This spring we'll be bringing you posts from a few Pioneers that are studying abroad this semester. Defensive back Max Keller '14 is currently in Melbourne, Australia and this is his second installation.
In
an Art History paper I completed recently I wrote, “This would beget the
question, why would a representation of the sacrament in a Last Supper not function as a representation of the sacrament in a
monastic dining room?” Then I thought to myself, “This would beget the question
as to whether or not I knew what the hell I was talking about?” This final line
of questioning seemed the more logical to me for a couple of reasons. One
being, that I am pursing a Biological-Chemistry major with a concentration in
Environmental Studies. Lastly, and most importantly, I was only a four hour
flight from Cairns, Australia. This would be the start of a twelve day, ~ 4,000
kilometer (2,500 miles) excursion from the northern end of Australia to Sydney’s
port.
Seeing
the Great Barrier Reef is a dream shared by many. It is the equivalent of a six
year old boy dreaming to be a fireman, a four year old girl a princess, or vice
versa. But even my six year old self who can fondly remember the excitement of climbing
into a Fire Truck, couldn’t prepare me for this. After a sleepless night full
of anticipation and excitement I was snorkeling and scuba diving along the
interior edge of the reef. Within twenty minutes I had exhausted myself chasing
countless fish and inhaling more ocean water than air. Being both stubborn and
enthusiastic I forced myself to stay out, drifting more than swimming, yet
enjoying the wonders and intricacies of life below the surface.
People often use the metaphor “it
left me speechless”. Until this trip I do not believe I’ve ever had the
privilege of being ‘left speechless’. Whether it was hiking through Mossman
Gorge, plunging into the icy water beneath a waterfall, or watching a friend struggle
with traveling along the left hand side of the road; I was often ‘speechless’.
Things I will save for another time however. For now I would like to share one
of my more memorable experiences from the trip.
One
night we came upon a camp site along the beach just before dusk. I asked the
campers where the head office was and they pointed me in the direction of a
small camper. Soon enough I found myself looking into the camper observing a
small card table; holding a pack of cigarettes, an ash tray, a box of wine
(called ‘goon’ here), and an older lady sitting behind it. Poking my head
inside, afraid I would soon be checking for a pulse, I asked how much for a
site? She replied, “For you, six dollars per person”. Luckily being speechless
wasn’t a trend throughout the entire trip. Quickly walking a fine line between
flirtatious and friendly, I coaxed camp fire privileges from her in addition to
her spare lighter. That night we enjoyed a fire on the beech beneath a palm
tree; fed by driftwood and coconut husk. I was left speechless. As I crawled
into my sleeping bag that night, the campers next to us began playing the song Springsteen.
And for a moment I was back home in Minnesota, but perfectly happy to be where
I was currently at.
