first blog from australia

well, i'm here. it brought home the fact how far i really had to travel to get here. the trip was overwhelming. not that anything went wrong, but my energy is depleted and my mind played tricks on me. imagine being in limbo, almost stagnant for almost 36 hours. granted, most of that duration i was on a plane moving closer to the south pacific. but i was just killing time for the most part in my mind. after i'd doze and then come to, my mind would autmatically start planning out my next day, my next week. it was strange to me that i couldnt train my mind so easily. i had to smile to myself everytime it happened. and now that i'm here, sitting by myself, the answers dont come so easily as to why i came. of course, there will be, (and already has been) moments of clarity and confirmation why.

i found out more details. for the next 2 weeks m-f, simon works from 9-5 teaching english as a second language "kids" in their twenties who are here on a study visa. they come from all over the world, and simon and i have already discussed the possibility of me going into class one day. american idioms seemed like a good topic.i've already had to ask a few times what simon means. the few people i've met already get a kick out of my accent. its not melbourne, but melbun. and although i've heard it before, the expression fortnight had me confused. "in/for two weeks" in case you use it. actually, its a good idea you keep reading these language updates because i'm sure when i come back i will have picked up some of the lingo. anywho- some nights, such as last night, simon is working a second job where he oversees a 17 year old male who needs round the clock chaperoning. it reminds me of the stint i did, right out of college. we have these type of homes where there needs to be supervision around the clock. after many teary eyed nights, i was glad i decided to quit before one of the kids ended up breaking a coworkers nose when he threw a brick out a window. ever wonder what jobs you've had that you've loathed? thats a good one to avoid. i was kicked, spit at, bitten, and i'd count the hours in terror when i wasnt at work worrying about the next shift. i digress! some nights simon will not even spend at home. and anyways this friday i will help move to another location. this place is cute enough, but its being demolished as soon as they move out, so the gardens have been grown over. i'll send photos of my the new place.

simon's got this whole week after work planned out for us, and then in 2 weeks he will start his month-long vacation and we will have one heck of a road trip. if possible, during that time i'll request we hit internet cafes long enough to post entries. that part sounds exciting, but the downtime here while he's at work makes me slightly uncomfortable. but, i know its part of my experience to get out there and explore perth. its only a four minute walk to the train where i can spend 9 minutes to get to perth city central, but most likely carry on and get to the outskirts. simon's already pointed out which stops have a beach at them.

last night was wonderfully not perfect. turns out he had to work, but was able to bring steve along. he took me in his tiny car for a tour of the city, to kings park which has magnificent gum trees that smell like lemon zest. the park overlooks the city and its so wonderful to see people out and about enjoying the summer. the lush green grass and blooming flowers sparked my soul. even for the self-doubt, i'm glad i'm here. we moved onto his alma mater, the university of western australia for an outdoor film event. there were hundreds of people picnicing on the grassy areas. these people know how to picnic! leftovers and wine/beer. the atmosphere was one of pure enjoyment. and i suppose we do this during summer as well, but not living in the city i dont get to witness it on such a large scale. and i'm so busy during the summer, seeing people sitting on a blanket in a circle of friends seemed like such a treat. sheesh, i work next to a beautiful park, and summer nights in maine are very enjoyable. problem is, everyone wants to jet as far away from work as possible when we're done. how about slowing down a little this summer, and join me for a picnic in the park? sounds lovely.

i guess i shouldnt write too much of a novel and sway you from not joining in on the next blog.

stay tuned for more.