March 2024 – Journals from Abroad

March 22, 2024

Polperro Dolphin and Seal Swim, Sorrento Back Beach, & Point Nepean National Park

G’Day Everyone!

This last weekend some friends and I took a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula. We started our morning at 5am in order to make the commute and be on time to board the boat for our dolphin and seal swim. We arrived to catch the sunrise over the ocean, put our wetsuits on, and hop on board as we headed out into the ocean.

Our first stop was at a location where a shelter had been built in the water for the seals. We put our snorkel gear on and jumped in the water! The seals would swim really close to you, and they were quite the show-offs. They would spin around and put on a little show while barking the whole time. The water was fairly shallow in the area so we had to be careful to keep our feet up, as rays would swim under you. It was a little scary at first. You would be focused on the seals and all of a sudden you look down and a huge ray is right underneath you.

After the seals, we boarded the boat and headed toward a little bay where we could snorkel and see cuttle fish and sea dragons. They both use camouflage really well. I was only able to spot one cuttle fish without the help of a guide.

We then boarded the boat and headed back to the dock. Over the course of the trip, we were supposed to be ready to dive in the water if any dolphins were spotted. Unfortunately, no dolphins were spotted in the area all morning, so we were unable to swim with the dolphins. It was still an amazing trip and the crew made it that much better.

Three girls taking selfie on pier with ocean and sunset behind them — Morning sunrise on the pier before departing on tour

Sea dragon swimming among seaweed — Sea dragon

Cuttle fish swimming on ocean floor surrounded by plants — Cuttle fish

Group of four seals swimming in ocean — Group of seals showing-off in the water.

Ray swimming above sand in ocean — Ray while swimming with the seals.

After the dolphin and seal swim, we walked through the town of Sorrento to a beach spot called the “Back Beach”. This area had tons of rock pools and a couple short hiking trails that overlooked the beach. After wandering through the rock pools and trails for a bit, we went to a little café on the beach and had some lunch. The view from the deck was amazing.

wooden stairs leading up from ocean shore overlooking the ocean and greenery — View of the Back Beach from hike lookout.

Wooden table on beachside deck overlooking the ocean — Beachside view from lunch

We then went to our final destination for the day – Point Nepean National Park. Point Nepean was formerly an army base as well as a quarantine center. With about 30km of trails, Point Nepean spans toward the tip of the Mornington Peninsula. We took a tour bus out to the end of the peninsula and then hiked our way back. The hike was full of astonishing views, as well as remnants and tunnels from the army base. It was amazing and the weather was absolutely perfect!

Peninsula with road going through the middle and ocean on either side — View of the peninsula from trail on Point Nepean

Cheers!
Taryn Dance

March 14, 2024

Start of Classes, Altona Beach, & Queen Victoria Market Summer Nights Festival

G’day Everyone!

I’m coming up on the end of my second week of classes here at Deakin University. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks adjusting to my new schedule and figuring out the flow of classes. I’m taking four classes this trimester, all of which meet once a week for 2-3 hours at a time. Outside of the in-person seminars, every class has online modules that you must work through on your own to learn the content that is discussed in class and on exams. It’s a lot more independent study than I expected, but once I get the hang of it, I think I might enjoy it.

Sun starting to set on bridge with trees and campus buildings surrounding. — Crossing campus bridge on my way back from classes.

Last weekend we had three days in a row of temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I spent one of these days going to Altona Beach with some friends. The beach had a long pier that you could walk out on, and people were jumping off the far end of it into the water. The water was very cold but felt amazing with the sun beaming down on us. The water was anywhere from ankle to hip deep for about the first 500 feet, which made for perfect spots to just chill and cool off.

Beach with sand volleyball nets, lots of people, and a pier going out into the water. — Altona Beach

On Wednesday night I went to the final night of the Queen Victoria Market Summer Nights Festival. The Queen Victoria Market is in downtown Melbourne and runs through the day with streets vendors, food trucks, and produce stands. They do festivals over the summer where they reopen at night with live music and plenty of different vendors and food options. I had been to the market during the day before, but this was my first time going to the night festival. This was also one of the first times I’ve been in the city at night, and it was amazing. They put on a new night festival during the winter season, so I can’t wait to go to that one.

Landscape image of pop up tents with vendors, lights streaming from tent to tent, and city skyscrapers in the background.

Queen Victoria Market Summer Nights Festival

Alley full of people with street vendors on the sides and lights streaming across the alley. — Inside the Queen Victoria Market Summer Nights Festival

Cheers!

Taryn Dance

March 13, 2024

Growth is a constant

Hello from Ireland!

As I have progressed through this these past two months of adventures, I feel I have changed in subtle, positive ways. There are things about myself that I have learned to love as I have navigated studying abroad and leaving my home country for the first time. I am a person who does a lot of self reflection. I journal in my notes app, meditate when I have time, and love my weekly check-ins with myself. I wanted to share a few of the changes I’ve noticed in the hopes that it encourages other people to step outside their comfort zone.

I am much more confident in myself and my identity. There is something intrinsically unique about living outside of your home country with a bunch of strangers. Back at Linfield, I was very comfortable in my routine and my friend group, and I didn’t really tend to branch out, since what I knew was comforting.
However, those friends and routine are not here in Ireland. When I first arrived here it felt a lot like freshman year. I felt awkward, and so nervous to meet new people and learn how to live with different people, that I was constantly thinking about how other people were perceiving me. It was exhausting! I feel very lucky to have landed in the apartment that I have with some of the most wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure to meet. We are constantly adventuring, chatting, pushing limits, and overall challenging each other to really take in our study abroad experience. Not to say that I don’t miss my friends back home. I DO. I can’t wait to reunite with them this summer and catch them up on all the experiences I’ve had while here! I’m excited to show them how much I have grown into myself and how comfortable I am in simply being myself without the fear of others judging me.

Roommates from left to right: Maddison, Alexiss, Olivia, Abigael
I’ve learned my limits on social interaction. I am an incredibly social person. I love meeting people, going out to the pubs, listening to music, and talking about my day. Sometimes though, I need my space. I have gotten so much more skilled at communicating when I need a moment, or what someone else can do to help me be comfortable. This is a skill that you really do need when you’re studying abroad.
There are endless opportunities to go on weekend trips, parties, and explorations, and the FOMO (fear of missing out) is very strong when you turn something down. When I was leaving the country, I was given the advice to “never say no to an adventure.” I have found this to be true to an extent. There have been times where I just want to lay in bed watching Derry Girls and not talk to anyone, but my roommates are asking if I want to see a landmark like the Cliffs of Moher. Nine times out of ten, I’m going to push myself to go and have the adventure and nine times out of ten, I am so grateful and happy that I went. There are times where I instead stay home, but when it means that I am enjoying time to myself and allowing myself to have space, it’s a healthy habit to practice. Knowing yourself and your limits is part of growing up, and despite what many think, you are still growing in college!

Selfie in Front of Kylemore Abbey Church
The people are so friendly in Ireland! If you travel to Ireland (especially Galway) and only have time for one or two nights exploring the town, talk to people. People will approach you and ask if you’re studying there, or if you’re on holiday (vacation). Some of the most fascinating and meaningful interactions I have had here are random people at the pub!
Cold But Smiling

I feel like I’m always smiling here. I will carry the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met, close to my heart for many years to come.

In short, Carpe Diem! Seize the day, and look for the small adventures around you every day. Until next time! Keep an eye out for an update on St. Patrick’s weekend!

Off on my next adventure,
Abigael LaBuhn

March 12, 2024

Palais des Papes

If you are someone who wants to realize your fantasy of running around a medieval castle, Avignon is the place to visit. Avignon is located on the left bank of the river Rhône. It is a gorgeous, ancient town with medieval walls enclosing the town center, and within it, le palais des papes (the Papal Palace or the Palace of Popes). Like many French towns, the center is a maze of narrow streets scattered with little boutiques and cafés, with cobblestone paths and murals on the beautiful yellow clay which the south of France is known for.

Image of a street in Avignone city center with buildings on either side and one in view down the center — Avignon City Center

View of the city of Avignon from the roof of the Palais des Papes framed by two stone columns — Town of Avignon from the roof of the Palais des Papes

Avignon is known for the period of Avignon Papacy, from 1309 to 1376, during which there were seven successive popes living in le palais des papes, instead of residing in Rome. While I was there, I was able to take a tour of le palais des papes. It was absolutely incredible! I was stepping back through time, walking the echoing halls, running my hand across the cold carved stones.

Two towers outside the Palais des Papes with gothic architecture — Outside the Palais des Papes

A gothic tower on the roof of the Palais des Papes framed by two stone columns — Roof of the Palais des Papes

My favorite rooms of the palace were not allowed to be photographed, but they were covered from floor to ceiling with religious murals, telling stories about saints and other figures. Another gorgeous room was tiled in earthy yellows, rusty reds, and faded blues. The palace had so many levels and staircases; I was easily turned around and would’ve gotten lost if not for arrows indicating the flow of the tour.

Image of the flourishes on the carved stone on an archway entrance to a stairwell — Carved stone in the palace

Image of the sun coming through the window in the Palais des Papes with stone benches on either side of the window — Golden hour in the Palais des Papes

Image of two doors within the Palais des Papes with carved stone framing the two doors — Doors in the Palais des Papes

After visiting the town center of Avignon, we headed to the Pont du Gard, a roman aqueduct built almost 2000 years ago, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The aqueduct crosses the Gardon river and is the tallest preserved Roman aqueduct. I found that its grandeur is something that cannot really be captured on camera. If you are ever in the south of France, I would highly recommend visiting this site, because it is something that can only really be experienced in person. The sheer size and antiquity of the aqueduct was humbling. There are a few trails on either side of the bridge that can give you a better view. I hiked one side up to a viewpoint. The group of about 20 that I was with fell silent and we sat there for probably a half hour in that calmness, taking everything in. It was a beautiful experience.

Image of the Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard. It is framed by trees on both sides with the three tiered aqueduct in the center. — View of Pont du Gard from the trail

Image of the Pont du Gard from below, with the aqueduct stretching across the image — View of the aqueduct from the from the second tier

Until next time,
Natalie

March 5, 2024

Le Carnaval de Nice

Nice, France is well known for its annual parade at the end of winter. The Nice Carnival was the first international carnival in France and has been a much beloved event for the past 151 years (since 1873)! This year I went with a few friends to experience the opening day of the parade. It was definitely an experience to remember!

My friends and I took a two-hour bus from Aix to Nice the morning before the opening ceremony. We got an idea of Nice as we walked through downtown to the parade which took place right on the waterfront! On our way, we stopped by Burger King because we were all missing American food a little bit. In the Burger King, there was a birthday party taking place! Talking with my host family later that weekend, I came to find out that birthday parties in American fast-food restaurants are frequent occurrences here (and keep in mind these don’t have playgrounds like some do in the US)!

Anyway, we made our way through the crowded streets to the parade. The theme of this year’s carnival was the King of Pop Culture and they definitely stayed true to it! We saw float upon float of Disney princesses, superheroes, and cartoon characters! Kids were dressed up as their favorite characters with jewels and face paint. The actors on the floats were throwing these beautiful yellow flowers called Mimosas into the crowd. Mimosas grow all around Côte d’Azur and have been blooming over the past couple of weeks, adding some vibrant color to the landscape.

My friend and I holding Mimosa Flowers at the opening parade. — Mimosa Flowers

Following the parade, we headed over to Village du Carnaval where they had games, food, and souvenirs. We all bought some carnival masks to match our outfits. Shortly after, we had a confusing encounter with a woman who was asking us to take a picture. We had thought she was asking for us to take a picture of her, but it turned out that she thought we were part of the show and asked for pictures of us under the Carnival banner.

My friends and I in our carnival masks. — Carnival Masks

My friend and I wearing our carnival masks standing next to a Harry Potter trash can. — Harry Potter Trash Can

We had a few hours between the opening parade and the parade of lights in the evening. We walked Nice a little more and saw their Notre Dame, a gorgeous cathedral in the center of town.

An image of the church, Notre Dame of Nice at dusk — Notre Dame of Nice at dusk

Image of a building in Nice with terraces and intricate French details. — Architecture of Nice

We happened upon an Italian restaurant where we stopped for dinner. It was absolutely amazing! I could have filled up on their bread and olive oil alone.

Image of a plate of pasta with a sprig of basil on top — Spaghetti

Image of a plate of pasta with tomatoes, sliced parmesan and ricotta. — Rigatoni

After the sun set, we walked the waterfront down to the Carnival once again, this time for the parade of lights. Still with the pop culture theme, this parade had floats of movies, TV shows, music icons, and social media. They all seemed to be social commentaries as well. It was a very bizarre but amazing experience.

Float from the parade of lights. The theme is video games with Super Mario characters who have heads of various other people. — Video game float

Float from the parade of lights. The theme is the Matrix but Elon Musk is hooked up to machines with the ChatGPT symbol on his chest, holding a red and blue pill. — Matrix themed float with Elon Musk hooked up to machines with the ChatGPT symbol on his chest, holding a red and blue pill.

Float at the parade of lights with a TV show theme. There is a Stranger Things monster, Homer Simpson, Walter White sitting on the Game of Thrones chair, etc. — TV show float

Float in the parade of lights with a very large Willy Wonka figure. — Willy Wonka float

Until next time,
Natalie