And so it begins...

14 HOUR FLIGHT? DAS NUTHIN!

The day I was leaving. January 6th. Has got to be one of the most stressful days of my life. My mind was thinking about 20 different things at once, replaying my responsibilities once in Australia, replaying my travel agenda, replaying the surreal last days in the States. I was certainly in denial until I had to hug my mom goodbye. And I was sure it was all real once I was in line for security checking and my mom was taking pictures of me. Thanks Mom.
Walking through security was a fun game. And I was hoping I’d set off the metal detectors, but it never happened. I’m sure the security guy didn’t understand my disappointment after going through the detector and not hearing a negative response.
My flight was delayed at LAX for over an hour because the pilot took too sharp of a turn and popped a tire. But it gave me time to get to know the guy sitting next seat over. He name was Peter and he was originally from Belgium. I told him I liked their beer. He was on his way to get his Masters in Neuroscience, but he couldn’t solve my rubix cube. HA. I’m smarter.
I didn’t talk with Peter too much. I fell asleep early on the flight, woke up slightly only once or twice and finally completely woke up when there was only two hours left in the flight. I REALLY CAN SLEEP ANYWHERE! Sitting up, laying down. I’m easy.
Cairns, Queensland (pronounced CANS) was where I spent Orientation. The trips to the rainforest and Great Barrier Reef were exciting. I hung out with Kangaroo. I cuddled with a Koala. I snorkeled amongst jellyfish! I was face to face with one the size of my fist. Granted I have a small fist, but still. It was an experience. I even followed around a shark looking fish until I was too far from the boat.
Unfortunately I did miss out on scuba-diving. It wasn’t until after the lesson and I was strapped in and ready to go did I realize that it was a bad idea to have heavy weight on my clavicle. I didn’t want to risk it. So I got out at the last minute. So close!
You won’t any pictures of the day at sea because I didn’t want to risk my camera getting wet on the first days. But don’t you worry. I have the greatest memory and I can recall the setting if you’d like me to...

That pretty much sums up the PG version of my first days in Australia. I’ll be sure to keep these posting short and sweet. I think I’ll just post randomly. I don’t want to cover everything. That would be impossible, right? I’ll just tell shorts, exceptionally stories. If there are any questions, please ask!

Soon I'll be going to TRIVIA NIGHT. Don't wish me luck. I'll do just fine. I've been training my whole life for opportunities like this!