore. These colorful bathing boxes are hands down one of the most photographed destinations in Melbourne, and for good reasons. However, if you are thinking about getting in on the exclusivity of owning one of these beautiful pieces of art - think again. The boxes are held tight, and passed down through generations. If one does go on the market to the public, only residents of the Bayside area can inquire and purchase for upwards of $300,000 USD. Worth moving and spending a small fortune to stylishly sit back on the beach? Maybe. Take an adventure down the Great Ocean Road. One of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Grab some friends and a rental van and head down the coast of Victoria, exploring breathtaking views and heaps of history for days. Must see and do on the journey: Instagram the Twelve Apostles, recount the story of Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge, surf at Bells Beach, explore the town of Lorne, hike through Great Otway National Park. No matter where you go or what you do, you are guaranteed to be blown away every second spent down the Great Ocean Road. Shop at the Queen Victoria Market. Melbournians love their markets. Queen Victoria Market has been open since 1878 and is the largest, most popular of the city's market life. Make sure to check out their daily schedule, especially if they have special markets going on. If you make it during the winter months, the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market is quite a treat - boasting stalls of specialty items and food trucks galore. Stroll through Fitzroy. Melbourne is an ideal destination for both hipsters and bohemians alike. Fitzroy, one of many of the city's chillest suburbs, is the perfect spot for anyone to bring out their inner hippie. Be sure to store hop on the search for the coolest vintage, locally made goodies, and check out the amazing street art during your stroll from store to store. After you have spent half of your bank account, spend the other half perusing the many picturesque cafés and later, bar hop through Brunswick Street and get your shimmy on on Smith Street. Discover live music and festivals galore. Along with markets, Melbournians love showcasing and celebrating their art with loads of live music and festivals. Keep up-to-date on Facebook and Instagram of upcoming events, and be sure to check out a few that pique your interest. Festivals and live music are great spaces to socialize and have a carefree, genuine time with people who share the same interests as you. Catch a splash and a giggle. Along with rugby, cricket and AFL, surfing is a favorite amongst beach town locals. When in Australia, you have got to try the sport at least once! Take a short drive (or tram/train ride) outside of the city to any of the amazing surf beaches, hire a board and a wetsuit for a few hours, and get out into the ocean (try to catch a lesson if you are a beginner). Victoria is home to Torquay, venue of the Rip Curl Pro, a legendary surfing competition. If you are visiting over Easter, be sure to check it out!
If you ever get the opportunity to visit this beautiful, vibrant state, boasting one of the "world's most livable cities," take it and run with it. I promise this, you really have to try hard to have a boring day in Victoria.
xoxo, Samantha |
AuthorHi, I'm Sam. Welcome to my blog! Archives
September 2018
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