Another text I received on April 1st went along these lines,"Dear Tess, we've checked your work history and background reports from the US and unfortunately we are unable to employ you with such issues presented by the FBI report. Wish you all the best with everything but you should seriously deal with the issues quickly as I understand the AUST federal police are looking for you." This text was sent by the manager of a restaurant I applied for a job with. After having a minor panic attack and trying to rack my brain to think about my past criminal record, I realized that this was an Aprils Fools joke. Close call.
So now we are looking for another apartment that doesn't require a lease, will be furnished and not have a minimum stay, that's reasonably priced and close to the city- shouldn't be too hard. Meanwhile I've been working a lot trying to save money to keep traveling, but this city is too expensive to accomplish any of that and the $10 pints are blowing through my budget. One thing I have learned is how to live in a city without any friends. Basically any time you strike up a conversation with a stranger you have to make it very clear to them that you just moved here, you don't know anyone and you have no friends and hope that they take you under their wing. So far this hasn't worked, but I'll keep trying and report back. I've also discovered Meetups through a podcast I listened to and have been trying those out. Meetups are groups created by people who are looking for other people with similar interests. There are book clubs, arts and crafts, foodies, film lovers groups as well as groups for people who just moved to Melbourne and an American Expat group. Its a good way to meet people, but I find it a little awkward and forced. I realized I'm at the point in my life where people are pretty settled into their group of friends and the new friends you do meet are through work or mutual friends. We don't have school, programs or sports to make friends through anymore. What I'm trying to say is this is a cry for help- Lizzie and I need friends.
Other than being evicted and having no friends, life is pretty good here. I fully intend to explore the rest of Australia once I have money and am already planning to flee before winter strikes...
P.S. due to the overwhelming response of concern I have to make a disclaimer that I do have friends and am not, in fact, as pathetic as I sound.