Settling In

I’ve been here for a while now and is actually using my dad’s work laptop. We’ll get the computer hooked up later this week.

By the time we got to L.A., I was absolutely exhausted. "COFFEE… COFFEE… COFFEE…" My mind was chanting cappucino over and over again. When I got one, I was like "Alright! Let’s go to Australia! WOOT!" We boarded the plane and the entertainment blew me away. Every passenger had their own personal touch screen. They featured games, music, movies, T.V. shows, flight info, and just about everything else you can think off. I watched ‘I Love You, Man’, played Sudoku, and listened to music the whole way. The service was nice too. The only thing that bugged me was how I tossed and turned all night.

Our house is a nice little town house in Brighton. I have a gorgeous, black wood piano. Dad made sure James and I had a ping-pong table as a treat. I’ve just started personalizing my room to say ‘Marissa’ instead of ‘I’m being held here against my will’. Our shipment got in yesterday, including my music, photos, and notes from loved ones.

The day after we arrived, Mom, James, and I walked down to the beach. The beach was beauiful, but it wasn’t this that took my breath away…. It was the journey. The houses lining the strees were from all different times in all different styles. One street had stores all down it. I’m very happy to say that I live within walkng distance of a post office.

On Saturday, Dad dragged us all over Melbourne. He took us to a magnificent place called The Crown. The main hall looked like a palace! Sparkling purple-ish-blue crystals hung from the ceiling, water features on the walls. It dazzled me. We ate in one of the many food courts. For dessert, James and I had gelato. YUMMY!!! I had peppermint and James had cookies and cream. We then rode on the Melbourne city trolley to the Queen Victoria Market. This place was HUGE! Hundreds of stands went on for streets selling everything from dragon pendants to chess sets to opal jewelry. I was itching for some Aussie money…

We went to our new Church on Sunday and met maybe 1/3 of the Youth Group. I’ve met Judith, Chris, and Nick.

Judith is from Singapore, having moved to Melbourne in February. She loves to sings and hates sports.

Chris is about my age and a full-out Aussie. His little sister, Hannah was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Nick is Japanese. He’s about a year older and plays guitar.

I’m really liking Australia, yet I really miss Texas.

~Marissa