The past few weeks have gone by so quickly! It felt as if I was just starting to settle in when I realized I would be leaving on Sunday, March 16. I was having so much fun I decided to ask my parents if I could stay longer. So I am now in my official second last week here in Ballarat, Australia. It has been such a wonderful experience not only meeting new people and seeing a different culture but also being able to live in a completely different place.
Last weekend, Clare brought me to her farm, which is about an hour and half drive from her house. The farm is in the middle of nowhere, the closest house is 5 km away and it’s Clare’s grandparents’ house! They have so much land, which is really cool because you can do anything. When we got there, we went horseback riding on their own horses. Later that day, we went motor biking which was extremely fun. I had never ridden a motorbike before but it was very cool to have complete control of where I was going. The next day, we went to Melbourne to go shopping and in the evening went to the musical Grease, which I thought was a great show. Overall, it was an exhilarating and busy weekend.
My exchange partner Clare coxes the Senior 1st Crew for the rowing team at Ballarat Grammar. I have been going to many of her practices including the early ones at 6 am! I usually go on a motorboat with their coach Bill to watch them and of course he coaches them. This has been such an incredible experience. Bill is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. The way he talks about the sport just shows you that he is so keen and passionate about it. He has taught me a lot about rowing over the past few weeks. Last week, he even let me try to row with the other girls! I am lucky enough to be able to go to the Australian Nationals next week in Sydney. All the best schools will show up to compete against each other. I will be there to support the Ballarat Grammar team! Unfortunately, I will miss the final since I am leaving on the Saturday of that week.
I am very excited to see my family and friends again but at the same time I don’t want to leave! Hopefully the next two weeks don’t pass by too quickly. – Clara MacIntosh ’14 (LCC Exchange Student @ Ballarat Grammar in Melbourne, Australia)