Here is the impression I have of Australians: friendly, kind, generous, helpful people. Of course this impression is based purely on the 20-something backpacker crowd I met traveling in Europe. Far be in from me to deny the possibility that there are rude and unfriendly Australians around, but I never met them. Before I got here my preconceived notion of Australians was very warm and fuzzy. So let’s go with warm and fuzzy shall we? My impression of the city is of a bustling metropolis. It is amazing to me that this city was founded less than 200 hundred years ago. Since most cities in developed westernized nations are very similar in a lot of ways it is a challenge to explore them until you uncover the subtle differences that make a city unique. Sydney has ... read more

The zoo has screeching, squawking, crying, screaming, rampaging animals everywhere you look. I really think they were disturbing the poor residents in their cages. Despite the zoo being overrun with people everywhere I quite enjoyed it. Since the main reason I came to San Diego was to see the Pandas. Definitely worth the trip. The zoo itself has over 100 acres and it seems that every inch is packed with interesting animals and plants to see. Here in San Diego I am enjoying the beautiful spring like weather. Apparently the average daily temperature here is 70 degrees year round. The negative side of the beautiful weather is the homeless population here is quite prevalent. I must have been hit up for money about 30 times on my first day and I didn't arrive until afternoon. I ... read more

What though the radiance which was once so bright Be now for ever taken from my sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind -Ode to Intimations of Immortality, William Wordsworth Everything is easy: learning to read, arithmetic, riding a bike, driving a car, baking a soufflé, climbing a mountain, brain surgery, leaving your country for 6 months. Its easy. No problem, anyone can do it. Of course, anything is easy once you’ve done it. It’s the before that is difficult. Its the beginning that leaves you frozen, awash in fear of unknown, unpredictable possibilities, questioning why you would even want to put yourself through the trouble. Is the risk really worth the possible benefits? ... read more

Hi Everyone! I have finally left India behind and am in my last stop on my world tour! Hong Kong! I have actually been to Hong Kong before, about 4 years ago when my best friend studied abroad here for a semester. I saved for three months on ramen noodles to afford a 900 dollar ticket, and because I had just started full time at Wal-mart I didn't have any vacation time so I could only afford to take 6 days, 2 of which were used up on the flights. That left me only 4 days here. My friend picked me up from the airport and took me around shopping and sight seeing. It gives me a strange sense a deja vu now, because I recognize places that I have been but I don't remember how ... read more

Hi Everyone, I spent the last week in Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan, India. Jaipur is home to the Amber fort and the Pink City. The Pink City gets its name from its pink city walls, but don't let the locals hear you call it that or they will laugh at you. Apparently to them it is the 'Old City.' While I was in Jaipur a met a group of girls who showed me around their college and took me to their English Institute where they take extra English classes. I got to meet the students and help them with their English. They even taught me a little Hindi. I also got a chance to talk to local Indian women, which was a nice change of pace. Apparently women don't have as much opportunity to learn ... read more