Well, it’s been close to a month since I moved to the Central Coast. What can I say? It’s been amazing. Finally, I’m by the beach.
Work keeps me busy during weekdays from seven to three. Afterwards it’s usually a swim, a coastal walk or a run, a bike ride around the lake. I’m even trying to get back into wing foiling — hopefully that works out. But for the last week I’ve been working on a different kind of project — more on that later.
Being a grounds keeper is exactly what I wanted it to be: maintenance on the cabins, keeping the water system intact, cleaning spas and pools, landscaping and gardening, any other kind of odd jobs around the retreat — on my feet all day, moving around, learning new things, being physically active while enjoying the most beautiful scenery. A woman for everything that needs to be done. I’m learning a lot about electricity, water chemicals, how water systems function, and how to keep it all running or repair it. New skills and new wisdom — I love it.
You must be wondering about my current living situation, so let me lift the curtain on this a little. Forresters Beach is just a ten-minute drive from Toowoon Bay. It’s actually nice to have a little commute to and from work instead of living right next door. And in all honesty, the people and the house I have the privilege to stay with are just amazing. It feels like a home — probably because it is one. A real family home.
So let me introduce you to the Rumbels. Denise and Ian are just a tiny bit older than my parents, and all three of their children have moved out, which leaves them with a couple of empty rooms. They backpacked when they were younger and still travel all over the world today. It’s no surprise that I’m not the first traveller they’ve welcomed into their home. Their kids are all close in age to me and my brothers — two older boys and the youngest a girl. Fascinating how I ended up with a family so similar to my own.
Good question though — how did I end up with the Rumbels? Maybe you remember the elderly couple I met while I was on a weekend trip in the area a few weeks back. I reached out to Diane and Alan to ask if they knew anyone who might offer a spare room once I got the job. And well, Denise and Ian answered their Facebook post. Because of them, I have the privilege to live where I currently live, and share a home with these wonderful people.
The beach is a ten-minute walk from the house, and a coastal walk is just five minutes away — which has officially become my new running track. I’ve explored the area a little bit on my weekends. The kids — Nathan, Isaac and Abbey — took me snorkelling for the first time. They said it wasn’t the best, but it was incredible for me. It took some getting used to, breathing only through my mouth, but once that hurdle was overcome it was the experience of a lifetime. And yes, maybe there are “better” snorkelling destinations, but this was my first time. I was fascinated by everything — the colours underwater, the peaceful silence, the sea grass, the first school of fish I swam with. Diving into a completely new world.
So of course I went and bought my own fins and snorkelling gear, which I’ve used every weekend since. There’s so much to explore and learn about this new environment. Snorkelling has quickly become my favourite way to spend my free time.
And then there’s Betty. You know who she is — come on, you must have followed along at least a little. I gave her that name because when I’m driving her I hear the song “Black Betty” by Ram Jam (even though technically she’s white…). Betty is the project I’m working on every day after work. I’m getting her ready to go camping.
I had to make some adjustments — like cutting down the A-frames. And once I had them off, I spray-painted them, drilled new holes, blah blah blah… Not all of it was necessary, but I just love working on stuff like this. And finally it feels like I’m doing something solely because I want to — because I’m doing this for myself. Because I’m trying to bring my dream into reality. So yes, I’m very motivated and will probably go a little overboard — but oh well, who knows when I’ll get to do this again. And I guess she’ll sell better in the future too, if I do it right.
Anyway — the adjustments were done so I can install a rooftop tent. Once that’s bolted on, I can focus on the tray area, probably fill it with a rubber mat or something, and create some storage space. So yes, as you can see, I keep myself very busy. I’ll show you the finished project hopefully in the next blog entry.
Oh, and in other great news — in less than two weeks the group is finally complete Down Under. Matteo is coming for a six-week travel visit. Our Canadian friend will make his way here so we can all catch up in person and spend some much overdue quality time together. I’m really excited to welcome him. Oh dear… by then it will be almost one and a half years since I last saw him in person. Time is flying.
Let’s end this entry on a funny note. Last weekend, Denise and Ian were away helping her sister with some renovations, so I was in charge of the house and the chooks. Nothing I haven’t done before — I’m used to that from home. Saturday went by like a breeze. Willow also came up for a visit, which was super lovely.
Sunday though… I let the chooks out and fed them. I wanted to grab the eggs but saw that one hen was still sitting and brooding. I left her be, didn’t think much of it. A while later, when I tried again, she was still sitting there. I had a closer look and noticed that her head was hanging quite low… I guess you know where this is going.
So when Denise and Ian arrived back home, I didn’t only have to tell them that I accidentally broke two of their drills — but also that one of their chickens died under my supervision. Hahaha. I’m blessed they haven’t thrown me out yet. (Side note: both drills were older than me and purchased for five bucks at a garage sale…)
Stay tuned for more! So long.
marie louise travels 