Who would have thought that six months could fly by just like that? Half a year in Australia has already passed, and there’s only half a year left on my visa — so I’d better get moving. Two weeks ago, I put in my notice at Café Fred. Michelle, my boss, was sad to see me leave (just like the rest of the team) but also supportive, encouraging me to explore and experience more of Down Under.
Work at the café though has been busier than ever in the past two weeks. Probably because I had the privilege to train the person who will be replacing me. Weird sometimes how life always comes around in circles. It definitely showed me how much I like to teach and train people – answer questions, giving advice and just help out when needed. It also showed me though how much i still got t learn and that there will never be a time when anyone knows everything.
My last day was October 31st, which was funny because we all had to dress up for Halloween — a much bigger deal here than in Germany. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of this holiday, but if dressing up funny instead of scary or bloody is part of the job, count me in. Check out the pictures below…
The last month passed in the blink of an eye. Willow, another friend, and I went to see a comedian live at the State Theatre in Sydney — a really fun night out. A weekend was spent ad Jo and Ollies. And for the first time in a while, and as a farewell with the girls from the café, I had a drink. One drink turned into another, and then another… I even agreed to go to a ball the next evening. A ball. I hadn’t thought anyone still held balls! But I figured it might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I went.
After the farewell drinks, I woke up with the biggest headache I’ve ever experienced. Once again, I was reminded why I normally don’t drink alcohol and will keep my distance from it for the foreseeable future. But I also had many conversations with people telling me how I had impacted their lives in the short time we’d known each other — and vice versa. I’ve learned a lot from Australian culture: that life comes in phases, and sometimes love isn’t meant to last forever but only for a chapter; that rest is far more important for chasing your dreams than you might think; and, most importantly, that asking for help and offering it to others is one of the greatest strengths a person can have.
Anyway, the ball itself felt a little like a fairytale. Lots of people watching and being seen, all dressed elegantly. It was also a charity event for a mental health initiative called Gotcha4Life, which runs programs for young adults in schools and universities under the name Tomorrow Woman/Man. A really nice cause that I was happy to support. And my outfit? I hadn’t brought a ball gown or high heels to Australia, of course. Luckily, Willow helped me out with a dress, shoes, and a purse. It felt good to dress up for an evening, but probably more enjoyable if I would have known more people. Still, now I can say I once attended a ball.
So, what’s next? As of now, I’ve arrived in Forresters Beach, just two hours north of Sydney and ten minutes south of The Entrance. As the name suggests, I’m now living right by the coast. For the moment, I’m staying with friends of friends until I find my own place.
And yes, I found a job — at Toowoon Bay, just nearby. Remember, where I spent that short weekend getaway a couple of weeks ago and loved the area? I’ll be starting in two days as a groundskeeper at Kim’s Beachside Retreat, taking care of 36 cabins, three pools, and the gardens. I’m excited to work outdoors again and be more physically active. I’m also on the hunt for a surfboard and hoping to find some likeminded people, who also want to learn or maybe even want to teach me.
Speaking of smaller purchases, my surfboard will pale in comparison to the really, really, really (ten thousand more „really‘s“ later ) awesome truck I got just five days ago: a 2012 Nissan Navara. It has everything I wanted — 4×4, 6-speed manual, dual cab, and an A-frame for a roof tent. Fingers crossed it lasts longer than two months this time and doesn’t give me a blown head gasket again! Sarah, a coworker from the café, said, “Once you’re used to driving a truck, you don’t go back to a normal car — it just doesn’t feel right.” I couldn’t agree more. I haven’t felt so comfortable and safe in a car since my West Coast trip through America.
I hope to welcome my parents with this truck when they arrive Down Under for a visit at the end of February. By then, I plan to have the camper fully set up and ready to hit the road with them. I’m already excited to share one of my adventures with them and explore together again. By the way, any name suggestions for the truck? (Just saying, but it’s definitely a her..)
Saying goodbye to Willow and Danae this morning felt strange — just like it did with the girls at Fred’s, who ended up earning a much bigger place in my heart than I ever anticipated. I never planned on staying so long in Penrith — with Willow and Danae, nor at the café — but everything happened for a reason and worked out just as it was meant to. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for the home they gave me over the past three months, and for their help and care through my surgery and recovery.
Before I came to Australia, Willow and I discussed the idea of moving in together and weren’t sure it was a good idea for our friendship. After three months of living together, I can confidently say our friendship only deepened. But now it’s time to move on — to close one chapter and start a new one. On that note, the chapter of Dr. Dre is finally closed as well. I won’t go into details; it’s just done, and it was time to move on.
For now, I can focus on my new job, new surroundings, new connections, and of course the best part — living so close to the ocean.
Stay tuned for more! So long.
marie louise travels 