"The" Place to Be

Hello all,
I apologize for the gap between this entry and the last one. Starting is always such a daunting task because I never know where to begin. Here are some of the highlights from the last week and a half.

First of all, I am proud to say that I braved the Pacific winter waters and learned how to surf on one of the most famous beaches in Sydney, Bondi Beach. Surprisingly enough, it didn't take me very long to get it and I was able to ride my first wave on about the third try. Having said that, though, I then spent the next hour and a half flying off the board in just about every direction imaginable. It's a striking moment when you realize that you've retrained yourself not to worry about falling, and then even the falling part becomes a bit fun. The water temperature (18C) also didn't feel too awful thanks to Jonas's flatmate lending me his wetsuit. It actually felt really special to be floating out on the board in the clear Pacific waters, surrounded by other surfers, and waiting for the next wave. I'm a bit hooked, I'll admit, and can't wait to be back out on the water (especially once it warms up a bit)!

I've also gotten a chance to experience Sydney's very unique nightlife since I went out to King's Cross (the red light district, where all of the good clubs and bars of Sydney are) last weekend with a few friends. Conclusion: Australians know how to have a good time, no matter what their age. Blocks and blocks of Sydney were awash in light, noise, and multitudes of very dressed up people ranging from their 20's to their 50's. And the party doesn't stop until morning! Most clubs will close at 3:30am, however, if that's too early for you to call it a night, no worries. You can hang out at any of the fast food restaurants and wait until the second club opening at 4:30am, and continue as before, now with a full stomach. Needless to say, it was quite an interesting scene to observe. I felt a bit like I was walking through a zoo of humans, and would like to hear what an anthropologist would say about it all. Furthermore, I also learned to dance to techno for the first time (due to necessity). Basically, to be a great techno dancer you must mimic any random movement (really, ANY movement) and repeat it at least 20 times to the beat while looking like you're really enjoying it. Soon, the people around you will also begin to repeat it. It's pretty funny to watch.

Lastly, the classes here have been a huge highlight! The teaching philosophy is very different and I find it suits me much better. Professors teach the classes based on a the expectation that students will learn if they're interested. Therefore, it feels much more like a mature learning environment, instead of a more crowded version of high school. Furthermore, the age range of the students is much more diverse. I have adults up to the age of 60 in every one of my classes, some who are just there to take a class, others who have decided to pick up another degree. This also means that there is a greater degree of respect and equality between the professors and the students. Also, the students here are (on average) about two-three years older than the American class equivalent since the normal age to start college is 19-20. And college isn't the only path to success here. Post high school, many students go straight into the job market or attend vocational schools, and this is considered an equally good career option. This means that the people who do decide to go to college, actually go to college knowing exactly what they want to pursue. I feel that this is pretty rare in the US since college has become an across-the-board expectation nowadays instead of, say, the unique opportunity that it once was.

Furthermore, my classes here have been absolutely wonderful! I have arrived at the realization that I will probably learn more in this semester than I have over my last four semesters at UMD, which makes me both a bit regretful, but also very grateful for getting to be here this semester. In my Marine Geoscience class I'm learning about the ocean basins and their sedimentation patterns, and this Saturday we will be taking a boat out to an estuarine river and taking sediment samples to analyze. My Temperate Marine Bio class surprised me by sending us out to do a 4 hour coastal species survey on a beach the first day of class. Basically, we counted different organisms (mainly snails) in tidal pools and learned different sampling techniques = AWESOME! In my Marine Birds and Mammals class today, I dissected birds in order to see the anatomical differences between marine and terrestrial birds that allow them to thrive in their respective environments. And, in my Anthropology class we've already ventured into the realm of the "Alien Placenta" :p (I'm sure Alina will know exactly what I'm talking about, but if anyone else wants to know, let me know and I'll be sure to write a bit more about it next time.)

Basically, I'm loving every moment of being here. I just put up a new photo album with photos from the last week and a half and hope you'll take a look. I think some of them turned out quite nice. (I'm taking as many photo tips from Jonas as I can). The album can be found at this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2023172&id=1125810475&l=a15a462eb5

Well, that's all for now. I will try and update this blog on a weekly basis with new updates on Mondays (since I don't have any classes then). Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it!
<3 -Tashi

PS. I also received my first postcard in a year from my friend in Budapest!! And am now in a postcard writing mood, so send me your addresses!