Sunday, July 1st ‘07
This morning, I was woken up by Damien’s text asking me if I would go to his place today as he was on his way there. Water is a big deal here! I’ve been taking my shower every 2nd day. Anyways, I was taking a shower and washing my hair, I haven’t washed in 3 days and Drew’s father pressed me about water shortage. I try my best to take a quick shower but washing my hair takes at lease 6 mins. Tried to explain this to him then, he asked about my leaving. The way he was talking and the things he was saying the past few days told me he wanted me out. I also want to leave soon. Pat told me there was no problems but apparently there is, so I started to pack. Here’s a mistake I just did, I called Damien and asked it I could stay at his place for a couple of nights. I really shouldn’t have! His voice and words told me I was putting him in a though spot. So, minutes later I booked a hostel. When we were walking in West End, I saw a real estate agency that finds places for backpackers and students so, I’ll go there tomorrow.
Monday, July 2nd ‘07
Went to the real estate agency and they didn’t have anything available, so I spent some time online looking for a place. The website I found is shared-accomodation.com.au.
His mum is on her way as Damien is dogsitting for her, as she goes to the dentist. One of the dogs is pregnant. Wow, her dogs are ugly and don’t have a nice personality. Damien’s dog Pyrros is much better. Yep! Pyrros Dimas in honor of this Greek weightlifter. He kept on trying to play with the non-pregnant dog and she wanted noting to do with him. The pregnant one just kept on growling at Pyrros even if he didn’t pay her any attention. It was really, very annoying. When his mum finally came back, we went to meet his best Friend Chavi at the science museum with her mum’s boyfriend’s kids. Stephanie gave me a call and it felt good to talk to her. We shall meet up this week and catch up! We spent the rest of the afternoon with them. It was nice but I wouldn’t pay to go in, it’s really just for kids or kids like Damien.
Tuesday, July 3rd ‘07
Going to work this morning, feels soooo good to have a job. It’s not the best job in the world but it’s nice and I get to have a paycheck. After work, I went back to Drew’s parents to pick up my luggage as I’ve been wearing the same thing for about 3 days now. His mum was really nice and his dad seemed happy to be rid of me. I have to take 2 busses, this is going to take soooo long. I don’t feel like it. At lease my backpack is already at Damien’s. Texted Damien to meet me at the bus stop. He’s sweet, he came to meet me, late, but still did! I started on some laundry as I have loads to do.
Wednesday, July 4th ‘07
Today, is state of the origin day. It’s a big footy (rugby in this case) game happening every Wednesday night between the Blues (NSW) and the Maroons (QLD). Damien and I are going to one of his friend’s place to watch it. I still have a lot of laundry to do today, so I’m gonna do that, then look for a place and Damien and I are going for Yoga at 5:30. Well, he was meeting his friend Kate at 11am but she’s running late and coming at 1 doesn’t make any difference to me as I don’t want to hang around with them, I’ve got my own stuff to do. Kate arrived and we spoke for a bit until they talked and pushed me away from the conversation. They left to go see Transformers, no way I was going to see that!
I’ve been inside for a bit, I should go out and take Pyrros for a walk! That was nice, I took Pyrros for a walk and cross by Shani and Scott (Shani is my co-worker and Scott is her boyfriend). We spoke for awhile and I ended up at their place. We watched the State of Origin, talked and Pyrros spent most of his time on me. He’s sooooo cute! I want him. As Damien’s not coming back tonight, I’ll let Pyrros sleep with me in bed. I like him so much, I miss Lola and Fanny!
Thursday, July 5th ‘07
Woke up by my mom calling at 8am. With Pyrros sleeping next to me. He’s so cute and sweet! Tried to sleep some more but Damien arrived at about 11am. Well today, I’m gonna go look at a place where a guy owns like 4 houses with like 15 rooms he rents to international students. The rooms are a bit expensive as my budget is 150/week all included and his are from 155-200/w. Still worth looking at them. I walked there but there was no reception therefore, I gave him a call and set a meeting for 3:30pm. Now, I’m gonna walk around and look at boards and posts to find a place. I might get lucky!
I’m sitting across from the Roundabout, where I work and I’m making calls to people that has rooms to rent. Most are already taken. Called a girl that had a French name and had a strong French accent when she answered so I started in French. She’s moving out and there’s someone moving in at the moment but there’s still another room available. Good!
Took a nap and went to visit that place with international students. All the rooms where pretty expensive 180-190/w except one 2m/3m at 155/w. The owner was quite a talker and I know his entire life frankly, I didn’t care and just wanted to leave the minute I saw the place and heard the prices.
Now, I’m sitting again across from the Roundabout but this time, I ‘m waiting for Stephanie. It’ll be good to see and talk to her. Wonder how she’s been!?! Well this was a great night! Had a great talk with Stephanie and felt good to speak in French as well. We went to Satchmo’s for a pizza and live music. I’m really glad we caught-up.
Friday, July 6th ‘07
This morning I’m looking at a place as well as this weekend. Went to the place not far from here, I’m to visit but there’s no one home. Saw a bit inside from the window and it’s really very nice. I’ll go again after work and before meeting Richard. I’m at work now got here ½ an hour early. I’m supposed to come in now but it’s slow and my boss just asked me if I would come in, in half an hour. It’s ½ an hour less pay but I don’t care that much right now.
Just finish work and went to the place to visit and it’s really very nice and big. I like it. It’s at the top of my budget 150/w but I also get to save on a 86$ monthly bus pass so that’s about 20$ less on transportation. Besides, it’s good to walk back and forth from work. I haven’t given my decision yet but I’m 98% sure I’m gonna take it. I have another place to visit tomorrow or Sunday. We’ll see!
Well, I just meet up with Richard. I was a longer walk then I expected thought! We went to Starbucks and spoke for quite awhile. I really missed him, it was nice to see him again. Just sad we don’t spend as much time as we used too. He looked at my laptop as I’m having problems playing DVD’s on it at the moment. He also gave me all the mail I had sent to his place. Mostly, catching up was nice, just sad that he had to leave early for a bachelor’s party (or bucks night). I hope we’ll spent more time together like we did before I left. Felt good to see him.
Saturday, July 7th ‘07
7/7/7 4 months I’ve been in Aussie land! Nice!!! Today, I worked and then went with Shani to the store where she introduced me to Carab, tastes like chocolate but isn’t chocolate. It’s really nice! She’s great, showed me around to some good little grocery stores in the neighborhood. We stopped at the place I was looking at yesterday, just 2 streets from her and I decided to take it without looking at the other place, just no use as I know I want it and it’s just really very convenient. We then went to her place, she plays a lot of music and she showed me how to play the trumpet. That was a bit funny but I was able to make a couple of notes, I just find it’s too much work for my lips. I did like the clarinet though! It was really nice, I got the hang of it pretty quick remembering primary school and playing the flute. She lent me a book to learn the clarinet and I must have spent an hour or 2 on it. I think I want to start on the clarinet so if any of you knows someone that has one they don’t use and are ready to get rid of, please let me know. Hey I may become the female Benny Goodman! Ya, right! Ahem! lol!! Well, I might say I really like her and her boyfriend, we get along so well, it’s great!
Sunday, July 8th ‘07
Today, is the start of my weekend and I moved into my new place! I’m soo happy! It’s great to have my own place, my own room, somewhere to call home! I love this soooo much! Aloka, the woman renting the place is very nice and I think I’ll get along well with her. She’s sweet! I brought part of my stuff and Pyrros followed me the entire way, I guess he got used to me and thrusts me now. I brought him back as I had other stuff left at Damien’s place, I also gave him a good bath which did him good! I love that little ball of fur! Brought the rest of my stuff to my place and did some groceries so I can eat some poutine tonight. Yay! Poutine! I met my new flatmate, Abe, he’s from the Philippines and works in the Valley (Fortitude Valley). He has many movies and we watched Night at the Museum, really good.
Monday, July 9th ‘07
I was very lazy today and it felt really good to be! Abe and I went for a ride as he has a car but being a “learner”, he’s not allowed to drive without someone with a “full” license. We went to a huge mall to do some groceries but as we walked thru it, I saw a little shop in the middle with a couple of hats and they were 4$ so I bought 2 one black and one brown, at that price, why should I stop myself!?! We did some groceries and watched Superman Returns, as a girl that has the Superman collection, I thought the movie was well done, I just think that Lois Lane was not a good choice and her personality’s not the same anymore. I was also surprised to see Peta Wilson, the actress that does Nikita in the TV series in the movie but also having such a small part.
Tuesday, July 10th ‘07
Back to work as this is my Monday! My mother called this morning and it felt good to talk to her. My boss sent me a text at about 20mins to 10 asking me to come in at 11:30 instead of 10:30 another hour of pay lost. During my brake I was surprise to see Damien as he stopped to say hi and talk for a bit. It was nice of him! My boss told me that I wouldn’t be working again on Wednesday and Thursday, this isn’t good! If it’s the same next week, I’ll start looking for another job as he told me he needed me full time and this is the second week where I’m only working 3 days plus he’s been taking hours away from me. After work, I went to Damien’s place as he had some of my mail and spent a little time with him. Back home, watched The Terminal which is a movie I really like.
Wednesday, July 11th ‘07
Didn’t have much else to do then be lazy so I slept in late, watched some TV. Can’t wait ‘till we get wireless! Damien came over to look at my place then, we went to this nice lookout close to his place. I brought my sleeping bag, pillows, my laptop for music, water, almonds for him and olives for me. Took Pyrros along as well. It was really nice to spent that time with him. It was nice and romantic with the view. We had a great time, I hope we’ll have some more good times like that. Lauren called, Katie and her are coming either tomorrow or the next day, it’ll be nice to see them again. They also asked if they could stay over for a couple of day, time to find something. That’s cool! It’ll be nice to see them again.
Thursday, July 12th ‘07
So lazy again! There’s a German girl moving in today, all 3 rooms will be taken. She seems nice! Abe has been a bit creepy at times, he doesn’t have any friends and tried to get me to be his, I spent a bit of time with him at first but he seemed to push himself on me it just didn’t work well with me. I’m almost trying to avoid him. He’s just been a bit too much. It’s nice though that he meet Damien yesterday and I hope he thinks he’s my boyfriend, I’ll feel better. Anyways, there’s a latch on my door I just lock it at night. Makes me feel better. I don’t think he would try anything funny but I like it better locked! Did some cooking and baking today, t’was nice! Cool! Just spoke with Lauren and they are coming to my place now. I love company!! It’ll be nice to see them again!
The girls got here with another Canadian girl Carrie. I didn’t know they were bringing another girl. Ah well! To me, it’s just nice to see Lauren and Katie again. Katie’s leaving on Monday for Sydney and Tuesday going back to St-Louis. We talked for a bit and now, it’s time to sleep. I’m a bit nervous as my boss hasn’t text me what time I shall show up at work tomorrow, I hope I’m not fired! I really need the hours, I’ll just go to work at the same time as last week. We’ll see!
Friday, July 13th ‘07
Went to work but apparently, I’m not working. That’s not good at all. He did say I’m working tomorrow, at lease that’s that but won’t get much of a pay though. He said I would work 8am, I think he doesn’t need me that early but he feels bad for not telling me that I’m not working today and that I went all the way there for noting. I went back to my place met up with the girls and took a walk to West End as Lauren has to place some Adds for her car she’s selling. She’ll be staying for a month or so and want’s to sell her car before she leaves. I brought them places where she could place her add and then we went to the state library to use the free internet. Yup! Free internet, no need for subscription or reservation, just go in and use a free computer. We then separated and I went downtown with Lauren, going to see Jeremy at the Palace Backpackers to see if he has any one day work for me next week. When I got there, he was out to lunch for another hour and I have to meet up with Damien in an hour. I’ll go back on Monday!
Back home and tired from the long walk as well as hungry so I’m eating and just texted Damien that I won’t be going to his place being tired, hungry and don’t feel like walking up the hill to his place. He texted me back saying that he’s lonely and really want’s me to get to his place. So, I’m on my way after I hang my laundry. Got to his place not long after, Lauren texted me saying they’re on their way to my place and will be there in about 40 min so Damien and I went back to my place.
The girls came and left as Carrie’s flying in and hour or so. I’m gonna go see Damien play Footy (Rugby) with the Uni league. He left before me to go train, it’s so cold I don’t want to spend more time than I have too on the field. Got there just as they finished training and were about to start the game. Nice! It was sooooo funny! All the guys tackling each other on the field and piling up. Damien run’s with girly wrists at times. It’s nice to watch the game though. God it’s cold!! The other team was obviously older and much better as the end score was about 50-nil. Soooooo funny! Their coach didn’t have a pen so I provided him with one as I always have a couple with me. I didn’t see much of the second half as I sent most of it talking with the referee to the following game.
After the game, Damien, Alan (his best friend), one other mate and I went to the other mate’s place as he took a shower and I texted Lauren and Katie to join us at Alan’s place, where we’re headed. We got to Alan’s place and ate some steak! The girls got lost like 3 times but I blame Alan’s bad way of giving directions. The girls finally arrived and we all talked for awhile then, the boys left for a party and we went back to my place.
Saturday, July 14th ‘07
It’s a freaking early start. The girls stayed at my place again last night. They’re still here as I’m about to leave for work. I was really surprised to see Brian (Stephanie’s boyfriend) come around to see me. He said Stephanie told him I worked here and wanted to come and say hi. That was a bit strange for me as I didn’t spend much time with him when I stayed at his place and we’re not really close or anything. It was nice of him to come by though. Well today, I got just enough money to pay rent and 5$ to spare with the 8$ left from next week, that leaves me with 13$ to survive on for the week. Great! (very sarcastic) Really don’t like this situation. Had a talk with my boss hopping to get more hours for next week as a girl that started this week got more hours than me, she was hired to do dishes but I can do it until the other girl leaves if that’s what it takes for me to get some hours. I really don’t feel good about this. It really sucks! There’s one good thing, I get to bring leftovers at home. Yup! Instead of throwing food in the garbage, he gives it to us to bring home. Got some mac and cheese as well as some caesar salad.
After work, I walked back with Shani as we have been before. She’s really nice and I love talking with her. Ended up at her place again. She’s sooo sweet! Her boyfriend lent me some movies. I spent maybe an hour there. They also fed me diner, it was nice. I really feel comfortable with them. Went back home to watch movies when Kameron (a swing dancer) texted me, he was at a bar where there was some good jazz but no follows and wanted me to get there. He didn’t know what bus would take me there but the cab would be about 8$, as I didn’t get much of a pay, I had to turn him down. I really wanted to go but what can I do when I got no money. I’m learning what it is to be really poor and barely making my rent. It is not a good feeling!
Sunday, July 15th ‘07
As I have no money and I’m not working today, the plan is to laze around the house all day. Yup! Laze around. I texted Damien saying that he’s welcome anytime if he wishes. He texted back that he’d be here around 3. Watched movies then around 4 he texted saying he’d be coming around 7. Kristina (my German flatmate) joined me at watching movies and TV, Aloka (she’s like the landlord that lives downstairs) and her daughter came upstairs for food and we started to talk with her daughter. She stayed with us for a bit, then around 8, Damien texted to say he wasn’t coming. Yup! He delayed and canceled, it’s pretty usual with him which is why I would never want to have him as a boyfriend, he’s not reliable at all! After a tempting text, he changed his mind but didn’t show up until 11pm. Kristina and I watched a “horror” movie called The Cavern, it sucked big ass, especially that most of it is a black screen where you just see nothing. Then, we watched the Dreamcatcher but didn’t finish it as we were too tired.
Monday, July 16th ‘07
Got woken up by a phone call. A man’s voice I heard on the other end of the line. A familiar voice! Alain! Nice, I had forgotten they were coming today. Got up and cleaned up the place a bit as they’re coming over. It’ll be so nice to see them. Just excited to see some Montreal friends. We talked for awhile and then, I went to work as today, I’m replacing Shani after 1:30, it’s not many hours but it’s better than noting! We walked together as I pointed out where to go for groceries, the state library for free internet and the way to downtown. Alain and Jen cooked diner and it was really good, I hate cooking and they love it as well as miss it so it works for everyone. They’re leaving tomorrow morning but coming back on Friday.
Tuesday, July 17th ‘07
Was woken up by Jen to tell me that Abe is moving out today and told Aloka about it while moving his stuff. Also, Aloka was surprised that Alain and Jen where sleeping over which I have told her before that they would ah well, I’ll talk to her later today. Worked today, walked back with Shani and ended up spending some time at her place, she lives about 3 streets from me. When I saw Aloka, I told her I had told her about them sleeping over and she said that she “misinterpreted what I said” she also said she didn’t want people sleeping in the living room but that I could have people in my room. Well, they left today to go north to do some scuba diving and they’ll be back on Friday and I’ll figure something out about them sleeping in my room. I did tell her they’ll be back Friday for a couple of nights so she won’t be surprise.
Wednesday, July 18th ‘07
Today is lazy day, as I don’t have money, I’ll be watching movies. I also have Kameron coming later today. Kristina and I talked about Abe leaving and it makes us both happy. He was a bit creepy and we didn’t get along well with him like we do. We’re hoping that our next roommate will be fun. Kameron and I had a long chat about starting a dance on a week night at a bar like the petit Medley in Montreal. We want to have an intro class and he’s taking a DJ class on Saturday. It’ll be great! He’s very motivated and it’ll be great to work with him. He also have an extra mattress he’s willing to lend me for when Alain and Jen’ll be back. Great! I went to see Damien at his place and hung out for a bit. It’s great to have him as a friend I can hang out with anytime.
Thursday, July 19th ‘07
Damien’s coming over to watch a movie. I like spending time with him. It’s really nice, I just wonder if he realizes that Abe left with all his movies and we have only a small selection. We watched an Australian movie called Cracker Jack, there were times where Damien laughed and I didn’t understand the joke but it was a nice movie to watch.
I spent some time with Kristina and some French guy came over to look at the place. He seems OK.
Friday, July 20th ‘07
My very busy week is starting today, I’m working, Alain and Jen aren't coming back until Wednesday or Thursday, going to Australia Zoo on Sunday, the outback on Monday, then “hopefully” full time work starting Tuesday, Richard coming over Thursday and as it’ll be his B-Day on the following weekend will surprise him with B-Day cake which I’ll have to bake on Wednesday. I’ll be very busy. I’m at home and Alain and Jen just got here. I’m waiting for Kameron to come over and bring his extra mattress, it’ll be tight in my room but we’ll manage! I’m just happy to have some friends over. It’s the first time in any of my travels that I’ve had some visit from back home. I’m really enjoying it and wish more friends would do the same. Hint hint!
Christina’s a bit sick and we invited her for diner but she’s going to sleep. Kam got here and Alain and Jen left to buy groceries, they’ll be cooking again tonight. I’m glad as I dislike cooking. Kam brought a template for the post we’ll put around the city for dance nights, it’s freaking awesome. Much better than what I had in mind. He’s really dedicated in this project and it’ll be great to do it with him.
Tonight, is swing shack and I’m happy as I’ll get to dance with Alain and I love dancing with him. Well, I pretty much monopolized Alain as I won’t get to dance with him again for a long time. I was also very surprised that Mark included them in the jam circle.
Saturday, July 21st ‘07
Working at 8 this morning and finding it very hard. It was great dancing with Alain yesterday. My boss just told me that I’m working on Monday, it’s good ‘cause I need the money but I was counting on spending the time with Alain and Jen. Ah well! We closed early at work today and I walked back with Shani, we stopped at a garage sale and I spoke with my mom. Stopped for a little chat with Scott and a bit of clarinet practice before going home.
I can’t believe she just did that! What a bitch! Got home and found Alain and Jen outside giving a private on the lawn. We all came in and while they were finishing their class, Aloka started to “bitch” about them being here. She said: “I thought they were staying here for only one night” I replied: “I specifically told you they were staying for a couple of nights” then, she asked for how long they’ll be here and saying she doesn’t like them showing up when I’m not there. They were supposed to stay until Thursday but because of her, they’ll be leaving on Monday. I stayed calm but inside, I was boiling and still am/ I can’t believe she’s humiliated me like that as well as being rude and disrespectful. Also, I pay rent and I should be allowed to have anyone I want over for how long I want. I will not believe a thing she says ever again and won’t tell her when I have friends over anymore, I was doing it as a courtesy but this is the 2nd time she lies and says : “Oh but I didn’t know” when I know I told her. You guys are all welcome and don’t worry about getting me in trouble, you won’t!
Anyways, Alain and Jen just finished their class and we’ll be going to South Bank do some sight seeing. Afterwards, we’ll be going to a friend of theirs. This was really cool! We watched the very first episode of Sesame Street from 1969. We chatted and then got initiated to Robot Chicken, it was so good, we watched at lease 5 episodes (they last about 10mins each).
Sunday, July 22nd ‘07
We got up early to go to the Australia Zoo. It’ll be great! I’ve been wanting to go just not alone. I’m slightly excited to go though the sky is a bit overcast. We got in and the 1st thing we saw was a woman holding a Koala in her arms. 1st up, feeding the elephants. Nice! Alain and Jen saw many elephants in India but I was glad to feed one. Next up, a croc, bird and snake show at the Crocoseum. And it’s raining! There’s some TV network filming and we were “lucky” (really not so much to get a speech from the environment minister and Terri (Steve Irvin’s wife) else, the show was really nice and entertaining. We have about one hour before the next show so we are headed for the kangaroos.
Wow, this is great! They have a huge enclosed area where we can walk thru. There’s kangaroos everywhere (mostly wallabies) and we can feed them as well as pet them. This is great and very enjoyable, they’re not scared of us here and we got really close to them. They are nice and soft. Went to see the emus, the elephants playing and the tigers. New, we’re with the koalas and we can take a picture while patting them. Nice! This is such a great experience, I never thought that one day, I’d be in Australia patting koalas and kangaroos.
There was a koala “show” but we just decided not to go as it is far from where we are and had 10 mins to get there. Now, we are in the other inclosure with the red kangaroos. They aren’t the big kangaroos like we expected but bigger then the wallabies. I’m taking so many pictures and videos. I love it! This Zoo gives so much opportunities to get up close to the animals, it’s great!
Monday, July 23rd ‘07
Today, I had to work and Alain and Jen will be leaving today and not because I want to and not as planned but because of Aloka Bitch. Really not happy with this. After work, I walked back with Shani, as usual and I have to go to Jindalee see Pat to get some news, see the dogs, give her a gift I got her and borrow her electric beater to bake Richard’s B-Day cake. I’m waiting for the bus and it’s been at nightmare, I went to Cultural center to catch the 453 as per translink website but it doesn’t pass here in the afternoon so I’ve been waiting for 30mins for noting and there was a bus I could’ve taken earlier that would’ve got me to Indooropilly where the 453 goes before Jindalee, now, I have to go to the city and take a bus to Indooropilly to catch the 453. It took me 2 hours to get here when it should’ve taken me 1. It was really nice to catch up with Pat I really like her. Damien texted me on my way back and I’ll be going to his place before going home. I really like spending time with him.
Tuesday, July 24th ‘07
Working again today. Woke up early and wanted to do some laundry but Aloka has looked the door with the latch and we cant do any laundry. That really sucks. I’m talking with Kristina and she came back home the other night and Aloka was watching TV in our living room. It wouldn’t bother me normally but with everything else accumulating it’s just too much. She seems to want to be the landlord but have all the freedom she wants and keep control. We are not happy with the situation and will have to have a big conversation with her, it is not acceptable, we have no privacy and she’s controlling everything.
Well, I’m meeting Alain and Jen in the Valley at 15 past 7 as they have a reservation at a restaurant called Garuva. This was awesome! It was Alain and Jen, Tara and her boyfriend and me the single one, we went to this restaurant that has not signs, makes no publicity, is not even in the yellow pages. This place is only market thru word to mouth. It’s really great! We sit on the floor and all tables are surrounded by curtains which gives you privacy, it’s very romantic! All meals are the same price 17 or $18 and rice is $1,50, it’s a bit expensive but it worth the atmosphere. We did this the great way, we ordered 4 meals from 4 different sections (seafood, chicken, vegetarian and don’t remember the other one) and separated between each other (Tara’s boyfriend is vegetarian so he got his own). We spend about 2 hours there heating and chatting. It was great! I love this place and I’m soooo bringing my mom there when she comes over.
Wednesday, July 25th ‘07
Just got back from work and I have tomorrow off. I’m not really happy about that but at lease, I worked on Monday. I have to do some laundry as well as bake Richard’s B-Day cake. I saw Aloka but Kristina’s not here so I can’t talk to her hopefully tomorrow before Richard arrives, we’ll be able to have this conversation. I really can’t deal with it much.
Went to Alain and Jen’s friend watched Firefly. Baked at midnight until 3. Kristina and her friend bed at 6am
Thursday, July 26th ‘07
I sleep really late and I pretty much stayed home all day and spent time with Kristina. It’s Richard’s B-Day on Saturday, he’s coming tonight, I’m preparing a surprise. I’ve baked a cake and I have a gift that is not ready yet so it’ll be for next time I see him. Kristina and I were looking forward to seeing Aloka tonight to talk to her but she didn’t come around before 6:30. Richard is really different, he’s changed. He’s not as fun and happy as he used to be, really. He seems very depressed and not the same, wonder what happened to him. I did confront him tonight but he was hasty and defensive, I don’t blame him. I hope I’ve helped open his eyes. Aloka came up mad about the TV being loud she also mentioned keeping her awake all night last night. I didn’t know, she didn’t say anything last night.
Friday, July 27th ‘07
Today is exactly 5 months since I left MTL. It’s the most I’ve been away from Canada, it feels weird as I don’t miss it as much as I thought I would. Just finished work and I have a date. This date was horrible! This guy was one hour late as he got lost on the way there then, he tells me he’s from Melbourne, here for a week and leaving on Sunday. Ok, that just meant he wanted sex noting else. What a looser he was. On msn it was a question of a coffee but he went for a beer, actually more than a beer. At some point, he said it was his last after, he went to the bathroom and I got up to leave (I really should’ve) but then, he went to get another. I my head it was like, oh my god! I just wanted to leave then, he tried to kiss me a bit forcefully and I said : no, I don’t feel like it and he said : well that’s rude. What the hell that’s rude, I don’t want to make out with that looser that’s all. Ah well! Another story to tell.
Just got back home and Aloka was out on the lawn. When she saw me, she asked me to leave because of the noise I’ve been making the past 2 nights. What the hell! She really is a crazy bitch! Talking to her made me realize that it wasn’t the baking that woke her up on Thursday but Kristina, her friend and I talking anyways, if she would’ve told us (she can call, text, come up bang on the sealing) we would’ve understood and the next night, I would’ve been more careful. She right away accused me of having friends over on that night and it being my fault and noting to do with Kristina. Oh yah! No proof or noting. Well, Kristina and I spoke to her about all the things that are bugging me about her actions and I tapped it as she’s crazy and could totally turn around and say that it didn’t happen. She’s now the crazy woman (not lady as it is too classy for her). We are now being careful with her and now know that she’ll decide to throw us out without any notice.
p.s. Those who want to hear the discussion with my “landlord” let me know!
Saturday, July 28th ‘07
Worked again today and ended at Shani’s afterwards as usual. I really like spending time at her place with her and her boyfriend. Shani sang, she sings really well, her voice reminds me of the girl that sings “Suddenly I see”. Damien came over and took my laptop to check his e-mail then, he went on msn and I asked him not too as he tends to chat for a long amount of time. When I insisted he cuts it off, he decided to tell his friends that he had to leave because I was being mean and/or a bitch, I then told him to stop saying that but he kept on writing those things. I pretty much closed my laptop. It then took no more than 2 mins for Damien to leave my place, I just can’t take his tantrums and disrespect anymore. About 5 mins after Damien left, my new flatmate arrived, Mungo a Kiwi (guy from New Zealand). We spoke for quite a while, he’s really cool. We get along really well. This is great! I have 2 roommates I get along well with and love to spend time with. This is one of many reasons why I don’t want to leave this place, you guys have to see this place just ask Alain and Jen (for those who knows them), it’s close to work, well located (close to the city, South Bank), it’s not expensive and has great wireless connection. The only problem, the crazy woman from downstairs.
Sunday, July 29th ‘07
Sleep until 2pm and spent some time with my new flatmate. We watch a lot of Robot Chicken!
Monday, July 30th ‘07
I’m really pathetic! I’ve been in bed ‘till 2pm again and I’ve been spending all day at home. I've finally cut the cord with Damien and sent him an e-mail, I've ended my "friendship" with him as it wasn't good and I just couldn't take his disrespect and childish tantrums. I will miss him very much and I'll definetely miss the good times we had. I’m also a bit frustrated with my boss for not giving me the hours discussed and now, I’m looking for another job that’ll give me the hours. Also spending some quality TV time with my roommates.
Tuesday, July 31st ‘07
I really don’t have much to say about today but that I’ll be looking for a job asap. I’m really tired of my boss playing with me. This week, I’ll be working only 4 days and last week, I worked 5 days for a total of 24hrs, I just can’t live on that!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Latest news!
Got a job in a Coffee shop/Take away (The Roundabout) in West End and have a place in Highgate Hill (2 Ruth St, Highgate Hill, QLD, 4101 for those who might want to send me something ;) ). I also made some more friends and planing to organize a dance night in a bar with and intro class (something similar to the Petit Medley). I now have wireless at home so I should up-date more often, I have placed more pix on photobucket (including Brisbane's folder) there's new videos on youtube and more articles on my other blog it'sm-e. I had some visit from some friends from Montreal (Alain and Jen) and we went to Australia Zoo, at the end of the month I should post all of this.
Back in Brisbane end of June!
Friday, June 22nd ‘07
Did loads of laundry, I have almost noting clean to wear. Went downtown to see the guy that got me the job in Croydon to see if he had anything for me, not before Tuesday. I’ll have to look myself during the weekend and Monday. I just hate to take so much of Drew’s parent’s hospitality. I feel it’s too much! Took a nice walk thru the city and South Bank before heading back. It swing shack tonight and I intend to go. Hopefully I’ll see James as I have a cake for him. Well, he is here! Great! A friendly face. There a “show” tonight and most people I don’t know, they’re not very sociable in this scene. I miss Drew! What can I do?! Went back earlier than I expected as I wasn’t having much fun or dances for that matter. James offered me a lift and I was able to give him the cake I baked for him.
Saturday, June 23rd ‘07
Got up late as I was woken up by some barking at night. Pat brought me to this industrial park that has a “park”, we brought the dogs along for a walk. We then went to get a newspaper so I can look at jobs I will be applying to on Monday or thru the net. I did find that hat I really want on the net but I’d rather find it in a store. I’ll call customer services when I get more credit on my mobile.
Monday, June 25th ‘07
Call me crazy but this is what happened tonight. I chatted with some surfer guys from the gold coast and they wanted to meet up and do something tonight. I suggested to go to the movies as I’ve been craving to see Pirates 3 and didn’t feel like going alone. So, the boys drove up and we met up in the city. They weren’t bad looking but looked like “pot heads” to me a bit too “yo” for my taste. One of them was quite a blabber mouth and the other one more quiet. Anyways, we got to the movies and they bought their tickets as well as drinks and popcorn for themselves. Anyways, during the movie, blabber mouth made some stupid comments, most of the time explaining what they just did as if I didn’t see. When I laughed at something, he would but only after I started to. It was just painful. The movie was good thought better then the 2nd. I’m glad I went to see it. I wanted to pee 15mins into the movie that lasted a bit over 2h30min and waited ‘till the end to go. Once in the bathroom, after of course, I called Helen, a swing dancer and asked her to text me an emergency. I can imagine all you reading this, laughing! You can laugh, the other girls in the loo that heard me did! I did as well! Those guys where just terrible. Blabby tried himself on me but when he talked, it was just incoherent and un-intelligent. Ah well! Stopped at McD’s for some chips, got Helen’s text and dumped the boys. It was just so torturous. I’m glad I’m not around them anymore. Piouf!
Well, I got 40mins ‘till my bus as it runs every hour when it’s this late the movie ended 10 mins before the previous one. So relieved to have gotten rid of them. Wasn’t scared, chose places with bunch of people and somewhere I know well. Well, I can say I have yet to meet an Australian gentleman! Richard doesn’t count as I make him be one with me. For those wondering why I haven’t seen Richard yet, he has a girlfriend now, don’t want to being the way and he doesn’t seem to have time for me anymore. Sucks, just seems like every time I loose a male friend is over a girlfriend. I miss Gabriel so much! The only one I recall not loosing to his girlfriend, now fiancé is Bryan. She’s great! She’s not jealous and know where she stands, I recon we get along well and I just love that I’m able to keep Bryan as a friend. What is it with these guys that can’t keep a female friend once they get a girlfriend, serious or not? Really?!? Ah well, gotta start walking towards the bus stop.
Tuesday, June 26th ‘07
Today, I went for an open interview at a bar/restaurant called Chill. Once I got there, for the first time in my life, I was intimidated by the place. It had a winter/ice theme, looked “classy” and expensive. Didn’t think I could “fake” baving more experience than I actually have. So, I left before the girl got to me. Did some groceries, went for food and back to the house.
On my way to the interview, I say a big band of students playing, they were good. I was sad I didn’t have a dance partner. They’ll be playing again on Friday night and it’s only 5$ for the entrance fee. If I find someone to go with, I’ll definitely go.
I’m chatting with this guy, Damien which I found online. We’ve been chatting here and there for a bit but tonight, he’s been quite interesting. His way of writing is pretty impressive for a 22 year old male. He’s trying to be romantic and is very good with the Shakespearian way. We’ve set a date on Friday morning, I have suggested a movie and he suggested the art gallery or the museum. I can’t wait! Really hope he’s better than those 2 idiots from yesterday.
Wednesday, June 27th ‘07
4 months today exactly since I left Montreal. I’m starting to miss my mother more and more. I have an interview this morning at a “gentleman’s venue” as a receptionist/hostess, this is the job I want. Well, just got out of the interview, it was really quick so I decided to go for breakfast at McD’s on the corner of the street. On my way there, as I was crossing the street, I tripped on one of those little white reflectors and feel on my knees. I was wearing a skirt with my stiletto shoes. The fall was quite nasty and my skin pealed off. I brought my regular shoes and had changed into my stilettos for the interview. I was going to change back at McD’s. Walked to McD’s holding my skirt up as the blood glistened down my legs. Once I got into McD’s, I asked for a 1st aid kit but all I got was 4 Band-Aids that didn’t cover the entire wound so some of the sticky part is on the wound. Ate and went to the bus stop. I have knee-high socks that covers part of the injured area but I can see drops of blood leaking thru the socks.
Tonight, I went to the Fringe but apparently, it’s the last night. Sad! This was a nice place and also the only weekly place. Was lucky to get a lift back with Kameron that actually lives in the next neighborhood. When we got there, we started talking and ended up talking for over 2h. So I went to bed at around 3am. Oh my god and I gotta go to an interview tomorrow morning between 8 and noon.
Thursday, June 28th ‘07
Didn’t get up before 1:30pm. Can’t believe I missed my interview. I was going to go to the Chill interview this afternoon but really didn’t feel like it and didn’t think I have a chance anyways. When I went to the internet, Damien was there and we chatted some more, since I was free and Drew’s dad was pressing me on that interview, I asked him if he wanted to meet. He said yes. So now, I’m on my way to met Romeo wondering if he’ll become my prince charming or maybe even my Shrek, who knows!!! He’s really cute on his pictures and a better Shakespearean and romantic writer than I am. He does have a dog, that’s great! One of the best part is that he doesn’t smoke or drink and doesn’t like the clubbing, boom boom , techno crap. Just makes me wonder if he’s not a 40 year old man that placed his son’s or nephew’s pictures instead of his own. The online chatting is so fun and sweet, I can’t see how it would be a bad date!
So I met him and Pirros, his dog. His dog is this cute little energetic poodle. We walked thru South Bank and talked quite a bit. So sweet, he brought me some flowers. We sat in the grass while Pirros ran around. He doesn’t keep the leach on Pirros and sometimes makes me a bit nervous when it comes to crossing streets. I told him about the concert playing tonight and he wanted to go so we went for food and then to the concert. Turned out, the concert was at the end of some music students that did a musical boot camp. There was 3 orchestras and 1 big band, most of it was classical music and Damien enjoyed it. What? Yes, he enjoyed it! He’s just not very normal for a 22 year old boy. We than took a walk and I took the last bus. Drew’s dad asked me about the interview and I couldn’t help but lie and say I did go. I really hate lying.
Friday, June 29th ‘07
9:30am On my way to my original date with Damien. We meet up and went to the Art Gallery. It was really nice and very enjoyable. Then, we went to West End as I had brought some resumes to apply at some bars and cafes there. Heard there was loads looking for people. We went to the library to photocopy my resumes as I had only 6 left but the photocopier is really crap. Went to a store where Damien bought some almonds. He’s obsessed by almonds just as much as I’m obsessed by olives. The place we went, is held by some Greeks and they had a post for a position. I asked about it but it just been filled. The woman seemed to like me as she then asked for my resume. As we walked in the area leaving resumes, we also got some food for a picnic. We stopped at this coffee shop and the manager asked me to come by the next morning as a tryout. I’m so glad. I really hope I get this job. I need to get a job and find a place to stay so I can leave Drew’s parent’s house. I feel like to his father, my welcome is warn out. It’s not too cold today but the wind makes it cool and it’s winding like hell.
We then went to a park to picnic. He’s very romantic, at lease in his ideas and writings. After the picnic, we took the city cat which is a public transportation boat that goes across the Brisbane river. We went to the Uni where he trains and he left me at the bus stop. I went back to get some stuff as it takes 40 mins to go downtown from their place and I would have to wake up at like 6am to get to the café tomorrow so I’ll be staying at Damien’s place tonight.
Damien cooked and I finally got a taste of Kangaroo. It tastes ok to me, it’s not especially good or bad just, ok. I brought my laptop so we could watch some movies but for some reason, it doesn’t want to play them and it kills me not to know why. I have such a migraine, it’s actually best for me not to look at a lid screen for 2hrs.
Saturday, June 30th ‘07
Got up and went to the coffee shop where I’m having my tryout. Today, they only serve breakfast and it oh so busy. I think it was a very good thing I was there. I ended up staying until closing time, about 3pm. Matt, the boss, asked me if I liked it and why I stayed as I was to be here only for a couple of hours (here, a couple really means just 2). I said he didn’t ask me to leave or anything. Well, I got the job! I got paid for today, wasn’t sure I would as it was a tryout. I’m just soooo happy! I’m scared! I have a job, I have a man in my life, the girls at the café are really nice and are be-friending me. I walked with one of the girls, Shani to her place which ends up being a couple of streets from Damien’s, I visited her “cottage”, met her boyfriend and we started to talk. Time went by and Damien called me wondering what was happening. Things are going too well, I’m just waiting for something to go wrong or all to blowup in my face. I’m really scared!
I went to spend some time with Damien and then went to South Bank to swing dance. On my way back to Jindalee now.
Did loads of laundry, I have almost noting clean to wear. Went downtown to see the guy that got me the job in Croydon to see if he had anything for me, not before Tuesday. I’ll have to look myself during the weekend and Monday. I just hate to take so much of Drew’s parent’s hospitality. I feel it’s too much! Took a nice walk thru the city and South Bank before heading back. It swing shack tonight and I intend to go. Hopefully I’ll see James as I have a cake for him. Well, he is here! Great! A friendly face. There a “show” tonight and most people I don’t know, they’re not very sociable in this scene. I miss Drew! What can I do?! Went back earlier than I expected as I wasn’t having much fun or dances for that matter. James offered me a lift and I was able to give him the cake I baked for him.
Saturday, June 23rd ‘07
Got up late as I was woken up by some barking at night. Pat brought me to this industrial park that has a “park”, we brought the dogs along for a walk. We then went to get a newspaper so I can look at jobs I will be applying to on Monday or thru the net. I did find that hat I really want on the net but I’d rather find it in a store. I’ll call customer services when I get more credit on my mobile.
Monday, June 25th ‘07
Call me crazy but this is what happened tonight. I chatted with some surfer guys from the gold coast and they wanted to meet up and do something tonight. I suggested to go to the movies as I’ve been craving to see Pirates 3 and didn’t feel like going alone. So, the boys drove up and we met up in the city. They weren’t bad looking but looked like “pot heads” to me a bit too “yo” for my taste. One of them was quite a blabber mouth and the other one more quiet. Anyways, we got to the movies and they bought their tickets as well as drinks and popcorn for themselves. Anyways, during the movie, blabber mouth made some stupid comments, most of the time explaining what they just did as if I didn’t see. When I laughed at something, he would but only after I started to. It was just painful. The movie was good thought better then the 2nd. I’m glad I went to see it. I wanted to pee 15mins into the movie that lasted a bit over 2h30min and waited ‘till the end to go. Once in the bathroom, after of course, I called Helen, a swing dancer and asked her to text me an emergency. I can imagine all you reading this, laughing! You can laugh, the other girls in the loo that heard me did! I did as well! Those guys where just terrible. Blabby tried himself on me but when he talked, it was just incoherent and un-intelligent. Ah well! Stopped at McD’s for some chips, got Helen’s text and dumped the boys. It was just so torturous. I’m glad I’m not around them anymore. Piouf!
Well, I got 40mins ‘till my bus as it runs every hour when it’s this late the movie ended 10 mins before the previous one. So relieved to have gotten rid of them. Wasn’t scared, chose places with bunch of people and somewhere I know well. Well, I can say I have yet to meet an Australian gentleman! Richard doesn’t count as I make him be one with me. For those wondering why I haven’t seen Richard yet, he has a girlfriend now, don’t want to being the way and he doesn’t seem to have time for me anymore. Sucks, just seems like every time I loose a male friend is over a girlfriend. I miss Gabriel so much! The only one I recall not loosing to his girlfriend, now fiancé is Bryan. She’s great! She’s not jealous and know where she stands, I recon we get along well and I just love that I’m able to keep Bryan as a friend. What is it with these guys that can’t keep a female friend once they get a girlfriend, serious or not? Really?!? Ah well, gotta start walking towards the bus stop.
Tuesday, June 26th ‘07
Today, I went for an open interview at a bar/restaurant called Chill. Once I got there, for the first time in my life, I was intimidated by the place. It had a winter/ice theme, looked “classy” and expensive. Didn’t think I could “fake” baving more experience than I actually have. So, I left before the girl got to me. Did some groceries, went for food and back to the house.
On my way to the interview, I say a big band of students playing, they were good. I was sad I didn’t have a dance partner. They’ll be playing again on Friday night and it’s only 5$ for the entrance fee. If I find someone to go with, I’ll definitely go.
I’m chatting with this guy, Damien which I found online. We’ve been chatting here and there for a bit but tonight, he’s been quite interesting. His way of writing is pretty impressive for a 22 year old male. He’s trying to be romantic and is very good with the Shakespearian way. We’ve set a date on Friday morning, I have suggested a movie and he suggested the art gallery or the museum. I can’t wait! Really hope he’s better than those 2 idiots from yesterday.
Wednesday, June 27th ‘07
4 months today exactly since I left Montreal. I’m starting to miss my mother more and more. I have an interview this morning at a “gentleman’s venue” as a receptionist/hostess, this is the job I want. Well, just got out of the interview, it was really quick so I decided to go for breakfast at McD’s on the corner of the street. On my way there, as I was crossing the street, I tripped on one of those little white reflectors and feel on my knees. I was wearing a skirt with my stiletto shoes. The fall was quite nasty and my skin pealed off. I brought my regular shoes and had changed into my stilettos for the interview. I was going to change back at McD’s. Walked to McD’s holding my skirt up as the blood glistened down my legs. Once I got into McD’s, I asked for a 1st aid kit but all I got was 4 Band-Aids that didn’t cover the entire wound so some of the sticky part is on the wound. Ate and went to the bus stop. I have knee-high socks that covers part of the injured area but I can see drops of blood leaking thru the socks.
Tonight, I went to the Fringe but apparently, it’s the last night. Sad! This was a nice place and also the only weekly place. Was lucky to get a lift back with Kameron that actually lives in the next neighborhood. When we got there, we started talking and ended up talking for over 2h. So I went to bed at around 3am. Oh my god and I gotta go to an interview tomorrow morning between 8 and noon.
Thursday, June 28th ‘07
Didn’t get up before 1:30pm. Can’t believe I missed my interview. I was going to go to the Chill interview this afternoon but really didn’t feel like it and didn’t think I have a chance anyways. When I went to the internet, Damien was there and we chatted some more, since I was free and Drew’s dad was pressing me on that interview, I asked him if he wanted to meet. He said yes. So now, I’m on my way to met Romeo wondering if he’ll become my prince charming or maybe even my Shrek, who knows!!! He’s really cute on his pictures and a better Shakespearean and romantic writer than I am. He does have a dog, that’s great! One of the best part is that he doesn’t smoke or drink and doesn’t like the clubbing, boom boom , techno crap. Just makes me wonder if he’s not a 40 year old man that placed his son’s or nephew’s pictures instead of his own. The online chatting is so fun and sweet, I can’t see how it would be a bad date!
So I met him and Pirros, his dog. His dog is this cute little energetic poodle. We walked thru South Bank and talked quite a bit. So sweet, he brought me some flowers. We sat in the grass while Pirros ran around. He doesn’t keep the leach on Pirros and sometimes makes me a bit nervous when it comes to crossing streets. I told him about the concert playing tonight and he wanted to go so we went for food and then to the concert. Turned out, the concert was at the end of some music students that did a musical boot camp. There was 3 orchestras and 1 big band, most of it was classical music and Damien enjoyed it. What? Yes, he enjoyed it! He’s just not very normal for a 22 year old boy. We than took a walk and I took the last bus. Drew’s dad asked me about the interview and I couldn’t help but lie and say I did go. I really hate lying.
Friday, June 29th ‘07
9:30am On my way to my original date with Damien. We meet up and went to the Art Gallery. It was really nice and very enjoyable. Then, we went to West End as I had brought some resumes to apply at some bars and cafes there. Heard there was loads looking for people. We went to the library to photocopy my resumes as I had only 6 left but the photocopier is really crap. Went to a store where Damien bought some almonds. He’s obsessed by almonds just as much as I’m obsessed by olives. The place we went, is held by some Greeks and they had a post for a position. I asked about it but it just been filled. The woman seemed to like me as she then asked for my resume. As we walked in the area leaving resumes, we also got some food for a picnic. We stopped at this coffee shop and the manager asked me to come by the next morning as a tryout. I’m so glad. I really hope I get this job. I need to get a job and find a place to stay so I can leave Drew’s parent’s house. I feel like to his father, my welcome is warn out. It’s not too cold today but the wind makes it cool and it’s winding like hell.
We then went to a park to picnic. He’s very romantic, at lease in his ideas and writings. After the picnic, we took the city cat which is a public transportation boat that goes across the Brisbane river. We went to the Uni where he trains and he left me at the bus stop. I went back to get some stuff as it takes 40 mins to go downtown from their place and I would have to wake up at like 6am to get to the café tomorrow so I’ll be staying at Damien’s place tonight.
Damien cooked and I finally got a taste of Kangaroo. It tastes ok to me, it’s not especially good or bad just, ok. I brought my laptop so we could watch some movies but for some reason, it doesn’t want to play them and it kills me not to know why. I have such a migraine, it’s actually best for me not to look at a lid screen for 2hrs.
Saturday, June 30th ‘07
Got up and went to the coffee shop where I’m having my tryout. Today, they only serve breakfast and it oh so busy. I think it was a very good thing I was there. I ended up staying until closing time, about 3pm. Matt, the boss, asked me if I liked it and why I stayed as I was to be here only for a couple of hours (here, a couple really means just 2). I said he didn’t ask me to leave or anything. Well, I got the job! I got paid for today, wasn’t sure I would as it was a tryout. I’m just soooo happy! I’m scared! I have a job, I have a man in my life, the girls at the café are really nice and are be-friending me. I walked with one of the girls, Shani to her place which ends up being a couple of streets from Damien’s, I visited her “cottage”, met her boyfriend and we started to talk. Time went by and Damien called me wondering what was happening. Things are going too well, I’m just waiting for something to go wrong or all to blowup in my face. I’m really scared!
I went to spend some time with Damien and then went to South Bank to swing dance. On my way back to Jindalee now.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Maroochydore - with my 2nd cousin/avec mon cousin eloigne -
Tuesday, June 12th ‘07
Another day down here. Checked out and will be going to see my second cousin up in Maroochydore. I don’t want to bring my huge suitcase up here but the hostel will only keep it if I pay for a night when I get back. I just don’t want to, as I don’t know when I’ll be back and if I would be staying the night in Brisbane. I called Drew’s parents to see if they would take it for a couple of days. Pay (Drew’s mom) was really nice and picked me up at the hostel. I got some canolli from an Italian pastry so we ate that with a tea not without getting some lunch first.. They are so very nice. They’re great! Pat just left me at the train station and I’m off to a 3hr trip to Maroochydore. Oh ya 3hrs! It takes about 1h30mins by car but as I’m using public transport, it’s taking longer. I have to take 2 trains and 1 bus. I have lots of time to think and spend with myself.
I’m now in Maroochydore, 3hrs later. Got myself to Thai Mangoes the restaurant owned by his girlfriend, Duan. When I got there, I left my luggage on the floor, everyone was in the back so no one saw me. I asked for David and when he came, he spoke to me in English only when I answered in French did he realize I was his 2nd cousin. He was really nice, we spoke all evening as he fed me Thai food. I had never eaten Thai food before except for this weekend at Paulette and Gary’s. It was very good, I love tasting different foods. When the restaurant closed, we went back to his place and was worried I would think he was boring and offered to go out do something. It seemed like he really wanted to go to a bar take a beer or something. We ended up watching a movie.
Mercredi, le 13 juin ‘07
Eh oui! J’ecris en Français cette fois-ci. J’ai crue que ce serais plus approprie puisqu’en ce moment, je suis chez mon cousin eloigne qui habite Maroochydore sur le Sunshine coast. Je suis venue le voir hier au restaurant de sa blonde et je suis restee chez eux hier. Davis voulais partir vers 9h-9h30 du matin pour aller faire un tour mais il ne s’est pas leve avant 10h. Pas bien grave! On est aller dans les montagne pour manger puis on a fais le tour des magasin. La vue etait magnifique et c’etait plaisant. Duan (sa copine) est vraiment tres gentille et pas trop reserve comme la majorite des asiatique que j’ai rencontre, ce qui est une bonne chose. Je me sent confortable avec eux. C’est tellement gentils de me laisser dormir chez eux et de m’avoir emmener ici pour visiter.
J’ai remarque que c’est une topographie typique de l’est de l’Australie (pas vue l’ouest encore) que d’avoir la mer, la ville sur le bord de la mer ou pas trop loin, ensuite les montagnes avec le « rainforest » pour finir avec la savane. Apres, nous sommes retournees a la ville prendre une sieste avant de nous rendre au restaurant. David m’a demande aujourd’hui si je voulais bien remplacer une serveuse vendredi et samedi. Je le ferai avec plaisir. Ils sont tellement accueillant, je ne peux refuser, je ne voudrais refuser. On dirais bien que je suis ici pour la fin de semaine aussi. J’avais rien de vraiment prevue mais je croyais que je serais de retour a Brisbane pour la fin de semaine. Ah bon! Comme je prevois rarement et j’ai aucune obligations, je peux faire comme je veux.
Rendue au resto, comme je voulais pas trop etre dans les jambes, je suis allee prendre une longue marche aussi pour visiter. Lorsque j’etais dans l’autobus en chemin pour Maroochydore, j’ai vue des trucs que je voulais voir, je me suis juste pas rendue compte combien c’etait loin, plus de 4 km. Je me suis rendue jusqu'à Moloolaba deux villes plus loin ou il y a des magasins, cafes, restaurants, ect. J’ai aussi marche un peu sur le bord de l’eau. Le Sunshine Coast est un peu comme le Gold Coast sauf plus petit et moins touristique. La fermeture du restaurant, David voulais ecouter Maurice Richard, le film que j’ai amener de Montreal. Je crois qu’il etait content de le voir. Typique Quebecois!
Jeudi, le 14 juin ‘07
Aujourd’hui, je suis allee faire un tour au centre d’achat ou Duan m’a laisser pendant qu’elle allait faire des trucs. Ce centre d’achat est gigantesque et tres beau. Il y a tellement de monde, je me demande s’ils travaillent!? J’ai fais un peu le tour, il y a deux partie du centre d’achat separe par une « riviere » ou on peut faire du pedalo. Je suis tombee sur la version Australienne de Mira et ils avaient un golden-lab, j’ai pas pu m’empeche d’aller le voir, je m’ennuie tellement de Fanny et Lola! J’ai parle un peu avec la dame et elle prends les chiens quand ils sont bebe pour 2 ans avant qu’ils se fassent entraine comme chez nous. Le chien qui est la est un chien qu’ils utilisent seulement pour les expositions car ils se sont rendu compte au milieu de l’entrainement qu’il avait un probleme avec une patte. J’etais tellement contente de le flatter.
Duan est venue me chercher puis on es allees chercher David avant d’aller manger. Apres le repas, ils m’ont amene voir ou ils habitaient avant a Moloolaba, c’est un joli petit cartier. Puis, nous sommes aller a underwater world faire un tour des magasins, on n’est pas aller a l’interieur. Ce soir, je suis restee a la maison j’avais des trucs a faire sur le net. Plus tard, quand David est revenue, j’ai chatte avec sa tante Monique et on s’est vue sur web cam (David a une web cam sur son laptop). J’ai attendue que ma mere soit sur l’internet pour qu’elle aie la chance de me voir sur la cam. Je crois qu’elle etait tres contente de me voir. J’etais contente pour elle car je me rappelle quand je l’ai vue avec les chiens comment je me suis sentie.
Vendredi, le 15 juin ‘07
Nous sommes alles chez une amie, Emi a David pour l’aide a installer des stores. Elle a un bebe de 3 mois. C’etait tres bien et elle est tres gentille. Nous avons mange chez elle un met Bresilien delicieux. C’etait tres plaisant. Aujourd’hui, je remplace une serveuse au restaurant, ca me fais tres plaisir de le faire. Ils m’on accueillis chez eux et nourris depuis que je suis ici. J’aime bien le petit restaurant, il est tres maison avec une atmosphere familiale. C’est facile de ce sentir bien ici. Apres la fermeture du resto, nous sommes alles rejoindre un de leurs ami avant de sortir. Nous sommes alles dans un club ou il y avait un band qui etait bon mais des qu’ils ont fini le DJ etait tres mauvais et la musique a passe de « light rock » a boom boom/techno. Les gens qui etaient dans le club sont des enfants « gate » qui passent 3 heurs devant le mirroir. Il y avait 2 filles qui on du penser que c’etait le playboy mansion. Franchement! Par contre, David les as bien aime, leur ami es gay et etais totalement d’accord avec moi. A la fin, comme tout l’monde avait bue appart moi, j’ai conduit. Eh oui, je suis, il semble, la personne ideal pour etre la conductrice designe. Ca ne me derange pas du tout!
Samedi, le 16 juin ‘07
Le matin a ete difficile pour mes hotes! Nous avons simplement ramasse du fast food en chemin au restaurant. C’est du genre on mange dans le resto ferme avant l’ouverture. J’aime bien travailler au resto, l’atmosphere est tres agreable et c’est tres bien organise. Les serveuses sont jeunes et tres gentilles apart une qui veux tout faire et prendre le contrôle en avant, les autres la laisse faire mais je l’ai pas laisse me marche sur les pieds car a un certain point, elle devient insolante et manque de respect. Elle n’a que 15 ans mais ca ne lui donne pas le droit de traiter ces colegues comme ca. A part ca, c’est tres relax et bien. David avait laisse son chandail chaud a la maison et il voulait ramener sa mobylette, il a donc mis mon jacket. Il avait l’air d’un motocycliste de yamaha ou quelque chose comme ca mais avec un jacket un peu trop petit. Apres, nous sommes alles manger de la pizza avec Pipou l’autre chef avant de rentrer a la maison.
Dimanche, le 17 juin ‘07
Nous nous sommes leve de bonheur pour aller a un marche exterieur, un peu comme le marche Jean Talon rencontre les scouts et les ventes de garage. C’etait bien de faire le tour. Je suis un peu tannee de manger du restaurant tout les jours 2x par jour. Je suis allee faire une commande pour faire un repas aujourd’hui et demain ainsi que du pouding chomeur. Malheureusement, ils n’ont pas de four je vais donc faire cuire mon dessert chez Emi.
Elle a un garcon de 3 mois, Sunny qui semble ne pas trop aime la voiture alors, je me suis assie a l’arriere avec le p’tit. J’aime bien Emi elle est vraiment tres gentille et adorable. C’est une Japonaise qui a ete eleve au Bresil. Elle a voyage beaucoup et travaille comme instructeur de plonge pour le Club Med pendant plusieurs annees. Elle est braiment tres interesante. Le pere est au Maladives pour le travail, elle vit donc comme une mere monoparentale. Elle aime vraiment son bebe. Ma mere devait etre pareil avec moi a cet age. Nous avons mange des sandwich et du pouding chomeur un peu renverse. Le pouding a mange tout un coup dans la voiture et la paste s’est melange avec la sauce en chemin. Duan est venue me cherche apres la fermeture du resto.
Lundi, le 18 juin ‘07
David peinture le plancher du garage aujourd’hui (leurs journee de conge aujourd’hui). J’ai decide de chercher un emploi aujourd’hui. Samedi, j’ai achete le journal. J’ai fais a diner pour David et moi, Duan n’avait pas faim. Puis, je suis partie a Mooloolaba, chaque magasin qui cherche du monde n’offre que du « casual » c’est a dire, 6-9hrs par semaine et/ou du remplacement qui veut dire des semaines sans travail. Arrivent’ ils a trouver des gens qui veulent ca? J’ai vite abandonne! Je crois que je vais appeler la station de bœufs pour y travailler sinon, je vais me rendre dans un bar, milieu de nul part. J’ai pris l’bus pour Cotton tree, une rue plein de magasin mais j’ai continue jusqu’au centre d’achat.
Je me suis promenee, il est vraiment tres grand avec une riviere en plein milieu ou l’on peut faire du pedalo J’ai regarde les Akubra (chapeau Australien) mais je ne pense qu’a celui que j’ai vue a Melany mercredi passe. En marchant dans le centre d’achat, un odeur agreable et familiere est parvenue a mes narines, c’est la que je me suis retournee vers le fleuriste. Mes fleurs preferes etaient la sur le bord. J’ai du me retenir a en faire l’achat. J’ai appele la station et je crois que c’est promettent. Je dois attendre qu’on me rappele mais je crois que je vais avoir une reponse positive.
J’ai pris une bonne marche d’environ 45 mins entre le centre d’achat et la maison. Je suis arrivee quelques minutes avant David. En chemin, j’ai pense a ce que j’avais pu faire avec la bouffe que j’ai achete avant hier et j’ai pense a des pizzas avec les tortillas. David a bien aime l’idee, Duan etait avec des amies. Ils sont tellement habitues a prendre la voiture ou la mobylette pour ce rendre partout que c’est une grosse affaire quand je marche. Juste ce soir, David veut qu’on aye chez un amis a 3 rues et comme Duan a la voiture, David savait pas comment ce rendre jusqu'a ce que je lui suggere de marcher. Arrive la, son ami dormait, Duan venait porter Pipoo (la femme de son ami) et encore une fois, c’etait une grosse affaire qu’on ait marche les 5-10 mins que ca pris. Franchement!
Mardi, le 19 juin ‘07
J’ai decide aujourd’hui d’aller a Noosa Heads qui est au nord de Maroochydore. Il y a un autobus qui s’y rend direct, du centre d’achat. En chemin, le bus passe par Coolum Beach et c’est magnifique, j’etais tentee de sortir mais je suis restee. Je suis a Noosa Heads et franchement, y’a pas grand chose a voir et a faire, en-t-k pas a pied. J’ai pas trouve la plage et j’ai marche sur la seule rue qui fais le centre ville. Il y a un bus tout les 30 mins, j’ai donc decide de prendre le suivant. Il est deja « tard » (4h) le soleil est sur le point de se coucher, j’espere me rendre a Coolum Beach avant que le soleil soit completement parti. Mon billet de bus est un daily ce qui beut dire que je peux monter et descendre du bus tant que je veux dans les zones que j’ai choisi. La vue en route est magnifique avec les plages et l’ocean.
Je suis a Coolum et le soleil me grace de sa presence. C’est tres beau ici, la plage d’un cote, les restos et magasins de l’autre. Il y a un beau boardwalk qui suit la plage du haut de la falaise, en bas une plage avec a certains endroits des rochers. J’me demande si David et Duan sont deja venu ici? C’est juste 20-25 mins de voiture. Je serais facilement tentee de venir m’y baigner. J’ai pris le bus suivant 30 mins plustard pour me rendre au centre d’achat ou je dois connecter avec l’autre bus qui va m’amener au resto. Je ne peux me rendre a la maison car il n’y a persone. J’ai donc decide de stretcher le temps en me promenant dans le centre d’achat en fermeture. Je crois simplement que je devrais leur laisser de « l’air » et aussi, je vais partir bientot demain ou jeudi. Je ne veux pas abuser de leurs hospitalite.
Je ne pourrais jamais vivre comme ils le font, je virais folle! Ils passent la majorite de leur temps entre la maison et le resto et plus de 95% ensemble. J’tuerais mon chum si j’avais pas plus de temps pour moi-meme. Il y a tellement de choses a faire, j’pourrais pas rester isole a la maison comme ca, j’ai besoin de bouger, sortir, voir le monde. Je trouve leur style de vie particuliere, surtout pour un endroit beau et chaud comme ici. Quoique dernierement, je gele! Eh oui, je me les geles. Il fait froid, je porte des pantalons et mets mon jacket tout les jours.
Mercredi, le 20 juin ‘07
Aujourd’hui, j’esperais me rendre a Melany ou ce trouve le chapeau que j’aime malheureusement, j’ai trouve aucun autobus qui s’y rend pourtant, je suis sur d’en avoir vue un. Ah well! Rien que je peux faire maintenant! Je prends le train demain a 13h30 pour Brisbane. Duan ne s’est pas leve avant midi trente si non, je serais partie aujourd’hui. Ca m’a par contre, donne l’occasion de prendre des photos au resto. Ce soir, la soupe que Duan a fais pour souper, etait tellement bonne que j’en ai mange apres ne plus avoir faim, jusqu'a ce que j’ai mal au ventre. Et j’ai eu mal au ventre mais ca en valais la peine!
Jeudi, le 21 juin ‘07
Thursday June 21st ‘07
Derniere journee a Maroochydore, je repars pour Brisbane. J’ai tellement de lavage a faire c’est pas croyable. Duan et David m’ont amene a la gare, j’ai pas eu a prendre le bus. Je suis tres contente d’etre venue et de les avoir rencontre, merci pour tout! En route pour Brisbane au moins, Pat (la mere a Drew) va venir me chercher a la gare et je lui ai demande si je pouvais cuisiner un coffeecake ce soir. Je veux faire ce gateau depuis un certain temps, surtout pour James qui a ete vraiment tres gentil avec moi.
Pat picked me up at the station and we went to take the dogs to the dog run. Afterwards, I went to do some groceries before I made my wonderful coffeecake. Because of their unconventional oven, it didn’t rise as much as it should’ve but it still tastes the same. Devilisious!
Another day down here. Checked out and will be going to see my second cousin up in Maroochydore. I don’t want to bring my huge suitcase up here but the hostel will only keep it if I pay for a night when I get back. I just don’t want to, as I don’t know when I’ll be back and if I would be staying the night in Brisbane. I called Drew’s parents to see if they would take it for a couple of days. Pay (Drew’s mom) was really nice and picked me up at the hostel. I got some canolli from an Italian pastry so we ate that with a tea not without getting some lunch first.. They are so very nice. They’re great! Pat just left me at the train station and I’m off to a 3hr trip to Maroochydore. Oh ya 3hrs! It takes about 1h30mins by car but as I’m using public transport, it’s taking longer. I have to take 2 trains and 1 bus. I have lots of time to think and spend with myself.
I’m now in Maroochydore, 3hrs later. Got myself to Thai Mangoes the restaurant owned by his girlfriend, Duan. When I got there, I left my luggage on the floor, everyone was in the back so no one saw me. I asked for David and when he came, he spoke to me in English only when I answered in French did he realize I was his 2nd cousin. He was really nice, we spoke all evening as he fed me Thai food. I had never eaten Thai food before except for this weekend at Paulette and Gary’s. It was very good, I love tasting different foods. When the restaurant closed, we went back to his place and was worried I would think he was boring and offered to go out do something. It seemed like he really wanted to go to a bar take a beer or something. We ended up watching a movie.
Mercredi, le 13 juin ‘07
Eh oui! J’ecris en Français cette fois-ci. J’ai crue que ce serais plus approprie puisqu’en ce moment, je suis chez mon cousin eloigne qui habite Maroochydore sur le Sunshine coast. Je suis venue le voir hier au restaurant de sa blonde et je suis restee chez eux hier. Davis voulais partir vers 9h-9h30 du matin pour aller faire un tour mais il ne s’est pas leve avant 10h. Pas bien grave! On est aller dans les montagne pour manger puis on a fais le tour des magasin. La vue etait magnifique et c’etait plaisant. Duan (sa copine) est vraiment tres gentille et pas trop reserve comme la majorite des asiatique que j’ai rencontre, ce qui est une bonne chose. Je me sent confortable avec eux. C’est tellement gentils de me laisser dormir chez eux et de m’avoir emmener ici pour visiter.
J’ai remarque que c’est une topographie typique de l’est de l’Australie (pas vue l’ouest encore) que d’avoir la mer, la ville sur le bord de la mer ou pas trop loin, ensuite les montagnes avec le « rainforest » pour finir avec la savane. Apres, nous sommes retournees a la ville prendre une sieste avant de nous rendre au restaurant. David m’a demande aujourd’hui si je voulais bien remplacer une serveuse vendredi et samedi. Je le ferai avec plaisir. Ils sont tellement accueillant, je ne peux refuser, je ne voudrais refuser. On dirais bien que je suis ici pour la fin de semaine aussi. J’avais rien de vraiment prevue mais je croyais que je serais de retour a Brisbane pour la fin de semaine. Ah bon! Comme je prevois rarement et j’ai aucune obligations, je peux faire comme je veux.
Rendue au resto, comme je voulais pas trop etre dans les jambes, je suis allee prendre une longue marche aussi pour visiter. Lorsque j’etais dans l’autobus en chemin pour Maroochydore, j’ai vue des trucs que je voulais voir, je me suis juste pas rendue compte combien c’etait loin, plus de 4 km. Je me suis rendue jusqu'à Moloolaba deux villes plus loin ou il y a des magasins, cafes, restaurants, ect. J’ai aussi marche un peu sur le bord de l’eau. Le Sunshine Coast est un peu comme le Gold Coast sauf plus petit et moins touristique. La fermeture du restaurant, David voulais ecouter Maurice Richard, le film que j’ai amener de Montreal. Je crois qu’il etait content de le voir. Typique Quebecois!
Jeudi, le 14 juin ‘07
Aujourd’hui, je suis allee faire un tour au centre d’achat ou Duan m’a laisser pendant qu’elle allait faire des trucs. Ce centre d’achat est gigantesque et tres beau. Il y a tellement de monde, je me demande s’ils travaillent!? J’ai fais un peu le tour, il y a deux partie du centre d’achat separe par une « riviere » ou on peut faire du pedalo. Je suis tombee sur la version Australienne de Mira et ils avaient un golden-lab, j’ai pas pu m’empeche d’aller le voir, je m’ennuie tellement de Fanny et Lola! J’ai parle un peu avec la dame et elle prends les chiens quand ils sont bebe pour 2 ans avant qu’ils se fassent entraine comme chez nous. Le chien qui est la est un chien qu’ils utilisent seulement pour les expositions car ils se sont rendu compte au milieu de l’entrainement qu’il avait un probleme avec une patte. J’etais tellement contente de le flatter.
Duan est venue me chercher puis on es allees chercher David avant d’aller manger. Apres le repas, ils m’ont amene voir ou ils habitaient avant a Moloolaba, c’est un joli petit cartier. Puis, nous sommes aller a underwater world faire un tour des magasins, on n’est pas aller a l’interieur. Ce soir, je suis restee a la maison j’avais des trucs a faire sur le net. Plus tard, quand David est revenue, j’ai chatte avec sa tante Monique et on s’est vue sur web cam (David a une web cam sur son laptop). J’ai attendue que ma mere soit sur l’internet pour qu’elle aie la chance de me voir sur la cam. Je crois qu’elle etait tres contente de me voir. J’etais contente pour elle car je me rappelle quand je l’ai vue avec les chiens comment je me suis sentie.
Vendredi, le 15 juin ‘07
Nous sommes alles chez une amie, Emi a David pour l’aide a installer des stores. Elle a un bebe de 3 mois. C’etait tres bien et elle est tres gentille. Nous avons mange chez elle un met Bresilien delicieux. C’etait tres plaisant. Aujourd’hui, je remplace une serveuse au restaurant, ca me fais tres plaisir de le faire. Ils m’on accueillis chez eux et nourris depuis que je suis ici. J’aime bien le petit restaurant, il est tres maison avec une atmosphere familiale. C’est facile de ce sentir bien ici. Apres la fermeture du resto, nous sommes alles rejoindre un de leurs ami avant de sortir. Nous sommes alles dans un club ou il y avait un band qui etait bon mais des qu’ils ont fini le DJ etait tres mauvais et la musique a passe de « light rock » a boom boom/techno. Les gens qui etaient dans le club sont des enfants « gate » qui passent 3 heurs devant le mirroir. Il y avait 2 filles qui on du penser que c’etait le playboy mansion. Franchement! Par contre, David les as bien aime, leur ami es gay et etais totalement d’accord avec moi. A la fin, comme tout l’monde avait bue appart moi, j’ai conduit. Eh oui, je suis, il semble, la personne ideal pour etre la conductrice designe. Ca ne me derange pas du tout!
Samedi, le 16 juin ‘07
Le matin a ete difficile pour mes hotes! Nous avons simplement ramasse du fast food en chemin au restaurant. C’est du genre on mange dans le resto ferme avant l’ouverture. J’aime bien travailler au resto, l’atmosphere est tres agreable et c’est tres bien organise. Les serveuses sont jeunes et tres gentilles apart une qui veux tout faire et prendre le contrôle en avant, les autres la laisse faire mais je l’ai pas laisse me marche sur les pieds car a un certain point, elle devient insolante et manque de respect. Elle n’a que 15 ans mais ca ne lui donne pas le droit de traiter ces colegues comme ca. A part ca, c’est tres relax et bien. David avait laisse son chandail chaud a la maison et il voulait ramener sa mobylette, il a donc mis mon jacket. Il avait l’air d’un motocycliste de yamaha ou quelque chose comme ca mais avec un jacket un peu trop petit. Apres, nous sommes alles manger de la pizza avec Pipou l’autre chef avant de rentrer a la maison.
Dimanche, le 17 juin ‘07
Nous nous sommes leve de bonheur pour aller a un marche exterieur, un peu comme le marche Jean Talon rencontre les scouts et les ventes de garage. C’etait bien de faire le tour. Je suis un peu tannee de manger du restaurant tout les jours 2x par jour. Je suis allee faire une commande pour faire un repas aujourd’hui et demain ainsi que du pouding chomeur. Malheureusement, ils n’ont pas de four je vais donc faire cuire mon dessert chez Emi.
Elle a un garcon de 3 mois, Sunny qui semble ne pas trop aime la voiture alors, je me suis assie a l’arriere avec le p’tit. J’aime bien Emi elle est vraiment tres gentille et adorable. C’est une Japonaise qui a ete eleve au Bresil. Elle a voyage beaucoup et travaille comme instructeur de plonge pour le Club Med pendant plusieurs annees. Elle est braiment tres interesante. Le pere est au Maladives pour le travail, elle vit donc comme une mere monoparentale. Elle aime vraiment son bebe. Ma mere devait etre pareil avec moi a cet age. Nous avons mange des sandwich et du pouding chomeur un peu renverse. Le pouding a mange tout un coup dans la voiture et la paste s’est melange avec la sauce en chemin. Duan est venue me cherche apres la fermeture du resto.
Lundi, le 18 juin ‘07
David peinture le plancher du garage aujourd’hui (leurs journee de conge aujourd’hui). J’ai decide de chercher un emploi aujourd’hui. Samedi, j’ai achete le journal. J’ai fais a diner pour David et moi, Duan n’avait pas faim. Puis, je suis partie a Mooloolaba, chaque magasin qui cherche du monde n’offre que du « casual » c’est a dire, 6-9hrs par semaine et/ou du remplacement qui veut dire des semaines sans travail. Arrivent’ ils a trouver des gens qui veulent ca? J’ai vite abandonne! Je crois que je vais appeler la station de bœufs pour y travailler sinon, je vais me rendre dans un bar, milieu de nul part. J’ai pris l’bus pour Cotton tree, une rue plein de magasin mais j’ai continue jusqu’au centre d’achat.
Je me suis promenee, il est vraiment tres grand avec une riviere en plein milieu ou l’on peut faire du pedalo J’ai regarde les Akubra (chapeau Australien) mais je ne pense qu’a celui que j’ai vue a Melany mercredi passe. En marchant dans le centre d’achat, un odeur agreable et familiere est parvenue a mes narines, c’est la que je me suis retournee vers le fleuriste. Mes fleurs preferes etaient la sur le bord. J’ai du me retenir a en faire l’achat. J’ai appele la station et je crois que c’est promettent. Je dois attendre qu’on me rappele mais je crois que je vais avoir une reponse positive.
J’ai pris une bonne marche d’environ 45 mins entre le centre d’achat et la maison. Je suis arrivee quelques minutes avant David. En chemin, j’ai pense a ce que j’avais pu faire avec la bouffe que j’ai achete avant hier et j’ai pense a des pizzas avec les tortillas. David a bien aime l’idee, Duan etait avec des amies. Ils sont tellement habitues a prendre la voiture ou la mobylette pour ce rendre partout que c’est une grosse affaire quand je marche. Juste ce soir, David veut qu’on aye chez un amis a 3 rues et comme Duan a la voiture, David savait pas comment ce rendre jusqu'a ce que je lui suggere de marcher. Arrive la, son ami dormait, Duan venait porter Pipoo (la femme de son ami) et encore une fois, c’etait une grosse affaire qu’on ait marche les 5-10 mins que ca pris. Franchement!
Mardi, le 19 juin ‘07
J’ai decide aujourd’hui d’aller a Noosa Heads qui est au nord de Maroochydore. Il y a un autobus qui s’y rend direct, du centre d’achat. En chemin, le bus passe par Coolum Beach et c’est magnifique, j’etais tentee de sortir mais je suis restee. Je suis a Noosa Heads et franchement, y’a pas grand chose a voir et a faire, en-t-k pas a pied. J’ai pas trouve la plage et j’ai marche sur la seule rue qui fais le centre ville. Il y a un bus tout les 30 mins, j’ai donc decide de prendre le suivant. Il est deja « tard » (4h) le soleil est sur le point de se coucher, j’espere me rendre a Coolum Beach avant que le soleil soit completement parti. Mon billet de bus est un daily ce qui beut dire que je peux monter et descendre du bus tant que je veux dans les zones que j’ai choisi. La vue en route est magnifique avec les plages et l’ocean.
Je suis a Coolum et le soleil me grace de sa presence. C’est tres beau ici, la plage d’un cote, les restos et magasins de l’autre. Il y a un beau boardwalk qui suit la plage du haut de la falaise, en bas une plage avec a certains endroits des rochers. J’me demande si David et Duan sont deja venu ici? C’est juste 20-25 mins de voiture. Je serais facilement tentee de venir m’y baigner. J’ai pris le bus suivant 30 mins plustard pour me rendre au centre d’achat ou je dois connecter avec l’autre bus qui va m’amener au resto. Je ne peux me rendre a la maison car il n’y a persone. J’ai donc decide de stretcher le temps en me promenant dans le centre d’achat en fermeture. Je crois simplement que je devrais leur laisser de « l’air » et aussi, je vais partir bientot demain ou jeudi. Je ne veux pas abuser de leurs hospitalite.
Je ne pourrais jamais vivre comme ils le font, je virais folle! Ils passent la majorite de leur temps entre la maison et le resto et plus de 95% ensemble. J’tuerais mon chum si j’avais pas plus de temps pour moi-meme. Il y a tellement de choses a faire, j’pourrais pas rester isole a la maison comme ca, j’ai besoin de bouger, sortir, voir le monde. Je trouve leur style de vie particuliere, surtout pour un endroit beau et chaud comme ici. Quoique dernierement, je gele! Eh oui, je me les geles. Il fait froid, je porte des pantalons et mets mon jacket tout les jours.
Mercredi, le 20 juin ‘07
Aujourd’hui, j’esperais me rendre a Melany ou ce trouve le chapeau que j’aime malheureusement, j’ai trouve aucun autobus qui s’y rend pourtant, je suis sur d’en avoir vue un. Ah well! Rien que je peux faire maintenant! Je prends le train demain a 13h30 pour Brisbane. Duan ne s’est pas leve avant midi trente si non, je serais partie aujourd’hui. Ca m’a par contre, donne l’occasion de prendre des photos au resto. Ce soir, la soupe que Duan a fais pour souper, etait tellement bonne que j’en ai mange apres ne plus avoir faim, jusqu'a ce que j’ai mal au ventre. Et j’ai eu mal au ventre mais ca en valais la peine!
Jeudi, le 21 juin ‘07
Thursday June 21st ‘07
Derniere journee a Maroochydore, je repars pour Brisbane. J’ai tellement de lavage a faire c’est pas croyable. Duan et David m’ont amene a la gare, j’ai pas eu a prendre le bus. Je suis tres contente d’etre venue et de les avoir rencontre, merci pour tout! En route pour Brisbane au moins, Pat (la mere a Drew) va venir me chercher a la gare et je lui ai demande si je pouvais cuisiner un coffeecake ce soir. Je veux faire ce gateau depuis un certain temps, surtout pour James qui a ete vraiment tres gentil avec moi.
Pat picked me up at the station and we went to take the dogs to the dog run. Afterwards, I went to do some groceries before I made my wonderful coffeecake. Because of their unconventional oven, it didn’t rise as much as it should’ve but it still tastes the same. Devilisious!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Back in Brisbane and Wintersun (Gold Coast)
Tuesday, June 5th ‘07
3:20am That’s so early! Can’t believe I actually got my butt out of bed. This is one of the rare times in this trip that everything went well, I didn’t forget anything or run after a bus or something. Well, I’m back in Bris Vegas. I’m glad to be here, I just feel the same way I did when I came back to Montreal after Poland. It’s like I miss being in Croydon and things were getting interesting in the last week. I just can’t stop thinking about the mustering I did on Sunday and how I want to do it again. Neil was really nice, I liked him, was just a bit unusual for me to see a 23 year old being the boss, owning his own house and making a good living. I texted Helen and Stephanie, spoke to my mom and let a message on David’s restaurant answering machine.
I called this woman who spoke to me about a job as I was leaving for Croydon. I have an interview tomorrow morning. As I walked thru South Bank, I thought about it and if I get a job here now for 6 months, my contract would end in December. There’s no mustering from December to March and my visa ends in March. I so want to muster for a month and learn to ride a horse properly. I’d have to either leave before the end of the contract or go back and have waited all the money it took t get here. This sucks! I guess I can stay four months and go muster for 1 or 2 months then work in bars in the outback to save some money. Time goes by faster than it seems at lease it does when I travel, in 2 days it’ll be 3 months I’m in Australia.
Walked around the city and south bank, went for an ice-cream at cold rocks, then went back to the hostel. I’ll be taking a nap and go on the net.
Wednesday, June 6th ‘07
My nap ended up lasting 17hrs, went to bed at 3pm woke up this morning at 8. Had an interview today at 10:30 for a recruitment company. They don’t have anything at the moment but in July they do. I had a message on my mobile that is now erased, I think it was from Drake, I’ll call them up maybe they have something for me. It is raining like hell! Haven’t seen much rain since I had left Montreal. It’s cold! I went to the city to take a walk as well as south bank, my usual “trail”.
Went to the Fringe bar. Not many have showed up, too scared of the rain I guess! I saw Mark and Amanda. They left early as Mark had injured himself. I thought I would leave just after but then I was asked to dance and this guy from the us marines showed up. He had corresponded with me thru myspace asking for places to dance. I gave him the info and told him I wouldn’t be there so he was surprised to see me there. He was actually good and fun to dance with.
Thursday, June 7th ‘07
Went on the net and when I got back to the hostel, I rang James. I caught him right on time as he was leaving for Coolangatta on the gold coast for the Wintersun. He invited me, 30mins later I had packed and was on my way south. Wintersun is a 10 day rockabilly/swing (mostly rockabilly) festival with shows, cars, dance workshop, clothing and accessory stores, dancing, hair styling, etc. James was going to this rockabilly evening that was sold out so he left me at the swing evening. I thought I would spend the night on my own in a corner but then I saw a dancer from Brisbane. This thing is really big and people don’t know each other. It’s like going to the jazzfest or something. Lots of them are atdressed up in 40’s and 50’s atire. Most people here are over 40. I got to dance quite a bit. Dex and Alice are here for the weekend. I was asked to dance by Dex without knowing who he was, I also asked Alice to dance without recognizing her. I only realized it was them when I asked Alice her name. I was a really good night with 2 bands and a DJ. Bands also where 40’s and 50’s attire. It was a nice evening.
James came to meet me at the dance later on and we went to his friend’s place I went to with Jen in April.
Friday, June 8th ‘07
We’ll be spending the day at the Wintersun. I can’t wait to see what it looks like. Paulette and Gary, James friend’s cooked breakfast for us. They are really nice and have a lovely house on the country side with a beautiful view. Coolangatta is right in the middle of the border between New South Whales and Queensland. There’s a street where one side is in NSW and the other in QLD. James brought me there to show me as well as the beach lookout where there’s a line that defines the border between each states.
Afterwards, we went to the Wintersun. There’s lots of vintage cars driving around, it’s great. People are walking down the streets in 40’s and 50’s attire, lots of greasers as well. We got to a huge market full of clothing and accessory stores. It totally got me excited. It was like paradise and hell at the same time; paradise ‘cause this is all I love, clothes and accessories I always wanted; hell ‘cause my budget won’t allow me to get everything I’d want to have. I called my mom to tell her about it, it was just too cool! I really wanted everything. James was looking for a Hawaiian shirt but couldn’t find one he liked and since we had some time before we where going back to Tweed Valley, NSW (where Paulette and Gary lives), we shopped for me.
I always wanted a pair of sailor pants so we went to every shop that had them to try them out. I love shopping with him, it’s like shopping with my mom, he’ll look at all the details I don’t see. We finally went back to the first shop I went to as it was the best looking pants and the top that went with it just looked great on me. Everywhere, the pants were 89$ at this shop it was no different but it was 140$ for the entire sailor suit. They didn’t accept Eftpos (Interact) or credit cards and since we had to leave, I asked if they would keep it for me as I would return tomorrow for it.
We are now back at Paulette and Gary’s place. James went for a nap as Paulette is cooking diner. I try to help out but they seem to not have much for me to do. Being in the country, they work on tank water so they do all they can to save it and not use much of it. They got accustom to this way of living and it seems to be working well. They are so nice and seem so happy it’s great to be around them. As the sun set, the temperature went down fast, it got really cold. Paulette is a great cook, the food is really good. I was not going to the show tonight as I decided to keep my money for the outfit I had chosen but James bought me a ticket so we went to one of the evening shows. This time it was a Rockabilly show in a bar, the first band sucked but the second was good. James knows so many people, it’s incredible. All day he’s been stopping to talk to people. It was a good day!
Saturday, June 9th ‘07
It was so cold last night, I had a hard time sleeping. I got up much earlier than James. James haven’t been able to get much sleep since he got back from the UK, so he took a sleeping pill. He really needed the sleep, he didn’t get up before 12:30pm. I was a bit anxious as for the sailor suit hopping the woman wouldn’t put it back on the rack, she said she would keep it for me but I had a feeling. We got there and looked at the cars, there are so many it’s crazy! I just kept on thinking about Cynthia and all the greasers back home that would love this. Today, the streets are closed and there are small stages on the streets with bands playing all day. It’s so cold, I’m wearing pants and a jacket.
I’m so pissed off there’s no way I’m gonna have fun today. By the time we were at the Wintersun it was about 2pm. I wanted to rush to the store to get the outfit as I had a feeling she wouldn’t keep it this late (thought it’s not late to me, not even 24hrs after I had choose it). As we walked towards the festival area, I pointed out where my bank was to take out money for the outfit but James wanted to look at the cars first, since I’m somekind of his guess, who am I to say anything so we took our time looking at cars, stopping ofthen as he meet people he knows in the streets. We got to the store by 2:37pm.
When I got there, I saw the lady handing the navy blue top I had reserved to a woman in a stall, as I recalled there was only one my size. I asked the woman for my clothes and just as I suspected, she put it back on the rack and the woman in the stall had my top. The store woman went looking for my pants but didn’t have an other top. I was to buy the entire outfit or nothing. The pieces where too expensive on their own. The store woman told me she’d take the top the moment the woman trying it would take it off as she was in there for hours. When the woman finally got out, she decided to take the top and the store woman sold it to her. I was so mad, I left 2 mins later I went back giving my piece of mind to the woman as she told me she would keep it for me. She didn’t even try to repair by taking it back for me. All she suggested was to send one to me. Yah sure! (sarcastic) At what address? I was so pissed off!
James was a smartass jerk as he tried to see their point of view, saying people often don’t show up to buy the items and that we got there late. Lets recall that I only got there that late because of him and I had verbalized my worries at the house before we left. Does it mean I should be mad at him since he knew all these facts and wanted to look at the cars before we went there. But I’m not allowed to be mad at him as I wouldn’t be here at the first place if it wasn’t for him. It’s so annoying as I really wanted that outfit, it’s been a long time since I’ve wanted one of these and this one looked really good on me. All the others I tried on yesterday were noting compared to that one and I’m too mad at the store woman to buy anything there.
My weekend is now spoiled and I’m not enjoying myself anymore. I don’t want to shop today as I’m gonna buy anything and most likely regret it or just never or rarely wear it. Now I just want to be on my own, don’t want to be with anyone or speak to anybody but I’m stuck with James and there’s noting I can do about it. I don’t want to go out tonight just stay in write, watch stuff on my laptop and sleep but I can’t ‘cause James bought me a ticket for tonight. We went to see his friends that had a hotel room in the middle of the festival where there’s a great view of it. They had some nibbles and drinks. We stayed a bit and left for diner.
Paulette and Gary are such a cute little couple. Gary is funny and Paulette is just great to talk with, she has so many things to say, she traveled a lot and went to very interesting places. Ate some Thai food tonight.
The band is really good, actually the best I’ve heard since I left Montreal. It sucks as I’m so pissed and depressed from today’s events, I’m not enjoying it. There’s lots of dancers and circular dresses, they dance Jive, Rockabilly, some lindy and surprisingly balboa as well. The second band wasn’t as good but James really liked them.
Sunday, June 10th ‘07
I feel a bit better today. Leaving the house, we saw a kite (a reptile bird a bit like a hawk or falcon) attacking this bird but the other bird saw it on time so he missed. It was quite interesting to see. When we got to the Wintersun, I let James watch the bands and went shopping on my own. I just didn’t seem to find anything I liked anymore. Still a bit bummed about the sailor suit. I tried other sailor pants here and there but noting was good enough. I tried reaching James on his mobile but he didn’t hear the phone when I rang him, so I kept on walking around the market. All of a sudden, I saw a dress that looked nice and wasn’t too expensive for my blood so I tried it. It looked good on me! I saw another dress next to it tried it as well and looked just as good, now I was stuck with the choice. It was hard to decide not only the model but the color. The second dress was better suited for a nice evening so I choose that one. Then, I was caught with choosing the color, red or blue. Seemed like the red one looked better so red it is! I just got myself a nice 40’s style red dress. Now I feel better and I really like it.
Finally reached James, we met up and went back for diner. I tried the dress as well as my poca dot dress and seemed like the new one had all the votes. Paulette had heated rollers, she lent to me and I was able to do my hair, I also had the perfect red lipstick to go with the dress. I felt good! We went out to the swing evening and it was really very nice and elegant. I was happy to wear a dress especially a 40’s style dress. Almost everyone was dressed up. The woman that bought the top I wanted was there with it and it really didn’t look as good as it did on my, she didn’t have enough cleavage to fill it. I also saw an obese older woman (50’s – 60’s) with the same dress as I had on by all her “love” handles where showing so I didn’t feel bad knowing I very most likely look better than her in it. The 2nd band was better tonight. The evening was great but it ended way too early, 11pm. James and I went to another (rockabilly) venue for a bit but the band wasn’t good.
Monday, June 11th ‘07
This is it! It’s a holiday today as it’s the queen’s B-Day. I’m so very grateful to Paulette and Gary for letting me stay all weekend at their house as well as feeding me great food. They are so nice and such a cute couple! Also thanks to James for bringing me down here and letting me tag along throughout the festival. It was a great enjoyable weekend! Thank you so very much! Well, it’s time to go back to Brisbane. I’ll go see my cousin in Maroochydore, spend a little time on the sunshine coast maybe go to the dance on the gold coast and leave again.
3:20am That’s so early! Can’t believe I actually got my butt out of bed. This is one of the rare times in this trip that everything went well, I didn’t forget anything or run after a bus or something. Well, I’m back in Bris Vegas. I’m glad to be here, I just feel the same way I did when I came back to Montreal after Poland. It’s like I miss being in Croydon and things were getting interesting in the last week. I just can’t stop thinking about the mustering I did on Sunday and how I want to do it again. Neil was really nice, I liked him, was just a bit unusual for me to see a 23 year old being the boss, owning his own house and making a good living. I texted Helen and Stephanie, spoke to my mom and let a message on David’s restaurant answering machine.
I called this woman who spoke to me about a job as I was leaving for Croydon. I have an interview tomorrow morning. As I walked thru South Bank, I thought about it and if I get a job here now for 6 months, my contract would end in December. There’s no mustering from December to March and my visa ends in March. I so want to muster for a month and learn to ride a horse properly. I’d have to either leave before the end of the contract or go back and have waited all the money it took t get here. This sucks! I guess I can stay four months and go muster for 1 or 2 months then work in bars in the outback to save some money. Time goes by faster than it seems at lease it does when I travel, in 2 days it’ll be 3 months I’m in Australia.
Walked around the city and south bank, went for an ice-cream at cold rocks, then went back to the hostel. I’ll be taking a nap and go on the net.
Wednesday, June 6th ‘07
My nap ended up lasting 17hrs, went to bed at 3pm woke up this morning at 8. Had an interview today at 10:30 for a recruitment company. They don’t have anything at the moment but in July they do. I had a message on my mobile that is now erased, I think it was from Drake, I’ll call them up maybe they have something for me. It is raining like hell! Haven’t seen much rain since I had left Montreal. It’s cold! I went to the city to take a walk as well as south bank, my usual “trail”.
Went to the Fringe bar. Not many have showed up, too scared of the rain I guess! I saw Mark and Amanda. They left early as Mark had injured himself. I thought I would leave just after but then I was asked to dance and this guy from the us marines showed up. He had corresponded with me thru myspace asking for places to dance. I gave him the info and told him I wouldn’t be there so he was surprised to see me there. He was actually good and fun to dance with.
Thursday, June 7th ‘07
Went on the net and when I got back to the hostel, I rang James. I caught him right on time as he was leaving for Coolangatta on the gold coast for the Wintersun. He invited me, 30mins later I had packed and was on my way south. Wintersun is a 10 day rockabilly/swing (mostly rockabilly) festival with shows, cars, dance workshop, clothing and accessory stores, dancing, hair styling, etc. James was going to this rockabilly evening that was sold out so he left me at the swing evening. I thought I would spend the night on my own in a corner but then I saw a dancer from Brisbane. This thing is really big and people don’t know each other. It’s like going to the jazzfest or something. Lots of them are atdressed up in 40’s and 50’s atire. Most people here are over 40. I got to dance quite a bit. Dex and Alice are here for the weekend. I was asked to dance by Dex without knowing who he was, I also asked Alice to dance without recognizing her. I only realized it was them when I asked Alice her name. I was a really good night with 2 bands and a DJ. Bands also where 40’s and 50’s attire. It was a nice evening.
James came to meet me at the dance later on and we went to his friend’s place I went to with Jen in April.
Friday, June 8th ‘07
We’ll be spending the day at the Wintersun. I can’t wait to see what it looks like. Paulette and Gary, James friend’s cooked breakfast for us. They are really nice and have a lovely house on the country side with a beautiful view. Coolangatta is right in the middle of the border between New South Whales and Queensland. There’s a street where one side is in NSW and the other in QLD. James brought me there to show me as well as the beach lookout where there’s a line that defines the border between each states.
Afterwards, we went to the Wintersun. There’s lots of vintage cars driving around, it’s great. People are walking down the streets in 40’s and 50’s attire, lots of greasers as well. We got to a huge market full of clothing and accessory stores. It totally got me excited. It was like paradise and hell at the same time; paradise ‘cause this is all I love, clothes and accessories I always wanted; hell ‘cause my budget won’t allow me to get everything I’d want to have. I called my mom to tell her about it, it was just too cool! I really wanted everything. James was looking for a Hawaiian shirt but couldn’t find one he liked and since we had some time before we where going back to Tweed Valley, NSW (where Paulette and Gary lives), we shopped for me.
I always wanted a pair of sailor pants so we went to every shop that had them to try them out. I love shopping with him, it’s like shopping with my mom, he’ll look at all the details I don’t see. We finally went back to the first shop I went to as it was the best looking pants and the top that went with it just looked great on me. Everywhere, the pants were 89$ at this shop it was no different but it was 140$ for the entire sailor suit. They didn’t accept Eftpos (Interact) or credit cards and since we had to leave, I asked if they would keep it for me as I would return tomorrow for it.
We are now back at Paulette and Gary’s place. James went for a nap as Paulette is cooking diner. I try to help out but they seem to not have much for me to do. Being in the country, they work on tank water so they do all they can to save it and not use much of it. They got accustom to this way of living and it seems to be working well. They are so nice and seem so happy it’s great to be around them. As the sun set, the temperature went down fast, it got really cold. Paulette is a great cook, the food is really good. I was not going to the show tonight as I decided to keep my money for the outfit I had chosen but James bought me a ticket so we went to one of the evening shows. This time it was a Rockabilly show in a bar, the first band sucked but the second was good. James knows so many people, it’s incredible. All day he’s been stopping to talk to people. It was a good day!
Saturday, June 9th ‘07
It was so cold last night, I had a hard time sleeping. I got up much earlier than James. James haven’t been able to get much sleep since he got back from the UK, so he took a sleeping pill. He really needed the sleep, he didn’t get up before 12:30pm. I was a bit anxious as for the sailor suit hopping the woman wouldn’t put it back on the rack, she said she would keep it for me but I had a feeling. We got there and looked at the cars, there are so many it’s crazy! I just kept on thinking about Cynthia and all the greasers back home that would love this. Today, the streets are closed and there are small stages on the streets with bands playing all day. It’s so cold, I’m wearing pants and a jacket.
I’m so pissed off there’s no way I’m gonna have fun today. By the time we were at the Wintersun it was about 2pm. I wanted to rush to the store to get the outfit as I had a feeling she wouldn’t keep it this late (thought it’s not late to me, not even 24hrs after I had choose it). As we walked towards the festival area, I pointed out where my bank was to take out money for the outfit but James wanted to look at the cars first, since I’m somekind of his guess, who am I to say anything so we took our time looking at cars, stopping ofthen as he meet people he knows in the streets. We got to the store by 2:37pm.
When I got there, I saw the lady handing the navy blue top I had reserved to a woman in a stall, as I recalled there was only one my size. I asked the woman for my clothes and just as I suspected, she put it back on the rack and the woman in the stall had my top. The store woman went looking for my pants but didn’t have an other top. I was to buy the entire outfit or nothing. The pieces where too expensive on their own. The store woman told me she’d take the top the moment the woman trying it would take it off as she was in there for hours. When the woman finally got out, she decided to take the top and the store woman sold it to her. I was so mad, I left 2 mins later I went back giving my piece of mind to the woman as she told me she would keep it for me. She didn’t even try to repair by taking it back for me. All she suggested was to send one to me. Yah sure! (sarcastic) At what address? I was so pissed off!
James was a smartass jerk as he tried to see their point of view, saying people often don’t show up to buy the items and that we got there late. Lets recall that I only got there that late because of him and I had verbalized my worries at the house before we left. Does it mean I should be mad at him since he knew all these facts and wanted to look at the cars before we went there. But I’m not allowed to be mad at him as I wouldn’t be here at the first place if it wasn’t for him. It’s so annoying as I really wanted that outfit, it’s been a long time since I’ve wanted one of these and this one looked really good on me. All the others I tried on yesterday were noting compared to that one and I’m too mad at the store woman to buy anything there.
My weekend is now spoiled and I’m not enjoying myself anymore. I don’t want to shop today as I’m gonna buy anything and most likely regret it or just never or rarely wear it. Now I just want to be on my own, don’t want to be with anyone or speak to anybody but I’m stuck with James and there’s noting I can do about it. I don’t want to go out tonight just stay in write, watch stuff on my laptop and sleep but I can’t ‘cause James bought me a ticket for tonight. We went to see his friends that had a hotel room in the middle of the festival where there’s a great view of it. They had some nibbles and drinks. We stayed a bit and left for diner.
Paulette and Gary are such a cute little couple. Gary is funny and Paulette is just great to talk with, she has so many things to say, she traveled a lot and went to very interesting places. Ate some Thai food tonight.
The band is really good, actually the best I’ve heard since I left Montreal. It sucks as I’m so pissed and depressed from today’s events, I’m not enjoying it. There’s lots of dancers and circular dresses, they dance Jive, Rockabilly, some lindy and surprisingly balboa as well. The second band wasn’t as good but James really liked them.
Sunday, June 10th ‘07
I feel a bit better today. Leaving the house, we saw a kite (a reptile bird a bit like a hawk or falcon) attacking this bird but the other bird saw it on time so he missed. It was quite interesting to see. When we got to the Wintersun, I let James watch the bands and went shopping on my own. I just didn’t seem to find anything I liked anymore. Still a bit bummed about the sailor suit. I tried other sailor pants here and there but noting was good enough. I tried reaching James on his mobile but he didn’t hear the phone when I rang him, so I kept on walking around the market. All of a sudden, I saw a dress that looked nice and wasn’t too expensive for my blood so I tried it. It looked good on me! I saw another dress next to it tried it as well and looked just as good, now I was stuck with the choice. It was hard to decide not only the model but the color. The second dress was better suited for a nice evening so I choose that one. Then, I was caught with choosing the color, red or blue. Seemed like the red one looked better so red it is! I just got myself a nice 40’s style red dress. Now I feel better and I really like it.
Finally reached James, we met up and went back for diner. I tried the dress as well as my poca dot dress and seemed like the new one had all the votes. Paulette had heated rollers, she lent to me and I was able to do my hair, I also had the perfect red lipstick to go with the dress. I felt good! We went out to the swing evening and it was really very nice and elegant. I was happy to wear a dress especially a 40’s style dress. Almost everyone was dressed up. The woman that bought the top I wanted was there with it and it really didn’t look as good as it did on my, she didn’t have enough cleavage to fill it. I also saw an obese older woman (50’s – 60’s) with the same dress as I had on by all her “love” handles where showing so I didn’t feel bad knowing I very most likely look better than her in it. The 2nd band was better tonight. The evening was great but it ended way too early, 11pm. James and I went to another (rockabilly) venue for a bit but the band wasn’t good.
Monday, June 11th ‘07
This is it! It’s a holiday today as it’s the queen’s B-Day. I’m so very grateful to Paulette and Gary for letting me stay all weekend at their house as well as feeding me great food. They are so nice and such a cute couple! Also thanks to James for bringing me down here and letting me tag along throughout the festival. It was a great enjoyable weekend! Thank you so very much! Well, it’s time to go back to Brisbane. I’ll go see my cousin in Maroochydore, spend a little time on the sunshine coast maybe go to the dance on the gold coast and leave again.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Croydon, savannah and Esmeralda (cattle station)
Thursday, May 10th ‘07
Well, this town hosts about 280 people mixed white and aboriginal. I went to the Info tourist as I get free internet there and was so happy that my mom ended up going on about 10 mins after I got on. T’was nice chatting with her. I also went to the general store.
Je dois ecrire ceci en francais parce que 1 – j’ai pas ecris en francais depuis un bout et 2 – pour ma famille. Le magasin general est comme le magasin general Le Brun a Masquinonge. C’est trop cool! Ils ont un peu de tout et je dois demander a la dame au comptoir pour avoir quelque chose. Il y a plusieurs etageres en bois remplis de choses. C’est vraiment cool! On dirait que je suis revenue dans le 19eme siecle. J’adore le magasin. Ce village est vraiment situe a St-Clin-Clin des Meu Meu, 3 villes apres jamais. Le « vrai » fin fond de St-Creu, en plein milieu de la savanne.
About the general store, all I’m gonna say is that it’s just like being in Road to Avonlea. It’s so freaking cool. I’m just going back into time. Got olives, cheese and canned pineapples, it cost me 14,04$. It’s soooo expensive here. That’s what happens when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Started work at 2 and I had a lot of fun. It was slow at the beginning so I did some washing but then some people came in and I started serving, mostly beer. It great, I’m having fun and enjoying my job. Just got some kids that got drunk, when a little overboard and left, drunk-driving. They also took out a sign and my boss had to call the cops. My boss is a good guy, very laid back. He’s been nice to me and helping me out if I had a question or didn’t know how to make a drink or something. It a bit ironic that I don’t drink but work as a barmaid. There’s a TV and we’re only allowed to have the sports channels or country on. Made me think of my friend Isabelle that love country and me whom hate’s it. Well, I guess I’ll have to get used to it. At lease the jukebox has all sorts of music. It’s quite something working in a bar in a small town. Feels a bit like a western movie or something. It’s pretty cool! I’m enjoying this.
Friday, May 11th ‘07
Got up late today and the girls were going swimming. They asked me if I wanted to join them. So I went swimming before I start work. These girls are friends from St-Louis, Missouri. They are really nice. I’m really glad that my co-workers aren’t some snobbish, “girly” type. They’re cool. T’was really slow today. I know I have only worked for 2 days but I really enjoy my job here and it’s nice to meet all the locals. Many are aboriginals, and being a barmaid I meet most of them drunk. It’s so ironic that I’m a barmaid. The bar is also the town’s bottle shop.
You guys wont believe this but they have poutine here. Yup, I said poutine! They call it chips with gravy and cheese. The gravy is not really the same but it’s still good. Whom would’ve taught that I would find poutine in the middle of nowhere (savannah), Australia. This is so cool! Just can’t believe it. It’s just so great. My boss was really nice and gave me an advance on my pay as I can’t take money out of my bank account. This was a good day.
I saw a snake on the stairs in front of where our rooms are. It was a really small snake, probably a baby. It was orange with a black head with white stripes. When I got close, it started jumping like it was a frog or something, it made me jump. I was just scared it would bite me. Almost all snakes are venomous here and don’t feel like being sick, get close to death or die. I told my boss, he says it’s venomous, he came to see it but it had left. Wow, all of this is really great. Now, “THIS” is an adventure. Wonder what’s next. Tomorrow I start much later so I’ll have time to walk around and go on the net.
Saturday, May 12th ‘07
I don’t work until 6pm today so I have all day to myself. Went to the hospital as my rash is getting to me. There’s a hospital but no doctors, just a nurse, Rhonda. The doctor comes once every 4th day and there’s a schedule with the dates were “specialists” are coming. This is really crazy. I then went to the post office to send some pix to my mom. I saw some really beautiful birds, they had a pink head and body but their wings are gray and when they fly it’s really nice. On my way back to the hotel, I took some pix of the junkyard as it has vintage “rusted” cars. As I was taking a picture of this vintage furnace, I saw an animal I taught it was a dog but didn’t take long to realize it was a wallaby (small kangaroo). I walked slowly towards it to take a picture but something scared it and I saw 2 others jumping out of a bush. That was sooooo cool!
Else, my evening at work was ordinary. They get busses of backpackers on weekend so we were very busy at the bar but it was nice. I had fun behind the bar. People here are very nice and haven’t meet one that becomes violent when drunk yet! That’s a good thing. The other good thing is that we close at midnight. Wooohoooo! Well, good night!
Sunday, May 13th ‘07
Yesterday, this old sliver haired bloke, Clyde, invited me to go fishing today and I accepted only to learn that we were to spend the night at the fishing spot. He seems like a nice guy but he could be my g-pa. I felt really awkward about it. I talked to the women here to see what they think and Val, the girl at the coffee shop (next door) said I should tell him that I have to get back tonight. Finally, I didn’t have to lie as I was put on schedule last minute. Great!
People here are very nice, I was offered to work at the coffee shop, extra hours, I’ll take that. When I spoke to Jeremy (the guy from the palace backpackers that found me this job), he said I’d do a minimum of 30hrs and on my schedule this week, I work every day 4h/day. That’s not 30hrs. Brent (my boss) is gone and this woman (a bit of a bitch) is in charge for the week. When Brent comes back, I’ll discuss it with him. Already, I was told meals where ½ price but it’s not true, I just get this small discount for meals over 9$. I hope I’ll be paid the amount I was told. It would be hell if what I was told I’d have, I didn’t get. Brent is a nice bloke I’m sure he’ll make it work for me.
Now, I have to tell you about Bucky. Bucky is the town drunk. Well, most of the man here are drunks but Bucky is the “famous” one. He’s a giant bloke that spends his nights at the bar. He’s nice but he just doesn’t know when to stop drinking. He’s quite the fellow! He’s a bit special and overwhelming but you just get used to him.
Wednesday, May 16th ‘07
Haven’t written for awhile as there’s noting much happening. The other day, I went to take a walk towards the train station don’t get excited, there’s no train that comes here or except for the tourist train that goes from Normanton to Croydon once a week. I took a walk around sunset to see Wallabies, and I did see many of them. It was really nice, I tried to take some pix, I did but they won’t let me get close, they pretty much get “scared” and hop away if I get closer than about 25 meters. Else than work, there’s really not much to write about. I work everyday and watch movies on my laptop. Else than that, there’s really noting to write about.
Sunday, May 20th ‘07
Well, I have the day off. What am I gonna do on my day off. I worked double shift on Friday and Saturday night, I didn’t mind it as I love this job especially working night shift when there’s many customers. I had many compliments on my work by clients on Saturday when I was working the bar alone in a big rush, t’was my favorite part. I love running behind the bar taking orders making drinks and getting the payments. Now that I’ve cleared that off, I still don’t know what I’m gonna do with myself today. I could take a walk to lake Belmore.
Started to walk towards lake Belmore and stopped at the Chinese temple ruins, there’s also a lookout. Took some time to take pictures and enjoy my walk but the heat was too much, I forgot my water bottle and wanted to go to the toilet so I started to walk back towards Croydon when this couple offered me a lift back and I took it happily. This is not a place where you’re scared of taking a lift as there’s not many places to go and it’s easy to know where we’re going. Well, I haven’t seen the lake yet but I’ll get there sometime.
Saturday, May 26th ‘07
Once again, I haven’t written for a long time, mostly because there’s noting happening. Today, I decided to write so I can give you an idea of what it is like to live in this village. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t have enough habitants to be called a town. There really isn’t no more than 200 something people here. It’s a mix of white and aboriginal people not to be called abo as it is a discrimination just like calling black people niggers. People here like to drink a lot, something I understand as there isn’t anything else to do in the evening, no movies, no clubs, no restaurant, noting but the village bar. There isn’t even a casino or slot machines or something.
I just spend my time working, watching TV (3 channels with just movies), sleeping and sometimes swimming in the pool. My life is soooo exciting right now. I’ve also started to write this “book” (not really a book as I don’t think I’m good enough to do so and it won’t be long enough, let’s just say I would love it if a movie would sprung from it) about travel’s pros and cons, the sacrifices and pleasures of my way of living (thru travels).
Then, there’s Mike or Mike Dundee as he likes to be called whom’s full of shit and trying to get the attention Bucky has. There’s Eva and Val who works at the café and they are really nice. They are the ones “you” like to talk to and would go to if there was any problems or “you” weren’t sure about someone. Tony, the cook, he’s a grumpy old man that never seems happy and makes us do all the work he doesn’t want to do. He also have no trouble holding his end as my boss would have a hard time finding someone to replace him permanently. My boss, he’s known to be 2 faced, up ‘till now, I haven’t seen that side of him though he makes it really hard to talk about “work” stuff with him.
Most of the others are 50 year old man that couldn’t get a wife or hang on to them so ended up alcoholics, they are also in huge need of sex (I’ve had too many offers or tries). As for the aboriginals, they don’t mix a lot with the white people, they also play a lot of pool and darts. The most popular drink is the 4 X Gold, pot (tap), stubbie (bottle) or can.
School : The school has only 3 teachers (that are only there to get some experience) and 5 or 6 grades out of 12, the grades are also mixed together. If you want your kids to get a good education, you have to send them to boarding school.
Water : Water here is either rain water which is gathered into tanks that’s after rolling on the house roof, thru the leaves, dead birds, dead rats, bird shit, ect. Than going in a tank that is not washed very often. The other option is “lake” water which is a nice brown color from the dirt, bacteria, animal shit, ect.
Hospital : They have a nice hospital here it’s just a pity there’s no doctor. There’s a nurse/paramedic (drives the ambulance), she’s really nice. The doctor is in once every 4th day. As for dentist, psychiatrist, gynecologist and other specialist there’s a schedule with dates they’ll be in town. If you’re in a life or death situation, your chance here is 5% of survival. They’ll fly the doctor in here but it’ll take some time and depending on the injury they might or might not fly you to a “proper” hospital. Now how great is that! Careful g-pa wouldn’t want to get a heart attract! (Being my sarcastic self).
Food : Groceries are very limited and extremely expensive, lunch is only served at the café from noon to 2 and diner is served at the café from 5:30 ‘till 7 and at the hotel from 6:30 ‘till 8 any other time, there’s noting at all. Food is often outdated, chocolate bars, chips even milk (sold full price). The joys of living in a small town in the middle of nowhere! I tried burger rings, not too bad, twisties smells like those kitty treats my mom likes to give to cats she meets on the streets, probably tastes the same as well (never tasted the cat treat) and crakling which is the crust from the roast pork really good and popular it’s available in a “chip” package and tastes a bit like my favorite sugar shack food (Oreille de Christ) don’t know the name in English.
Entertainment : The bar, Lake Belmore which is a bit far by foot but apparently nice and there’s some waterskiing. The pool which is nice and not used by anyone else than me and the other barmaids. There’s a tennis court, sports area and a golf course which I haven’t seen.
Tourists : Weekdays there are many Australian tourists that comes around apparently it’s very popular with old retired people to take an RV and tour the country, Croydon is a common stop for them. Weekends, we get backpackers that does this trip from Darwin to Cairns or Cairns to Darwin, it’s a guided tour that lasts 4 days including one night in Croydon.
Today, we had a meeting with miss boss. Apparently all the working conditions I was told I’d have, I’m not getting. I was told I’d get free accommodation, half price on food and transportation from Cairns to Croydon paid. In fact, I pay 50$ per week for accommodation, full price on food under 9$ over it’s 8,80$, they don’t pay my buss ticket from Cairns to Croydon. Plus, I have to pay for laundry but the maid told us about this washing machine that is broken and works for free if you press this white button. Oh and it’s full price on all drinks, did I mention I work at the bar!? Mainly, I work for money I’m giving back to them, if I was a drinker it would be worst. I came here to save money not to “live” here and they make it impossible to live and most important, they lied about the working conditions. Therefore, I don’t have to keep my end of the deal and I’m leaving ASAP. Just went on the net and looked at 2 possibilities. I could take a the bus on Saturday and take the cheap flight on Sunday or ask the bus driver of the backpacker bus if he’d take me on Monday and take the other cheap flight on Tuesday.
Spoke to the bus driver tonight and he’ll take me on for that leg of the trip which is great as they stop to do some touring on the way and he’ll take me on for free. That’s really nice of him, I’ll pay him a drink next weekend, it’s the least I can do, I’ll be saving 90$ on the bus fare. By the way, the “regular” bus only passes once every 2 or 3 days. The only thing is that my mom sent me some stuff here yesterday and I don’t know if I’ll be getting it before I leave. I asked one of the other barmaids if she would send it to Richard’s place if it doesn’t get here on time, I’ll give her some money and his address. The sad part is that I like being a barmaid here, it’s nice, no “big” drink concoctions, just beer, rum and coke (very popular), vodka-orange, scotch and coke, and other easy drinks like that. It’s pretty easy and nice.
Well, I think I made up for the days I didn’t write. I’ll go to bed now, g’night!
Sunday, May 27th ‘07
Today, I got the day off again but this time, I’m going to lake Belmore with a local. I’m just glad I’ll get to see it once before I leave. I’ve booked my plane ticket to Brisbane and my hostel in Cairns just have to find a hostel in Brisbane. I should be doing more job applications this week hoping to have some job interviews waiting for me when I get to Brisbane if not, I should go see my cousin just a couple days after I get to Brisbane. We’ll just see what happens.
We went to lake Belmore, it’s really nice just sad he doesn’t have a boat and skies. We then went to this gold mining museum where old tools that where used for mining here are still there all rusty. Croydon used to be a huge town filled with gold miners during the gold rush. There’s still some gold and miner can come digging if they want to. Afterwards, we went to the hospital to see the nurse for my “prescription” for the cream she gave me for my rash. There was 2 horses completely loose in front of the hospital without a fence. They were scared of me. There was also chickens and a rooster in a box. It was quite something! Only in a small town would a hospital have farm animals.
Tuesday, May 29th ‘07
These past few days, these guys selling cattle farm equipment have taken shelter in Croydon, they go from cattle station to cattle station by means of air with this great Helicopter. Anyways, I’ve been talking to these guys and the pilot is letting me on the chopper today. This was great! Lauren came along and we went up for 5-10 mins on top of the village and the lake. It was sooo freaking cool! I loved it! I got to go on a Heli ride.
Afterwards, I did something I don’t usually do, I hung around at the bar. I spent the night talking to this guy and it was quite interesting. The bar closed and as I was going to my room, I saw the heli guys and Lauren talking and drinking so I joined them. Everyone slowly left, the pilot and I were the 2 left. We talked until 1am. Didn’t see the time go by. He gave me a number to some good people that owns a Cattle Station if ever I want to do some Cattle work, I really hope to do some when I’m here. It was really nice of him!
Thursday, May 31st ‘07
After work, I went to the hospital to get my “prescription” from the nurse for the cream she gave me to get rid of my rash I got from accidentally brushing my arm on coral while diving. Then, I went on the net and took a swim in the pool. That’s pretty much what my days look like just add the hours of watching TV (at lease there’s 3 channels of none stop movies).
For dinner, Eva from the café cooked the Barramundi fish Clive gave me. It was so delightful, I really loved it! The Barramundi is a fish you can only find in the north part of Australia. Many fisher amateurs like to come here to catch one of these.
My boss is such an ass. He won’t put me on closing hours thought I’ve asked him often, every week, the girls have been having more hours than me. He puts the schedule up last minute (about 10pm the day before, sometimes he puts it up in the morning). Now, he gave me off for tomorrow and put everyone else on schedule including the 2 new girls.
Friday, June 1st ‘07
Have the day off today, didn’t ask for it and I’m a bit upset about it. Asked my boss Brent why and he gave me some lame stupid ass excuse that he knew I knew it was a lie and bullshit. I asked him if I’ll work tomorrow and he said, I don’t know I’ll have to check on the roaster. Whatever! This guy offered to bring me to Normanton for diner. Normanton is about an hour and a half drive east from here. On our way here, we saw many hawks and falcons but you can see them around here, especially when the tractor is passing by in the morning. Well this time, I got to see an Eagle, it was huge and eating on a wallaby road kill, it didn’t want to leave it when we passed so we drove around it. As it was sunset when we left, we saw loads of wallabies on the side of the roads, they also like to jump in front of the car while where passing by. It’s like they want to be run over.
We got to Normanton at the Purple bar for some diner and the girl working at the bar was really nice. She’s from the Netherlands and we spoke for quite a bit, she’s much better paid and treated there then we are at the “Crap” Hotel. I do think that Croydon is nicer though it’s smaller but it’s not worth the way we are treated. I so have a feeling I’m not gonna work tomorrow or Sunday. I’m leaving on Monday morning but I still need my work hours.
So we ate diner and drove back to Croydon. I hung out at the pub and spoke with some people. They are really nice people here. I spent most my time with Carl, Bryannah (both from Croydon) and Nigel (from Canada). At the end of the night, Carl and Bryannah wanted to go swimming at the lake. We invited Bucky but the copper was making a round (he’s replacing the other cop that left), so I drove being the only sober one and for the first time in my life I was stopped by the copper. He made me blow in the little machine to check if I drank (I can hear you all laughing, oh ya!), checked my car license and let us go. We went to the lake, took a swim talked for a bit, tried to take Carl’s towel off as he had noting under and went back. It was a nice night. I got to see an eagle!!!
Saturday, June 2nd ‘07
Not on schedule again, I could’ve bet 100$ on it. I gave him a week notice and he’s spacing me out what a jerk. Electricity was out today from 8:30am ‘till 2 and my room got so hot I woke up at 11am and couldn’t get back to sleep, it was hotter inside my room than outside, it was like a boiler. There was noting to do, I couldn’t wash my clothes, take a shower go on the net, watch TV, it really sucked. When the electricity came back, I went to do my laundry but there was a load in there already. So I went for internet and the visitor’s info closed all internet for today and tomorrow. I went back to do laundry and Brent locked the machine so we couldn’t do it for free, now we have to pay 3$ for every load. He also told the maids to not clean the lady’s room or to put some TP (toilet paper) in it as it is up to us to buy TP and clean the lady’s room. Did I mention that we are paying rent here.
He is such an ass hole he really want’s us to give him back all the money we make here. I also heard that he doesn’t pay the last week of work. I hope I’ll be paid for the 15 and a half hours he put me on schedule this week. Ass hole. I’m so going to give him a bad reputation everywhere to every “backpacker work agencies”, I don’t even have to lie the truth is good enough. He lies all the time, he’s 2 faced, he takes advantage of his employees, he can’t tell you things in your face even if you ask and he’ll go behind your back all the time. He’s one of the worst bosses I’ve ever had, the good news is that if I don’t get paid as I’m working legally here, I can take action against him. I’d love to see his reputation go into the toilet and not be able to get any new employees. He’s done the same thing to the girls before us, he took them off the schedule went Lauren and Katie came in and one of them didn’t get paid for her last week of work. I just want to take him down, way down. It really sad as I like this town, the people and I loved the job when I was treated right now, I’m going to have a sour taste because of this ass hole. Well, I’ll stop writing about it ‘cause I’m so pissed.
I ate another piece of that barramundi tonight and it was great. I was supposed to go to Karumba tonight but the guy that was taking me there was too tired to drive there. Ah well! That’s about it, I’m taking the backpacker bus on Monday morning to Cairns and an early flight to Brisbane on Tuesday morning. Then, we’ll see! G’night mates!
Sunday, June 3rd ‘07
Yesterday night, there seemed to be a party in front of our rooms, not being able to sleep, I joined the party. I didn’t drink but got to talk with people. Lauren was invited to do some mustering in Esmeralda (a cattle station) and she didn’t want to go alone so she asked me if I wanted to go since I was not working. I said yes without a doubt. So, the station’s manager, 2 of his employees, Lauren and I left for Esmeralda at 2am. The boys were drunk except for the 15 year old and since it’s a manual he was the one who drove. Lauren and one of the employees Laury, went in the “trailer” as per Neil (the manager), Jughead (his nickname, the 15 year old) went in the car. Along the way, we stopped to fill the gas tank and I switched with Lauren. The wind was so cold that Laury and I cuddled the hole way (1 hour in the freezing wind) to keep/exchange body warmth. We got there at about 4am, I took a hot shower and went to bed. Neil has many rooms so I had my own.
6am
We were woken up as we had to go work. Neil had a really hard time getting up and took a 20min shower. He’s the boss he can do whatever he want’s! Then, we went for morning tea and breakfast but Lauren and I didn’t eat (felt a bit shy). We saw a deer being taken out of the propriety. I didn’t know they had deers here in Australia. We then drove for awhile off-road to where the cattles are. Lauren found a loaded hand gun in the truck one like in western movies. I never held a gun before, made me a bit nervous as I know there are many accidents that happens with loaded guns. This is so much fun! We waited for the Jackaroos (men mustering) and the Jillaroo (women mustering) to “train” the cattles to walk together and walk not run. Then, they took them out of the fences and we followed with this 4 wheeler. So we are bringing the cattles back to the station. This is such a great experience. I’m really enjoying it.
The cattles bring up a lot of dirt when they walk, I was breathing dirt, I was full of dirt, my clothes where dirty it was crazy. I was dirty but it was outback mustering dirt and it was great, I liked it! At some point, we couldn’t see the cattles because of the cloud of dirt they were making. It was so hot, it was unbearable! I felt like I was being sunburned. The sun was always on my right side so my right arm, foot and ankle tanned more than the left side. So funny! I did tan a lot and I didn’t burn at all. We stopped to eat the sandwiches we made before we left (one each with noting else than cheese as we were to shy to tae out food). There was 3 on horses, the Jillaroo was on a 4 wheeler and Neil was on a motor bike but he left us half way. The landscape was really nice! The experience was totally awesome! I’m so happy I got to do this, beats doing noting in Croydon. I was thinking I would go do some mustering for a month and now, I definitely want to do it but I want to learn to ride a horse properly to do it by horse. It would be so much fun but I don’t think I could do it for more than a month or so.
So, we brought the ~600 cattles to the station 12-15km away and it took about 7 hours excluding lunch hour. We were glad that we shared a 4 wheeler as we where able to talk to each other while mustering. If I’d be doing it, I’d listen to my mp3 player as I’m doing it. You’re not alone but you’re a bit far from each other to chat. The lifestyle is quite peculiar as they live on the station and eat in a common dining room. When we got to the station, I went to wash my hands and face as Lauren talked to this guy and ended up driving around in the motor bike for the first time. I went to meet her with the 4 wheeler and got to see my first kangaroo (bit one, not a wallaby). It was nice and surprising at 2pm. We drove around for awhile as there was noting else to do but it was nice and fun.
Then, we went to the horse stables as they brought the horses back. We talked with Neil and Jughead for awhile before we went to feed the cattles we just brought in. They “drink” this mixture that has some malaise in it, it is bad for humans and will kill horses if they “drink” it, it kills some cattles if they drink lots of water afterwards. This mixture is made to make them strong and big. We just took care or the hay. We placed them around and took the net off for them to feed on. The nets are burned in a small open fire. It was great, I got to learn a lot about cattles, the mustering and a bit about the lifestyles. T’was great! After feeding the cattles, we just hung around drank (coke for me) and talked. I was hanging out with a bunch of “cowboys”, never would’ve thought I would do this once in my life. We left a bit before 6 as Lauren was working at 7.
This time, it was just Neil, Lauren and I in the truck. Neil was drinking while driving witch I didn’t mind as it is common in small towns, what bugged me was how much he was drinking. The reality here is that everyone drives drunk but there’s no accident, not saying that it’s safe but it is the reality. I just comforted myself by the fact that he’s done that heaps before. Lauren was drinking as well but not driving. We did get back to Croydon in one piece and did not hit any wallabies. I was very grateful towards Neil for letting us experience mustering. He’s 23 years old (most were younger than me), he makes loads of money, has a house to which he’s a landlord, a house in the cattle station and another in some other town. There’s lots of money to be done in mustering. Many teenagers from the country leave school to muster like Jughead, it’s pretty common. Many locals in Croydon don’t know how to read and write except for their signature.
Got back into Croydon and ran everywhere. I did my last laundry, took a shower (still don’t feel 100% clean) went for food and as the café is closed on Sundays went to the diner in the bar but I was not allowed the employee discount as according to my boss, I’m not an employee anymore. I did give my weeks notice and he’s the one who fazed me out of the schedule. I technically am still his employee. He’s such an ass hole. I can’t believe he’s that bad. So I didn’t eat for 2 reasons, I’m not getting the discount and I don’t want to give him any money. I only paid for a drink to the bus driver that is letting me in for free tomorrow and to Neil. Therefore, I only ate a cheese sandwich all day. I’m so hungry after all that “work” I’ve done today. Ah well, I’ll eat tomorrow. He’s also started to treat Lauren and Katie bad. I’m so glad I’m leaving tomorrow, I’m just scared I won’t get paid or that they’ll charge me 50$ per night for the last 3 nights he didn’t put me on schedule. I also hope that he’ll give that letter that my mom sent me here to Lauren so she can send it back to Richard. I just don’t trust Brent at all.
My mom called tonight and it was nice to talked to her but the minute Brent saw me talking on the phone, he asked for it. Such an ass. I’m so tired as I haven’t slept much last night and the night before. I have to get up at 6:30am tomorrow morning as the bus leaves at 7am so I’ll be going to bed early. I’ll be in Cairns tomorrow evening and in Brisbane Tuesday morning. Said goodbye to everyone, did as much of my luggage as I could and now, I’m going to bed. Good night!
Monday, June 4th ‘07
Finish! I’m leaving Croydon this morning. Got up at 6:30am bus leaving at 7. Great! As I was leaving my room, I saw the bus leaving. I ran after it and he stopped. Thank god! I would be screwed if he didn’t take me as I already paid my flight ticket to Brisbane. There’s something about this trip where I always end up running when I’m leaving a city or town in this case it’s like it want’s me to stay. I’m just glad I’m on the bus. Thought, we went to lake Belmore and if he wouldn’t have stopped, I could’ve waited until they came back as they had to come back thru Brisbane to go to Georgetown. I didn’t know they were going there first or else I wouldn’t have ran earlier. Ah well! Didn’t get to see my ex-boss to ask him why he was treating me like crap this week.
This is so nice of the driver to take me in for free. This bus goes from Darwin to Cairns in 4 days touring as the bus driver is also a tour guide. We left at 7am and we’ll get to Cairns at 6pm, it doesn’t take that long on the regular bus. I’m still saving 90$ and getting a free guide. We stopped in Georgetown then Mt. Surprise. Got to eat an apple and a muesli bar. We kept on going until we left the outback and went into the rainforest. It was just great having him explain everything. I also got to get a bit of sleep in the bus. We got some lunch and then went into the tablelands up in the mountains. Passed thru Milla milla which means water in aboriginal dialect and since it’s said twice, it means lots of water. We went to some waterfalls to swim, well only the guide and I then, we went to Inisfail and some other waterfalls in a rainforest, it was nice at first then it rained like hell. It was really nice. I’m really grateful towards the driver for letting me on for free.
Something happened to me that I didn’t expected, one I felt a bit nostalgic leaving Croydon, two I thought a lot about the people I would miss, three I found myself wanting to go back to Esmeralda to do some more mustering. It’s pretty funky to me. On our way to Cairns, we went pass the company where the helicopter guys work. They were really nice and fun! It’s sad ‘cause if I wouldn’t’ve booked my plane ticket earlier, I’d be in a cattle station at the moment. Ah well, that’s life!
Well, I’m back into Cairns and it’s 6pm. I’ll charge my battery, take my bathing suit off and go for food. I hurt my food as I slid on the rock in the water going for a swim and now, I’m really feeling it. Hope the pain won’t last long. Gotta get up at 3am as my bus is leaving at 3:55 to catch my flight at 6:10. Not much sleep for me tonight either as last night I was sleeping well until the girls woke me up. That’s life!
Well, this town hosts about 280 people mixed white and aboriginal. I went to the Info tourist as I get free internet there and was so happy that my mom ended up going on about 10 mins after I got on. T’was nice chatting with her. I also went to the general store.
Je dois ecrire ceci en francais parce que 1 – j’ai pas ecris en francais depuis un bout et 2 – pour ma famille. Le magasin general est comme le magasin general Le Brun a Masquinonge. C’est trop cool! Ils ont un peu de tout et je dois demander a la dame au comptoir pour avoir quelque chose. Il y a plusieurs etageres en bois remplis de choses. C’est vraiment cool! On dirait que je suis revenue dans le 19eme siecle. J’adore le magasin. Ce village est vraiment situe a St-Clin-Clin des Meu Meu, 3 villes apres jamais. Le « vrai » fin fond de St-Creu, en plein milieu de la savanne.
About the general store, all I’m gonna say is that it’s just like being in Road to Avonlea. It’s so freaking cool. I’m just going back into time. Got olives, cheese and canned pineapples, it cost me 14,04$. It’s soooo expensive here. That’s what happens when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Started work at 2 and I had a lot of fun. It was slow at the beginning so I did some washing but then some people came in and I started serving, mostly beer. It great, I’m having fun and enjoying my job. Just got some kids that got drunk, when a little overboard and left, drunk-driving. They also took out a sign and my boss had to call the cops. My boss is a good guy, very laid back. He’s been nice to me and helping me out if I had a question or didn’t know how to make a drink or something. It a bit ironic that I don’t drink but work as a barmaid. There’s a TV and we’re only allowed to have the sports channels or country on. Made me think of my friend Isabelle that love country and me whom hate’s it. Well, I guess I’ll have to get used to it. At lease the jukebox has all sorts of music. It’s quite something working in a bar in a small town. Feels a bit like a western movie or something. It’s pretty cool! I’m enjoying this.
Friday, May 11th ‘07
Got up late today and the girls were going swimming. They asked me if I wanted to join them. So I went swimming before I start work. These girls are friends from St-Louis, Missouri. They are really nice. I’m really glad that my co-workers aren’t some snobbish, “girly” type. They’re cool. T’was really slow today. I know I have only worked for 2 days but I really enjoy my job here and it’s nice to meet all the locals. Many are aboriginals, and being a barmaid I meet most of them drunk. It’s so ironic that I’m a barmaid. The bar is also the town’s bottle shop.
You guys wont believe this but they have poutine here. Yup, I said poutine! They call it chips with gravy and cheese. The gravy is not really the same but it’s still good. Whom would’ve taught that I would find poutine in the middle of nowhere (savannah), Australia. This is so cool! Just can’t believe it. It’s just so great. My boss was really nice and gave me an advance on my pay as I can’t take money out of my bank account. This was a good day.
I saw a snake on the stairs in front of where our rooms are. It was a really small snake, probably a baby. It was orange with a black head with white stripes. When I got close, it started jumping like it was a frog or something, it made me jump. I was just scared it would bite me. Almost all snakes are venomous here and don’t feel like being sick, get close to death or die. I told my boss, he says it’s venomous, he came to see it but it had left. Wow, all of this is really great. Now, “THIS” is an adventure. Wonder what’s next. Tomorrow I start much later so I’ll have time to walk around and go on the net.
Saturday, May 12th ‘07
I don’t work until 6pm today so I have all day to myself. Went to the hospital as my rash is getting to me. There’s a hospital but no doctors, just a nurse, Rhonda. The doctor comes once every 4th day and there’s a schedule with the dates were “specialists” are coming. This is really crazy. I then went to the post office to send some pix to my mom. I saw some really beautiful birds, they had a pink head and body but their wings are gray and when they fly it’s really nice. On my way back to the hotel, I took some pix of the junkyard as it has vintage “rusted” cars. As I was taking a picture of this vintage furnace, I saw an animal I taught it was a dog but didn’t take long to realize it was a wallaby (small kangaroo). I walked slowly towards it to take a picture but something scared it and I saw 2 others jumping out of a bush. That was sooooo cool!
Else, my evening at work was ordinary. They get busses of backpackers on weekend so we were very busy at the bar but it was nice. I had fun behind the bar. People here are very nice and haven’t meet one that becomes violent when drunk yet! That’s a good thing. The other good thing is that we close at midnight. Wooohoooo! Well, good night!
Sunday, May 13th ‘07
Yesterday, this old sliver haired bloke, Clyde, invited me to go fishing today and I accepted only to learn that we were to spend the night at the fishing spot. He seems like a nice guy but he could be my g-pa. I felt really awkward about it. I talked to the women here to see what they think and Val, the girl at the coffee shop (next door) said I should tell him that I have to get back tonight. Finally, I didn’t have to lie as I was put on schedule last minute. Great!
People here are very nice, I was offered to work at the coffee shop, extra hours, I’ll take that. When I spoke to Jeremy (the guy from the palace backpackers that found me this job), he said I’d do a minimum of 30hrs and on my schedule this week, I work every day 4h/day. That’s not 30hrs. Brent (my boss) is gone and this woman (a bit of a bitch) is in charge for the week. When Brent comes back, I’ll discuss it with him. Already, I was told meals where ½ price but it’s not true, I just get this small discount for meals over 9$. I hope I’ll be paid the amount I was told. It would be hell if what I was told I’d have, I didn’t get. Brent is a nice bloke I’m sure he’ll make it work for me.
Now, I have to tell you about Bucky. Bucky is the town drunk. Well, most of the man here are drunks but Bucky is the “famous” one. He’s a giant bloke that spends his nights at the bar. He’s nice but he just doesn’t know when to stop drinking. He’s quite the fellow! He’s a bit special and overwhelming but you just get used to him.
Wednesday, May 16th ‘07
Haven’t written for awhile as there’s noting much happening. The other day, I went to take a walk towards the train station don’t get excited, there’s no train that comes here or except for the tourist train that goes from Normanton to Croydon once a week. I took a walk around sunset to see Wallabies, and I did see many of them. It was really nice, I tried to take some pix, I did but they won’t let me get close, they pretty much get “scared” and hop away if I get closer than about 25 meters. Else than work, there’s really not much to write about. I work everyday and watch movies on my laptop. Else than that, there’s really noting to write about.
Sunday, May 20th ‘07
Well, I have the day off. What am I gonna do on my day off. I worked double shift on Friday and Saturday night, I didn’t mind it as I love this job especially working night shift when there’s many customers. I had many compliments on my work by clients on Saturday when I was working the bar alone in a big rush, t’was my favorite part. I love running behind the bar taking orders making drinks and getting the payments. Now that I’ve cleared that off, I still don’t know what I’m gonna do with myself today. I could take a walk to lake Belmore.
Started to walk towards lake Belmore and stopped at the Chinese temple ruins, there’s also a lookout. Took some time to take pictures and enjoy my walk but the heat was too much, I forgot my water bottle and wanted to go to the toilet so I started to walk back towards Croydon when this couple offered me a lift back and I took it happily. This is not a place where you’re scared of taking a lift as there’s not many places to go and it’s easy to know where we’re going. Well, I haven’t seen the lake yet but I’ll get there sometime.
Saturday, May 26th ‘07
Once again, I haven’t written for a long time, mostly because there’s noting happening. Today, I decided to write so I can give you an idea of what it is like to live in this village. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t have enough habitants to be called a town. There really isn’t no more than 200 something people here. It’s a mix of white and aboriginal people not to be called abo as it is a discrimination just like calling black people niggers. People here like to drink a lot, something I understand as there isn’t anything else to do in the evening, no movies, no clubs, no restaurant, noting but the village bar. There isn’t even a casino or slot machines or something.
I just spend my time working, watching TV (3 channels with just movies), sleeping and sometimes swimming in the pool. My life is soooo exciting right now. I’ve also started to write this “book” (not really a book as I don’t think I’m good enough to do so and it won’t be long enough, let’s just say I would love it if a movie would sprung from it) about travel’s pros and cons, the sacrifices and pleasures of my way of living (thru travels).
Then, there’s Mike or Mike Dundee as he likes to be called whom’s full of shit and trying to get the attention Bucky has. There’s Eva and Val who works at the café and they are really nice. They are the ones “you” like to talk to and would go to if there was any problems or “you” weren’t sure about someone. Tony, the cook, he’s a grumpy old man that never seems happy and makes us do all the work he doesn’t want to do. He also have no trouble holding his end as my boss would have a hard time finding someone to replace him permanently. My boss, he’s known to be 2 faced, up ‘till now, I haven’t seen that side of him though he makes it really hard to talk about “work” stuff with him.
Most of the others are 50 year old man that couldn’t get a wife or hang on to them so ended up alcoholics, they are also in huge need of sex (I’ve had too many offers or tries). As for the aboriginals, they don’t mix a lot with the white people, they also play a lot of pool and darts. The most popular drink is the 4 X Gold, pot (tap), stubbie (bottle) or can.
School : The school has only 3 teachers (that are only there to get some experience) and 5 or 6 grades out of 12, the grades are also mixed together. If you want your kids to get a good education, you have to send them to boarding school.
Water : Water here is either rain water which is gathered into tanks that’s after rolling on the house roof, thru the leaves, dead birds, dead rats, bird shit, ect. Than going in a tank that is not washed very often. The other option is “lake” water which is a nice brown color from the dirt, bacteria, animal shit, ect.
Hospital : They have a nice hospital here it’s just a pity there’s no doctor. There’s a nurse/paramedic (drives the ambulance), she’s really nice. The doctor is in once every 4th day. As for dentist, psychiatrist, gynecologist and other specialist there’s a schedule with dates they’ll be in town. If you’re in a life or death situation, your chance here is 5% of survival. They’ll fly the doctor in here but it’ll take some time and depending on the injury they might or might not fly you to a “proper” hospital. Now how great is that! Careful g-pa wouldn’t want to get a heart attract! (Being my sarcastic self).
Food : Groceries are very limited and extremely expensive, lunch is only served at the café from noon to 2 and diner is served at the café from 5:30 ‘till 7 and at the hotel from 6:30 ‘till 8 any other time, there’s noting at all. Food is often outdated, chocolate bars, chips even milk (sold full price). The joys of living in a small town in the middle of nowhere! I tried burger rings, not too bad, twisties smells like those kitty treats my mom likes to give to cats she meets on the streets, probably tastes the same as well (never tasted the cat treat) and crakling which is the crust from the roast pork really good and popular it’s available in a “chip” package and tastes a bit like my favorite sugar shack food (Oreille de Christ) don’t know the name in English.
Entertainment : The bar, Lake Belmore which is a bit far by foot but apparently nice and there’s some waterskiing. The pool which is nice and not used by anyone else than me and the other barmaids. There’s a tennis court, sports area and a golf course which I haven’t seen.
Tourists : Weekdays there are many Australian tourists that comes around apparently it’s very popular with old retired people to take an RV and tour the country, Croydon is a common stop for them. Weekends, we get backpackers that does this trip from Darwin to Cairns or Cairns to Darwin, it’s a guided tour that lasts 4 days including one night in Croydon.
Today, we had a meeting with miss boss. Apparently all the working conditions I was told I’d have, I’m not getting. I was told I’d get free accommodation, half price on food and transportation from Cairns to Croydon paid. In fact, I pay 50$ per week for accommodation, full price on food under 9$ over it’s 8,80$, they don’t pay my buss ticket from Cairns to Croydon. Plus, I have to pay for laundry but the maid told us about this washing machine that is broken and works for free if you press this white button. Oh and it’s full price on all drinks, did I mention I work at the bar!? Mainly, I work for money I’m giving back to them, if I was a drinker it would be worst. I came here to save money not to “live” here and they make it impossible to live and most important, they lied about the working conditions. Therefore, I don’t have to keep my end of the deal and I’m leaving ASAP. Just went on the net and looked at 2 possibilities. I could take a the bus on Saturday and take the cheap flight on Sunday or ask the bus driver of the backpacker bus if he’d take me on Monday and take the other cheap flight on Tuesday.
Spoke to the bus driver tonight and he’ll take me on for that leg of the trip which is great as they stop to do some touring on the way and he’ll take me on for free. That’s really nice of him, I’ll pay him a drink next weekend, it’s the least I can do, I’ll be saving 90$ on the bus fare. By the way, the “regular” bus only passes once every 2 or 3 days. The only thing is that my mom sent me some stuff here yesterday and I don’t know if I’ll be getting it before I leave. I asked one of the other barmaids if she would send it to Richard’s place if it doesn’t get here on time, I’ll give her some money and his address. The sad part is that I like being a barmaid here, it’s nice, no “big” drink concoctions, just beer, rum and coke (very popular), vodka-orange, scotch and coke, and other easy drinks like that. It’s pretty easy and nice.
Well, I think I made up for the days I didn’t write. I’ll go to bed now, g’night!
Sunday, May 27th ‘07
Today, I got the day off again but this time, I’m going to lake Belmore with a local. I’m just glad I’ll get to see it once before I leave. I’ve booked my plane ticket to Brisbane and my hostel in Cairns just have to find a hostel in Brisbane. I should be doing more job applications this week hoping to have some job interviews waiting for me when I get to Brisbane if not, I should go see my cousin just a couple days after I get to Brisbane. We’ll just see what happens.
We went to lake Belmore, it’s really nice just sad he doesn’t have a boat and skies. We then went to this gold mining museum where old tools that where used for mining here are still there all rusty. Croydon used to be a huge town filled with gold miners during the gold rush. There’s still some gold and miner can come digging if they want to. Afterwards, we went to the hospital to see the nurse for my “prescription” for the cream she gave me for my rash. There was 2 horses completely loose in front of the hospital without a fence. They were scared of me. There was also chickens and a rooster in a box. It was quite something! Only in a small town would a hospital have farm animals.
Tuesday, May 29th ‘07
These past few days, these guys selling cattle farm equipment have taken shelter in Croydon, they go from cattle station to cattle station by means of air with this great Helicopter. Anyways, I’ve been talking to these guys and the pilot is letting me on the chopper today. This was great! Lauren came along and we went up for 5-10 mins on top of the village and the lake. It was sooo freaking cool! I loved it! I got to go on a Heli ride.
Afterwards, I did something I don’t usually do, I hung around at the bar. I spent the night talking to this guy and it was quite interesting. The bar closed and as I was going to my room, I saw the heli guys and Lauren talking and drinking so I joined them. Everyone slowly left, the pilot and I were the 2 left. We talked until 1am. Didn’t see the time go by. He gave me a number to some good people that owns a Cattle Station if ever I want to do some Cattle work, I really hope to do some when I’m here. It was really nice of him!
Thursday, May 31st ‘07
After work, I went to the hospital to get my “prescription” from the nurse for the cream she gave me to get rid of my rash I got from accidentally brushing my arm on coral while diving. Then, I went on the net and took a swim in the pool. That’s pretty much what my days look like just add the hours of watching TV (at lease there’s 3 channels of none stop movies).
For dinner, Eva from the café cooked the Barramundi fish Clive gave me. It was so delightful, I really loved it! The Barramundi is a fish you can only find in the north part of Australia. Many fisher amateurs like to come here to catch one of these.
My boss is such an ass. He won’t put me on closing hours thought I’ve asked him often, every week, the girls have been having more hours than me. He puts the schedule up last minute (about 10pm the day before, sometimes he puts it up in the morning). Now, he gave me off for tomorrow and put everyone else on schedule including the 2 new girls.
Friday, June 1st ‘07
Have the day off today, didn’t ask for it and I’m a bit upset about it. Asked my boss Brent why and he gave me some lame stupid ass excuse that he knew I knew it was a lie and bullshit. I asked him if I’ll work tomorrow and he said, I don’t know I’ll have to check on the roaster. Whatever! This guy offered to bring me to Normanton for diner. Normanton is about an hour and a half drive east from here. On our way here, we saw many hawks and falcons but you can see them around here, especially when the tractor is passing by in the morning. Well this time, I got to see an Eagle, it was huge and eating on a wallaby road kill, it didn’t want to leave it when we passed so we drove around it. As it was sunset when we left, we saw loads of wallabies on the side of the roads, they also like to jump in front of the car while where passing by. It’s like they want to be run over.
We got to Normanton at the Purple bar for some diner and the girl working at the bar was really nice. She’s from the Netherlands and we spoke for quite a bit, she’s much better paid and treated there then we are at the “Crap” Hotel. I do think that Croydon is nicer though it’s smaller but it’s not worth the way we are treated. I so have a feeling I’m not gonna work tomorrow or Sunday. I’m leaving on Monday morning but I still need my work hours.
So we ate diner and drove back to Croydon. I hung out at the pub and spoke with some people. They are really nice people here. I spent most my time with Carl, Bryannah (both from Croydon) and Nigel (from Canada). At the end of the night, Carl and Bryannah wanted to go swimming at the lake. We invited Bucky but the copper was making a round (he’s replacing the other cop that left), so I drove being the only sober one and for the first time in my life I was stopped by the copper. He made me blow in the little machine to check if I drank (I can hear you all laughing, oh ya!), checked my car license and let us go. We went to the lake, took a swim talked for a bit, tried to take Carl’s towel off as he had noting under and went back. It was a nice night. I got to see an eagle!!!
Saturday, June 2nd ‘07
Not on schedule again, I could’ve bet 100$ on it. I gave him a week notice and he’s spacing me out what a jerk. Electricity was out today from 8:30am ‘till 2 and my room got so hot I woke up at 11am and couldn’t get back to sleep, it was hotter inside my room than outside, it was like a boiler. There was noting to do, I couldn’t wash my clothes, take a shower go on the net, watch TV, it really sucked. When the electricity came back, I went to do my laundry but there was a load in there already. So I went for internet and the visitor’s info closed all internet for today and tomorrow. I went back to do laundry and Brent locked the machine so we couldn’t do it for free, now we have to pay 3$ for every load. He also told the maids to not clean the lady’s room or to put some TP (toilet paper) in it as it is up to us to buy TP and clean the lady’s room. Did I mention that we are paying rent here.
He is such an ass hole he really want’s us to give him back all the money we make here. I also heard that he doesn’t pay the last week of work. I hope I’ll be paid for the 15 and a half hours he put me on schedule this week. Ass hole. I’m so going to give him a bad reputation everywhere to every “backpacker work agencies”, I don’t even have to lie the truth is good enough. He lies all the time, he’s 2 faced, he takes advantage of his employees, he can’t tell you things in your face even if you ask and he’ll go behind your back all the time. He’s one of the worst bosses I’ve ever had, the good news is that if I don’t get paid as I’m working legally here, I can take action against him. I’d love to see his reputation go into the toilet and not be able to get any new employees. He’s done the same thing to the girls before us, he took them off the schedule went Lauren and Katie came in and one of them didn’t get paid for her last week of work. I just want to take him down, way down. It really sad as I like this town, the people and I loved the job when I was treated right now, I’m going to have a sour taste because of this ass hole. Well, I’ll stop writing about it ‘cause I’m so pissed.
I ate another piece of that barramundi tonight and it was great. I was supposed to go to Karumba tonight but the guy that was taking me there was too tired to drive there. Ah well! That’s about it, I’m taking the backpacker bus on Monday morning to Cairns and an early flight to Brisbane on Tuesday morning. Then, we’ll see! G’night mates!
Sunday, June 3rd ‘07
Yesterday night, there seemed to be a party in front of our rooms, not being able to sleep, I joined the party. I didn’t drink but got to talk with people. Lauren was invited to do some mustering in Esmeralda (a cattle station) and she didn’t want to go alone so she asked me if I wanted to go since I was not working. I said yes without a doubt. So, the station’s manager, 2 of his employees, Lauren and I left for Esmeralda at 2am. The boys were drunk except for the 15 year old and since it’s a manual he was the one who drove. Lauren and one of the employees Laury, went in the “trailer” as per Neil (the manager), Jughead (his nickname, the 15 year old) went in the car. Along the way, we stopped to fill the gas tank and I switched with Lauren. The wind was so cold that Laury and I cuddled the hole way (1 hour in the freezing wind) to keep/exchange body warmth. We got there at about 4am, I took a hot shower and went to bed. Neil has many rooms so I had my own.
6am
We were woken up as we had to go work. Neil had a really hard time getting up and took a 20min shower. He’s the boss he can do whatever he want’s! Then, we went for morning tea and breakfast but Lauren and I didn’t eat (felt a bit shy). We saw a deer being taken out of the propriety. I didn’t know they had deers here in Australia. We then drove for awhile off-road to where the cattles are. Lauren found a loaded hand gun in the truck one like in western movies. I never held a gun before, made me a bit nervous as I know there are many accidents that happens with loaded guns. This is so much fun! We waited for the Jackaroos (men mustering) and the Jillaroo (women mustering) to “train” the cattles to walk together and walk not run. Then, they took them out of the fences and we followed with this 4 wheeler. So we are bringing the cattles back to the station. This is such a great experience. I’m really enjoying it.
The cattles bring up a lot of dirt when they walk, I was breathing dirt, I was full of dirt, my clothes where dirty it was crazy. I was dirty but it was outback mustering dirt and it was great, I liked it! At some point, we couldn’t see the cattles because of the cloud of dirt they were making. It was so hot, it was unbearable! I felt like I was being sunburned. The sun was always on my right side so my right arm, foot and ankle tanned more than the left side. So funny! I did tan a lot and I didn’t burn at all. We stopped to eat the sandwiches we made before we left (one each with noting else than cheese as we were to shy to tae out food). There was 3 on horses, the Jillaroo was on a 4 wheeler and Neil was on a motor bike but he left us half way. The landscape was really nice! The experience was totally awesome! I’m so happy I got to do this, beats doing noting in Croydon. I was thinking I would go do some mustering for a month and now, I definitely want to do it but I want to learn to ride a horse properly to do it by horse. It would be so much fun but I don’t think I could do it for more than a month or so.
So, we brought the ~600 cattles to the station 12-15km away and it took about 7 hours excluding lunch hour. We were glad that we shared a 4 wheeler as we where able to talk to each other while mustering. If I’d be doing it, I’d listen to my mp3 player as I’m doing it. You’re not alone but you’re a bit far from each other to chat. The lifestyle is quite peculiar as they live on the station and eat in a common dining room. When we got to the station, I went to wash my hands and face as Lauren talked to this guy and ended up driving around in the motor bike for the first time. I went to meet her with the 4 wheeler and got to see my first kangaroo (bit one, not a wallaby). It was nice and surprising at 2pm. We drove around for awhile as there was noting else to do but it was nice and fun.
Then, we went to the horse stables as they brought the horses back. We talked with Neil and Jughead for awhile before we went to feed the cattles we just brought in. They “drink” this mixture that has some malaise in it, it is bad for humans and will kill horses if they “drink” it, it kills some cattles if they drink lots of water afterwards. This mixture is made to make them strong and big. We just took care or the hay. We placed them around and took the net off for them to feed on. The nets are burned in a small open fire. It was great, I got to learn a lot about cattles, the mustering and a bit about the lifestyles. T’was great! After feeding the cattles, we just hung around drank (coke for me) and talked. I was hanging out with a bunch of “cowboys”, never would’ve thought I would do this once in my life. We left a bit before 6 as Lauren was working at 7.
This time, it was just Neil, Lauren and I in the truck. Neil was drinking while driving witch I didn’t mind as it is common in small towns, what bugged me was how much he was drinking. The reality here is that everyone drives drunk but there’s no accident, not saying that it’s safe but it is the reality. I just comforted myself by the fact that he’s done that heaps before. Lauren was drinking as well but not driving. We did get back to Croydon in one piece and did not hit any wallabies. I was very grateful towards Neil for letting us experience mustering. He’s 23 years old (most were younger than me), he makes loads of money, has a house to which he’s a landlord, a house in the cattle station and another in some other town. There’s lots of money to be done in mustering. Many teenagers from the country leave school to muster like Jughead, it’s pretty common. Many locals in Croydon don’t know how to read and write except for their signature.
Got back into Croydon and ran everywhere. I did my last laundry, took a shower (still don’t feel 100% clean) went for food and as the café is closed on Sundays went to the diner in the bar but I was not allowed the employee discount as according to my boss, I’m not an employee anymore. I did give my weeks notice and he’s the one who fazed me out of the schedule. I technically am still his employee. He’s such an ass hole. I can’t believe he’s that bad. So I didn’t eat for 2 reasons, I’m not getting the discount and I don’t want to give him any money. I only paid for a drink to the bus driver that is letting me in for free tomorrow and to Neil. Therefore, I only ate a cheese sandwich all day. I’m so hungry after all that “work” I’ve done today. Ah well, I’ll eat tomorrow. He’s also started to treat Lauren and Katie bad. I’m so glad I’m leaving tomorrow, I’m just scared I won’t get paid or that they’ll charge me 50$ per night for the last 3 nights he didn’t put me on schedule. I also hope that he’ll give that letter that my mom sent me here to Lauren so she can send it back to Richard. I just don’t trust Brent at all.
My mom called tonight and it was nice to talked to her but the minute Brent saw me talking on the phone, he asked for it. Such an ass. I’m so tired as I haven’t slept much last night and the night before. I have to get up at 6:30am tomorrow morning as the bus leaves at 7am so I’ll be going to bed early. I’ll be in Cairns tomorrow evening and in Brisbane Tuesday morning. Said goodbye to everyone, did as much of my luggage as I could and now, I’m going to bed. Good night!
Monday, June 4th ‘07
Finish! I’m leaving Croydon this morning. Got up at 6:30am bus leaving at 7. Great! As I was leaving my room, I saw the bus leaving. I ran after it and he stopped. Thank god! I would be screwed if he didn’t take me as I already paid my flight ticket to Brisbane. There’s something about this trip where I always end up running when I’m leaving a city or town in this case it’s like it want’s me to stay. I’m just glad I’m on the bus. Thought, we went to lake Belmore and if he wouldn’t have stopped, I could’ve waited until they came back as they had to come back thru Brisbane to go to Georgetown. I didn’t know they were going there first or else I wouldn’t have ran earlier. Ah well! Didn’t get to see my ex-boss to ask him why he was treating me like crap this week.
This is so nice of the driver to take me in for free. This bus goes from Darwin to Cairns in 4 days touring as the bus driver is also a tour guide. We left at 7am and we’ll get to Cairns at 6pm, it doesn’t take that long on the regular bus. I’m still saving 90$ and getting a free guide. We stopped in Georgetown then Mt. Surprise. Got to eat an apple and a muesli bar. We kept on going until we left the outback and went into the rainforest. It was just great having him explain everything. I also got to get a bit of sleep in the bus. We got some lunch and then went into the tablelands up in the mountains. Passed thru Milla milla which means water in aboriginal dialect and since it’s said twice, it means lots of water. We went to some waterfalls to swim, well only the guide and I then, we went to Inisfail and some other waterfalls in a rainforest, it was nice at first then it rained like hell. It was really nice. I’m really grateful towards the driver for letting me on for free.
Something happened to me that I didn’t expected, one I felt a bit nostalgic leaving Croydon, two I thought a lot about the people I would miss, three I found myself wanting to go back to Esmeralda to do some more mustering. It’s pretty funky to me. On our way to Cairns, we went pass the company where the helicopter guys work. They were really nice and fun! It’s sad ‘cause if I wouldn’t’ve booked my plane ticket earlier, I’d be in a cattle station at the moment. Ah well, that’s life!
Well, I’m back into Cairns and it’s 6pm. I’ll charge my battery, take my bathing suit off and go for food. I hurt my food as I slid on the rock in the water going for a swim and now, I’m really feeling it. Hope the pain won’t last long. Gotta get up at 3am as my bus is leaving at 3:55 to catch my flight at 6:10. Not much sleep for me tonight either as last night I was sleeping well until the girls woke me up. That’s life!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
