This past weekend I had orientation for my program (TEAN) in Cairns, Australia. I had a lot of mix feelings at this point between the jet lag, missing home, and the nerves of meeting all of these new people I will be spending the next few months with. However, the jet lag quickly became worth it, a Facetime call with my family fixed that homesick feeling, and that nervous feeling of meeting everyone quickly became excitement once actually meeting. Cairn was absolutely beautiful. The view of the mountains resting behind the bay was stunning. The people from Cairns were so welcoming that you felt as if you were already a local. Within the first weekend of being Australia I already did so many things I never expected to do, such as going scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef.
If I am being honest, I told myself I was not getting on another plan for a long time after the flight here. I spent more than enough time on a plane for my own liking. However, that changed really quick while in Cairns. Rather than a long flight, I took a short 15 minutes ride up and decided to jump out of the plane instead. I did the one thing I never thought I would actually do; I went ski-diving. Over looking Cairns from a parachute perspective showed me a view I have never seen before. It was absolutely breathtaking. When I first got onto the plane I was having a mini heart attack. I was nervous and thinking to myself, what did I get myself into?! There was no down besides out of the plane, so I could not chicken out. I was the fourth out of six girls and your instructor to go out of the plane. They filed us out of the plane so fast that I did not even have time to think or have any fear. Once I was actually out of the plane and soaking in the view I felt so free and relaxed. I cannot even explain the experience of ski-diving. But, I would definitely do it again and recommend it to everyone I know!
view from m hotel in Cairns