Trip to Australia
welcome sign to Lennox Head

 

 

By: Laurel O'Donnell

Megan, Laurel, and Amber
I'm in the middle with two classmates.
In the fall of 2005, I went to Australia in a study abroad program. About 30 other students from my college were also in the program. Two of my classmates were named Megan and Amber.

The fabulous view on top of Lennox Head
What a fantastic view!
We stayed in a little town called Lennox Head right next to the ocean! Although it was easy to get distracted by the beautiful scenery, we did have to go to classes. Luckily, we had lots of chances to explore the ocean as a part of classes like marine biology and physical education. We had the whole environment as a classroom.

The animals and plants in Australia were very different from those in the United States. Sometimes the animals and humans had to negotiate to live in the same place.
Warning...magpies swooping
Magpies are large birds that look like crows. They are common in Australia, but they only build nests at a certain time of year. In the spring is when magpies build nests and may attack people who get too close.

A pandanus tree has palm leaves and roots coming from its trunk.
A pandanus tree in Lennox Head
The plants were also unlike any plants in the United States. One kind of tree that was common to find was the pandanus tree. It is also known as the "walking tree." Over hundreds of years, its roots pull up from the ground on one side while it grows new roots down to the ground on the other side. This is how the tree slowly "walks."

Rugby team members in green shirts and white shorts.
People like different sports in Australia. Australians play rugby, which is like football with changed rules--and no pads or helmets! These men are a rugby team from Lennox Head. It's an exciting sport to watch!

Pacific Ocean view
Last ocean view
As I left Australia in November, I thought about all I had seen that contrasted from home: the animals, plants, sports, and even how school was. The ocean was one thing I would miss; it was gorgeous. More than anything, though, I was happy to be going home.