My First Note in the Land Down Unda!

This note is going to be more like a list due to the limited amount of time I have on the internet right now.

I have arrived safely, it is very warm and humid. I of course could careless about the humidity though, I am basking in the sunshine! I'm already sportin tanks and sandals in hopes of having an Australian bronze shade by the end of the semester. I am not close in location to the fires taking place here - thankfully.

I absolutely love my homestay. I am staying with three lovely ladies - Becca, Laura, and Michele. We have two rooms in a beautiful condo-like home in Phillips Landing - Concord, Australia. Our "mum"'s name is Gail Anderson. She is a Clinical Nurse for Teen girls struggling with eating disorders. We leave in a complex that offers a sauna, a gym, two pools, tennis courts, and lastly a beautiful walk next to the bay! We take a key, unlock the gate and before our eyes - a bay, fishing boats, people fishing, sunshine, and a trail to run. We also have a beautiful patio that wraps around the outside of our living room and kitchen. We have two rooms - I share a room with Miss Becca. We have wireless internet but my internet is not connecting so I may not actually end up having the access that I initially thought I would. I'll post pictures just as soon as I have wireless access at home or at some place for an extended amount of time.

I have seen several spiders - none of which I encountered close enough to know whether they are venomous or not. I took a picture Matty! It will be your postcard!

However, I have a cellphone that is free for anyone and everyone to call (you'll need to buy a phone card) but here is my Australian number 0448642593. So buy a phone card, don't forget the code you need in order to dial outside of the US. :) The call would be free for me and it won't take minutes from my phone so please do call, call next week-ish I need to "charge my phone up" with minutes or a phone plan! You can also leave voicemails on my regular number!

Classes start on Monday. The three days until Monday are Orientation Days. We are going through all the fun Do's and Dont's, Medical Insurance, General Information and Tours of the city and campus.

Funny things that have happened thus far:
Each of my suitcases were 75lbs before I attempted to depart for Denver, CO. I had to eliminate 25lbs from each suitcase. My mother stood alongside while I shoveled in clothes, shoes, and a couple bottles of shampoo and conditioner.

Due to the voltage in Australia and the way you operate plugs I blew two blow dryers up this morning. You must turn the power on and off before using the acutal plug. Unfortunately, one blow dryer was a roommates. I have replaced it now though. What a morning!

I also had quite a show at the Check In point in LA. While applying for my Student VISA I checked off my ethnicity as "Somian". So I stood in line for around 45 minutes while the Australian Embassy over-rode my mistake. I'm here now and my VISA now states my correct ethnicity.

I have so many other feelings, emotions, events, things I'd like to tell you but time is running out and I know I wanted to get this much to all of you back home.

Thanks Melissa Gutherie for sending mail so that I would receive it upon arrival! When receiving my Orientation Bag I already had mail! :) Please write often, Facebook, buy a phone card if you really want to show some love! (Jk - I love you all either way).

I miss comfort and knowing where to find answers to locate things or to do things. However, that is all part of the fun.

Thy end for now.

PS This is not spell checked, it's a draft so don't judge!