Welcome to OZ!

What a crazy couple of days it has been...got back from Austria, then rushed off to Umhlanga for a few days with my family. Then back for 1 night and off to Australia.

The goodbyes to family and friends were by far the hardest thing in this whole process. So hard to say goodbye to someone you love without knowing when exactly you will see each other again. Been a long time since I shed so many tears.

The flights were a tad turbulent. Kids were good as usual...but we hit some really bumpy spots which left me praying fervently and gripping the armrest with my nails. A misty windy landing in Sydney, a crazy dash through customs with our 8 giant bags and 7 small hand luggage bags and 2 whiney children...our flight was already delayed and then we still needed to catch a connecting flight. Was a bit rushed but we made it.

Upon arriving in Melbourne, we caught a taxi to our hotel. Then we had to look for dinner and went for a walk into what seemed like the Asian quarter...lots of lovely Chinese and Vietnamese restuarants etc. Lovely vibe and good (expensive) food. That night we slept...fitfully...woke up at 2 am wide awake. The only one who slept through was Dan.

The next day was a blur...caught a taxi to our apartment, got the keys, tried to unpack. Went out shopping for appliances and a bed...the kids were a nightmare!! Cannot blame them when they were not only jet lagged but bored and in need of a good run around to get rid of energy. They focused that energy on competing between them for the worst behaved child in the store. Was honestly embarrassed...they have never been so crazy. Finally made it back to our new home. Last night we finished unpacking and got some better sleep thank goodness.

Today we received all our appliances and our queen bed...that was a story in itself. The base of the bed was too big to fit in the narrow stairwell...delivery guys ended up leaving it downstairs while we figured out what to do. Finally, C and I bought some rope and between the 2 of us we hauled the base up onto the outside balcony. We are on the 3rd floor! But we got that base up here...and now we have a wonderful bed instead of an air mattress! Yay for better sleep!

We also popped by to Amy's school. She will be starting on Monday. Looks like a lovely place! We will be going uniform shopping on Saturday! My little girl is growing up :(

Finally at 6pm after a quick dinner of 2 min noodles, we took the kiddies to a little park near us. Played there for a while and then took a walk around a block or two. Kids loved it and it was good to have some relaxing time.

So far we are loving it here. Quite something to find the shops we need etc. But having a good time exploring. We have not yet met 1 person who has not been friendly and helpful. I find Aussies to be really wonderful welcoming people...really appreciate that.

Tomorrow we look for a Kindy for Dan and try find a car to buy to replace our rental. Another crazy day ahead.

Love Australia :)