Exploring Sydney, Australia

Submitted by Samantha O’Brien on the 2013 summer session study abroad program in Australia sponsored by the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics

My first week here in Sydney, Australia has been an absolutely marvelous experience. On my first day, I was introduced to the city with a tour of the Quay which depicts the history of the city.  I learned about the initial purpose of the settlement, largely as a place to send convicts, and how that has developed into the gorgeous city that stands today. I saw the oldest building in the city as well as the famous Rocks area where the settlers initially stayed.  Sydney Quay Samantha O'Brien 13J Australia Internship sm

I also had the pleasure of walking through the Royal Botanic Gardens which were beautiful regardless of the season (I find it interesting that it is actually the complete opposite of the States) which led us directly to the Sydney Opera House which is just as jaw dropping as I imagined it would be. I truly cannot wait to go to see a show there.

Sydmey Royal Botanic Gardens Samantha O'Brien 13J Australia BUAD internship smAfter our tour, we went to Darling Harbour which was equally as stunning and we were lucky enough to arrive during Vivid Sydney which is a light show that features fountains and lights all choreographed to music from all over the world.  The rest of the weekend, my roommates and I continued to have a wonderful time exploring the city. This coming weekend we will be traveling to Cairns where we will hike through the Daintree Rainforest as well as snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, a lifelong goal of mine that I cannot wait to complete.Sydney Darling Harbour Samantha O'Brien 13J Australia BUAD internship sm