The following post features student writing.

We got a “late” start at 8:30 a.m. and had a lovely breakfast of cereal and fruit before heading out for another exciting day exploring Sydney. The group split up to either go to the Taronga Zoo or a behind the scenes look at the Sydney Opera House. This was followed by some structured, small group free time which I spent thrift shopping for vintage Adidas. After a short meeting, we were split into groups for dinner to brainstorm ideas for our independent projects. Overall, it was my favorite day thus far.

The next morning, we hopped on a plane to Hamilton Island and then took a beautiful ferry ride to Airlie beach where we will begin our sailing trip the following morning. For dinner, we strolled from our Bush Village accommodation on a boardwalk along the bay to have dinner in the town center at a pizza place with delish garlic bread! We can’t wait to begin our sailing trip tomorrow, to snorkel and dive through the Great Barrier Reef, and explore the Whitsunday islands.

We will not have any internet connection for the next four days—we’ll be on a sailboat!—so please don’t be alarmed if you do not hear from us! We will be basking in the sun and taking in this amazing experience. Until then…bon voyage.

– Madison G.