Melbourne: Day 2-3

I was at the airport and arrived in LA to head to OZ when the airline desk called for me. They said they hadnt received my VISA documents. I asked what they were talking about? I didnt know I needed a visa for Australia just for a one week visit. They said they could do the application process right there for $25. I said go for it. Two hours later with only 30 minutes before the plane took off they said that I had o wai 12 hours for the approval. Meaning I wouldn't get to take this flight. I would have to wait at the airport. I asked them if there was anything they could do to speed up the process because my flight was leaving soon. They guy there looked through an old phone book and found the Autralian government phone numbers and began dialing. He finally began speaking with someone there and explained the situation. Soon after my visa was approved and I was on my flight. Since I had gotten no sleep for the past two days up to that point it was easy to fall right to sleep listening to my Ipod. When I woke up we had dinner and a movie playing. I talked a little with some of the other passengers. Then I went back to sleep. I woke up an hour before landing in Sydney. I knew that I had to set my mind to believe that it was morning otherwise jetlag would hit me very hard. In Sydney's airport I was told we had to go to a different terminal to finish the flight to Melbourne. The lady directed me to customs and I ended up at baggage claim wondering how to get from there to my next gate. Three armed guards ended up nearly escorting me out of the airport not understanding that i was given the wrong information about where to go to get back on my flight. Finally the one with the most tattooes asked where I was intending to go and why I was where I was. I explained the whole mistake and he and I walked directly through airport security to my terminal where he loudly explained to the flight attendants that they need to be a little more clear about what to do with flight tranfers. The flight to Melbourne was quick and I finally arrived safe and sound. I was picked up by a friend, Sasha, whom I had met a year ago online. I am staying at her parents house till Monday. After leaving the airport, she drove me to the beach and pointed out the women who were fancily dressed with either feathers or huge hats on their heads. In Australia, the races or Cups are very big events. Many see them as fashion shows. They show their best stuff. We also stopped by Luna Park. The oldest and smallest amusement park I had ever seen. The entrance, as shown in the pictures, is a big mouth eating you up. We then went to grab Tim Tams, or chocolate covered cookies that are a favorite treat around here.

We finally arrived at the house and dropped off my luggage. We then went to see a few nature spots and a lookout of the entire city and valley of melbourne. Pictures also shown. Then we headed to a singles sports game night with Fish and Chips. Being that it was an LDS activity, the fish were cheap and the chips were very greasy. We had fun. I was taught how to kick a football in order to pass it to another player. A lot of the people there asked me all sorts of questions. Three girls grabbed my phone to enter their numbers. I thought that was funny. I usually like to ask first.

After the activity we went to one of her friends house. We stayed there for too long a time because of a change of plans with another friend of hers. I hate when things like that happen. I spent the next few hours convincing her to take me to her parents house so I could get some sleep. After finally arriving home, I crashed on the bed.

This morning we all got ready and went to church services. The same church building where the activity was held. The ward was a good size. Most people didnt notice me till afterwards, coming up to welcome me and then realizing I had an accent they asked where I'm from. I didnt realize I'm the one with the accent until they all were asking about it. I told them they were the ones with the accent.

I will be going to the Melbourne Temple shortly and posting pictures of it as well. Then a fireside later tonight.