We made it 🇦🇺
What a long, long, long year it has been. From the heartbreaking news of not being able to defer studies back in 2020 to fighting with the school to be treated fairly, the journey has been rough and bumpy to say the least. After all that has happened in these Covid years we have been blessed by the Lord. With every setback there was still light at the end of the tunnel even when it seemed like there was no hope, we had miracles come to remind us that we are being watched over by a caring Father in Heaven. Notably when we were about to face another deferment we prayed and decided to continue on in our plan. We were not 100% confident but we went forward. The deadline approached and then a miracle came on our 1st year wedding anniversary. The Australian government gave the approval to let students in. This did not come without its own trial, because not three days later there was a new Covid variant (Omicron) that threatened the whole opening plan. A two week pause on the return date for students was implemented but still we moved forward trusting in our preparation and inspiration from prayer. After this waiting period this variant was thought to be not as virulent and so the government proceeded with the plan. We boarded a plane for a nice but stressful Christmas visit to Susans parents (stressful because of flight changes and uncertainty, not from being with them.. haha) and then in what felt like no time we were being dropped off at the airport where we could finally breathe for a moment, after clearing security, before the stress of the next phase began (starting fresh in a new county).
Here are some of the good things:
Travis got to experience a rare snowy Coquitlam Christmas. Travis tried parsnips for the first time during Christmas dinner and thought they were pretty good. He also was happy to have Yorkshire puddings that reminded him of home.
- We met a "Chatty Cathy" in the airport who was headed to Melbourne. He just started gabbing away at us while we waited to get checked in. We saw him later pretty interested in chatting up the girls he was sitting next to on the plane.
- Our preflight PCR tests came back negative (another student tested positive setting them back two weeks😬).
- The Uber driver didn't want to take us and our 4 large duffel bags on a Uber X but we convinced him there was enough space so we didn't have to order an Uber XL and pay more money. We were so close to getting to ride in a Tesla Uber but missed out. While waiting in line for our Uber an Uber Tesla pulled up and we thought it was for us but it drove to another customer.
- We were able to walk to the testing site (at Melbourne Town Hall) and got a test before they closed for the day. It was very hot standing in line outside.
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| A little reminder of home right on campus 🇨🇦 |
Someone Susan grew up with in her ward connected us with relatives (Wayne&Megan) who live about an hour by transit from the city centre in a beachside suburb called Aspendale. They invited us to stay with them until we find our own place. They live a 3 minute walk from the beach and are really great people. Wayne is a cool hipster guy donning a long beard and Raybans who loves restoring cars and motorcycles. Meg is a sassy but sweet nurse who loves to drive her mustang and walk her DINGOS. Yes, they have two of them, but don't worry they are really tame. They mostly sleep all day and then figure out ways to escape for an adventure. The morning after we got there, they escaped through a small crack in the fence and went swimming in a swamp. Then a concerned citizen woke us all up in the morning, banging on the door looking for the dogs owners. Naughty Dingos!
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| Here they are, sleeping away. |
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| The sun is murder here. So far everyday that the sun is out the rating is "very high" on the UV index and as Susan figured out, your feet can burn quickly here ☀️ |
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| "so remember kids, make sure to rub in that sunscreen" |
The not so good things:
The flight was a little rough and it made Travis nauseous. Pro-tip, sitting at the back of the plane is not that bad considering we didn't have anyone sitting next to us or behind us. Everyone had to wait at baggage anyway so getting off the plane last wasn't a big deal.
We had to collect our baggage and transfer to the domestic terminal. We had our coats on and it was hot outside where we waited for the bus. We got on and here's the next pro-tip. The airports in Sydney don't have free baggage trolleys so bring luggage that have wheels. We used large duffle bags and it is a pain to cary them around when they weigh 50lbs each.
On top of having to quarantine until we tested negative, we got here during their holidays so it was hard to get a bank account, cell phones or even get food. It is a good thing food delivery is really popular here. We see lots people riding around on electric bikes and scooters delivering food all over the city.
Some funny/interesting things
Travis met his first spider... in the lockbox for the Airbnb. Admittedly he got a little scared due to all the hype about Australian spiders. So far we have not seen any huntsmans, snakes or other dangerous animals. Only seagulls on the beach and two tame dingos our lovely hosts have. Probably the most danger we have been in is underneath the sun or attempting to cross the street (Wayne believes Melbourne drivers are the most aggressive in the world and he is well traveled). We will get used to the way things are done but it will take some time for instance, Australians bicycle brakes are opposite. The right brake lever operates the front brake. Good thing Travis tested that out before we went on a test ride at the bike shop. Haha that could have been a disaster.
3 police officers showed up to our Airbnb looking for a guy named Bill. Travis thought they were checking up on us to see if we were quarantined. After they realised there was no person by that name we learned a new Aussie phrase..."no drama, Mate".
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| The outside of the first Bank we walked into |
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| ...and the inside. Kind of Harry Potter-esc right? |
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| That is wax on the tip of the banana to signify where it was grown in Australia. Yes the bananas are much more expensive here. |
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| A cathedral that we don't know the name of but was quite nice, we will have to go inside sometime. Melbourne has lots of impressive old buildings that were built after it became the most popular place to live in the world during the 1800s gold rush. The apartments are old in these buildings and are in need of a good gutting. |
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| Old school tram ride to Costco. The trains, trams, and bus networks are really good here. So far we have rode in all types. The bus drivers are really aggressive, but that is not surprising because the drivers here are crazy! They don't speed but they accelerate really fast from stop signs and when the light turns green they are like race cars. You have to be careful when crossing at an intersection so you don't get honked at. Something they are really fond of doing here. |
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| There's probably a great view from up there! We took this picture after we visited Costco. They have different things in their food court. We got a Vietnamese sandwich. But one thing you will always find is their famous hotdogs. PS they are terrible for your health (probably why they taste so good). |
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| Why walk on the street to the grocery store when you can stroll down the beach. Travis saw his first jellyfish ever. So far we have not had time to enjoy the beach, but there will be plenty of those days to come. |
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| This is what they call a Ute (short for utility vehicle) they are all over the place. These Aussie vehicles are not made anymore and are being replaced by vans but we see them all the time. |
...we will leave you with an Australian ism.
How ya goin'? = How are you?
Till next time
