Today was not quite as "glowing" as yesterday. The day was filled with ups and downs. The day started well with a tentative reservation for Jack in quarantine on the first possible date, Aug. 16th. I can't wait to see him again - already. Today I was struck by a multitude of new unfamiliar challenges. Today's top agenda items were to get my visa added to my passport, set up an Australian bank account, and get a cell phone. In order to do these things, I had to go to the CBD (central business district), also referred to as the city, but not as downtown. In order to get to the CBD, I had to find the correct tram route. I knew the tram was located on Fitzroy St, but wasn't sure where, so I had to ask. After making my way to the tram stop, I realized there was nowhere to buy a tram pass, so I asked someone else. I walked to the nearest convenience store selling passes, then back to the tram. I made it onto the tram but there was no map or sign indicating the stops along the route, only the final destination on either end. A compassionate stranger noticed my confusion and told me where to get off to get my visa.
I was actually super impressed with the waiting process, both at immigration and at the bank. First, every place I've waited has had funky lime green sofas/benches/chairs - all super modern in style. Second, in both cases, the waiting room was FULL of people but I waited less than 10 minutes at each place. The "pull a number" theory is implemented but an actual person gives you a number that has a letter prefix indicating the purpose of your visit. When your number is called, the person knows exactly what you want and how to help you. Different people assist with different functions. So smart!
My third agenda item for the day was not quite as successful. No one wants to give me a cell phone because I have no proof that I actually live here - no utility bill with my address on it, etc. Having no form of communication is amazingly limiting. I feel so cut off and isolated from everyone... not that I have a whole lot of friends here, but to have no option of placing or receiving a call is so foreign after having a cell phone for the last 10+ years. I purchased a phone card and placed a couple calls from pay phones but received no answer. The whole phone experience really magnified the fact that I am starting from scratch in having a "home" and making friends and building relationships.
The city is HUGE! It seemed to just go on and on with street after street of shops and cafes. I was amazed at how many people were out during the day today. Don't these people work? I had no idea where to find various banks or cell phone companies, so I just wandered up and down street after street. There is so much to see. I walked through much of the city, then across the river to the URS office. I actually went up to the third floor (where I will be working) to try crash their Friday night happy hour, but I didn't have the required pass to get in, and I couldn't get ahold of Casey, so I decided to make my way home. I unintentionally took the very longest way possible to my tram stop, then got on the WRONG tram. It was headed to my neighborhood, just not my intended location. I was still searching for something familiar when a blind(?) man with a walking stick told me we were at the last stop and I had to get off. I got off the tram, figured out where I was, and started walking to my intended destination. I stopped at the "market" for groceries on my way home. I bought too many and had to stop halfway up the hill to my apt to take a break. I must have walked 10 miles today. Is it too soon to miss my car?
I made dinner for myself (are you feeling sorry for me yet?), and here I sit on a Friday night, with soar feet and no plans. Lame-o! I know. I'm in Australia with tons of new places to explore, but I'm too exhausted to drag myself out. Maybe tomorrow.
Andrea, sorry for no pictures again. I'll try to take some tomorrow. I totally forgot to take pictures all day, then almost took a picture of the tiniest plastic container of blueberries at the grocery store. It was A$9.99 and there were probably 20 blueberries in there. Right next to it sat a similar container of raspberries for A$7.99. Ouch.
