Throwback Thursday - That One Time I Went To Australia

During hot summer months, I always think about that time I did a two-week study abroad in Australia. It was during Christmas break, but it was hotter than hell there - Australia's summer. Even though the weather was stiffling, I still long to go back one day. So, in honor of Throwback Thursday, here's a little about my trip down under in 2008.
Even though it was a study abroad trip through my college - Murray State University - it felt more like a vacation. I majored in journalism, however in order to go to Aussie land, the only class offered was a biology class. It counted as an elective for me. Best elective I've ever taken.   Because it was a biology class, mandatory activities were awful. Kidding! The things we got to do for "class" were incredible. Here are some of things I got to do:

Spend a Lot of Time in the Tropical Rainforest

  We hiked through the rainforest on several occasions. *Note: I took this trip pre-Paleo. My, how I've changed since then!

Rainforest fun, haha!

We stayed in a hut for a couple of days in the middle of the rainforest in Cape Tribulation. 

And got to ride a skyrail over the treetops of the rainforest. It was a bit scary, but pretty neat to see.

Snorkel Around the Great Barrier Reef

While we were in the water, the ship's crew was on "shark patrol." Eek. Luckily we didn't see any while out there.

Isn't that view beautiful? It was breathtaking.

See all the Beaches

 

Cape Tribulation had a rainforest on the beach.

Bondi Beach was beautiful!

 My Australia besties: Savannah, Andria and Liz. Oh, the adventures we had!

Manly Beach was beautiful too.

Explore Sydney

 The Sydney Opera House was stunning. We got to take a tour inside, and it's really remarkable.

 Sydney Harbour Bridge was huge! You could pay to climb to the top, but I didn't do it. Lazzyy.

 Darling Harbour was just that - darling, and fun!

I loved the city of Sydney! So much to do and see. One week there was not enough.

See Waterfalls/Mountains

 We went to a lake area on top of a mountain outside of Cairns - the Atherton Tablelands - and saw this beautiful waterfall. 

This is the Three Sisters rock formation in the Blue Mountains. 

At the lookout for the Three Sisters, we saw a real Aborigine playing his didgeridoo and talking with the tourists. Ha!
It was honestly the best time of my life. The friends I made while on that trip will forever be close to my heart - and the adventures we had are unforgettable. (If any of you girls read this: "Let's go back!")   If you ever get the chance to go to Australia, don't hesitate - GO! The 14-hour flight is worth it. If you're in college and considering doing a study abroad - DO IT! Go sign up for one RIGHT NOW! You will learn more about yourself and life on one study abroad trip than you will in all of your college classes combined.
Sorry, I'm not sorry for the photo dump. :-) Thanks for reading! Have you ever been on a study abroad trip?
I'm linking up with: 3 Southern Gals Throwback Thursday Treasure Tromp with Treat Yo'Self Thursday