Cavin and Michele

Dear Cavin and Michele,

I really can’t thank you enough for introducing me to these lovely people.

Michael and Amanda are so warm and wonderful. They researched the best options for a phone and bank account for me, drove me around, and went out of their way to make me feel at home while I stayed with them. And Lucy and Abbey are the most adorable little girls—playful, mischievous, sweet, and, of course, as kids tend to be at (almost) 2 and 3 years old, full of energy.

On Friday, Amanda drove me (and the girls) to see Macquarie University, where I’ll be taking my course.

The campus is pretty removed from the city, and it really feels like a step away. There are tons of trees and lots of open land. I think it’s going to be a perfect place to study, and since I'll be living in the city, it will be nice to get away and focus in that environment a few days a week.

After that, Amanda did the (nearly) impossible and took us to Ikea, which has to be one of the most difficult places to keep up with two toddlers. She kept them entertained in the kids’ section while I picked out a dresser, closet organizer, hangers, etc. (The next day when Michael moved me to my new apartment, he even built the dresser for me. Does a greater act of goodness exist than offering to build Ikea furniture for someone? I think not.)

The last night I stayed with them, they bundled up the girls and we all walked to the pub down the street from them (right on the water in Coogee Beach) and met some of their friends who live in the neighborhood and have a daughter Lucy’s age for dinner. Pubs are everywhere here—they’re casual, and some, like this one, are very family-friendly. The kids had the $5 pizza special and the adults had burgers and chicken. Their neighborhood has such a wonderful community feel. They--along with most people I've come across--seem so happy here, and it’s easy to see why.

Anyway, thank you again for setting me up with your wonderful friends. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Australia.

Love you guys! Hope all is well.

xo,

Meagan