Melb'n

3 flights and 37 hours later, I have arrived to Melbourne (pronounced Melb'n, who would've thunk it? What's the point of all those extra letters if they're ALL silent?!) Definitely not some of the best flight experiences I've had, especially not after discovering China Southern Airlines misplaced my luggage... Typically, I would have been livid but it's a small hiccup in the grand scheme of things - makes for a more interesting story anyways.

It was great to be greeted by a familiar face among the sea of strangers in Melbourne. I am so grateful to have a friend show me the ropes and give me an introduction to the life I will be living for the next 10 months; not to mention a place to stay! We are currently in the Brunswick area of Victoria which is predominently the gay/lesbian district and ultra hipster. Rent is crazy expensive here. So is shopping. For once in my life, I had to exert some self control as perused the mall. What's happening to me?!

First impressions of the city: very chill and relaxed atmosphere; loads of Asians (the F.O.B. kind); and much colder than expected (overcast and windy. Wish I packed more of my Fall wardrobe). My first meal here was brunch at a local cafe (side bar: brunch is a staple here - could I have picked a more suitable place for myself?! I think not); did some grocery shopping (I can't get fat in the continent of beaches) and took a well needed nap. For dinner, we (Shauna, her roomie Tessa and I) ventured from the Greater Melbourne area into the CBD (central business district) for some traditional Taiwanese dumplings. Prety good IMO, and immediately brought me back to Taipei where JT, Les and I waited in line for the world famous Ding Tai Fong. Our Chinatown pales in comparison (borderline pathetic) to this one street! Actually remined me a lot of Mong Kok in HK, minus the stench of stinky tofu (thank god!) After dinner, we headed to a rooftop patio (hoorah!), which are quite the rage here in Spring and Summer with loads of them (take that West patio!) When it started to rain, we called it a night, a bit tame for my first night here with it being Friday and all but the effects of jetlag were starting to kick in.

I haven't had time to do any sight-seeing just yet. Going to watch a Footie game later today (equivalent to Superbowl Sunday) with a bunch of peeps. Excited to meet some potential travel mates and pick up some more useful Aussie slang.
A few note worthy observations:
- driving on the left side of the road is confusing as hell, even as a passenger. I found myself hitting the imaginary brake pedal a few times, in fear of a head on collision
- coffees here are tiny and there is only one size available. I'll probably need 3 before I can get my days started. Americanos are referred to as 'long blacks' - if you know me well enough, you know this is my drink and will find the humor in this lol
- protein bars are hard to find, nutritional value is not good and they're super pricey
- I need to brush up on my math so I can convert KJ into calories. For once in my life, I wish I was that kind of Asian
- people are even more friendly than expected. Had a great convo with a lady who sat next to me on the plane, who migrated from India and also works in HR. Met a local guy who plays in a band who offered some great tips on where to eat/stay/play
- Everyone refers to each other as 'kids' - given recent circumstances, also hilarity!
- I am a huge sucker for accents! This could get me into some trouble lol

The next few days will be filled with finding a place to live - did I mention how ridiculous rent is here?! $800 AUD for a bedroom in a house, shared with 3 other ppl (excited to be living a real life version of Friends though!) Getting my phone setup and not having to relysolely on wifi; potentially locating a job so I can give into my shopping urges; but most importantly, finding a gym!! Day 4 of not working out and just don't feel quite like myself. Yes, those are my priorities.

Many of you back home have asked about the beaches here and from what I gather, beaches IN Melbourne are crap. Great Barrier Reef is where it's at.. Not sure when I'll be heading up the coast but will definitely keep you guys updated. Living based on all these unknowns is so unlike me, but that is why I ventured out here - to gain new perspective, see the world and not stress about a schedule. So far, so good, if you ask me!

A good friend asked me what my goals were for this year and I was dumbfounded. Firstly, because Chris shocked me with the depth of the question and he never usually stumps me (sorry buddy, but you and I both know it's true!) Secondly, I never really thought of it. As foolish and naive as it sounds, I really just picked up and left. Isn't that beauty of life though? You can only plan for so much and eventually life just takes the steering wheel and directs you in the way you're supposed to go anyways. So might as well sit back and relax and enjoy the cruise control for awhile.

In short, some very vague goals:
1. Get my diving license
2. Live day-to-day, without so much of a schedule unless it relates to what city/country I will be in and when. Sounds simple enough, but definitely a huge change for me!
3. Find my creative side again - running the rat race back home really made it hard for me to tap into this skill of mine. The Diaper Cake biz helped slightly but I'm talking writing, photography... Even as I write this, I don't find myself as clever and witty as I once was.
4. Rediscover my passion - volunteering has always been a huge thing for me. In the past year or so, I seem to have lost sight of helping others in the capacity which once drove all my decisions. No longer will this be the case!
5. Get ripped! Which is more of a life long goal than anything :)

Quite pal-mal (testing your knowledge from my Europe posts) for my first post but stay tuned for the epic stories to come. Perhaps, not quite like mooning the entire airport in Paris, but I'm sure something along that level of ridiculousness.

xx J.