Two months ago, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to New Zealand and Australia. My sister was in Wellington, New Zealand, for an international co-op, and she had just finished. The ten days I spent traveling with her were some of the best of my life.
Now that I am back in good old Pennsylvania, I wish that I was not. From the constant headlines that make me want to scream (Healthcare Debate, anyone?), to the fact that I go back to college in less than a month, there is nothing more I want than to win the lottery and go back to Oceania. For those of you out there who have also visited these countries, I am sure you will agree with me as I reminiscence on the top seven things I miss about Oceania (although there is more not mentioned in the list).
1. The Hiking Views
In both New Zealand and Australia, my sister and I took every opportunity to go hiking. This included a morning hike up Mount Victoria in Wellington. Words cannot describe the beauty of seeing the city and the Pacific Ocean from up above. While I can get gorgeous views in the United States, there is something about Oceania that is even better.
2. The Transportation
Sydney transportation, I love you. Even though it cost sixteen Australian dollars to go to the airport, that was worth it. The trains were clean, efficient, fast, AND one of our announcers sounded like Alan Rickman's Severus Snape. Somehow I do not think I would find that type of convenience with Pennsylvania's SEPTA.
3. The Museums
In almost every city we went to, there was a free museum to visit. For a history major, that was a big upside, since I sometimes spend almost twenty dollars visiting historical museums around me. If anyone is thinking of going to Wellington, they must visit Te Papa: it has everything from an earthquake stimulation to a build your own squid exhibit.
4. The People
I guess living on islands just makes people nicer, especially the ones who work with bungy jumpers. Or maybe it's the kiwis? Whatever it is, the people are awesome, especially their passion for 'The Lord of the Rings' (including the amazing vegan fast food, Lord of the Fries). Not only that, but everyone on that side of the world is also very laid back, choosing to enjoy life by taking it slow. It was a nice change of pace from the "I need to be a multitasker superstar" belief many Americans have, a trait that I am also guilty of.
5. The Ocean
Even though I am not a big fan of the ocean, the Pacific did it for me. There is something about being able to look out and see into the water what is living there. Growing up with the Jersey Shore, I was used to brown, muddy water. Now, just give me Bondi Beach in Australia, and I will be set for life.
6. The Currency
I know this is weird, but come on. What other countries use kiwis, platypuses, and penguins on their currency? I was a lot happier spending money with pretty pictures on it than using a boring US dollar. Let's just say I cannot wait until the new $20 bill arrives in 2020.
7. The Animals
In case you have not found out by now, I love animals. My sister and I got the chance to feed wallabies in Australia at Featherdale Wildlife Park. I will admit to this day that a part of my soul is still there feeding hay to their little tiny mouths. Even though the spiders are bigger, the exotic animals are something I wish I could still see every day.
The past two months of being back in the United States has led me to realize my love for traveling. While I miss Oceania dearly, I know that, if I save up money, I can revisit these beautiful places once more. And if anyone wants to help fund me, you know how to contact me (just kidding, of course)!
