Do not lick the furniture. (Melbourne)

I made it! 25 hours later, I arrive in Melbourne, Australia.



Customs. My first Aussie interaction was pretty funny. "Take the passport out of the case, please. You know, in case you have any bribes in there..." I chuckle. "So, who lives in Hoppers Crossing?" - sidenote: Whitney lives on 4 Baggot Drive in Hoppers Crossing. Too funny! - not knowing what exactly he wanted as a response, I say, "Oh, um, just a friend. Her name is Whitney Jordan..." "Oh, Whitney! I know Whitney, she's great." Cute.

First Purchase. COFFEE. I go to Villa and Hut Cafe and say: "One large coffee please, with half and half and um, Equal? Or any sugar substitute?" Blank stare in response. After about 2 minutes of discussion with this poor confused man, I somehow determine that they don't have half and half here, and "cream" means whipped cream... I think he gave me a latte instead. Whatever, caffeine is caffeine!

Whitney. I haven't seen Whitney in 2 years! We met at the airport, and we've been having a blast since I got here.



Dinner. Whitney brought me to the most amazing Moroccan restaurant: "Moroccan Soup Bar." They have a "verbal menu" and they basically bring you platter after platter of hummus, vegetables, yogurt, rice, pitas... it's insane! For $15 you get a whole meal - all vegetarian and amazingly delicious. Thanks Whitney!

Chill On. On my way to Melbourne, I read about this new bar called Chill On (www.chillon.com/au). It's a bar made entirely of ice! We thought it would be fun, and it was their 1 year anniversary yesterday, so it was only $15 to get in - cool! We walk in, get suited up (they provide coats and jackets), and enter "the chill" - it was SO FREAKING COLD - I felt like I was back in Peoria in January! The ice sculptures were pretty awesome, though, and literally everything, including the furniture and cups, was made of ice. Finished your drink? Chew on the ice! For $15, it was worth it!



While I know I'm 16 hours in "the future," I'm constantly reminded of home: Tracy Chapman blasting in the car. High Fidelity on Whitney's bookcase. Napolean Dynomite prominently displayed in bookstores. SingStar tonight at Whitney's house... it almost feels like the US! But then... we drive on the left side of the road, the grass is brownish, and we're having a "barby" - I'm definitely Down Under!