Tales of Oz

Green Card

ozzi — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:28:00 GMT

It’s that time again for me to update my blog. It’s been a busy week this week job hunting. As a lot of jobs out here is call centre work and get abuse from customers 24/7. I decided to book up and do my Green Card with this lad Chris. It means I’m qualified to work on building sites and do laboring work. It took 6hrs, but it felt like week had gone by. It was sooooo boring. With a test at the end. As they say I passed with flying colours. Cost me like $110 but worth it in the long run as I can use it any where on the east coast and many employers don’t like hiring you if you don’t have it.

Once we passed we met up with our mates Aaron and Matt and hit the internet café where we handed out of CV’s to various Green Card employers.

Matt got called up on the Thursday and they phoned me up on the Friday. We had to go and meet them and there office was in Hornsby Heights. It’s the furthest place on the Northern Line out of Sydney. Took 50minutes by Train then an exciting trip on a bus for 20mins. The day I went it was over 30c and I didn’t have any water with me. Thought I was going to pass out at one stage on the train. So hot. Think I lost weight sitting on the train.

When I found their office I had to do another test which was all about Health and Safety. After that I gave them my bank details and other info they needed.

Its strange out here because when they need you to work they just give you a text saying where your working the next day.

My phone went off at 10:30ish this morning and me and Matt are working on the same site tomorrow planting Trees. Got to be up at 5AM tomorrow so we can be on the site for 6:50AM, But we finish at 3:30PM. I think its going to back breaking work but at least its money in. A days work will pay for my hostel for a week. So if I do 3 days work a week than I’m sorted.

Today is a sad day in the hostel as 4 members of the “gang” are leaving and heading to Byron Bay. So goodbye to Zack, Nicole, Nicole, and Jason. Going to be weird with them not about as everyone are such good friends, But we will probably meet again at Christmas or up the coast.

Jason is coming back next week though as he goes to school in Sydney. Tonight we all mucked in and made a massive Taiwan meal. Was a Pukka Dish as the Jamie Oliver would say.

Last Saturday we all went to the Gaff. Was a Halloween party. Never been to a place soo busy. Matt got voted into the best dress competition. But all he thought he had to do was stand on the stage. But he had to dance by himself for a minute. But we had all left him so I don’t think he’s going to enter another competition again.

In the past week we have met more Swedish Girls than Australians. Which isn’t a bad :P…So we have been trying to speak Swedish all this week. As you can tell they are very impressed. Made friends with these Two Swedish Girls, Nina and Frieda. I now believe that the English are the most lazy as we only speak one language but all the other nationalities speak at least 2 or 3.

Not much to report this week I’m afraid. But looking forward to work tomorrow.

Wish Me Luck…..

Austin x

Gallery: Party Time

ozzi — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:23:00 GMT

Gallery: Darling Harbour and North Sydney

ozzi — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:07:00 GMT

Surfs Up

ozzi — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:05:00 GMT

Hey people,

Sorry for taking my time to update this but here it goes. Took my first surfing lesson on last Friday. Me, Nick, and Simon all went from our hostel. Met up at the YHA down the road where this Surfer Van turned up. About 6 us were there all together. We were on the road for about 30mins then we stopped off in this little town!! Basically where only locals are welcome. Wasn’t much there apart from a coffee shop and a bottle Shop.

After about 25mins we hit the road again and arrived at this national park. The surf teacher said it’s the best place to surf in Sydney. We had this massive beach all to our selves.

Once we got our Wet Suits on, we hit the beach where we learnt the basics. Practicing on land. It randomly started hailing and raining but it didn’t matter and we were going to get wet anyway. After we learnt the 3 steps of standing up on a surf board. We hit the waves. The water was about 20c. It was warmer to stay in the water then to get out.

Our teacher was a typical surfer. Every time we fell off he’ll shout “wipe out” or give you high fives when you caught a wave. He was quite funny. We were surfing till about 5PM. A long day on the Boards. Everyone was tired after this. It took a while to stand up. Caught some good waves which was a lot of fun. But my ankle did give way and went a bit swollen again.

Once we got back to the hostel we all took it easy. Surprising how much hard work it was. Loads of paddling takes it out of you.

During the weekend we watched the Rugby and some football matches. Met up with some school mates near China Town. Also I managed to do my own laundry and dry it all as well without ruining any of my clothes. Well chuffed about that. Got to make sure my Town top is always clean as I keep bumping into Norwich Fans. Thought they were a dieing out but there seems to be loads of them out here.

Also I started a job on Tuesday but quit Tuesday Afternoon. Not sure if I like the whole work thing. But this job was shocking. They wanted me to work 12-8Pm than 9-5 at the weekends. Left England to get away from that kind of thing.

But Job hunting will resume tomorrow. The plan is now to stay in the Sydney Area till Christmas because everything getting so expensive and at everything is either fully booked or mega expensive. So about 5 of us are going to live in Sydney than get a camper van and hit the coast. It will take around 3months to do, than fly back down to Melbourne for the Grand Prix. Going to be a brilliant adventure. So were going to get part times jobs till then to pay for our rent and stuff.

On Saturday a few of us decided to go for a walk and went over to the North Side of Sydney. We walked over the Sydney Harbour Bridge which seemed to take for ever. Got a load of Snaps from the walk. Chilled out on the other side for a bit. Mostly residential area and office buildings.

I cant really remember what I’ve been up to this week, So tomorrow I’m going to buy a diary so it’s a more interesting read and get the dates write.

Today me, Aaron and Matt went to Manly today as a whale was spotted in the Harbour a few days ago but it wasn’t around today, which was disappointing. But we played football on the beach and tackled my mate Aaron. Caught his ankle and its all swelled up. Keeps limping about this evening. Keep telling him it’s a mans game. Last night we gathered in the TV room to watch England in the Rugby cup final. The ref was awful. Everyone was jumping about when we scored the Try, Bias having an Australian 3^rd ref. The commentary is funny over here because all they do is slate England in everything we do. They are not every good losers over here which we found out when we beat them in the quarter finals.

This week I we’re going to plan for a few of us to spend a few days in the Blue Mountains. There a really nice hostel out there. Takes around an hour to get there from where were staying. This week I moved in the Church, About 26 people stay in this massive room in the hostel. Only like 60pounds a week to stay.

Will update this next week! Also Updated a few pic’s for you!!

Gallery: Surfs Up

ozzi — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 19:07:00 GMT

Taking it Easy!!!!

ozzi — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:30:00 GMT

Hey People,

I’ve now been here for two weeks now and settling in well. So where do I begin. Last Saturday England were playing in against Australia in the Rugby World Cup, So we all headed off to “the Gaff” were we get free beer for an hour before the match. It was a brilliant atmosphere in the pub. Lots of banter. Typical Aussies. Thought they were going to win and the boys done us proud. Final score as you would was England 12-10 Australia. Me and Dom stayed out till about half5 in the morning downing Sconers all night. Had such a hangover the next day. Last thing I remember was doing loads of shots. But somehow only managed to spend about $5. Dont know how I managed that because we were drinking all night!

This week we have all been taking it easy. Monday was a really nice day so we headed to Darling harbour for a few drinks. The weather this week hasn’t been that hot. Been in the early 20c’s but mostly cloudy.

We’ve got these two crazy American and Canadian lads staying at our hostel. First time they have been allowed to drink as the drinking age here is only 18. You wake up for breakfast and there drinking bottles of Rum. They keep falling a sleep on the floor and in the laundry room. Talking about Laundry this weekend is going to the first time ive done all my own laundry. This is when Mums come in handy. Also out here Ive got learn how to cook more than Pasta, and Noodles. The other night was the first time I made mash potatoe. Quite proud of myself but did need some help.

This week we also met up with Kim. So was good to see her. They have now left Sydney to Coffs Harbour, but they will be returning to Sydney in time for Christmas.

Slowly getting to grips with Sydney, as in where to go and where things are. The problem is that you are always drunk walking to a pub so it’s hard to remember how to get back. Not like Felixstowe when everything is on your doorstep. So I got up one nice and early one morning with a map and walked around Sydney discovering new places and getting familar with the place.On Tuesday night Becky made us a big healthy dinner. Probably the best food I’ve had since I’ve been here. Last night we done quiz night and headed out to Sidebar. Had a live band there playing some classics like Oasis and The Killers.

Been to Hyde Park a few times this week sun bathing.(when the suns been out). It was out today. Hitting 29c today for a few hours.

Tonight I’m meeting up with some lads from School. Ashlee and Bradley. Going to Darling Harbour for a few drinks and catch up really.

Tomorrow a few of us are going Surfing tomorrow. It’s about an hour out of Sydney, Can’t remember the name of the beach but will update it tomorrow. Its about $65 for a whole day of lessons. Should be great fun. Really looking forward to it. Early start @ 9am.

This weekend were all going out to watch the England Footie and Rugby. Footie starts @ midnight here and Rugby about 4am. So it’s going to a long night, especially if we win against France. The barmy army will be out in force.

Anyways got to go. Will update date my surfing pics and other stuff I’ve done this week at the weekend.

Take it easy everyone.

Austin

Gallery: First Week in Sydney

ozzi — Thu, 4 Oct 2007 11:41:00 GMT

First Impressions

ozzi — Tue, 2 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Hey Everyone, Finally made it to Sydney. It felt like a very very very long trip!! But I was quite lucky as none of my flights were delayed. My first stop was in Dubai, Landed @ 07:15 local time and it was 27c. So I stayed inside the Airport. Dubai airport was massive. Never seen anything like it and its only half built. Had 20ft palm tress in there. Also there were rest rooms were you would go and pray and readings of the Quran.

After 5hrs of waiting round Dubai, I was then flying to Sydney. This was a 13hr flight!!Was a killer, But managed to watch about 3 films!one of which was Blades of Glory!!Legend of a film.

13hrs of flying and I was finally here. Kayleigh met me @ the airport and we headed to the hostel. Im staying in a place called Legends - Westend which is about 20mins walk away from the Opera House.

Once I checked in at legends we had some breakfast and headed to the city centre to get my stuff sorted. Oz Sim card, Food, - The basics. Where were staying its about 5mins away from China town. I think there more Asian and Koreans than Native Australians in Sydney. Millions of Noodle bars and Chinese restaurants.

Done a lot of walking on my first day, so headed back to my room for a rest as I'd been up for about 30hrs at this stage. My first night in the hostel everyone met up for a Wine and Cheese night! They call wine over here Goon. Its deadly stuff!!Within about 30mins of being out everyone was drunk around the pool table. Out of no where a punch came flying through the air and knocked this bloke out! He was out cold!! Wondered what I was letting myself in for!!Lol..Anyway once this had all finished we headed out to Scubar. Quite a small bar but it was really busy. Had some drinking competitions between the two local hostels. We headed back about midnight as Jetlag and alcohol don’t mix well.

My first all day @ Sydney me and Kayleigh went down George Street and met Dom. Went to Subway for lunch and got ready to hit the beach. We got the bus to Coogee beach. Took about 20mins where we had a BBQ and Beer on the beach. This is where I met Simon, Elaine. Everyone here seems to be really chilled out and easy to get along with. After 5ish it got quite cold so we all headed back. We all headed out in the evening to a place called the Gaff!! Free beer for an hour. So we just hanged round the bar. Australians dont really have a good taste in music. Well they didnt this night!! Felt more like a Rave than a nightclub. Some Japanese lad tripped over and managed to stumble into our table!! Luckily enough I was in the way so I managed to save the floor getting wet and my T-shirt was soaked!!lol...He bought us all a new drink to calm the situation down but I wasn’t impressed! Think we all headed in about 2am!

After recovering from the night before we headed to Bondi Beach! This place was amazing.Will load some pics up when I remember to bring my camera to internet cafe. Bondi is about 25min bus ride away. Bondi was busy as it was Bank Holiday! Think it was about 25c that day! Once we got back from Bondi we headed back to the Hostel where we got ready and watched this massive Rugby match!! There version of the FA Cup back home.

Watched a live rock band. There a Greenday Tribute band but played a lot of Blink 182 Music. Apparently there going to be on MTV sometime this week.

On my 3rd day we decided to have a Tourist day out! Went to Sydney Opera house and saw the Sydney Harbor Bridge. That day it was hitting 30c. We got the Ferry across the river to Manly Bay. This is the best part of Sydney Ive seen so far. The beach was amazing, and we all spent the whole day chilling on the beach and the bars.

On the ferry back, it was getting dark and the city Sydney Opera house was all lit up. The pics I’ve got of this are Beatiful. Once we were back in the City we went to a place called Sidebar where we had a pool competition. I lost but I blame it on the free Goon.

on my first two nights, there were 6 people in my room, Then this drunken Irish bloke moved in!!No Joke..he comes in drunk about 2am then 7am every morning and the Snoring,OMG!!Sounds like a motor bike has been parked in my room..Soo loud..I was up at half5 this morning. Also he has Tourettes in his sleep!! Its pretty scary. Everyone has moved out of my room because of him. Think he keeps dreaming he's being attacked. Gonna sleep with a knife under my pillow tonight!!

Anyways I’m now off. Heading off to do some shopping.

Take Care

Austin

Im Off

ozzi — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 05:33:00 GMT

After many years of wanting to go travelling but never had to courage to go. I’ve finally decided to hand my notice in and book myself a ticket to Australia.

I finish work on the 14th September and flying from Gatwick on Wednesday 26th September. I stop off in Dubai for a few hours for a quick break, before touching down in Sydney!

If everything works out, this should be my new home for a few months and hopefully spend Christmas and New Years there. The New Years Eve party is supposed to be amazing with massive beach parties on the harbour. But first of all my first priority will be getting a job. I dont really care what work I do out there as long as I have a few dollars rolling in. As the Great Rapper 50Cent once said "Get Rich Or Die Tryin".

Not Much I can say now until I leave, But I hope you all have a little read while I'm away on my travels.

Ozzi