Some Observations

Thoughts:  "A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” -Moslih Eddin Saadi

No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem

   People walk around campus, into gas (or 'petrol') stations..without SHOES! It just further solidifies their "no worries" approach to life. (It's probably a little unsanitary, but I find it amusing lol)

Photo Cred- JessiLane Braswell

Every time I walk to to the bus stop for school, I pass one of these trees. The Frangipani flower is my new favorite flower because it's GORGEOUS and smells amazing. I could stand there and sniff that flower all day long. 

 McDonald's is actually good. Who would've thought? They have 30 cent ice cream cones and a cafe attached. McCafe is awesome. They have baked goods and fresh coffee. They also have modern architecture with outside covered patios for eating.

College is called "university", or for short "uni".  (They do this in Canada as well).

Shopping:

They have Target and Kmart. I went into a Target in Toowoomba and it was spectacular. The clothes and fashions were much different than in America. The store was larger and had much more clothing in stock to choose from. I bought a pair of sandals for 8 AUD, so I was a happy camper. But, clothes in general, are more expensive in Australia. Most everything is imported. They don't have Charlotte Russe or Forever 21 (but a couple people have said that they order from Forever 21 on the internet). For example, nice dresses here could start at 80AUD, where I bought a dress from Charlotte Russe online for about 10 dollars haha.

There is no Amazon.com in Australia.  :( Haha. 

It's rare to find a fridge that makes it's own ice. (Everyone uses ice trays here, lol). So, next time your fridge dishes out some ice, tell it 'thank you' :P 

Sometimes, at school, I feel like a minority.  University of Queensland is a massive shmorgashboard for culture and different ethnicities. I feel like I meet more people from around the world than actual Australians. There are heaps of Asians.  My teacher is from South Africa and there are two girls in my class that are from there as well. (Common misconception- all South Africans are Black...watch Mean Girls lol).

Various cultures = good food. The food is awesome here because it's more authentic. (I will be starting a blog solely based on food)

Vegemite is gross. I'm sure it's good when it's barely mixed in with something, but seriously, just on a cracker is nooooot okay. Haha.

One Direction -  boy group that Aussie girls are going ga-ga over! Look above :)

My Classes are set up like this: 

     2 hour Lecture and a 2 hour tutorial 

     Tutorials are like 'recitations' at VT. They are just smaller groups that do homework and group projects. The tutorials are usually every other week, where the lectures are usually once a week.

Photo Cred- JessiLane Braswell