April 30, 2006
A Day In My Aussie Life (Day 214)
Yesterday at 7am I awoke to the sound of cereal being poured into a porcelain bowl, followed by Uncle Eric tromping past my door through the dining room and back. I quickly climbed down from the bunk skipping the last few rungs and hopping to the floor, desperate to get to the toilet. A couple minutes later I climbed back into bed and looked at the clock on my cellphone. 7:15am. Too early I thought to myself and went back to sleep.
The next time I woke up it was 9:25 and when I finally forced myself to get out of bed it was almost 11:00. There really was no reason to get up. There was nothing I wanted to search on the internet, no gym class to attend, and Grandma was already comfortably planted in front of O'Reilly, his over-emphasized "come on"'s blasting from the livingroom.
I climbed out anyways, my body was starting to get that slept-too-much ache. I quickly got dressed for the gym, cleaned the kitchen and on the way out was informed by Grandma that I needed to strip all the beds, wash the sheets and remake them sometime today. I told her I'd do it when I got back and bolted out the door.
I spent the next 2+ hours at the gym, running, kickboxing and doing whatever else I could think of to amuse myself. It was an easy day. As a treat, I grabbed a "Boost" smoothie before leaving the shopping center. They are --of course-- not as good as "Blenders" but after being on the road for 7 months, any smoothie with more than ice and lemon juice is accepted with great enthusiasm.
On the walk back to the house I slowly shuffled along; kicking rocks and picking leaves. Half way there I stopped at a playground and made my way through the dry woodchips to a swing. I swang for about 20 minutes. I think the people who scurried by thought I was "special".
Once I got back to the house I sat in front of the computer until my eyes were beet red and watering, chatting on IM and searching random trivial topics on Google, while slowly consuming 1/2 a kilo of green grapes. Around 7pm I showered and headed with Uncle Eric to Jasmine's house for dinner. On the way we stopped at a BWS store to buy some wine and I had one of those moments when you realize the cashier thinks you're dating a family member. We spent the rest of the night debating life, love and politics while sipping Penefolds Bin 28. Yes, this is my Aussie life.
Being here in OZ has been great. Coming here after S.E. Asia was a good plan, giving me much needed recouperation time. But as most of you know I've decided not to stay.
While in Southeast Asia, bug bitten, sticky and covered with sand I decided I would come to OZ, find a film/tv job and work for the next 6-9 months. When I first arrived I started making connections, got my resume ready and was excited to start working, but those feelings quickly disolved.
My third week here, Sammy and I made the long drive down to Sydney. After spending the next week drinking too much, spending too much and couch hopping between Julia's, Antonia's brother's and Sammy's Uncle's, I realized it was time to make some decisions. If I was going to stay in OZ and work, I needed to hurry up and get a job. But where exactly I wanted to work had me stumped. Sydney was a beautiful city that had tons to do, and with Julia there I would quickly have a fun group of friends; but it was expensive and if I stayed, no matter how long I worked, I wasn't going to save a dime. Brisbane on the other hand afforded me cheap housing where I was close to the train and I'd have time to get to know Grandma. The only problems being it has less film work than Sydney, is dullville in comparison and has no friends for me to hangout with.
As I started tackling those decisions other issues began to raise their ugly heads. If I stayed here until December I wouldn't have Jared as a travel partner for Africa, my budget may not be any better than when I got here, and the more I thought about it the more I began to see that come month three, I was going to be bored out of my mind.
I'm not done traveling, not even close. I'm too excited to stuff the backpack into the back of the closet. I want to see Africa and Europe, not paychecks. And I'm not at all keen on struggling to find a job. After having a month to recoup, I've realized that I just needed a little recovery time. What I had wanted was to get to a gym and off the beaches of Thailand. I had gotten bored in Southeast Asia, and as a result, tired.
So, I've gone back to Plan A which means in July I will be meeting Jared in Africa; and as Brian Bort pointed out it's a bit odd seeing one normally goes to Plan B, not back to Plan A. But in this case it works out, and seems to be an example of clouded judgement. Plan A was always better than Plan B, my mind was just too fogged by humidity and smog to realize it.
So in the meantime I've gotten myself (well actually Uncle Eric got it for me, I'm learning to use connections) a job. It's a lame waitressing position at a tiny cafe down the street. I'm getting $12/hour but hardly any tips because Aussies don't tip, and to be honest I can understand why. The service here is crap. Empty glasses, uncleared plates. I mean people are actually used to getting up and asking for the bill. So at this point I have 2 choices: Stay the great American server that I am OR lower myself to the "I only work as hard as I get paid" Aussie server approach. I highly doubt I'll choose the second...but then again, it is only $12/hour.
Now that I'm back from Sydney and somewhat settled, I'll need to put a little more effort into the friends realm. It's interesting that it's easier to make friends in a "3rd world" country than in a country where you're surrounded by people who speak the same language. People are in their comfort zones and don't feel the need to make new friends everyday. Oddly enough I have spent more time on my own here than I did traveling by myself in China. I welcomed it at first since I was sick of chit chat by the time I left the southeastasian backpacker trail, but now that I'm bored it's back to being social, back to working and back to planning. Planning where I'm off to next, which hopefully includes some weekend trips in OZ and of course the upcoming months in Africa. It's funny how quickly you can want to get away when you realize you're stuck somewhere for a while. I'll try to make the best of it by saving a little money, meeting some Aussies and using the gym to the fullest, but of course, the countdown is still on...
The next time I woke up it was 9:25 and when I finally forced myself to get out of bed it was almost 11:00. There really was no reason to get up. There was nothing I wanted to search on the internet, no gym class to attend, and Grandma was already comfortably planted in front of O'Reilly, his over-emphasized "come on"'s blasting from the livingroom.
I climbed out anyways, my body was starting to get that slept-too-much ache. I quickly got dressed for the gym, cleaned the kitchen and on the way out was informed by Grandma that I needed to strip all the beds, wash the sheets and remake them sometime today. I told her I'd do it when I got back and bolted out the door.
I spent the next 2+ hours at the gym, running, kickboxing and doing whatever else I could think of to amuse myself. It was an easy day. As a treat, I grabbed a "Boost" smoothie before leaving the shopping center. They are --of course-- not as good as "Blenders" but after being on the road for 7 months, any smoothie with more than ice and lemon juice is accepted with great enthusiasm.
On the walk back to the house I slowly shuffled along; kicking rocks and picking leaves. Half way there I stopped at a playground and made my way through the dry woodchips to a swing. I swang for about 20 minutes. I think the people who scurried by thought I was "special".
Once I got back to the house I sat in front of the computer until my eyes were beet red and watering, chatting on IM and searching random trivial topics on Google, while slowly consuming 1/2 a kilo of green grapes. Around 7pm I showered and headed with Uncle Eric to Jasmine's house for dinner. On the way we stopped at a BWS store to buy some wine and I had one of those moments when you realize the cashier thinks you're dating a family member. We spent the rest of the night debating life, love and politics while sipping Penefolds Bin 28. Yes, this is my Aussie life.
Being here in OZ has been great. Coming here after S.E. Asia was a good plan, giving me much needed recouperation time. But as most of you know I've decided not to stay.
While in Southeast Asia, bug bitten, sticky and covered with sand I decided I would come to OZ, find a film/tv job and work for the next 6-9 months. When I first arrived I started making connections, got my resume ready and was excited to start working, but those feelings quickly disolved.
My third week here, Sammy and I made the long drive down to Sydney. After spending the next week drinking too much, spending too much and couch hopping between Julia's, Antonia's brother's and Sammy's Uncle's, I realized it was time to make some decisions. If I was going to stay in OZ and work, I needed to hurry up and get a job. But where exactly I wanted to work had me stumped. Sydney was a beautiful city that had tons to do, and with Julia there I would quickly have a fun group of friends; but it was expensive and if I stayed, no matter how long I worked, I wasn't going to save a dime. Brisbane on the other hand afforded me cheap housing where I was close to the train and I'd have time to get to know Grandma. The only problems being it has less film work than Sydney, is dullville in comparison and has no friends for me to hangout with.
As I started tackling those decisions other issues began to raise their ugly heads. If I stayed here until December I wouldn't have Jared as a travel partner for Africa, my budget may not be any better than when I got here, and the more I thought about it the more I began to see that come month three, I was going to be bored out of my mind.
I'm not done traveling, not even close. I'm too excited to stuff the backpack into the back of the closet. I want to see Africa and Europe, not paychecks. And I'm not at all keen on struggling to find a job. After having a month to recoup, I've realized that I just needed a little recovery time. What I had wanted was to get to a gym and off the beaches of Thailand. I had gotten bored in Southeast Asia, and as a result, tired.
So, I've gone back to Plan A which means in July I will be meeting Jared in Africa; and as Brian Bort pointed out it's a bit odd seeing one normally goes to Plan B, not back to Plan A. But in this case it works out, and seems to be an example of clouded judgement. Plan A was always better than Plan B, my mind was just too fogged by humidity and smog to realize it.
So in the meantime I've gotten myself (well actually Uncle Eric got it for me, I'm learning to use connections) a job. It's a lame waitressing position at a tiny cafe down the street. I'm getting $12/hour but hardly any tips because Aussies don't tip, and to be honest I can understand why. The service here is crap. Empty glasses, uncleared plates. I mean people are actually used to getting up and asking for the bill. So at this point I have 2 choices: Stay the great American server that I am OR lower myself to the "I only work as hard as I get paid" Aussie server approach. I highly doubt I'll choose the second...but then again, it is only $12/hour.
Now that I'm back from Sydney and somewhat settled, I'll need to put a little more effort into the friends realm. It's interesting that it's easier to make friends in a "3rd world" country than in a country where you're surrounded by people who speak the same language. People are in their comfort zones and don't feel the need to make new friends everyday. Oddly enough I have spent more time on my own here than I did traveling by myself in China. I welcomed it at first since I was sick of chit chat by the time I left the southeastasian backpacker trail, but now that I'm bored it's back to being social, back to working and back to planning. Planning where I'm off to next, which hopefully includes some weekend trips in OZ and of course the upcoming months in Africa. It's funny how quickly you can want to get away when you realize you're stuck somewhere for a while. I'll try to make the best of it by saving a little money, meeting some Aussies and using the gym to the fullest, but of course, the countdown is still on...
April 02, 2006
Chapter 2 Begins (Day 185)
Right now I'm starring at a 10 x 12 foot area of wallpaper which depicts a path leading to a still blue lake through an autumn forest and wondering why nature scene wallpaper ever went out of style. Mounted on the wall is a stick with a stuffed bird who's auburn speckled feathers have miraculously stayed attached inspite of the fact that it's probably 30 years old. I dare not get up and take a closer look, fearful I may see it no longer has it's beek.
For those of you who have been here before you know exactly where I am. But for those who have never been so priviledged, I will explain...I'm at Grandma's. And, as with all grandparents' homes, it is a tribute to different times. Golden yellow fabric flowers, intricately embroidered tapestries, fragile glass figurines, Grandpop's hats hung all in a row(1). As I roam around the house every item begs to have it's story told.
Yet, for a child under 10, time at the grandparents can seem like a voluntary trip to a history museum. Besides the benefit of a sweet from the kitchen sweet jar, the entire event can be boring and filled with the constant effort to evade all adults. You can't run or play, you can't touch anything, and if for some reason you ask about a particular item on display, the explaination is often much longer than desired.
But, as you get older things change. You wonder where the glass swans came from, or when the china was actually used for tea. You wonder who won the 5 foot trophy and which hat was Grandpop's favorite. You wonder how long "The Blue Boy" embroidery took, not to mention why anyone would want to embroider at all. You find you can't help but smile at the colorful stuffed birds or pause at the wooden canes leaning against the wall. What 15 years ago seemed like a dying relic is now more alive than you ever thought.
Getting to know Grandma has been cool, and I look forward to the months to come. I'm not sure she'll ever get used to my eating habits. "That's all you're going to eat?" she asks inquisitively; suggesting I have some more rice, a piece of "brown bread" or another whole meal to supplement the first. It's uncanny to go from being nameless in dingy guesthouses and tasteless cafes to Grandma's house.
My return to the "real world" has been all-around odd. For me culture shock is less about what I see and more about the continuous feeling of being out of place and the random moments when I notice things are missing. Sometimes I'll stop suddenly and wonder where my passport is and then remember I don't need it anymore and it's safe on my dresser wide out in the open in my room at Grandma's.
Most of the time I find myself looking for people of color. Although I was often the only dark traveller on the trail and I grew up in a city who's population was mostly of white European American decent (ooh, watch Jasmine be P.C.!) I've suddenly lost my ability to feel okay being the only one.
This feeling almost stopped me from coming to OZ. On my final layover in Bali, the airport was full of Australians arriving and returning from their vacations. While waiting for my plane to board I was suddenly afraid. The groups of Australians frightened me. I was entering their world. A "western world" where people are working, partying, working out, shopping, judging... I would no longer be in a truely foreign nation. Here I would have no excuses, I knew most of the rules.
While waiting I also realized that I had come to dislike Australians...well not Auzzies in particular, but rather "westerners" in general(2). While in Thailand so many were loud, obnoxious and only there to drink. My only desire (as well as most backpackers' I knew) was to escape other backpackers. And here I was going to their home. After peeking down the ramp for a few minutes and fighting the urget to simply turn around and find myself another shabby bungalow in Bali; I made my way onto the plane and to Australia. It's not as hard as I thought, but it's still odd.
Today I did a load of laundry. Opened the lid, threw in the clothes and carefully measured out 1/2 a scoop of fragrant detergent. Do you know how weird that feels? Or how eerie it is to be comfortable all day? Not too hot, not too cold, not itchy or sweaty. To walk outside and just feel good? To always have cold water to drink and see your clothes hanging in a closet? Or to find yourself attracted to cricket players? It just all feels so bizarre. Using things like a carrot peeler make me smile.
Since I arrived -- other than working out -- I've been touring around Brisbane and the Goldcoast with my cousin Sammy as my guide, and he's doing a fabulous job. The rest of the time I'm on the computer catching up with friends & family and researching. Free internet is truely a luxury. Unfortunately all this free internet has it's drawbacks. It's shown me that grad school is going to be extremely difficult to get into, Australian work visas are hard to attain, production companies don't like the internet, and it reminds me how much I miss Jared and my family everytime I have to hang-up skype. It's a time warp that sucks you in fresh and enthusiastic and spits you out in a swirl of numbers with red eyes, sore wrists and feeling abandoned.
So I guess things aren't exactly that exciting, but they're definitely not boring, and don't worry, I'll do my best to steer clear of the mundane. I'm still traveling people! Don't fret just yet. I'm just staying at this guesthouse a little longer.
I will say one thing. If you ever hear me start saying "G'day", calling bell pepper capsicum, cilantro corriander, mixing up public and private, and losing sight of the true definition of liberal, have someone kidnap me and put me on a plane to Africa with a note stating "Keep her moving" pinned to my chest.
For those of you who have been here before you know exactly where I am. But for those who have never been so priviledged, I will explain...I'm at Grandma's. And, as with all grandparents' homes, it is a tribute to different times. Golden yellow fabric flowers, intricately embroidered tapestries, fragile glass figurines, Grandpop's hats hung all in a row(1). As I roam around the house every item begs to have it's story told.
Yet, for a child under 10, time at the grandparents can seem like a voluntary trip to a history museum. Besides the benefit of a sweet from the kitchen sweet jar, the entire event can be boring and filled with the constant effort to evade all adults. You can't run or play, you can't touch anything, and if for some reason you ask about a particular item on display, the explaination is often much longer than desired.
But, as you get older things change. You wonder where the glass swans came from, or when the china was actually used for tea. You wonder who won the 5 foot trophy and which hat was Grandpop's favorite. You wonder how long "The Blue Boy" embroidery took, not to mention why anyone would want to embroider at all. You find you can't help but smile at the colorful stuffed birds or pause at the wooden canes leaning against the wall. What 15 years ago seemed like a dying relic is now more alive than you ever thought.
Getting to know Grandma has been cool, and I look forward to the months to come. I'm not sure she'll ever get used to my eating habits. "That's all you're going to eat?" she asks inquisitively; suggesting I have some more rice, a piece of "brown bread" or another whole meal to supplement the first. It's uncanny to go from being nameless in dingy guesthouses and tasteless cafes to Grandma's house.
My return to the "real world" has been all-around odd. For me culture shock is less about what I see and more about the continuous feeling of being out of place and the random moments when I notice things are missing. Sometimes I'll stop suddenly and wonder where my passport is and then remember I don't need it anymore and it's safe on my dresser wide out in the open in my room at Grandma's.
Most of the time I find myself looking for people of color. Although I was often the only dark traveller on the trail and I grew up in a city who's population was mostly of white European American decent (ooh, watch Jasmine be P.C.!) I've suddenly lost my ability to feel okay being the only one.
This feeling almost stopped me from coming to OZ. On my final layover in Bali, the airport was full of Australians arriving and returning from their vacations. While waiting for my plane to board I was suddenly afraid. The groups of Australians frightened me. I was entering their world. A "western world" where people are working, partying, working out, shopping, judging... I would no longer be in a truely foreign nation. Here I would have no excuses, I knew most of the rules.
While waiting I also realized that I had come to dislike Australians...well not Auzzies in particular, but rather "westerners" in general(2). While in Thailand so many were loud, obnoxious and only there to drink. My only desire (as well as most backpackers' I knew) was to escape other backpackers. And here I was going to their home. After peeking down the ramp for a few minutes and fighting the urget to simply turn around and find myself another shabby bungalow in Bali; I made my way onto the plane and to Australia. It's not as hard as I thought, but it's still odd.
Today I did a load of laundry. Opened the lid, threw in the clothes and carefully measured out 1/2 a scoop of fragrant detergent. Do you know how weird that feels? Or how eerie it is to be comfortable all day? Not too hot, not too cold, not itchy or sweaty. To walk outside and just feel good? To always have cold water to drink and see your clothes hanging in a closet? Or to find yourself attracted to cricket players? It just all feels so bizarre. Using things like a carrot peeler make me smile.
Since I arrived -- other than working out -- I've been touring around Brisbane and the Goldcoast with my cousin Sammy as my guide, and he's doing a fabulous job. The rest of the time I'm on the computer catching up with friends & family and researching. Free internet is truely a luxury. Unfortunately all this free internet has it's drawbacks. It's shown me that grad school is going to be extremely difficult to get into, Australian work visas are hard to attain, production companies don't like the internet, and it reminds me how much I miss Jared and my family everytime I have to hang-up skype. It's a time warp that sucks you in fresh and enthusiastic and spits you out in a swirl of numbers with red eyes, sore wrists and feeling abandoned.
So I guess things aren't exactly that exciting, but they're definitely not boring, and don't worry, I'll do my best to steer clear of the mundane. I'm still traveling people! Don't fret just yet. I'm just staying at this guesthouse a little longer.
I will say one thing. If you ever hear me start saying "G'day", calling bell pepper capsicum, cilantro corriander, mixing up public and private, and losing sight of the true definition of liberal, have someone kidnap me and put me on a plane to Africa with a note stating "Keep her moving" pinned to my chest.
Brisbane
(1) As an American it's Grandpa, but with Grandma it's Grandpop.
(2) Yes, I understand this includes me.
