Rachel Lackenmier, the School of Visual Arts Down Under Visual Arts in Sydney 2015-16 student blogger, writes:

Brian Kirkham with William Bligh (1754-1817)

After approximately 30 hours of traveling through three airports, two countries, and across one ocean, the Penn State Visual Arts group has arrived in Sydney, Australia and we are more than ready to take on this city.

So far on this trip I have learned two important things: 1) Don’t listen to Outkast; if you shake polaroid pictures they will turn completely black, and 2) Read your itinerary so you don’t get lost in the airport.

Once we dropped our bags off at the accommodation we were taken up to The Rocks and Circular Quay where we were given a tour from Brian Kirkham. Walking through such a historic area where there was so much sandstone was absolutely breathtaking.

Photo Credit: Molly Basilio

We learned so many interesting facts about Sydney’s history with Brian today including that it was originally a British penal colony. Fun fact: The youngest and oldest prisoners ever to be sent to the colony were 9 and 92 respectively. We also learned about the gentrification of the area, the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the political controversy about keeping The Rocks in their original state, and the history of the aboriginal people who were selling beautiful art work on the streets!

We are all very excited to continue to explore this beautiful city as well as learn about Sydney’s history and artwork.

XOXO,

Rachael