Salsa!

Watch out for my new salsa dance moves! After an hour class tonight, my moves are HOT HOT HOT! I have to laugh because every time the instructor would give corrective comments, I think they were targeted for me specifically. So I have a lot to learn... should be a fun process. Tonight four of us from work went out for dinner and to the bar next door (Blvd) which offers Latin American salsa dance lessons on Thursday nights. The girls are pictured above (Alex, Cassie, and Dena).

I almost made it to a Missy Higgins concert tonight! I had no idea she was performing, but another girl at work was going to the concert. I heard Missy Higgins sing at ACL Festival a couple years ago and fell in love with her album. She's a phenomenal singer/songwriter from Australia with really great lyrics. Turns out she's from Melbourne, and lives in or near St Kilda (where I live)! She was performing tonight at the Palais Theatre (which I'm told is a great venue that I can see from my balcony). What are the odds that I would find out about the concert, that I would love so much to see her, and that it would be so close to my apt? There were a couple tickets available this morning but I foolishly belabored my decision to go to a concert by myself, and by the time I went to purchase a ticket, they were sold out. I'm sure she will be playing again, so I will certainly jump on tickets 'straight away' next time.

We went to a sushi place across the river for lunch today. They had a variety of rolls (4-5" long wrapped in seaweed) for $2.20 each, and that's Australian. So I spent $4.40 on my awesome lunch. SO CHEAP!! We'd pay so much more for that in the U.S. I love to point out the cheaper things because most things are far more expensive.

I had to throw in this landscape picture too. It's for the project I'm working on at the office (evaluating upgrades to discharge outlets for Melbourne's water into the bay). My boss joked that we need to include a sunscreen and ice cream provision in the budget for site visits. Looks pretty rough, huh?!

Thanks to you faithful commenters! It's a treat for me to get responses to this thing. Hint, hint for the rest of you.

St Kilda Housewarming

It's 3 AM. I'm too committed, typing in this blog... we had a dinner party tonight, a housewarming of sorts. Our guests included four travelers from England and two locals in addition to my flatmate Phill and me. In the top photo from front to back we have Emma, Cassie, Phill, Jared (left) and Adam, Claire, Georgia (right). For a while we also hosted the cat sitter from the downstairs apartment (Kelly) as we needed to borrow her can opener. The back lit deck in the background of the photo is one of my favorite features of the apartment! We had the most gourmet five course meal. We started with fancy cheese and crackers, then soup, then salad, then veggie lasagna, followed by caramel walnut brownies a la mode, all accompanied by LOTS of wine. Phill's friend Cassie was the primary chef extraordinaire. Phill, Cassie, and I are in the second long-arm photo. Cassie and I are really starting to bond. There was lots of story-telling, tons of laughing, and endless dancing!! A great night, and it will be a short one, as I need to wake up in less than four hours. Better get sleeping!!

Funny Money

Here's a picture of some Australian money with various sizes and colors for the bills that are more plastic than paper-like. A$5 is the smallest bill and the gold coin at the top is worth A$2, followed by 50, 20, 10, and 5 cent pieces. They no longer have 1 or 2 cent pieces. All charges are rounded to the nearest 5 cents. It still feels like play money to me. Danger, danger!

Having been in Chicago, I'd say Melbourne could easily compete for the "windy city" designation. Yikes!! The wind was outrageous today and actually caused a portion of a city roof to fall onto a cab and stop tram traffic for a while, as well as 600 calls reporting trees falling through roofs. Today the wind was warm, meaning it came from the outback; cold wind comes from Antarctica. It was a little rainy/drizzly today - first day I've seen that wasn't sunny and beautiful.

I actually got some work today - nothing too exciting but something to start. We had a nice sit-down lunch today followed by a group meeting in the main conference room with two full walls of windows overlooking the river and city. Tonight, Phill's friend Cassie came over and another friend of his is travelling through, so we have a full house! Just the way I like it. We're drinking champagne, eating fancy cake from Cassie's restaurant, and watching a Melbournian movie, The Castle (an 80's spoof).

First Day on the Job

It took me about 40 minutes door to door this morning to get from my apartment in St Kilda to the office 3.5 km away. The office (top picture) is located along the Yarra River in the city, so I had a nice 10 minute walk along the river from the tram to the office. There are tons of birds here, and I was certain I would arrive for my first day splatted with white gunk but somehow managed to avoid that tragedy. The office location is rather remarkable, with river and city skyline views (second picture) out many of the conference and break room windows.

David and I were the "new starters" today. David is from Melbourne and works on a different floor, which should be great for meeting more people. Lots of orientation, an induction CD, and loads of paperwork. However, the people in my workgroup (WISER) seem very social and friendly. They all have nicknames... Dills, Broken Morris, Tuffy, Robo, Texas, etc. I'm told this is very common in Melbourne, and many of the names are based on variations of the surname. Two of the guys just returned from a four week "holiday" in the the U.S., so they recounted their tour across MANY states, coast to coast. They had rave reviews of Austin. Of course! A group of people headed to a nearby food court for lunch. This place is pretty swank for a food court - real dishes and about 10 or so different choices including Indian and Turkish food. Birds, birds everywhere! Even inside the food court building, dozens of birds swooped around while we were eating.

Six of us knocked off a little early to go to the bar next door (Blvd). We had a few "shouts" (rounds) of excellent beer ("pots" of Carlton Draught - glass sizes range from pots to pints to schooners), and shared some good laughs. Cheers!

Happy Memorial Day to y'all in the U.S.!

Queen V Market

I met Casey at the Queen Victoria Market on the north side of the city mid-day. It's a huge farmer's market/flea market with fresh produce, meat, and cheese as well as arts and crafts and other souvenir houpla. It's open every day but the biggest day is Saturday. It reminded me of some kind of mix of the French Market in New Orleans and the huge biweekly flea market in Honolulu. I had some kind of stuffed turkish bread for lunch overloaded with onions - no idea what exactly I ordered.

I was on a mission to buy bedding and towels and ever-patient Casey accompanied me to be the heavy lifter. We walked through the mall where I found my West Elm equivalent (Adairs), then onto Target (not affiliated with Target in the U.S. and a MAJOR disspointment - disgusting!), then Big W (like Walmart in many respects though not quite as great and my opinion of Walmart is nominal at best to start). I finally settled on buying a few things at Myer, a HUGE department store spanning multiple city blocks (so large in fact that there's a Melbournian saying that someone has "as much front as Myer"). I may have to buy my sheets in St Kilda from a cute little shop, "Holy Sheet".

Thankfully, Casey helped me haul my loot back to the apt, where I made dinner. Later, Anneli left for her 3 month trip to Broome and my new flatmate Phill arrived with his friend Cassie. We drank bubbly and white wine on the back-lit deck to break the place in, and already discussed plans for our first dinner party and housewarming. Phill left home (England) in January and traipsed throughout Asia before coming to Melbourne and is next headed on an adventure to Darwin (northern Australia) before making it to Sydney for Mardi Gras. It was a perfectly lovely day.

I start work tomorrow morning.

Little Italy

I woke up again this morning at 4 AM, same time I woke up yesterday. I forced myself to sleep until 8 AM just to try be on a normal schedule. So unlike me to wake up so early!

I spent the day with Casey, my one friend here. He came to pick me up at my apartment and showed me how to take the tram to get to work. Amazingly, we did not take the longest possible route, as I did yesterday. Then we walked across the Yarra River and through the CBD and stopped for lunch at a greek restaurant. Dining out in Australia is different in a few ways: (1) unless there's a wait, there's no pressure to leave your table quickly because the servers aren't working for tips, (2) there's no consistency regarding the bill - it is sometimes brought to the table and other times you must stop at the cash register by the door (the latter has been more common in my experience so far), (3) the servers bring one wine bottle filled with tap water (no ice!) and rarely return to the table; however, they are extremely pleasant especially considering the fact that they aren't working for tips. Casey continued to correct my pronunciation of nearly every Australian word or street name I uttered, in addition to replacing or defining some new vocabulary (sweater/sweatshirt = jumper, round of drinks = a shout, rooting (as in for a sports team) = sleeping with someone, etc.). Important things to know.

We continued walking up to Carlton, a neighborhood just north of the CBD. Lygon Street is the main street of this neighborhood, which has the Italian concentration in Melbourne. I referred to it as Little Italy despite the fact that it is not actually called Little Italy. Semantics. It felt like the Riverwalk in that every restaurant has a host trying to hustle up business, offering free rounds of drinks, reduced prices, and "excellent" food. Most places offer outdoor seating with heat lamps. It's still lovely during the day but cools off substantially at night. Winter starts next week. There were also lots of gelato and specialty chocolate shops. Enjoyed a pasta dinner, though my penne carbonerra had interesting looking bacon in it. Supposedly it always looks a little different here - not crispy like in the U.S. - more RAW looking. Should you decide to visit, I advise against ordering bacon.

Thanks largely to Casey's help, I managed to board the correct tram and had a hassle-free trip home.

Starting from Scratch

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.

At Home in Melbourne

I made it!!! I love it. Everything about the trip and my first day here have been magically wonderful. I met friendly people on the flights, had on entire bench (3 seats) to myself on my 15 hour Qantas flight from L.A. to Melbourne, and slept most of the way (thanks April for your stellar suggestions for sleeping meds and a neck pillow). I finally realized that I was really headed to Australia when I boarded our double decker plane and was surrounded by Australian accents. In addition to a survival kit including an eye mask for sleeping, there was on-demand TV/movies/games in the back of each seat with a removable remote control in the arm of each seat. Flying in style!

I was greeted by my new boss Andrew at the airport. He proceeded to give me a whirlwind driving tour of the city, the office, and my new neighborhood, St Kilda. After dropping my bags at my apartment (truly spectacular - I am even more delighted than I expected), Andrew and I walked to a cafe on Fitzroy St for coffee (major street a couple blocks from my apt). He proceeded to give me a deluxe bag full of "welcome to Melbourne" materials including the lonely planet guide to Melbourne (good thing we didn't buy that one Jill). He seems so friendly, helpful and laid back. Everyone does. People in Texas are very nice, but there's something different about the people here - overly kind, helpful, as though each and every person you meet, purchase something from, or talk to is your own very best friend. I'm told this is a Melbournian trait. We walked down to the beach which is only a few blocks further, then back to the apartment. Twice today I was introduced as "this is Jen and it's her first day in Melbourne" to servers, and both times I was treated as a long lost friend.

I unpacked into my new room. Even with everything I need for two years packed into two suitcases, a duffel bag, and a backpack (plus laptop), I still realized that I brought more than I needed. Then came the much awaited and immensely enjoyed shower. Aah!

This afternoon, I explored the other major streets that are nearby - Barkly and Acland Streets. It was walking along Acland and sitting outside at a cafe enjoying a sandwich for lunch that I realized how very much at home I felt. The neighborhood is fantastic - very urban, diverse, lots of unique eccentric shops, close to the beach and a huge park. I purchased a couple things... a hair dryer and a plug converter. I'm in a little bit of sticker shock. I feel like things are very expensive here. I don't really know if I'm being taken or if that's just how much things cost. My travel book says Melbourne prices are 80% of NY prices. A bottled water or bottle of soda cost A$3 each. Hair products (shampoo/conditioner) are triple the price in Texas. Tax is already included in prices, and the U.S. dollar is a little stronger than the Australian dollar (AUD or A$). However, there's one thing that's definitely cheaper.

Wine! I went to a tapas bar called Fringe tonight with Anneli (the owner of the apartment who is going to Broome for the next 3 months) and my new flatmate Phillip (from England, working for the next year throughout Australia). Wine was A$3.50 a glass. What a bargain. Both were wonderful, they've had so many experiences in so many different places, and are so cultured! This is going to be so much fun.

Well, it's 10:30 pm, I've survived jet lag from my first day (no naps!), and I'm looking forward to a full day ahead.

Leavin' on a Jet Plane...

I purchased my plane ticket, so I have a departure date. I'm leaving Tuesday, May22. However, because I'm an idiot, I bought the ticket last night at 3:30 AM when I was half asleep. Too much adrenaline pumping through my blood! I am flying out of Austin instead of San Antonio where I am currently staying with my parents, a minor oops which will add a couple hours to this already long trip. My first flight departs at 6:30 PM Tuesday out of Austin and I'll arrive in Melbourne at 7:55 AM Thursday. Baffling that I will have no Wednesday, May 23. I start work in the Melbourne URS office on Monday, May 28.

Got the Visa!

I just received visa approval! I still need to make flight arrangements with the Melbourne URS office so no official departure date just yet.

Jack also received his import permit so we're both legal now. I still need to make quarantine reservations for him as well. I'd hate for him to get ahead of me in the process.

St Kilda Apartment

I have an address in Australia and still no visa. Am I doing this backwards? I will be staying in an apartment in St Kilda for my first three months in Melbourne (green arrow on google map). It's a temporary arrangement that will give me plenty of time to find a more permanent place in an area I like. Casey transferred from URS-Austin to URS-Melbourne last October and he's done some reconnaissance work for me, so I feel confident in my arrangement sight unseen.

St Kilda is a neighborhood a few miles south of downtown Melbourne, walking distance to the beach, Albert Park Lake, Fitzroy, Acland and Barkly Street shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, live music, cinema, galleries and book shops. It's a 15 minute tram ride from the office, which is located on Southbank on the south side of Yarra River. It seems most of downtown Melbourne is on the north side of the river.

The apartment is a newly renovated 2 bedroom/1 bathroom place which I will be sharing with another girl I have yet to meet. Its unique features include built-in-robes (closets) and a washing machine (no dryer). Hey, after life in a hotel for the past 1.5 years, I will not take these for granted! The place actually seems really great and also has a jacuzzi tub, heated towel rack, back-lit deck, etc. Should be a fun place to settle into.

My mailing address is: 4/80 Grey Street, St Kilda VIC 3182

Jack vs. Dingo

Compare these three pictures of dingos to Jack below. See the resemblance?

Still Waiting

Still no VISA and no official departure date. I'm thinking I should receive it any day now. Jack's anxious for dingo playtime.

The past month has been a wonderful whirlwind adventure in itself, visiting many friends in Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Austin. I'm so thankful for all of you and hope you'll follow through on your plans to visit me!