Loving Australia

So I have discovered some very interesting characteristics that my study abroad experience in Australia has in common with Never Never Land. The more time I spend here, the more I forget about the United States. This is a touch alarming I admit, and definitely cause for amusement. A few examples;

Emmanuel hosted a 'Scribble Party' last weekend where the aim was to wear white, carry a permanent marker in one fist and a drink in the other, and have a wild time. An Aussie friend of mine who has given me the affectionate nickname of "Arizona" ("Zona" for short. Count on Australians to have a nickname for a nickname) asked me to draw my home state on the back of his shirt. I couldn't do it. There are lots of complicatedly shaped states, but Arizona is fairly simple, and a shape I have often patted affectionately on a map. Six months ago I could have done it. But a week ago I couldn't remember how.

Yesterday as I was rummaging in a drawer for goodness knows what... I believe it was a stapler, I came across a one dollar bill that in the airport on my way to Australia I must have hastily stowed in some pocket of my bag. Well out falls this dollar, and it was the weirdest looking thing I have ever seen. The dull brownish green color was so unlike the rainbow of colors in Australia money, which are like holding a handful of paper parrots. It was smaller and thinner than Aussie dollars, and the unprotected paper (Aussie bills are made of plastic- unripable, waterproof, burn resistant- essentially Australia proof) it, well, felt so flimsy and worn out in my hand. I ran the dollar over and over in my hands, marveling at the details, the secret little symbols, the face of the first president... it was like a visitor from home reminding me that I have only one month left before those beautiful Aussie dollars become as useful as paper parrots. I couldn't quite let go of the dollar after that, and when I went sunbathing later in the afternoon I took it outside with me to use as an exotic bookmark. My friend Wale quickly snatched it and shoved it in his pants, having seen dollar bills placed in the underthings of strippers on American telly. I didn't try to get it back.

I'm running out of time... I feel a combination of things, mainly sad and excited. I cannot wait to be home and fill my place in my family. I have missed so much and am aware of the sacrifices that living your own life has. I wouldn't change this adventure for the world, but I have also missed. I'm exited for the Arizona summer- mojitos and barbecues, riding Echo underneath the hot eye of the sun and that endless Arizona sky. I miss Mallory- and I get to spend time with her, help her pack for college, and then drive her across the states to American University and have to let her go (correction- I will not be driving. There is no way I am ready to get back into a car where I am so used to everything being backwards. ooh the thought makes me motion sick).
But before I get to do all those things I have to leave, and that thought hangs like a weight upon me. I've made a wonderful place here and found a wonderful life. After I leave, I can visit, but I won't live here anymore. Unlike Never Never Land however, I'll be able to come back. And though it won't remain unchanged, stuck in time like the magical island in the children's book, it will be here waiting for me. And I will most certainly be back.

Just facing some realizations. I'm still counting on these few precious weeks!!!!

Did you know: Today, Monday the eighth of June, is the Queens Birthday. A national holiday in Australia. Every one has the day off of work and school, to sail in the river, see a sporting event, or go to the races. Not only is the Queens Birthday not celebrated in England, but its not her actual birthday. Is anyone surprised?