Boycott American Airlines!!!!!

Hello everyone!!

I am finally in Australia and it is surreal that I am finally here. The past three day of my life have been crazy so let me backtrack and tell you what hell I have recently been through.

The night before I left, my mom wanted to have a going away dinner for me with family and friends. Initially, it was supposed to be something small because I didn't want to make a big deal about it but a lot of friends stopped by to say good- bye and wish me good luck. With my friends and family under one roof, I realized how lucky I was to have such a loving family and such good friends by my side. It made me realize how much I am truly going to miss everyone from back home.

The next day I woke up, to my pleasant surprise, without a hangover! It was hectic putting everything together at the last minute but I managed to get it done with time to spare. As we headed out to the airport, (3 hours before my flight, thanks Dad), my brother was flying into O'Hare from California to surprise my family and I was the only one who knew about the plan. As I was checking in, I was trying to secretively talk to my brother and let him know where we were. There was miscommunication, and he was at a different terminal but said he would be there in 10 minutes. Myy sister insisted that they leave immediately because she had to be back in time for work. I didn't know how to stall them any further, so I had to end up saying to them: "How about you wait just 5 more minutes to see your son?" My parents were extremely shocked/ happy to see him and it felt great to have my family by me right before I left. Saying good bye was tough, and I managed to hold off the tears until I saw my mom tearing up. I was so excited for Australia, but saying good bye to my family was the hardest part.

Now this is where my travels begin to take a turn for the worst.

My flight was initially scheduled to leave at 4:40, but it turned to continually be delayed until I wasn't able to board the airport until 7:50!! I was flying into LA and my flight left from LA to go to Sydney at 10:30. I realized that it was going to be extremely close and I might miss my flight to Sydney. As we we departing Chicago, the pilot said that the estimated arrival time to LA was 10:35. I talked to the flight attendant and told her my situation, and she said there were about 30 people on the flight who were connecting to Sydney, and since it was in the same terminal, she thought that they were going to wait for land. I was hoping the plane would because I really wanted to be on that flight because 3 girls who I am traveling with were on that flight.

When I finally land in LA, I find out that I missed my flight by 5 minutes! They closed the door but the plane didn't get off the runway for another hour, so I looked onto the plane that I should have been on. Luckily, there was another plane leaving for Sydney an hour later and I managed to get a seat on that flight. I called AustraLearn and told them that I didn't get on that flight, but I informed them of my new flight, when I would be arriving, etc.

Then I had to endure a 14 1/2 hour flight to Sydney. It was a tight fit and you could barely move. I downed two Tylonel PM I managed to sleep for some of the flight, which helped take away some of the time and also watched two movies, Across the Universe (two thumbs way up!!) and The Nanny Diaries.

When I finally arrived in Sydney, I was so happy to get off the plane and get to the University. Once I got through security and customs, I find out that American Airlines lost my luggage and it never made the plane to Sydney! Turns out, about 8 other people lost their luggage who were going to ICMS, and it may be about 48 hours until we get our luggage.

SO.... after we file our luggage claim, we walk out to find the shuttle from ICMS to take us to Manly. We waited for about 40 minutes, and after calling them, find out that they are not coming back to get us and told us we needed to find out own means of transportation to get to the University. Our group took a shuttle, which cost about $110 AUD to get to the University.

The ride was about 45 minutes and we were able to see Sydney as we drove by. Everything they say about how beautiful this city is, is true. It was raining when we arrived, but that didn't take away our excitement. We all knew that we were in for a trip of a lifetime.

Once we arrived to our Castle, we were checked in and I was taken to my room. I am on the top floor, and my muscles already ache by going up and down four flights of stairs at least ten times. What makes up for it is my bedroom view. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is breathtaking. I still can't believe that I am here. During the day, we headed down by the beach to a shopping area to get basic toiletries and clothes to hold us over until our luggage arrived. After suffering such a long and exhausting day, Katie and I hit a local bar. I ordered lemonade and vokda only to realize that I got Sprite and vodka. I guess they call lemonade "lemon soda" down under. Also, instead of saying "your welcome" they respond with "no worries."

It has been a hectic few days, but once I get my luggage, everything should be fine. I miss everyone greatly but will post again in a few days!