Enter the city of Melbourne, Victoria and checked into my hostel, NOMADS (A$22/night), at 1PM (UTC/GMT +10 hours). I stuck to myself for about 5 hours. I didn't really think I would enjoy living in a place with no drawers or dressers for more than one night. Did I mention that I am staying in a room with 9 random strangers from all over Europe, Australia, and Asia? Nomads. Backpackers. And me -- "the American." Now, ask me how many times I've heard the pick up line: "I've never met an American girl before." HA! Anyways, there is no elevator, so I had to lug both of my 50lbs suitcases up the stairs -- until I rescued that is. :) Some guy helped me bring my bags upstairs to the reception desk while I checked in. Then, while I was struggling in the hallway, two gentlemen ran to my side to help me bring my stuff to my room.
It took me a few minutes. I sat, looked around, and thought "what did I get myself into." I took a few minutes to cry (I know, I'm a cry baby, but I needed to get the homesickness out of the way). I felt lonely, broke, and I had no sense of direction (no technology to help!!). Then, I sucked it up and was ready for the new world. I changed my clothes and took a MUCH needed hot shower and got dressed for success. I had no idea what I was going to do or where I was going to go, but I had not eaten since breakfast on the airplane at 4AM and I was limited to AU$60.
I decided that my first stop should be somewhere that exchanged money, then I needed a phone. Apparently things close early on Saturday (so I thought), so I was limited to exchanging my money at the Crown Casino.
Underage, sheltered [me] has never seen a casino. I was certainly impressed and surprised that there was such a high Asian population all over the casino.
Nevertheless, I made it all the way to the casino without any of my American money...so I had to walk back to my hostel and back to the casino to exchange.
PSA: DEAR AMERICANS, PLEASE BUY AMERICAN PRODUCTS/GOODS SO THAT I'M NOT GETTING RIPPED OFF OF MONEY.
After exchanging money, I felt better about life and felt as if I could accomplish things (money can kinda make you happy). Off to find a new cell phone. Long story short, I bought a prepaid phone for $50 on Saturday and couldn't figure out how to activate it until Sunday night.
I also went to see an apartment and figured out where I am staying for the semester -- so nice w/ a sauna, gym, and home theatre in the basement. Since I didn't know how to use the tram (metro) system, I decided to walk from where I was staying. I figured it would be a great way to check out the city as well....
5.2 km (3.1 miles) and some later (decided to make several detours)...I made it.
I decided to take advantage of new drinking age legality and headed to the bar downstairs, which is also run by the hostel. Still no food in my system since 4am on the plane, I had a few beers -- fell in love -- then was headed for bed around 8 (jetlag)...
Somehow, I was convinced to go out (it's not that hard for me to say yes to doing things). And the adventures continued. In attempt to find a place to party for someone's final night in Australia before going back to Belgium, we roamed around the city of Melbourne for hours and I made it to my bed at 4 o'clock on Sunday morning (still on an empty stomach).
WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA (so glad I could join you, mates!)
xx
**No worries - Common phrase used...so chill
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