Australia: Sport, History and Culture 2017 Blog

The group has met up at LAX and is preparing for our fourteen and half hour flight to Melbourne. We are all starting to get more familiar with each other at the gate ahead of the flight. Professor Burton is helping along as we all try to learn names. Everyone is excited to land in Australia and eager to take part in this experience together. Professor Burton has also outlined for us what to expect out of the beginning of the trip and what to look forward to when we land in Melbourne. So far we are all trying to fight through awkwardness and unfamiliarity to learn more about each other and get a better feel for the group over all. The group is clearly passionate about sports and curious about sport culture. Already we have had intense discussions on the NBA Finals, and there is no doubt that our sports fandom will be useful for the trip. As the trip has grown closer, it is clear that the anticipation has been shared by every person. We are all eager to arrive in Australia, learn, an

I am really looking forward to meeting everyone on Wednesday and getting to know you all better over the next few weeks. I'm also looking forward to sharing a great experience and creating some awesome memories with all of you. Professor Burton thought it would be a good idea for us all to wear a piece of Syracuse clothing for the flight for a group photo at LAX and I also thought this was a good idea. Either a hat, shirt, or coat, etc. If you can bring some stuff to wear and we can get a photo in the time before the flight. Looking forward to meeting everyone and safe travels.

The rock band Def Leppard had a song with a lyric that went ... "Is anybody out there?" Pink Floyd sang, "Wish you were here." Pink sang, "I'm coming up so you better get this party started." And so we begin ... Australia 2017 for SU Abroad. 22 students. 3 chaperones. A lot of miles to cover. Professor B