The Adventure begins......

Hi Gang,

I was met at the airport by Edie's 2 lovely daughters, her charming grandson Drew and a teaching colleague Kerry. Yes Amelia they did have signs. I was brain dead at this point after 29 hours of flying and time spent in airports. I walked out into the 39 degree noon day sun. YIKES. Talk about personal summer. Not to worry Sue I am not homesick yet-even though I miss you all, and yes I will suck it up. So I drove by my new school-WOW then off to my new home. I tried to stay awake until after supper-it was brutal. Jocey you will be happy to know I was my cheerful happy morning person at 4am.... everyday for almost a week. It has been hard to get over the jet lag and climate change but I am giving it my best shot. I am just about adjusted now. I had a call from my mentor from the Exchange Teachers League. She invited me to see the fireworks at the beach on New Year's Eve. Like I needed an excuse to go to the beach. We picked up one of her friends on the way. We hit it off really well. I was delighted to find out that she was a library teacher at one of the high schools. I think I should always have a library tech for a friend no matter what continent you are on-right Jane? There are fish and chip shops everywhere here and to my delight the fish is fresh and delish. I have been grocery shopping a few times and was shocked at the $5 toothpaste, coffee in MacDonalds is cheap at $3-I bought 2 coffees and a cookie for $15. I think I can make my fortune while I am here-muffins (when you can find them) are $3-5 each!!!!!!!!!(and frankly are not as good as mine). They have Kmart here and I bought myself a beautiful pink bike. I rode it to the beach at Glenelg and it took me 15 minutes. Walking in this heat is really not an option-I tried and just about kissed the pavement. I walk too fast-but am learning to slow down(or fall down). It has been above 40 for several days. Then the temp dropped into the 20's and then went back up to the high 30's. In spite of my dilligent application of sunscreen I have managed to get 2 sunburns. I am now using SPF 60 and wearing longer sleeves. I am never without my Tilly hat and I am thinking of taking an umbrella with me as I have seen the locals do. The UV index here is EXTREME because of the hole in the ozone. It is a dry heat and feels just like being in an oven. Yes I am getting cooked.

I have managed to get to the beach just about everyday. The beaches are glorious. I have never felt such warm water. Folks are on summer holiday mode here and everyone is so friendly. Feels like I am in the maritimes only much warmer and at times I don't understand the accent. Thank god Jane gave me the Aussie Dictionary for North Americans. Thank you all for your emails. No worries mates I am getting settled. I still have 2 weeks before school resumes so I am going to do some more exploring. Take care all! I miss and love you!
G'day eh!
Bern