Study Abroad, Chapter 1: Sorrento & Melbourne
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And so it begins… After landing at Melbourne International Airport I boarded a bus headed to a little town called Sorrento, which lies about an hour and a half outside of Melbourne. If you have ever been to Sorrento, Italy then you can pretty much imagine how Sorrento, Australia is. Think quiet, sleepy sea-side town.
All in all, Sorrento is the kind of place that is real nice, but you’re never going to go back. We stayed in a bed-and-breakfast style establishment for two nights. It felt like summer camp. No TV, no internet, communal showers. Hell, it even rained as if it were summer camp.
The Oceanic Hotel
My guess is that the program that I am studying abroad through (Arcadia) took us to Sorrento because it is a quiet, sleepy sea-side town. The focus was on orientation. However, in between orientation sessions we did get the chance to experience a classic “fosh ohnd chops” (fish and chips) dinner and a sunset cruise where we spotted both seals and dolphins.
No quicker than it had started, “summer camp” was over and we all packed into a bus headed back to Melbourne, which is where I experienced my first culture shock: everything — and I mean everything — in Australia is outrageously priced. Food, liquor, clothes, et al. Think New York City times ten. Oh well, I might have to get a job, which wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. Back to our time in Melbourne…
After enjoying some pricy $19 sandwiches, our group walked over to the Melbourne Cricket Club to take a tour of their sporting facilities (where the Australian Open takes place). This stadium complex puts every American ballpark to shame. For starters, the club is shrouded in tradition. It is a 22 year long process to become a member, and membership cannot be transferred (not even between family members). There are over 250,000 hopefuls all trying for the few spots that open up to the public each year. I would recommend that you take the 1.5 hour tour if you ever find yourself in Melbourne and have even the slightest interest in sports.
Melbourne Cricket Club
Melbourne is a great city. It reminded me of Barcelona, a very cafe-oriented town. Unfortunately I was only there for one day, but I could definitely see myself going back to visit as there is so much to do. After touring the Cricket Club, we headed back to our hotel, Hotel Mantra, to shower and get ready for the night.
The night came and went. Details will obviously be left out, but I will say that the Aussies are a real nice bunch. We met some Tasmanians and ended our night with them at a local casino. Good fun in all. Off to Sydney in the morning!
Random Melbourne Laneway
RELATED POSTS:
- Study Abroad, Chapter 4: First Week of Class!
- Study Abroad, Chapter 3: Last Week of Freedom Before School Starts!
- Study Abroad, Chapter 2: What’s Up Sydney!?
- Study Abroad, Chapter 5: Same Old, Same Old.
Alena
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