we've been workin it

Now for a month in Melbourne. We've had a week here already. So far, we've settled into our apartment, found promising jobs, seen some sights and have even squeezed in a few seasons of Conrad's favorite show, Entourage. We're living in St. Kilda, a district southwest of Melbourne central. Its an art precinct! You know what that means, lots of crazy clad people walking down streets that never seize to surprise you.

Flying into Melbourne on Friday evening meant we had to spend the night in the airport. We knew it was coming... we were ready for it. We flew for 3hrs, we got free television reception, Conrad got to watch one of the hockey playoff games. When we arrived at the airport we found a cozy spot to unroll our sleeping bags and call it a night. My spot was behind a long bench; a spot just big enough to lie in but discreet enough to be unseen. Unfortunately, Conrad wasn't so lucky. He was sleeping right in front of the bench out in the open. He said that at one time he opened his eyes and looked up to some "big-boned" kid starring down at him! Surprisingly, we both had relatively good sleeps; not surprising, sleeping in a private bed is preferred.

After a day of getting our bearings in our neighborhood, we've ventured out to see some sights. On Sunday, we headed to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) for one of the last performances from the Melbourne Comedy festival. We were entertained by a Queen lipsyncing, batton juggling, leather pant wearing man with a fake Italian accent. It may sound cheesy but it was hilarious! The show was held in the theatre of one of the prominent art galleries in Melbourne. After the show we were able to look through one of the other exhibits, photography done by some contemporary Chinese artists. The work was provocative, I'm looking forward to going back and seeing the other exhibits.

The following day was a day for business, so to speak. We got our resume's organized, Conrad got a haircut and we both applied for jobs. Conrad got an offer for a kitchen job that day. Right now, he's juggling the prospect of two jobs. I was offered a barista job at a local cafe. They specialize in French desserts. It feels like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory in there; shelves and shelves of chocolate treats. They also serve coffee, which is where I come in. So we've both got the "working in Australia" part on the go. Both our jobs are walking distance from home. At night, strolling along one the residential side streets, you'll see possum's hanging from the branches. The first time I nearly walked face first into one of them. The little guy was hanging from a branch at eye level. Conrad said he was about to warn me but he thought it was a cat.... "Oh, that's much better!"

We also went to the IMAX here. They were showing a U2 concert in 3D. I must admit I'm not a big U2 fan [cringe... I know... no need to yell at the computer screen] BUT after seeing them perform I am more of a fan then before. How could I not, after fashionning such funky glasses!

We've had our share of Melbourne fashion! We've wandered the streets of Chinatown and the downtown shopping centre. While Conrad may not get all the "fashionable" trends, we both get that its big here. We've been through underground shopping centres that span for blocks. First, you find yourself descending down stairs and finally you emerge blocks from where you started! This would be a heavenly place for a shopping spree!!!! [don't worry Ma, it won't happen]

Yesterday, we headed out for the Melbourne Aquarium. It was a lot smaller than we thought it would be but aquariums are always entertaining. Its incredible seeing these GIANT tanks.... it reminds me of my humble 10 gallon tank at home! Lucky for us, we showed up at the exact same time as an elementary field trip. There were munchkins running around everywhere. They sure are excitable little things!!!

Later we also went back to the IMAX to check out the museum side (we purchased the tickets together.) The museum was full of dinosaurs, bugs, rocks, aboriginal artifacts, etc. We both especially enjoyed an exhibit in the Human Anatomy section describing, with life sized models, about the digestive system. We both had a good laugh when it came to the end of the process, where a fake piece of feaces could be found next to a button that made fart noises. There's something for everyone at the Melbourne IMAX Museum!!