20 Days

Every morning, I wake up to a myriad of tropical birds singing as they anxiously wait for the day to begin. I steadily climb down from my top bunk, tip toe across my room to the door, and quietly make my way to the kitchen for brekky. I then pour my bowl of Milo cereal, and sit with my little exchange brother on the couch for some morning cartoons and prepare myself for the day.

Once I’m dressed and ready, I hop on the 492 bus to school, and spend 3 hours in a classroom watching the clock tick away before I have freedom once again. Once freedom rings, I burst out of the room, say hi to some of my mates at school, talk to some girls, and then I’m out for some kind of adventure.

Matter of fact, I have had multiple adventures this week. First off, I scheduled my trip to the Great Barrier Reef over Easter Break! Some of my friends and I will be exploring the reef on Easter day, and spending a gorgeous weekend in the tropical city of Cairns, QLD. If that’s not enough, I will be spending a day zip-lining in the Australian rainforest, while finishing the weekend with adrenaline pumping bungee jump.

Not only is this scheduled, but I also bought my first surfboard! I have yet to take it out, because it’s rough to find enough time with school. But, it’s still pretty sick.

This week, I am going to give you a tiny history lesson about Australia because 90% of you know little to nothing about it! Haha

Australia is actually one of the youngest continents in terms of civilization. It officially became a country in 1901, and was settled by the British as a place to dispatch prisoners in 1788. Britain believed that there was actually a criminal class of people that devoted their lives to thieving. So they would lock up very innocent people for what would be considered petty thefts today. People could receive 7 years, 14 years, or life for service. Britain quickly realized that their system was being filled up, so they decided to send a fleet to Australia as a means of punishment. Almost a survival of the fittest. Their thought process behind this was to remove this criminal class so they would no longer populate all of Britain. So, convicts and prison guards were actually the first to settle in what is known today as Sydney.

Over 60 years, hundreds of thousands of people were sent as punishment to live in this barren land. Much to their surprise, they found that they weren’t the only one’s living in Australia! The Aborigines had made themselves present, and this was not necessarily a good thing. Of course the British removed them from the lands and encouraged them to live like Europeans. This did not work, and cost the lives of many Aboriginal people. In case you’re wondering, Aborigine’s look African, but are much like the Native Americans. However, the Native Americans are much smarter, and have more respect from Americans, than Australians give respect to Aborigine’s.

Australia is still technically part of the British monarchy and the government very much operates like the British parliament as well. Australians cannot own guns by law, and find it very interesting that Americans seem to have so many issues with them! There are only 21 million people, the Seafood is delicious, and the beaches are all amazing. The drinking age is 18, the driving age is 18, and prostitution is legal. Cricket and Rugby are huge here, and I have yet to meet an Australian who does not love Americans! It’s crazy to me, but they want our accents just as bad as some of us want theirs.

This weekend I was able to actually go to an Australian petting zoo! I pet some Koala’s which are extremely soft and cuddly. I fed some Kangaroo’s, which are very soft too, and I saw some dingo’s and Tasmanian devils too! It was a great experience, and I got some great pictures too!

To top the weekend off, I spent the day at Bondi beach. If you know anything about OZ, you have probably heard of this famous beach. I would even consider doing a google search right now just so you can get an idea. However, that google search does Bondi no justice because it cannot bring you the warm sun, white sand, and salty smell (and taste) of the gorgeous blue Pacific ocean. Although it is a very touristy spot, Bondi really is a fun place to be, and I very much enjoyed hanging out there!

Well, this week will be a busy study week. I need to practice with some pieces for photography and art, and begin working on some papers! I have so many stories and history to tell you, so I hope you’re prepared for that when I get home. I still can’t believe I’ve been here for 20 days. But I’ve been here for 20 days and can cross a ton of stuff off of my bucket list! I plan on doing the Sydney Tower walk this week, while maybe going to the Sydney Aquarium as well! We will see what happens!

Peace.

WEEK ONE

Sydney really is a beautiful city. There is so much to see and do, I’m quite thankful that I had this opportunity to live here for four months because I couldn’t imagine just being a tourist for one week!

As I mentioned in my last post, I am very much enjoying everything Australia has to offer. I want to treat this experience like a pilgrimage. I want to be so much immersed, that I will be walking and talking like an Australian by the time I get home in June! I know that is quite the exaggeration; however I hope you see where I am coming from, I don’t want to look like a tourist while I am here.

As of right now, I am living with a great family in Croydon. If you were to pass by my house, you wouldn’t think anything of it. Small, fenced in yard with what appears to be a mile long driveway. There is some bush lining the fence, and barred windows to protect from intruders ~ My first impression: I’m going to be living in a prison lol

But….looks can be deceiving. As you enter the home you are welcomed to beautiful wood flooring, gorgeous red brick, and an aroma of pasta that has been cooking all morning. The house is clean and tidy with not a crumb to be seen, and as you make your way to the back, you are greeted with a spacious back yard with pool! My roommate and I were very pleased by this grand entrance lol

My family has two kids, whom are 4 and 9, and very much like the idea of having two 21 year old men living in the house. I think my new Mom likes the idea of having some boys to rough around their kids a little bit too J

Well, to fast forward, I can safely say I can navigate my way around. I know which buses will take me to school, and which ones will lead me to the city. I also have found out that some buses don’t always follow their routes, and at times you need to get off before you find yourself farther away from home than you want to be.

I had my first spider experience Sunday as well. It was big and hungry. I tried to get a picture, but was too scared to get close. You can walk the spiders on leashes here they’re so big.  I’m positive I would have pooped my pants, if it blew into me!

On another note, I started school on Monday! I found myself with 12 other people who have a love for hip hop music and want to take it to another level. Yes, I am in a dance class. It’s hard, I can’t move the way some of these people can, and hopefully by the end, I will be in Step Up 5. I’ve found that I am completely out of my element at this school. I’m not talented in the arts, and everyone surrounding me definitely is in some way, so that is definitely humbling. I can’t “stand out” here by my talents, because they are only good back home! Haha

I finally got my number, so if you want to text me it’s 61 466 580 451

I still have a full week of classes but I feel good about everything right now! I am planning my trip to the Great Barrier Reef this weekend, and I will also be picking up my Surfboard this week too! I also was able to visit some true Australian pubs, including the oldest in Sydney, and I went to a professional basketball game! The Sydney Kings!

After the game, I went to the Paddy Market in Chinatown. You know I will be doing all of my souvenir shopping there lol But they have everything so it’s pretty sweet!

Next week I will be going to Featherdale Wildlife Park, which I will get pictures with the Koala’s and Kangaroos! I’m pretty excited!

Wish me luck!

Next week’s post will be about the 5 Reasons you’ll want to live in Sydney!

I miss you, and I hope to hear from some of you soon!

Australia in the Eyes of a Midwestern Kid

If you were to combine the City of Chicago, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Louisville from the perspectives of culture and attractions, you would have Sydney, Australia.

The city is broken up into main suburbs much like home, and its people seem to walk and talk with a certain confidence unknown to the average tourist. The buildings tower over luscious green parks and even the homeless men can be seen enjoying the golden rays of sun on a perfectly perched bench.

However, Sydney is nothing like home. The homeless all tell you to smile, because you are in Australia. The Crows sound like crying babies, and absolutely everyone looks good. I have spent four days soaking in every bit of Australia that I can, and let me tell you, I have yet to see one overweight person!

Don’t expect to even hear a siren during your stay. I was lucky enough to see a fire truck drive through the streets of Sydney, it was then that I realized that was the first siren I heard, and has been the last one as well. BTW, Fire trucks look like a red short bus.

Public transit is very nice so far. The trains are clean, the buses smell fresh, and you seriously do not need to worry about the person sitting next to you. Everyone is very friendly and approachable, and I would not hesitate to talk to someone if boredom was a factor.

Getting used to the road system is very different as well. Of course the driver sits on the opposite side of the vehicle, but they also drive on the other side of the road as well. Gas is called Petrol, and petrol is sold by the liter. 1.57 if that fits your fancy. 4 liters go to a gallon, and a tank can get quite expensive which is why I will not be driving during my duration! Lol

When it comes to Uni, Aussies don’t really stress about schooling the way Americans do. In fact, many Australians don’t see their GPA until after they graduate. In American terms, C’s get degrees. Lol The grading terms are different as well, considering the grading scale in nothing like the A-F system we have. In other words, I wish I had just gone to school here in Sydney. It takes 3 years to graduate, and all you really need is that piece of paper saying you finished your specific program of education.

Many Americans seem to have a hard time accepting the Mexicans who receive free health care, and all the benefits of being American. Well, in Australia, 40% of the population is of another culture, with most being Asian. So Asians are as to Mexicans when it comes to alienating a new country.

I will speak more about my host family as I progress, but right now I am excited to say I am staying with a great family in a neighborhood called Croydon. Croydon is a small village in the outskirts of Sydney, but fairly close to my school which is nice. The family is made up of two little boys, two cats, as well and Mr. and Mrs. Nair who are very kind. Mr. Nair is from Fiji, and Mrs. Nair is from Italy. As you can see, Italian and Seafood will be a very delicious diet J

I will not have as much internet the first few days I am here, so please give me some time to get going. I am still learning public transportation here in Australia, and I will be planning on purchasing a bike here soon too!

If you have any questions about Australia, feel free to ask me! I will be happy to find out the answer for you. I will be sharing my new phone number soon as well when I get that all set up!

Continue to follow on Facebook and Twitter and I will be posting some instagram photos soon!!!

Peace.

PS. Australian internet is terrible!!!!!!!!!

Preparation: 27 Days

Hello World,

Well, it's been a little while since my last post. So I suppose you would like to know how I am spending my time off from school.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of  hanging out with some of my  old friends, as well as my Grandma and Brother at the 28th Annual Cubs Convention. With plenty of players, artifacts and conferences I definitely had my winter Cubs fix. One of the highlights of the convention involved meeting Kerry Wood, who was my favorite pitcher growing up. Although he finally retired last year, it was great to see him still involved with the organization. With that being said, I felt that I should join his cause to help kids in and around the city of Chicago. So I applied to intern with the Wood Family Foundation! Here's the link! They do some pretty great stuff during the summer, so hopefully I can be apart of that as well. I have an interview next week, so wish me luck, and any prayers would be nice too :)
http://mlb.mlb.com/players/woodfamilyfoundation/index.jsp

While preparing for Australia, I decided to look into things to do there on youtube. Of course I found some great stuff, but then I found this...The Huntsman Spider!!! Watch this video. This is the only reason why I am getting scared to go haha 
Stupid Spider Video

As the days keep counting down, I am growing farther and farther away from wanting to do school work. This of course is not good, because it means I'm not gonna have fun the first few weeks in my new country. But, after this semester is over, I will finally be a senior! Which means that I will be done with school forever and I am definitely ready for that.

My brother and I also saw Haunted House. It's really funny, but super stupid. So if you want to have a good laugh see that! 
I also saw Django which is sickk!!! See that if you want to see the best movie of your life! lol I'm still trying to see the Hobbit. So if anyone is down. Please tell me!

I have also had the opportunity to do some extra PR work while I have been home with my High School. So tomorrow I will be conducting a focus group to get some inside Social Media information for the school. Thank you Dr. Lee, for giving me the skills for that!

With all this being said, I am looking forward to my trip and cannot wait to start living in a completely new culture. I know things will be completely different than I'm used to, however I also know that I will be making some sick connections along the way. I figured I might as well network there so at some point I can move to a nice Australian city. Feel free to join me if you would like.

Well, I hope things are well. I miss everyone at school too. I want to come back for a Komets game, so if you're down to go, let me know and I will make my way back! 

If you would like to follow my travels on Twitter you can here:http://twitter.com/mikebruce1291

If you would like to follow my pictures on Instagram you can here: mbruce1291

If you would like to connect professionally you can here: linkedin.com/in/michaelbruce3

Until next time....

Peace!

Preparation: 37 days

Hello World,

Well, it is currently 1 Month and 7 Days before I leave for the OZ. All of my friends are going back to school once again, and I am sitting at home patiently waiting as I count down the days before I go.

My break has been quite eventful, and I couldn't be more thankful for the family and friends that have helped make it that way. From a Surprise Birthday Party, Bulls game, Hooters, Grandmas House, and catching up with old friends, this is by far the best break I have had in years.

However, I look forward to what is to come. As you may or may not know, I am leaving for Sydney, Australia on February 18th, 2013. I will be in Sydney for a little over 3 months exploring, studying, surfing, and searching for my future soul mate. I'm a fool for OZ accents, so don't be surprised if I bring home a 300lb girl either lol Or as my brother would say "She ain't a lady, until she's 280!" ;)

Apart from that stuff, I will  be in Sydney as I have mentioned before. I am studying at the Wesley Institute, which is through the ASC (Australia Studies Center program.) While at the Uni, I will be taking these courses:

Photography
Image Making
Hip Hop
Adventure Camp
Australian History
and Indigenous Cultures (Aborigine course)

I'm looking forward to these courses because they all seem really cool! The Adventure Camp will be with little Australian kids so I'm getting pumped for that class the most! The only thing that I'm not sure about is that I have been told this is an Art School, something totally different then what I am used to at Indiana Wesleyan University. I'm not very artsy, so I'm gonna have to find some people that are pretty chill I guess!

As far as I know, I will be staying with a family somewhere in Sydney (hopefully close to the water.) From what I have heard the families are pretty cool! Butttttt....I might have some bad karma coming my way because I may or may not have played plenty of jokes on the South Korean Foreign exchange students at my High School....Sorry to those of you. lol

If you have been paying attention to the news, Australia is reaching temperatures never before recorded. It is currently summer there, so that explains why it's so hot!. I will be getting there when temperatures are most like what a typical Fall semester would be for any college student: Hot the first month, and cooler as it progresses.

I will try to post once a week while I am there so you can live through my travels. I want to come back with so many stories to tell people, so be prepared for that!

If you are not following me on Twitter please do https://twitter.com/MikeBruce1291

If you want to see current pictures on Instagram @mbruce1291

If you have requests for photos text 847-431...Sike! lol

But for real, if you want to stay in contact I will be using Facebook, Twitter, and email mbruce1291@gmail.com. I will also try to Skype when I can too.

Until Next post....

Peace.