Overall, there is not that much work here. But lately, as the semester is nearing the end, the papers and such have been piling up. Several all-nighters have been pulled, one of which resulting in a very successful set of sunrise photos! It is definitely very stressful, especially when the weather is FINALLY getting nicer. Last week, on top of all the normal work, I had a huge paper due. This coming week, I have a huge presentation due. It never ends! This is supposed to be a vacation!
What differs from this same experience in the United States is the fact that I am just a 20 minute bus ride from the beach - my salvation. This past week, I went to the beach 4 days in a row (and then layed out by the pool for the next 2!) I chose to accept the fact that I had a ton to do, but I also knew that I would not get a single thing done staring out the window at the sun. So, I went to the beach. Easy decision. I wore sunscreen, so no burn for me (see that, Mom?!) This whole tan/blonde thing is really working for me. I am pretty sure I could live here forever and just press the repeat button every day of my life.
Two days from now marks the one month countdown until my flight home, and I honestly get depressed just thinking about that. My experience here has been so enriching and it is definitely something that cannot and will not be replicated. At the beginning I said that it was not very different from life in America, but I have changed my view significantly since then. The difference is not a physical one - besides the beaches and gorgeous weather, Australia is very much the same as America on the surface. However, once you dig into the real character of the people who live here, you can tell...it's just a different way of life. The things that matter are not meeting deadlines and worrying about what the future may hold. Instead, the main concerns are making it to the beach before the sun goes behind the new building being built in Surfer's, dancing on the platforms at the clubs, hanging out with your mates and maintaining a friendly disposition, and laughing. A lot of laughing. Come to think of it, I don't believe I have not seen a single Australian frown during my stay here. Boy, what a difference that makes.
There is one man here who has everything against him, it seems. His entire body is badly crippled. He uses crutches to get around, or, on particularly slippery days, he can be seen in a wheelchair. Normally, we would look at him with pity, secretly thanking God that we didn't turn out that way. But this man is the HAPPIEST person I have ever seen. He stops to greet everyone with a smile and a friendly "How're you going?" He always has people sitting with him in Bond Cafe - different people every day, it seems - caught up in deep conversation. He proudly carries his notebook as he slowly makes his way around campus. His cheery attitude is contagious. The most amazing thing about him, however, is the way everyone treats him. To the Australians here, that is all he is. Another Australian. Can you imagine that happening in America? Why can't we be more like Australia?
Maybe, then, I would be a little more eager to come home.
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