November 16, 2010

Back in the US! Feeling so many mixed emotions. It hasn't completely hit me yet, so sad isn't quite there yet. I flew in and out of Sydney like 4 times so part of me felt like leaving was just one more time instead of for good. I'm a little relieved to know that I get to chill and settle shortly. it's a little strange having people around with American accents and talking about places in America, and knowing where Michigan is when I say that that's where I'm from. Mostly, I'm tired. I've been good at fighting the jet lag, but it's still there. I'll get to that in a minute though.. Finish up my Oz stories first….

Got to Sydney around 5pm. Only had two nights before my flight, so minimal time to see everyone. I planned one big dinner with everyone and everyone was up for it, but Michael had some plans that day so we got together Saturday night instead. We were meant to do dinner but by the time we met up it was getting a bit late and I had some coffee so I actually wasn't all that hungry. I was planning on getting some bar food wherever we went but that never ended up happening. His flatmate went out and got us some drinks so we sat around for an hour or so drinking, and then went out to the pub for a bit and met up with his other flatmate. They were pretty cool guys. I had met one last time I was around, but not these ones. I was definitely a little drunk, but I got the idea they liked me too. We sat around chatting, just the four of us, then played a few games of pool. Next day Jackie and I went shopping. Originally my Sunday plans were to close my bank account and work on tax back stuff, but I managed to do that online so I only had two more souvenirs to get. We went to Paddy Markets and the new mall on Market St. I had picked out the best souvenir ever for Kev, vegemite boxers. They came in a cardboard vegemite container and were so perfect considering every time I talk to him he wants me to be eating a vegemite sandwich. The store that had them before didn't anymore so he got a crap gift like everyone else haha. Went back to Jackie's to pack and do some laundry. Big group dinner was around 730. I knew I'd be depressed or distracted so I didn't want a late night, but the 7 of us had an amazing time just chilling and chatting. We ate at the Opera Bar, which is the bar/restaurant at the opera house, so we were able to sit and watch the sunset around the opera house and harbour bridge. The bats from the botanical gardens fly over the bridge every night so we watched them. There was also a huge cruise ship in the harbour so that was fun. Everyone semi knew each other except Jackie, so I was nervous for her, but everyone liked her and everyone kept talking and chatting all night. Klair and Carla started bickering as soon as Klair got there, which was exactly what I wanted. I love their fights haha. They started talking about politics and government, which was interesting because it's definitely different than mine. The weather was incredible too. It wasn't cold, wasn't sticky, just warm with a breeze. At the end of the night I put my fleece on, but until then, it was absolutely perfect. No bugs or anything. We drank mojitos and had some lamb. Good stuff. Being at the opera house and bridge was such a touristy thing, but exactly what I needed. I made Jackie walk up to it with me before we got to the car. I just needed that final viewing of it. The building that represents the country I'm leaving. Perfect. Woke up early in the AM to say bye to Jackie, ran to the store to get some vegemite and Tim Tams. Got some nutella too. Weather was shitty, but I figured the city was just crying for me. It was Monday so I wasn't expecting anyone to take me to the airport, but Lorelle didn't have to work until 2 so she offered to take me! So wonderful of her! She met me at the train station and hung with me for a bit at the airport. We looked for a few more souvenirs and coffee. Left Lorelle at security and made a few calls at the gate. Watched three movies and attempted to sleep around 8pm. Had all three seats to myself but couldn't really sleep much. Such crap. I kept looking up at the screen that shows stats and maps. It flashes with how high and how far you are, then shows different maps with a plane showing where you are on your route. The first time I saw a flash of the path with a plane LEAVING Australia my heart did a sad little jump. That was the first realization that I was leaving, but it was just for that instant. I wanted to be sad so I kept looking at that map but couldn't work up the tears!

Landed in LA at 8am, which is 3am Oz time. Security went nicely. A customs guy said "welcome home" to me, which was depressing. Took awhile, but finally got to the hostel. Not the best place, but nice location. Right in Hollywood, across from the Kodak Theatre. When I got to my room I heard an announcer at the Hard Rock Cafe across the street so I looked out the window and saw heaps of people out there. Once I got all settled I walked out there just as Christina Aguliera was starting her speech. I think she just got her star on the walk of fame. I took a few pics but didn't care what she had to say. Got to the metro to go find an AT&T store. Got out there and apparently googlemaps lied because the store wasn't there. Went to the Walt Disney Concert Hall (which I keep calling the Opera House haha). Frank Ghery is my favorite architect and this is my favorite of his buildings. I've been dying to see this building for years so it really was like a dream come true. I kept touching it! So happy! Free audio tour was really nice. Took me around the whole place, except the main concert hall) and explained the architecture and design of it. I took like 60 pictures of it. I was just so happy to finally be there. When I left I thought I could leave LA now… saw what I needed; a celebrity and the Hall. Walking back I saw a car flipped over on a side road. Had a mini panic attack until I saw a huge spot light and cameras. Then I got excited; filming something! Walked over and stood next to a cop who was doing security. I asked if I was able to watch and he ended up being super friendly telling me what they were filming (he thinks it was an episode of Lie to Me although I didn't recognize anyone) and where I could go to get good pictures. They just filmed the same scene over and over again, but it was cool to see. I sat and watched for 15-20 min and went back to the hostel. Looked up a new AT&T store, went out there to find that I couldn't get my phone. Came back and went to Wendy's because I have been craving it. I don't really like fast food, but if you put me in a country where I can't have Wendy's or Taco Bell… I'm going to want it! Had the spicy chicken meal with a frosty. Yummy! Went to sleep at like 830. I was skyping with mom before bed and started getting grumpy so we decided sleep was a good idea.

Woke up around 8am this morning for a tour. Wasn't sure I'd make it thought the night but I took some sleep aid pills so I was good to go. I was meant to do a 5hr day tour going to different areas and beaches but it didn't happen and some guy on the street convinced me to do a 2hr one. While waiting for the bus I chatted up one of the managers. Friendly guy, he gave me his number haha. Not going to use it. Tour was good. Our guide, James was really nice. He said that some guides point at big houses and make up who lives there but he doesn't do that. Like, the third house we saw he said was Ringo Star's and the gate opened up and he was in the car! Clearly he gives it to us straight! I wasn't able to get a picture, which made me mad, but we did see a lot of houses. Went to Rodeo Drive for a minute and came back. Not spectacular, but pretty cool. Tomorrow I think I'll check out the beaches since the 2hr tour didn't do them. After the tour I just came back to my room and have been hanging out for the afternoon. I'm a little drowsy. Can't really think of much to do if I have all day at the beach tomorrow, and a studio tour the day after. Thinking I might get Coldstone for dinner. I can't find a supermarket, so I bought a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch (another thing I never ate but couldn't have in Oz) so I've had that for lunch and may have it for a snack before Coldstone haha.