To fill in the gap between my last entry and now, I stayed in Germany for 6 months during my past posts. I had completed a "Praktikum" with a small animal vet clinic and the Kindergarten in my home town, where my aunt teaches.
The Kindergarten was where I learned a good amount of the language. From 3-5 year olds, might I add. They were the sweetest, most loving kiddos. My favorite memories from the Kindergarden was seeing my aunt doing what she loves and the kids love her, having the kids bring books up to me to read to them (poor idea) and seeing the kids creativity in crafts. I love the innocence and curiosity kids of that age have. If only it lasted, we would be a happy and (even more) disfunctional society.
The vet clinic was a remarkable experience. The clinic was rather small and I really enjoyed the 5 min train/25 min walking commute through a beautiful, peaceful community. No matter the weather, it was calming under the sun walking along small picket fences protecting the homes from the outside world. The experience I gained in an assistant/tech role was more than I could ever imagine. I felt so encouraged and assured that I was in my kind of environment. Not so sure about small animal because of the joy that fresh air and sun bring, but definitely in Veterinary Medicine.
Over those several months, I spent a lot of time either in the Praktikums, at a Baggersee with Katha enjoying the weather (manmade lakes in the most random places), doing Sudoku with my lovely Opa, traveling Europe enjoying good food and company, and spending days and nights around my favorite town in the world Augsburg (and I still stand by that today).
Coming and being home was by far the hardest part of my travels.
Sure, I was very happy to see my family and friends who got me through high school. I had really missed my family and I had really enjoyed spending time with everyone. I was happy to be back, but I have never felt so removed. I was physically there, but emotionally and mentally I felt numb. I'd laugh along, not paying much mind to what I was laughing at.
Some times, I still feel that way. Not depressed, maybe. Just... removed.
My friend Lo, who has been abroad this bast semester for the first time, just posted a really good link that describes it pretty well. Click here if you're interested! It was comforting knowing I'm not alone.
Eventually, I ended up going back again the following Summer and Winter. I was trying to figure out what I was looking for, why I just couldn't fall back into my home routine. There's such a comforting feeling about being back in Deutschland, I always loved every second of it! I got to live with my Opa again, this man is nothing but love. AND my best friends family for several weeks, which was incredible. I consider them family.
In the meantime, I have met my boyfriend back home in Chicago, who brought me out of this removed feeling I carried with me these last two years. Day to day, he has been patient with my stubborn and very closed self. In spending time with him and confiding in him, I've started to reflect on who I was/am and how I want to live my life. In this reflection, I've found more strength and less passiveness. I've set forth to accomplish the goals I have for myself with endless encouragement from him and my family.
That brings us to the NOW!
I have always loved the idea of going to Australia (since watching Mary Kate and Ashley in Sydney, actually). The wildlife and environment has always left me amazed and dreaming. But, now, it's reality. I came to Melbourne, Victoria about 10 days ago, and Australia has not disappointed!
I plan to write about my blessings and burdens in my semester here, as a way of new found reflection, but as of now I have just been adjusting. I have met MANY internationals from literally EVERYwhere, with a few Aussies mixed in (its still Winter Break until tomorrow).
Simple Observations/ Experiences:
- Everything is $$$$$$. For real, everything. Except the (mouthwatering) sushi.
- Aussie slang is heaps fun, but strange at times! I'll start a post with words and such
- Melbourne is one of the most language/culturally diverse cities
- The city is also incredibly clean and architecturally beautiful
- BIRDS ARE CRAZY. They constantly scream/divebomb/steal food
- Vegemite is not bad! I couldn't eat anymore of it after a half piece of toast though
- Kangaroos are adorable. So are Echidna. Possums are just rascals.
- Markets become your favorite places, if they aren't already.
- Phillip's Island is beautiful
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| Melbourne City Center |
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| Phillip Island |
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