Weeks 3&4: Adelaide, Australia – Just Can’t Get Enough

Posted on February 28, 2011 by admin

Two more sunny weeks have gone by, and although I can barely believe it, I have now been in Adelaide for one awesome month. I nearly feel Australian, as I have picked up some new lingo and some new favourite foods. Unfortunately, no accent yet, but I have been working on it.

Geared with my iPod loaded with my new Australian tunes, my exchange family and I headed for the breathtaking countryside of South Australia. Our destination was the little town of Clare, where the farms are plentiful and the vineyards stretch for kilometers. We went to a winery for “afternoon tea” and enjoyed scones and juice while overlooking the grape vines and the picturesque garden. Afterwards we drove up to the lookout of the valley, where the view was magnificent. The next day we were off to a friend’s farm and got to go horseback riding and motor biking.

The past week has been spent getting organized and excited for the 12-day outdoor adventure trip we are going on with a group of students in our “year” here at Westminster. There is much planned, including lots of running, kayaking, sailing, group activities, games and overnights at spectacular sights. It is, for most, the highlight of their experience at the school, and I am so happy I get to take part in the trip. All in all, it will be “heaps good.”–Sarah Salzman ’13

Week 2: Adelaide, Australia – Wipe Out

Posted on February 19, 2011 by admin

After getting to know Adelaide in week one, it was time to experience the true Aussie life. With school getting more fun each day, every “tomorrow” has been one to look forward to. As classmates become friends and laughs become memories, I realize how precious my time here is in Australia.

The true highlights of my time here are the weekends, because it is when I get to encounter different aspects of Aussie life. My family took me on Friday night to watch the NAB Cup, which was a round robin between three of Australia’s footy clubs (Australian Rules Football). After some time at the beach Saturday morning, we were off to Victor Harbor for the night. I got to see some Australian countryside, which was absolutely beautiful. But, the highlight of the weekend was Sunday morning, when we went to Middleton Beach for surfing lessons. We got a quick demonstration and then hit the waves. While my quite talented Aussie family tore up the waves – well they managed to get up several times – I paddled and skidded and flopped around, until I was finally able to stand up! It might only have been for a few seconds, but it was so exhilarating! After the surf, we headed to a wildlife park, where we fed kangaroos and cuddled with a koala. They were all so cute and loving, especially the little joeys in their mother’s pouches. I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face; I had the best day imaginable!

Another great week is ahead, with plans for a different trip to the countryside this coming weekend. Nothing but excitement and joy is in store here in Adelaide!–Sarah Salzman ’13

India: Beyond Imagination

Posted on February 10, 2011 by admin

This trip so far has been amazing. Alana and I have experienced a whole new world and seen so many things. It’s incredible!

A few weekends ago Alana and I went to an Indian wedding and it was so amazing! It was completely different then what we are used to and so colourful.

India is a whole new world with so many new opportunities to explore yourself and a new environment around you.

Alana and I have become so close with our exchanges Sabiya and Sabrina, we are pretty much sisters! I can’t wait to bring them back to meet everyone; they are amazing! Alana and I have been to many places and seen many sites such as many temples in Mandau and so many sites in Mumbai. This trip has been great so far and I can hardly imagine where the next few weeks will take me.

India has already impacted me so much; I am in love with this country and I don’t know how I will be able to leave it. We have seen so much stuff, from huge temples with acres of land to the small slums of India. Its incredible how the rich is so far from the poor. I have never seen anything like this. You can’t really understand India until you go there yourself.—Elizabeth McInnes ’13

Mesmerized in India

Posted on February 9, 2011 by admin

Landing in Delhi, the smell of India entered the plane as we were grabbing our handbags to leave. I was nervous, but also really excited, and the staring started as soon as we entered the airport. We drove around Delhi for a few hours, and started to get the rhythm of this new place.

We got on our next flight to Indore and met our amazing exchanges, and then went to the school. By then, it was about 7 pm. We got settled into our dorm and unpacked a little. The first night, we were woken up by a mouse crawling around in our bags, and all we could think was; “this is only the beginning.” After about a week however, we went to Mumbai to attend a wedding, and it was absolutely amazing. There were so many colours and people. We got to wear Indian dresses and shoes and be witness to an authentic Indian ceremony. It was definitely an experience I will remember my whole life. –Alanna Humes ’13

Week 1: Adelaide, Australia – Leaving on a Jet Plane

Posted on February 8, 2011 by admin

This past week has been filled with new adventures, experiences and people. When I first landed it was about 43oC degrees Celsius here in Adelaide, Australia, which was quite a shock coming from -10oC in Montreal. After making quick adjustments to the weather and time zone, it was time to kick back and take in the Aussie air.

After heading to the beach on night one, we watched the beautiful sunset over the water. Day 2 was the last day of summer vacation for my Australian friends, so we headed to the pool for a few hours. The next three days were school days and I got to meet and make friends with several of my classmates for the next few weeks. Friday night we were off into the city action of Adelaide, heading to the market place to get a taste of the city. Saturday evening my host family and some Aussie friends took me to my first cricket match, the Grand Final of the Australian 20/20 Big Bash, which the South Australian Redbacks won (yay!).

Time at home has been spent playing footy—the Australian version of football,—getting to know the Aussie way of life, hitting a few tennis balls and discussing our plans for the coming weeks. I can’t wait to see what comes next, as each day is a new and exciting experience. Cheers! –Sarah Salzman ’13