I'm still alive!

Hi all!  I'm so sorry this update is a long time coming but I've been so busy these first few weeks in America and I also don't have a computer at the moment so I'm attempting to to this update on my iPad.  This is just going to be a really quick update and I will do my best to put up more soon because I  want to make sure I don't miss out on anything.

First of all, this has been such an incredible adventure so far.  I won't lie and say it has been all sunshine and roses because there have been some huge challenges already, and I've had to learn to adapt my expectations of certain people and experiences.  That being said, I've also had some wonderful experiences and met so many lovely people so far, which far outweighs any difficulties I may be encountering.

I'm just going to go through a few of the basics here and then I'll go back and cover things in more detail in future posts.

Due to delayed flights, we ended up getting to Orlando 12 hours late so we arrived Saturday morning instead of Friday night, but it all worked out fine in the end.  I was lucky enough to be housed with the roommates I'd selected and we were allocated an apartment in Chatham Square (our first choice of complex), unfortunately we were given a 2-bedroom apartment, which means we have triple occupancy rooms/bunk beds.  We were pretty disappointed at first, although it hasn't been as bad as we first though it would be.  Our rent is significantly cheaper than a 3-bedroom apartment and they've also given us 2 fridges, which makes a massive difference in terms of space and storage.  Also, our apartment is really conveniently located near the main entrance to Chatham and it's only a 3 minute walk to the bus stop, so that's fantastic.

I was also initially slightly disappointed with my location as I was placed in Disney's Animal Kingdom park and that wasn't my first choice (I was hoping for Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios) but since my orientation and the training days I've had there so far, I'm actually really excited about working in DAK.  It's an incredible park and my location is great so you'll hear more about that soon. 

Because of my work/training schedule, I didn't get to visit a park until a week after I started, which I was pretty bummed about, but it was definitely worth the wait, and I got to have a day playing at Magic Kingdim yesterday - more to come about that!

I'm going to have to cut it short here because I have to head to work, but I've uploaded a few pics to Instagram if you want to check that out.  I promise to update as soon as I can!

The Day After Tomorrow

I named this post after a movie I quite like.  I also named it that because the day after tomorrow is a very special day - it's the day I hop on a plane and bid farewell to Australia for possibly more than a year!  After all my hassles and struggles, the day is finally here.  The day after tomorrow that is :)

Tomorrow morning, Mum, Dad and I will pack up the car and set off to Melbourne which is several hours drive.  We will spend tomorrow night at my brother's house and then on Friday (the day after tomorrow) I shall be up bright and early to make my way to the airport!  I'm travelling with 3 other girls - Nichola, Hannah and Aprille and we've arrange to meet at the airport at 9am to check our bags etc.  Our flight leaves at 11:55am so we will probably get a coffee and say our tearful farewells before heading through to our gate.

My bags are all packed and I am pleased to say I didn't have much trouble staying under the weight limit, although I have probably taken a lot  more clothes than I will need, but maybe that will save me money if I don't have to buy as many over there (wishful thinking!).  I'm flying with Qantas and one of the reasons I chose that airline is because they allow you two checked bags - I don't think I could pack my entire life in one suitcase!  

I can't quite believe that the day of my departure is almost here - it still feels like a bit of a dream to be honest.  I am starting to get excited but I'm not sure my brain has fully comprehended what's happening yet!  Although, that being said, I have noticed that I'm starting to get little excited butterflies in my tummy and jittery feelings when I think of what is about to happen.  To use a Disney film analogy, I feel a bit like Rapunzel, after waiting years and years for her life to begin, I've finally decided to do something, start an adventure - and it's both terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time!

It is unlikely that I will update again before I get to America, so I shall fare thee well and I'll see you all when I'm stateside!