I Like Vegemite!

Any traveller backpacking accross Australia knows that when you start to like Vegemite, you've crossed over to the dark side. Vegemite is Australia's claim to fame; a brown food paste made from condensed yeast. When it was developed in 1922, it was originally the goo that's they scraped off the bottom of the barrels after brewing beer. But for obvious reasons, it's now mass produced for the aussies. To an unsuspecting outsider, Vegemite appears to be a sweet Nutella like substance that you would slather on your toast...but don't do it! It's saltier that all the oceans combined, bitter and malty. If you're brave enough to try it, only use a smidgen so you can hardly see it, and taste cautiosly. After 9 months of being here though, I have come to LOVE it! There's really nothing like a cheese and Vegemite sandwich or a cheesymite scroll. Don't worry, I'll be bringing enough back for everyone to share in the special experience!

What up in WA!

So the search for a job only lasted two weeks, thank goodness! I’ve got a gig on a farm as I hoped, but will only be spending a month here. As well, I’m playing the role of nanny extraordinaire, taking care of two kiddies, Jack and Asha, as well as keeping the house in shape.

The last two weeks in Perth were really good. I didn’t much play the tourist card this time, opting for long sleep ins and TV time. It was nice to just kick back for a bit. I did get to do some fun stuff however; Amanda and I went sand boarding last week in a town called Lancelin. It’s renowned for its vast expanse of sand dunes great for 4-wheel driving, or like Amanda and I experienced, bogging you car and then spending an hour trying to dig it out. We rented our boards from a café/convenience store/hardware store (that’s how small this town was) and drove up to the dunes. One board was like a skateboard with straps to put your feet in and ride like a snowboard; the other was exactly like a snowboard but was meant to sit on. Unfortunately the thing about dunes is that there are no chairlifts and we had to walk up every time we went down. We tried the boards every which way, but I found the best was standing on the sit down board; if only snow boarding were as easy as that. Amanda and I got a little cocky and built a jump which she successfully got some air off of; I did not! I recommend that if anyone gets the chance, do some sand boarding- even though I’m still emptying sand from my sweater pockets!

Another adventure was down to a town called Kallamunda which is said to have a history with extra terrestrials and ghosts. We went to a great new age bookstore where I met a fellow Canadian who has been living here for 7 years or so.

The rest of my time was spent listening to a few great musicians bang their drums, tickle their keys and strum their guitars…Amanda and Scott are musicians who teach and jam at the house!

Yesterday I left Perth on a bus to a small town called Kojonup. I was picked up by Kate, the mom and owner of an byodynamic egg farm. We ran some errands in town before heading back to her farm which is about half an hour away from the town. On the way, we rescued (kidnapped) a lamb that was running wild and had no mother. Kate told me that if we didn’t do something that the lamb would probably die. So I sacrificed my jacket and held little Lambington in my lap the whole way home. Today was my first official day on the job…but it really doesn’t feel like a job at all. Kate had to go into town to pick up another girl and took the kids with her leaving me here to mind the house. I spent all day just cleaning and doing laundry…reminiscent of my days at Lakair- not to mention it smells like Lakair here too making it hard to remember that I’m in Australia still. It’s such a warm and inviting home and I know I’ll be getting along just fine.

Quarterly Update

This is the first quarterly update of the new years goals. I'm pretty happy of the progress I've made, but I've been reminded of the work still needed to be done. 9 more months to complete it all!

1. Learn to surf- good progress
I've gotten on a board and ridden a few waves. I plan on living in a coastal town to take up the sport.

2. Ski New Zealand- no progress
Hasn't happened yet, but it's still summer. ETD is August for NZ.

3. Bungee Jump ( or some other extreme sport)- no progress
Same as above

4. Get in shape- good progress
I've joined a gym and try to eat healthier. I've gotten back some endurence and increased my cardiovascular strength.

5. Blog- mediocre prgress
Still Blogging- Just not a lot going on to blog about!

6. Keep in touch more often- poor progress
I've been doing ok but I could make much more of an effort- starting tonight!

7. Take more pictures- medicore progress
The new camera is working out well and I try to take more pictures when I can

8. Travel alone- no progress
No opportunities to do so yet

9. Shake the Someday Syndrome- good progress
Yes- well, I've been working on it, and I'm getting better. This post is proof that I'm keeping up with things I said I'd do.

Single in the City

8:30pm, T.V. on, cell phone quiet- pathetic for a Saturday night, and a Valentine’s Saturday night at that. Feeling very dismal I put some decent clothes on and set out on a mission for my lover, moiseur chocolat (he’s French) But as I get going, I’m enjoying the cool feeling of soft rain on my skin and exploring my new neighborhood. As I walk to the main restaurant strip, I’m greeted by a hundred bouquets of red balloons littering the street. The restaurants are packed and there are couples everywhere…but I find myself not bothered and just keep walking. I realize that I haven’t really dated anyone or been in a real relationship for over 2 years. Being out of school and not in any sports or groups, it’s really hard to meet people of the opposite sex. I have no trouble meeting backpackers, and cute ones at that, but they’re just as temporary as I am.

Eventually I do end up at the grocery store and have found what I think are my fellow singletons; cute guys everywhere...with their girlfriends. There’s just no winning! I still buy the chocolate but the walk has made me feel so much better, I don’t need to eat my feelings, but it would be good just to have it on hand!

The dream lives on…

After the roadtrip around the country in a Wicked van fell through, I’ve been planning trips on my own, whether it be by plane, or bus or boat, but I’ve never given up on a Wicked Van. I really want to drive the open road, and camp in a van (down by the river), just live like a hippie. Well, the dream flickered a couple days ago, and now it is alive and possible. Instead of taking the job at the coffee shop I last wrote about, I was offered a job with Wicked, and of course, I had to take it! Today was my first day and what an inspiration it is to see backpackers travelling this grand country! I’ve even met more Canadians, one from Sault St. Marie! It’s amazing who you’ll run into over here. I’m really excited to be working for Wicked, and I know it’ll open up some great opportunities for me down the road…literally!

UPDATE!

Again, it's been awhile, and a lot has been happening. After my week of becoming a pro surfer, I became wise in the way of Australian camping on Stradbroke island; a beautiful island off the coast of Brisbane. A heap of us went over to celebrate Australia day-for five days! Now I must make a confession, I've never really camped before. With the luxury of Lakair lodge and the island, there's just been no opportunity to pitch a tent and rough it. But that's exactly what we did, and it was awesome! A prime camping location right next to the beach was the perfect set up for cricket games, kite flying, beach walks, and surfing. Not to mention the barbecues, star gazing, and yes, copious amount of beer! After what felt like 3 weeks of vacation, we had to leave the island and head back to reality. While everyone else retired to their homes and jobs, I was venturing into a new home and preparing for a job hunt. I've left Rockhampton for good now, and have decided to settle in Brisbane for a couple months. My good friend Dan was kind enough to offer a room to me for a few weeks whilst his flatmate is overseas. It's been great living here and after the first day I even had a job interview. Now that was 4 days ago, and as things usually go with me, it's all been changed again! I've found a more permanent place to live in a suburb called...MILTON! I know, how great is that! And after trialling the job from hell and quitting, I found another job at a popular coffee shop right by my new house. Someone upstairs is working for my benefit!

So to recap, good travels, good friends-new and old, new job, and new place to live! I won't have accessible internet at my new abode, so not a lot of new posts, but I'm going to try my best!

New Camera!!

Today I bit the bullet and splurged on something I have been waiting and wanting for so long...I'll just call it a Christmas present to myself. May I introduce the Olympus 1050SW Waterproof camera!! It's everything I could want. I got it on sale (thank you boxing day sales) and in the most exquisite colour...champagne! I had to order it to get it in that colour, but at no extra cost except seven long days. It was love at first sight and I can't wait to get my hands on it and drop it in the Pacific! Stay tuned for underwater shots!!!

Someday Syndrome

The internet is a many splendid thing. I stumbled upon a website called Stumble Upon.
It's a website dedicated to sites that people come across and want to share with others. Then I found this link. Could it be the answer to my previous question? Do I have Someday Syndrome?
There's another whole website dedicated to Someday Syndrome. I think I have it pretty bad!
www.somedaysyndrome.com

Working Girl

I started the job at the restaurant pub today. For the first half an hour or so I wanted to quit and crawl into a hole, but by the end of my short lunch shift,I didn't hate it. I've never really done restaurant work, and have done no bar work at all, so let's just say that this will be a huge learning curve for me. The hardest part seems to be learning the POS system and getting used to the Aussie bar terminology. For instance, a 15oz beer is called a pot of beer, and pints are rarely served. I have faith that my Canadian accent will help me along the way though.
The retail job is great. Since working at Quiksilver in T.O., not to brag but I'm an expert at selling stuff! So that job is easy as pie.
I've also been lucky to pick up 5, yep count em, 5 extra shifts this morning for both jobs. Looks like I won't be around much, but I will be earning a lot of money for that road trip I'm supposed to take! Ah, life is finally starting here!

Life on the Other Side of the Equator

Since I’ve been really slack about blogging, I’m going to try to sum up my life so far as a temporary Australian.

My days were mostly spent littering the city with my resumes trying to find someone who wants to hire a casual for only a couple of months, but luckily since it’s Christmas time there is a lot of that work available. I had a few interviews and lots of call backs, but the final decision was a retail job at a bra and undie store, and a bar/restaurant job. I stated the retail job today and so far so good. I work with really lovely girls and it’s a small store, so it will be easy to work there I reckon. Oh and did I mention it’s air-conditioned, what a relief! I start my bar job tomorrow so I’ll let you know what kind of creeps I run into!

The weather here has been…intolerable. I know, I know, how can I complain when most of you a shoveling snow, but seriously, it’s HOT here. And I’m warned that it gets hotter. How will I survive! However, interesting piece of news today; big snow storm down in New South Wales and Victoria, I kid you not it looked like Canada. It is very unseasonal and bizarre for that to happen, but a pleasant surprise that there is snow here! I will fulfill my dream of skiing on this side of the equator!

I’ve been lucky enough to do a little bit of traveling so far as well. We made our way down to Bundaberg and Bagara Beach for a weekend. Bundaberg is the home to Bundaberg Rum, which is extraordinarily popular here, and Bundaberg sodas. We did a tour of the Rum factory and I am now well versed in the ways of rum making. Bundaberg is really popular for backpackers to stay because of all the fruit picking opportunities and it’s close to good beaches and good surf. We stayed right on the beach in an ultra modern holiday apartment…it was priceless. I’d like to go back again for longer.

This past weekend my friend Katie and I tagged along water skiing just outside of town. If anyone knows me, they know I can’t water ski, so I stuck to the tube! The water ski club is an a fresh water river…ahhh fresh water. Just the smell and the sound of the boat brought me right back to Lakair. Needless to say I didn’t hesitate to jump in for a swim…however it was quickly brought to my attention as I tried to coax Katie into the water, that the thing that I may need to be afraid of was CROCS! And no, not those ugly shoes, real crocodiles. Ah, the surprises never end here! But regardless, we still had a great time, and no croc sightings!

I think the thing about Australia is that it is very similar to Canada in the way of the people and politics, language, religion, etc. I was prepared to come into Canada’s bizarro world country, but as I continue to explore, I find more and more differences that seem more shocking because I really didn’t expect them. Here are a few of the things I’ve noticed about Oz that are “weird”!

You Say 'Tomāto' I Say 'Tomăto'

Roundabouts: Aussies got it going on when it comes to roads. Roundabouts are the key to keeping traffic flowing and fast. They’re hard to get used to and sometimes and don’t know which way that circle road is going to spit me out, but I’m getting it slowly.

Cell Phones: Did you know you can buy a cell phone in a box? It comes with a phone number in it which is not specified to one region, it’s local no matter where you go. No contracts to sign, no pesky registration and add ons. Just a cell phone that turns on and goes. I know mom and aunt Leslie would LOVE to have that in Canada. We gotta get on that.

Boys Fashion: Or should I say lack there of. I find it fascinating and slightly revolting that young men here seem to think it’s “cool” or remotely “attractive” to have a rat tail (and in the words of Carley Stewart) that come in all different ranges; dyed, braided, free flowing…ie, disgusting. It doesn’t end there; mullets, skullets, messy hair, acid wash jeans, popped collars that should never be popped (I know we have that in C.A. but it’s much, much worse here) faux snake skin shoes, and suped up utes (half car half truck utility vehicle). Someone’s gotta teach these boys a lesson in style. No worries mom, looks like I’ll be coming home alone!

I’ll add to this list later.

So this is my life so far on the other side of the equator, and I promise I’ll be a better blogger. Until next time, stay warm!

The Rundown

So I guess it's time for the rundown for any of you who don't know the story of why I'm in Australia. Oz has always been somewhere that I've wanted to go but it's always been a far away dream. I had the idea to do some backpacking after I graduated from college, and successfully convinced Taylor, my brother, to come with me. However, plans fell through when he got a job offer that he couldn't pass up. I had no other travel buddies to coax into going, so the plan of traveling went on the back burner. I decided from there to move to Toronto (Sept 07) to pursue a career of my own in the fashion industry, if I could! I ended up working for Quiksilver, where I met an Aussie working in Canada for a year. Sam had the aspiration to play real Canadian hockey, and he managed to drag along his more than willing sister, Sophie, to come with him. Due to high cost of living and frequency of bar hopping and dinners, Sam and Sophie ended up staying in Toronto instead of traveling. I became very good friends with Sam, but only saw Sophie once and a while. However in the times that I did see her, a Combi trip across her home country came into conversation, and she was gracious enough to extend an invite out to me. How could I pass up a road trip accross Australia with a resident? It seemed too good to be true. As my ideas usually run, I had it set in my head that I was to go to Oz in the upcoming year. Mind you, I don't think my parents were too convinced that I would actually follow this dream though. As the year drew on, we all became great friends and it looked like this trip might actually happen. Fast forward to March ('08) as the hockey season wound down and Sam decides to leave early. Luckily by then, myself and my good friend Carley, who also worked at Quiksilver, were obviously too good of friends for Sophie to leave, so she stayed. Summer came and went quickly, but not without plenty of bike rides, bar nights, dinners, walks, ice cream, and swimming. By this time the idea of Australia had florished into a plan and I was now looking into flights. I decided to visit a travel agent, and finally in mid-July, I booked my flights. This included a stopover in L.A. for 4 days and a stopover in Fiji for 3 days all with Carley who decided to come along as well. What could be better?! In the next blog entry, I'll give the full run down of what we did over the course of those seven days.