Flying into sunshine coast, Wednesday morning on the 10th, peering from hundreds of feet above, I could finally see my home that I’ll be living in for the next 6 months. Crazy right? In awe, my eyes followed the light sand beaches that lined the shore. In the background stood the glass mountains which I recognized from prior research, and trees that filled the land. My plane touched down at sunshine coast airport, a small stucture right off the coast. Being a small airport, we had to exit the plane using stairs (which I thought was pretty cool), and customes along with baggage were extremely fast. Then, I headed down towards the taxi pick up to head to the university housing. Yes, sadly taxis are more expensive, but the driver was amazing. He was kind, told me all about the area, and didn’t charge me my full amount! So my experience is already starting off great. 

Upon arrival at the apartment, I was introduced to one of the desk workers, Pia, who went through paper work and contacts with me, as well as walked me through my apartment. As she was explaining prices, internet bills, opening Australian bank accounts and so on, it crossed my mind that this was actually my first time living in an apartment. With that, buying my own food, opening a bank account on my own , and being out of the country longer that 7 days! And luckily I have already met some great people to help me out. 

When signing contacts I was joined by a girl from Austria, Mikaela, and a girl from Germany, Dominic. Both are very kind, and frequently get sidetracked by talking to each other in German. They apologize for it, but I find it interesting and humorous. I don’t mind. Then I was introduced to the German girl’s Australian roommate, who is extremely generous, the apartment tech, and has a car. Perfect. He offered to help me set up internet, and he took all of us shopping! There, I was able to get food for the week and buy other essentials for the apartment. After shopping, he ordered us his favorite Indian food in the area. And it was SO GOOD. I know I didn’t have classic Australian cuisine the first night, but hey, I have time. And that was a great closure to my first day in the Sippy Downs.