5 flights, 23 hours of flying, 17 hours in airports (thanks to layovers) -- and we're HERE.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, to be exact.
I've anticipated this moment for 5 months with preparation that was just time consuming. I'll be honest, it was so hard to say goodbye to my family. Tears were shed...all mine. It was hard for "daddy's little girl" to part at the airport, but as he said, I had no choice and so now I'm here.
Sure, it felt like a sad melodic series of songs playing in the background of my life as I continued my trip; but the music picked up and the tempo is upbeat -- maybe dubstep even.
I've already made some Aussie connections during my flights and while waiting. I met two lovely ladies from Melbourne that live close to the University I will be attending. They provided me with a laundry list of places to go from shops to grocery to little cafes with the best cupcakes. :) They also gave me information on the neighborhoods, streets, and suburbs to avoid, although the city is relatively all safe (dark/sketchy allies and all). They were helpful in many aspects and it's comforting to know there will be more people like them all over the city of Melbourne.
**And if you are ever flying into Australia (which you should at least once), I highly recommend flying with Virgin Australia. The scene:
Enter the gates to be greeted by a friendly pilot with a huge grin on his face and the staff by his side. Purple and green lights with soft music playing in the background like "How Deep Is Your Love" by the Bee Gees (classic.). Champagne in the background on a magnificent marble-like bar. Enter first class to see the exclusive seating, already sipping on their glass of bubbly as the other guests are waiting to be seated. Each seat with their own television, headset, blanket, and pillow. Perfect room temperature. Your choice of watching a movie (Inception, Happythankyoumoreplease, Friends with Benefits, others.), television channel (E!, Discovery, Disney, Travel, Australia-Channel), or just a random TV program (Good Luck Charlie, Family Guy, others). Or you can choose listening to music (Adele, Florence and the Machine, MGMT, Kanye West, Rihanna, and a variety o other genres); play a game even (Zuma, Pac-man, Car racing, Bejewled, others.); or connect your own media (read books and shopping coming soon).Nevertheless, 14 hours was well worth my travels (the food wasn't too bad either).
Customs and Borders:
Easy. BUT don't bring any type of handcuffs into Australia, it's a crime and you can be charged.
Thus, my journey into Australia has been pleasurable (despite having to throw away clothes at LAX in order to meet weight requirements for my luggage --> we won't talk about it).
Until I find housing accommodation, I will be at one of Melbourne's most popular hostels located in the CBD (Central Business District): NOMADS.
Wish me luck!
xx
P.S. One of the VAustralia employees def let my luggage limit slide...so I didn't need to throw away my NEW shorts and Express Jeans o____0
