Well, I made it!
The plane ride was uneventful. It was REALLY LONG though. I don’t think I could have handled much more – but at least I didn’t sit next to the stereotypical smelly guy or crying kids! On the trip from London to Singapore (I apparently had a layover in Singapore that no one told me about. It didn’t mention it on my ticket) I sat next to Paco and Rory. They were very nice and it was good that I had someone to talk to to make the first 11 hours go by a bit quicker. Paco was from South Carolina and he was getting off at Singapore for a work conference. Rory was from South Africa, and was actually doing virtually the same thing as I was – he quit the job in London he had been working at for four years and was going to Australia for a few months before going back to South Africa.
When we got to Singapore, I couldn’t believe how beautiful the place was. I don’t know why, but I always thought Singapore was a kind of desert-like country. In reality, it was a tropical paradise! Palm trees, clean blue water… of course, I was only seeing it from the airport and from the air. After our layover when we started taking off, there was a huge rainbow in the sky which I saw from above. I wish I could have taken a picture but my camera was stowed away safely in the overhead bin. Normally I would shove my carry on under the seat, but MAN can I talk about how cramped that airplane was? The plane to London was pretty standard, but the plane to Singapore and Sydney? Awful. AND I had a MIDDLE seat.
Anyway, when I finally got here, it took a while for me to go through customs and all that jazz, but I found my way to the area they wanted us to meet in relatively one piece. There were two girls from Denmark who were doing the same thing as me, but they came together so they pretty much stuck together. And wow, I thought *I* had packed light! They came with just a backpack and a purse each. And here I was with my rolling duffel bag and purse. But hey, less laundry for me, right?
I got to the YHA (Youth Hostel Association) at around 10, checked in, and pretty much went right to bed. I’m sharing a room right now with four other girls but I didn’t really have a chance to talk to them because they were either asleep when I came in or they didn’t come in until after I had gone to sleep.
Now I’m on the internet machine that the hostel provides for a price (1.50 AUD for 30 minutes) and I’m waiting for 9:00 to roll around before I go to the orientation meeting.
Oh, and I haven’t seen any kangaroos yet. YET.
i can’t believe your there!!! i’m glad you made it ok! that’s cool that you’ve already met some nice ppl. i hope you can update often…well as often as possible.
lisa
Hey my Bear!
I am so glad that you are there and made it in one piece! I was so worried – but you know me! I miss you already and am very jealous! Take care of yourself. Lots of love, always!
Mom
I MISS YOU!!!!
Work isnt the same w/o you karen :-( Sounds like you are already having adventures! Cant wait for more updates. At least that will pass my day since you arent on aim! HAVE A GREAT TIME!!! And find me a hot aussie! (male, taller then me, good build, good teeth, dark hair, smart, funny, but i am not picky)
Karen,
This is totally awesome. Like I said I am jealous I did not do what you are doing 20 years ago. Bridget, Eric and I wish you all the best and have a great time.
Dave
Sent you an email.. can you check your emails??? I bought tickets for may 17th at 8pm!!! :D