I COULD BE THE ONE TO SET YOU FREE

Listening to: I Could Be The One by Avicii Vs Nicky Romero

Location : Coober Pedy, South Australia

 

I always thought I'd get a Second Year Visa for Australia. Not that I put much thought in to it, I just assumed it would happen. To get a Second Year Visa you have to do 3 months of Regional Work. This work includes fruit picking or packing, farm work, mining or construction. To complete the 3 months work, I'd say you'd need 4 or even 5 months, as the work isn't always guaranteed and you may have a few weeks between jobs.

 

Once I'd arrived in Perth, and found out I was jobless, I searched high and low for jobs. As its winter here in Australia, it's not the best time of year for this work, so I found that where ever I called was full.

 

With no jobs coming through and my time running out, I decided to call my parents for advise. Although my parents don't mind giving me a helping hand, I don't usually bother my parents with my worries. I don't want them to worry about me whilst I'm on the other side of the world.

 

Sometimes, I think, when we have our mind set on something, it's hard for us to see other opportunities and paths we can take. During my call home, my mum reminded me that there are other countries to visit and visas to enter Australia. My mum reminded me that I can change my ideas and that things don't always go to plan, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing

 

Believe it or not, I am back in Coober Pedy. Despite having some bad luck here previously, I am determined to have the most amazing last 3 months here. I will be making the most of my time with my amazing friends here because I don't know if or when I will see them again, which is a horrible thought. I am at my old job selling opals and living in something that can only be described as a cave.
 

I now have no idea what will happen next year, which is both scary and exciting!

 

"Sometimes things fall apart so better things can fall together."

TRAVEL TIPS | WHEN TIMES GET TOUGH, LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING

Looking through my blog, I've noticed that some of my posts aren't as upbeat as I'd like [this one in particular]. I recently come across this quote - "Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit, talk about your joys." - and so I thought I'd look for the good in the bad.

1. I hated my job in Perth for a Sales and Marketing company BUT... I met some of the most amazing people and life long friends. I got to travel to Bunbury, Albany and Geraldton, which I may not have done otherwise. I gained so much confidence and learnt about the importance of body language. I tried something new. I have a new job type to add to my CV.
2. This same job left me broke BUT... I learnt how to budget and stretch my money further. I discovered the true meaning of generosity. Somehow, there is always money for cheap beer and goon. I rekindled my love for wondering around supermarkets, even if it was to look for the cheapest food. I realised that I spend a lot of money on things I don't really need.
3. My health took a bashing BUT... I now know I'm allergic to wool. I have felt the importance of fruit and vegetables. I have learnt to take my anaemia more seriously. I have experienced a visit to the doctors in a different country, so I won't be as worried if it happens again. I have mastered the art of peeing in to a pot.
4. I hated my job in Coober Pedy for an Opal Mine and Museum BUT... I got to learn about opals. I got to buy opals with an awesome discount. I learnt a bit about mining. I got to experience working underground. I got over my fear of talking in front of large groups of people. I will be featured in a programme on the BBC, hitting your screens in September. I tried something new. I have a new job type to add to my CV. I got to save a massive amount of money. I met a great, life long friend.
5. Boys have hurt my feelings BUT... They were good friends at one point. I have many happy memories with them. I didn't hide away from my feelings, like I usually would. Life is about learning from your mistakes. I learnt a little more about myself. I reminded myself that I can leave if I don't like a situation, I don't have to put up with bullshit.

Whilst travelling, you will experience so much more then if you were at home. I won't lie, sometimes is can be tough. But there is always a silver lining to every situation, no matter how hard you have to look for it.

 

[For more Travel Tips; click here]

 

SNIPPETS | PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perth, Western Australia

 

I spent the day wandering around the city of Perth. It was a beautifully, warm winters day and it was nice just to be outside in the sunshine. There aren't too many tourist attractions to visit in Perth but, as you can see, the surroundings of the city are just beautiful.

TRAVEL TIPS | STAYING IN HOSTELS

Location: Emperor's Crown - Northbridge, Perth

 

At some point during your stay in Australia, you will end up in a hostel. Whether it be for a short amount of time or long term, a hostel is cheap accommodation and a good way to meet other backpackers. As you are sharing your living space with different people, here are a few tips to make your stay in hostels more enjoyable.

1. Ear Plugs and Eye Mask - each dorm will usually sleep at least 4 people. As you can imagine, everyone has different sleeping patterns and schedules which may affect the amount of sleep you get. By using ear plugs, you can block out any unwanted noise and an eye mask will keep you in darkness even if lights are switched on in the middle of the night.
2. Padlock - each room will usually have a lockable storage unit for everyone, but you must provide your own padlock. Instead of buying an overpriced padlock from the hostel, buy a nice cheap one from home and take it with you.
3. Book Swap - a lot of hostels usually have a book swap facility, so when you are finished with your book you can simply swap it for another. It'll save you carrying around several books at one time which will weigh you down. A lot of the books will also come with a sticker from BookCrossing.com, so you can see what other parts of the world your book has been to.
4. Don't Be Shy - hostels are a great way to meet like minded people who are travelling around the country, but you have to make the effort. A simple "hello" is all it takes and remember, you already have one thing in common; Australia.
5. Consideration - it's important to remember that people have different plans and schedules when you're staying in hostels. If you're out partying until the early hours, remember there maybe someone that has to be up at 5am to go on a tour, or slightly later to go to work. Before you leave for a night out, try and sort out everything you'll need to sleep so you don't have to rummage around for it when you get back. Likewise, if you're that person that needs to be up at 5am for a tour, have everything sorted so you can be as quiet as possible.

During my time in Australia this year, I have only stayed in one hostel so far, the Emperor's Crown in Northbridge, Perth. If you ever find yourself on Perth, I would highly recommend this hostel. The staff are friendly and helpful, the rooms and common areas are clean and you get a free 30 minutes of Internet for each night that you book. The hostel is also in a great location and a close walk to the main attractions, bus stops and train station.

 

[For more Travel Tips; click here]

I CAN FEEL THE LOVE, CAN YOU FEEL IT TOO

Listening to: Feel The Love by Rudimental

Location: Coober Pedy, South Australia

 

There is a myth that opals are unlucky. A myth I did not believe. But looking back on my time in Coober Pedy, I'd say I was incredible unlucky; more so then usual...

 

I headed to Coober Pedy as I knew someone who lived there. I met him when travelling around Australia 3 years ago. We stayed in touch and he seemed like a nice guy. The person I arrived to was incredibly controlling, boring and, quite frankly, rude. It was not long before we fell out and I didn't see him for pretty much half my stay in Coober Pedy.

 

The job I had was well paid and easy work. I gave tours of old opal mines and underground homes, took groups around the town and sold opal jewellery. Although, I am not sure the easy work was worth the hassle from the owner. One day I am talking too much, the next not enough. I didn't say "thank you" or smile enough which, if you have met me in real life, is just ridiculous. I wasn't happy or cheerful enough. I had too much red bull and was always tired, which wasn't allowed even though I was working 7 days a week. The list went on.

 

The boy I was living with was very kind, generous and a good friend; but an absolute arse hole when it come to my feelings and his slutty ways. I left Coober Pedy with my feelings hurt and I don't think he actually cares.

 

I dropped my iPhone down the toilet. My anaemia got so bad I'd constantly be dizzy and nearly faint on a daily basis. I got a kidney infection which meant 2 weeks of antibiotics. I got a rash from head to toe when I discovered I am allergic to wool. Finally, I found out the job I left Coober Pedy for was in fact a scam. They say shit happens, but this is just ridiculous.

 

To come back to Australia for a second year I have to complete 3 months of fruit picking. I found a good job, too good to be true my mum said. Well, that turned out to be correct. I sat on a coach for 12 hours from Coober Pedy to Adelaide then flew from Adelaide to Perth, only to find out the job was a scam when I arrived. I hadn't slept for 40 hours by this point and it was a struggle to fight back the tears when I broke the news to my parents.

 

So I'm currently sitting in a hostel in Perth, wondering what the hell I am going to do about my life and hoping that something works out, like I keep assuring my parents it will.