Vancouver Island Drowning in Australia

Well, it has finally happened. The long awaited day came and I am now sitting with my good friend Nikki in her apartment in Melbourne, Australia. I has been such an amazing 3 days so far. The adventure started as soon as I boarded the plane. Saying a tearful goodbye to my family (most tears from my father) I boarded my plane to Shang Hai. The first flight went by surprisingly quick. Nothing too exciting happened apart from the amazing views I was able to see. But once I got to Shang Hai, the panic started to sink in. Being in a completely foreign country where you would think people would be helpful and they completely aren't is pretty frightening. First I couldn't find where in the world I was supposed to go. I tried asking as many people as I could but all I was getting were points and grunts. Finally, after suppressing a mini panic attack, I was able to find where I was supposed to go and I found my gate. Unfortunately that wasn't the end of it. My plane was delayed due to mechanical problems and it wasn't until another 2 hours later that I boarded my plane. On top of that, we sat on the tar mat for 45 minutes extra. I successfully fell asleep right before take off only to be woken up by an asian man and women yelling at each other. The fight only escalated and eventually the man was hitting- yes hitting- the woman. I was watching this and no one would do anything! It was crazy! After about 5 minutes the flight attendants grabbed the man and held him back only to open the opertunity for the women to start hitting the man. It was INSANE! I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Finally the flight attendants were able to stop the fight. I learned something from this: Violence against women, China says yes.

That flight was pretty dreadful and long. Filled with screaming kids and motion sick throw uppers. All this unfortunate-ness seemed to go away as soon as the plane landed. I was so ecstatic to finally be in Australia. I couldn't stop smiling and I was over joyed. I am quite aware that people thought I was insane. I got through imigration quick and painless only to find Nikki eagerly waiting for me outside. I immediately ran into her arms for a hug and she greeted me with a "hey how ya going?" Man, I've missed that accent which was the same Nikki said to me.

The actual fact that I was in Australia didn't hit me until 24 hours later when we took a trip down to the beach and I was drenched with a care free lifestyle. The beach was GORGEOUS! The sun was shining, the water was warm and it was all around chill and simple. That night I was invited to Nikki's parents place for a true Australian BBQ. Man was it delicious, and Nikki's parents were so kind. It was such a fantastic way to spend my first 24 hours in Australia. I already feel like I belong.

Today I was able to meet up with another friend of mine, Josh, for a quick lunch. Again, so fantastic seeing him again. We caught up quick and were soon able to sit and chat like we had never been separated.

It is 34 degrees and sunny all the time which is something spectacular to walk into after leaving -3 and snowing. It has been so incredible so far, I am already in love. I love the weather. I love the lifestyle. I love the fact I get to see members of my Nanaimo family and FFFs after so long. It's truly been a fantastic experience so far. An experience that will keep being fantastic. An experience that is amazing-as.