Submitted by Jackalyn Boland on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Australia and New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Business Administration…
The last week of my study abroad program was bittersweet, as I made some of the most incredible memories, but also had to face the reality of leaving Australia. Earlier in my program, our group toured the Sydney Opera House and learned about the historic background behind the unique architecture of the building. This week, we saw a Cabaret show called Blanc de Blanc at the Opera House, which was nothing short of an incredible experience. After witnessing the behind the scenes of play rehearsals, show sets, and different theater rooms, it was interesting to see the show come to life. I compared this experience to seeing a Broadway show; however, the theaters are much smaller and more personal at the Sydney Opera House. In addition, our group climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge on the night before Australia Day. Australia Day is a the official national day of Australia, when the first British ships arrived in New South Wales. On top of the bridge, we got to witness the Australian flag flying high, while the bridge lights were changing colors to honor the Australian culture. It was a phenomenal way to see the entire city and experience a part of the native culture in Australia.
