The Beginning

Alright, So here goes this first post. I'm definitely not promising interesting. But I've been requested by Maria to at least post.

So. I am currently sitting in a hostel in Cairns. (Check the map. its at the top of Australia) We got in about an hour and a half ago after having spent a good 22 hours on planes.

I started out in New York and flew 6 hours to Los Angeles. Made some friends with a couple girls on the flight who were doing an exchange to Australia as well, but through a different program. There was lots of chocolate and talking involved so that flight went fast. We're going to try and meet up at some point during our trips.

The next flight had a good 4 hour layover, so my friend Kate picked me up from the airport and we went to her place which was 15 minutes away, and from there we walked to this restaurant that turned out to have quite possibly the best turkey burger I have ever had in my life. (sorry maria- this one crushed the casino's turkey burger) We got a chance to catch up before she dropped me off. I then headed back to the airport to find a massive group of kids all together for the australearn group flight. By the time we'd boarded the plane we'd gotten to know a good amount of people- at least where they were going and where they were from.

We then boarded the 14 hour flight. Which, surprisingly, went pretty fast. The first 3 hours we we had tons of food thrown at us. Not literally, none of you are funny. By the end of the third hour they shut off the lights and everyone attempted to sleep for the next 8 hours until the last 3 hours where we were welcome by more food and everyone getting completely antsy to get off the plane.

We landed and then chaos ensued as we attempted to get half the kids from the group to the next flight which, by the time we got there, we had about 10 minutes to spare. It was a bit of a squeeze but we made it and got on the last flight for another 2 hours in the air. We were all scattered around but I ended up sitting next to a couple from New Zealand who told me I needed to go there and go bungy jumping (sorry mom), go on some sort of crazy free drop swing, go on a zipline and go gliding over the mountains. Well. we'll see how that goes.

The entire flight we had the perfect view of the reefs and the land and the water. It was gorgeous. There will be pictures to come. We landed in the muggy heat, were hearded to a bus and then to this hostel. As much fun as this week is going to be, I can't wait to get to Adelaide where my own room with a nice shower and air conditioning await. I think I'm already starting to burn. Should be an interesting week. Hopefully I'll get a chance to get on soon.

Well. Thats about it for now as that all brings me to right here- with my computer, hiding in the air conditioning. In about half an hour were all getting together for an 'Australian Snag Roast'- Sausages on the grill. Cause its not hot enough. Then were heading out for an information session and dinner. I will be sleeping when I get back. And then tomorrow is the Great Barrier Reef...