After spending a significant amount of time with laid back Australians during my time on location with the Survivor Season 3 production in central Kenya, I was persuaded not only to visit Australia, but to commit spending one year in Sydney working on a Master’s Degree. One very influential Australian at the Survivor Camp left a lasting impact on me, a woman of admirable intellect and heart. She was kind, sweet, incredible frank, but overwhelmingly laid back and easy going. It was at this time that I understood that I had much in common with Australians, and that it was very likely I would truly enjoy spending some time down under. After spending 6 lovely weeks at base camp in Kenya, I returned to LA and immediately sent in my application to the University of Sydney in Australia. As expected, I was admitted to the MA program in International Studies and Politics at the University. I was ecstatic, and quickly began preparation to depart to Sydney, the city which would become my new home. At best, this would be the least stressful move I had made, since I was not heading into the unknown, to a developing country with questionable living standards and infrastructure. Australia was my destination, a land of people who undoubtedly knew how to enjoy life to the fullest.
Not only did I attend the prestigious University of Sydney in New South Wales, but I was fortunate enough to be admitted into the Women’s College, a historical and traditional Women’s residence for academically astute female role models. This is where I was exposed, on a daily basis, to traditional, high society British/Australian culture. If I was sitting down to a formal dinner with distinguished international speakers, I was a guest at a series of plays, or having gin and tonic and cucumber finger sandwiches at the tennis courts. Oh yes, let us not forget the joy of having champagne, strawberries and cream during the day of the Melbourne Derby. Living at the Women’s College in Newtown, a chic and bohemian section of South Sydney reminiscent of Manhattan’s SoHo, was an exceptional experience. This is where I met two of my closest friends, Henna and Hawran. One was my adorable and spunky Australian roommate, who could be my sister for all intensive purposes. The other was a warm and sensitive young Canadian woman who could make me smile, laugh and cry all at the same time. These two young women made my time in Australia unforgettable. As for the University of Sydney, I could not have asked for a more beautiful campus, for a more spectacular graduate program, and for more caring and involved faculty members.
Australia offered me so much, more than any other country (well, Spain is probably Australia’s runner up!). I, like much of Australia’s population, whole heartedly enjoyed life down under. Life in Australia is much more laid back than in most developed countries; people are much more friendly and inviting; there is less of an “individualistic” sense in Australia; people are well traveled and incredibly aware of international political, social, and cultural events; and above all, Australians are open and a welcome lot.
To view a slideshow of my favorite Aussie pictures, click on the following link:
www.flickr.com/photos/macarena/sets/72057594056233253/show/
