Last week in Oz

I never know what time it is in this country, but I think it's somewhere near 8 pm. I'm sitting in the office with my three lovely roommates; Ilana, Ashley, and Abby. We've just had our last pizza night at the cafe. I had pineapple, mushroom, and parmesan cheese on mine. It was delightful.

The countdown is set at 4 days left in Australia. I can't believe four months have just flown by. My best friend Eleanor just gave us a slideshow of pictures from all the great places we've traveled to and the crazy nights we've survived. It's made me think of all the ways that I've changed, not including my new love of pineapple on my pizza.

There are the obvious things. I took a surfing class. I failed miserably, but I still got the guts to get out there. I got published in the Gold Coast Sun. I got a new tattoo. I dyed my hair. I swam in a cave in Fiji. I snorkeled next to a stingray. I wore a green wig and danced on the streets during Mardi Gras in Sydney. I made friends with the English, the Irish, the French and all those in between. I've made mistakes and had successes.

But then there are the other things, the things that aren't on the surface. The group of friends I've made here aren't going anywhere once we get home, and that's priceless. We've all made plans for the summer when we get back to Boston. Never in a million years did I think I'd form bonds like the ones I've created here. Eleanor and Abby and I have already planned to take a road trip across the United States next summer after Abby graduates.

I've also learned a lot about myself. I am loyal, funny, motivated, adventurous, and I like to have a good time. I also learned I close myself down easily. I don't let a lot of people in. I'm horrifyingly awkward (this is not new). I give bitchy looks when I don't want to. I can become a morning person if I try. I am confrontational. I am influential in movies and books and music. I've discovered my love of film here, all from Professor Scott King. All these new things about myself, it's good that I know them and that I can work on them or appreciate them.

I'm so excited to get to Italy, and before that to get home and see my family and friends. I've got a lot of plans already in motion. But I'll never forget Australia and all it's given me.