In Australia, finally!

That was a long trip! The main thing is that I've made it to Adelaide safely and with all my luggage. :-)

Speaking of luggage, one of the Australian quarantine guys was bugging me about traveling with three full suitcases (little did he know that everything I owned fit in those three suitcases). I usually try to pack light, but when you are taking everything you own it may take more than one suitcase. :-)

I have been taking sleeping pills to make sure I don't wake up at 3 am and it seems that the pills have been working. I am almost used to this time zone, and by 10 pm I can barely keep my eyes open. Last night, I almost fell asleep while brushing my teeth. lol

This morning, I went for a walk along the beach. BEAUTIFUL!!! The sky was blue, the ocean was tranquil and the weather was warm. What else do you need to be happy (well, Carla beside me would have completed the picture, but that will happen too).

As this is my third country that I am living in over the last year I have figured out what is the most confusing experience for a newcomer. No, it is not the laws, or where to buy your groceries. The most confusing thing is figuring out which cell phone plan to get! I don't know if they can make it more confusing than this. First, they charge you a connection charge for most of the calls. Second, they bill you in 30 second increments, so they list the price in 30 second increments. Third, they charge you different rates for calling fixed and mobile phones. Then they have these confusing plans where you pay $49 for a plan but you get $300 worth of money in the account! I know, I know, it all makes sense in the twisted mind of a marketing manager, but when a poor consumer looks at it all it just does not make sense.

I am seriously eyeing the SUPER simple "BeanCounter" rate by Virgin Mobile. They will charge you a 25 cent connection charge and then 10 cents a minute no matter who you call in Australia. Pretty simple! Unlike the other scammers that even charge you to leave a voicemail for someone. Or to call your company's help line!!!

As for a home phone, I am pretty sure I will be going with a VOIP phone. The trick will be to find a good quality provider.