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I just arrived back from the IES Orientation. We went to the Granpians National Park and it was absolutely amazing. We started our trip at about 11 AM on Sunday morning and drove for about two hours to a vineyard where we had lunch and a wine tasting. The restaurant was gorgeous and overlooked the entire vineyard. The food was equally impressive. The wine tasting was my first and I can definately say that I don't have a taste for wine. Our tour of the vineyard was given by an Italian who had moved to Australia. He had the coolest accent I had ever heard. After the vineyard we went to the Granpians National Park which was another hour drive. We stayed at a pretty nice hostel and had a barabecue there made by Liz and Luke (the two IES Melbourne reps). After that most of us just passed out in our rooms (because we were tired..not alcohol related)
The next day we went rock climbing and abeiling down the side of a cliff. It was such an amazing experience. All of the IES students did the belaying too which was a little nerve wrecking at first, but it was definatley a bonding experience. That took up most of the day, but in the evening we went out to dinner at a really nice restaurant near the hostel. Since it was so close we walked and on our way there I saw my first kangaroo!!!! They are such cute animals...and they have so much personality. The pose for pictures...seriously. Ironically though, many of the students had kangaroo for dinner at the restaurant. I opted for a different dish. I also ordered lemonade at the restaurant, and I guess in Australia lemonade is Sprite.
The next morning a couple of girls and I went on an expedition to find kangaroos...we didn't have to look far because they were all over. They let you get so close, it is incredible. After that we went bushwalking to this enormous waterfall. It was gorgeous. THen we drove back to Melbourne, and that is where I am at now :)
All of the IES students are incredibly nice and we all get along really well. I can tell it's going to be an amazing 5 months!!
Even more exciting than that though...when we got back to the apartments my lost bag was sitting in my room. SUch a relief!!!!!
I hope to post some pictures soon from the trip and my apartment. I tried to post some earlier, but it didn't work...so I will try another time.
I leave tomorrow for another orientation, so I won't be able to write for another couple of days...I'll update as soon as I have time!!
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