The family album was the last thing I worked hard to complete before my departure. I felt the need to express my love, my hopes and prayers to each of them as we never know what might come upon us tomorrow. I was at peace when it was done.
Having said that, departure wasn't easy. I managed to put my emotions under control without weeping. Life will be different from here. I'm sure through this 2 years of being in a foreign land, I will gain new insights and a greater understanding in aspects of life that God will reveal to me. And so, I continue to submit to God, His plans and ways of directing my future. Partially excited and partially missing my loved ones so dearly.
I'm thankful for friends who come alongside to help me fit in so far. It's day 3 now and I've already been around central and East Melbourne, done all the needful to prepare me for the days in campus. I walked so much that every night is a good night's sleep.
I'm still in the habit of converting currencies and in check of my spending. I wish to be a good steward, not spending as I wish but with wisdom and thoughtfulness. For all these came not of my own effort but from God. (and the fact that I will need to earn them back when I start working)
Every application is done online and the procedures are rather tedious. Back home, I can buy a new simcard and start using it but I've got to go through registration online before I can activate my number. There are other applications too, like the Myki card (that works like touch n go), the rewards card etc. All done online, for their good reasons.
I like the parks and the public spaces dedicated to allow people to express themselves. You'd find totally random things on the street but they are careful not to litter or vandalize. This city was made to imitate the European countries. Hence the parks and public spaces even in the city. There are plenty of museums and exhibitions around. Art galleries and theaters included.
The park that I pass every morning heading towards uni
Outside the State Library where people sunbathe and lay on the grass
One of RMIT Buildings
Where I live =]
Where I'll usually shop, at QV (Queen Victoria Village)
Another RMIT, not so pretty but odd enough as an art
Here's where some buildings are totally random
Horses in the city, random?
Penguin in the city, definitely random =P
There is a clear hierarchy of road users and it is imprinted on the back of everyone's mind. So no one tries to beat the red lights or speed up just to slightly make it. The emergency vehicles come first, then the trams, the pedestrians, the cyclers and lastly the cars. I hardly see motorbikes around.
Day 3 and so far, this city seems to me to have a very systematic approach to many things although the weather is erratic and the Milo tastes different. Any other dairy products are delicious, hehe..
So here's for today. Definitely more to come next week. =]
