I can drive!

My most recent step toward 100% preparedness for moving was getting an International Driving Permit.  For those of you wanting to know how to get an IDP, you can get them through AAA. All you need is a current drivers license, a 15 dollar check, two passport sized photos (2" by 2") that are super cheap at Costco, and an application form that you can print right off their website. Lucky for me, I was the only one in line for that station so I was helped almost immediately and took about 5 minutes for completion. And viola! I am now able to drive in a ton of different countries!

When I met with my dad just after this errand, he asked me if I had gotten car insurance yet. My first thought..."Craaaaaap." I hadn't even thought about that! Later I asked Jamie about their car insurance policies and fortunately they insure by the vehicle not the driver, so I will be added onto his (if I understood correctly of course). And never mind the fact that his car is manual and I've only ever driven automatic! That too shall come in time! Next on the "to-do" list is finding out how to transfer my savings and checking accounts; all things having to do with money, including credit cards. In addition to that I've been meaning to stop by UPS and FedEx to compare their international shipping rates so that I can send any belongings that don't quite fit into the luggage that Jamie and I are hauling to Perth. Fingers crossed that I find a good deal (or that I put enough clothes in the give-away pile before August that I won't need extra shipping)!

First of many entries to come...

Hello there, all!
For those of your who do not know me, my name is Courtney. The purpose of this blog is to share my upcoming adventure in Perth, Australia. The first question I had when I heard of Perth is, where the heck is that? Well to enlighten you, it's the main city on the West coast of Australia, the opposite side of Sydney. Another question you may be asking is why some random city no one knows about? Well here goes! On Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, I was fortunate enough to have the last open seat next to me on a flight to Reno. A young Australian man, by the name of Jamie, happened to be in need of this last seat and so our relationship began: first through Facebook as just friends, then video chatting, and eventually we found ourselves in love and travelling to one another's home countries. Recently I hit a road block in my education, and after much grief, I realized it was a blessing in disguise. I was now faced with the opportunity to visit Perth on a more permanent basis than just a quick tourist trip like I had done last summer. So that's what I'm doing; I'm taking the leap with my year-long Working Holiday visa to test things out and broaden my horizons. I've had the dream of travelling and living outside of the US, or even living outside of California, for as long as I can remember, and I am more than thrilled to make this dream come true!! But don't let the excitement fool you completely. I'm freaking out inside. From driving on the Left side of the road to learning the metric system, I may be in over my head! On top of that, my relationship with Jamie will be going from zero face to face contact, to 24/7 contact within seconds. I'm interested to see how everything pans out but for now I must focus on the details you wouldn't really think of for going on an extended vacation; things such as driving permits, health insurance, communication device, car insurance, shipping rates for items that don't fit in my luggage, etc. I still have quite a bit of research to do but plenty of time to do it. D-day is booked for August 16, 2012 at 10:30 pm. My amazing boyfriend is flying out here so that I won't have to make the long journey away from my homeland alone. I couldn't ask for more :) Up until the true Australian adventure begins, I'll be updating you on the trials and tribulations of planning a move abroad.  Enjoy the rest of your weekends!!

 Perth

Jamie & Me