It's been a sweet Foreign Exchange; we connected...

You've come and gone so fast.

4 days in Melbourne.

A couple of weeks in Sydney.

4 days in Queensland.

After spending about a month Down Under, it almost feels like I'm leaving home again. I suppose this is the immediate reaction to the bond that's shared with people in these amazing places. I'm really thankful for the family that I've come to meet and reconnect with here. I cannot express how comfortable and alleviating it is to feel the warmth from distant relatives who've opened their arms to little ol me after traveling for some time now.

And now it's here. The departure, the 3rd country in which we've left on this trip. Australia has become one of the top countries in which I absolutely would love to live in. Who wouldn't love their friendly and relaxed culture, colorful jargon, the contrasts between Victorian (and Gothic) architecture juxtaposed with modern infrastructures and art pieces, eco-friendly lifestyles, universal health care and efficient transportation system, exciting nightlife, tasteful fashion, breath-taking coastal views and terrain, sweet ass beaches, and their strong adaptability to diversity and globalization. Australia has been a prime example to me throughout this trip about how we should live be living our lives: stress-free and relaxed.

The time spent in Australia was not entirely exhausted, which in turn leaves me somewhat yearning for more when I think about us leaving. Sometimes, I think that I'm well over the age to be partying when I'm out, but often am reminded that it's part of the experience and to loosen up a little. (It doesn't take very long, let me tell you. Haha.) I think it's a good thing because this travel bug that I've been diagnosed with will not hesitate to jump on a plane to visit Oz again to experience everything once more. I had a brilliant time reuniting with the good friends that I've made in Australia and family. They remind me of creation. How I created myself here in Australia and how brave I was to embark on a long journey overseas to study in a foreign country 2 years ago. Seeing their faces after such a long time made me feel good to know that I've managed to come away with something from here: Friendship.

With my last words from Australia, it's been a sweet foreign exchange; we've always connected. And I hope to connect again.

We're off to Tokyo soon, major traveling involved as usual.

See ya, Australia.

I'll always remember how good you were to me.

You'll always be my mate.