She Wants It Her Way

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

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