New Zealand 3 (75 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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album 12\07\2009 (12 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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Queenstown 2 (30 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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Final Days (46 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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Down in the South of the South (91 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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Queenstown 1 (7 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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Glacier (72 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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New Zealand 2 (76 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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Sydney (166 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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New Zealand 1 (79 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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5 semesters down, three to go

Now there is a scary idea! I took my one and only final exam today, and I am now done with my academic career in Australia. What have we learned in our time doing the "study" part of study abroad? One is that I have been hard-wired by the American education system to judge myself based on my academic achievements. In Australia, an "A" is called a "HD" or high distinction. Not only is this grade near impossible, it is attainable with a 80-100%. The best part is, there is no GPA. I had to perform my best, and forget about the number on a paper. I had to learn to be proud of a 75% instead of horrified. I also learned that university is not for everyone, and that in the Australia society where entering the workforce or going to trade school is not looked down upon, the stress to conform to one future path is gone. I never thought about not going to college, and here it seems strange to go to school because it is "expected" of you. I will be happy to go back to Madison where I know exactly what is required to do well. I can't wait to take a multiple choice test again!

The second part of being on this campus was my life in the student village. Living in a flat full of Asians, where my next door neighbors are German and my best friend is from Sweden, I learned a lot. One is that it is important to be understanding when living with others. You have to respect their space, habits, and sleeping patterns (no matter how strange). My tolerance for mold has increased (gross I know) and I now know the value of a nice shower. I will miss everyone here a great deal. The world seems a little smaller now that I have friends in every continent. I hope life brings us together again some day.

The final part of the journey is a question. I came here thinking I would have my whole life figured out when I left. I would know how I felt about more school, work, and my relationship. Thankfully, I will be spending a few days in Sydney and two weeks in New Zealand before heading home. So I don't have to answer the question right now....

what's next me???

Penguin Island

Penguin Island (54 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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quokka

Rottnest (50 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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school is out for... summer?

I never thought I would be in a class in November where people wish you a "Merry Christmas and a great summer!!". I just felt like screaming "DO YOU KNOW HOW COLD IT IS GOING TO BE WHEN I GET HOME? YOU HAVE NO IDEA.". But I kept myself in check. So class is done for the semester, and I am going on a little vacation before I start studying for my one final. I know, feel sorry for me. I will be on Rottnest Island, "Perth's playground", for a few nights camping with friends. Don't worry, I will bring back plenty of pictures.

wildlife videos

AQWA and Caversham (114 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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A beautiful vacation and a life cut short

I had a fantastic weekend in Melbourne. The city is very similar to Chicago, with parks and large pieces of modern art scattered throughout the city. I enjoyed being back in a big city, and was overjoyed to have the escape of beautiful parks to walk in after my days of shopping. Melbourne is the shopping capital of Australia, and I managed to escape with fewer purchases than I thought I would. I also went to the shrine, Australia's largest monument to its war veterans, located in the world famous botanical gardens. Melbourne is also home to the largest ice skating rink in the southern and the largest stadium with a retracting roof in the southern hemisphere. The larger stadium in town holds 100,000 people, and is full on any footy match day. The beautiful Yarra river winds along the edge of the city and all of the beautiful museums. It made me miss my city even more. I ate my way through the italian, chinese, and greek neighborhoods, as well as the ocean-side dinning in St.Kilda. I would recommend this city to any theater lovers as well, and having taken in a very funny comedy show, and wishing I could have seen all the broadway shows in town.

Coming home on tuesday at 12:30 a.m. , I decided to check my email before bed and was hit with some tragic news. Last week on Saturday, while heading back to Madison, my very close friend Craig was hit by a car while on his motorcycle. He was killed instantly, and at 20 years old, far too soon. Going through the grieving process via webcam, facebook, and instant messenger makes the whole experience seem hollow and surreal. The reality of the situation will really hit me when I return to Madison and have to remember not to c all Craig because he is no longer here. Craig's spirt was caring and free. He followed his dreams, and always managed to put life in perspective for me. When I got overwhelmed with school, he and I would eat ice cream and just talk. I felt safe and warm in his presence, which I now hope to carry with me in his passing. I couldn't sleep last night, and today I am on the edge on tears constantly. I am keeping busy, but I am longing to go home and hold my friends as we cry together. Craig will be buried on Halloween, his favorite holiday. Please keep his family in your prayers, and know that life is a gift.

Melbourne (151 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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