Final Day and Top Ten

Sadly, all good things have to come to an end. The same was true for our trip to Australia and New Zealand. After an amazing time in Rotorua, Auckland, Sydney, and Cairns, our trip had run its course. Our final day was spent in the Kuranda rain forest. We took a train up the mountain to the village where we were able to explore for a great deal of time. The village was quaint and interesting and we spent much of the morning there. We then proceeded to the cable cars that took us down the mountain back to Cairns over the rainforest. We paused to learn a little about the actual rainforest then went to an Aboriginal village to learn about the history of the native people of Australia. Here, we got to watch traditional dances and songs as well as learn to throw boomerangs and spears. We finished the day in Cairns like we had every day, going out to eat in the city and relaxing by the pool at the hotel. We wanted to get the most out of our last day, so we pulled three rooms together and pulled an all-nighter in which seven of us got sick. Though it made the next day miserable, I regret nothing and would have done everything the same again. The trip provided me with many life lessons and taught me much about the culture of these two countries. There are ten things that made my trip more enjoyable and interesting than a "normal" trip.

1. The People in General: This applies to everyone the trip; the people who were on the trip with me made everything so great. The natives of the country were always cordial. The students we visited taught us so much and accepted us. The people of the countries of Australia and New Zealand really made the trip worth it.

2. Sydney: This city was definitely one of the highlights. It was rich in culture and had so much to do. The Opera House and Bridge were so interesting and rich in culture and the city in general made that portion of the trip amazing.

3. Food: On the trip, I tried so many different and unique types of food from the cultures of Australia and New Zealand. I ate kangaroo, crocodile, and other animals and sampled things that even though I regretted at the time, I would do it all the same if the opportunity presented itself. 

4. Aborigines: The Australian natives have such a rich culture that it was amazing to see how they managed to live. Their ways of life are clearly vital to Australian culture as a whole. The day we spent learning about their history and practicing some of their ways was an experience that was fun and interesting at the same time.

5. Wildlife: After visiting wildlife preserves and seeing creatures in the wild, it is clear to me how important the wildlife is to Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand had the most beautiful scenery I've seen and Australia's creatures are unique and were clearly an importan aspect of the country's history.

6. Great Barrier Reef: The Reef was one of the best experiences I've had in my life. To be able to see something as magnificent and awe-inspiring as the Reef is something I was definitely lucky to have had the chance to be a part of. It was so vibrant and full of life and it was depressing to know that in the near future it will all be gone. It clearly is a Wonder of the World and gives such a good feeling to the waters surrounding the country.

7. Travelling: Travelling by plane, bus, boat, and foot over the course of the trip was honestly a really good experience. It gave me good binding experiences with everyone and is something I honestly think will help me on future travels. I made connections with many of the people on the trip while we were doing some form of travelling. The skills I picked up while moving from place to place are vital skills that I will take with me everywhere.

8. Rotorua/Maori people: The trip in New Zealand to this historic town and visiting the native people was again just an amazing experience. The town was so easily navigable and close-knit and the Maori in Whaka and the people in Rotorua were friendly during our visit. Seeing how everyone lived on the earth in Whaka was an eye-opening experience.

9. Lugeing/Ogo/Snorkel: These things all deserve a spot on my top ten because they show that while on this trip I began to come out of my comfort zone. I never would've done this type of "crazy" thing prior to coming on the trip but while in Australia and New Zealand I have willingly done those activities. Everything I did I had a blast doing and will definitely become more adventurous when I return to America.

10. Cairns: This city again was so cool in that it was big yet small at the same time. Walking around the city with so much freedom was heaps of fun. The city's beaches and the Great Barrier Reef added to the cultural influence of the small city.