Full Circle

Today is my last day in Australia. Around this time last year the cogs were set in motion for me to come over - I'd been accepted to the program, filled out some ridiculous paperwork, and received my Australia Lonely Planet for Christmas. I spent hours on Christmas Day last year flipping through the pages, getting so excited about everything I'd see and do here. Later on tonight I'll pack my tattered and well-worn "LP" (as I've affectionately come to call it) into a bag for its bon voyage journey. On Christmas Day this year I'll flip through photos from my stay and reminisce about all the places I've gone, the experiences I've had, and most of all, the wonderful people I met.

Yes, I leave here sad to say goodbye, and I will miss Oz dearly. But mainly, I feel extremely grateful and lucky to have had the opportunity to visit this incredible continent. I've experienced some of the saddest and happiest moments of my life here, and in the process I've learned a lot about myself, about life. If you don't mind, I'd like to reflect for a moment on what I knew now that I didn't know before arriving:

* I like honey - who knew I liked honey? I've hated honey for the previous 27 years of my life. Why, all of a sudden, do I like it now, especially in tea and on a piece of buttered bread?

* Vegemite is delicious! Yeah, I know there are naysayers out there, but put that shit on a piece of yummy bread with cheese and you've got a pretty damn good sandwich.

* Hiking/camping can be fun. I promise, one night under all those stars in the Outback - a 360 degree unadulterated view - will change your mind, too.

* Beer is expensive in Australia - stick to wine.

* Echidna - really cute porcupine-y animal with a nifty little name.

* Australians do not believe in pronouncing the letter "r." Frankly, I'm surprised they even have it in their alphabet at all.

* Koreans do not really eat that much dog. South Africans do eat bull tongue.**

* The Sydney Opera House is much smaller than you imagine, but still demands your attention when it lies in your field of vision. Truly, that Harbor is gorgeous.

* Surfing hurts, but I still highly recommend it.

* The rest of the world doesn't actually hate America; they just think it is egotistical and self-centered. Interestingly, most of them actually like American people.

* Possums in Australia are really cute, and if you see them outside your hostel room after a long night of drinking, you might make a new friend.

* M&Ms make a flavor called "mint crispy" and it is currently only available in Oz. Bah-humbug. Oh, and Tim-Tams are the most fabulous cookie on earth - yes, they do compete with the Oreo - and there is not enough room in my luggage to bring back a sufficient supply of them.

* Tasmania has fairy penguins. If you are at certain places on the coast just after dusk, you will see them trot up onto the rocks. If you are really lucky, they will tottle right by you and almost touch you. Yes, they are f-ing adorable, but please don't take pictures because it hurts their little eyes!

* The Aborigine issue is a mess.

* Aussie Rules Football is a mess. It is also a helluva lot of fun.

* A 5-day cricket match can, in fact, be marginally entertaining. I'm rooting for the Poms, but I still leave here wondering where "pom" came from.

* I love, love, love birds. I thought I hated birds considering I have been attacked in my own room at the tender age of 13. Australia has some kick-ass birds.

Ok, I'm not going to bore you with any more of my list. I could go on for hours, but there is savouring of the last day that needs to be done. Thanks for the memories, Australia, and have no doubt that I will definitely return! (You know, assuming my plane doesn't end up in a fiery ball on the departing journey, or on the return journey, or on any other journey I might take : )


**Bull tongue is not really tongue of bull. It's cured beef, kind of like beef jerky, but way different. Apparently all you need to make it is a cardboard box, some duct tape, wire netting, a light, and a fan.