Charters Towers!

So we have been trying to figure out how to get to the Australian Outback, as we feel like it is a place we should visit. We talked to a bunch of Australian's and they said that if we wanted to see the Outback where there were red dirt roads, we would have to take a flight that would be pretty expensive. But they mentioned this place called Charters Towers, which is about an hour and a half from campus, and it is considered the Outback. Sara, Becca, Siena and I were so excited to go, but we just needed to figure out a ride. Leighton was nice enough to offer to take us. We ended up going in the afternoon so we could stay and enjoy the sunset. Oh my goodness. It was so beautiful. Looking out, you saw a gorgeous scenery of land. As the sun was setting, I just sat on a rock, and thought to myself how fortunate I am to have this opportunity. Not many people are given the chance to study abroad, let alone they take the opportunity. I am so blessed and thankful that I have such supportive parents, who allowed me to travel across the world. This was so peaceful and relaxing, and it was so comforting sharing this moment with my best friends.

These two pictures above were taken on our ride there. The view somewhat reminded me of Elizabethtown, lots of land and cows!

The picture above shows a wallaby just hanging out! Although words are unable to express how beautiful this was, I hope that pictures help you understand how truly amazing it was. I am so glad that I was able to say that I watched the sunset in the Australian Outback.

Sara's 21st Birthday Celebration!

On Sunday, September 7th, myself, Sara, Becca, Siena, Andrew and Jess decided to go out to lunch to celebrate Sara's upcoming 21st birthday, which was 9/9. We took the bus into town and decided to eat at Cactus Jacks, as a few friends said it was delicious and worth it. We went to the restaurant on Palmer Street, and the restaurant ended up being closed. Luckily, there is another one in town, within walking distance, so we walked to that one, which was on Flinders Street, and it was open! We were so thankful because we were all craving some Mexican food.

The picture above, shows my meal, which was a burrito bowl. It was so delicious. It included rice, chicken, peppers, onions, avocado and lettuce. It also came with wraps, so we could make fajitas. It was seriously so good!

And then this picture was our dessert. It was called Apple Gun Barrels, which is two soft flour tortillas filled with sweet cooked apple and cinnamon, then fried until crispy, also serviced with vanilla ice cream. Oh my goodness, so delicious.

After lunch, we all wanted to go walk to The Strand since it was such a beautiful day. It was low tide, so we had to walk pretty far out to get to the water, but it was amazing. We all just kept our feet in the water and enjoyed the amazing scenery. We all were looking out to Magnetic Island, as thats where we were headed the upcoming weekend.

It was such an amazing day, we had a great meal, with great weather, spent with great friends. I am so blessed to have this opportunity!

Lawn Mowing!

Saturday, September 6th, Leighton asked me if I wanted to go to his Grandpa's house with him, to meet his Grandpa, and because Leighton had to mow the lawn. I was a bit nervous, but I ended up going, because I figured it would be a good time. I was talking with his Grandpa for a while, and learned that he loves to scrapbook. He collects different food labels, and compares them over the years and puts them in a scrapbook. He also scrapbooks family photos, so he was showing me a couple pictures of when Leighton was little. I then went outside to see how lawn mowing was going, and I even gave it a shot. I actually enjoyed mowing the lawn. Mom and Dad- keep this in mind!

 The lawn that I mowed! I must say, I did a great job. Let me know if anyone would like to hire me!



After the hot day out in the sun, we decided to stop and get some slushies! They were so delicious and refreshing!

Friday Night Market (September 5th)

The first Friday of every month, Townsville City hosts a night market. Because we begin traveling close to every weekend, we mapped out that this was the only time we could go! We took the bus into town and walked down to the market, being able to smell the delicious food from far away. As we got closer, we began to see many tents and vendors. The market was packed! There were many different tents and tables, with people selling clothing, jewelry, food, art, people playing music and much more. It was a great way to spend our Friday night.

I didn’t enjoy dinner much at the dining hall, so I decided to get a piece of meat lovers pizza at the market. It was very delicious, topped with mostly ham.

The view of The Strand is so gorgeous at night. We then took some pictures on the beach, by the palm trees and then just sat and enjoyed the sound of the ocean.

Lastly, a beautiful view of Castle Hill at night.

Words are unable to express how blessed I am to be experiencing this. I cannot thank my parents enough for letting me take advantage of this opportunity and supporting me both financially and emotionally along the way. Australia is such a beautiful country; I really wish that everyone got the chance to experience it like I am.