New home in Western Australia.

I haven't written in a long time, and that is partially because there hasn't been anything to write about (eating lots and watching tv in Europe), and partially because the internet connection is not so freely available in Australia. I arrived to Perth well over a week ago, after an overnight stop in always lovely Hong Kong. Two days of flying wasn't too bad, especially as I flew the last section with the wonderful Qantas and the check-in lady asked me the best question ever; Would you like an exit row window seat?

Perth has been a lot of sunshine and science. My housemates work in the same lab with me, and although my contract started on Monday I attended department's own three-day conference and came to my office every day last week to sort things and think about my project. I have to say science has got me excited again, there is no other option now than stick with it!

Perth is very suburban and the distances are long. It takes me an hour to get to work by bus, but it goes via the city centre so shopping or entertainment on they way home is rather easy. All the paperwork in order to work in Australia has been ridiculously numerous, but in the end when you've signed and provided all the documentation it has been straightforward. Me and my boyfriend got our long-stay visas in three weeks, although I was warned about it taking up to four months. Live-in boyfriend is considered here as a permanent partner, so he's on my visa and can come and stay as long as I do. Handy! Opening bank account has never been this easy either - just passport and some money required, and no proof of address or employment like in other countries I've been to.

People are really friendly and talkative. I've got to several conversations with people on the bus and on the street. It's relaxed, sunny, there's very blue ocean and very blue Swan River (just next to the uni campus),... and you guessed it, very expensive too. Never had a pint of beer that costs 8 euros, and is considered normal price!

Back to the science now - have to get my background reading up to date! Luckily there is a long Easter & Anzac day weekend ahead to spend with my boyfriend who will finally join me here in the other side of the world on Friday! Hip-hip-hooray!