Hello Finland! Ja muutkin maailman osaset. Maailman napahan on kuitenkin Suomessa ja kaikki tärkeä tapahtuu täällä, joten ensisijaisesti ”hello Finland”! ;)
Terveisiä Huvipurrentieltä, Kotkan saarelta. Tulin takaisin Suomeen viikko sitten. Asustelen vanhempien luona huhtikuun loppuun asti, jolloin saan Tapanilan asuntoni takaisin. Matkustaminen on ihanaa mutta kiva tulla kotiinkin välillä. Äitiä ja isiä on kiva nähdä, pitkästä aikaa. Kavereitakin ollut himpun ikävä (nähdään pian kun tulen Hkiin!). Ja hei, Ruispalat maistuvat ihan leivältä!!! :)
TIEDÄN, että blogini raahaa tuollaiset parisen kuukautta perässä mutta hoitelen päivitykset kuntoon jahka ehdin. Ei sillä, että olisin järkyttävän kiireinen mutta priorisoin tässä muutamia muita juttuja ensin kunnes uppoudun matkamuisteloihin ja kertomuksiin. Ja niitähän riittää... paree kirjoitella pian muistiin ennen kuin, lukion matematiikan lehtorini Torsti Pennasen sanoin, ”vaipuvat unhon yöhön”. Samaa viisasta miestä lainatakseni ”vetäydyn lähiaikoina kammiooni” ja kerron teille millainen se ihmeellinen Australian manner oikeasti oli ;)
Palailemisiin pian...
Anu
maanantai 5. huhtikuuta 2010
keskiviikko 10. helmikuuta 2010
10.2.2010 Richmond, Melbourne
Next day plans: I’m heading to Great Ocean Road on Friday and will be in Adelaide on Sunday. I will travel with French guy called Serge. Met him today, we had a chat and I noticed I could imagine to travel with him and obviously he agreed the same with me... so, we marched to travel agency on Fed Square, rented a car and will hit the road on Friday morning early. Since the car rental was 107AUD + gas we thought to find one more person to travel with us to share the costs. After checking notice board on a popular hostel on Flinders Lane and few phone calls we found a nice Canadian girl called Emma. Had a lunch all together and everything feels good. So, it’s three of us, new car, two good drivers (Serge and Emma) and a scenic route of Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide. Fantastic! It feels good to back on the road again.
I could have also taken one of these package trips but GOR - I think it’s bigger value with car share and some nice travel company to get everything out of it. Must beat bus companies and those ridiculously expensive prices they are asking for from poor backpackers.
Today I also met a very first Finnish person in Australia. His name is Kimmo and despite he is very busy with work and everything he was gracious enough to try to solve out my internet connection problem. Connection worked slowly for a while, and computer is a bit faster now but at home –it still doesn’t connect. He did a lot anyway, and I really appreciate it. I think I need to save all the documents and pics from my laptop and re-boot it again (which is a bit bigger thing to do). Will need help in that. Let’s see where I can do that. Yep, but points to Kimmo for very kind help. He is nice person, indeed.
I could have also taken one of these package trips but GOR - I think it’s bigger value with car share and some nice travel company to get everything out of it. Must beat bus companies and those ridiculously expensive prices they are asking for from poor backpackers.
Today I also met a very first Finnish person in Australia. His name is Kimmo and despite he is very busy with work and everything he was gracious enough to try to solve out my internet connection problem. Connection worked slowly for a while, and computer is a bit faster now but at home –it still doesn’t connect. He did a lot anyway, and I really appreciate it. I think I need to save all the documents and pics from my laptop and re-boot it again (which is a bit bigger thing to do). Will need help in that. Let’s see where I can do that. Yep, but points to Kimmo for very kind help. He is nice person, indeed.
9.2.2010 Richmond, Melbourne
Have I told you my internet connection doesn’t work? I have N O I D E A what sucks in this damn machine. Am a bit pissed off since organising couches, job hunting, fitness class bookings, CS events checking, everything e v e r y t h i n g e v e r y t h i n g seems to happen via internet today. *ngnh, argh* And staying in touch with friends and family of course (the most important ones). Cannot we just return to beginning of 90s when nobody knew of internet, online contacts and staying in touch 24hrs?
My dear mini-HP is in Finnish language and because of that -> my flat mates are unable to help me. The hope awoke today again since posting to Dundernews discussion group and literally begging help on my knees there guess what - got a phone call today from a Finnish guy living and working in IT in Melbourne We’ll meet tomorrow and I hope he has some fresh ideas what to try to fix the problem. I would appreciate another ideas than throwing the laptop from the balcony or using kitchen hammer to make a minced laptop pie...
It was weird to speak Finnish by the way. Haven’t met a single Finn here in Melb. After spending a while abroad you naturally change your thinking language into English. Last Finns were the ones In Deco Backpackers in Queenstown, NZ. Have met one Estonian though. Heaps of English, Irish, Scottish. Lovely girl from Iran, another one from NY and a bunch of Aussies. Who I forgot? French, Germans, Turkies. Oh yeah, some south Americans.
All are great but Aussies are especially great. Pretty laid-back, relaxed, funny. “No worries, mate!” “Noup!” But I’m always a bit worried since I was born in darkness. What a good excuse to explain my serious face. No, nobody haven’t died, this is just me, I’m not always with a big smile on my face. Love to have fun though and even though am not smiling 24hrs a day can have great time.
This country is very multicultural. If you walk in Melbourne streets you see business men, their well-dressed stylish PAs, Greeks, Italians , Chinese, backpackers all over the world ...and I think, all the nationalities. it’s very interesting street life here. I can easily spend hours in coffee shop or restaurant just watching people and wondering their life stories. Last week I noticed I went to coffee shop to write post cards. In 2,5 hrs I did 1,5 cards. Do the math – street life watching is good entertainment here. And way much cheaper than movies for example. Can get a good tan too ;)
I‘m still travelling with my red Björn Borg hand bag, as exploded as it starts to be. Had to put it in hold for a moment since every day someone was asking me if I’m Swedish and where did you get that bag? It must be a cool bag huh since everybody are talking about that. Usually I say nooo I’m not from Sweden and bought it from second hand market in Hellsinki. Which is true. Option two (random one) ; I also might say I’m from Lapland. They have no idea where Lapland is; and then I can explain and they are still a bit confused because people cannot locate Scandinavian countries, not to mention northern parts of Finland on the map... or I’m very bad at describing the location:/ Good fun though if you like free entertainment. On a worse day I just say got it in Finland, I’m not Swedish but like older men. Which is a joke, hope you got it? ;) Next time, I think, I will ask you wanna buy it? Or hey, maybe I could sell it in Facebook to someone “wannabe-Swedish”? If Stefano and Richard manage to buy Vyökatu flat I’m gonna make a big money with my red Björn Borg. Coolio!
Have also noticed that have been writing same things to blog twice ;) Yep, that’s probably what you do when you don’t have 24h connection. You just do the necessary stuff quickly and then log off. Today I checked e-mails on Virgin Active, another very quick check on Penny’s laptop on the afternoon and now – must wait until tomorrow midday and drag my bones to the city. Apple and Mac are not too bad - as soon as you get used to them.
I’m obviously starting a career in real estatements. Since 1.9. have hired Tapanila flat twice, got someone to live on Alppikatu and after Cubitt Street inspection today found a good new tenant to replace me. I love all these places; wouldn’t do it otherwise. I’m so happy that
Alppikatu went to a good friend (feels like it is not totally lost). I lived there for so many years and that place – it is special. Have to move on though. New tenants will love it, I’m sure.
In my Tapanila apartment I‘ve found great people living there. I trust them completely.
Cubitt Street – it didn’t last long but I just loved it here. Time to move on - again. Will miss these guys. Where next - am I hiring wombat hole in outback? Could consider it ;) Me a wombat family, few kangaroos, joyes and platypus diving a natural pool. Would love to have an own horse too. I would call it Hiri.
Sports news of today: did morning pump. Woke up at 5.15 am and was on Bourke street at 6.15, before the sun rise. I know, sounds a bit crazy but I just felt a bit bad after lazying around after weekend, having big bbqs, drinks and so on. Morning was good, it woke me up. Class at 6.30-7.30 am, sauna, swimming, spa – it was good. Returned back to real life. Bring it on!
My dear mini-HP is in Finnish language and because of that -> my flat mates are unable to help me. The hope awoke today again since posting to Dundernews discussion group and literally begging help on my knees there guess what - got a phone call today from a Finnish guy living and working in IT in Melbourne We’ll meet tomorrow and I hope he has some fresh ideas what to try to fix the problem. I would appreciate another ideas than throwing the laptop from the balcony or using kitchen hammer to make a minced laptop pie...
It was weird to speak Finnish by the way. Haven’t met a single Finn here in Melb. After spending a while abroad you naturally change your thinking language into English. Last Finns were the ones In Deco Backpackers in Queenstown, NZ. Have met one Estonian though. Heaps of English, Irish, Scottish. Lovely girl from Iran, another one from NY and a bunch of Aussies. Who I forgot? French, Germans, Turkies. Oh yeah, some south Americans.
All are great but Aussies are especially great. Pretty laid-back, relaxed, funny. “No worries, mate!” “Noup!” But I’m always a bit worried since I was born in darkness. What a good excuse to explain my serious face. No, nobody haven’t died, this is just me, I’m not always with a big smile on my face. Love to have fun though and even though am not smiling 24hrs a day can have great time.
This country is very multicultural. If you walk in Melbourne streets you see business men, their well-dressed stylish PAs, Greeks, Italians , Chinese, backpackers all over the world ...and I think, all the nationalities. it’s very interesting street life here. I can easily spend hours in coffee shop or restaurant just watching people and wondering their life stories. Last week I noticed I went to coffee shop to write post cards. In 2,5 hrs I did 1,5 cards. Do the math – street life watching is good entertainment here. And way much cheaper than movies for example. Can get a good tan too ;)
I‘m still travelling with my red Björn Borg hand bag, as exploded as it starts to be. Had to put it in hold for a moment since every day someone was asking me if I’m Swedish and where did you get that bag? It must be a cool bag huh since everybody are talking about that. Usually I say nooo I’m not from Sweden and bought it from second hand market in Hellsinki. Which is true. Option two (random one) ; I also might say I’m from Lapland. They have no idea where Lapland is; and then I can explain and they are still a bit confused because people cannot locate Scandinavian countries, not to mention northern parts of Finland on the map... or I’m very bad at describing the location:/ Good fun though if you like free entertainment. On a worse day I just say got it in Finland, I’m not Swedish but like older men. Which is a joke, hope you got it? ;) Next time, I think, I will ask you wanna buy it? Or hey, maybe I could sell it in Facebook to someone “wannabe-Swedish”? If Stefano and Richard manage to buy Vyökatu flat I’m gonna make a big money with my red Björn Borg. Coolio!
Have also noticed that have been writing same things to blog twice ;) Yep, that’s probably what you do when you don’t have 24h connection. You just do the necessary stuff quickly and then log off. Today I checked e-mails on Virgin Active, another very quick check on Penny’s laptop on the afternoon and now – must wait until tomorrow midday and drag my bones to the city. Apple and Mac are not too bad - as soon as you get used to them.
I’m obviously starting a career in real estatements. Since 1.9. have hired Tapanila flat twice, got someone to live on Alppikatu and after Cubitt Street inspection today found a good new tenant to replace me. I love all these places; wouldn’t do it otherwise. I’m so happy that
Alppikatu went to a good friend (feels like it is not totally lost). I lived there for so many years and that place – it is special. Have to move on though. New tenants will love it, I’m sure.
In my Tapanila apartment I‘ve found great people living there. I trust them completely.
Cubitt Street – it didn’t last long but I just loved it here. Time to move on - again. Will miss these guys. Where next - am I hiring wombat hole in outback? Could consider it ;) Me a wombat family, few kangaroos, joyes and platypus diving a natural pool. Would love to have an own horse too. I would call it Hiri.
Sports news of today: did morning pump. Woke up at 5.15 am and was on Bourke street at 6.15, before the sun rise. I know, sounds a bit crazy but I just felt a bit bad after lazying around after weekend, having big bbqs, drinks and so on. Morning was good, it woke me up. Class at 6.30-7.30 am, sauna, swimming, spa – it was good. Returned back to real life. Bring it on!
lauantai 6. helmikuuta 2010
7.2.2010 Richmond, Melbourne
My house mates are the best ones. Checked and proved. I live here with Lucy, Matt, Hanna, Alan and Penny. Irish, Scottish, English. And me, Finnish. What a mixture. Lucy and Matt are from Dorset. Dorset is great. Bournemouth ... we’ve been talking heaps of it. My “growing up” –place. Still feel pitty that Winter Gardens Hotel doesn’t exist.
We had a bbq together last night. Old bbq (grill) was quite dirty and awfully smelling but Matt and Lucy bought a brand-new huuuuge 350$ grill yesterday. We tested it last night and it passed the test with flying colours. Had few lamb steaks, mushrooms filled with blue brie, good salad, some nibbles and few pure blondes. Had also desserts, coffee-to-goes, debate that Sunrise Avenue is not a boy band, gave it a go for HIM and DJBB. Also watched cricket, thought it is crazy game (my house mate Matt plays cricket), watched few games more and debated more about Finnish bands and lyrics. Ans still didn’t understand cricket.
Suddenly it was 5 am. Tried to watch the best cricket game ever but fell asleep on the couch in the living room ...and woke up 10 am this morning my neck badly hurting and having shoes on. Auts.
It wasn’t my original plan. I missed Cam’s housewarming last night. Was really about to go there but my moving from Richmond to Brunswick ended up to be too slow since at 5am it is not that good time to enter the party. Sorry Cam It wasn’t my purpose, blame my house mates, pure blondes and lousy midnight traffic.
Today is a day off from training. Donny asked me this week how many pumps I do in a week. I told him and he said I should have more days off. He is probably right but still, if I feel just great, why can’t I have daily exercise? 4 pumps a week is ok I think. I also do swimming and climbing. This is my preparing for outback. Living on a farm is like everyday exercise, isn’t it.
Took Cam climbing this week, by the way. Didn’t know if he is experienced or not but he was like a squirrel! Went up there so quickly and wasn’t afraid or anything (well, what else I could have expect from the person who flies small plane and is going to be a real pilot one day)... He will reach the skyes .
Ai is a couchsurfer. He organises every week something free. Have been in free movies, half-free cocktails etc thanks to him. CS-profile called buddhistguy. Great dude.
Amy is from Taiwan. She loves coffee. We’ve been talking heaps of good coffee. Went to good coffee shop on Wednesday. 3.30$ for that flat white coffee wasn’t much. I think it was the best coffee I’ve ever had. Brother Baba Buden on Little Bourke street. Can really recommend that place! Always crowded and don’t wonder why.
I’m travelling with budget so haven’t been eating out that much. Fancy diners are mostly these home-cooked meals shared with others. After gym I sometimes feel like starving and cannot wait until I get home and cook something myself. Chinatown is just behind the Bourke Street and there you can have very good Japanese Ramen for less than 10$. Am already addicted to ramen. My home-cooked noodles don’t taste that good anymore. Want to go to Japan one day, definitely.
House renting is going fine – have some people to inspect the flat next week. Am gonna leave at the latest 15th Feb. Love it here but it is time to move on, really, since I don’t have a job.
We had a bbq together last night. Old bbq (grill) was quite dirty and awfully smelling but Matt and Lucy bought a brand-new huuuuge 350$ grill yesterday. We tested it last night and it passed the test with flying colours. Had few lamb steaks, mushrooms filled with blue brie, good salad, some nibbles and few pure blondes. Had also desserts, coffee-to-goes, debate that Sunrise Avenue is not a boy band, gave it a go for HIM and DJBB. Also watched cricket, thought it is crazy game (my house mate Matt plays cricket), watched few games more and debated more about Finnish bands and lyrics. Ans still didn’t understand cricket.
Suddenly it was 5 am. Tried to watch the best cricket game ever but fell asleep on the couch in the living room ...and woke up 10 am this morning my neck badly hurting and having shoes on. Auts.
It wasn’t my original plan. I missed Cam’s housewarming last night. Was really about to go there but my moving from Richmond to Brunswick ended up to be too slow since at 5am it is not that good time to enter the party. Sorry Cam It wasn’t my purpose, blame my house mates, pure blondes and lousy midnight traffic.
Today is a day off from training. Donny asked me this week how many pumps I do in a week. I told him and he said I should have more days off. He is probably right but still, if I feel just great, why can’t I have daily exercise? 4 pumps a week is ok I think. I also do swimming and climbing. This is my preparing for outback. Living on a farm is like everyday exercise, isn’t it.
Took Cam climbing this week, by the way. Didn’t know if he is experienced or not but he was like a squirrel! Went up there so quickly and wasn’t afraid or anything (well, what else I could have expect from the person who flies small plane and is going to be a real pilot one day)... He will reach the skyes .
Ai is a couchsurfer. He organises every week something free. Have been in free movies, half-free cocktails etc thanks to him. CS-profile called buddhistguy. Great dude.
Amy is from Taiwan. She loves coffee. We’ve been talking heaps of good coffee. Went to good coffee shop on Wednesday. 3.30$ for that flat white coffee wasn’t much. I think it was the best coffee I’ve ever had. Brother Baba Buden on Little Bourke street. Can really recommend that place! Always crowded and don’t wonder why.
I’m travelling with budget so haven’t been eating out that much. Fancy diners are mostly these home-cooked meals shared with others. After gym I sometimes feel like starving and cannot wait until I get home and cook something myself. Chinatown is just behind the Bourke Street and there you can have very good Japanese Ramen for less than 10$. Am already addicted to ramen. My home-cooked noodles don’t taste that good anymore. Want to go to Japan one day, definitely.
House renting is going fine – have some people to inspect the flat next week. Am gonna leave at the latest 15th Feb. Love it here but it is time to move on, really, since I don’t have a job.
4.2.2009 Richmond, Melbourne
Today is the day when travel tiredness hit me a bit. Almost 2 months in the same city and am feeling “what next?” Honeymoon with Melbourne is obviously over. This is extremely nice city but being a traveller I feel I must move on. Weird feeling I know but I just need to get back on the road again.
This morning I woke up first time at 6am, thought to get up but it has been raining the whole morning so continued my sleeping until 10am. God I don’t feel that guilty spending the whole day in the bed since it has been just raining. Was about to go Virgin Active bodypump at 5.30 pm but on the afternoon, after 3 hrs nap (yes, sleeping 10hrs last night and taking a nap) I was like nah - fitness will wait. Muscles must rest today.
I have made my castle to the corner of downstairs couch, next to back yard doors open, listening the rain and letting my mind flow. This is luxurious I know. Cannot have it every day.
I’ve spent already too much time here in Melbourne without any particular purpose. Job markets are, unfortunately, not successful for me so I have a strong feeling that have to move on and go exploring possibilities somewhere else. Have been reading a bunch of backpacking guides and will whether end up fruit picking or farm work. I’m ready for those since have training on my fitness club every day and feel like I could confront physical challenges. Bring them on!
Contract to this awesome townhouse in Richmond I’m staying at the moment is at least for 3 months so have to find somebody reliable to replace me if I want to avoid fines breaking the contract. If you know somebody who wants to live in the best ever house just one stop away from CBD, please stay in touch with me. Will advertise in Gumtree as well but that will, for sure, bring me tens of responses. 185 AUD per week includes own spacious room, all the bills, beautiful spacious house and flat mates are just too good to be true. Following is my ad I will publish in Gumtree in next days:
Luxury living in fully furnished Richmond townhouse. Room will ideally suit short-term (minimum 3 months) or long-term traveller. INSPECTION FEBRUARY 9TH at 10 am. Please note: NO COUPLES AND NO SMOKERS!
Great location:
Close to Swan St, Church St, Chapel St, Bridge Rd, and approx. 20-25 mins walk to the city centre. Close to transport - 500m from Chapel St/St Kilda trams, 500m from Punt Rd buses, 800m to Richmond train station. Walking distance to Melbourne's best pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, shopping, tourist attractions (MCG, Botanical Gardens, Rod Laver arena, etc.), and all public transport.
House:
The house is completely furnished, spacious, clean and tidy, and has heating, fans, and aircon. Beds contain all linen/blankets. House is double-storey and there are two bath rooms, powder room, washing machine, dryer. Kitchen contains all appliances and microwave and dishwasher. Two generously spaced living areas with large dining table and spacious couches, TVs, DVDs, and lots of natural light. Large private courtyard with BBQ, and Juliet balcony. There is a home phone and fast wireless internet connection.
Flat mates:
Share with friendly and professional English and Irish people. Meet other travellers while you settle into Melbourne.
Room:
Large and includes double sofa bed, desk, chair, heater, fan, full length mirror, etc. Room is located downstairs, keeps cool, has lots of light but there are no windows. It is ready to move in at the latest 14.2. but most possibly even earlier.
Rent:
185$ per week INCLUDES water, gas, electricity and Wi-Fi. Bond is 500$. Minimum contract is 3 months but also available for long term. Rent is payed one month in advance.
Contact information:
If you’re interested please contact anu_maarit(at)yahoo.com. In your e-mail please tell about yourself, when are you ready to move in and how long contract can you make. Inspection will be arranged soon for those who are interested and have sent proper information about themselves.
********This is a drug free and smoke free house.*********
So, great opportunity available for those who are flat hunting for that perfect place to stay in Melbourne. I was searching this place for loooong and can really give ten points for the house and lovely house mates. Flat mates really are superb and the house – just great.
Last days have been extremely hot. I’m using two t-shirts a day. Refreshing rain today was very much welcome. Actually it is quite cosy to stay in the corner of the couch, listen to the rain, read a book or watch news. I went to second-hand book shop few days ago and as an exchange of two of my old books got Lonely Planet Outback Australia. Have been studying that. Good stuff.
Usually my days start at 9am, having a shower, making coffee, re-packing my backbag and heading to fitness club. Internet connection on Cubitt Street has been down already a week so my online contacts happen only on Virgin Active where they have free internet in the lobby. It is a bit frustrating not to have online connection at home all but you get used that too. And it also releases time for socialising with your flat mates.
Yesterday I sent a baggage to Finland by sea mail. It included my warm clothes I had in NZ, some souvenirs, some books. 4,5 kg total, and by sea mail the cost was 54 €. It is the cheapest and slowest possible carriage. The parcel will arrive to Finland in May ;)
I’ve forgotten to tell you about about Australia Day. It was B I G here. 26th January is pretty much the same as 1st of May in Finland. A bit more sophisticated, though. People with families and friends are having picnics in the parks and atmosphere is just awesome. Great day to chill out and celebrate this very special continent. I was having a picnic in Botanical Gardens with 50 CSers, watching air craft flying over the park and bands playing music. Nice day, indeed. In my opinion Finnish Independence Day should me moved to summer time too. We could have a great picnics too (instead of freezing out watching those military parades and later, stucked in front of tvs watching party at Presidents castle).
This morning I woke up first time at 6am, thought to get up but it has been raining the whole morning so continued my sleeping until 10am. God I don’t feel that guilty spending the whole day in the bed since it has been just raining. Was about to go Virgin Active bodypump at 5.30 pm but on the afternoon, after 3 hrs nap (yes, sleeping 10hrs last night and taking a nap) I was like nah - fitness will wait. Muscles must rest today.
I have made my castle to the corner of downstairs couch, next to back yard doors open, listening the rain and letting my mind flow. This is luxurious I know. Cannot have it every day.
I’ve spent already too much time here in Melbourne without any particular purpose. Job markets are, unfortunately, not successful for me so I have a strong feeling that have to move on and go exploring possibilities somewhere else. Have been reading a bunch of backpacking guides and will whether end up fruit picking or farm work. I’m ready for those since have training on my fitness club every day and feel like I could confront physical challenges. Bring them on!
Contract to this awesome townhouse in Richmond I’m staying at the moment is at least for 3 months so have to find somebody reliable to replace me if I want to avoid fines breaking the contract. If you know somebody who wants to live in the best ever house just one stop away from CBD, please stay in touch with me. Will advertise in Gumtree as well but that will, for sure, bring me tens of responses. 185 AUD per week includes own spacious room, all the bills, beautiful spacious house and flat mates are just too good to be true. Following is my ad I will publish in Gumtree in next days:
Luxury living in fully furnished Richmond townhouse. Room will ideally suit short-term (minimum 3 months) or long-term traveller. INSPECTION FEBRUARY 9TH at 10 am. Please note: NO COUPLES AND NO SMOKERS!
Great location:
Close to Swan St, Church St, Chapel St, Bridge Rd, and approx. 20-25 mins walk to the city centre. Close to transport - 500m from Chapel St/St Kilda trams, 500m from Punt Rd buses, 800m to Richmond train station. Walking distance to Melbourne's best pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, shopping, tourist attractions (MCG, Botanical Gardens, Rod Laver arena, etc.), and all public transport.
House:
The house is completely furnished, spacious, clean and tidy, and has heating, fans, and aircon. Beds contain all linen/blankets. House is double-storey and there are two bath rooms, powder room, washing machine, dryer. Kitchen contains all appliances and microwave and dishwasher. Two generously spaced living areas with large dining table and spacious couches, TVs, DVDs, and lots of natural light. Large private courtyard with BBQ, and Juliet balcony. There is a home phone and fast wireless internet connection.
Flat mates:
Share with friendly and professional English and Irish people. Meet other travellers while you settle into Melbourne.
Room:
Large and includes double sofa bed, desk, chair, heater, fan, full length mirror, etc. Room is located downstairs, keeps cool, has lots of light but there are no windows. It is ready to move in at the latest 14.2. but most possibly even earlier.
Rent:
185$ per week INCLUDES water, gas, electricity and Wi-Fi. Bond is 500$. Minimum contract is 3 months but also available for long term. Rent is payed one month in advance.
Contact information:
If you’re interested please contact anu_maarit(at)yahoo.com. In your e-mail please tell about yourself, when are you ready to move in and how long contract can you make. Inspection will be arranged soon for those who are interested and have sent proper information about themselves.
********This is a drug free and smoke free house.*********
So, great opportunity available for those who are flat hunting for that perfect place to stay in Melbourne. I was searching this place for loooong and can really give ten points for the house and lovely house mates. Flat mates really are superb and the house – just great.
Last days have been extremely hot. I’m using two t-shirts a day. Refreshing rain today was very much welcome. Actually it is quite cosy to stay in the corner of the couch, listen to the rain, read a book or watch news. I went to second-hand book shop few days ago and as an exchange of two of my old books got Lonely Planet Outback Australia. Have been studying that. Good stuff.
Usually my days start at 9am, having a shower, making coffee, re-packing my backbag and heading to fitness club. Internet connection on Cubitt Street has been down already a week so my online contacts happen only on Virgin Active where they have free internet in the lobby. It is a bit frustrating not to have online connection at home all but you get used that too. And it also releases time for socialising with your flat mates.
Yesterday I sent a baggage to Finland by sea mail. It included my warm clothes I had in NZ, some souvenirs, some books. 4,5 kg total, and by sea mail the cost was 54 €. It is the cheapest and slowest possible carriage. The parcel will arrive to Finland in May ;)
I’ve forgotten to tell you about about Australia Day. It was B I G here. 26th January is pretty much the same as 1st of May in Finland. A bit more sophisticated, though. People with families and friends are having picnics in the parks and atmosphere is just awesome. Great day to chill out and celebrate this very special continent. I was having a picnic in Botanical Gardens with 50 CSers, watching air craft flying over the park and bands playing music. Nice day, indeed. In my opinion Finnish Independence Day should me moved to summer time too. We could have a great picnics too (instead of freezing out watching those military parades and later, stucked in front of tvs watching party at Presidents castle).
sunnuntai 31. tammikuuta 2010
30.1.2010 Richmond, Melbourne
Hi ya folks!
For a long time a blog in English. That’s my everyday language so why not to use it!
To go straight into topic; my job hunting sucks. Badly. Working as an executive assistant here in Melbourne seems quite a task to achieve. There are probably three reasons which I’ve found why I fail;
- my working holiday visa allows working only for 3 months for the same employee (majority of the executive assistant positions available are for more than 3 months) -> WHV-holders are filed directly to “trash”
- even though my English is good, it is not native (working as a executive assistant you cannot make grammar mistakes)
- my name is foreign and everybody are unsure how to pronounce it
My application and resume should be ok. They are checked through with many people. Still I don’t even make it to interviews. A bit frustrating you can imagine... I guess this is the feeling of being foreigner in the country. I promise to remember this when I get back to Helsinki and meet foreigners searching for a job. (The street artist on Federation Square proposed me on Australia Day so could have got life-time visa but for SOME reason didn’t use the chance ;)
After hitting my head to the wall with this job hunting I have been thinking about to leave Melbourne and go for a little walkabout ...where the wild things are. Melbourne- Great Ocean Road- Adelaide-Barossa Valley-South Australia Outback- Uluru-Alice Springs. It’s a long route I know but I have time until May and don’t wanna waste it by stucking here in Melbourne even though it’s a very nice city to be stucked ;)
Uluru is not my dream and I will probably be disappointed after travelling so long and finally seeing that piece of stone in the middle of nowhere but as someone has said “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey which counts.” (<- that’s my free translation from Finnish; I don’t know what is the exact expression.)
After reading a lot of material of outback I really want to go there. I want to meet the aboriginals, watch the stars in outback, have bbq and cold beer on open fire in the middle of nowhere, hear the dingos laughing and see kangaroos jumping. I also want to work on farms, hostels or go fruit-picking to get some cash and do some real physical job instead of office death. Have my resume printed out and can quite easily walk in anywhere and ask for a job (thing which you just DON’T do in Finland;) I think going back to air-con office feels just lovely after some hard work in burning heat in the middle of nowhere with lousy money ;)
I have posted to CS Melbourne and Australia Ride Share groups about my plans that am searching for travel companion to share car/van, road and the costs. Am confident to drive in outback but in the cities I’m happy to leave the wheel for more experienced left-side drivers. This far have got one response to my ad. Have to meet person first before making any decisions. Let’s see how it goes.
So, yeah... that’s my plan at the moment. Otherwise Melbourne is treating me well. My flat mates are wonderful kind thoughtful people with who it’s just a pleasure live. CS works amazingly well here in Melbourne and almost every day there are events or something happening. I have organised few happenings too, and they have been successful. Melbourne has so much to offer - city where you never get bored. I’ve been exploring museums, concerts, gigs, stand-up comedy, restaurants, coffee shops, bars.
ACMI – Australian Center of Moving Image is the second best free museum in the world (after Te Papa in Wellington). Spent nice Sunday afternoon there playing SuperMario Bros, watching the legendary “Fantasy” by Walt Disney (you remember those pink elephants dancing Tschaikovski Swan lake? I just l o v e them :), trying Matrix 360 degrees camera and all the other stuff for free. Great day. Damien, Couchsurfer who works and studies film industry, was there with me so got a good guidance (he has been on Love and Anarchy Festival too so he knows Helsinki a bit).
In ACMI they are presenting Finnish document, btw. It is a story of a Finnish family living one year without plactic. The film is called “Katastrofin aineksia”. In Wellington, NZ, there was “Black Ice” (Musta jää) in Paramount program. Finns are surprisingly well represented in film industry abroad I think. I haven’t been seeing these ones but instead, I’ve been watching tennis (!!!) every day. It’s everywhere you go. My flat mates are jus fanatic. And many other people too. Stepped into Fed Square few times and seen people going crazy.
I participated my first ever vegan dinner few weeks ago. And it was so good! It was a potluck party in North Melbourne organised by a couchsurfer. Hunting the potluck stuff in the supermarket - I noticed - it is not that easy to find vegan. Meaning no any animal products; no eggs, milk, gelatine. Finally I ended up buying vegan-gnocchis, tomatosauce and tofu. It was a good decision since the dish I prepared wasn’t too bad (thanks they had lots of fresh spices in the house).
Have been laughing my eyes out in RawComedy. This Saturday the show was in The Corner Hotel in Richmond. Open mic stand up and hilarious, indeed. I really appreciate those people on the stage. Wanna train your abdominals? This is the place. Killing stuff.
I’m back in training. Joined VirginActive in the beginning of January and am pretty much frequent user now. They have Les Mills and huge selection of other classes, pool, climbing wall, free lockers, sauna (!), spa, great gym where even me have found something for myself (hate gym, generally). Great great GREAT place which I’m happy to be a member.
Donnys bodypump-classes seem to be classic. They are always crowded and after participating, don’t anymore wonder why. He is such a great instructor who really pays attention to everybody. In the beginning I was a bit confused when he came to correct my posture but that is what he does. He is cruel in a nice way, makes it hurt but... it works! I have loaded more weights after few weeks training, feel great and am still able to walk. Good signs huh. Am also been doing climbing (good walls they have!!!), swimming and hatha yoga. On gym I’ve found this funny cycling video game which is pretty funny and effective.
Have been reading a lot. Mostly about outback. Novels, newspapers, touristic stuff, leaflets. One different view to Jewish culture was “Foreskins lament” by Shalom Auslander. I got it from my CS-host in LA. Hilarious stuff. Almost missed few times my tram stop when reading. As humiliating it is when you laugh by yourself in public transport.
Have been also killing animals. Redback spider in the living room some time ago. That vicious killer – rest in peace! Also sprayed my room In Richmond against any insects. Hope I’m not too bad person.
For a long time a blog in English. That’s my everyday language so why not to use it!
To go straight into topic; my job hunting sucks. Badly. Working as an executive assistant here in Melbourne seems quite a task to achieve. There are probably three reasons which I’ve found why I fail;
- my working holiday visa allows working only for 3 months for the same employee (majority of the executive assistant positions available are for more than 3 months) -> WHV-holders are filed directly to “trash”
- even though my English is good, it is not native (working as a executive assistant you cannot make grammar mistakes)
- my name is foreign and everybody are unsure how to pronounce it
My application and resume should be ok. They are checked through with many people. Still I don’t even make it to interviews. A bit frustrating you can imagine... I guess this is the feeling of being foreigner in the country. I promise to remember this when I get back to Helsinki and meet foreigners searching for a job. (The street artist on Federation Square proposed me on Australia Day so could have got life-time visa but for SOME reason didn’t use the chance ;)
After hitting my head to the wall with this job hunting I have been thinking about to leave Melbourne and go for a little walkabout ...where the wild things are. Melbourne- Great Ocean Road- Adelaide-Barossa Valley-South Australia Outback- Uluru-Alice Springs. It’s a long route I know but I have time until May and don’t wanna waste it by stucking here in Melbourne even though it’s a very nice city to be stucked ;)
Uluru is not my dream and I will probably be disappointed after travelling so long and finally seeing that piece of stone in the middle of nowhere but as someone has said “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey which counts.” (<- that’s my free translation from Finnish; I don’t know what is the exact expression.)
After reading a lot of material of outback I really want to go there. I want to meet the aboriginals, watch the stars in outback, have bbq and cold beer on open fire in the middle of nowhere, hear the dingos laughing and see kangaroos jumping. I also want to work on farms, hostels or go fruit-picking to get some cash and do some real physical job instead of office death. Have my resume printed out and can quite easily walk in anywhere and ask for a job (thing which you just DON’T do in Finland;) I think going back to air-con office feels just lovely after some hard work in burning heat in the middle of nowhere with lousy money ;)
I have posted to CS Melbourne and Australia Ride Share groups about my plans that am searching for travel companion to share car/van, road and the costs. Am confident to drive in outback but in the cities I’m happy to leave the wheel for more experienced left-side drivers. This far have got one response to my ad. Have to meet person first before making any decisions. Let’s see how it goes.
So, yeah... that’s my plan at the moment. Otherwise Melbourne is treating me well. My flat mates are wonderful kind thoughtful people with who it’s just a pleasure live. CS works amazingly well here in Melbourne and almost every day there are events or something happening. I have organised few happenings too, and they have been successful. Melbourne has so much to offer - city where you never get bored. I’ve been exploring museums, concerts, gigs, stand-up comedy, restaurants, coffee shops, bars.
ACMI – Australian Center of Moving Image is the second best free museum in the world (after Te Papa in Wellington). Spent nice Sunday afternoon there playing SuperMario Bros, watching the legendary “Fantasy” by Walt Disney (you remember those pink elephants dancing Tschaikovski Swan lake? I just l o v e them :), trying Matrix 360 degrees camera and all the other stuff for free. Great day. Damien, Couchsurfer who works and studies film industry, was there with me so got a good guidance (he has been on Love and Anarchy Festival too so he knows Helsinki a bit).
In ACMI they are presenting Finnish document, btw. It is a story of a Finnish family living one year without plactic. The film is called “Katastrofin aineksia”. In Wellington, NZ, there was “Black Ice” (Musta jää) in Paramount program. Finns are surprisingly well represented in film industry abroad I think. I haven’t been seeing these ones but instead, I’ve been watching tennis (!!!) every day. It’s everywhere you go. My flat mates are jus fanatic. And many other people too. Stepped into Fed Square few times and seen people going crazy.
I participated my first ever vegan dinner few weeks ago. And it was so good! It was a potluck party in North Melbourne organised by a couchsurfer. Hunting the potluck stuff in the supermarket - I noticed - it is not that easy to find vegan. Meaning no any animal products; no eggs, milk, gelatine. Finally I ended up buying vegan-gnocchis, tomatosauce and tofu. It was a good decision since the dish I prepared wasn’t too bad (thanks they had lots of fresh spices in the house).
Have been laughing my eyes out in RawComedy. This Saturday the show was in The Corner Hotel in Richmond. Open mic stand up and hilarious, indeed. I really appreciate those people on the stage. Wanna train your abdominals? This is the place. Killing stuff.
I’m back in training. Joined VirginActive in the beginning of January and am pretty much frequent user now. They have Les Mills and huge selection of other classes, pool, climbing wall, free lockers, sauna (!), spa, great gym where even me have found something for myself (hate gym, generally). Great great GREAT place which I’m happy to be a member.
Donnys bodypump-classes seem to be classic. They are always crowded and after participating, don’t anymore wonder why. He is such a great instructor who really pays attention to everybody. In the beginning I was a bit confused when he came to correct my posture but that is what he does. He is cruel in a nice way, makes it hurt but... it works! I have loaded more weights after few weeks training, feel great and am still able to walk. Good signs huh. Am also been doing climbing (good walls they have!!!), swimming and hatha yoga. On gym I’ve found this funny cycling video game which is pretty funny and effective.
Have been reading a lot. Mostly about outback. Novels, newspapers, touristic stuff, leaflets. One different view to Jewish culture was “Foreskins lament” by Shalom Auslander. I got it from my CS-host in LA. Hilarious stuff. Almost missed few times my tram stop when reading. As humiliating it is when you laugh by yourself in public transport.
Have been also killing animals. Redback spider in the living room some time ago. That vicious killer – rest in peace! Also sprayed my room In Richmond against any insects. Hope I’m not too bad person.
maanantai 18. tammikuuta 2010
17.11.2010 Melbourne, Australia
G’day! Myönnän, että olen ollut säälittävän huono blogin ylläpidossa mutta antakaa anteeksi. Aikani on kulunut oikeassa elämässä mikä on omasta mielestäni tosi hyvä mutta kun kaverit ja perhe alkavat kysellä onko siellä kaikki ok, tuntuu kovin syylliseltä kun en ole pitänyt yhteyttä vähään aikaan. Täällä on kuitenkin kaikki oikein ok. ”No worries mates”.
Australian Open tennisturnaus alkoi tänä aamuna kaatosateessa ja ukkosessa. Koko viime yön salamoi pitkän kuuman +30C - +40C jakson jälkeen. Jyrähdykset olivat ihan kunnollisia sillä itsekin hätkähdin muutaman kerran. Tennis on täällä iso juttu. Spelit spelaillaan tuossa 10 minuutin kävelymatkan päässä http://www.australianopen.com Finaalit on tammikuun lopussa, joten tätä pallonlätkintää riittää peräti 14 päivän ajan ;) En ole itse elämäni aikana katsonut yhden ainummaista tennispeliä mutta nyt mitä todennäköisimmin sekin aika koittaa.
Urheilullisesti olen aktivoitunut muutenkin kuin penkkiurheilijana. Liityin pari viikkoa sitten Virgin Activeen. http://www.virginactive.com.au Motivus tuntui hyvälle, Elixia oli kiva (mutta järkky kallis). Kotkan LadyLine oli erinomainen mutta mitäköhän VA:sta voisi sanoa… paras missä olen ikinä ollut! Maksan jäsenyydestä 100 AUD kuussa ja se sisältää KAIKEN. Kaikki tarkoittaa kaikkia ohjattuja tunteja (sisältäen Les Millsin ja huikean variaation kaikkea muuta), kuntosalin, 25metrin uima-altaan, spa-osaston, saunan (!), nap zonen, kiipeilyseinän (!), ilmaisen netin aulakahvilassa jne. Dream place. Kirjoitan tästä lisää myöhemmin, sillä paikka on kyllä sellainen mitä Helsinkiin kaivattaisiin.
Ja mitä nyt ehkä päällimmäisenä, niin olen muuttanut, jälleen kerran ;) McKinnon oli ok mutta sijaintina minulle siltikin hieman kaukainen. Paikka oli luxus mutta kun se oli puolisen tuntia keskustasta niin pitkähkö välimatka hieman rajoitti sosiaalista elämää. Hyvästelin Anthonyn, Marian ja Jack-koiran tiistaina ja muutin Richmondiin.
Uusi osoite on 9/133 Cubitt Street, Cremorne, VIC 3121, Melbourne, Australia. Talo on yhden pysäkin päässä keskustasta ja todella kiva. Kämppikset ja fasiliteetit ovat loistavat; viihdyn oikein mainiosti. Lucy ja Matt ovat Irlannista, Hanna ja Alan Englannista, Penny Skotlannista. Vuokra on kohtuullinen taloon ja sijaintiin nähden. Richmond on alueena viihtyisä http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_Victoria, ja mikä tärkeää, pysäkin päässä keskustasta.
Olen käynyt aika ahkerasti CS-meeteissä. Organisoin itse yhden perjantaina; ”pink picnic in Fitzroy Gardens”, joka keräsi 15 henkeä paikalle. Onnistui aika hyvin vaikka dress code olikin pinkki ;) Pelattiin puistofutista, heitettiin frisbeetä ja läiskittiin Unoa. Good times, indeed.
Lauantaina olin ranskalaisen Pierren isännöimällä dinnerillä hänen talossaan Fitzroyssa. Heppu kokkasi kolmen ruokalajin pöytään tarjoillun illallisen vajaalle 20:lle hengelle, joka oli kyllä aika loistava suoritus. Mainio dinner ja mukava ilta.
Mitäs muuta olen tehnyt...
Yhden päivän hengailin NZ-matkaseuralaiseni Matthewn kanssa. Oltiin Fitzroyssa Rose Street Artist Marketsilla http://www.rosestmarket.com.au/, jossa oli kaikkia ihania uniikkeja kojuja laatukäsitöitä aina koruista ja ja vaatteista käyttö- ja koriste-esineisiin.
Markkinoiden jälkeen käveltiin Fitztroyssa ja käytiin katsomassa open-mic stand-upia, joka oli kyllä loistava! http://comedyfestival.com.au/raw/ Hyvä vatsalihastreeni ja jos haluaa ripsivärit poskille; niin tästä lähtee. Paikalliset Andre Wickströmit puikoissa, ja ei huonoja ollenkaan!
Työnhaku on aktiivisesti käynnissä ja please pitäkää mulle peukkuja, että jotain löytyy. Menisin mielelläni töihin jos sopiva paikka vain löytyisi. Olen pommittanut hakemuksilla ja toivontoivonTOIVON, että joku yhteydenotoistani tuottaa haastattelukutsun. Tällä hetkellä priorisoin energiani siis työhakuun, joten päivittelen blogia mahdollisuuksien mukaan.
(FYI: latailin eilen Australian kuvia Picasaan.)
Australian Open tennisturnaus alkoi tänä aamuna kaatosateessa ja ukkosessa. Koko viime yön salamoi pitkän kuuman +30C - +40C jakson jälkeen. Jyrähdykset olivat ihan kunnollisia sillä itsekin hätkähdin muutaman kerran. Tennis on täällä iso juttu. Spelit spelaillaan tuossa 10 minuutin kävelymatkan päässä http://www.australianopen.com Finaalit on tammikuun lopussa, joten tätä pallonlätkintää riittää peräti 14 päivän ajan ;) En ole itse elämäni aikana katsonut yhden ainummaista tennispeliä mutta nyt mitä todennäköisimmin sekin aika koittaa.
Urheilullisesti olen aktivoitunut muutenkin kuin penkkiurheilijana. Liityin pari viikkoa sitten Virgin Activeen. http://www.virginactive.com.au Motivus tuntui hyvälle, Elixia oli kiva (mutta järkky kallis). Kotkan LadyLine oli erinomainen mutta mitäköhän VA:sta voisi sanoa… paras missä olen ikinä ollut! Maksan jäsenyydestä 100 AUD kuussa ja se sisältää KAIKEN. Kaikki tarkoittaa kaikkia ohjattuja tunteja (sisältäen Les Millsin ja huikean variaation kaikkea muuta), kuntosalin, 25metrin uima-altaan, spa-osaston, saunan (!), nap zonen, kiipeilyseinän (!), ilmaisen netin aulakahvilassa jne. Dream place. Kirjoitan tästä lisää myöhemmin, sillä paikka on kyllä sellainen mitä Helsinkiin kaivattaisiin.
Ja mitä nyt ehkä päällimmäisenä, niin olen muuttanut, jälleen kerran ;) McKinnon oli ok mutta sijaintina minulle siltikin hieman kaukainen. Paikka oli luxus mutta kun se oli puolisen tuntia keskustasta niin pitkähkö välimatka hieman rajoitti sosiaalista elämää. Hyvästelin Anthonyn, Marian ja Jack-koiran tiistaina ja muutin Richmondiin.
Uusi osoite on 9/133 Cubitt Street, Cremorne, VIC 3121, Melbourne, Australia. Talo on yhden pysäkin päässä keskustasta ja todella kiva. Kämppikset ja fasiliteetit ovat loistavat; viihdyn oikein mainiosti. Lucy ja Matt ovat Irlannista, Hanna ja Alan Englannista, Penny Skotlannista. Vuokra on kohtuullinen taloon ja sijaintiin nähden. Richmond on alueena viihtyisä http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_Victoria, ja mikä tärkeää, pysäkin päässä keskustasta.
Olen käynyt aika ahkerasti CS-meeteissä. Organisoin itse yhden perjantaina; ”pink picnic in Fitzroy Gardens”, joka keräsi 15 henkeä paikalle. Onnistui aika hyvin vaikka dress code olikin pinkki ;) Pelattiin puistofutista, heitettiin frisbeetä ja läiskittiin Unoa. Good times, indeed.
Lauantaina olin ranskalaisen Pierren isännöimällä dinnerillä hänen talossaan Fitzroyssa. Heppu kokkasi kolmen ruokalajin pöytään tarjoillun illallisen vajaalle 20:lle hengelle, joka oli kyllä aika loistava suoritus. Mainio dinner ja mukava ilta.
Mitäs muuta olen tehnyt...
Yhden päivän hengailin NZ-matkaseuralaiseni Matthewn kanssa. Oltiin Fitzroyssa Rose Street Artist Marketsilla http://www.rosestmarket.com.au/, jossa oli kaikkia ihania uniikkeja kojuja laatukäsitöitä aina koruista ja ja vaatteista käyttö- ja koriste-esineisiin.
Markkinoiden jälkeen käveltiin Fitztroyssa ja käytiin katsomassa open-mic stand-upia, joka oli kyllä loistava! http://comedyfestival.com.au/raw/ Hyvä vatsalihastreeni ja jos haluaa ripsivärit poskille; niin tästä lähtee. Paikalliset Andre Wickströmit puikoissa, ja ei huonoja ollenkaan!
Työnhaku on aktiivisesti käynnissä ja please pitäkää mulle peukkuja, että jotain löytyy. Menisin mielelläni töihin jos sopiva paikka vain löytyisi. Olen pommittanut hakemuksilla ja toivontoivonTOIVON, että joku yhteydenotoistani tuottaa haastattelukutsun. Tällä hetkellä priorisoin energiani siis työhakuun, joten päivittelen blogia mahdollisuuksien mukaan.
(FYI: latailin eilen Australian kuvia Picasaan.)
perjantai 1. tammikuuta 2010
2.1.2010 Melbourne
Ja seuraava epämuodikas ranskalaisten viivojen kokoelmani voisikin sitten olla, että mitä EN ole tehnyt. ..tuo rauhallisessa mielentilassa aika ajoin kummitteleva ”to do” –lista, aaargh!
Ensi viikolla:
- Working Holiday Visa- tarran hakeminen passiin Immigration Officesta
- Medicare-kortin hakeminen (just in case)
- kunnollinen tutustuminen Melbournen työmarkkinatilanteeseen
- cv:n ja hakemuksen lopullinen hiominen. Olen väsännyt tätä jo monta päivää mutta en vaan saa CV.täni kuulostamaan hyvältä! Apuja on, no worries, mutta ei se siltikään skulaa omissa korvissa siltä miltä haluaisin. Nghhh! Ehkä saaan rukattua sen seuraavina päivinä sellaiseen formulaan, joka tyydyttäsi itseä ja työnantajia.
- mahdollisesti täyspäiväisen, ammattialaani kuuluvan työpaikan hakeminen (-> ja toivon mukaan haastatteluihin pääseminen ja sopimuksen allekirjoittaminen, yesyesyes please!)
- mahdollisesti halvemman ja lähempää kaupunkia olevan asuinpaikan löytäminen (McKinnon on ok, mutta voisin hyvin asua myös jossain lähempänä keskustaa ja//tai/rantaa)
- kuntosalijäsenyys paikkaan, jolla on Les Mills
- juoksukenkien kunnollinen aktivointi (= jokaaamuinen lenkki tms). Olen testannut tossuja kaksi kertaa. Toisella kertaa oli niin kuuma, että vajaa 30 min lenkki vastasi koko illan saunomista. Toisella kerralla olin Jackin kanssa, joka pysähtyi 100 metrin välein haistelemaan jotain ja juoksu oli lähinnä spurtti, seinäpysähdys jonkun mielenkiintoisen puun vierelle, puhelu koiralle, koiran ”aktivointi”, spurtti ja sama alusta.
- työvaatteiden hankkiminen. Jack WolfSkin ei sisällä office-kostyymia, joten pieni pakko investoida johonkin office-kelpoiseen asusteeseen vaikka ajatus itsessään ei erityisesti houkuta
- kuvien päivittäminen Picasaan
Lisäksi on sata muuta asiaa mitä pitäisi tehdä, mutta ne nyt ovat tyyliin ”osta hammastahnaa”, ”selvitä mistä kandee hankkia piilolinssejä” yms varsin epäkiinnostavia asioita, joiden raportointi ei tee kenenkään päivää paremmaksi, joten… palailen asiaan myöhemmin. Ja koitan saada sillä välin jotain aikaiseksi.
Ensi viikolla:
- Working Holiday Visa- tarran hakeminen passiin Immigration Officesta
- Medicare-kortin hakeminen (just in case)
- kunnollinen tutustuminen Melbournen työmarkkinatilanteeseen
- cv:n ja hakemuksen lopullinen hiominen. Olen väsännyt tätä jo monta päivää mutta en vaan saa CV.täni kuulostamaan hyvältä! Apuja on, no worries, mutta ei se siltikään skulaa omissa korvissa siltä miltä haluaisin. Nghhh! Ehkä saaan rukattua sen seuraavina päivinä sellaiseen formulaan, joka tyydyttäsi itseä ja työnantajia.
- mahdollisesti täyspäiväisen, ammattialaani kuuluvan työpaikan hakeminen (-> ja toivon mukaan haastatteluihin pääseminen ja sopimuksen allekirjoittaminen, yesyesyes please!)
- mahdollisesti halvemman ja lähempää kaupunkia olevan asuinpaikan löytäminen (McKinnon on ok, mutta voisin hyvin asua myös jossain lähempänä keskustaa ja//tai/rantaa)
- kuntosalijäsenyys paikkaan, jolla on Les Mills
- juoksukenkien kunnollinen aktivointi (= jokaaamuinen lenkki tms). Olen testannut tossuja kaksi kertaa. Toisella kertaa oli niin kuuma, että vajaa 30 min lenkki vastasi koko illan saunomista. Toisella kerralla olin Jackin kanssa, joka pysähtyi 100 metrin välein haistelemaan jotain ja juoksu oli lähinnä spurtti, seinäpysähdys jonkun mielenkiintoisen puun vierelle, puhelu koiralle, koiran ”aktivointi”, spurtti ja sama alusta.
- työvaatteiden hankkiminen. Jack WolfSkin ei sisällä office-kostyymia, joten pieni pakko investoida johonkin office-kelpoiseen asusteeseen vaikka ajatus itsessään ei erityisesti houkuta
- kuvien päivittäminen Picasaan
Lisäksi on sata muuta asiaa mitä pitäisi tehdä, mutta ne nyt ovat tyyliin ”osta hammastahnaa”, ”selvitä mistä kandee hankkia piilolinssejä” yms varsin epäkiinnostavia asioita, joiden raportointi ei tee kenenkään päivää paremmaksi, joten… palailen asiaan myöhemmin. Ja koitan saada sillä välin jotain aikaiseksi.
1.1.2010, Melbourne
Hyvää Uutta Vuotta 2010 Australiasta! Raketit on paukuteltu ja maljat nostettu Uudelle Vuodelle 2010. Mahtavaa!
Palailin juuri Geelongista. Geelong on 150 000 asukkaan merenrantakaupunki 75km Melbournesta etelään ja myöskin Cameronin kotipaikka. Oltiin Cameronin lapsuudenystävän Gavinin ja Laran vieraina uuden vuoden juhlissa. Gavin on JetStarin lentäjä ja tyttöystävä Lara kirjanpitäjä. Heillä on iso ISO kaunis talo Geelongin lähiössä, suloiset kaksi puudelia, trooppisia kaloja ja autotalli, jossa Gavin rakentelee autoja ja huoltaa venettään silloin, kun töiltään ehtii. Unelmatalo, todella kaunis. Ja mukava pariskunta. Olin onnekas, että sain olla heidän vieraina.
Uuden vuoden seurassa oli myös romanialainen hammaslääkäripariskunta Aleksandra ja Ili, jotka ovat asustelleet Australiassa vajaa puoli vuotta. Todella mukavia ihmisiä he myöskin. Uudenvuoden aaton sää oli päivällä kuuma +40C mutta muuttui illalla kahdeksan maissa ukkoseksi. Myrsky pyyhkäisi Geelongin yli iltakahdeksan ja -kymmenen välillä mutta jatkoi onneksi matkaansa kohti Melbournea, jonne se saapui puoliltaöin. Geelong oli siis nappivalinta vuosikymmenenvaihteen vietolle ja ilotulituksille.
Grillailtiin alkuillasta ja kymmenen maissa ajeltiin Gavinin hulppealla veneellä Geelongin lahdelle, josta seurailtiin Eskimo Joen konserttia ja katsottiin Geelongin kaupungin tarjoama varsin kilpailukelpoinen ilotulitus. Mukava merentuoksuinen ilta täynnä valoja, hyvää ruokaa ja juomaa, mukavia down-to-earth-ihmisiä ja kauniita maisemia.
Tänään heräiltiin suht aikaisin. Näin uutiset heti suihkusta tultuani. Pyyhe ympärillä ja lievästi pöllämystyneenä katsoin lähetystä Sellon tapahtumista ja Espoon poliisin kommentit asiaan liittyen. Perään tuli vielä informatiivinen kooste muista Suomen skitsoiluista; Myyrmanni, kouluampumiset jne. Olen pahoillani :( Ei mikään kiva alku Suomen uudelle vuodelle. Toivottavasti jakselette ok siellä, kaikesta tapahtuneesta huolimatta.
Niin järkyttävää kuin Suomen uutiset olivat, en antanut Sellon tapahtumien pilata päivääni. Ajeltiin sightseeing-kierros Geelongissa ja Queenscliffissä, käveltiin rannalla, lounastettiin Barwon Headsissa ja ajeltiin iltapäivällä takaisin Melbourneen. Tänään on harmaata ja pilvistä ja ukkonen paukkuu jossain lähellä itä-Brightonia. Ihan kunnon salamavaloräiskintä ja jyrähdykset; luonnon show parhaimmillaan.
Viime päivien neljänkympin helteet ovat vaatineet totuttelua meikäläisen skandinaavi-hipiälle. Suojakertoimeni ovat viidessäkympissä ja nahka ei ole vielä kärähtänyt kertaakaan, joten kai sitä on sitten osannut jotain tehdä oikein ;) Viikonlopun sää ei ole ennusteiden mukaan kummoinen, reilua kahtakymppiä mutta ensi viikolla räjäytellään taas elohopeoita *wu-huu*
Kolme viikkoa Melbournessa ja olen… hmmm…
- ihmetellyt Australian ja muun maailman eläimiä Melbourne Zoossa iranilaisen sohvasurffaritytön Haneetan kanssa
- pelannut sohvasurffareiden kanssa futista ja piknikannut St. Kildan Botanical Gardensissa
- osallistunut Section8:n CS-meettiin
- lentänyt pienkoneella Port Philip Bayn ympäri (Cameronilla on lentolupakirja!)
- viettänyt Anthonyn synttäreitä Sandringhamin rannalla ja 360 Towerissa
- patikoinut Point Nepean kansallispuistossa ja katsellut PortSean lomakaupunkia
- eksynyt Chadstonessa, Australian suurimmassa ostoskeskuksessa
- katsonut Avattaren HighPointin Imaxissa 3D:na (ei pöllömpi filmi sci-fi:ksi!)
- kruisaillut ympäri Melbournea niin ratikalla, metrolla, Cameronin jättisuurella Fordilla kuin Anthonyn miniSmartilla
- katsonut The Crownin joulushown
- kuunnellut espanjalaista bändiä ja syönyt tapaksia De Los Santosissa
- melonut Yarra-joella, jahdannut ankkoja ja lounastanut historiallisessa BoatHousessa
- illallistanut Pelicans Landing -nimisessä ihanassa ravintolassa Wiilliamstownissa kerrassaan loistavia mereneläviä
- ostanut neljä paria ökyhalpoja kenkiä Southern Crossin outleteistä (maailman parhaat juoksutossut, mustat ballerinat, siniset nauhatennarit ja valkoiset keinonahkakaupunkitennarit)
- viettänyt omia 30v-synttäreitä Brunswickissa ilman minkäänlaista kolmenkympin kriisiä (joka, kuitenkin, ja arvaten, iskee re-play:na hetkellä, jota en osaa edes unissani aavistaa! No mutta siitä vaan; bring it on! Kaikki otetaan vastaan mitä eteen tulee. Siperia opettaa, vai mitenkä se oli…?)
- hankkinut MetLinkin kuukausikortin (about = HKL:n kuukausilippu)
- nähnyt Melbournen Albert Parkin Formula1 -radan
- harrastanut flat-huntingia GumTreessa ja vuokrannut kämpän
- luullut Anthonyn keittiössä olevaa UltraSonic Cleaneria kananmunankeittimeksi ja yrittänyt keittää kananmunia siinä, arvatenkin huonolla menestyksellä (otteita päiväkirjasta ”Blondi tuli taloon”)
- tehnyt ruokaostoksia Colesissa ja maksanut ostokseni itsepalvelupäätteellä (vrs. kirjaston itsepalvelupäätteet Suomessa)
- koristellut joulukuusen ja ripustanut jouluvalot
- lenkittänyt Jack-koiraa ja ruokkinut Ella-kissaa
- nähnyt korniakin kornimman lasvegasmaisen ”Christmas lights”-kadun, jonka kaikki asuintalot on koristeltu yliampuvilla määrillä jouluvaloja ja –hahmoja
- valistanut ihmisiä, että joulupukki tulee oikeasti Suomesta, Korvatunturilta!
- aiheuttanut sekavaa hämmennystä koskien keskusteluja liittyen joulupukin asuinpaikkaan
- käyttänyt eka kertaa Skypeä (joo, okei, tiedän, kaikki muut ovat varmaan tähän mennessä skypettäneet jo iät ja ajat mutta parempi myöhään kuin ei milloinkaan, right?)
- kierrellyt Melbournen keskustan viehättävillä pikkukujilla ja siemaillut kahvia ihanissa kahviloissa
- nähnyt minipingviinejä St Kildan aallonmurtajalla
- huumaantunut merenkohinasta, hienosta hiekasta ja suolantuoksuisesta ilmasta
- tavannut ihmisiä, jotka jäävät elinikäisiksi ystäviksi
- ihmetellyt mihin aika katoaa, kun päivät ja viikot menevät niin nopeaan, että välillä tekisi mieli painaa jarrua tai pause-nappulaa ja jäädä juuri tähän hetkeen
… ja paljon muutakin mutta koska en ala yksityiselämääni sen enempää blogissa availemaan, niin jääköön loput parhaimpien ystävien kanssa jaettavaksi. Ranskalaiset viivat ovat, tiedän, ruotimatonta journalistiikkaa pahimmillaan ja kaukana siitä mitä oikeasti haluaisin tänne nakuttaa..En ole erityisen ylpeä tästä jotenkin kovin viimeistelemättömältä näyttävästä tiivistelmästä viime viikoista mutta koska aika ON rajallinen ja haluan säästää sitä muuhunkin kuin koneen ääressä istumiseen, niin tämä saanee kelvata blogikirjoitukseksi tänään 1.1.2010.
Rimaa hipoen ja Onnellista Uutta Vuotta 2010 itse kullekin toivotellen, Anu
Palailin juuri Geelongista. Geelong on 150 000 asukkaan merenrantakaupunki 75km Melbournesta etelään ja myöskin Cameronin kotipaikka. Oltiin Cameronin lapsuudenystävän Gavinin ja Laran vieraina uuden vuoden juhlissa. Gavin on JetStarin lentäjä ja tyttöystävä Lara kirjanpitäjä. Heillä on iso ISO kaunis talo Geelongin lähiössä, suloiset kaksi puudelia, trooppisia kaloja ja autotalli, jossa Gavin rakentelee autoja ja huoltaa venettään silloin, kun töiltään ehtii. Unelmatalo, todella kaunis. Ja mukava pariskunta. Olin onnekas, että sain olla heidän vieraina.
Uuden vuoden seurassa oli myös romanialainen hammaslääkäripariskunta Aleksandra ja Ili, jotka ovat asustelleet Australiassa vajaa puoli vuotta. Todella mukavia ihmisiä he myöskin. Uudenvuoden aaton sää oli päivällä kuuma +40C mutta muuttui illalla kahdeksan maissa ukkoseksi. Myrsky pyyhkäisi Geelongin yli iltakahdeksan ja -kymmenen välillä mutta jatkoi onneksi matkaansa kohti Melbournea, jonne se saapui puoliltaöin. Geelong oli siis nappivalinta vuosikymmenenvaihteen vietolle ja ilotulituksille.
Grillailtiin alkuillasta ja kymmenen maissa ajeltiin Gavinin hulppealla veneellä Geelongin lahdelle, josta seurailtiin Eskimo Joen konserttia ja katsottiin Geelongin kaupungin tarjoama varsin kilpailukelpoinen ilotulitus. Mukava merentuoksuinen ilta täynnä valoja, hyvää ruokaa ja juomaa, mukavia down-to-earth-ihmisiä ja kauniita maisemia.
Tänään heräiltiin suht aikaisin. Näin uutiset heti suihkusta tultuani. Pyyhe ympärillä ja lievästi pöllämystyneenä katsoin lähetystä Sellon tapahtumista ja Espoon poliisin kommentit asiaan liittyen. Perään tuli vielä informatiivinen kooste muista Suomen skitsoiluista; Myyrmanni, kouluampumiset jne. Olen pahoillani :( Ei mikään kiva alku Suomen uudelle vuodelle. Toivottavasti jakselette ok siellä, kaikesta tapahtuneesta huolimatta.
Niin järkyttävää kuin Suomen uutiset olivat, en antanut Sellon tapahtumien pilata päivääni. Ajeltiin sightseeing-kierros Geelongissa ja Queenscliffissä, käveltiin rannalla, lounastettiin Barwon Headsissa ja ajeltiin iltapäivällä takaisin Melbourneen. Tänään on harmaata ja pilvistä ja ukkonen paukkuu jossain lähellä itä-Brightonia. Ihan kunnon salamavaloräiskintä ja jyrähdykset; luonnon show parhaimmillaan.
Viime päivien neljänkympin helteet ovat vaatineet totuttelua meikäläisen skandinaavi-hipiälle. Suojakertoimeni ovat viidessäkympissä ja nahka ei ole vielä kärähtänyt kertaakaan, joten kai sitä on sitten osannut jotain tehdä oikein ;) Viikonlopun sää ei ole ennusteiden mukaan kummoinen, reilua kahtakymppiä mutta ensi viikolla räjäytellään taas elohopeoita *wu-huu*
Kolme viikkoa Melbournessa ja olen… hmmm…
- ihmetellyt Australian ja muun maailman eläimiä Melbourne Zoossa iranilaisen sohvasurffaritytön Haneetan kanssa
- pelannut sohvasurffareiden kanssa futista ja piknikannut St. Kildan Botanical Gardensissa
- osallistunut Section8:n CS-meettiin
- lentänyt pienkoneella Port Philip Bayn ympäri (Cameronilla on lentolupakirja!)
- viettänyt Anthonyn synttäreitä Sandringhamin rannalla ja 360 Towerissa
- patikoinut Point Nepean kansallispuistossa ja katsellut PortSean lomakaupunkia
- eksynyt Chadstonessa, Australian suurimmassa ostoskeskuksessa
- katsonut Avattaren HighPointin Imaxissa 3D:na (ei pöllömpi filmi sci-fi:ksi!)
- kruisaillut ympäri Melbournea niin ratikalla, metrolla, Cameronin jättisuurella Fordilla kuin Anthonyn miniSmartilla
- katsonut The Crownin joulushown
- kuunnellut espanjalaista bändiä ja syönyt tapaksia De Los Santosissa
- melonut Yarra-joella, jahdannut ankkoja ja lounastanut historiallisessa BoatHousessa
- illallistanut Pelicans Landing -nimisessä ihanassa ravintolassa Wiilliamstownissa kerrassaan loistavia mereneläviä
- ostanut neljä paria ökyhalpoja kenkiä Southern Crossin outleteistä (maailman parhaat juoksutossut, mustat ballerinat, siniset nauhatennarit ja valkoiset keinonahkakaupunkitennarit)
- viettänyt omia 30v-synttäreitä Brunswickissa ilman minkäänlaista kolmenkympin kriisiä (joka, kuitenkin, ja arvaten, iskee re-play:na hetkellä, jota en osaa edes unissani aavistaa! No mutta siitä vaan; bring it on! Kaikki otetaan vastaan mitä eteen tulee. Siperia opettaa, vai mitenkä se oli…?)
- hankkinut MetLinkin kuukausikortin (about = HKL:n kuukausilippu)
- nähnyt Melbournen Albert Parkin Formula1 -radan
- harrastanut flat-huntingia GumTreessa ja vuokrannut kämpän
- luullut Anthonyn keittiössä olevaa UltraSonic Cleaneria kananmunankeittimeksi ja yrittänyt keittää kananmunia siinä, arvatenkin huonolla menestyksellä (otteita päiväkirjasta ”Blondi tuli taloon”)
- tehnyt ruokaostoksia Colesissa ja maksanut ostokseni itsepalvelupäätteellä (vrs. kirjaston itsepalvelupäätteet Suomessa)
- koristellut joulukuusen ja ripustanut jouluvalot
- lenkittänyt Jack-koiraa ja ruokkinut Ella-kissaa
- nähnyt korniakin kornimman lasvegasmaisen ”Christmas lights”-kadun, jonka kaikki asuintalot on koristeltu yliampuvilla määrillä jouluvaloja ja –hahmoja
- valistanut ihmisiä, että joulupukki tulee oikeasti Suomesta, Korvatunturilta!
- aiheuttanut sekavaa hämmennystä koskien keskusteluja liittyen joulupukin asuinpaikkaan
- käyttänyt eka kertaa Skypeä (joo, okei, tiedän, kaikki muut ovat varmaan tähän mennessä skypettäneet jo iät ja ajat mutta parempi myöhään kuin ei milloinkaan, right?)
- kierrellyt Melbournen keskustan viehättävillä pikkukujilla ja siemaillut kahvia ihanissa kahviloissa
- nähnyt minipingviinejä St Kildan aallonmurtajalla
- huumaantunut merenkohinasta, hienosta hiekasta ja suolantuoksuisesta ilmasta
- tavannut ihmisiä, jotka jäävät elinikäisiksi ystäviksi
- ihmetellyt mihin aika katoaa, kun päivät ja viikot menevät niin nopeaan, että välillä tekisi mieli painaa jarrua tai pause-nappulaa ja jäädä juuri tähän hetkeen
… ja paljon muutakin mutta koska en ala yksityiselämääni sen enempää blogissa availemaan, niin jääköön loput parhaimpien ystävien kanssa jaettavaksi. Ranskalaiset viivat ovat, tiedän, ruotimatonta journalistiikkaa pahimmillaan ja kaukana siitä mitä oikeasti haluaisin tänne nakuttaa..En ole erityisen ylpeä tästä jotenkin kovin viimeistelemättömältä näyttävästä tiivistelmästä viime viikoista mutta koska aika ON rajallinen ja haluan säästää sitä muuhunkin kuin koneen ääressä istumiseen, niin tämä saanee kelvata blogikirjoitukseksi tänään 1.1.2010.
Rimaa hipoen ja Onnellista Uutta Vuotta 2010 itse kullekin toivotellen, Anu
Tilaa:
Blogitekstit (Atom)
