We're here!!!!!

We arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday night around 9:45. As we were approaching the city the sun was setting and the whole side of the plane was awash with gorgeous colours. What a wonderful welcome.

Kira really loved her carry on that she had for the trip. It was a plush knapsack complete with wheels, a handle and a plush teddy bear on the front of it.(thanks Auntie Chelle and Uncle Chris) While we were going through Customs there were sniffer dogs that walk up and down the rows of people and sniff for any illegal substances that people might try to bring into the country. Well the sniffer dog walked past us and was rather fond of Kira's bag and started licking the teddy bear,...a lot. I got a little worried for a second after our experience with Calia in the Hong Kong airport. Luckily it was just the puppy in the dog coming out. Perhaps he was trying to make friends with the Teddy Bear? Anyways, the handler just laughed and directed the dog back to his job. Whew!

After collecting all our luggage we met up with Matt and Tom. (Stephen and Jill's sons) They drove us through the city to Mt. Eliza and our new home.

First impressions of Australia

• everything is so green!!!
• so many opposites of what we are used to: driving, weather,
  
• lots of daylight
• there are beaches everywhere
  
• new noises in the house, possums on the roof, birds in the garden
• water is a very precious resource

Tonight we are going to meet up with the head of Parent Council and are getting a tour of the school then it is back to his house to meet the family and dinner. We are really looking forward to it. I will update soon.

Karen