G'day the Michelle way: 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.