finally settling in

It's been half a year since I've moved to this city of Adelaide, and I'm finally starting to feel comfortable here. I never imagined that I'd grow to love this city, but I'm quite pleased in having reached this point. I really had my reservations of this place during my first few months here and I looked forward to every opportunity that I had in flying out to to Perth, or basically anywhere out from this city. But now, I prefer to stay put.

So what's brought about my change in attitude, you ask?

Well, for one thing, I've really grown to like some of the people whom I've met here. My landlords, who live next door, are God-sent! They're pretty much my "surrogate parents" here, and they've welcomed me into their home with such open arms that I couldn't be more grateful. I'm pretty much in their house at least two to three times a week having coffee or stuffing my face in one way or another. I feel incredibly lucky to have met them and to have them as my landlords.

Next are the friends I've made through work. I can only really count with my two hands the number of people I consider "friends" here so far, whom I've met since beginning my internship, but I'm so glad and fortunate to have met these people! Having them in my life certainly makes this place less lonely, and I can honestly say that these are people I can see myself having friendships with over this lifetime.

Most recently, I've bought myself a car. It is old, a '96 Toyota Corolla hatch to be exact, but I'm proud to call it my new baby. Now having a set of wheels definitely makes this place that much more bearable because I finally have the freedom to drive off to any place I desire. No more having to put up with walking through the cold mornings to work, nor having to spend lots of time taking the public transport, nor having to ask people for a lift. I feel as if my independence has just been handed back to me in having purchased myself a car.

Last but not least is the lifestyle here in Adelaide--people are so laid-back and easy going here! I've come to like it this way more and more!! Sure, winin' and dinin' are the primary means of pleasure/entertainment in Adelaide, but hey what more can you ask for? Not to mention, beautiful wineries like the Barossa and McLaren Vale are such an easy drive away that it's really hard not to jump in the boozing wagon! I've definitely come to enjoy visiting cellar doors and sampling various wines, while pretending to have enough sense in being able to discern the different flavours and aromas embodied by each wine.

For those who would prefer a fast-paced and densely populated environment, I can see why people would consider Adelaide a huge bore. I was certainly one of such people at the beginning of this year! But, a place is only worth as much as you make of it, and I definitely intend on making the most of my time in this city!!