Still Adjusting

Hey guys,

Sorry I didn’t post when I arrived. I’ll have an excuse in a few paragraphs :P * You don't have to read the following jibberish (admittedly boring), but there are pictures of my place below, so check those out!

The flights went well, and I found all the new gates and connections (almost) without a hitch. Most everyone I ran into asking questions or riding a transfer bus with were pretty nice. They were really interested to learn I came from Canada. The only REAL complaint I have is that the woman next to me on the big plane (remember, i was stuck in the middle) never wanted to let me out. The girl on my right (I later learned) took a sleeping pill and advil, so she was conked out pretty much the whole time. So the lady on my left had to let me out whenever I needed to get up  – I caught her once rolling her eyes. Mom thinks I should have taken revenge on the bitch. Yeah, probably should have :P Nobody should try and make you feel guilty for going to the bathroom!

Got off the plane into Sydney, and aside from my stomach being in a lot of pain (perhaps the plane food?), I could tell I was dehydrated and overwhelmed because I was getting that feeling like my body was preparing to faint. I was light-headed and it felt like the airport was rocking a lot. So I bought some powerade and just sat down for 45 minutes (thankfully I had time to do that). I ended up being fine, but wasn’t a good feeling.

So! Got off the plane in Gold Coast and met the Griffith University guy. While waiting for my luggage, there was a little band on the other side, one guy was playing his ukulele and the others dancing along, banging on the case and whatnot. I think they had just gotten off my flight, too. Anyway, the uni guy took me to the village, but not before seeing Surfer’s paradise, a few shopping malls and some other things – I still have no idea where any of it is, but i saw it! My favourite thing was seeing the city skyline, beaches, and mountains all in one glance.

* When I first arrived, my insides immediately caved in. The room isn’t what I expected, and I had a 20 minute fight with a cockroach behind my couch. Yeah. So I’ve been intensely homesick ever since I walked through the office. Being homesick is very new to me. When I moved to Toronto, of course I missed home, but being homesick is more than just missing the people and places – it’s affecting me mentally and physically. I don’t really have an appetite, and we won’t explore the mental part, haha. This is why I didn’t post right away, because 97% of me just wanted to leave right away. Not the best first impression. But today is better – I talked to mom for a few hours, and that alone really helped. She knows just what to say. I also got to chat with some friends back home for a few minutes, most of them even saying “Hi” to me first! I also took my mom’s advice and just got outside. I took my book to my patio and read for about an hour. A few people waved and said hi, and one guy asked if it was a good book, and when he walked by again, he looked in and waved. Possible new friend prospect! Woo.

I went grocery shopping, though, I didn’t buy much food. Oh! Guess what they call rice krispies here? Rice bubbles!! I laughed. In the store. I laughed. But yeah, there are still lots of things I DON’T have. Including straightener, hair dryer, bedding, a phone, etc.! 

Here’s what my place looks like:

 Entryway to my place

 My patio! Reading Chuck Palahniuk, of course!

 View from my couch - yes... I AM watching Madagascar :):) I brought two personal things with me that are in the shelf above my chair: a rock that says "Don't dream your life, live your dream," and the framed photos my friends signed.

" Kitchen and dining room" Notice my mini fridge? That might take awhile to get used to.

 "bedroom"! Bed on left, closet on the right, though it's a bad view. And no, I haven't unpacked yet, haha.. Soon.

 Bathroom!

 My shower. Yeah, there's no door. Just half a glass wall separating it :P

 A full look of the place from my bathroom. 

So there it is! I have sun on my patio almost the whole day. Birds right outside my door. Nothing exciting happening as of yet. Tomorrow there's a village BBQ. Not sure what time. Maybe I'll leave my door open so I can smell my way there. ha! 

Ttfn :)