Tropical Wonderland!

Finally here! I think that was the worse bit of traveling I've had in my life. My flight out of Hawaii was canceled and rescheduled for 12 later and was delayed 2 hours. My flight out of Fiji was also delayed 2 hours. BUT, my flight out of Brisbane was on time. There were a few times I was wondering if all of that trouble was a sign that I wasn't suppose to go. I was so wrong.
This place is SO wonderful. It might even be the coolest place I have ever been. I have yet to meet a mean or rude Australian. Everyone is so friendly and genuinely nice. Townsville is like a a combination of Hawaii or the Philippine's climate, Missoula's size, Seattle's good looks and Rapaulo's ocean scene.
Right now it's the rainy season and because of all the rain they have been getting, JCU hasn't been able to build the dorms I am staying at. But its ok because they put us up in the super nice hotel, complete with its own little jungle I have to trek through to get to my room. This, I have to say, is the best part of my day. Each time I go home, I see a new form of wildlife, the most awesome of which is an ibis (a big bird).
Yesterday I got all of my classes sorted out. I am taking tropical rain forest ecosystems, life history and evolution of reef corals, another marine coarse and an Australian Cinemas class. I also met the frisbee boys, all of which I love. They have been letting me in on all the Australian bits I don't know of yet and have been super nice. I guess there are no Townsville women that play, but they say they always get loads of international women learn here, then they leave at the end of term and Townsville is left high and dry for women's ultimate.
soooo anyway, It's "O-week" here and everyday there are different things going on. Tonight is a Toga party at the University's own club on campus. yeah pretty sweet.
Sorry for the rambling and the longness of this post but there's so much to tell!
oh and btw, I have phone here and it is super cheep to call the U.S. so I might be calling you!
pictures soon but right there is no internet at the hotel plus my camera got a little wet today and isn't working.... woops
I love you and miss you all!
make sure to get on skype soon!