the edge...

I teetered on the edge of my new journey. A land of gold, an unexplored horizon, all glaring at me. I will discover. My flesh and the heavy heart will traverse this continent with a swift tempo of the aboriginal drum. The beats of my soul move beyond the echo of blue.

Climbing to the top of the very needle that pin-pointed my new home, catapulted me to an explorer claiming my destination. I floated above the vibrant blue and growing green, stark silver and the hollow black. All Man-made. The Man-made lake and the edifices of silver and gray containing domains of power and the cluster of knowledge.

I soared above the roads that etched out concentric circles and bubbled the land as inhabitable suburbs. Amid the soft feathery clouds and the lush green earth, the green blue water and the bounty of the sun, my mind fluttered. Although we etch out our world, what have we truly made?

My toes curl over the edge of the world. A step into tomorrow, a free fall to my volition.

Journey to Oz

I have to admit I cried. It's no easy feat leaving those you love for a different new place. I had anticipated this day for almost 4 months and the illusion a future became a reality the moment I stepped on that plane. It was real. I was going to Australia. I clung to my cell phone and salvaged the last few minutes of US airtime I could spare saying Good bye. The Good-byes made me laugh and almost cry, but confined spaces and crying do not really work hand in hand.

Comparing the Aussie Passport to the American. Quite a difference.

My flight was a grueling 10 hours from LAX to FIJI. The food was almost sickening and the service was alright. The black hole screen of the mini TV and the malfunctioning light did not help ease my comfort. But, I was okay. I had my handy dandy notebook and I scribbled away in the dim light about the past few joyous days. I twisted and turned in the uncomfortable seat to catch a bit of sleep, but screaming babies and jolts of turbulence made my possible 10 hour beauty rest into a mess of erratic turns and awkward slips in and out of sleep. But, I landed in Fiji. The weather there was musty, resembling the Philippines and the terminal was small. I watched as the airport security guards took pleasure in absolving helpless Australians of their newly purchased duty free items. A couple had bought a really expensive liquor and the guard, poured it out in the trash in front of their faces.

Anyhow, my layover was 4 hours in the hot terminal. I hung out with this Australian I met on the plane in the terminal. I drank a bottle of Fiji water, in Fiji. Yes, I know.


We boarded our plane. And I got to prepare my finals thoughts before really reaching my destination. My nerves started to kick. I had gotten an isle seat. I could only peer through the window, when the Dutch girl would move her head. The first glimpse of land was almost a shock to my system.



Welcome to Sydney, Australia.

First order of business was working the stupid phone. After purchasing a phone card and squandering 10 dollars with the machine, I called my mom. I landed safely in Sydney without any hitch. I finally called my uncle edo to let him know I was there too. I will say the scariest moment after getting out of the terminal is figuring what out what to do next. When I couldn't get the pay phone to work and I needed to look for the bus, my frustration hit a high point. It may seem like a little detail to know where the bus stop is, but believe me, that doubt and uncertainty almost brought me to tears. But, I recovered. Traveling is like a maze. When you hit a dead, you turn back and take another path- find another solution.


There was my first few hours: Pay phone, phone card, coffee, food.


My first Australian Meal: Cappacino and a Mackers (Aussie nick name for mickie d's) Bacon and BBQ sauce cheese burger from the dollar menu.
After figuring out the phone calls, I went outside a plopped down on a bench near the bus stop. I started talking to this amazing Indonesian Masters student from ANU. We ended up sitting together on the three hour bus ride to Canberra. We discussed politics and development studies. She is doing her masters in Public Policy and prior to that majored in forestry. I have studied a lot about Indonesia, but all of it is scattered in my memory bank. I racked my head to remember my readings about Indonesia. What was amazing was the similarities we had in the discussion of policy and disaster relief and implementation. She had worked with the Disaster Coordinating committee post - Indonesian tsunami's. I look forward to working with her in the future. Aside from that the scenery was beautiful. Very open and very raw, with a crystal blue sky. There are endless forests and plains of yellows and greens.

And driving is on the wrong side. Yes I said it. The WRONG side. The drivers seat is on the right and you drive on the other side of the road. As much as I knew that fact going in, it is disturbing! When my uncle was driving, I anticipated different turn and thought he was going the wrong way, when he was going the right way! I was baffled by the difference in turning. It is a lot for the mind to process. Twice, I tried to get on the driver's side of the car already (because it's our passenger side!)All my uncle edo would do is laugh at me! It takes passenger seat driving to a whole new level.

I made it to Canberra.

I had a real meal.

And I spent quality time with my uncle!

Departure

As my kuya says, "Hurricane Michelle touched ground!"

I learned that rolling is conducive to space. Packing is truly a pain. How do you really pack for seven months abroad? I just grabbed my favorite clothes and a range from Summer to Winter.

Then off to the airport I go...

Air Pacific had no "que", instead I went straight to check in and they didn't even x-ray my bags! Straight into the resting point of the terminal

for happy visitors. The Caballa's! Daddy lito and Auntie V.


My mom gazed in awe at my last American Meal

Snapple and Red Velvet Cake at the airport. Does no justice to red velvet, but you have to end somewhere.


I ended hugging my mom. Thank you Mom for letting me do this. For being my strength and the support I needed, the patience with my packing capabilities and the endless love. Thank you mom, for having the strength, courage, and love to let me go. I love you and I miss you already.


Concerned** about the journey ahead (haha **that face is for sara & joshua!)

Pre-Departure Parties

Thank you for making every moment precious before my departure. First was the party in Berkeley & by Oakland & SPL. In which we tortured Gino and Diane.

But Oakland was sweet with the farewell cakes:

Then my happy visitors
















And a last stab at the happiest place on earth.













My bestie remembered me and "folded panties with me"

And the fantastic gift I received:


All leading up to the Australian Departure.