Reality Check

With my departure looming, my depth of knowledge about Australia has exponentially grown since I decided to study in Australia.  The several articles I have read (or forcibly read from my mom's research), I'm about to explore a zoo without the protective cages. From my latest encounter with a quarter-sized spider on my kitchen floor...the tarantulas that are notorious for taking residence in the dorms will send me into shock before I can blink. Contrary to the venomous snakes, poisonous jellyfish, and several thousand species of spiders that call Australia their home there are adorable koalas and penguins that have made their way onto my bucket list for my 5-month stay.
I'm surprisingly calm about studying 10,000 miles away with 20 other IU students of which I have never seen a day in my life. Why? It might be the same reason I'm never stressed for a class presentation until I'm standing in front looking at all my peers faces. Until I have to give my mom one last hug before she leaves, I don't think this trip will truly sink.
Curiosity is the key to my trip at the moment. If internet isn't unlimited, how will my communication lines exist? If the ozone is broken in the Southern Hemisphere should I be worried for my skin? And after booking all my flights to and from Australia this week, how in the world am I suppose to stay occupied in a plane or in an airport for nearly two straight days?! And finally...Will my body be able to adjust to a 15 hour time change? I'm positive these won't be the last of my questions, but for now they are the pivotal thoughts in my mind.
For now I'll keep it classic and say I'm soaking up the sun in these last few weeks with my mates :)