It seems every time that I sit down and think about writing about all of the experiences that I'm having, I come to a complete road block. Where do I start when everyday is so incredibly full of ups and downs? So I just keep putting it off, and now I feel that if I don't start recording all of these details they will quickly disappear from my very full mind.
I think that the biggest thing that has struck me since being in Australia, is how incredibly helpful everyone has been. So many have completely gone out of their way (such as the woman who drove me across town because I was lost) to help me, and if they can't they have been so apologetic. It truly makes me feel a little less lost to know that I can talk to anyone anywhere and find help.
As for all of my experiences down here (not counting the crazy personal issues I've been dealing with) I've had a lot of really enjoyable ones. Getting to experience two AFL Grand Finals was a definite highlight. Watching the first match come to a draw, and then getting to see Collingwood (my team!) win the next week brought out a sporty side of me that has long been dormant.
I've been able to see so much of the area surrounding Melbourne... the outer suburbs, which really take my breath away and remind me why it is I came here and have unearthed a deep love for this country. The Yarra Valley is absolutely stunning, even if it is only early spring. A drive through also led me to see my first kangaroo and wallaby (although both were sadly upside down on the side of the road). It was still very exciting, and I made my tour guide drive past the poor kangaroo a couple of times just so I could see that they were really real! Luckily I have yet to experience any of those dreaded poisonous creatures that Australia is so known for.
In between times searching for an apartment and a job (both of which I thankfully have only two weeks after arriving here!) I have taken the time to walk around Melbourne and get to know the trams and the trains and all of the craziness and beauty that is the city. Southbank really is a spectacular place... so calm and relaxing during the day, and erupts with a vibrant nightlife once the sun goes down.
There is so much that I want to see and experience here... and of course I have only been traveling for two weeks now, so it will all come with time. I still have yet to visit the beach (although that is in a great part due to the fact that it has only been the past weekend that temperatures got above 20).
Hopefully my next post will not be so long in the making, and I'll be able to share a bunch of new, very Australian experiences.
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