On the 21st of January 2009 we set off to Australia to finish our last 6 months of high school education there and live with host families who would look after us.
We were 14 at the time and to say that we were excited about this trip would be an understatement. It was one of the biggest adventures we have ever embarked on and a time of our lives we will never forget.
Even the most mundane things like math class or catching the bus to school were thrilling, challenging and exciting. We both lived with separate host families and at first went to different schools, too. So in order to make friends we had no other chance but to speak English. That meant that our limited knowledge of the language from classes back in Austria got tested immediately, and our English improved every day as a side effect of trying to get by and making friends in this new country.
This gallery shows some impressions of our day-to-day life there. School, small trips with our host families, hanging out with friends, busking on the weekends, …
We loved every minute of it and it’s a time that will stay with us forever, along with the great friends we made there.
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Fantastic pictures they remind me of my honeymoon in Hawaii 32 years ago of course I didn’t get to interact with the wildlife as you did but still brings back very fond memories. It’s amazing how much you girls have lived in just 26 years imagine what you’re going to live in the next 26 and I hope I’m around to see it all I love you both the sharing the things that you do with us????????????
Fantastic experience for you two! Looks like you had a great time and made a lot of new friends. I’m sure there was a lot of hard work involved, as well. I felt your pain looking at the pictures of you leaving your new friends. But, I know it was worth it for you. You always seem to make the best of everything, and Australia is a beautiful country with beautiful people and amazing wildlife. I hope you still have the shirt everyone signed. Really enjoyed the pictures! Thank you for sharing. ????❤
Wonderful pictures! Seems as though the two of you were fearless at birth. Constantly seeking out all that the world had to offer. You should be called the Adventure Twins. I really loved the surfing pics -some of the very few pics of you I’ve seen where you were more than six feet away from your guitars! Hope you have been able to stay in touch with many of the wonderful friends you made down under during such a important and special time in your lives. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, whoa….Kudos on having the enthusiasm, confidence, to go forth and embark upon such a lifetime experience….When I was 14, don’t think I would of been able to do that…I suffered from separation anxiety during most of my childhood and into mid teens, and therefore not keen for traveling, even with family… but am in awe of all the photos, stories, of your student exchange adventure, pleased you were able to embrace, learn, make friends, explore a new culture, country… Always cherish those memories 😀
As an Adelaidean born and bred I really enjoyed these pics. It was fun to work out where you were when the shots were taken.
Rundle Mall, the Malls’ Balls, looks like Gorge Wildlife Park, Glenelg beach, Paradise O-bahn interchange, Allan’s Music, Granite Island, Charles Campbell Secondary School, Hahndorf, Footy Park (good to see a Port Power scarf around your neck, your host family obviously taught you right :)).
A few things have changed since you left but hopefully one day you can visit Oz again.
Love to all.
OMG Mona has that total beach girl look going on. If I ever grow my hair out again, I am gonna try that look.
Fourteen with the world at your feet. You are both so brave. Was their any separation anxiety? That was a lot to deal with. Not sure if I could have done that at fourteen by myself, 14? That would be 1979, yes, I could. At times it looks like you’re both taking it in as if,”Check it out, we are in Australia! You dig?”;-)
I love the busking shots. The plan was in action. Wait, were you just trying to get far enough away so you could rehearse in front of an audience of strangers?
These glimpses into your past are very groovy. It is very inspiring to see all the steps you have taken to get to today. We are all blessed by your accomplishments, and your music is our reward.
The dream goes on
JP
I agree JP, they deserve to be on the cover of “Surfer Magazine”.
https://youtu.be/ffdqNbHU8IA
What a GREAT experience that must have been! I’ve never been outside the U.S. but always wanted to go to England. That will probably never happen now due to age/health and this stupid Covid virus going around. Very nice photos girls!
Oh wow! Loved seeing these photos and reading the write up! It looked like a once in a lifetime adventure experience for you both. And what a wonderful farewell they gave you, the party, the cake, and that incredible shirt with all those signatures. That would be so special! Those pictures at the zoo were awesome, those Kangaroos look like a German Shepard with big ears!!! So incredibly cute, and love your shot at the beach with the surf board. I couldn’t help but hear Wipe Out! Thanks for showing us the Australia photos, enjoyed seeing them very, very much! 🙂 🙂