Melbourne Again

On Friday I was hoping to go to the beach, but alas, the weather did not permit. Kimmy came over in the morning, and then she, Lynnsey, Hillary, and myself went shopping. I love my new clothes in general from this trip, but it means I can't buy any for a while back at home. Plus, all of the clothes I buy I actually get to wear again later this year. Really, that was about it for Friday (and some packing).

On Saturday, I made breakfast and took the bus to the train station to find that my train to the airport was getting work done on it. I had to take a cab, but oh well, right? Just as the plane was about to take off, a lady started jumping and yelling and being disruptive and unmanageable. We had to turn around, so my flight was 30 minutes late. John picked me up, and it was so great to see him! At the Starkowski's, I gave Beata a few things that I had made and we had lunch. Beata and I went to Peter's basketball game (John coaches), and we had fun, but I forgot to take photos. When we got back, we set up for the party, and peopel started arriving. It was filled with wujeks and ciocias and cousins and everyone. One of the great uncles looked at me and started talking to me about what a multicultural world we live in. And then I said I was 100% Polish, and he was a bit startled when I spoke a bit. lol It was hilarious and Max and I giggled. I hung out with Max's cousins and the uncles, and all in all, it was a great night. It was kind of cool to be the American out of a huge group of Polish and Australian-Polish. I'm going to miss the accent and Australian English.

On Sunday, Beata made crepes with lemons from the lemon tree (I want a lemon tree... damn midwestern American weather). And after breakfast, we went to a super cool place called the Werribee Open Range Zoo. We boarded a bus and drove through huuuuuge fields of African animals. It was so amazing to do, and the animals have so much room to roam. After that, we viewed the other exhibits like the African Wild Dogs (who kept chasing a stray wild chicken), the lions, cheetahs (which I had never seen in person before), and the hippos!! I've got some good photos of 'em, too. As soon as we arrived home, Jola, Beata, Piotr, and I popped in to a costume shop for Peter's fancy dress party. He chose this ridiculous blue dracula mask (and he'd better take a picture because I didn't!!). Also, Beata got unicorn stickers and sticky bookmarkers, which she put all over her face. It was hilarious. Not too shortly after arriving, I had dinner and went to the airport. I cried once I sat down because the Starkowskis are absolutely wonderful people, and I was sad to leave so soon. I was also really missing my Mum. I can't be this long away from her - it's too much. I miss Dad, Jeffrey, Jaymes, and Austin so much, too. Last time I spoke to Jeffers, he asked if I was going to come lay with him and Austin and have our tradition late evening chats and cuddle. I miss those boys. I miss everyone really, not just my immediate family and my boyfriend and my best friend. Also, I can't wait till Beata comes in July, so I can show her Chicago. I really wish the whole family would come, but it will still be awesome to see John and Beata.

During the flight, I sat in the back row and I had it all to myself! I could lift up the armrests and use of all the chairs as a bed, which was perfect for a 3.5 hour flight. At my arrival, I took a cab, and went to bed. It was short weekend, but jam-packed nonetheless.

Photos at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2074015&id=1150080032&l=d6088527da