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.
lauantai 6. helmikuuta 2010
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.
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