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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AuthorHi, I'm Sam. Welcome to my blog! Archives
September 2018
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