My summer vacation

I went through a great deal this summer vacation. It all began with an intensive three-week preparation for the TOEFL test. I had taken the test once without preparation and only achieved a score of 85 out of 120. The three weeks of hard work paid off, and I was able to achieve 105 points, despite having difficulty with the listening test.

The true excitement of my summer came when I tossed away my books and embarked on a long road trip along the east coast of Australia.

Our expedition began in Brisbane, where my friends and I spent several days enjoying ourselves in the vibrant city. A visit to the Lone Pine Koala Reserve was a fun experience, where we observed emus and kangaroos up close, and held the chubby koalas for photographs. The weather was unusually breezy and dry, and the koala was actually heavier than I thought.

Departing from Brisbane, our journey led us southward, first to Newcastle and then to Sydney. In Sydney, we made sure to take in the iconic sights of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge while also visiting the campuses of the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales.

We also explored the Old Parliament House and other significant sites in the Australian Capital Territory – consisting of Canberra and the surrounding wilderness. Here we had a deeper understanding of Australia’s political history.

Our next destination was Melbourne, where we marveled at the Twelve Apostles and visited the beautiful campus of the University of Melbourne. Rising out of the Southern Ocean, alongside the famous Great Ocean Road, these spectacular, 45-meter-tall limestone pillars were once connected to the mainland cliffs. We also admired the State Library of Victoria with its remarkable architecture and serene indoor spaces.

Occasionally, I was saddened by the somber sight of deceased wild dogs and kangaroos by the roadside, killed by careless drivers during the animals’ own bold attempts to cross the roads.

This summer has been really fulfilling. Australia’s breathtaking landscapes will always be treasured in my memories.