First Impressions of Aussie Life

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It’s Durham Palatinate!

Despite an inauspicious arrival, in the first month that I have been here, I have already started to fall in love with the amorphous, evolving city that is Melbourne. From its striking architecture (my favourite so far is a palatinate purple high rise) and wide, American streets to its graffiti-filled laneways and edgy bars, the city is full to bursting with character, style and taste that is entirely its own. I won’t tell you too much about it just yet – I’ll save the city introduction until a time I can act as a true Melburnian guide – but these are a few impressions that stood out to remind me I was no longer in Britain, or even the northern hemisphere for that matter. Continue reading

Heading Down Under

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Greetings, or more appropriately, g’day mate! Welcome to my blog, in which I will try to record the next twelve months as I move from small town Durham to the thriving metropolitan capital of Australian culture. It has been little over a week since I touched down here in Australia, on the other side of the world, and in a sense the UK already seems much more distant than twelve days away. Continue reading

Top 10 Moments from my Year Abroad

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It’s crazy to think that this time last year I landed in Perth, wandering around the city like a lost puppy. But things have changed these last twelve months. I’ve learnt the sound of the Cottesloe waves, and I recognise the call of the kookaburra. I know the silhouette of the Perth skyline, and where to look to find the southern cross shining brightly in the sky. I’ve learnt which days petrol prices are cheapest, and when to be extra careful to avoid hitting a kangaroo on the road. I’ve become used to a lifestyle where coats and winter jackets don’t exist, and instead are replaced by a wetsuit and snorkel.

Things are definitely different – Perth has felt like home. Perth is home.

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The Blue Boat Shed

Saying I’m sad to leave doesn’t do it justice, but I’m leaving with some incredible memories. Here are my top 10 moments from this amazing year…

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Christmas Vacation Plans

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So the semester is officially finished here down under, the summer is about to begin (although with the weather this week I can’t imagine how it’ll get hotter…) and I’m getting ready to start my three and a half month holiday – here are the deets…

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My Love Story with a Quokka

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Time for a less serious post, hope you enjoy!

I ventured out for a day trip and took a 25 minute ferry to the island of Rottnest, in search of a famous quokka selfie. What happened next is going to be the next Hollywood blockbuster rom-com. Well, maybe not.

I had to do a double-take. After a cycle round the whole island, I finally got what I was looking for. I took my selfie (as you can see, very pleased with myself) and was going to move on.

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Taking a Year Abroad

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It’s application time back in Durham (and quite a few other universities) to apply for a year abroad. I’m writing this post for those who are on the fence, and even for those who don’t think they would take a year abroad, to try and convince you to embark on possibly the best year of your life.

You could be sitting on this chair

You could be sitting on this chair

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My Top 5 Beaches in Western Australia

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What is the first thing that comes to your head when you think of Australia? It could be the blazing sun. Or dangerous animals, furry animals, weird animals, kangaroos. Tourist attractions like Uluru, The Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, the Great Ocean Road. But also beaches, a bucketload of beaches.

It's a good life

It’s a good life

Western Australia has possibly the best collection of beaches in the world, and I’ve certainly enjoyed exploring and sunbathing on them (England doesn’t quite compare) so here are my top 5.

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West is Best

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I guess there are two ways you can read the words ‘study break’ – a break during which you study, or a break from study. You can probably imagine which choice I made.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to travel to some amazing corners of the world and see some incredible places, but nowhere has been as jaw dropping as Karijini National Park. I could place you anywhere in that park, and you can stay in that one spot for hours, swiveling your head at any angle, while standing in awe at the looming canyons, narrow gorges and tranquil pools that engulf you.

But it is in the middle of nowhere (like everything else in Australia) – to get there is a 14 hour drive. So we planned a 10 day, just under 4000 kilometre roadtrip.

Australia is big, if you didn't know

Australia is big, if you didn’t know

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