Just An Update...

One would expect a student who is studying abroad to learn things about the culture, as well as the educational system. But so much so quickly?! It's nuts. I've been in classes for three days, and I already view the world just a little differently. I'm really enjoying these new perspectives though. Very enlightening.

In my International Relations class, we were asked to explain how we identified with our own culture/heritage. One girl raised her hand and said that Australians have the most independence, and that's how the identify with each other and/or their country. She went on and on about how no one else really understands independence like Aussies do. The teacher eventually stopped her, and quickly asked how many Americans were in the class. Out of 100ish, two of us raised hands. She proceeded to explain that Americans have a better appreciation of independence, simply because we had to fight for ours, and Aussies were essentially handed it. I was stunned. It's something drilled into our head since kindy, and yet I had never heard someone not American defend us like that. I sort of felt like we had just been put on a pedestal, and now the entire class knew I was American. Exactly what I didn't want! It wasn't a good feeling like I thought it would be. Yes, I am incredibly prideful of my country and grateful to every soul who has died for our freedom, and yet, I absolutely did not want people thinking I thought I was better than them! Because I absolutely am not. It was awkward. And yet very surprising.

It's amazing to see how people view our country. Most of the Aussies know more of our own history than theirs, and it's very evident. I've met so many people from so many different countries. I have friends from Norway, Poland, Zimbabwe, Holland, America, Canada, and Australia. Loving it! So many stories to share with each other; learning about other countries from real people instead of textbooks is outstanding. I have such an appreciation for the world.

On another note...it's crazy to see Orion (constellation) from another angle! And I saw the moon for the first time tonight. Why? No idea. It's been missing for 2.5 weeks. Strange.