I'm sorry I haven't been able to upload pictures yet. My laptop is giving me a hard time, but I'll do my best to fix it soon, as I know pictures are the best part of any blog.
Yesterday was a day of sun! I slopped on my sun screen, and we went out to enjoy a seriously beautiful Australian day. The heat wasn't too bad, and there a was a nice breeze much of the day. We headed down to Cottesloe Beach and walked around. There was an Lifeguard Competition on the beach, so there were heaps of people, but fun things to look at. Matt pointed out all the safety precautions in place to protect swimmers. From the guard stations, to warning flags to patrol helicopters, they've got you covered. We took off out shoes, and walked down in the sand and into the water a bit. I was impressed with the waves, but Matt claims that they're hardly waves at all. When we we're walk back up off the sand, it got so unbearable hot on my feet, I could hardly stand it! They actually hurt for a few hours afterwards. Luckily, right off the sand they have the rinse stations to wash off the sand, so I could sooth my poor feet. We drove up the coast a bit to Hillary's Boat Harbor and walked through the boardwalk shops and enjoyed the view. Had we known just how lovely of a day it was, we would have taken our swimming gear and enjoyed the water a bit more.
I am feeling more and more comfortable here. I'm sure the homesickness will hit soon enough, but for now, things are fantastic!
Love, Kelsey
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Home Sweet Home: Australian Version
I made it! My last flight was full of turbulence, but I was lucky enough to be in the front seat, so I had about 4 feet of leg room. Fantastic! I landed in Perth, and it took about 20 minutes to get through customs and immigration. I failed to add my middle name to my Visa, so they had to take a minute to fix that, but other than that, it was a breeze. I collected my baggage with no problems, met up with Matt, and we were on our way. Driving on the left side of the road was definitely strange, and I tensed up every time we turned or got near another car. It'll take some getting used to.
We got home, and I met the world's best looking dog, Floyd (don't worry, there will be pictures) and wound down a bit before heading of to bed. We are keeping it kind of low key today...and thank goodness! It'll take a while to recover from this trip. It is very hot today, though not as hot as was predicted, but pushing 100 degrees. I'm doing my best to keep hydrated. We went down to the grocery store to pick up some things for me. It's strange how different it really is here. I would say 90% of the things at the store we're brands I had never seen, and it was fun to compare prices and what is available. Our mission is to find tamatillos so that we can replicate my favorite Cafe Rio salad while I'm here. Most people we asked looked at us like we were crazy, because they have never even heard them. When we got home i was able to video chat with Shandice, Derek, and Braden. After chatting with them and putting away the groceries we went out and browsed at the Galleria. We planned on going out to eat, but we were so hot and had so much water to drink, that the last thing we wanted was something hot or greasy. We opted to grab Subway and returned to the safety and the air conditioned house. Now we are just relaxing, taking it easy, and planning what fun things we want to get up to!
Sorry I don't have more exciting things to tell, but I promise to keep posting, and I'll put up pictures from my journey soon!
Mss y'all!
Love, Kelsey
We got home, and I met the world's best looking dog, Floyd (don't worry, there will be pictures) and wound down a bit before heading of to bed. We are keeping it kind of low key today...and thank goodness! It'll take a while to recover from this trip. It is very hot today, though not as hot as was predicted, but pushing 100 degrees. I'm doing my best to keep hydrated. We went down to the grocery store to pick up some things for me. It's strange how different it really is here. I would say 90% of the things at the store we're brands I had never seen, and it was fun to compare prices and what is available. Our mission is to find tamatillos so that we can replicate my favorite Cafe Rio salad while I'm here. Most people we asked looked at us like we were crazy, because they have never even heard them. When we got home i was able to video chat with Shandice, Derek, and Braden. After chatting with them and putting away the groceries we went out and browsed at the Galleria. We planned on going out to eat, but we were so hot and had so much water to drink, that the last thing we wanted was something hot or greasy. We opted to grab Subway and returned to the safety and the air conditioned house. Now we are just relaxing, taking it easy, and planning what fun things we want to get up to!
Sorry I don't have more exciting things to tell, but I promise to keep posting, and I'll put up pictures from my journey soon!
Mss y'all!
Love, Kelsey
Location:Home Sweet Home, Australia
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Sweating in Singapore
Holy humid! I haven't felt humidity like this since I was in Europe in 2005, and even then, I'm not sure it was this bad. My flight wasn't too bad. Ended up on the same plane, they just moved gates. I had to go through a security checkpoint in Seoul before reboarding about an hour later. This plane ended up being completely full, so I didn't get to spread out like last time. This leg was about 6 hours and I was able to snooze for about three of them. My flight got in a little early last night. It was dark when I landed, and it was so fun to see the city at night. There were lights as far as I could see, and so many huge buildings. The water around the city had thousands and thousands of boats in it. From tiny fishing boats to massive freight carriers, there were more than I could count. I was so happy to check into the transit hotel and lay down to sleep. I was able to Skype with my mom a bit before sleeping, which was nice. I ended up falling asleep at about 2 in the morning, Singapore time (which is also Perth time). I had the hotel room until 1:30pm, so I set my alarm for 11:30. The room was cool and dark, which is just what I needed. I set the thermostat to 18 degrees Celsius, and I'm not sure what that is in Fahrenheit, but it was cold enough that I could enjoy cuddling under my blankets. I ended up waking up well rested about 15 minutes before my alarm went off. I Skyped with my mom again, and then got up and took a much needed shower, and got myself ready for the last leg of my journey.
I spent the last hour walking around the airport. It is so big, and I haven't seen most of it! My favorite is when I can walk down the moving sidewalks. It's the best way to catch a breeze and get a little relief from the sticky heat. There are countless stores here, ranging from M&M store, to Apple Stores, to Prada and Gucci. They have a beautiful orchid garden and fern garden inside. Outside they have a sunflower garden and a butterfly garden. I only went in them long enough to snap a few pictures before escaping inside. The humidity was twice as bad out there. There a movie theaters, eating places, and lounges enough to entertaining me for ages. I looked into doing the tour of Singapore that would take me 2 hours, but have decided against it. Both times I approached the desks to register I got a very uneasy feeling. As my momma would say, "I don't have the warm fuzzies about this." so I'll just bum around the airport until it is time to go....boarding starts in about 4 hours.
I am so happy that I only have one more leg of my trip left. My last flight is just about 5 hours, which will feel like nothing compared to yesterday.
See you Down Under!
Love, Kelsey
I spent the last hour walking around the airport. It is so big, and I haven't seen most of it! My favorite is when I can walk down the moving sidewalks. It's the best way to catch a breeze and get a little relief from the sticky heat. There are countless stores here, ranging from M&M store, to Apple Stores, to Prada and Gucci. They have a beautiful orchid garden and fern garden inside. Outside they have a sunflower garden and a butterfly garden. I only went in them long enough to snap a few pictures before escaping inside. The humidity was twice as bad out there. There a movie theaters, eating places, and lounges enough to entertaining me for ages. I looked into doing the tour of Singapore that would take me 2 hours, but have decided against it. Both times I approached the desks to register I got a very uneasy feeling. As my momma would say, "I don't have the warm fuzzies about this." so I'll just bum around the airport until it is time to go....boarding starts in about 4 hours.
I am so happy that I only have one more leg of my trip left. My last flight is just about 5 hours, which will feel like nothing compared to yesterday.
See you Down Under!
Love, Kelsey
Location:Changi Airport, Singapore
Chilling in Seoul
I've made it to Seoul! I honestly can't complain a bit about the flight. I'd say it was 10% turbulence, and 10% crying baby, but really not bad at all. I watched Real Steel, which I liked, and was able to get a good snooze in after. Dinner was tasty Korean Chicken, rice and veggies, and a salad. I then watched Up, since it's a movie about adventure, and let's face it....I'm on one!
We hardly flew over the Pacific at all. If you look at a map and follow the coast up California, along the bottom of Alaska, then across the Bering Sea and then down along Russia, that is the route we flew. Looking down at Russia was stunning, snowy as far as I could see.
We got to Seoul about an hour early due to good winds. I went through a quick security screening and am now at my gate waiting to board my plane. I thought I'd have the same plane, but I don't. It is one just like it, and I'll have my same seat, so let's hope I have the three to myself again!
I'm very tired, and will hopefully get a good nap in on the plane. This leg is about 6 hourish, and I check into my hotel room for a good sleep when I get there....very grateful.
I'll have pictures to post once in Australia with my laptop!
Love, Kelsey
We hardly flew over the Pacific at all. If you look at a map and follow the coast up California, along the bottom of Alaska, then across the Bering Sea and then down along Russia, that is the route we flew. Looking down at Russia was stunning, snowy as far as I could see.
We got to Seoul about an hour early due to good winds. I went through a quick security screening and am now at my gate waiting to board my plane. I thought I'd have the same plane, but I don't. It is one just like it, and I'll have my same seat, so let's hope I have the three to myself again!
I'm very tired, and will hopefully get a good nap in on the plane. This leg is about 6 hourish, and I check into my hotel room for a good sleep when I get there....very grateful.
I'll have pictures to post once in Australia with my laptop!
Love, Kelsey
Location:Seoul, South Korea
Hanging in there...
My flight to San Francisco was lovely, though longer than necessary for a girl who is flying a whole lot of hours. We ended up circling over SF for about half an hour before landing. I had no idea where the heck I was meant to go, so after asking a few questions and doing a few U-turns, I got myself out of the domestic terminals and to the international terminal. My gate could not have been farther away. I could already feel the difference in humidity. If I was sweating in humid 60 degree SF, Perth is gonna knock me off my feet. I checked in at my gate, where I was told that my carry on couldn't be more than 15 lbs. I panicked, because I already knew it was over that. They were very nice and gave me a nice bag to grab the things I wanted from my carry on (basically just clothes and toiletries) and they checked the suitcase for me with no charge, even though I was over my limit. I'm glad I'm lugging around a light bag now rather than dragging a heavier suitcase around. She also let me know that i was assigned to a middle aisle seat (the plane is laid out three seats/aisle/three seats/aisle/three seats) and asked if I wanted a window seat, which I gladly accepted. I told my mom that I would rather be the one bothering people to move when I had to get up than to be the one being bothered. Well, I hit the jackpot! I took my seat, only to find that I would end up with all three seats to myself! I have taken total advantage, spreading myself, and all of my stuff, out. I have also taken the pillows provided for all three seats to use, which is nice when you need one for your head, and another to stop the armrest from poking when I curl up to sleep. Before we took off they came around with hot towels to freshen up with, passed out nice headsets, provided the menu for the flight (I get lunch, dinner, snacks, and can also ask for a sandwich and things whenever I need), and provided a pouch with a toothbrush/paste, and a pair off comfy socks. Off came my shoes, and I snuggled into my socks....huge comfort difference! I was already very impressed with Singapore Airlines before we boarded the plane, but it was even better on board. They were prompt with drink service right after take off, and the attendants are all very nice. I have my own screen with entertainment options. I tried to watch a movie, and ended up starting three before realizing that I just needed a snooze. I was about to drift off when lunch service started. I opted for some Korean style fried beef with rice and veggies. So so tasty! They also provided an appetizer of turkey and pasta salad, a roll, apricot cheesecake, and cheese (tillamook!) and crackers. I couldn't finish because their was so much! I made it through the appetizer and most of the main course and had a taste of cheesecake before I had to call it quits. After eating, I was able to snooze pretty well for 3-4 hours. I keep the travel tracker on my screen most of the time. As of now, our flight is just about done crossing Alaska (I was surprised to see how far north the route took us) and are heading over e Bering Sea. We have gone 2515 miles so far and we aren't quite half way. The tracker says we have 6 hours and 42 minutes until we get to Seoul, South Korea.
My emotions have leveled out. I only shed a few tears when we took off and I got my last glimpse of America. I've been able to relax and sleep, despite a crying baby on board and occasional rough air (I should have kept quiet! As soon as I wrote that, it started up again). I can just stick my head phones on with some classical music to drowned it out and drift off.
Well, enough blathering from me, and I'm sorry for all the details, I just want to make sure I document it well, so I can go back and read it and remember! I'm gonna give watching a movie another go!
See you in Seoul!
Love, Kelsey
My emotions have leveled out. I only shed a few tears when we took off and I got my last glimpse of America. I've been able to relax and sleep, despite a crying baby on board and occasional rough air (I should have kept quiet! As soon as I wrote that, it started up again). I can just stick my head phones on with some classical music to drowned it out and drift off.
Well, enough blathering from me, and I'm sorry for all the details, I just want to make sure I document it well, so I can go back and read it and remember! I'm gonna give watching a movie another go!
See you in Seoul!
Love, Kelsey
.....and I'm off!
After a night of overwhelming nerves and morning full of goodbyes and tears, I'm on my way! I am currently sitting at my gate at the SLC airport waiting to board my flight. It has been delayed about 45 minutes, which I don't really mind. I have plenty of time to catch my connection, so I'm trying to calm my nerves and enjoy the view of my beautiful, snowy, Utah mountains.
I had a pretty sleepless night, and I'm feeling it already. I brought my awesome traveling blanket and pillow, so hopefully I'll be able to sleep away this first part of my journey.
Love, Kelsey
I had a pretty sleepless night, and I'm feeling it already. I brought my awesome traveling blanket and pillow, so hopefully I'll be able to sleep away this first part of my journey.
Love, Kelsey
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Grateful
I didn't plan on writing again until I was outta here, but I felt it would be very ungrateful for me not to. I am so lucky for (what I call) my 'People'. It is overwhelming to stop and realize how many fantastic people are part of my life. Maybe it is the 'you don't know whatcha got til it's gone' concept, only in this case, I know exactly what I've got, and I'm missing it before I'm even gone.
Sure, my mom thinks I'm crazy for running off to the other side of the world, and I know she worries about me, but she has been wonderful at being excited for me as well. This is, by far, the longest I'll be away from home, and the longest I've been away from my Momma. Mom, I hope you know that I'll miss you every day. Bill, enjoy the empty house while you can, feel free to walk around in your underwear now, I just ask that you guys don't turn my room into the naked room.
Tonight I said goodbye to one of my very best friends. Elyse, is one of those friends that you can go a long time without seeing, but the minute your back together, you're laughing and talking and having such a good time that it feels like no time has passed at all. Girl, I'll miss you so much, but I promise I'll do my best to keep in touch, and I can't wait to see you again.
My last goodbye will be to my best friend, Shandice. She is a superstar and is heading to an amazing job interview in Seattle, and fate was on our side when it put or flight departures only a minute apart. Shandice probably understands my need for adventure more than anyone, and I'm not sure I'd have had the courage without her there to back me up. It will be so hard to be away from my BFF, especially since she'll be a Mrs. very shortly after I get home. Shandice, you're about to kick some interview butt, and I can't wait to see what is in your future.
I have so many special people in my life that have been so supportive of this adventure, and I can't thank you all enough.
Here I go!!!
Love, Kelsey
Sure, my mom thinks I'm crazy for running off to the other side of the world, and I know she worries about me, but she has been wonderful at being excited for me as well. This is, by far, the longest I'll be away from home, and the longest I've been away from my Momma. Mom, I hope you know that I'll miss you every day. Bill, enjoy the empty house while you can, feel free to walk around in your underwear now, I just ask that you guys don't turn my room into the naked room.
Tonight I said goodbye to one of my very best friends. Elyse, is one of those friends that you can go a long time without seeing, but the minute your back together, you're laughing and talking and having such a good time that it feels like no time has passed at all. Girl, I'll miss you so much, but I promise I'll do my best to keep in touch, and I can't wait to see you again.
My last goodbye will be to my best friend, Shandice. She is a superstar and is heading to an amazing job interview in Seattle, and fate was on our side when it put or flight departures only a minute apart. Shandice probably understands my need for adventure more than anyone, and I'm not sure I'd have had the courage without her there to back me up. It will be so hard to be away from my BFF, especially since she'll be a Mrs. very shortly after I get home. Shandice, you're about to kick some interview butt, and I can't wait to see what is in your future.
I have so many special people in my life that have been so supportive of this adventure, and I can't thank you all enough.
Here I go!!!
Love, Kelsey
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Farewell!!!
The bags are packed, the cleaning is done, and I'm ready to head Down Under! It is so weird, and doesn't seem quite real yet. I imagine that will happen when I find myself in a place where I don't know a soul...probably San Francisco!
Tuesday is my last full day, and my momma has taken the day off so we can spend it together. We'll do some pampering to prepare me for my grueling journey, and end the day at my favorite eatery in America (Cafe Rio) with my dearest friends!
I'll be off to the airport at 6am on Wednesday morning.
I'll give you an update in Singapore!
Love, Kelsey
Tuesday is my last full day, and my momma has taken the day off so we can spend it together. We'll do some pampering to prepare me for my grueling journey, and end the day at my favorite eatery in America (Cafe Rio) with my dearest friends!
I'll be off to the airport at 6am on Wednesday morning.
I'll give you an update in Singapore!
Love, Kelsey
Monday, January 16, 2012
Preparations!
Do you ever feel like time is dragging and speeding by, both at the same time? That is exactly what life is like for me right now. I spend my days thinking, "I wish the 25th was here, I'm so excited and tired of waiting!" and at the end of every day I find my thoughts racing, "Crap! Only XX days left! I have so much to do!".
Only 9 days left! I have piles of clothes sorted, lists made, and essentials set aside, but I sort of feel like I haven't done a thing. I hate that awkward pre-packing stage, where you want to start putting things in your suitcase, but you're too worried that you'll have to use anything you commit to packing. I'm also a horrible over-packer.
On Saturday, my lovely parents and friends threw me a surprise going-away party. I've never had a surprise party before, and they pulled it off flawlessly. We ended up at The Pie Pizzeria in South Jordan where we had some yummy pizza and cake. It was very festive with red, white, and blue (colors we share with Australia), balloons and a "Have Fun in the Land Down Under" cake. I loved having the people I care about gathered before I leave.
My mom has made preparations of her own. She is pretending I'm going on a mission. She has hung a map of Western Australia up in our office, as well as zoomed in maps of the Perth area. She also bought a little globe to keep on her desk at work so she can see where I am.
8 full days left to prepare....wish me luck!
Love, Kelsey
Only 9 days left! I have piles of clothes sorted, lists made, and essentials set aside, but I sort of feel like I haven't done a thing. I hate that awkward pre-packing stage, where you want to start putting things in your suitcase, but you're too worried that you'll have to use anything you commit to packing. I'm also a horrible over-packer.
On Saturday, my lovely parents and friends threw me a surprise going-away party. I've never had a surprise party before, and they pulled it off flawlessly. We ended up at The Pie Pizzeria in South Jordan where we had some yummy pizza and cake. It was very festive with red, white, and blue (colors we share with Australia), balloons and a "Have Fun in the Land Down Under" cake. I loved having the people I care about gathered before I leave.
My mom has made preparations of her own. She is pretending I'm going on a mission. She has hung a map of Western Australia up in our office, as well as zoomed in maps of the Perth area. She also bought a little globe to keep on her desk at work so she can see where I am.
8 full days left to prepare....wish me luck!
Love, Kelsey
Monday, January 9, 2012
Perth
Here is some information on the city I'll be living in while in Australia, as well as some of the fun things that are on my list to do while I'm there. I'll be living in Perth, Australia. It is the Capitol of Western Australia (which covers the whole western third of Australia!). There are just over 2 million people in WA, and 1.7 of those live in the greater Perth region.
Their seasons are the opposite of America, so I'll be going from the dead of winter in Utah to the middle of the blazing summer in Perth. I'll be looking at highs of 80-100+ degrees Fahrenheit from February through April. One of my first stops when I get to Australia will be to buy sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat! There are some great websites that brag about all the amazing things there are to do in Perth. There are incredible beaches where I can have a go at body boarding (I don't think I have the skills to surf...), snorkeling, avoiding sunburns, and watching beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The Swan River runs through Perth, and I'm hoping to try kayaking.
While avoiding deadly creatures is number one on my list of activities in Australia, there are some animals I hope to get up close and personal with. I want to go crabbing (and hopefully enjoy the seafood feast after), pet dolphins at Monkey Mia, pet (maybe hold) koalas, and hang out with kangaroos.
I am so excited for all the fun things I'll get to see and do in Perth!
Love, Kelsey
Their seasons are the opposite of America, so I'll be going from the dead of winter in Utah to the middle of the blazing summer in Perth. I'll be looking at highs of 80-100+ degrees Fahrenheit from February through April. One of my first stops when I get to Australia will be to buy sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat! There are some great websites that brag about all the amazing things there are to do in Perth. There are incredible beaches where I can have a go at body boarding (I don't think I have the skills to surf...), snorkeling, avoiding sunburns, and watching beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The Swan River runs through Perth, and I'm hoping to try kayaking.
While avoiding deadly creatures is number one on my list of activities in Australia, there are some animals I hope to get up close and personal with. I want to go crabbing (and hopefully enjoy the seafood feast after), pet dolphins at Monkey Mia, pet (maybe hold) koalas, and hang out with kangaroos.
I am so excited for all the fun things I'll get to see and do in Perth!
Love, Kelsey
Friday, January 6, 2012
G'day!
Welcome to my blog! If you're here, you either want to see what awesome adventures I'm having during my time in Australia, or you just to make sure I haven't been murdered by the locals or wildlife. Here I'll be posting stories and pictures of everything that I'm up to!
My flight leaves on January 25 at 8:30am. My best friend, Shandice, and her fiancé are flying to Seattle for her job interview with Microsoft the same day, and their flight leaves one minute before mine so we can go to the airport together, which I am very excited about. I fly from Salt Lake City to San Francisco via Delta flight 4600. My layover there is just a few hours, then I'm off on Singapore Airlines flight 15 which leaves at 1:50pm Mountain Standard Time. I land in Seoul, South Korea after almost 13 hours of flying at 2:40am MST on January 26th. At this stop I don't have to get off the plane, and I continue on flight 15 until I land in Singapore at 10:10am MST. I am actually very excited for this stop of my trip. The Changi Airport in Singapore is supposed to be amazing. Matt has been kind enough to book me a room at the airport hotel for 12 hours, so I can have a good sleep and a shower. I land at 1:10am local time in Singapore, so after catching some zzz's and cleaning up, I'll have several hours to explore this amazing
airport (Check it out here!). They offer a free tour specifically for travelers with long layovers (mine lasts a bit over 18 hours total). I'm opting to go on the cultural tour that takes you around Singapore for two hours before returning me to the airport. I depart Singapore at 4:35am MST on January 27 (7:35pm Singapore time on the 28th) on Singapore Airline flight 215. I end my journey in Perth at 9:45am MST on Friday, January 27th (12:45am on Saturday, January 28th local time in Perth).
Perth City
Cottesloe Beach
My flight leaves on January 25 at 8:30am. My best friend, Shandice, and her fiancé are flying to Seattle for her job interview with Microsoft the same day, and their flight leaves one minute before mine so we can go to the airport together, which I am very excited about. I fly from Salt Lake City to San Francisco via Delta flight 4600. My layover there is just a few hours, then I'm off on Singapore Airlines flight 15 which leaves at 1:50pm Mountain Standard Time. I land in Seoul, South Korea after almost 13 hours of flying at 2:40am MST on January 26th. At this stop I don't have to get off the plane, and I continue on flight 15 until I land in Singapore at 10:10am MST. I am actually very excited for this stop of my trip. The Changi Airport in Singapore is supposed to be amazing. Matt has been kind enough to book me a room at the airport hotel for 12 hours, so I can have a good sleep and a shower. I land at 1:10am local time in Singapore, so after catching some zzz's and cleaning up, I'll have several hours to explore this amazing
airport (Check it out here!). They offer a free tour specifically for travelers with long layovers (mine lasts a bit over 18 hours total). I'm opting to go on the cultural tour that takes you around Singapore for two hours before returning me to the airport. I depart Singapore at 4:35am MST on January 27 (7:35pm Singapore time on the 28th) on Singapore Airline flight 215. I end my journey in Perth at 9:45am MST on Friday, January 27th (12:45am on Saturday, January 28th local time in Perth).
Perth City
Cottesloe Beach
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