Melbourne Tidbits

Where do I begin?

I've been in Melbourne for four days and it basically rocks. There's probably a more eloquent way to put that, but it rocks, it really does. I'm having a blast in so many ways. Right now it is mainly international students on campus because the Australian students are on winter holiday, but I've made many new friends from all over the world and I have a feeling it is only going to get better.

Australia is similar to the United States in many ways, but I've really noticed a few specific differences over the last few days. For instance, there are birds everywhere (they're very vocal and very colorful and have funny feathers sticking out of their heads and backs and wherever), but Australia has no squirrels. They only have possums, which are really cute actually. Also, the ducks look different and have spotted bellies. Trees are totally different from in Seattle, and there's not an evergreen in sight. It's winter but it's pretty warm for winter and the sun comes out all the time. Also, things are really really expensive. Grocery shopping is a bit painful. that being said, many things taste a lot better as corn syrup isn't used here and real sugar makes everything awesome.

I take the tram just about any time I want to go off campus. It's 3.80$ for a two-hour pass and 7.00$ for a full day pass, but prices will be cut down a bit once I get my student card and can start getting tram fare for concession price. I take the tram to the grocery store, either Coles or Safeway. I don't think that Safeway is owned by the same company as American Safeway but I'm not completely sure. I also take the tram into the city. The city is magnificent and the tram takes awhile but is actually pretty convenient. Shopping is amazing because Melbourne has excellent fashions, though expensive. I can dream, right?

Australians are lighthearted and fun people. No one is rude, which makes interactions considerably more enjoyable. I love this school and my dorm so far :).