Down under - Really everything upside down?
Of course not everything is upside down in Australia, but somehow all kinds of things are different. The sun takes another way. Cars are driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. Money is made of plastic. Is winter in Europe, the Australians enjoy summer. The distances are gigantic ...
How I became a fan of Australia?
Pretty easy: I've been there!!! I spent the time from November 1997 to March 1998 in Australia. First I visited the Australian College of English (ACE) to improve my English knowledge for the following work experience at Rethmann Environmental Services Australia Pty Ltd. It goes without saying, that I made a trip through Australia afterwards.
Studying English at ACE:
The four week study of English at ACE in Manly / Sydney was very interesting and extremly amusing. By the way, Sydney is the most beautiful town I ever have been. The great view from the class room to Manly Beach,
the nice international class mates (most of them were Swiss, so little Switzerland must have been nearly deserted), the nice lunch breaks at Manly Corso,
the afternoons at the beach and last but not least Manly's night life, let me miss this great time.
By the way, the teachers at ACE aren't too bad in having parties.
Cheers Matt!
Work experience at Rethmann Australia:
There is not much to say about the work experience at Rethmann. That was just great. All the colleagues have been very helpful. My special thanks apply to Frank Klostermann and Siggy Hanisch, for making the work experience possible and especially in creating a very interesting field of work as well as being good friends.
Trip through Australia:
The Down Under trip was fantastic. Every day at a different place, everyday new impressions and challanges, never-ending beaches, the unique Great Barrier Reef, the width of the country, the heat of Central Australia, the extremly different animal world, the absolutely beautiful Great Ocean Road and many other things made our journey very special and unforgetable. As pictures they more than words, you can get some impressions of Australia by watching the following photos.
Sydney 1 Sydney 2 Kangaroo Blue Mountains Falls Rainforest Rainbow Lorikeet Bayron Bay 
Palm Beach Fraser Island Koala Whitsundays Ayers Rock Sunset Kangaroo Island Great Ocean Road Click onto the pictures to view a larger version!
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What makes Australia that fascinating?
There are many reasons! An important one is, that the Australians are extremly multi cultural. That seems to be the reason for being very open to foreigner, what impressed me very much. That makes it very easy to feel fine in Australia.
The nature of course is very special as well. Flora and fauna are not comparable with Europe. It doesn't matter, if it concerns kangaroos, echidnas, platypus or the huge variety of beautiful colored parrots, the Australian animal world is fascinating.
Undoubtedly the under water world at the worlds famoust diving paradise, the Great Barrier Reef, is unforgetable. The variety and the magnificent colors of fish and corals are really breathtaking. A must if your planing to visit Australia.
The scenery with long sand beaches at the coast, dry desert at Central Australia or wonderful rainforests at Austrailans tropical North is extremly impressive. Especially because you can enjoy the great nature to the full. It's no rareness, that you don't see anyone while walking through the bush for hours or taking a refreshing shower under a magnificent waterfall.
To cut a long story short:
You have to experience Australia by yourself!!!
I haven't been in Australia the last time, for sure!!!
![[Eye line]](pics/l_augen.gif)
Some interesting Australia-Links:
Australia
