“The best-laid plans of mice and men go awry.“
Robert Burns
And just like that, my plans went awry. I thought that in a week’s time, I’d be on a flight to Bali, meeting up with Dr. Dre, and finally enjoying an actual vacation—something I hadn’t had in nearly a year and a half. But instead, my body decided to celebrate my four months in Australia by needing surgery. Cliffhanger…
First of all, let me clarify something: just because it’s called “Work and Travel” or a “Working Holiday Visa,” it is not a vacation. I repeat: it is not a holiday. Basically, it’s this: you travel to a foreign country to work there, and if you save enough money, maybe explore a little. But most of it is looking for a job and accommodation, working, navigating bureaucracy and the medical system, managing insurances. Laying on a beach with a cocktail in hand? That’s rare. More a celebration than a regular occurrence. I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but if you think “Work and Travel” is easy and stress-free—well, you’re wildly mistaken.
The last couple of weeks followed the usual rhythm: work at Café Fred on weekdays, exploring the city on weekends. I saw my first NRL (National Rugby League) game, which was surprisingly entertaining. Those men in their short shorts? Not bad to look at either. We were rooting for the Parramatta Eels—funny name, right? But the game itself was brutal. No protective gear whatsoever. Their bodies must be wrecked by the age of forty. Coming from football (soccer), which can be long and boring, this was active, fast-paced, and exhilarating.
Jollie, Willow, and I also went to the Blue Mountains. On that day, the weather turned rainy and misty, but we still had amazing views—as you can see in the pictures below.
Working at the café, though, wasn’t as fun as it used to be. I don’t have the freedom I had in Gladstone. I’m not baking anymore. Mostly, I wash dishes, clear tables, and help with food prep and meals. It’s a job. An income. Nothing more. For now, it fits where I am and helps me save money, but I don’t see myself doing it long-term.
And then… the surgery. Slowly, I’m starting to wonder if my body doesn’t like Australia. First the flare-up of my skin condition, and now this: an epigastric hernia. Yes, usually a condition that happens to older people—but there’s a small percentage of young, fit people who overtrain, and apparently, I’m in that group.
Of course, I didn’t just go to a regular general practitioner. No, I wanted to test the medical system at the hospital too—so I could give a real review later. I have a consultation with a surgeon in a week, with surgery likely to follow soon after.
I don’t want to scare anyone here. It’s serious enough to need surgery, but I’m okay. Since the whole thing began, I’ve only encountered professional and helpful staff. Honestly, I thought I would never have surgery—but that might have been a bit naive. More on that once it happens.
I even considered going back to Germany for surgery and recovery. But my insurance covers everywhere except Germany—funny, ridiculous even. Plus, I know the German medical system and would likely be waiting far longer for an appointment and surgery than I would here. So my first—and hopefully only—surgery will be in an affordable country. Sometimes I can’t believe how my life is turning out.
And well… what can I say? The situation with Dr. Dre is another story for another time. Especially now, since we had to cancel our planned trip and see where things go. A lot of loose ends are in the air at the moment. I’d be a lot wiser if I knew what would happen next, but honestly, I don’t. Right now, it seems that anything and everything is possible. I’ll just have to go with the flow.
On that note—I just received a letter from Skicircus Saalbach asking if I’d come back as ski patrol for the winter season of 2025/2026. Could be a possibility too…
I don‘t want to bring anyone’s hopes up – especially not my moms – but so far this Australian experience is nothing like I imagined it to be. And I started this whole journey with close to no expectations. At least, I thought so. Maybe it is time to listen to my body a little closer.
Stay tuned for more! So long.
marie louise travels 