Aussie, aussie, aussie!

One thing most people don't know about me is that I lived in Australia for two years. I was born in Seattle and my dad worked for the world's largest airplane company. When I was three years old his job was transferred to Brisbane, Australia. So the Gilbert family packed up and moved overseas! Since I was so young I don't remember it that well but I can't imagine how stressful it must have been on my parents to move three kids and all our stuff across the ocean.

Living in Australia was an amazing experience. Our house had a big pool in the backyard with tall, green palm trees surrounding. It was warm everyday and we lived close to the beach so we spent a lot of time at the ocean. We went to the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, and even got to see the Crocodile Hunter. Since I was so young when we lived in Australia, I started to pick up the accent. It was very small but my parents said I spoke so differently from the time we got there to the time we left.

My favorite memory was when we snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef. We got on a pure white motor boat. It wasn't just any normal boat. There was a big window on the floor which you could watch the wild life below. Looking down into the clear water below, four sea turtles swam under. They had a sort of grace and simplicity that was truly breath taking.

Once it was time to go back to the states my parents took us to China, Japan, and Indonesia on the way home. They figured since we were already half way around the world that we might as well go to Asia too. In China, they are only allowed to have one child so being three American kids with dark hair and blue eyes, we attracted a lot of attention. My mom said that one time I yelled, “These Chinese ladies won't stop squeezing my cheeks! I hate china people!” Cut me some slack I was was only four years old!

I am so thankful that my parents decided to move overseas. Granted it was very young, it still effected me. I got to experience many cultures and meet many different kinds people. My parents loved Australia so much that we almost stayed there. We only came back to be closer to family. Its crazy to think I could easily be living in a different country. I am so lucky and grateful for those amazing experiences.