First Day Down....

My first full day was pretty relaxing. Jess (one of the girls in the house) and her boyfriend brought me down the the big mall just to walk around and get some groceries. Onces the term starts I will be eating at the school, but before then I am making my own. They have grocery stores in their malls! I don't think I have ever seen that. Jess also showed me the campus of her Uni.

The rest of the night was spent just lounging around. I watched some tv. They show a lot of American shows or Australian versions of American shows. We are hoping to go down to the beach sometime within the next few days and to take a look around the Annesley College campus.

I forgot to tell you, when I arrived on the 26th it was Australian Day! How fitting that I would show up on that day. Here's some information on Australia day:

Australia Day. Celebrate what's great.

Australia Day, January 26, is the biggest day of celebration in the country and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories.

On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation.

It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.

There are many great things about this country:

The people - The life savers on the beach and the farmers in the bush; the larrikins; our sporting heroes, artists and visionaries; the volunteers who dedicate their lives to others; the spirit of pulling together in hard times and achieving beyond expectation; the eminent Australians from all walks of life, the battlers and the ordinary Australians who are anything but ordinary.

Our land - Fragile yet enduring. Harsh and extreme, lush and bountiful-a continent like no other. Our ancient land offers boundless opportunity, sustains us and makes us who we are.

Our diversity - A nation of difference and unity. People from the city, the country, different nations and backgrounds; we are one people, living together. Through our diverse beliefs and experiences we learn from each other and grow together.

The indigenous cultures - The rich and resilient spirituality; the knowledge, art and history. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are part of Australia's identity and culture.

Our freedom and democracy - A society built on fundamental rights and responsibilities. Freedom of thought and expression. Participation in government and respect for and equality under the law.

A fair go for all - An enduring spirit of mateship and fairness. A compassionate society committed to access to employment, housing, health and education. Ours is a land of opportunity where we can do anything.