First Days!

After a full day of traveling, I finally arrived in Sydney yesterday. The flights were good, had two short layovers in Vancouver, BC and Auckland, New Zealand. The flight across the Pacific was 14 hours, and I must say it was about as good as a flight of that length could be. There were many empty seats on the plane, including the seat next to me. This made the flight much more comfortable, I could stretch out my legs, use two pillows and two blankets, put stuff on the seat, etc. I slept for almost half of the flight, and watched movies and listened to music the rest of the time. I flew Air New Zealand, which was really cool. They had a lot of welcome videos about cities in New Zealand and Australia so I got some good information. There was also an extensive music library, and I got to hear some good Kiwi music.

Upon arrival at about 10 am I checked in at the hostel and then spent the rest of the day exploring Sydney and getting stuff set up. Activated my bank account and got an ATM card, everything was very easy to set up and all of the people I have encountered have been incredibly friendly and helpful, even when I ask questions which have obvious answers. I walked around a bunch, got the beginnings of some blisters but I can't be bothered by anything, I'm too excited to be here! Although it doesn't really feel real, and I'm not sure it ever will.

After having a very active day, I went back to the hostel around 7 and was completely exhausted. I'd meant to at least go down to the hostel's bar for some drinks and to meet people, but by the time I was sitting on my bed I couldn't muster up the energy, plus it seemed like a good idea to rest up for today and tonight. So I went to bed at about 8 last night and slept for over 12 hours. Hopefully that will help to beat jet lag.

This morning I had orientation with my work abroad program, IEP. Quite informational, learned a bunch about Australia and finding a job and accommodation. As much as I love Sydney and city life, I think that I am going to do something different and get out of the city to connect more with Aussie culture. IEP gave me some information about a Jackaroo and Jillaroo School in Leconfield, where you can become an Australian cowgirl or cowboy. It's five days, kind of expensive, but afterwards it's very easy to find a job. The jobs are well-paying, and it would be living on a farm with free or cheap accommodation. I love cities, but I'm in Australia to try something new! Plus, I could probably live about an hour from a city, so it would be easy to get away from the countryside for a weekend.

The weather yesterday was really nice! It was sunny all day, about 10C/50F. People kept saying how it was so "cold." This is winter? What a joke! Yesterday was nicer than most of Seattle's "summer" days have been! Today it is typical Seattle weather: overcast. I feel right at home.

Some initial thoughts on differences between here and the US... There seems to be a lot more trust of people here than in the US, I guess would be the best way to put it. An example, at Darling Harbor on the water, there were no rails or anything to prevent people from just jumping into the harbor. I cannot imagine seeing that in the US. Also, when I was setting up my bank account, the computer screen the woman helping me was using was faced so that I could see her putting all of the information in, and when she walked away to do something there was nothing to prevent me from messing with the computer. It might seem like a small difference, but it gives much more of a feel of trust, respect, and I suppose responsibility than you get in the US. Americans are known for being "stupid," and in many ways I think in the US people are treated as if they are stupid. Perhaps this is just because if a harbor in the US wasn't blocked off so that people couldn't jump in, lawsuits would be thrown around immediately. Are Americans "stupid" because they are raised to be that way/treated as they are stupid? I ponder the causation of the relationship. But who knows, maybe I'm just simplifying and overgeneralizing.

Much excitement about the coming days, huge Couchsurfing monthly party tonight, and I start surfing couches tomorrow night. Now I'm off to set up my cell phone, apply for a library card, and check out the Opera House!

Comments? Questions? Random thoughts? Do share!

Write to me, I will write back!
c/o IEP, Locked Bag 5065
Sydney South, NSW 1235
Australia

Australian mobile number: +61 410154460
To call from USA dial: 011 61 410154460