For Elite
So, the flight is long. Really
long. You try to sleep on the plane, chat with strangers, eat whatever you can
find in the airport, and pretend to read your huge book. Then you get to that
dream-like space where you’re so tired you’re just wandering around the airport
until your next flight, purely running on fuel.
In this unreal state, I kept
imagining myself landing in Melbourne, groggily enduring the cab ride to the
hotel and with the last of my strength, crawling into bed never to wake again.
When I got off the plane and
through the huge customs line, I grabbed my bags and rolled out into the
arrivals area. I thought I would be grumpy, exhausted, just ready to get out of
there. But much to my surprise, I was just happy. Beaming, in fact. The energy
in the air was so fresh and warm, people were hugging and pushing babies and
drinking expensive airport coffee.
The driver who was arranged to
pick me up was about an hour late, but I was ok! I was just so happy to be
here. All my anxieties and tears about moving again seemed to suddenly
disappear. I just had this reassuring feeling that everything was going to be
great here.
Of course, because I needed to
beat the jetlag (19 hours from Vancouver, Canada!) I forced myself to stay away
from the incredibly tempting hotel bed.
I stayed in CBD (Central
Business District) for my first week in Melbourne and just explored on foot
every day. My first day, jetlagged and dreamy, I explored for hours.
Discovering the most amazing street art and graffiti, hidden shops and café’s,
friendly people and live music on the streets.
Melbourne is alive. There is
always something going on, no matter what you’re looking for. Incredible food,
coffee, music, art, kids events and more. I have found the people here to be so
kind and welcoming, inviting me to sit with their friends, strangers making me
feel comfortable in my new home.
I knew from my first day here
that I wanted to stay. At least for a little while, or maybe a bit of a longer
while... I guess we’ll see!
Welcome home,
Rahel
