Sunday, February 27, 2011

"So, Why Are You Back?"

So, if you’ll recall, I chose to delay writing my official farewell to Sydney until I arrived in New Zealand and had a chance to reflect. As it turns out, it became quite clear not long after I arrived in Wellington that my farewell might not be permanent. Due to circumstances beyond my control, having to do with the New Zealand government’s stricter visa laws and the conservation biology program’s field trips, I was unable to enroll in the second half of my course. It was a frustrating and upsetting realization. But, in the end, I had to remind myself (and all my concerned loved ones) that I’ve always been aiming higher and I came to Australia/New Zealand for the experience, not the degree.

After much debate, questions asked and answered, job searches, and even an excel spreadsheet of options, I decided to return to Sydney. I felt like it had more opportunities for me and a network of amazing friends that I knew I could count on while figuring out what to do. And figuring is definitely what I'm doing. My schedule for the next few months is entirely up in the air. I am waiting to hear back from several PhD programs and, depending on the outcomes, I may travel to Swaziland in May. I am looking into conservation work all over the world (from Samoa to Nicaragua to Croatia) and keeping an eye out for something amazing. In the meantime, I’m enjoying Sydney and looking to grow an experience as much as possible. I’d like to learn to play an instrument and take surfing lessons. I want to read a book a week and volunteer with refugees. I hope to improve my (nonexistent) archery skills and run a half marathon. I am still wildly invigorated by the possibilities in my life and am moving forward with the unbridled optimism I am known for.

And now, since I just spent the last month there, a photographic ode to Wellington.




One of the coolest things about New Zealand is what seems to be a concerted effort to incorporate Maori tradition into mainstream culture. This is from the museum in Wellington.




Wellington is full of beautiful coastlines




Wellington is famous for being home to some of the many filimg sites for Lord of the Rings. It's also home of the production studio. One of many relics from the films.




A duck swimming through an algal bloom in Wellington's Karori Sanctuary



The view of Wellington Harbor from atop Mount Victoria (another site of many scenes from LOTR).

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Good On Ya, Mate! (Pictures)

So I have exactly two weeks until I leave Sydney, but I’m not saying goodbye yet. I’ll do my wrap-up, what I’ve learned about the world/myself, maudlin reflection on the meaning of life blog when I get to New Zealand. In the meantime, pictures! I just took a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne followed by a camping trip around Tasmania. I literally bought a new memory card for my camera and took over 2,200 pictures over the course of two weeks-it was magical. Enjoy my photographic endeavors. First was the road trip to Melbourne


A troop of wild kangaroos!!!


Remember that movie "Beaches"? Yea this trip was much better than that.


The trip was filled with gorgeous overlooks and beautiful blue water


On the rocks


We fed a bunch of birds and even though I had no food, they wanted to say hello. They also tried to eat my camera.


The Great Ocean Road


The "Twelve" Apostles


Then it was off to Tasmania


My favorite waterfall from the trip


Bicheno Blowhole


An adorable wallaby in the parking lot


Wineglass Bay


The Waterhole


Penguin footprints


My second favorite waterfall


Enchanted Forest


Wombat

I've been having a ton of fun with friends now that I'm back in Sydney as well. I celebrated the new year with a spectacularly surreal view on the rooftop of my friends' apartment.



Then I walked through an acid trip at the Opera House.