Autumn and a cause for reflection

Autumn: Ah man! I kinda thought Australia was the land of endless summer! But ohhhh no, was I wrong! Lol At least Canberra has 4 seasons, there are some parts of Australia though that do experience year-long summer. Though I can't deny how beautiful autumn is with crisp air, a colorful tapestry of leaves on the ground and rainbow trees as their green changes to yellow and orange and red. It's truly a sight to see! Unfortunately, I also see my breath in the morning while walking to class. I'm not okay with this!!!! This Southern California girl is in for a real surprise! On the bright side, I won't be needing to ask for scarves for my birthday or Christmas ever again because I've bought soo many! Scarves are my new favorite accessory!



I definitely have reason to be happy though, I hear spring is worse! Not because it's colder, nah, but because of the birds! Hahaha! Yup. The Magpies have some pretty far out nest building tendencies. For instance, they are attracted to shiny things and like to collect them. It's not unusual to find bits of candy wrappers and bottle caps in Magpie nests. They are also extremely territorial and if you get too close to "their" tree, they will swoop on you and peck your head! Nasty little buggers! People become a lot more aware of where their walking in the spring, taking care to not walk under any trees if avoidable. I found a funny picture on the web depicting this, so enjoy! :)

LOL! I'll try to link this image when I find it again so due credit can be given!

Andrea's Tips For Studying Abroad:
*bring gloves, it gets cold walking to class
*if walking/driving on the other side of the pathway/road doesn't phase you, I suggest buying a bicycle for cheap because it'll a) getting to your classes will be easier, b) you'll get more sleep because it won't take you as long to get to class, c) it may make grocery shopping easier, especially if you get a bike with a basket, d) it's good fun and great exercise!
* if you live in a self-catering option, make a dinner rotation group early so you don't have to cook your own dinner every night (just once a week) and you won't have to eat alone (and expect to spend anywhere from one to three hours at dinner, especially on the weekends).
*do your research ahead of time in what you want to see and do and plan roughly when you want to do/see them. I thought that everyone else would be keen on adventure and traveling, but without prior planning, I don't think I'm going to get to see everything I want in the time I have left.
*set up housing for the next year before you leave! Trying to be responsible and taking care of issues from the other side of the world is more difficult than it seems, even with the wondrous capabilities of the internet. Living a double life is hard and tiring.
*make sure you have a skype account and can stay in touch with your friends back home, and make sure you have a rough idea of when would be good times to talk (don't forget about day-light savings!). Being able to see my parents is soo helpful and though I can't give them a big bear hug, it'll do until I can hug them! ;)
*set up a bank account. It'll make your life easier and it'll cost you less.
*when you're in your dorm room, leave your door open as often as possible so people can get to know you and will feel comfortable with you.
*have a plan ahead of time in case anything goes wrong back home. Decide with your family what would be the best course of action if "x" was to occur.
*bring a normal school backpack, it's handy to have for weekend travels and you won't stick out as much like a tourist.
*be open with your teachers about what you expect to get out of this experience and let them know that you may miss some class time if you plan on traveling but still want to be a responsible student and stay on top of your studies. They'll appreciate it and you'll feel less guilty.
*a pocket umbrella will be your best friend, make sure you have one!
*tights, boots and scarves help to make "summer" clothes into "winter" clothes. Pack strategically!
*send mail to family and friends back home, it'll help you fell like you're keeping in touch with them, plus it's fun thinking about the smiles people with have on their faces when they get a letter or postcard from Australia (or wherever you go abroad), and it's always fun sending things to the "U.S.A." :)