2008 Environmental Studies Letters
February 6, 2008
Hello families,
We arrived safe and sound in two waves after a tiring but
well-accommodated flight. Since our arrival, we've been staying in a
dormitory called Mannix College. It provides housing, food service,
and recreational/study space for students at Monash "Uni", the largest
university in Australia. We each have individual rooms, but there are
common areas both indoor and outside where we play cards and socialize
in group settings. The group dynamic has been remarkably positive.
The weather has been pleasant, and the lack of AC in our housing is
not an issue.
We began the week with a bus tour of Melbourne. Our driver was
amiable and talkative, so we had an extensive yet informal
introduction to the city. Rapid development of both the city and its
sprawling suburbs creates problems of water resource depletion. We
toured one of Melbourne's two sewage treatment centers today, and
discussed issues involving water consumption. Classes began on
Monday; we receive lectures from some of the top professors at Monash,
in a small air-conditioned library near our housing.
Next on the itinerary is a trip westward to Queenscliff, where we will
begin our studies of marine biology. We're excited to get out into
the field for study; for a first-hand experience. We miss everybody
back home, and hope you're all well.
Love from down-under,
ESAU08