23-25 August 2008 - The First Day

The flights from MSP to MEL were good. Matt slept almost 2 hours on the LA leg and we each got 6+ hour on the Melbourne leg. So we felt fairly rested when we arrived. The flight from LAX to Melbourne actually "wasn't excruciating" to use Marlys' term. With the sleep and an open seat next to us we could spread out and relax. Biggest letdown was we slept through dinner and drinks and so missed the first VB (our favorite Aussie beer, Victoria Bitter) opportunity! The oddest moment was about an hour from landing when we flew over the Dividing Range and saw snow. Not they way you think of Oz, even when you know it's winter.

While in LA we met our friend Anne and she took us out Hacienda Del Sol for a little Mexican (and I don't mean Speedy Gonzalez). We love HdS - fabulous food and a great way to break up the trip. And next time Matt will finally say to hell with long flights and have the garlic shrimp.

Walking out of customs, we were surprised by our new co-worker Jen at the airport. She drove us to our temporary housing and had thoughtfully stocked our fridge and cupboards for us! We then popped by the PDI office for a quick tour and then Jen dropped us at the South Melbourne Market (big farmers market) where we enjoyed breakfast and a sunny morning. Weather was warm and sunny like a crisp fall day in Minnesota, which felt wonderful after a day on planes. If only there were college football.....

With all the events, work and stress of moving (Thursday was more than a mite stressful) we really haven't had a chance to think about what we are doing for a long time. But somewhere over the South Pacific it started to hit us: this is not a vacation and we were not going to be back at home in a few weeks. A very introspective moment. We are nevertheless very excited about this unique opportunity and consider ourselves so fortunate to have this adventure.

Good Bye, Minnesota!

Tomorrow is the big day. Flight for LA leaves about 5, we arrive Saturday at about 8 AM, Qantas and Northwest willing.

Since we are leaving tomorrow, only have time for a short post. Marlys and I just want to say thanks to everyone who has helped us with the move, bid us farewell, or lent an ear and support over the last few months. You've made it both easier and harder to leave!

Specifically, we want to thank (in no particular order):

1. Bill, Joe, and Dale for the design, transport and construction labor to create the Portland Avenue mini-storage facility.
2. Anne Barton - for flying across country, getting us organized around what would stay and what would be shipped, and for all the packing, errands, etc.
3. Dale, Jean, Britta, and Esko for many days of packing and moving assitance - running errands, helping with home projects, etc.
4. Dad for painting.
5. Mo and Steph for taking over the 1944 household.
6. Haggs, Mids, Bri and Finbar for the going away party, with a special thanks to Haggs and Tanya for the legwork (a cold VB awaits).
7. Beth and Cork for the going away pool party (in rain and cold!).
8. The Beavers for the DVD player that will last the entire LAX-MEL flight.
9. Dale and Jean for the family BBQ (in rain and cold! yes, there's a theme here...).
10. The Beavers for lunch at Palomino (Kathy, don't leave early next time - wait long enough and Lisa will reach for her credit card!)
11. Gladys and Henry for celebrating Thanksgiving in August! It was a fabulous feast with all the Turkey day trimmings! Thanks to Nancy, Paavo, Kristine, and Chuck for making the trek in from MI to join us.
12. Bill for car storage.
13. Haggs for the dump run and the brilliant idea to have Coneys when it was closed.
14. Mom, Dad and Luba for last minute details and errands on the day we left. Otherwise we'd still be in St Paul!
15. All the friends, family, nieces, and nephews for the last minute visits. Especially Elias for coming in from Denver; Laurie Singer in from PA; Anne in from LA; Auntie Lil from MI; and Kevin Kerns from Philadelphia.
16. All of our family members for being at least a bit understanding about the fact we won't be around to help out and share laughs as much as we'd like

I'm sure I've missed a lot of people, so a big "I'm sorry" for the omission and a bigger "thanks!" for everything you did. Your room awaits you in Melbourne.