"Do you come from a Land Down Under"

Well, I am finally into the swing of things with school and living on the Gold Coast,Australia. School has really picked up, and I am finding it pretty hard to focus when it is so nice out, and everyone is heading to the beach every day. Between classes we head to the pool, since the heat has been about 95 degrees the past few days.
This past weekend we went to Brisbane, a city about an hour from here . It is so different to be legal in another country. We can go to casinos and clubs, and it is just such a different atmosphere. Brisbane is a big city, kind of reminds me of Chicago, maybe a little of Boston.





Treasure casino in Brisbane





















I have not gotten real homesick yet, but I remember at Orientation they said it can creep up on you at any time.
My boyfriend is actually coming to visit me 4 weeks from thursday, and im SO excited. It will be really nice to be able to share at least some of my experiences with someone else from home.
I just booked a couple trips around Australia. Saturday, I'm going skydiving!!! AHHH so excited/ nervous. I also just booked a tripto a place called "Whitsundays," where we will be sailing for three nights, and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. We also get surf lessons and get to borrow kayaks.
I have tried to find a job to support living this lifestyle here, but I have found it near impossible. Its such a relaxing break to not be working 2 or 3 jobs and have school all at the same time. Aussie is so relaxed and laid back. I never want to leavveee...

I have a project in my Australia pop culture class due tomorrow and midterms are already in 2 weeks! There is not much "homework" here, but instead there are projects or just a midterm and a final, which is very different, and tough to get used to. Basically you are on your own if you want to do well. You have to force yourself to study in order to be prepared for the midterms and finals. We'll see how that goes.

As it is 4:13 am at home on Monday morning, it is 7:13 pm here monday night aka time for dinner.
More updates later!
Keep warm!
Hay