31st March 2009, Canberra - backdated

I'm using a bit of artistic license here to try and keep things chronological. So much has happened since my last blog that I'm going to struggle to keep it all in one post so I'm breaking it down and backdating some of it so that I can use the Easter weekend (which is it now - the real date of the 10th April) to bring you all up to speed.

Couchsurfing was cool. I stayed in a lovely flat overlooking Elizabeth Bay for a couple of nights with a chatty if somewhat tightly-wound guy called Justin. He's very friendly and was very generous, buying us dinner and champers on the first night which we enjoyed on his lovely balcony overlooking the bay. Then I headed over to Canberra to visit my Cousin, Sian, her husband, Sean and their two lovely girls whom I'd met briefly in Melbourne when I last visited them. They'd just moved from Geelong to Canberra so it was great to have the opportunity to see them again and spend more time with them.

In the meantime, I was having to face up to the reality of not being able to apply for an Independent Skilled Migrant Workers visa and watching my dreams of a new life in Oz quickly fade away. This is because my Skills Assessment hadn't come through on time and I needed it to apply for the visa. Also for this visa, I needed to have met a condition that I'd been working in my skilled occupation for 12 of the last 24 months. As I left my job in March 2008, I would've had to have had my application in by March 2009 in order to meet the requirement. I also had to have the results of an English language test by the time I applied however the waiting list was too long and it wasn't possible to get it done on time. This means that there was always a narrowing window of opportunity for meeting the criteria for the visa which was fast closing shut.

So I was discussing all this with Sian and she mentioned a Regional visa that they had used. It turned out that, as long as I got a positive skills assessment, was sponsored by a relative, and met all the same work experience conditions as for the other visa, I would have enough points to apply for a Skilled Regional-Sponsored visa. And I wouldn't need the English language test points. As long as I did it before the end of March 09 (to meet the 12 out of 24 months condition). Also, my sponsor (a relative) has to live in a designated area and I, upon receipt of this visa, would also have to live in a designated area. Sian and Sean kindly agreed to sponsor me, for which I shall always be grateful, and luckily ACT is on the regionally-designated list. So I immediately got on the phone to the Skills Assessing people and begged them to get my assessment over to me asap. I then spent a very anxious weekend waiting for it and praying that it would be positive. This is where it gets REALLY good...

First thing on the Monday morning, I was on the phone and about ten minutes later the results came through. It was positive! I actually cried! And shook. After having all but given up on my dream of living in Australia, it became a very real possibility once again. Over the weekend, we had gathered and scanned all the supporting documents (about 30) and prepared the application. And I'm unbelievably happy to say that my visa application has now been submitted. It's still not a done deal, with the government cutting down on Skilled Migrant visas but I think I'm in with a pretty good chance as the pass mark is 100 points and I've been able to submit 135 points. The only drawback, if and when I get the visa, is that I will have to live in a designated area for the duration of the visa (3 years). This is no great hardship as it is anywhere except Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. So, sadly I won't be able to live in Sydney but there are still plenty of other options. The visa assessment will take 7 months which will be October 2009.

Below are the promised photos of my last few weeks in Australia which I'll leave you with for now before I post my next blog of the harrowing events of the last week. Suffice it to say that it's made me really grateful for small things like freedom. And democracy. I'm still recovering so I won't go into it now but watch this space. Happy Easter everyone!

Who can resist a 'man' in uniform.

Finally trying the surf out and respect to surfers everywhere. It's bloody hard.

I had to get a shot of me on Bondi Beach so here it is!

More of Bondi.

And those of you who've been there won't fail to recognise the iconic Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains.

The fantastic Blue Mountains YHA where I'd stayed previously and it was so good I came back for more.

Blue Mountains drinking buddies - a Saffer and a bunch of mad Frenchies.

Justin, my couch host, and I on his lovely balcony.

And if you've ever been there, you'll know this one - the fountain in Kings Cross.

Dancing Queens of Canberra. Haaaavin the tiiiiime of my liyeeeefe!

Canberra...

Sian, myself and the girls exploring around the Parliament Buildings.

My lovely cousin, Sian.

Sydney 16th March 2009

April. There's something about April. It seems to be a month for big changes in my life!

After 3 months of fervently job-hunting in an increasingly desperate climate, I'm forced to concede that I can't get a job here in Australia (or probably anywhere else) and I need to leave soon. This is and isn't a happy prospect. It isn't because I really love Australia and want to live here but it is because I'll soon be seeing some very dear people in...South Africa!

Yup, after 15 years of being away, I'm finally going back. And here's the funny thing...it's almost 15 years to the day. I left SA on 4th April 1994 to go and live in England. Then, I left England on 6th April 2008 to come and live in Austalia and now, I'm leaving Australia exactly one year and one day later on the 7th April 2009 to go to South Africa. Weird hey!

I won't bore you all with the visa situation but the government here has just announced that they are cutting Skilled Migrant Worker visas from 133,500 to 115,000 next year. This is the visa that I've been intending to apply for, once my skills assessment is through. Which was supposed to take 10 weeks and has been now been over a year.

Anyway, I'm going to spend my last 3 weeks here doing some sight-seeing and probably couchsurfing around the place as I've hardly seen anything or been anywhere and there's so much to see. However, I did finally have a go at surfing yesterday which was more scary than I thought it was going to be and I went to the Museum of Contemporary Art at the weekend which was really, really good. There was also a Paddys day parade yesterday which was fun to watch, especially the dogs - Irish setters and Irish wolfhounds. Lovely!

So I'm back at The Broadway Inn backpackers in Chippendale for the week, after which, we'll see where the couchsurfing takes me. I'll start taking more photos again and try to round off my blog with a bang. So, my lovely friends, my travels are nearly over, for now. I can hardly believe it's been a whole year! Feelings are very mixed at the moment with fond memories bringing a smile but recent inactivity on the job front bringing me down. Looking forward to some happy reunions but tinged with the fear of a future of uncertainty. At least the sun is shining so I think I'll go out and enjoy it. Bye for now.

Raby Bay, near Brisbane, Australia, 23 February 2009

I had a realisation confirmed to me the other day, admittedly I was the only one involved in the confirmation so it may be biased, that I wanted to mention here. It's about being aware of the bad stuff. Yes, it's useful to know that 'bad stuff' is happening but how useful is it to absorb the negativity and carry it around with us, infecting everything we think and do? It's not going to help me get a job, knowing there's a global crisis and dwelling on the despair of it all. In reality it will dampen my job-hunting enthusiasm, which is hard enough to maintain at the best of times, and make me procrastinate on those applications, fearing unambiguous and abundant rejections. No use at all. Not for my job-hunting progress or my wellbeing. Or anyone else who I'm around at the time.

However, I read somewhere that opression stimulates creativity. I prefer this view. I have decided not to get depressed (apparently my mood is a choice). I'm going to get creative.

So, onto the update. In a nutshell...arrived Sydney, job-hunted, job-hunted, job-hunted. Got rejected. A lot. Job-hunted some more. Tried to avoid being infected by the TV news. Avoided newspapers. Who needs them anyway when every new person I met leapt straight into giving me the (uninvited) update on the global crisis and generally how bad things are. Became aware of sponsorship visa quotas being withdrawn. Got quite down. Read more rejections in my inbox. Got a bit more down. Wrote woeful letters to friends and parents, got support, felt better. Took advice to enjoy Sydney (thanks Tim!), went on a boat to Manly Beach, loved it. Went on a pub crawl, drank a lot, ended up at the Ivy, loved it. Decided that I'm bloody fortunate to be here, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Counted my blessings - supportive parents, lovely friends, healthy (reasonably) of mind and body, lovely friends, lovely friends, am in a beautiful city and have English as a first language (don't ask). Oh, and just having had the best ten months of my life. Ever.

I met up with Catherine and Geoff, friends from Laos and Koh Phi Phi and shared a few goons (happy boxes) of cheap but drinkable red wine while sharing ideas and keeping each other positive on the jobseeking front. Went to the fabulous (cheap and backpacky) Scubar for cheap beer and crab racing. And then, just as I was getting run down and needing some TLC, I got a very kind and warm invitation to go to Cleveland. Near Brisbane. So I packed my bag, hopped on a plane (it really is the cheapest way to travel domestic over here) and was met at Brisbane airport by Kevin Holley, an ex-colleague of my Dad's.

I've spent the last four days and nights, sleeping (thankfully!), eating delicious home-cooked meals (a lot), sharing fabulous wines (er...did I say detox?) and re-awakening my yoga-deprived body. I'm just losing that Cocaine-chic look and can just about recognise the person staring back at me from the mirror. Well, I'm being a bit dramatic, I know. Must be all that opression.

I've got a few plans in the pipeline but it's too early to mention them here. Basically I've got a marginal to zero chance of getting a 'proper' job and have started asking around for 'casual' work (cash in hand) along with everyone else. Needless to say, even this sector is flooded with applicants and they've got experience which I haven't. Not since my student days anyway. Plan B: Marry an Australian millionaire is highly unappealing although I have friends who disagree. Plan C: 'Marry' your mate in a mutually beneficial platonic arrangement has been discussed as a last resort but let's hope it doesn't come to that. Wouldn't want to spoil the friendship. So I'm on to Plan D: TBA.

Next up : the photo diary. Although I warn you, there haven't been many photos of late. Job-hunting isn't very graphically entertaining. Or good for posture.

Ruthie 'personalising' the balloons in preparation for Colin's 'Welcome Home' beach party on the balcony.

Some Australia day souvenirs being recycled as party props.

The balcony crew model their new home for the next 5 weeks. I was SO tempted to jump in and go with them!

Djemal and Claire bear wave goodbye Sydney. Cairns here we come!

Bye Becs! Bye Ruthie!

And the famous Bondi Beach. Yea, it was pretty overcast but hey, I was excited.

And yes, there really WAS a FREE HUG day. Friday the 13th! As being ably demonstrated by Colin and his cousin, Shaun.

Hugs were free down at The World Bar, Kings Cross. Where you drink cocktails. Out of teapots. Splendid!

It's the start of the Mardi Gras season and this is 'Fair Day' which was held in Victoria Park on the 17th February. It was brilliant and very funny. My camera ran out of batteries though so you might have to use your imagination. Just imagine a LOT of well-maintained men in tight clothes and you're there.

Unbelievable sunrise from my bedroom window the other day. I'm still getting used to having a room to myself. The luxury is...er...different. But very welcome!

Yoga with a view.

Heading off for our sail on Saturday, looking back at the house from the boat.

My two lovely hosts, Kevin and Pam Holley aboard 'Squiggle'.

Yea, I could get used to this. It's certainly good for my health.

Sydney 25 January 2009

Kuta, Bali. Sometime just before Christmas. We stayed at this great guesthouse (Kedin's?) for some ridiculous price like six quid a night. And had this great pool pretty much to ourselves.

On the boat going over to Gili Trawangan.

On Gili T. doing the early morning catching-a-boat thing. About to cruise to Flores.

Bye bye Gili T!

Hello ocean! And dolphins.

That's our little boat. The scenery was spectacular.

Johnny going off to frighten the bats.

Komodos getting it on. Ugly beasts.

More fabulous scenerey.

Living on board.

Arrived! Flores.

Boxing day pint. Oh, and an armful of tattoos. Nice!

Sometime between Christmas and new year. Our gorgeous little bungalow in Bali. Directly across the road from the beach and a really big spend at 4 quid a night, including breakfast!

Exploring around Bali by bike.

Rural Bali.

Black beaches.

Lunchtime pit stop.

New year's eve. Before...

...and after!

Another get-out-of-the-rain stop. With ice-cream!

Balinese kids.

New year's eve and the beers are in!

Johnny doing his own stunts. With two beers and an egg on his shirt.

Boys. I think.

Check out this sexy outfit! Mmmmm....niiiiiice.

Volcano.

Lovely hot springs next to the volcano.

I don't think life gets much better than this. Really.

View from the guesthouse balcony, Ubud, Bali.

Our last night together, Kuta, Bali.

And on to Oz! King Street backpackers, Melbourne. And a 4-minute massage for a dollar.

Becs tries out her new sleeping bag. Road trip here we come!

Wilson's Promontory, about 4 hours from Melbourne.

Cousin It.

Oh God. Get me a haircut.

And the catalogue models are back.

Sunset over Lakes Entrance. Somewhere between Melbourne and Sydney.

We stopped to watch the pelicans. They never came.

Becs and Djamal napping in the back of the car.

Jervis Bay. A few hours south of Sydney. And gorgeous.

Made it! 3 Days later and two nights with 5 of us sleeping in the car...Josh's flat, Chippendale, Sydney.

A poof with a pouffe.