Submitted by Rebecca Runkle on the 2014 winter session program in Australia sponsored by the College of Engineering…
The three main events this past week were the Australian Open, the Great Ocean Road, and Australia Day. We got grounds tickets to the Australian Open, so while we weren’t in the stadium for any big matches, those were on televisions outside, we were able to watch some junior matches, which were still very impressive. We also stumbled upon an entertainment match, which was basically the tennis version of the Harlem Globetrotters. Besides cricket, which we have all learned a bit about while here, tennis is certainly one of Australia’s favorite sports. It seemed like the Australian Open was always playing on the dorm’s TV. As for the Great Ocean Road, it was a beautiful, scenic trip. We took a bus and drove along the Ocean Road where the views were spectacular. They can never really be captured by camera. There were not many houses along the beaches, probably because there would really be no jobs around, but the houses and communities that did exist, all had very modern houses with large windowfronts overlooking the ocean. We stopped at a couple of beaches to swim and relax, but the main tourist attraction we had was the Twelve Apostles. It’s a series of shear cliffs and rock formations that are astounding to see in person. 
From there we continued to the site of a shipwreck and Thunder Cave. All in all, it was a great day spent admiring Australia’s shoreline. Australia Day was this Sunday. Basically, everyone gets excited about their country, and starts the day with a parade throughout Melbourne. Then, everyone hits the beach. It was a great beach day, and the water has warmed up a bit so it was actually refreshing. There were lots of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. Oy oy oy!” chants, including from us American tourists.
Later that day, Melbourne played Sydney in soccer. Sydney easily won, but it was still a good time and plenty of people came because it was Australia Day. The fans could get a bit wild, and one shirtless man ran onto the field to a crowd of cheers.
I can’t believe I have just over a week left in Melbourne. It’s truly been a great experience so far.