Memoirs from abroad

Facts and figures were not the reason I went abroad. Ithaca winter may have been part of it. I flew thousands of miles to learn about myself, the person you would think I could learn about any day. Rather, it took the experience of leaving my new found home, carrying two slightly overweight suitcases and a tote bag full of stuff. I arrived four weeks after my due date, thanks to the rather cumbersome visa process. Throughout this waiting time I realised the value of time and how often I had taken it for granted. I came across the following passage highlighting the value of time

To realize the value of one year, ask a student who has failed his final exam
To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby
To realize the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper
To realize the value of one hour, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet
To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who has missed the train, the bus or the plane
To realize the value of one second, ask the person who has survived an accident
To realize the value of one millisecond, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics

Landing in Brisbane was a dream come true. From my kindergarten years, I have always admired the kangaroo. Not surprising K is the first letter I ever learnt! My airport experience was a great insight into the friendly nature of Australians. Customs was actually easy, fast and very friendly. And so was the lady who picked me up. When I got accepted to study abroad in Australia, I created a list. A list of things I wanted to do and things I hoped to see. Running through my list I feel accomplished as I check my adventures in the unknown land. Seeing the Kangaroo, cuddling the Koala, rugby and netball matches, attending the Dalai Lama lecture and the night of Worship by Hillsong are all memories I will cherish.

Being at a university for four months one is bound to learn a lot. From learning about food porn to debating about the uprisings in North Africa, my intellectual base has been challenged in fun ways I never imagined before. I learned just how little I could live with, how outgoing I am and how confident I can truly be. I have learnt to value my friendships for some are there for a season. Saying goodbye will be harder but I am coming to terms with accepting change. While letting go of valuable things is painful, I am reminded of the journey I am trekking. To embrace my destiny and rise higher, I often have to make difficult changes and leave my comfort zone. Just like a caterpillar during metamorphosis, I am evolving to develop wings and fly into the skies.

While I might have developed a new sense of identity and reminded of some valuable things, some things have not changed. For one thing I can’t wait to travel more. Europe? Maybe. Even though I was unable to buy my favourite Vaseline brand, and had to pay twice as much for a Subway sandwich my time abroad was amazing!!! I truly enjoyed Australia and part of my heart belongs to the amazing people who touched my heart in countless ways 