I have been in Brisbane for over two weeks now, and I still feel like I have only seen a few parts of the city. Although Brisbane is the 3rd largest city in Australia, it doesn't feel that big. It is kept extremely clean, and walking down an alley isn't like it would be in NYC. I live in South Brisbane a few blocks away from the Brisbane river. It's nice not being completely encompassed by highrises but still only be a ten minute walk from all the action. To get to the city and to my university, all I have to do is cross the bridge. There is this huge walking mall that has every kind of shop you could ever think of from department stores to banks to book stores to hungry jacks(that is what they call burger king here, and it is by far the most popular fast food restaurant). Queen Street, in a way, reminds me of Pearl St. with live music and entertainment always going on. The transportation system here is very convenient and cheap being a student. Although, we walk pretty much everywhere, I have taken the train down to the Gold Coast twice already to go surfing. My favorite place so far at the Gold Coast is a place called Coolangata. It is absolutely gorgeous with perfect barrel waves for the pros. We went to a beach called Snapper Rocks and just sat and watched the surfers for over two hours. If I had a say in it, I would call Coolangata more of a "Surfer's Paradise." The real surfer's paradise is infested with tourists and high rise hotels, and local surfers don't really actually surf there which is ironic. Another place we went on the Goldy was Burleigh Heads. On the beach, there are hippies playing bongos, and families picnicing; you feel really relaxed here too. I am definitely happy with my decision to study in Brisbane as opposed to the Gold Coast because I feel like there is so much more culture in the city. I have never lived in a city this big, let alone a city at all, and I find myself wanting to constantly explore and discover what all Brisbane has to offer. I haven't had any sense of boredom living here, and I don't think I ever will because there is always something to do and people to meet, whether it be a street party or a music festival. My adventure begins...