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Published: August 24th 2016
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I was a little sad to be leaving New Zealand as I had really come to appreciate the quiet beauty of the country. However flying into Melbourne I was really excited as my old
couchsurfingfriend Ali was at the airport to greet me with her roommate John-O. It was awesome to have friends meet me at the airport and definitely a change from my solo wanderings. Ali stayed at my house almost two years previous to the date and was happy to return the favor at her pad in Fitzroy, the bohemian and punk rock neighborhood of the city. Good times were sure to follow.
After getting reacquainted, Ali had to be out early the next day for University where she studies art. I was turned loose to wander around the high-rises and explore all of the graffiti covered alleyways that snake through the city and lead to hidden gems of cafes and restaurants with the hipster baristas shouting out selling their wares. The cafe culture here is huge with everyone sitting outside and talking about their day. I got a sense being downtown that no one really has time for anybody else. Everyone walks at a high pace, no
one really smiles, and everyone is buried in their iPhone. Maybe I've been out of the game for too long. That being said walking at my own pace I did enjoy being in the creative capitol of Oz.
Saturday night rolled around and the party was getting started. I had purchased tickets to the Aussie Rules Football game held at the 100,000 strong
MCG. I don’t know much about AFL or rugby but this was the playoffs with the winner being granted a berth in the final. The atmosphere was great and it was a lot of fun being at a foreign sporting event of this magnitude. After the game it was time to hit the town with Ali’s troupe of comedians, artists, musicians, actors, etc. A very creative and talented bunch – unlike myself. A great night indeed experiencing the nightlife here in Melbourne.
Sunday afternoon in the park was just what I needed and lounging in the sunshine was the cure for what ailed me. It was nice not having to be anywhere or be on any itinerary. The rest of my days here were just wandering the different neighborhoods of Melbourne people watching and soaking
it all in. I even went to Bennett Street which is immortalized in one of my favorite punk rock bands that is from Melbourne. A pilgrimage of sorts. I’m a music nerd like that.
With all of the record stores, independent book sellers, cafes, and music venues Melbourne truly is a tropical London - right up my alley, or lane-way as they are called down here.
The time came for me to move on and I arranged to do a campervan relocation from Melbourne to Adelaide. The cost for the campervan would be $5 a day and the rental agency pays for the fuel. Great deal, but in hindsight it could turn into one of the biggest disasters of my travels to date (more on that later). I was to drive down the world famous “The Great Ocean Road” in Southern Australia and what a road it was. Sweeping curves hugging the mountainsides with emerald green waters below. The beaches were basked in golden sunshine and the surfers were having their ways with the waves breaking as far as I could see. At one point on my drive I noticed a grey furball high in a eucalyptus tree.
I knew right away what it was. I pulled over for a closer look and then not one or two, but about twelve fur balls were about. Koala Bears all around! Very curious little creature these are and I was delighted to see them in the wild. Check that one off of the “Aussie List”.
I continued my drive and today it was brutal. Gail force winds were my companion and torrential downpours accompanied them. I thought for sure the van would roll a few times being blindsided by the gusts. So I had to drive very slow. When it became apparent that I would not make it to Adelaide in time for the rental deadline I phoned the rental office to tell them the situation. The lady then informed me that they would be taking the non-refundable $1,000 bond from my credit card for being late. I got here in Adelaide 1 hour after their office closed. I am so angry I cannot see straight. All I can do is plead with the manager in the morning to not keep my $1,000. No one can do anything about the weather. We’ll see what happens. If they keep my
$1,000 I’ll be forced to leave Australia immediately. Partly because I am bitter and I will hold this against the country and partly because my budget for Oz will be gone. I am so pissed off. Fingers crossed for tomorrow. Either way I leave for a 7 day camping/hiking trip into The Outback on Sunday. To make matters worse I've done something to my left knee and I have no idea what, how, or when this happened. It feels like a tendon or ligament is torn/sprained. I just woke up and it just hurt really bad. Broken right knee healed, now the left knee is jacked. Just my luck and just what I need before going into The Outback. However, I won’t let this or the bond issue ruin my time, but it is difficult not to think about the money. Will this be my last hurrah in Oz? We’ll see.
It's easy for me to see that complaining about my 1st world problems is not the way to live. But honestly I am ready to go back to the 3rd world where the living standard may be lower, but at least their are no hard rules and common
sense seems to reign supreme.
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