Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland! G`day Australien!

One year... at the other end of the world.

Thus begins my year abroad as an Au Pair in Australia. A year full of surprises and new impressions. And it all starts with getting on a plane for the first time in my life. On a plane that will take you to the other end of the world. Where you don't know anyone, where no one knows you, and where so much awaits you.

When I say I was excited, that is definitely an understatement. Maybe it didn't show, but stepping on that plane took a lot of courage. Because I knew that by getting on that plane, I wouldn't see my family and friends for 12 months. But I would experience an adventure that no one can take away from me. So I took the leap into the unknown. And so far, I can say that it was definitely the right decision! I've only been in Australia for 7 days and I've already met so many new people, and above all, I've met a family that has welcomed me so warmly that I already feel a bit at home. But let's start from the beginning.

The day of departure.

On Monday morning, the day of departure finally arrived. After a last shared breakfast with my sisters and uncle at my grandparents' house (thanks again for that!) it was time to go to the airport, with my mom, friend, and uncle. How exciting!!! And then, right on time at 13:45, I started my journey to Australia with the 4 other girls. Okay, actually first to Hong Kong, because that's where we had to change planes to get to Sydney. In total, from leaving home to arriving at the hostel in Sydney, we were on the road for 34 hours. And believe me, when I finally lay in my bed at half past 2 (local time in Australia), I slept like a rock :D

The days in Sydney.

The next few days were not as spectacular during the day, but they were very informative. We had workshops by AIFS where we discussed everything about the Au Pair experience in Australia. That means: sun (ozone hole and all), animals, swimming, children... everything important. We also received our Australian SIM card and bank card. As for the money, all I can say is that it looks like Monopoly money :D

On Friday afternoon, some of us went to their host families. The rest of us visited the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Equipped with cameras, we waited there until the sun went down. Unfortunately, there was no spectacular sunset... oh well, there will be more chances :)

And on Saturday morning at 5 o'clock, it was time for me to go to the airport again.

My host family. :) (The first 3 days)

My host family is great. When I landed after an hour-long flight, which took me to the middle of nowhere, they were there, all 6 of them (mom, dad, and the 4 kids), with smiling faces, waiting for me. After hugging them all, we went to buy soil :) Because we are in the process of transforming the garden. Well, then we went for breakfast... at McDonald's :D Okay, anyway. After an almost two-hour car ride, we finally arrived 'home'. And I immediately felt comfortable here. My oldest host kid showed me everything from the house to my little cottage and, of course, the animals. And it's really beautiful here. There are endless large meadows, followed by mountains and a river (where you can even swim in the summer). And now, after three days here, I still feel great. And I can even drive a tractor... on the LEFT side!