"I came to a land downunder"

SO finally made it, off the plane - to immigration, gotta love the electronic visa made this very easy.  So once I get to meet the immigration official she tells me she went to school with a girl called Kathryn Vickers - who is now an oncologist (cancer specialist) in Sydney. Guess this must be the twin I keep hearing about.  But no problems getting into the country now just wait for my bags - I always have that nagging feeling that they didn't make it with me!! Finally I see my bags and true to form the TSA has searched them.  Now through customs - declaring my 2 Luna bars and the chocolate bar I have, being a vet is always the one thing that is difficult.  I assure the official that I have not been near any large animals - especially horses as they are just recovering from an equine influenza outbreak.  Nearly stopped the Melbourne cup - would have been a tradegy as this is a national holiday.

Through immigration and customs and off to meet my friend who I haven't seen in 13 years - good thing she still looks similar and puts on a good show of remembering me.  Finally able to put myself in a real bed and get a good shower.  What a luxury...  So finally some time for shut eye and relaxation.

Only to be woken by the neighbours dog barking at 5am and then the birds start - koukaburra's, magpies, cockatoo's etc - all of which I am not used to.  Oh well today will be a new day...