... If You Don't, You'll Find An Excuse.
That's one of my favorite quotes ever. And I believe it to a T. Nothing is impossible, you just have to work harder for some things than others.
I've been in Australia nearly a year. I've met a bunch of amazing people and lived in some decent places and some real shitholes. And it's funny when I talk to my friends (both here and back home) and they ask what I'm doing. I keep explaining that I'm heading north. That I'm chasing the sun.
The problem is... that's been my 'plan' for so long, that the sun has come and gone and now I'm heading in the wrong direction. I'm heading to the city of Darwin right in time for wet season. When all the tourists and backpackers fuk off, when the streets are quiet. And where everyone is counting down the days till the rain stops and the "dry" is here once again.
I get to my destination, despite some minor obstacles on the way (of course I do, I'm stubborn). And now the locals ask me "What brings you to Darwin?" A simple question, and at the same time with a little shock in their voice. No one really comes here this time of year, I guess. I don't even know how to answer. I guess I've been heading here for so long, it was more about getting here, and less about why. But since I'm here now, might as well make some money.
Spoiler alert: apparently everyone's gonna be complaining about the "buildup" of the rain for a long time, and then the rain itself. Sounds like a fun next couple months!
Monday, October 12, 2015
What Can I Tell You, That You Don't Already Know?
A backpacking blog, hey?
A "I went to this touristy spot and did this touristy thing that everyone does when they go there story. I'm in Australia guys! Do you really want to know about all the surfers I've met and all roadkill kangaroos I've seen?
I guess I'm struggling with ideas as to what I'd like to write about. Should I bitch about how slow the hostel wifi is? Or rant about how I REFUSE to learn French while I'm in this country (which is true by the way, where did all the french come from?) I need inspiration!
I guess I'll tell you of the now and work my way backward to how I got here: I have just moved to Darwin, Northern Territory. It's been a month since my shitty little car got me here, and still I am living in a hostel (which I promised myself I would never do - I was never going to be "that person"). The flask has not been full for as long as I could remember, so the Backpack'n'Flask thing is rather irrelevant. I resorted to cider a long time ago while poor in Australia. About the same time I learned about what real dehydration was (nothing like Canada, btw).
I just finished a conversation with a friend of mine where I was once again pointing out the obviousness disadvantages of not having money. Truthfully though, being poor gets old when you're always moving around. But it's not the driving that causes a lack of funds.
"I only have $3, not even enough to buy a cider. I ate cereal, pb&j and 2min noodles today" I told him, as he started to lecture me about money. To which I got super defensive "I drank all Friday and Saturday night" I said "spent too much money on alcohol and then ate hungover takeout food. I spent so much money on booze this weekend, that now I can't afford a cider on Monday. Those are my current problems". That's a real conversation. That is my current state. So if that's my biggest problem, I think my perma-vacation is going alright.
Let me tell you about it!
A "I went to this touristy spot and did this touristy thing that everyone does when they go there story. I'm in Australia guys! Do you really want to know about all the surfers I've met and all roadkill kangaroos I've seen?
I guess I'm struggling with ideas as to what I'd like to write about. Should I bitch about how slow the hostel wifi is? Or rant about how I REFUSE to learn French while I'm in this country (which is true by the way, where did all the french come from?) I need inspiration!
I guess I'll tell you of the now and work my way backward to how I got here: I have just moved to Darwin, Northern Territory. It's been a month since my shitty little car got me here, and still I am living in a hostel (which I promised myself I would never do - I was never going to be "that person"). The flask has not been full for as long as I could remember, so the Backpack'n'Flask thing is rather irrelevant. I resorted to cider a long time ago while poor in Australia. About the same time I learned about what real dehydration was (nothing like Canada, btw).
I just finished a conversation with a friend of mine where I was once again pointing out the obviousness disadvantages of not having money. Truthfully though, being poor gets old when you're always moving around. But it's not the driving that causes a lack of funds.
"I only have $3, not even enough to buy a cider. I ate cereal, pb&j and 2min noodles today" I told him, as he started to lecture me about money. To which I got super defensive "I drank all Friday and Saturday night" I said "spent too much money on alcohol and then ate hungover takeout food. I spent so much money on booze this weekend, that now I can't afford a cider on Monday. Those are my current problems". That's a real conversation. That is my current state. So if that's my biggest problem, I think my perma-vacation is going alright.
Let me tell you about it!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
The Event that Blew My Mind
Alright kids, so, those who know me decently, know that I'm not much of a reader. It's not really my thing. I realized once that I would much prefer to write. But that's a bit hypocritical if I don't read others blogs and stuff, is it not - expect people to take an interest in what I have to say?
Anyway, when I first found out that my fright to Australia was gonna be like 42hrs or something ridiculous, I picked up the book found at my parents place and decided to read that. It was odd. A romance novel of sorts, but one in which the chick ends up sleeping with 3 stepbrothers and making that relationship work. I'm still unsure as to what my thoughts are on it. Regardless, when I came to Margaret River, I went into the library looking for something. I came across this book called "Tunnel Vision" about a guy trying really hard to make it as a professional surfer. It was an easy read. He talked about his travels and how he tried to make it as a comedian, and how he was having struggles making it as a surfer. I was quite enjoying it. The library however wanted $20 for a card and $80 deposit for being a temporary member. So, like a true backpacker, I sat there and photographed the last 165 pages I still had to read with my phone... that way it was free (most annoying part was that I didn't know how to turn off the shutter noise on my phone, so, sorry to everyone sitting around me that day, I must'a been annoying)
Once I finished this book, I wanted to find the author. I wondered if he was still living in Margaret River (he was a local, and talked about the pubs and the beaches and the streets I meander every day). I spent 45min-1hr looking into all the social media outlets, googling him. The other information that I found was that the last thing he did was move to the USA to become a bull rider now. He apparently had a blog about it, but it had since been taken down. I eventually gave up, but still humoured the thought that I would run into him at Wed night acoustic sessions or something,
That was about a month ago, I went to Perth to try to work the Fringe after that, and received the serial killer book which I am still powering though. The other day I was at the beach with Jake watching the kite boarders on a windy day, hanging in the car and chatting. Jake was explaining the waves to me (a lot of boys try to explain them to me. I like the look they get talking about it, they're always so excited). He was using all the terms that I should have known from reading a surfer book, "The break", "crumbly waves" blah blah, but I needed reminders. I mentioned the book cuz it had a glossary, and he asked who the writer was. I didn't remember but had a photo of it on my phone. "The guy who owns the book shop?" he asks when hearing the name. "No, the guy who owns the book shop is the father of the kids I'm AuPairing for" I reply back. And then stop to think. I know his name, of course. and stared at my phone looking at the name of the author - are you shitting me?
The guy I had wanted to track down before is the guy who place I end up right now? I mean, I knew the town was small, but really. I sat there with my mind blown for a long time. Today while walking through town, I finally told him how I had found out. Super random. And now I wanna hear all of his stories. I think that would be a great way to spend an evening. Drinks and travel tales.
Anyway, when I first found out that my fright to Australia was gonna be like 42hrs or something ridiculous, I picked up the book found at my parents place and decided to read that. It was odd. A romance novel of sorts, but one in which the chick ends up sleeping with 3 stepbrothers and making that relationship work. I'm still unsure as to what my thoughts are on it. Regardless, when I came to Margaret River, I went into the library looking for something. I came across this book called "Tunnel Vision" about a guy trying really hard to make it as a professional surfer. It was an easy read. He talked about his travels and how he tried to make it as a comedian, and how he was having struggles making it as a surfer. I was quite enjoying it. The library however wanted $20 for a card and $80 deposit for being a temporary member. So, like a true backpacker, I sat there and photographed the last 165 pages I still had to read with my phone... that way it was free (most annoying part was that I didn't know how to turn off the shutter noise on my phone, so, sorry to everyone sitting around me that day, I must'a been annoying)
Once I finished this book, I wanted to find the author. I wondered if he was still living in Margaret River (he was a local, and talked about the pubs and the beaches and the streets I meander every day). I spent 45min-1hr looking into all the social media outlets, googling him. The other information that I found was that the last thing he did was move to the USA to become a bull rider now. He apparently had a blog about it, but it had since been taken down. I eventually gave up, but still humoured the thought that I would run into him at Wed night acoustic sessions or something,
That was about a month ago, I went to Perth to try to work the Fringe after that, and received the serial killer book which I am still powering though. The other day I was at the beach with Jake watching the kite boarders on a windy day, hanging in the car and chatting. Jake was explaining the waves to me (a lot of boys try to explain them to me. I like the look they get talking about it, they're always so excited). He was using all the terms that I should have known from reading a surfer book, "The break", "crumbly waves" blah blah, but I needed reminders. I mentioned the book cuz it had a glossary, and he asked who the writer was. I didn't remember but had a photo of it on my phone. "The guy who owns the book shop?" he asks when hearing the name. "No, the guy who owns the book shop is the father of the kids I'm AuPairing for" I reply back. And then stop to think. I know his name, of course. and stared at my phone looking at the name of the author - are you shitting me?
The guy I had wanted to track down before is the guy who place I end up right now? I mean, I knew the town was small, but really. I sat there with my mind blown for a long time. Today while walking through town, I finally told him how I had found out. Super random. And now I wanna hear all of his stories. I think that would be a great way to spend an evening. Drinks and travel tales.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Making Friends
I had been on my best behaviour all day. Drinking minimally, getting some sleep, even showering and doing my hair. It was a Tuesday, my first day of work at the Mexican Restaurant, I was to start at 6pm.
I put on my new $9 dress that I got at target, drank an energy drink and walked into work. On the walk there, my heels began to bleed (stupid flats I got my mom to buy me that I thought were gonna work themeselves in, I only wear thongs these days) so I went into Target to buy some bandaids. The girl was sympathetic and gave me some staff ones for free.
I showed up to work and was ready to go. But the night was quiet and the wind was picking up? Was Margs actually going to have a rainstorm? That has never happened really. Just that one amazing storm that happened in Perth a week back, that blew my mind. Low and behold it starts pouring like crazy. Me and the other waitstaff just sit there watching. It was very spiritual.
I was done work within an hour and a half. It was a slow night. I ate some $5 tacos and decided to go make some friends.
Walking across the street to Settlers Tavern (the it place in town) I bought a bevy and looked for somewhere to hang. I sat down but felt stupid sitting alone and walked up to a table with a couple guys, asked them if I could join.
They were hilarious. In town on contract from Perth, doing something in relation to the cell phone towers. We exchanged some stories then decided to play some pool - doubles. The team I was on I made sure was good, cuz I suck at pool but hate losing. Minutes later I was getting yelled at for "not even trying and leaving it up to luck). I argued a lot with those guys. We drank too much too.
A couple days later, I was doing my usual walk through town looking for work and eating ice cream. Gumtree (the Australian equivalent of craigslist/kijiji) had an ad up for a house share with a dude named Jake. I shot him a text and decided to do the walk over to see his place. It was farther than I wanted, 2.5kms out of town, but really nice. I chatted with him a while. He was a local that worked away, seemed pretty legit. He offered me a ride back, but I said I could walk. He insisted as he was going to drink at a buddys. I invited myself along.
His friends were cool. I introduced myself as Jakes fiance, I mean, we'd known each other for like and hour now. Their place was gorgeous, really sweet rural type house. His mates kids even through some movies onto my jump drive which was sweet. We were drinking DevilsCut JimBeam and I don't know how strong the drinks were, but I was pretty tipsy by the time we made it back into town. We swung by KnightsInn as I knew people at karaoke, but peaced out right quick to go to Settlers. It was done for the night, no more live music. We decided to play pool. The table was racked up but no one at it. We waited a few minutes till I looked outside - dudes from Tuesday, man were they gonna get an ear-full. They got bitched out, I got a free drink.
I got in at 1am having to pick grapes at 5am. Really, me not working out as an AuPair isn't that far fetched.
I put on my new $9 dress that I got at target, drank an energy drink and walked into work. On the walk there, my heels began to bleed (stupid flats I got my mom to buy me that I thought were gonna work themeselves in, I only wear thongs these days) so I went into Target to buy some bandaids. The girl was sympathetic and gave me some staff ones for free.
I showed up to work and was ready to go. But the night was quiet and the wind was picking up? Was Margs actually going to have a rainstorm? That has never happened really. Just that one amazing storm that happened in Perth a week back, that blew my mind. Low and behold it starts pouring like crazy. Me and the other waitstaff just sit there watching. It was very spiritual.
I was done work within an hour and a half. It was a slow night. I ate some $5 tacos and decided to go make some friends.
Walking across the street to Settlers Tavern (the it place in town) I bought a bevy and looked for somewhere to hang. I sat down but felt stupid sitting alone and walked up to a table with a couple guys, asked them if I could join.
They were hilarious. In town on contract from Perth, doing something in relation to the cell phone towers. We exchanged some stories then decided to play some pool - doubles. The team I was on I made sure was good, cuz I suck at pool but hate losing. Minutes later I was getting yelled at for "not even trying and leaving it up to luck). I argued a lot with those guys. We drank too much too.
A couple days later, I was doing my usual walk through town looking for work and eating ice cream. Gumtree (the Australian equivalent of craigslist/kijiji) had an ad up for a house share with a dude named Jake. I shot him a text and decided to do the walk over to see his place. It was farther than I wanted, 2.5kms out of town, but really nice. I chatted with him a while. He was a local that worked away, seemed pretty legit. He offered me a ride back, but I said I could walk. He insisted as he was going to drink at a buddys. I invited myself along.
His friends were cool. I introduced myself as Jakes fiance, I mean, we'd known each other for like and hour now. Their place was gorgeous, really sweet rural type house. His mates kids even through some movies onto my jump drive which was sweet. We were drinking DevilsCut JimBeam and I don't know how strong the drinks were, but I was pretty tipsy by the time we made it back into town. We swung by KnightsInn as I knew people at karaoke, but peaced out right quick to go to Settlers. It was done for the night, no more live music. We decided to play pool. The table was racked up but no one at it. We waited a few minutes till I looked outside - dudes from Tuesday, man were they gonna get an ear-full. They got bitched out, I got a free drink.
I got in at 1am having to pick grapes at 5am. Really, me not working out as an AuPair isn't that far fetched.
A Day in the Life
So, I am currently spending my days in the surfer town of Margaret River, Western Australia. After spending about a week in Perth hoping to work a gig that was getting delayed, I got a call from the Mexican restaurant here asking me to come in for a trial. I talked them into letting me come in on a Tuesday rather than Friday. About the same time, I applied for an AuPair (live in nanny) position with a lady that was keen on meeting me. Things were about to take shape, I mean, I had like $6 to my name, but things were going to look up.
I took a bus into Margaret River, settled into the hostel on the outskirts of town and just roamed around as I do meeting people. The AuPairing gig didn't really work out, After a few days of me going out to all hours of the night, and the kids wanting to be with mom in the mornings, we mutually agreed I would probably be better off in a house-share situation. Although the kids and lady are both amazing! The waitressing gig is also on hold. I did my trial then went in for another shift, but with school starting up again, they're just not busy enough to give me any hours. So this is where I'm at:
I get up in the mornings about 4:30am. I walk down to the recruitment office that organizes teams to go out to vineyards for grape picking, as wine season has begun. (Working on a farm is a necessity at some point during your vacation, as it allows you to stay and work in Australia for a 2nd year. Catch is, you have to apply before you turn 31 or you're shit outta luck - stupid government rules, and my clock is ticking). Grape picking is pretty much like wwoofing (free labour on a farm in return for food/board) as it pays less than $3/bucket, so it equals out to like $9/hr. I'll have a bitch session about that another time.
After 5 hours and making no money, I like to hitchhike straight to the beach. Sometimes it is amazing and I nap in the sun, swim a bit, read my Backpackers Serial Killer book (there was a dude in Australia that would kill backpackers for fun. A movie called WolfCreek 1&2 are about him if you care to watch it, I am currently reading his "true story" thanks for that recommendation!!! dicks). Sometimes it's windy and less stellar. That's when you meet people and watch all the kite boarders do their thing.
After the beach, or sometimes before, I swing by the ice cream shop to have my usual chocolate cone and see what the word is in town. Send out a few job emails. Have some drinks, see where the night leads me.
I took a bus into Margaret River, settled into the hostel on the outskirts of town and just roamed around as I do meeting people. The AuPairing gig didn't really work out, After a few days of me going out to all hours of the night, and the kids wanting to be with mom in the mornings, we mutually agreed I would probably be better off in a house-share situation. Although the kids and lady are both amazing! The waitressing gig is also on hold. I did my trial then went in for another shift, but with school starting up again, they're just not busy enough to give me any hours. So this is where I'm at:
I get up in the mornings about 4:30am. I walk down to the recruitment office that organizes teams to go out to vineyards for grape picking, as wine season has begun. (Working on a farm is a necessity at some point during your vacation, as it allows you to stay and work in Australia for a 2nd year. Catch is, you have to apply before you turn 31 or you're shit outta luck - stupid government rules, and my clock is ticking). Grape picking is pretty much like wwoofing (free labour on a farm in return for food/board) as it pays less than $3/bucket, so it equals out to like $9/hr. I'll have a bitch session about that another time.
After 5 hours and making no money, I like to hitchhike straight to the beach. Sometimes it is amazing and I nap in the sun, swim a bit, read my Backpackers Serial Killer book (there was a dude in Australia that would kill backpackers for fun. A movie called WolfCreek 1&2 are about him if you care to watch it, I am currently reading his "true story" thanks for that recommendation!!! dicks). Sometimes it's windy and less stellar. That's when you meet people and watch all the kite boarders do their thing.
After the beach, or sometimes before, I swing by the ice cream shop to have my usual chocolate cone and see what the word is in town. Send out a few job emails. Have some drinks, see where the night leads me.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Just Hitchin' a Ride (Way Long Draft)
After living in the middle of nowhere (Pingelly, WA Australia) for 6 or 7 weeks, I started to go crazy and left the small town and it's nice people.
I set out to find a new adventure, and naturally went to a music festival first (Southbound). The problem with that is, that I'm just too old to work all day and party all night, I seriously don't have enough energy - especially in Australia's heat.
After the music festival, I bounced around the towns of Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River. All huge in their surf culture. I love surfers - the same way I love stoners, they're just so chill and at ease with everything, and I'm always so wound up and stressed. I try not to be on vacay though.
I've been bouncing between Margaret River and Perth the last week or so. I need to find a job and funds are running out fast. Problem is: I'd much rather be homeless and sleep illegally in my tent-hammock, just so I could have money the next day to have a couple drinks and eat some ice cream. At this rate, I won't last long.
Surfing from Margs to the city way waaay too easy. I walked to the edge of town, and as I extended my arm, the 2nd car pulled over. Did I mention that I love this town/surfers? It was a really nice older dude, I think his name was Daniel, and he gave me a ride (with a stop or two) right into the core of the city. We talked a little bit, and were silent for long whiles as well. I didn't realize how far the 340km trek was - I had spent a few days to get down there.
I spent Thurs - Sun in Perth, hanging out with a few random people, and on Monday decided to head back south (my backpack with all my stuff and money was at the backpackers in Margaret River - I had decided that I would give myself a budget, much like in TheAmazingRace - I had $200 for that leg of the trip). Well that's all good and well until you have $6 in your pocket, no car or money for the bus or food, and no credit/debit cards as back-up.
I was staying in South Perth, and walked out to where two highways meet, as I thought it would be the perfect place to hitch. People had suggested I take the train down to Mandurah (as far as the train goes out of Perth in the correct direction) and then try from there, but stubbornly, I didn't see the point. The walk to the spot was 2-3km, and it was hot with little shade around (PS, since I've got to Aus, I've grown a new appreciation for some good shade!). I got to the spot, positioned myself and put out my finger. After the first 10minutes, I thought maybe it was no use. Maybe hitching was going to be as difficult as it had been in the UK. But this couldn't be right - Australians seem so friendly! I decided I would give it another 10minutes, and if all fails, I would have to use the remainder of my money to catch that train.
A great looking Australian, about my age picked me up. His name was Sandy and he was a paramedic just getting off night shift. His eyes widened when he heard where I was heading, and suggested I take the train to Mandurah. He was only able to drive me a few exits down, and wished me the best of luck, as I was heading back towards the freeway.
Next a very nice older man picked me up. He was probably around 60 and delivered paint for a living. I was nervous for him when he pulled over because he was in a big truck and didn't pull over far enough, even though I was in a prime hitching spot. His worries consisted of my getting a fine for being on the freeway. I told him that I had a cop drive by me already - but I must have not concerned him, cuz he didn't turn back. The man told me he had never seen snow and was always fascinated with Canada - I basically passed along the "now or never" message, saying that he can't live through life without experiencing snow - that was absurd! He dropped me off in Mandurah, so at least I got that far.
After that, I was surprised to see a lady pull over to pick me up. She was darker skinned and could just not get over the fact that I was hitching, and out in the open sun. We chatted vaguely about my travels and the fact that I'm running out of money, and without even batting an eyelash suggested the name of a company that's "always looking for girls" - a massage parlor that gives happy endings. I tried not to look shocked, and even took out my phone to write down the name of the company. Shit, we never know which direction my trip might lead me.
A funny dude picked me up next. He's probably in his 50's and a welder. Stayed on the side of the road a while to (in true Aussie fashion) role a smoke. Told me he was adding some weed into it, more so than asked me if I minded, and we drove along. He offered me a job that didn't require me touching anyone inappropriately. He just needed someone to do paperwork for him. Problem was - that the gig was in between where I wanted to be, and so i grabbed his number and continued along. But before I left, he have me a baseball hat, saying I need sun protection and it was too gangstah for him- it was too gangstah for him!
Jodie picked me up next. She drove me the longest of ways. Turns out she's a musician in the Margaret River area and knew that band that I had seen a few days before at that winery. She told me she had just played a gig at the Rosemount Hotel (my favorite Perth venue thus far) and was now on her way home. She was totally chill and had the slang of such a surfer/rocker. We talked about everything - boys and expectation for countries, what the towns were like and what I should see next. I have her card and hope to see her again soon. She was lovely.
She dropped me off truly in between places, but I was only out of her car for 3 minutes before a lovely lady with her grandson picked me up. The lady was totally worried about a girl hitchhiking, but I was telling her that everyone I had met had been nothing short of amazing. Australians are truly helpful people (if Canada wasn't so far, it might have a fight for their reputation). She gave me her card and told me her daughter had a ranch and may need an au pair (once again, middle of nowhere, but riding horses on the beach seems a good way to spend a couple weeks or a month, no?)
Rory picked me up after she dropped me off. He was a total surfer/rocker. I asked what he did for work and he said he built surfboards and made music. I love music! and so he played me some of his shit. That stuff with fun beats that people are into. It was actually pretty good. We continued chatting and he said he had just gotten out of jail a few weeks back so he was still getting into the swing of things (cuz that's what you should be telling a female hitchhiker, haha, some people). I made sure he hadn't killed anyone or robbed any banks, and when he told me he had just been busted for smuggling a shittonne or really good drugs it all made sense, his gittery hands and all - totally unlike the calm stoner surfer type. He dropped me off just outside Yellingup, about 50kms from home.
Two more rides with two lovely gentleman, and I was in familiar territory again. Like I said, the ride over was just too easy - the return needed some adventure. But you know, with all the sweet ass people I met, I am so happy it went the way it did. That just shows that there were 9 super helpful people out there - that just weren't going as far as I needed to go, but were totally willing to help!
I set out to find a new adventure, and naturally went to a music festival first (Southbound). The problem with that is, that I'm just too old to work all day and party all night, I seriously don't have enough energy - especially in Australia's heat.
After the music festival, I bounced around the towns of Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River. All huge in their surf culture. I love surfers - the same way I love stoners, they're just so chill and at ease with everything, and I'm always so wound up and stressed. I try not to be on vacay though.
I've been bouncing between Margaret River and Perth the last week or so. I need to find a job and funds are running out fast. Problem is: I'd much rather be homeless and sleep illegally in my tent-hammock, just so I could have money the next day to have a couple drinks and eat some ice cream. At this rate, I won't last long.
Surfing from Margs to the city way waaay too easy. I walked to the edge of town, and as I extended my arm, the 2nd car pulled over. Did I mention that I love this town/surfers? It was a really nice older dude, I think his name was Daniel, and he gave me a ride (with a stop or two) right into the core of the city. We talked a little bit, and were silent for long whiles as well. I didn't realize how far the 340km trek was - I had spent a few days to get down there.
I spent Thurs - Sun in Perth, hanging out with a few random people, and on Monday decided to head back south (my backpack with all my stuff and money was at the backpackers in Margaret River - I had decided that I would give myself a budget, much like in TheAmazingRace - I had $200 for that leg of the trip). Well that's all good and well until you have $6 in your pocket, no car or money for the bus or food, and no credit/debit cards as back-up.
I was staying in South Perth, and walked out to where two highways meet, as I thought it would be the perfect place to hitch. People had suggested I take the train down to Mandurah (as far as the train goes out of Perth in the correct direction) and then try from there, but stubbornly, I didn't see the point. The walk to the spot was 2-3km, and it was hot with little shade around (PS, since I've got to Aus, I've grown a new appreciation for some good shade!). I got to the spot, positioned myself and put out my finger. After the first 10minutes, I thought maybe it was no use. Maybe hitching was going to be as difficult as it had been in the UK. But this couldn't be right - Australians seem so friendly! I decided I would give it another 10minutes, and if all fails, I would have to use the remainder of my money to catch that train.
A great looking Australian, about my age picked me up. His name was Sandy and he was a paramedic just getting off night shift. His eyes widened when he heard where I was heading, and suggested I take the train to Mandurah. He was only able to drive me a few exits down, and wished me the best of luck, as I was heading back towards the freeway.
Next a very nice older man picked me up. He was probably around 60 and delivered paint for a living. I was nervous for him when he pulled over because he was in a big truck and didn't pull over far enough, even though I was in a prime hitching spot. His worries consisted of my getting a fine for being on the freeway. I told him that I had a cop drive by me already - but I must have not concerned him, cuz he didn't turn back. The man told me he had never seen snow and was always fascinated with Canada - I basically passed along the "now or never" message, saying that he can't live through life without experiencing snow - that was absurd! He dropped me off in Mandurah, so at least I got that far.
After that, I was surprised to see a lady pull over to pick me up. She was darker skinned and could just not get over the fact that I was hitching, and out in the open sun. We chatted vaguely about my travels and the fact that I'm running out of money, and without even batting an eyelash suggested the name of a company that's "always looking for girls" - a massage parlor that gives happy endings. I tried not to look shocked, and even took out my phone to write down the name of the company. Shit, we never know which direction my trip might lead me.
A funny dude picked me up next. He's probably in his 50's and a welder. Stayed on the side of the road a while to (in true Aussie fashion) role a smoke. Told me he was adding some weed into it, more so than asked me if I minded, and we drove along. He offered me a job that didn't require me touching anyone inappropriately. He just needed someone to do paperwork for him. Problem was - that the gig was in between where I wanted to be, and so i grabbed his number and continued along. But before I left, he have me a baseball hat, saying I need sun protection and it was too gangstah for him- it was too gangstah for him!
Jodie picked me up next. She drove me the longest of ways. Turns out she's a musician in the Margaret River area and knew that band that I had seen a few days before at that winery. She told me she had just played a gig at the Rosemount Hotel (my favorite Perth venue thus far) and was now on her way home. She was totally chill and had the slang of such a surfer/rocker. We talked about everything - boys and expectation for countries, what the towns were like and what I should see next. I have her card and hope to see her again soon. She was lovely.
She dropped me off truly in between places, but I was only out of her car for 3 minutes before a lovely lady with her grandson picked me up. The lady was totally worried about a girl hitchhiking, but I was telling her that everyone I had met had been nothing short of amazing. Australians are truly helpful people (if Canada wasn't so far, it might have a fight for their reputation). She gave me her card and told me her daughter had a ranch and may need an au pair (once again, middle of nowhere, but riding horses on the beach seems a good way to spend a couple weeks or a month, no?)
Rory picked me up after she dropped me off. He was a total surfer/rocker. I asked what he did for work and he said he built surfboards and made music. I love music! and so he played me some of his shit. That stuff with fun beats that people are into. It was actually pretty good. We continued chatting and he said he had just gotten out of jail a few weeks back so he was still getting into the swing of things (cuz that's what you should be telling a female hitchhiker, haha, some people). I made sure he hadn't killed anyone or robbed any banks, and when he told me he had just been busted for smuggling a shittonne or really good drugs it all made sense, his gittery hands and all - totally unlike the calm stoner surfer type. He dropped me off just outside Yellingup, about 50kms from home.
Two more rides with two lovely gentleman, and I was in familiar territory again. Like I said, the ride over was just too easy - the return needed some adventure. But you know, with all the sweet ass people I met, I am so happy it went the way it did. That just shows that there were 9 super helpful people out there - that just weren't going as far as I needed to go, but were totally willing to help!
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Epitamy of Selfishness
When telling a traveling tale today, I had the response of "well of course you didn't think of it, the world revolves around you". And I jumped immediately into my rebuttal.
Although it is 100% accurate to say that I am a little too self absorbed. That my views are narrowed in the ways of thinking in my own best interest, and that I almost expect people to help me out when I fuk up (because that's what I do, I go on adventures and often fail in my conquests, and my friends whom know better, bail me out because "I told you so's" just don't really phase me); I would like to think that in my real world, that of a 9-5 mediocricy, I'm less selfish?
But so it got me to thinking on the flipside: how selfish are those wjo wander through life. Who get on a plane with a backpack and never look back. They are some of the greatest people I know. Genuine and caring and trusting and adventurous. But are they selfish?
When you're traveling, it really is all about you: how will I get there? Where will I sleep? What shall I eat! Will I have enough money? Will people at the hostel be cool enough to hang with me - I have standards (alright, so the last one isn't really relevant). When we travel we leave everything that is familiar to us, in the hopes of discovering new things, gaining a new life perspective, meeting the most passionate people you will ever know - but in that, are we just too self absorbed to think of others.
Maybe you didn't call your mom on her birthday. I guess with the time difference, flight cancelation and your shoes getting lost, you forgot to check your calender. You did send thay card... Late... And from Australia it'll get there in 5 weeks, so at least it'll arrive for Fathers Day. Are you a dick cuz of that? And people just accept it, cuz that's the way she is - flying with the wind and only thinking of herself. No time for babysitting her neices or playing cards with grandma, nope, she's riding elephants and petting kangaroos.
Alright, it's late so I'm blabbering on, but what are your thoughts on this?
Monday, January 12, 2015
My Most Relaxed Adventurous Aus Day Yet! (Draft 2)
After I got dropped off from rocking out at the music festival, a boy I had never met before, picked me up, let me stay at his house, touch all of his stuff, and didn't want anything in return! As he went to work, I showered and made myself comfortable. When he got in, he loaded me up in his high-up 4 wheel drive truck (complete with a huge speaker, bouncing around in the back, hitting his board for no reason - other than that he never took it out from the last dude that had his car).Christian was a surfer and was nice enough to take me to his favorite surf spot. it involved 30 minutes of semi-hardcore-offroading to get to. This was the best part of my vacation so far. Him just givin' her in this beast of a car with an open beer in one hand and his board laying neatly in the back.
I had a perma grin on my face, but he thought of the drive as an inconvenience that didn't allow him to go fast. "The only good thing is, it keeps the tourists away" he told me.
As we got to his surf spot, he did some sweet jumps for me so that I could be impressed, told me it was going to be an amazing sunset, and then showed me some more random "tourist sights" on the way home. We talked of life and love and the simple joys that people should experience. He made us pizza and we had some drinks. The next day he went away to work for 3 days, allowing me to have the house to myself, without even knowing me. He didn't even know my last name.
Day 53 in Australia
I was camped illegally in some national park in between Margaret River and Augusta in Western Australia. A lovely place... the company, not so much.
I had met some dude at a hostel the day before. He seemed nice enough, had a car and stuff... and, well, I wanted to see a raggae band play at a local winery. Naturally, I just messaged the band to see if they would pick me up and take me with, but when I didn't hear from them, I agreed to let this dude come along. Afterwards we went camping, and things got awkward.
The texts and missed phone calls I woke up to were beyond ridiculous, and I'm rather happy that I skipped dinner, downed jack like a champ and passed out at 9:30pm. Shoulda known buddy was a bit psycho when he wouldn't stop talking to his plant, affectionately named Gwenoveer.
And like a big girl, I drank up what was left over from last nights booze, was nice to him until he drove me back to civilization, and then took a breathe, went for breakfast, and tried to think about my next move.
At breakfast, I fell in love.
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