First day... American Style

First off, Sydney is a place full of art, and beauty. Amidst the tall, shiny buildings, there are groves of mature trees. Amidst the bustling traffic, there are birds, bats, and butterflies. Amidst the human living space,  the natural environment still exists. Instead of tearing down anything green and building in it's place, Sydney has incorporated it's everyday activities into nature. Look to your right, and see a car. Look to your left, and see a pond with bats and ducks living happily. From across the harbor, one can see the corner of the Botanical Gardens. This outstanding nature preserve is a welcoming sanctum from the hustle of the city.

The locals are fun, energetic people. I have seen a lot of men and women alike hurrying about the city. A businessman ran past our group to catch his bus. A teenager zoomed by on his skateboard. An older lady hobbled along with a cane to reach the train she was awaiting. The people that inhabit Sydney are active, and not slothful. Everyone, is going everywhere!

"Stupid Americans." This is a phrase heard often as a group of 17 Americans try to make their way around Australia. While searching for another group of friends in The North Face, all we had to ask was, "Is there a group of Americans in here?" The clerk pointed us straight to them. Apparently, it is easy to point us out!

A street contortionist performed at Circular Quay, and chose one of our own Auburn students to help her. She knew we were American by our "enthusiasm." I'm not sure what to take from that yet, but I feel like enthusiasm is an important thing to have in life.

On day one of this trip, I already feel like I know my way around. I feel as if I've been here, and belong here. Sydney is an amazing place, full of wonders that I can never get tired of seeing.

The University of Sydney at Sunset