First taste of Australia!

Had a delightful package arrive today from my Aunty and Uncle in Newcastle. A Geordie Dictionary (which will undoubtedly help in my understanding of the emails heading my way) and also my first Australian Dollars!

It's a nice gesture and I am now in possession of $35! I stood back in shock of the money to find that it actually looks like monopoly money. I mean, GBP has a hint of colour to it. You know, a splash of aqua blue/green around the edges -maybe even a hint of red...

Not this cash! This is balls-out-bursting with colour. I have even included a photograph for your viewing pleasure.

In other migration news... I am petrified about the journey that lies ahead. After a week of relaxation (and extreme partying) in Newcastle it has suddenly hit home about how real this is. I am starting to stress out about not being able to get a job but I suppose I'll just go with the flow. Everything has gone right so far and I've been in worse situations.

Actually, that is a lie. I've never been 4000 miles from home jobless and with no earthly possessions bar a guitar and my laptop.

A place to call home!

After worrying of having a place to live when I first arrive in Melbourne I have decided on using a Hostel. Geared around backpackers really but it's cheap and an ideal way for me to meet new people. I'm more of a "Suitcaser/Laptoper" than a Backpacker but I'm sure I'll be fine.

So - where to choose!? I had been eyeballing quite a number of different ones throughout the City and other districts but a lot looked manically busy and it's not really what you want when working. In amongst these I have found a little gem (I hope) called the Lords Lodge!

I'd read some reviews and everything seems in order:

• Free lockers in each room
• Fridge in each room
• Clean linen every day
• FREE WI-FI

As a self-confessed Internet junkie this is the icing on the cake.

I will be staying in a South-East district called Prahran. This is pronounced "preran" as I had found out from the lovely lady at the Hostel after I called it "Praa-hraaan" and got laughed it. Gay capital apparently so at least it'll be friendly!

This will be my impermenant start to my new life in Melbourne.

I love it when a plan comes together...

It's been a busy week but everything has finally fallen into place. Can't say that the highlight of the week has been dealing with people on the phone though... I must have spent 4 hours on the phone on Monday this week going back and forth between the bank and the airline and dealing with incompetent morons.

At one point I was actually in posession of THREE tickets to Melbourne before they finally sorted their act out.

However - focusing on the good! My Visa has been accepted and I now have 12 Months in Melbourne as a start base to try and increase my stay. I am also now in posession of my "e-ticket" to get me to the other side of the world. I still feel somewhat dubious about the "e-ticket" seeing as it is just assigned to my passport. Call me old fashioned but I would much prefer a ticket, at least a reference number? All I have is an invoice!

So anyway, there's me with the visa acceptance (and NO tangible flight ticket).