The Journey to Melbourne

I was dreading the 24 hours on the airplane, but no worries! the flights were great! Upgraded to First Class from Boston to Los Angeles on American. Who doesn't love a hot fudge sundae and leather seats big enough for a linebacker?! Sat next to a guy who was a coach for the New England Patriots. He let me try on his 3 ounce (heavy!!) 2001 superbowl ring. one must wear sunglasses when viewing those rings so as not to be blinded by diamonds. Watched and really enjoyed the movie Love Happens.
Layover in LA felt really international. 90% Asian. I was the giant white girl in the crowd.
On the LA to Melbourne leg of the journey I watched Julie and Julie and All About Steve. Sat next to an American IT guy who was also moving to Melbourne and had spent the last several weeks focused on preparing his house and tenants for the move, shoveling snow, etc. No love connection, but he was a great flight-mate: slept nearly the whole time, didn't snore or get up to go to the bathroom more than once.
My three 50 pound pieces of luggage all arrived safe and sound. The toughest part of the trip was lasso-ing and hoisting those puppies off of the revolving conveyor belt while 500 other passengers blocked my reach. Oy! Thanks to some kind gentlemen I got everything loaded on to a cart.
Customs was easy. No questions asked, but lots of dogs. Beasts were sniffing me and my luggage every step of the way. Big dogs, little dogs.
As I stepped out of customs in to the Arrivals area, Heather greeted me with a big smile, a wave and heartfelt hug. I felt welcome. My friend the sun was out in full force to great me as well. Gorgeous sun and 111F, the hottest day in Melbourne in 150 years and I was in heaven! Before we loaded my luggage in to the boot (trunk) I swapped out my black suede knee high boots for a pair of red sandals. My toes were in shock having not been exposed in public for ten years. Oh my, just the beginning of lots of wonderful firsts in Melbourne!