Strawberries don't make it past the K9 dog in customs.

On Wednesday in America, Mel and I headed for San Fran around 4.  We did some shopping, enjoyed the salsa dancers in Union Square, ate a delicious dinner on the sky-level terrace of the cheesecake factory, and boycotted Starbucks in the city.  She also dropped me off with my four bags at the airport.  

Things went super smooth, almost too smooth.  As I got to the gate, my phone started beeping- I forgot to charge it.  That became my top priority, until I realized that my ipod was basically dead. However, a kind gentleman loaned me his charger.  Things were going well again.   

I boarded the colossal plane.  There were two aisles with three seats on either side and 4 seats in the middle.  During the duration of the flight I crotched a scarf, talked with the Aussie next to me, attempted to sleep, timed people in the bathroom (The record was 15 minutes held by a man who took a book out of his carry on in the overhead compartment.), watched a variety of movies, and critiqued the conversation in the row behind me.

After 14 hours of this nonsense, I was ready to officially begin my adventure here.  I was slightly nervous about getting my store of goodies through customs.  As a rule of thumb, always follow the crowd and take an extensive inventory of the people on your flight to ensure that you are at the right baggage claim.  I completed both of these tasks.  I went through the initially customs with flying colors!  As I waited for my bags to arrive on the carousel, I spotted a cute little dog.  The "cute little dog" also spotted me.  So I stood there as peanut sniffed through my carry ons, discovering my strawberry snack and turkey sandwich.  I couldn't get my checked bags fast enough.  Peanut eyed my every time he made his rounds after that (I think he even winked at me).  When I was reaching into my bag he reappeared from nowhere, causing me to jump and look even more suspicious.  

The second stage of customs went smoothly, and I was finally free to see Matty and Tiffers.  They were waiting anxiously in the arrival area.  It is so good to be here with them!!

After they picked me up, we drove through downtown Sydney, which was bustling with the morning rush.  Honestly, I was simply fascinated with the whole driving on the opposite side of the road.  

We have done so much within these past two days:

• I went with Matty to an espresso chapel and attended a performing event Matt and his class hosted.  
• I met Tiffany's friends at work.
• T and I went grocery shopping, which is quite a unique experience here.
• T and I ate at Outback last night, since Matt was working.  
• T and I went to the market yesterday!     

As for now, I must get ready to get my chinese on!! I am going to attend the chinese church service that T and Matt are leading with worship.