Sabrina Gwee

     SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18 

On our first day, we went to a digital art gallery called the Lume. We looked at the displays of artwork by Monet and other artists during the 19th century being projected on the walls. This was a really unique, relaxing, and fun experience because we were surrounded by a lot of beautiful artwork. Later in the day, we went to Bourke street to explore the shops and to get dinner. Overall, day one was super fun and exciting however a little tiring. 

       SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19

On our second day, we started the day off with a street art tour around the city. We saw a lot of cool artwork and learned new things. For example, we learned the different methods artist used to put their artwork on these walls. Our tour guide also told us how he didn't get caught by wearing a vest and acting like he was supposed to be there. After lunch, we went to their studio to create our own artwork by using the stencil method. We learned about bridges and islands, the most important concept to remember when doing stencils. After making our stencils, we spray-painted them onto a canvas which was the best part of the process. After our workshop, we went to ST Skilda Beach to check out the music festival that was happening and to explore a different area of Melbourne. Overall, day two was really interesting, and I loved exploring more of Melbourne. 

       MONDAY FEBRUARY 20

On day three, we went Kayaking on the Yarra River while looking at all the beautiful architecture in Melbourne. While Kayaking, we got a bit wet, but the strong sun dried us off quickly, and we kayaked for two hours. After Kayaking, we went to one of the biggest shopping centers in Melbourne for lunch; Melbourne Central. Right after lunch, we went to the Royal Melbourne Insitute of Technology to learn about its history and for a phone photography workshop. During the phone photography workshop, we explored the campus and learned a lot of new tactics for taking good photos. For example, one of the things our photography teacher taught us was to take photos using leading lines which helps lead the viewer's eyes to the heart of the image. Overall, day three was an extremely insightful and inspiring day. 

        TUESDAY FEBRUARY 21

On our fourth day, we went for a guided backstage tour at the Melbourne Arts Center, which was a really cool and different environment to be in. During this tour, our guide took us around the center and showed us all the amazing things that happened backstage and this really taught me to appreciate the people who work backstage to make the shows possible. After the backstage tour, we quickly rushed to our puppetry workshop, where we  learned how to make puppets and create a show. Although at first, I thought puppetry was really weird and really quirky I had a lot of fun making and watching the shows that we made. Later in the day, we headed to the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the national gallery. It was a really interesting experience and I was really excited to see all his designs. To sum it up, day four was a really informational and exciting day.

   WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 22

On the fifth day, we took a two hour bus ride to Healesville Sanctuary and finally made it out into the city. We saw a lot of wildlife and nature that we hadn't really experienced in Melbourne; for example, I saw the biggest fly I have ever seen in my life on the bus. We also observed various different animals at the sanctuary and watched a bird show full of unique and obedient birds. After the sanctuary, we made a stop for lunch at a local Australian cafe and also stopped at a chocolate factory. The chocolate factory had really pretty views and abundant amounts of delicious chocolate. After taking a long journey back from the Sanctuary, we were all pretty tired and decided to stay at the hotel for dinner. Overall day five was a pretty adventurous and eventful day.

      THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23

On day six we made our way back to the Victoria Market for a little shopping and lunch. I loved the vibe of this market and all the cool things they sold here, Hayoon also failed at trying to bargain which was extremely funny. After exploring the market we went back to the national gallery to view all the other artworks; for example, we saw crown jewels, medieval pieces, and a lot of Australian artwork. Right after we hurried back to the hotel to change into our somewhat fancy clothes for Mary Poppins. While watching the Mary Poppins musical I was amazed at how talented these actors were, however I was mostly impressed with the set. The set was one of the most amazing sets I have ever seen and it made me reflect on how much effort and hardwork really went into creating this show. Overall day six was an eye opening and interesting day. 

           FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24

On our seventh day, we started off the day with an improv workshop which was extremely funny and amusing. During this workshop, we all got to let loose and work together to create many different tablos and scenes. Our acting teacher was super nice and taught us how to really immerse into our characters and play the role. After lunch, we went to a blindside exhibition which featured a lot of modern artists and weird abstract art. Later at night, we made our way to the botanical gardens to watch a movie outdoors which was a super unique experience which was a bit creepy in the dark. Overall, day seven was a bittersweet day because it was the last day of the trip. This trip is one that I will never forget and will always look back on when I am reminded of my high school memories. I learned, laughed, and experienced so many things in Melbourne, and as I am writing this wishing I was there right now. 

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