Thursday, February 10, 2011

IES Orientation

Two posts in three days, I hope you won't expect this as the semester goes on. But so much has been going on, these orientation weeks deserve lots of updates.
Bell's Beach
So sunny!

Wednesday morning, the whole IES group departed from Melbourne and traveled down the Great Ocean Road. We were lucky, we had the most beautiful weather driving, and the views from the bus did not disappoint. For two hours we drove along seemingly continuous beaches and clear blue water with tons of surfers. Coming from Illinois in February, it was truly a sight for sore eyes. We stopped first at Bell's beach for photo opps, but we could have stopped anywhere, it was all so lovely. Also driving down, we pulled off the road and got to see koalas in the wild! They were just chilling in some trees right off the high way, the fatties. Now I just need to see a kangaroo and I'm all set.

Our final destination was Apollo Bay, a cute little beach town. Our first planned activity was a surf lesson. While I don't see a future career as a professional surfer, it was really fun and definitely something I would never have done on my own. It's really tiring! We then settled in our hostel and got dinner. A group of us hung out on the hostel roof and then went down to the beach to see stars. It was all a lot of fun bonding.

Such a lazy bum
The next day, we split into two groups to go sea kayaking. There's a rock with a fur seal colony in Apollo Bay, which we paddled out to. The seals were so cute, they were really comfortable with humans and were frolicking right by our kayaks. It was a little scary being out in deep choppy water, but luckily my partner and I didn't capsize. We rode waves in to shore, which was really fun.



All in all, I got to do some really amazing stuff I would never have imagined of doing before. It was a great way to start this adventure off. I don't have a lot of ocean pictures, but one of the IES coordinators took a bunch, so hopefully I'll be able to post some later. Now I'm off to University orientation for a few days. Updates soon!
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8 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 11, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    I hope you realize this is now a short trip to hiking the Inca Trail.

    I am very happy that you are getting outside your comfort zone and doing exciting things.

    More pictures.

    Dad

    ReplyDelete
  2. Magical MarthaFebruary 11, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    Re: the surfing: Pics or it didn't haaaaaappen.

    (No really. You have no idea how much I want to see photos of you on a surfboard. Where you elegant? Did you fall? :P)

    Ugh, look at you without a coat on. While we're here freezing our behinds off.

    It seems like you're off to a promising start! Making any friends yet?

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownFebruary 12, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    hey Liz glad to see you on the beach-costa rica was awsome-it wass 103 when I left and 4 upon my arrival back to chi...ugh-surfing? how bout shark fishing?-uncle Dave

    ReplyDelete
  4. Magical MarthaFebruary 12, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Time for some new information Lambie Pie.

    The Big Guy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Magical MarthaFebruary 13, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Hi Lizzie:

    I have sent your blog to a bunch of relatives and others I thought you would enjoy hearing from. Ha! it was 35 here yesterday and again today! Take that with your 80 beach weather!

    I'd love some photos of the campus.

    Love, Mom

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousFebruary 15, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    Hi Lizzie,

    In the ocean? I thought you didn't do water. Glad to see you're trying new things and having fun.

    PS. We had 4" of snow last week (yes, in Texas). Today its going to be 72. Go figure.

    Aunt Michele

    ReplyDelete
  7. tlbuehlerFebruary 15, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Hi Lizzie,

    Photos are great and adventures sound exciting. I hope the thrills and enjoyment of the first few days have been able to sustain you through orientation.

    Looking forward to hearing more...

    Aunt Teresa

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownFebruary 15, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Your silence is refreshing and deafening. You should be ready for SCUBA soon, huh?

    Marcello

    ReplyDelete

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