Home away from home

I have three weeks remaining in the place I have come to call home.

When I returned to Urbanest after spring break, I thought, “Wow, it’s nice to be home.” Ever since, I have felt more like a resident than a tourist. I can easily navigate my way through the city on public transportation, I know the local hot spots for weekend festivities, and I even see people I know on the streets in the city.

I have also found a family within my CCI Global Scholars, and I am so thankful for them. This was my first Easter away from home, but it is one I will always remember. A group of us went to Hillsong Church in the morning and then we all shared a family dinner that night. We all pitched in and made our own take on our family's dishes. The dinner included traditional southern staples which made Tennessee feel a little bit closer.

I have marked off several items on my bucket list while in Australia. During my remaining time, I have set a few goals for myself:

1. Finally try the restaurants on my bucket list
2. See as many sunsets and sunrises as possible
3. Coogee to Bondi coastal walk and swim along the way
4. Jump in the pool at Ivy
5. Bondi Icebergs
6. Hold a koala
7. Explore suburbs after work
8. Indulge in Soda Factory dollar dogs and always try the chef’s special
9. Dress up and go to Star Casino
10. Hunter Valley Wine tour
11. Eat as many Tim Tams and lamingtons as possible
12. Have one final drink at Palace Hotel, the place where it all began

I turned 20 two weeks before I departed on this journey, and I feel like Sydney has shaped my early adulthood. I cannot believe time is almost up, but I plan to make the most out of my three remaining weeks.