All my ducks in a row

I’ve taken a few weeks to visit family and friends and relax, but it seems like I have still been very busy getting my ducks in a row to leave the country. I think (and hope) that I’ve gotten the big things taken care of.

Visa. I now have a temporary entry work (skilled) visa, subclass 457. Applying for a visa was almost like applying or a job. Qualifications, skills, and CV attached. I had a “case officer” and everything. They asked simple questions such as, have I committed a war crime? (If I had, would I admit to it?) Everyone has to prove their English proficiency, luckily, applicants from the US are excluded (wouldn’t it be embarrassing if I couldn’t pass it?) Everything was completed within a week.. While researching visas, I came across the Life in Australia booklet for people who are becoming Australian citizens. It was very informative. Check out these fun facts I learned.

• Many people regard the kangaroo as Australia’s national animal emblem, but it has never been officially proclaimed.
• It is compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens to enroll and vote. Although the penalty for not voting is relatively small, Australia has one of the highest voter participation rates in the world, with more than 90 per cent of voters participating in the electoral process.
• ·Most Australians tend to be relatively informal in their relationships with acquaintances and work colleagues. In the workplace and among friends, most Australians tend to call each other by their first names. However, this informality does not extend to physical contact. When meeting someone for the first time, it is usual to shake the person’s right hand with your right hand. People who do not know each other generally do not kiss or hug when meeting.
• Most Australians blow their noses into a handkerchief or tissue, not onto the footpath. When sharing food with others to prevent the spread of germs, it is usual practice to pick up food using the utensils provided.
• Many Australians live close to the beach and the sea. On hot days, they may wear swimming costumes or little clothing on the beach and surrounds. This does not mean that people who dress to go to the beach or swimming have low moral standards.

Health insurance. Because I’m only on a temporary visa, I had to find my own health insurance. Can someone tell me what a “theatre fee” is?

Plane ticket. A one-way ticket. Hartford to Dallas, Dallas to Brisbane, Brisbane to Perth. 34 and ½ hours, can’t wait!

Accommodation. When I moved to South Carolina, I moved into a place I had never seen, with a roommate I had never met. Luckily I have until October 18^th to figure out where I want to live and meet potential roommates (if any). The first week I arrive in Perth, my future boss has arranged accommodations in the CBD, right near Perth’s beautiful Kings Park. Then for the next month, I will be housesitting in Scarborough beach, for a couple who is returning to the State to get married. The house sitting gig also includes a built in companion, Daisy.

Car. I was going to keep it. Then I was going to sell it. Now my sister may buy it until I come back in two years to buy it back. Still working out the details on this one.

Cell phone. I may be off the grid for a day or two, but finding a cell phone will be my Day One task. If anyone calls or texts my old number, my sister may get it, so be nice J Time to start get used to using Skype.

Australian money. Got my spending cash ready for the minute I step off the plane. The bills are very colorful and each denomination is a different size. It will take a while to believe it’s real money, and not play money for my Fisher-Price cash register.

And today, I finally picked up that dry cleaning…