Officially in my new "home" down under!

Wow... What a trip!

So the flights were hectic, and we almost didn't make our flight from Sydney to Perth, but thankfully there were 4 students traveling together and they actually let us cut some lines in the airport so that we would make it on time. When we finally landed we got our luggage and came back to a hotel in Perth for the night. I've never appreciated a shower more...

For our first night in Perth we went downtown to a walking mall with shops and then out to an Asian food place for dinner. Food is more expensive here for sure. The restaurant was nice very open because what looked like huge windows in the front were actually just frames so it was all open to the outside. The weather is absolutely gorgeous! It is about 95 during the day and there is a slight breeze with clear blue skies and not a cloud in sight! In the evenings it is a little cooler, but with the sunburns I know we will be getting I know that it will feel great! So we went to dinner then out to a place called the Brass Monkey to meet up with the students from SMU that are doing the same program that we are. By that time I was pretty much exhausted and a few of us found our way back to the hotel. Then we woke up today and walked around Perth and got to see the huge "Bell Tower" I believe is the name, that apparently most Australians think is a waste of money and space that was meant to be a tourist attraction. We went down to the waterfront and saw some more shops and passed some parks as well as took the classic tourist pictures with the statues of kangaroos around the city. We decided we might as well go ahead and get that picture out of the way on our first day so we didn't look so tacky later on in the trip haha!

Finally now we have moved into our rooms and seen some of the campus. It's honestly not a very pretty campus, but it is huge! With over 600 and some buildings, I am most definitely going to get lost trying to find my way around. I live in what's called Vickery House, and it looks like a bomb shelter. Cinder block walls, not too many windows, and gross showers and bathrooms. There is a kitchen and living room though and 8 of us living here in the suite style room which is co-ed. Oh, and I forgot to mention that there are bars on the windows too... not cute haha, but I know that I won't be in my room a ton (at least I hope not) so I'm not that worried. Ross from Elon is also in my sweet so I'm not worried and at least I'll know one person to start out with.

For the next 2 weeks we have orientations and are going to travel around and hopefully go to the beach some if I can make my way on the busses and trains. Public transportation here is absolutely amazing and we have found that out already. It'll be a fun change this semester living in a city with plenty of things to do, beautiful weather, and beaches near by. I know getting work done is going to be challenging, but I don't know how I'm not going to enjoy everything here it is too amazing!

More updates after orientation and for everyone reading this I miss everyone and not that I want to be back there... but honestly I want you all to come here and live with me because it won't be the same without you all to hang out with!!!