My flight from Victoria to Seattle left 15 minutes early, and took only 30 minutes from gate to gate. The plane was less than half occupied (only 9 people), and everybody was instructed to sit towards the back of the plane. Upon arrival in the United States, I had trouble trying to get my Q-1 visa authorized. It took about an hour, and I had to deal with 4 different border guards and their superiors. At first I was told that I would not gain entry because my name was not on the actual petition, but finally someone higher up said that the letter correcting the visa was acceptable. After I was cleared customs I had to pick up my 2 suitcases, and drop it onto the connecting belt, the only problem was that there was nobody there to operate it. They had assumed that everybody had already passed through. So that was another 20 minute wait while I had to wait for somebody to show up to press a button. I then had to travel via train and foot to the other satellite terminal on the other side of the airport. I decided to stop for dinner in the new food court because I had a couple of hours to wait. On my way back to the gate, I just checked one of the flight boards, and to my surprise the gate had actually been changed to another terminal, so I then had to walk another fair distance.

I boarded the plane, sitting in an exit row, and then about 30 min into the flight, the person in the seat next to the other 2 offered to switch with me. The flight was going well (and I was starting to fall asleep) when I was awoken by an elderly lady and several others who basically fell onto me – she complained of breathing problems, so the flight attendant pressed the call button above my seat several times fast to get all the staffs attention. They got her oxygen and everything was alright. One of them had a headset who talked to someone on land, and then the lady had to sign some forms. Everyone who tried to help her got a free plane ticket voucher (which I didn’t get). She said she had chest pain on a scale of 9/10 before boarding the plane!!

Anyways, landing went well, got bags, and then the 3 of us got a shuttle to the commons. We were the first of 38 to arrive (the next being after 1pm). We each were moved into existing places - which has its advantages and disadvantages. I got a 2 bedroom, 4 person apartment. Its building number 5 (in Beverly Hills) which is a short walk compared to building 28. My bed/room overlooks Mickey’s Retreat and International Drive. Room 532 – which is on the 3^rd floor.

We went to the outlet mall for lunch – which has a Disney and Universal outlet. As well as the Publix we went to next door.

Anyways, ive met 2 of my 3 room mates – 1 is Tibo from France and the other is Matt from the UK, the other guy who I haven’t met is from Norway. I am the only new guy in the room.

Anyways, the weather is warm, not hot, and there is basically no humidity! Earlier in the week they were 1 degree off the all time low for temp in Orlando! But it’s supposed to get warmer from here on.

Tomorrow everyone meets for breakfast at the clubhouse, and then we fill out various stuff for the next few days. Traditions starts on Saturday.

Anyways, I am off to the pool right now.